1994 - Memories First Climb, Cindy Bowles The first climb is one I think every climber remembers. There is so much excitement, fear and awe, and this would prove to be a memorable year. The festivities began on the morning of the 30th with a gathering of family and friends at the First Methodist Church, where we enjoyed a huge breakfast. Local dignitaries, friends of The AdAmAn Club, climbers and families were introduced. After filling our bellies, we headed to trailhead. Members and guests gave interviews to the press. Others spent time catching up with other climber’s families. There were final gear checks and after lining up for the traditional Jimmy Bates trailhead photo, we were on our way. This year’s new member and leader of the pack, as per AdAmAn tradition, was Paul Bjork (member number 76). Hiking along, I listened to the group catching up on, jobs and families, world, national and local happenings. It was through these conversations I realized just how remarkable this Club is. The people I remember most fondly were a group of older members: Jimmy Bates (member 36, year 1954, age 78, this would be his last climb) Ed Kirches (member 44, year 1962 age 70) Ed Wallick (member 46, year 1964, on this day Ed turned 73, Happy Birthday Ed) Dr. Al Pierce (member 49, year 1967, age 78) Dr. Bob Stafford (member 52, year 1970, age 63) We arrived at Barr Camp, claimed our bunks, grabbed a warm beverage and then headed out to gather firewood for the traditional AdAmAn bonfire. While out roaming the forest in search of the perfect log, twig, or branch, depending on how far you had to carry your chosen treasure, Dan Stuart (member 82, year 2000) found an old volleyball. I don’t remember if it was inflated, partially inflated, or just frozen into the shape of a ball, but the Club being the ambitious group it is, seized the opportunity for a fun way to pass some time. Promptly there was a sort of circle stomped out in the snow, with every effort made to reveal, and avoid numerous stumps, roots and rocks. Gathering again, in a sort of circle, the ball was bumped around. Quickly the competitive nature of this group emerged and AdAmAn volleyball was born. The goal of this game was simple, just keep the ball from hitting the ground and count the number of hits. The rules were even simpler, there were none! I remember Dr. Al Pierce playing better then most of us! Due to the lack of snow cover it was decided to do the bonfire at Barr Camp instead of AdAmAn Point. I believe this was the first year the Club did not journey to the point. Subsequently the last bonfire at AdAmAn Point was in 1993. The next day after an evening of listening to the night sounds, including, snoring, bags being unzipped, bags being zipped, and the creak of the cabin door, along with other noises that happen when there are 15-18 people in one room, it was off to the summit. Weather was a bit unsettled and continued to deteriorate as the day went on. As we were making our way across the icy traverse a solo hiker appeared. He did not seem well-prepared as he was wearing blue jeans, which are not a good conductor of heat nor do they repel water. Now, this was back in the day when the highway, summit house and cog railroad all closed for the winter. After being quizzed as to what his plan was, when he got to the summit, he simply replied, “I thought I could catch a ride down with the Club.” It was explained to him the Club was under contract with the proprietors of the summit house, and due to liability issues only members of the climbing party and support personnel were allowed access. He chose to continue. Upon his arrival at the summit house he was given some warm soup and a hot beverage. After checking to ensure he had a flashlight it was suggested he quickly make his way back down the mountain, as there was only a couple of hours of daylight left. As he was on his way out the steel-double-dutch door a gust of wind caught the top portion, hitting the poor guy in the head creating a deep gash. Dr. Sean O’ Donnell (this was also his first climb) closed the wound with six stitches. Needless to say the hiker stayed on the summit with us. The Club went about its business, eating, rehydrating and setting up the fireworks. This year the Club was also given the honor of carrying a wreath honoring WWII’s 10th Mountain Division, who 50 years previously entered into combat. Fighting for 114 days in some of Italy’s toughest terrain. There were 992 lives lost and 4,154 wounded in action. Members of the 10th Mountain Division were present to lay the wreath in memory were Insert names of participants and AdAmAn member Ed Kirches who had just completed his ?? climb. At 8:20 pm members went out to fire two flares to see how visibility was. It was still snowing and the wind had picked up creating periodic ground blizzard conditions. It was a good thing the injured solo hiker wasn’t out in that weather! At 9:00 pm there were five fireworks set off to honor the “Original Frozen Five.” I had never been that close to a fireworks show. You could hear the ‘ooph’ as the lifting charge propelled the shell skyward. Then came the explosion, the sonic boom and the stars falling through the clouds, illuminating the freshly fallen snow. I was pretty sure no-one in the Pikes Peak region could see them, but it was still a beautiful site. Especially for a newbie! Unfortunately, because of the cloud cover it was decided, barring a miracle, the midnight show would not happen. After a busy day everyone settled into a more relaxed state. Some of us were watching the ten o’clock news, others took a catnap, and some played cards, or just milled about and visited with each other. We had just finished watching the weather, which confirmed the clouds were going nowhere, when a person burst into the summit