tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75449396284434121022024-03-12T19:18:01.000-07:0014110<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fourteenthousand.onehundredten"><b>Friend me on Facebook!</b></a><br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fourteenthousand.onehundredten">Fourteenthousand Onehundredten</a>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-48462320106183494552015-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:002015-02-14T09:09:31.744-08:00LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!HAPPY VALENTINES DAY WORLD! I especially love my family, friends, nature, and hiking! This is a montage of a 3 year promise I made to my son.<br />
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On his birthday after DRIVING to the summit of Pikes Peak I made a promise that I was going to change my life and we were coming back in 3 years for his Senior Trip and WALKING up that mountain! A special thanks to my wife, friends and of course my son.<br />
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This year we are going to do it again and we are going to do it BETTER!<br />
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<a href="http://signal6x.com/LEMOIv3.wmv" target="_blank">LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!</a><br />
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<br />Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-57094319443046504772014-08-17T18:28:00.000-07:002014-08-17T20:12:40.577-07:00Our Summit of Pikes Peak - Part 3 of 3: Day 2 - The Summit or Bust!<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>DAY 2<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Day one ended with many blessings. Relaxing and recouping at Barr Camp, enjoying
the spaghetti dinner there, the comradery of other hikers, campers and the camp
care takers, but most of all, the arrival of my niece and her family. My niece, her husband, and their sweet young
children, one of which is my Godson, traveled from Texas, took the cog rail up
to Mountain View, and hiked the mile and a half over to Barr Camp just to spend
one night with us at the camp, and then meet us at the summit the next day! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>A Natural Leader<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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The entire purpose of this trip was to fulfill a promise to
my son that I made 3 years ago when we drove to the summit of Pikes Peak on his
16<sup>th</sup> birthday because I was extremely to unfit to make ANY type of
hike on the mountain. The gift of my
promise was returned to me as I saw my son’s leadership skills first hand. All three of us, my wife, my son, and I are
all VERY HARD HEADED, but this time I kept my mouth shut, for the most part,
and enjoyed stepping back and letting my son take charge of the Day 2 hike to
the summit. At the end of day one, he
reached out to others at the camp, explaining our day, and most importantly
LISTENING to the advice and instructions from the veterans at the camp. Key to this; carry ONLY what you must and
make sure to drink every 15 minutes and EAT at least every hour! Simon walked into the upper cabin where we
were all staying and exclaimed “Alright let’s lay out what we are bringing to
the summit! All we need is food, water, and rain gear. If you get hurt you can have 1
Band-Aid!” He further instructed, “Mom
set a timer on your phone to remind us to eat every hour and we are going to
drink water every 15 minutes.” I was proud
to see him in action as we laid out only the essentials that we would carry up
to the summit. My son went around to
each of us asking, “How much water do you think you will need?” He did the
math, rounded up the appropriate amount of bottles and then went and collected
and purified the water from the stream.
“I am the youngest and most fit.
I will carry the one back pack.
The rest of you can help by each carrying a bottle of water. As the day progresses and we eat and drink my
pack will get lighter making it easier on me as we reach the summit.” That is MY BOY!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Support System<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Now, this plan only worked because of my INCREDIBLE niece
and her husband. They gratefully
accepted taking a pack stuffed with ALL of our remaining gear with them on the
train and up to the summit! What an
incredible gesture to drive out for an overnight stay just to root us on and
help us out! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Another form of support was all the other family, friends,
and supporters from Facebook. Their
words of encouragement and compliments of my family efforts kept us driving on,
but the most important gift of all were the PRAYERS! Of the greatest Facebook supporters was an
incredible woman named Terri who every day for SEVERAL months posted pictures
of Barr Trail and Pikes Peak on the Fourteenthousand Onehundredten Facebook
page. But Terri did MUCH more than that
as will be learned later in this post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Hike to the summit<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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The night before, one of the caretakers at the camp, Renee,
asked how long it took us to get from the trail head to the camp. “9 hours” was
the response. “Well, then it should take
you 10 to make the summit.” Though I
did not physically see any, I swear at that moment I heard crickets. Soon after I started hearing the squeaking
grinding of cog wheels as my mind began to process time windows. I had made arrangements to meet on the summit
between noon and 1 p.m. with a gentleman
that at the time of this writing must remain private (I don’t want to ruin any
surprises). “cccrrreeeakkk…. whhizzz…
clank… ccrreeaakk…. clank….
cccrrreeeaaakkk…. DING!” …. “2
a.m.” … “2 a.m.!” “We MUST start hiking at 2 a.m.”! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bundled up in our toasty 40 degree rated sleeping bags we
rolled out of our surprisingly comfortable bunk beds at 4 a.m.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We were donned in our modern day long johns, now made of
polyester with just a splash of spandex, (NO NOT PANTYHOSE!!!! These were
OFFICIAL athletic wear). “Ain’t no way I am hiking up the side of a mountain I
have never been on at 2 a.m.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We decided on a 5 a.m. departure figuring one hour in the
dark before sun up won’t be so bad. I thought to myself, “Hell at the rate we
hiked yesterday we’ll only be about 150 yards from camp.” Not to forget to mention the rest of the
campsite was booked full with 2 separate Boy Scout troops. “They should easily hear our screams for
help...”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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So on with the ankle braces, knee braces, Bio-Freeze, hiking
boots, jackets, skull caps, and gloves.
