I went and climbed Grandeur Peak with Jun during our lunch break today. It was HOT going up that West Ridge and it seemed like the sun just sapped all of my energy. I started off feeling pretty good, but a little after half a mile Jun cruised past me and I went into the tank. I don't ever remember this ridge being so tough, but it was hot and I was feeling it. I dripped sweat all the way up to the summit where Jun was waiting for me.
Jun wanted to run down into Church Fork, so we bet that I could beat him down to the pay station at the mouth of the canyon. I downed a gel and finished the rest of my water and Jun took off down the trail. I knew I was in trouble because that ridge is not runable. It is steep and loose.
I fell twice on the descent and really bruised my hand on a rock, but I avoided a nasty spill when I tripped on a rock and flew about 3 feet before I caught myself. I ran where I could, but that wasn't much. I got back to the car totally dehydrated and guzzled some hot water that was in the back of my car. I went to pick up Jun and he had indeed beaten me, but that wasn't a surprise. A positive note is I had absolutely no knee pain, and I can't think of a steeper trail, so I was happy about that.
Trip notes:
West Ridge in the sun- I am not a fan
Descending the West ridge- I am not a fan
Bathtub temperature water- I am not a fan
Jun without a shirt- I am a fan
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