“I’m going through the mental preparation phases: stoke vs. fear.” -Mark, before heading to the Maroon Bells.
“This Whitehorse has given me nightmares. This Whitehorse runs through my daydreams.” -Sky, regarding a difficult line on Whitehorse peak in the WA cascades.
It’s a strange game us ski mountaineers play. How many other activities can evoke so much fear while at the same time evoking so much excitement? Do “normal” people get sweaty palms and a lump in their throat thinking about their upcoming weekend activities of shopping and gardening and golfing or whatever? Many of these sought-after lines are only in shape a few days a year, or not at all, so long periods of time can go by where all you can do is think about the mountain, but you can’t ski it.
And so it is with Capital Peak for me. In 2006, we weren’t far away from summiting and skiing it. In 2007, we never liked the weather or snow conditions enough to even try it, so needless to say, I’ve had time to contemplate that mountain.
As I begin packing my things up today, it is with both a confident determination as well as a healthy dose of fear and respect.
