8 x 10 “, $99 framedThis is the peak, Sawtooth, for which my cabin neighbor group is named (see the post “Friends”). They have all climbed it at least once, as have I. However, I am the only one who got a helicopter ride down. . . life at 16 was full of excitement. I am happy to report that the scars are minimal. I lived to climb it again 5 years later and this time I made it to the top AND back down under my own steam (with a little help from some friends because I was SCARED!!)Now I am old enough to enjoy the view without the need to prove anything (except that I can paint it!)
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Bonnie, I was 16 and with a group of backpackers. We were enjoying a layover day at Columbine Lake and several decided to climb Sawtooth using a new route. I didn’t want to appear to be the lazy slob that I actually am, so i followed along. We were stupid. I was following people up a chute, which means that any rock that is dislodged bashes those below. I got bashed, knocked down in a summer-sault type fall for 50-60 feet and when I stopped, I was all bloody. Broken collar bone, scrapes, bruises, generally bashed up. The rocks continued to fall, and the others (when they stopped screaming) worked their way down carefully, one by one. A guy in our group was fishing down at the lake, and he ran out to MK for help. A helicopter arrived, I got loaded into a gurney, belayed to the helicopter (rocks still falling) and flown to Ash Mt. From there, an ambulance took me to Kaweah Delta, and that was that. It was scary, but it was NOTHING compared to Amy Racina!!
Jana, what happened that you got a helicopter ride down. would love to hear that story. I really enjoy reading your blog!
One of my favorite views! The only one I like better is along the nature trail when Sawtooth is framed by aspen trees. I’d post a picture, but not sure I can.
Two weeks from today, I’ll be there!
Oh Katy, how great to hear from you! Thank you for taking the time out from your painting, gardening, soap making, animal tending, etc. to read my blog! And thank you for your concern about our part of the world. We are actually in Central California, and the bulk of the fires are in either the north or the south. We get their smoke, and we send firefighters. There was a cloudburst yesterday evening in Mineral King, reported to have brought 8″ of mud onto part of the road, but my Very Capable Husband (He-Who-Drives-Yellow-Machines) went up there today to begin the clearing process.
p.s. For those of you who know, the report was from the Ranger Station up, probably to the top of Endurance Grade. This is a result of the Park’s prescribed burn 2 years ago.
Hi, Jana!
Just spent about an hour back-reading your posts and enjoying all your amazing graphite work and beautiful paintings – not to mention that truly glorious wild flower mural way up high! What a feat!
What a truly God-blessed part of the earth you inhabit! I see it in the photos and on TV, and sometimes it’s hard to believe it actually exists! But, there it is, immortalized by your talent, rendered with love and affection!
And how heart-breaking to think that the fires that are ravaging N. California right now are destroying such beauty! My prayers are with you all!
Great job! and wonderful Blog – seems like you’ve got this computer stuff all figured out, now!
Also great to find your link to one of my very favorite bloggers and columnists, Andree Seu!
So glad you contacted me and we are in touch again!
Blessings galore!
Katy Widger
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