Of course we made one more run to the last closed in in restroom for the
next 6 miles. Then off we went into the
dark with my wonderful family cheering us on as we marveled at the fact that we
could see our breath in the light of our headlamps. The temperature was around 40 degrees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On we marched carefully watching our steps. The stones were still, and some man-made
steps with ties were not too terribly difficult to navigate. The trail was a bit confusing in just a
couple of places but we felt confident we were on the right path. Fifteen minutes in; “Drink!” ordered our
leader, and we did. I personally was already
a bit winded and confessed so to the group.
Thankfully for me my wife said, “So am I”. I was just happy to not be alone. We had to book it. I wanted to be at the summit no later than 1
p.m. I felt great, actually. I was not sore. My ankle was not in too much pain. I had slept well and was refreshed. Oh, and my new hip, the one I received just
20 weeks prior; though the muscles on that side were still a little weak, was
doing GREAT! “WE CAN DO THIS”!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We marched on drinking every 15 minutes. I was the slowest of the group so I lead the
charge. About an hour in as the sun was
creeping up I began to see just how steep the climb was. “Dang it!”
I did NOT need to see that! It
was nothing more than a mind game. I
remembered what so many GREAT supporters on Facebook and hiking family members
had said, “Pace yourself. Walk a few
steps and rest”. My dilemma was that I
MUST make the summit by 1pm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“1, 2, 3, …. 50, 51…. 98, 99, 100 steps. Stop. Take 5 deep breaths. Repeat.” And so was the grind for the next five and a
half miles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course that grind was broken up with timeouts called by
my son, our enthusiastic leader. “Time
to drink”. “Time to eat”, which happened
to work out to be about every 30 to 45 minutes.
It was during one of our chow sessions that we had one of the most
pleasant moments we had been waiting for on our hike; OUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER
HAD CAUGHT UP WITH US! “HELLLOO???” we
heard. “TERRI!!! Is that YOU????” Sure enough!
Terri, a local and 4-time summit veteran of Barr Trail, had caught up
with us to support us and cheer us on the rest of the way!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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Back to the topics of supporters AND hiking up the side of a
mountain at 2 a.m. As mentioned
previously Terri had been one of my family’s biggest supporters on Facebook where
we met. Terri had dinner with us at the
Colorado Brewing Company earlier in the week so we could both do the whole, “is
this person a weirdo test” in person.
Sure we enough we all passed. We
all are definitely “WEIRDOS”. I mean who
wants to walk 12 plus mile up a mountain in little oxygen and possible harsh
conditions? Luckily for us LOTS OF
WONDERFUL WEIRDOS!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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This awesome new friend hit the Barr Trail head Sunday
August 10<sup>th</sup> at 2 in the morning.
And by the time we headed out from Barr Camp was only 30 minutes behind
us! “Chugga, Chugga, Chugga, Chugga. Chugga, Chugga, Chugga, Chugga. CHOO CHOO!”
This woman was a beast!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We quickly shared our adventures of the previous day,
Terri’s of the previous HOURS… and then we continued. “1, 2, 3, …. 50, 51…. 98, 99, 100 steps. Stop. Take 5 deep breaths. Repeat.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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“There’s the A-Frame!”
A public structure created for refuge in the event shelter is required
on the side of the mountain; especially in the event of harsh conditions. This was about the halfway mark to the
summit. It was 9 a.m. Now thinking back to the actual time, down to
the minute, that we walked away from Barr Camp it was 5:23 a.m. “Wow.
We are making much better time today and I feel great!” … “Drink and eat … Drink and eat” … “At
this pace we will be able to make summit by 1 p.m. without a problem!” Water drank, food ingested, water bottles
refilled, and bladders re-emptied it was time to move on!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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“Here comes the tree line.” The area above the tree line had
been described to me by veteran Barr Trail hikers as walking on the soft sand
of a beach, but it is small pebbles, up a steep grade, no shade, and little
oxygen. There are no trees above tree
line because there is not enough oxygen to support them. The mind game was on and buddy, WE WERE
DETERMINED!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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As we pulled out of the trees, onto the slopes of the
pebbles the sun was only partly making its way through the clouds, the air was
cool, and so far, so good. Then I hear
my son say, “Oh WOW!” I quickly turned
to him and saw the direction of his gaze; just as quickly, I exclaim “Oh WOW!” Sprawled out in front of us was the most
incredible view I believed I had ever seen.
