The Grand Teton, standing at 13,770 feet, is a classic American climb. It is the heart of the beautiful Teton range in Western Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. I had never tried to climb a mountain before but I had no reason to think it could be anything but fun. The weather was great during our basic and intermediate climbing courses that we had to take through Exum Mountain Guides. It was also a very sunny day on our day-long hike up Garnet Canyon to the Exum hut on the Grand Teton's Lower Saddle. That night, however, a thunderstorm rolled in, and by the next morning we were stormed off of the mountain. We started a hopeful attempt by hiking up to the Upper Saddle, but could go no further due to the lightning. It was a humbling experience which I greatly enjoyed, even in the face of defeat.
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The Teton Range


A youthful college sophomore


Rapelling during the basic class



My father, Larry, in the basic course


Me with Mort Robbins on the "Tree Climb"



The "Open Book" route


A long rappel



A pose in front of Hidden Falls on our way back to Jenny Lake


Our guides, Jack Tackle and Evelyn Lees


A little rest break on our hike through Garnet Canyon


Time for a little lunch


A view of the Grand and the Upper Saddle from the Exum hut on the Lower Saddle


Heading back down from the Upper Saddle


Larry and Mort after leaving the Exum Hut for the return hike


Me with one of the glaciers