Day 1: September 3, 2004
Innsbrucker Hutte
Written by August
So our
adventure begins. I have my reservations about being the first of
our group to make an entry in the journal, but I think that I don't
have much to worry about if my entry isn't quite up to expectations
since our group is so understanding and welcoming. Today started
with everyone excited and maybe a bit antsy to just get on the
trail. After our 2.5 hour bus ride we were able to get a "taxi"
to the part of the trail where our hike would be a little less in
length. After lunch we had a crash course in navigation as well
as what to do in a lightning strike. Finally we hit the trail at
about 1:00 and began at a pace that was a little too rapid.
Eventually we worked our way down to a pace that was suitable for all
of us.
I
certainly can't speak for all but I am super excited for the weeks to
come. There will be trials and tribulations for all of us and
obstacles to overcome, but everyone in this group is patient and all
seem willing to help those who are struggling. To me that is a
good sign, and all will persevere and survive this trip.
Anyway,
some personal reflections on my hike are how breathtaking the Alps
are. On my hikes in the States I have always tried to work on
noticing my surroundings. On my last hike in Maine I literally
almost walked into a moose...so you all can see how successful I've
been with that. Yet today, I tended to stick to the back of the
group and I enjoyed the near-solitude and the opportunity to take in
the amazing views, of which there are plenty. Tomorrow should be
a good day.
Day
2: September 4, 2004
Bremer
Hutte
Written
by Kasey
Today was
a long day so I will keep this entry fairly short. We awoke
around 6 AM in order to be at breakfast by 6:45. After a chaotic
breakfast we packed our bags and started on our way to Bremer
Hutte. We descended about 1000 meters to the valley floor before
turning south/southwest and beginning our ascent. The day was
very long. We began hiking at around 8:15 and didn't arrive at
Bremer Hutte until 6:30. The long hike was not helped by some
problems with everyone getting enough food and be scattered rain
showers. For the second day of hiking it was very strenuous, but
due to large amounts of perseverance and support we were able to make
it to the Bremer Hutte in time for a well-deserved dinner.
Tomorrow we will continue on to Nurnberger Hutte.
Day 3: September
5, 2004
Nurnberger Hutte
Written by Thomas
Task: Ascend Simmingjochl, 2750 meters
Descend to Nurnberger
Hutte, 2413 meters
First contact with snow.
Snowballs fly.
Ascent included
sharp switchbacks with
approx. 314 m climb.
Snacks in the meadow:
Nutella, honey in the mouth!
Scenery out of control.
Nurnberger growing
slowly closer.
Be the beast,
or the Beauty--but
get the job done!
Day 4: September
6, 2004
Nurnberger Hutte
Written by Bond
Well, today is a much-needed rest day. We are
still at Nurnberger Hutte. The day started off with a
well-organized breakfast. It looks like we have a lot of food for
the next two days, so lunch should also go well. After breakfast
the group learned some climbing skills and then around 10:30 we went up
to the "Klettergarden" to do some climbing. Everyone climbed well
and we had lunch under a very hot sun that burned us all.
After lunch some of the grouo went on a very
enjoyable via ferrata. The via ferrata was difficult and long but
everyone seemed to enjoy it. Upon returning the group went their
own ways and did anything that they needed to get done before our first
solo [(1 hour long)]. After solo we will have dinner and go to
sleep.
Day 5: September
7, 2004
Sulzenau Hutte
Written by Alison
Today we had both a mellow and eventful trek from
Nurnberger Hutte to Sulzenau. We set out at 8:30 in the morning
and made good time up to Mairspitze. While we were preparing to
make a short detour, a woman who had passed us earlier on the trail
hailed our leaders with an emergency further down the mountain.
It turned out that a member of the family had failed to clip in to the
via ferrata and had taken a fall. We watched as a helicopter came
to evacuate her. Needless to say, we were extra careful going
down this section.
We then set our sights on a beautiful lake to stop
for lunch and a swim. The water was deep turquoise, ice cold, and
amazing. We met a beautiful dog there that seemed to enjoy the
water as much as we did. Finally we continued on to the hut,
which we arrived at at about 3 PM. We discovered that we were
sharing a unit with another [Outward Bound] unit. We hung out for
awhile and then gathered to do some learnin'! Thomas briefed us
on the principles of LNT [Leave No Trace], Alex went over some
principles of navigation, David clued us in to the chemistry of
nutrition, and Andreas enlightened us as to what stages our group or
team might look forward to: are you "storming"? We then adjourned
for some see-saw and dinner, where we were reunited with some old
friends from about 5 days ago. The sleeping situation should
be...interesting. Tomorrow it's on to Muller Hutte, and I am
looking forward to the challenge.
Day 6: September
8, 2004
Muller Hutte
Written by Erin
Today we all woke up with a certain excitement and
anxiety. The day ahead of us was to be our hardest yet.
After eating breakfast with the other unit we packed up and went
outside. After some stretches and breathing exercises we were
attacked by pigs. They nibbled on Alex's trekking pole.