house, covered in snow, frost and ice, exclaiming his brother had collapsed about a 100 feet from the door. Several members rushed out into what was now a miserably cold evening. The wind had continued to increase creating blizzard conditions and the wind chill factor was probably close to -25 degrees. After retrieving the hiker the doctors that were present did an assessment on the brothers. Both had varying degrees of frostbite on their noses, ears, and some of their digits. They began the process of slowly raising their body temperatures; hands pressed to ears, feet placed inside of shirts against chests, slow rubbing of their hands to get the blood warmed back up. Up to that point I had never seen anybody shiver so violently. I imagine the next day every muscle in their bodies had to be sore! As they warmed, they told their story. They had gone duck hunting early that morning returning at about noon. Thereupon they made the decision to hike to the summit. They embarked on their journey at 2:00 pm. That was their first poor choice. At 2:00 pm the weather and trail conditions were worsening. Snow covered thick ice in the area on Barr Trail known as the 16 Golden Stairs, making for a slow and treacherous climb to the summit. Second poor choice, lack of proper winter clothing. Jackets were lightweight winter with no hoods. Head coverings were nothing but fleece headbands, absolutely no hats of any kind. Gloves were light fleece but no water/wind resistant outer gloves. Eye protection, none. Third poor choice, not turning around when it started to get dark. Resulting in the loss of the trail. When the Club set off the test flare at 8:20 pm they illuminated the mountain enough for the brothers to realize that not only were they no longer on the trail and had wandered quite a bit farther north than they needed to be. There was enough glow from the flare to enable them to at least see the summit and reset their course. The nine o’clock fireworks also assisted them in determining they were now headed toward the summit albeit not on the trail. After what had to be a slow, miserable, cold and mentally challenging final push the one brother made it into the summit house and was able to lead the rescuers to his collapsed brother. For them, things could have ended so much worse! At 11:30 our rides off the summit arrived. A group of much appreciated 4-wheel drive club members, put together and led by Larry Hodgen. The wind had settled down by this time, which made for a fairly pleasant ride down the highway. We arrived back in Manitou Springs at 1:45 am, climbed into our cold cars and took our weary bodies home. Well, except for the three injured hikers, they were shuttled to the hospital. Upon arriving back home it was hot shower time and a beer in bed, reflecting on what a remarkable tradition and gift to Colorado Springs this humble group of climbers known as The AdAmAn Club are!1994 - Memories First Climb, Cindy Bowles The first climb is one I think every climber remembers. There is so much excitement, fear and awe, and this would prove to be a memorable year. The festivities began on the morning of the 30th with a gathering of family and friends at The First Methodist Church, where we enjoyed a huge breakfast. Local dignitaries, friends of The Club, climbers and families were introduced. After filling our bellies, we headed to trailhead. Members and guests gave interviews to the press. Others spent time catching up with other climber’s families. There were final gear checks and after lining up for the traditional Jimmy Bates trailhead photo, we were on our way. This year’s new member and leader of the pack, as per AdAmAn tradition, was Paul Bjork (member number 76). Hiking along, I listen to the group catching up on, jobs and families, world, national and local happenings. It was through these conversations I realized just how remarkable this Club is. The people I remember most fondly were a group of older members: Jimmy Bates (member 36, year 1954, age 78, this would be his last climb) Ed Kirches (member 44, year 1962 age 70) Ed Wallick (member 46, year 1964, on this day Ed turned 73, Happy Birthday Ed) Dr. Al Pierce (member 49, year 1967, age 78) Dr. Bob Stafford (member 52, year 1970, age 63) We arrived at Barr Camp, claimed our bunks, grabbed a warm beverage and then headed out to gather firewood for the traditional AdAmAn bonfire. While out roaming the forest in search of the perfect log, twig, or branch, depending on how far you had to carry your chosen treasure, Dan Stuart (member 82, year 2000) found an old volleyball. I don’t remember if it was inflated, partially inflated, or just frozen into the shape of a ball, but the Club being the ambitious group it is, seized the opportunity for a fun way to pass some time. Promptly there was a sort of circle stomped out in the snow, with every effort made to reveal, and avoid numerous stumps, roots and rocks. Gathering again, in a sort of circle, the ball was bumped around. Quickly the competitive nature of this group emerged and AdAmAn volleyball was born. The goal of this game was simple, just keep the ball from hitting the ground and count the number of hits. The rules were even simpler, there were none! I remember Dr. Al Pierce playing better then most of us! Due to the lack of snow cover it was decided to do the bonfire at Barr Camp instead of AdAmAn Point. I believe this was the first year the Club did not journey to the point. Subsequently the last bonfire at AdAmAn Point was in 1993. The next day after an evening of listening to the night sounds, snoring, bags being unzipped, bags being zipped, and the creak of the cabin door, along with other noises that happen when there are 15-18 people in one room, it was off to the summit. Weather was a bit unsettled and continued to