Heat causes some to get sick, but Bonnie--and others-- make it to top!
She thought about it for years: making it to the top of Mount Wright after stopping short some 20 years ago, but 2015 saw Bonnie J summiting this time! Despite highs in the mid-eighties, seven gals made it all of the way, while everyone of the others made it to the top saddle, a mere quarter mile from the top. All enjoyed fabulous views, some of the best in the nation that reach into Waterton Park in Canada toward the north and into Wyoming in the south.
The day started with nine of the GiG meeting the Mountain View hiking group from Alberta at the Stage Stop Inn in Choteau at 6:30 (The Canadians had come the night before). Forty-five minutes later, we arrived at the trailhead on what promised to be a hot day, so an early start was in order.
Even with temps in the 50s, the sun felt warm as we headed uphill, taking numerous breaks until we hit the first saddle, where we took an extended lunch break (we arrived at 11:10).Some of the gals thought they might want to just stay at this first saddle as it was already a lot of uphill. However, Katie encouraged them to try to reach the next saddle as the views were much better there. So everyone started uphill again.
One group was much faster and wanted to summit, especially Bonnie J who had tried years earlier with her family, but had stopped at the first saddle. This group went on ahead while the others slowly made their way to the upper saddle. One other party was on the trail that day, having passed us going up and now we met them on their way down. They told us there was a nice breeze on top, which we couldn't wait to feel.
Everyone made it to the upper saddle and were amazed at the views, while the others had gone ahead to the top. The group at the saddle thought it best to start down slowly as some were getting tired, one had a bad knee and some were running out of water.
The second group caught up with the others just past the saddle, and many were feeling heat fatigue as the hottest part of the day was upon them. It was a slow trip down with the some of the Canadian gals offering salt and food to the others.
But everyone did make it, even though it was a bit scary how hot some were. The creeks at the end and the
Teton river cooled everyone down. And we didn't have to use the Spot Messenger. We were all grateful that Mount Wright didn't turn into Mount Wrong.
We said goodbye to our Canadian friends who were headed back, while the GiG two cars aimed toward Choteau.
The gals in one car decided to get some ice cream and head for home as they were tired and not feeling too well. The other car stopped for dinner at the Log Cabin.
Who went: Gail, Susan W, Sue, Kuntzie, Mary S, Bonnie, Kathy M, Catherine, Katie
Link to Katie's pics
The day started with nine of the GiG meeting the Mountain View hiking group from Alberta at the Stage Stop Inn in Choteau at 6:30 (The Canadians had come the night before). Forty-five minutes later, we arrived at the trailhead on what promised to be a hot day, so an early start was in order.
Even with temps in the 50s, the sun felt warm as we headed uphill, taking numerous breaks until we hit the first saddle, where we took an extended lunch break (we arrived at 11:10).Some of the gals thought they might want to just stay at this first saddle as it was already a lot of uphill. However, Katie encouraged them to try to reach the next saddle as the views were much better there. So everyone started uphill again.
One group was much faster and wanted to summit, especially Bonnie J who had tried years earlier with her family, but had stopped at the first saddle. This group went on ahead while the others slowly made their way to the upper saddle. One other party was on the trail that day, having passed us going up and now we met them on their way down. They told us there was a nice breeze on top, which we couldn't wait to feel.
Everyone made it to the upper saddle and were amazed at the views, while the others had gone ahead to the top. The group at the saddle thought it best to start down slowly as some were getting tired, one had a bad knee and some were running out of water.
The second group caught up with the others just past the saddle, and many were feeling heat fatigue as the hottest part of the day was upon them. It was a slow trip down with the some of the Canadian gals offering salt and food to the others.
But everyone did make it, even though it was a bit scary how hot some were. The creeks at the end and the
Teton river cooled everyone down. And we didn't have to use the Spot Messenger. We were all grateful that Mount Wright didn't turn into Mount Wrong.
We said goodbye to our Canadian friends who were headed back, while the GiG two cars aimed toward Choteau.
The gals in one car decided to get some ice cream and head for home as they were tired and not feeling too well. The other car stopped for dinner at the Log Cabin.
Who went: Gail, Susan W, Sue, Kuntzie, Mary S, Bonnie, Kathy M, Catherine, Katie
Link to Katie's pics
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