After that excitement we headed out to Muller Hutte. We went over
the moraine and then stopped for lunch, where Andreas was upset and
wanted chocolate bars. He didn't get any.
Next was the glacier, which was strenuous to say the
least. But we got through it, like we have everything so
far. Then we climbed the via ferrata which was hard but fun...so
I guess challenging in a good way. We arrived at the top
unscathed and in good spirits.
When we got to the hut we were in awe of the
surroundings and thankful to be here. Lovely day--minus the cold.
Day 7: September
9, 2004
Muller Hutte
Written by Alex
Today started as a pretty lazy day. Breakfast
was prepared early and on time by Alison and August. Everyone
seemed hung over from the day before. A groan of noises rose from
the breakfast table that could have been mistaken for small
conversation. Breakfast finished and the group became more
audible, but still moved in slow motion. Lunches were packed but
our meeting time came and went with no movement amongst the
troops.
45 minutes later out we moved to be schooled in the
proper use of crampons on steep glacier terra. We marched out
across the Arctic-like landscape, upwards, always further up.
After reaching the steep trail up to Wilder Freiger we shed our
crampons and busted out our via ferrata gear and headed towards the
peak. A snack and a short time later, we summited one of the
tallest peaks in the area. We sat and ate a typical lunch,
looking out on one of the most magnificant views most of us have ever
seen.
A short descent and some skiing and snowballs later,
we split ways. Some went to the hut; others took on the challenge
of scaling a 75 foot ice wall. Though I didn't complete the
challenge we all walked away appreciating the skill it takes to be an
ice climber. We have now all settled in for dinner and are
awaiting another well-deserved meal.
Day 8: September
10, 2004
Muller Hutte
Written by David
I had no idea that today was a Friday. If I
was back home I might be excited for a weekend and time away from
work. Here, I don't care that today was a Friday. There are
very different circumstances that define the days here: the cold wind
in the morning. The intense sun in the afternoon. The
attitudes we bring to the day. Maybe this most importantly: the
eyes we use to see the circumstances and people we encounter.
Today was another day of hard work, but we made it a
day of fun. I hit Andy in the ear with a snowball, and Alex built
snowmen. Bond dangled off the edge of a cliff, an easy target for
those standing by eating lunch. We hiked to another hut just to
see it, and we didn't mind going uphill. The view again today was
amazing. We live above the clouds and look down on
mountaintops. Sometimes it is hard to believe I am here, that I
am so fortunate to live this life. I am thankful that I am.
Day 9: September
11, 2004
Teplitzer Hutte
Written by Susanne
As I sit here writing in the cramped attic dormitory
of Teplitzer Hutte, most of my teammates are passed out on bunks and
matresses in an attempt to grab a little bit of extra sleep.
Afternoon light and the rasp of crows come through the skylight above
us. Below, people call out to one another in Italian.
There's something very peaceful and cozy about this moment, and I'm
enjoying it. I look around and see the sleepy faces of people who
I'm starting to care about very much (sap, sap).
Today began with the usual routine: a breakfast of
meusli and bread, with David and August competing to see who could
stuff the most food into his mouth at once. Then it was time to
leave Muller Hutte. We packed our gear, headed down the hill, and
strapped on crampons before beginning our descent over the
glacier. Erin and Andreas led us around crevasses and weak
patches of snow (which one team member failed to recognize until it was
a little too late...). By lunchtime we'd made it to a grey-green
lake where we watched boulders drop from the ice and splash into the
water. In celebration of Andreas's "29th" birthday, we passed
around a chocolate bar, learned a new game from Andy, and napped in the
sun (or at least Alison did). A somewhat hairy romp around the
lake and over a few more rocky hills and we arrived at our hut, where
some of us took advantage of the hot water and cleaned up a bit.
David's now scheming against Andreas, so I have to
put a stop to it before our 4:30 PM meeting. Who's got your back
now, birthday boy??
Day 10: September
12, 2004
Campground
Written by Calen
Weather = cloudy + rainy...all day
Destination = campsite...somewhere in Italy
The day started as every other has. An early
awakening and the traditional breakfast of bread, muesli, and hot
drinks. Sadly for most, Nic the E-Z Rider was not with us.
Our day's trek was to take us down into the valley,
which sounded pretty simple. But shortly after we departed the
rain started, and it showed no sign of letting up. The trail was
steep at times, and slippery from water. Our fearless pacesetter
Susan [it's SUSANNE, for crying out
loud!!!!!!!] kept up her perfect pace and before we knew it we
were in a wooded valley. At this point Susan [AAAAARGH] was overtaken by Erin,
who practically ran to the meeting point. It is thought that her
newfound speed might be related to the rumor of showers and washing
machines at the campground.
We ended up making good time to the shuttle buses,
driven by Andy [Bartleet] and Flo. Then it was off to the
campsite which, I think it's safe to say, was not what any of us
expected. The remainder of the day was spent drying out in the
late-day sun and cleaning our clothes.
Continue to Journal Entries, Main Phase