deteriorate as the day went on. As we were making our way across the icy traverse a solo hiker appeared. He did not seem well-prepared as he was wearing blue jeans, which are not a good conductor of heat nor do they repel water. Now, this was back in the day when the highway, summit house and cog railroad all closed for the winter. After being quizzed as to what his plan was, when he got to the summit, he simply replied, “I thought I could catch a ride down with the Club.” It was the explained to him the Club was under contract with the proprietors of the summit house, and due to liability issues only members of the climbing party and support personnel were allowed access. He chose to continue. Upon his arrival at the summit house he was given some warm soup and a hot beverage. After checking to ensure he had a flashlight it was suggested he quickly make his way back down the mountain, as there was only a couple of hours of daylight left. As he was on his way out the steel-double-dutch door a gust of wind caught the top portion, hitting the poor guy in the head creating a deep gash. Dr. Sean O’ Donnell (this was also his first climb) closed the wound with six stitches. Needless to say the hiker stayed on the summit with us. The Club went about its business, eating, rehydrating and setting up the fireworks. This year the Club was also given the honor of carrying a wreath honoring WWII’s 10th Mountain Division, who 50 years previously entered into combat. Fighting for 114 days in some of Italy’s toughest terrain. There were 992 lives lost and 4,154 wounded in action. Members of the 10th Mountain Division were present to lay the wreath in memory were Insert names of participants and AdAmAn member Ed Kirches who had just completed his ?? climb. At 8:20 pm members went out to fire two flares to see how visibility was. It was still snowing and the wind had picked up creating periodic ground blizzard conditions. It was a good thing the injured solo hiker wasn’t out in that weather! At 9:00 pm there were five fireworks set off to honor the “Original Frozen Five.” I had never been that close to a fireworks show. You could hear the ‘ooph’ as the lifting charge propelled the shell skyward. Then came the explosion, the sonic boom and the stars falling through the clouds, illuminating the freshly fallen snow. I was pretty sure no-one in the Pikes Peak region could see them, but it was still a beautiful site. Especially for a newbie! Unfortunately, because of the cloud cover it was decided, barring a miracle, the midnight show would not happen. After a busy day everyone settled into a more relaxed state. Some of us were watching the ten o’clock news, others took a catnap, and some played cards, or just milled about and visited with each other. We had just finished watching the weather, which confirmed the clouds were going nowhere, when a person burst into the summit house, covered in snow, frost and ice, exclaiming his brother had collapsed about a 100 feet from the door. Several members rushed out into what was now a miserably cold evening. The wind had continued to increase creating blizzard conditions and the wind chill factor was probably close to -25 degrees. After retrieving the hiker the doctors that were present did an assessment on the brothers. Both had varying degrees of frostbite on their noses, ears, and some of their digits. They began the process of slowly raising their body temperatures; hands pressed to ears, feet placed inside of shirts against chests, slow rubbing of their hands to get the blood warmed back up. Up to that point I had never seen anybody shiver so violently. I imagine the next day every muscle in their bodies had to be sore! As they warmed, they told their story. They had gone duck hunting early that morning returning at about noon. Thereupon they made the decision to hike to the summit. They embarked on their journey at 2:00 pm. That was their first poor choice. At 2:00 pm the weather and trail conditions were worsening. Snow covered thick ice in the area on Barr Trail known as the 16 Golden Stairs, making for a slow and treacherous climb to the summit. Second poor choice, lack of proper winter clothing. Jackets were lightweight winter with no hoods. Head coverings were nothing but fleece headbands, absolutely no hats of any kind. Gloves were light fleece but no water/wind resistant outer gloves. Eye protection, none. Third poor choice, not turning around when it started to get dark. Resulting in the loss of the trail. When the Club set off the test flare at 8:20 pm they illuminated the mountain enough for the brothers to realize that not only were they no longer on the trail and had wandered quite a bit farther north than they needed to be. There was enough glow from the flare to enable them to at least see the summit and reset their course. The nine o’clock fireworks also assisted them in determining they were now headed toward the summit albeit not on the trail. After what had to be a slow, miserable, cold and mentally challenging final push the one brother made it into the summit house and was able to lead the rescuers to his collapsed brother. For them, things could have ended so much worse! At 11:30 our rides off the summit arrived. A group of much appreciated 4-wheel drive club members, put together and led by Larry Hodgen. The wind had settled down by this time, which made for a fairly pleasant ride down the highway. We arrived back in Manitou Springs at 1:45 am, climbed into our cold cars and took our weary bodies home. Well, except for the three injured hikers, they were shuttled to the hospital. Upon arriving back home it was hot shower time and a beer in bed, reflecting on what a remarkable tradition and gift to Colorado Springs this humble group of climbers known as The AdAmAn Club are! |