Mount Shuksan — Blog - Joshua Forester

NOLS/Fisher Chimneys to Boulder Route Traverse - Days 7-9

Mostly, I was terrified of being terrified—of having my abilities petrified by fear. The team would slow on a difficult section and I would chill—not in a good way, but I would stiffen up—both with my body and mind. Not moving and being in the rhythm of movement makes me not trust my first movements, especially when they are on foreign surfaces, which are everywhere here for me…

MountaineeringJoshua ForesterAugust 17, 2017Fisher ChimneysWashington, Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, NOLS, Fishers Chimney Route, Devil's Highway, mountaineeringComment

NOLS/Mount Shuksan Ascent - Days 1-6

I always tell my children, “Don’t climb something you can’t climb down.” Today was not a day they should’ve followed my example. Down climbing is hard, and when my footholds were blind, my fear of heights set in…hard. Luckily our instructors were far more competent climbers, and were amazing at setting up great protection. Our navigation of it less superior…

MountaineeringJoshua ForesterAugust 14, 2017Mount ShuksanMount Shuksan, NOLS, Washington, mountaineeringComment