Mountain ranges, massive boulders that looked like marble, perpetually caught
from rolling down a mountain side, the bright glow of a ray of sun illuminating
an edge of the reservoir below. “How
could anyone think there is not a God?
How blessed am I to be here and witnessing this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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“1 p.m. summit. Gotta
move.” I stepped on but as I rounded
switch back after switch back I soon realized that the gifts and surprises
waiting for us at the summit were no match to what was I missing by scurrying
on. View after view, angel after angel;
it was breathtaking, even more than the lack of oxygen at this height.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We continued on with our grind. It was a challenge to breathe. The breaks became much more frequent and the
large step ups onto, and over smaller boulders deprived my muscles more and
more of strength. A great blessing that
we had is that clouds had rolled in and the sun was not beating down on
us. “How much harder would this be if I
was dealing with lack of O2 and the bearing sun?.” I realized at that moment
that the prayers from all of my family’s wonderful supporters were being
answered. It was pleasantly cool, near
cold, and I still felt GREAT; I just needed to keep pacing myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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“Phew, time to sit.”
As I sat on a rock taking in more of the incredible view, again I was thinking
“how can this keep getting better and better?”
At that moment out of the corner of my right eye I spot, not more than
20 feet in front of us, an eagle. I could not believe it! I was questioning myself, “Is that an
eagle? Is that an EAGLE?” I panned the sky following it to my left and
called to the group, “IS THAT AN EAGLE?”
Sure enough it was indeed an eagle!
As it continued its show by circling back around and gracing us with yet
another fly by no more than just a few yards away! “Incredible!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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“It probably wants to eat us. Let’s move.” So on we went with the same
grind. As I was trekking along,
something else caught my eye. Down below on the ground vibrant against the
mountain side were groupings of the tiniest, red, violet, and yellow
flowers. “Amazing. This is just AMAZING! This is worth every step I have trudged and
breath I have ached for.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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“Look!” I hear Terri exclaim pointing to the front of us “I
big horned sheep!” Staring off in the
distance was a lone big horn sheep, galloping down the side of mountain with
incredible grace and speed. I continued
to be in awe as I was finally able to have such an experience in person and not
living through somebody’s video on the Internet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We continued on closer and closer to the summit. It was getting colder and the clouds were
getting thicker and thicker. It was to the point where visibility at times was
probably no greater than 50 feet. We
were all getting tired. The air was
really taking its toll, and then I come to a point where the trail ended; so I
thought. In front of me lay a small
boulder that I really couldn’t see over. “Oh no. Did we miss a switch back?” … Nope. Up steps my son, “C’mon Pops.” Simon steps from rock to rock, onto the big “rock”
and says “Take my hand.” I was tired, my
legs weak, especially the operated one. I get up the rock, face down to the
side of the mountain, and feet dangling over the edge. Simon pulls on me as I push and scooch my way
to the other side. “That was AWESOME!!!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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We continued on the trail, again parts of it not even
looking like trail to me. There was no
way we busted our noon summit and there was no chance we would make it by
1. The clouds were thicker than ever and
then “BOOM!” THUNDER! It was right on
us. It didn’t matter now; we were closer
to the summit than any retreat so move forward we did!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My head was down. It
was cold. My fingertips were tingly and
pink so I put the gloves back on that I had removed earlier in the day. “There is the sign for the 16 golden stairs
ahead” Terri stated calmly. “There it is
…. ahhh.... there it is…. the home stretch….”
Emotion was starting to take me over.
“I am not going to cry” I told myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We paused for a photo op at the sign. We caught our breath. We ATE!
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I leaned on the cool damp rock, my back to the sign I
looked over the first “stair” of the Golden Staircase. This was nothing man-made. This was not just “16 steps up” and we would
be done. What I was seeing was the first
of 16 steep, large, rock-laddered, switch backs, tightly stacked together. They were way too tall for my tired weak legs
to step on, or lunge up to. I was going to have to incorporate my hands and
knees to climb and crawl up these “steps”. It was impressive. I was wasted. I continued to sit. I stared it down. It taunted me with every
new inch I scanned over with my eyes. I
told it, “Bring it you B!%CH.” And it
began to pour down sleet. “Oh it is
on. IT IS SO ON!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We began. My son
jumped ahead of me in case I needed a hand.
Steps were slow and cautious. BB’s
of frozen rain drops pelted us. It was EXCITING!!! IT WAS AMAZING!!!! The climb was exerting. At times my face was
inches from the ground and that is when I paused and I took a moment to really
study what it was that was pelting us.
