Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Sherman  -  14,043 feet
Date Posted:  05/21/2007
Modified:  05/22/2007
Date Climbed:   05/18/2007
Author:  Rockymtnhigh69
 Sherman-Via Fourmile   

I headed out Friday to climb Mt. Sherman to start my 2007 fourteener season. This was a climb that I intended to dedicate to our fallen friend here at 14ers.com, TalusMonkey David Worthington and my Uncle Bill who survived a massive heart attack earlier this month and is in ICU at Yale Medical Center.. I parked at the Leavick Mine and could have easily gone all the way to the gate in my Jeep.. The road is wet but certainly passable.. I passed by Roozers42's Subaru on the way up, but she was already out and about climbing in the Horseshoe mountain area.

Image


I made it to the lower amphitheatre of Sherman very quickly. However, this is where the trail disappears. I made the decision here to break trail and follow some tracks up through a drainage up Sherman's left face.. This was not the smartest decision as a slip here would have been troublesome.. I was able to kick step up through this fairly steep drainage and was glad to reach the ridge with the summit not too far off in the distance.

Image


Image



I decided that I would not descend that way. I chose not to ski descend today from some beta that I received form back country skier friends of mine.. It turned out to be a good decision.. I could have gotten 25 good free heels turns in, but it wouldn‘t have been worth it to lug my tele skis up the mountain.. I saw much better snow coverage over by where Roozers42 was climbing in the Horseshoe area. I still noticed that we are still in winter conditions as there were several big over hanging cornices to the summit. I stayed along the west ridgeline on the Leadville side of the mountain to avoid those cornices.. Jeter my lab was scolded three separate times for venturing near them..



I made my way up to the summit and found the wind to be blowing in from the west from Massive and Elbert.. It was at least 35mph and it was quite cold. I also noticed significant cloud buildup over Massive and Elbert.. Surprise surprise.. I found the summit canister with 14ers.com logo on it.. I was upset to see the register, in the snow, wet and frozen.. I decided that I would pull out a business card and sign my name, Jeter‘s along with TM David Worthington.. It was at this time I remembered seeing a great photo of David and Caroline (USAKELLER) on the summit of Sherman/Gemini a few weeks ago.. I said some nice words to my 14ers.com friend, and placed his name along with mine in the canister. I hope that David knows that we will all remember him and that he was smiling down on me on Friday... I also said a prayer to my Uncle Bill who is the only real father I have ever had, my hero and my best friend..

Image


I decided to try to keep to the trail on the way down and was sucessful until I reached the bowl above Hilltop Mine..

Image


Image


It was here that I decided to glissade down the bowl.. I was cornered by the bowl and cornices to each side.. Jeter gladly glissaded with me in his face first "X" style position.. Quite the scene, seeing a 100 pound lab screaming down the hill front legs out front and hind legs trailing behind. He is a great dog and loves to climb with me on the easier class 2 routes.

Image


We postholed minimally to the cabin at the Hilltop mine.. Here we sat and had lunch with the hardest parts of the descent over with. It was warming up nicely..

Image


After a quick bite, we made are way across some snowfields again to the gate at the road.

Image


Minimal postholing but I never felt the need to use my Tubbs shoes.. It was a great climb.. There was not one person on the mountain and I am sure that Jeter and I were the only ones to summit that day.. TM in spirit of course..

Image


As I got to my car ironically, John Denver was singing "I guess he'd rather be in Colorado" on my satellite radio.. All I could think of was that this song is so true!

On the way out I saw Roozers42 (jen) having lunch and enjoying the day with friends, fresh off their climb over in the Horseshoe area.. I wasnt able to stop, but gave them a hearty wave and a honk! Hope to meet you next time Jen.. I needed to get home.. All in all a great climb..

Image



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12


Comments or Questions

   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.