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Backpacker Magazine – April 2008
Shock And Awe
You think climbing Rainier is tough? Try it blind. Or with one leg. Then see who you pity.
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Apart from the group, the guides are visibly relieved. Fawley says this is the most memorable climb since his first, the one with his father. "These guys…" says Rausch, and then he can't continue. It takes him a while, then he says, "I don't carry anybody up that mountain. But to see them…" He trails off again. "I'm in the Reserves. I got deployed in 2004 to Qatar. I've never been in harm's way. These guys…it just cuts me up. I'd carry…I'd carry everything for them."
The descent to Paradise remains. Fawley and Kittleson will escort Smiley down tonight so he can make his plane, and Salau will descend in the morning. More of the same, in reverse. But at this moment, the group vibrates with the shared euphoria of hazard and hardship overcome in a place far removed from civilization and its various complications. Adversity runs a sliding scale–elective nature hikes at the low end, Ed's leg and Scotty's eyes at the unthinkable high end–but even a hill climb such as this one can kick irony in the slats and give despair the raspberries.
Mt. Rainier is a volcano, of course. Ed didn't get there, and Scotty couldn't see it, but the summit is a vast white bowl. A crucible, you could say, from which hope might be forged.
Mt. Rainier was Michael Perry's first mountaineering trip. Based in Wisconsin, he is the author of Truck: A Love Story and Population: 485.
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READERS COMMENTS
Ed, you are my hero! How proud I am of you, and how wonderful that SIU brought us together. I'll tell Jo about this site so she can glory in knowing you too. Keep up the good work. We know you have a big heart and we appreciate it so much.
Ed, you are my hero! How proud I am of you, and how wonderful that SIU brought us together. I'll tell Jo about this site so she can glory in knowing you too. Keep up the good work. We know you have a big heart and we appreciate it so much.
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Excellent writing
I just want to thank you so, 1Lt Ed Salau for what you did and for who you are! Thank you so much again!
I know this is like two years later, but I found a back issue and thought this story was incredible. God bless you, Ed, for all you do for your wounded brothers and sisters, and for all you've done for the rest of us too.
Ed, I belong to the Havelock Civitans and I was so impressed with you when you spoke to our club and I am still impressed. You are doing a very commendable thing by sharing with us about your struggle and others too, I really admire you soooo much ! keep up the good work ! Semper Fi
Thanks for telling this story...you did a great job Mike. I am proud of you and glad you are safe.
Oh, man.
Thank you.
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