Well, I didn't exactly
lose my ice axe. I stashed it under a bush at timberline on my way up, after
hearing a report of the snow field crossing from another hiker--I knew I
wouldn't need it--and when I came back down, it was gone.
Last August I climbed
the highest peak in Idaho. It was the day before the total solar eclipse, and
the mountain was in the path of totality. It would be a zoo on any summer
weekend, but it was extra busy that weekend--the rangers I spoke to were
expecting three times the normal crowds. 150 people instead of the usual 50.
