JACKSON, Wyo. — Vulnerability in the mountains is not always talked about candidly. But that is exactly what they discuss on the most recent episode of the Fine Line podcast: “Severe Off On The Exum Ridge.”
Climber Dave Black appeared on the Teton County Search and Rescue’s (TCSAR) podcast with TCSAR Communications Director Matt Hansen and Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger Lexie Hunsaker to discuss how a climbing trip went wrong last summer and where mistakes were made.
Hansen begins the episode by saying: “To be vulnerable and admit your mistakes in a public forum such as this is a very steep hill to climb. And for that, we should extend our respect and our grace because we all make mistakes, but not all of us admit them.”
Black is a lifelong climber with 15 to 20 ascents of the Grand Teton under his belt. After receiving a “revolutionary treatment” for his debilitating Parkinson’s disease, he wanted to summit the Grand one more time.
“It’s almost like a ritual. … You have to prove it to yourself that you can still do it,” Black said in the podcast. “So I thought, ‘I’ve got this new lease on life, I need to go up to the Tetons and get to the summit again.'”
In the episode, Black discusses the events that led up to the summit attempt, and the events that occurred on the trail. The discussion reveals several layers that resulted in a high-risk and high-consequence adventure: preparedness, decision-making, interpersonal conflict in the mountains and the effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Hunsaker takes time to recall what happened on her end that day — when she joined the TCSAR helicopter short-haul mission that brought her to about 12,800 feet with an approaching thunderstorm. Listeners will hear how the Jenny Lake Rangers respond to complex situations as they balance visitor safety, resource protection and allowing visitors to enjoy the freedom of the hills.
The episode was released on Thursday, June 12. Listen to the full podcast here.