These perfectly round, white and crystalline balls. I could see tiny striations in some, on
others just a small kiss of a tiny point. They were so clean, so perfect; they
were beautiful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Ow!” “Dang!” “It’s
like getting hit with air soft pellets on my ears!” My son’s exclamations rattled me back into
reality. Unfortunately he was wearing a
baseball cap and no protection to the side of his face or ears. “Let’s move!
We are right there!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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We climbed on, pushing, pausing, breathing heavily… and then….
smooth trail! We had made it past the
gauntlet of the Golden Staircase.
Emotion started taking over again, as fought crying, a little less
successfully this time. “I am NOT going
to cry” I exclaimed to the group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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Looking up, the clouds were a soup, but through the white
murk, just yards above a perfect rectangle began to appear. “That’s it!”
My wife Trish stated, “That’s the summit house!” “Wow” and then we turned to the right and
continued on the trail. The summit house
was above us …. NOT in front of us. A
few more switch backs to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anticipation was growing.
Adrenaline was pumping. The steps
came easier. “CHUGGA, CHUGGA. CHUGGA
CHUGGA!!!!” Then I FROZE! I could not believe it! No it was not the summit sign it was
something straight out of a movie. A
large heard of big horned sheep and their ewes stood above us; 12 to 15 of
them. Majestic and proud and is if they
were there to greet us. As if they were
there to congratulate us! “Look!” I
exclaimed “Look there!” … “Yes the summit house is right there” was the
response I got. “No Look in FRONT of us!” We stood in amazement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“WOO HOO!” “WOOOO
HOOOOO!!!!!!” I was cheering… Thanking them… and off they began to go calmly down
the other side of the mountain. Then right on cue, a huge, majestic sheep with
its large crown of curved horns stopped and looked back and stared at me one
final time. “Wow. Just, wow.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in a state of euphoria that I can only compare to my
wedding day and witnessing the birth of my son himself. 2 more switchbacks to go! They were smooth,
they were leveling out! And then, THERE
IT WAS!!!!!!! THE SUMMIT SIGN OF PIKES PEAK!!!!!!! EMOTION WAS LOST AS I BAWLED! TURNING, I GRABBED FOR MY SON; WHO BAWLED!!!!! AND WE REACHED FOR MY WIFE; WHO BAWLED!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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WE MADE IT!!!!! WE
MADE IT!!!! A 3 YEAR PROMISE!!!! PIKES PEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-3368252750982419402014-08-15T15:21:00.003-07:002014-08-15T15:21:38.181-07:00Our Summit of Pikes Peak - Part 2 of 3: Day 1 - The Hike to Barr Camp.<div class="MsoNormal">
We had planned to arrive at the Barr Trail head at 5
a.m. We got there at 5:30 a.m., and not
a parking spot in sight on the upper deck area next to the actual trail. I was confident the extra 30 minutes wouldn’t
have mattered. People had been there
since midnight and slept in their cars.
Parking per day at that spot was $5 or $10 a day. Around 6:00 a.m. paid parking down from the
Cog Railway Station became available. Overnight parking was $20. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finally hit the trail around 6:30 a.m. We were off!
3 flights of “stairs” / switchbacks and it quickly became evident; “Every
ounce of weight you carry does count”; it was time for a break. There were several breaks. Water weighs quite a bit, and all those other
little things you THINK you need you will soon realize you don’t, but it is too
late (leave no trace). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We trudged along and came across a newly placed mile marker
on the trail; “HEY 1 MILE!” We continued
on for what seemed a LONG while, but then there we saw waiting for us another
mile marker, but WAIT! It wasn’t a mile marker….. It was a half mile marker….. “REALLY???
It has been like an HOUR!!!!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continued on; sipping water.
I was never hungry… I just wanted
to GO!!! “Drink some water and
GO!!!! Sip some water, take a break and
GO!!!!” I was feeling pretty good. We made it to the 3 mile mark!!! “Experimental forest straight ahead, Barr
Camp; turn left.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chugga, chugga.
Chugga, chugga. Chug…..ga ch…. ug….
ga……… I need to sit down, for a while…. WHOOP!
Clouds started forming above, dark ones, “got to move... but I should rest and eat. No I will eat a little something and walk at
the same time. “ I inserted some solid
form of nuts and grains into my mouth….. “Dry as rock…. BLEH!” I spit it out, sipped more water. “Go…” Thunder clapped…. “GO!!!!
Spread out from one another but GO!!!” And then, ”phew!”. The clouds passed and out came the sun! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have got to REST!” We found a log and sat, and sat, and cooked
and sat and cooked…. “ugh... let’s get going!”
I stood up. I took 10 Steps. BOOM I began to black out. I began to sweat like mad. “I MUST sit down. MORE WATER!”
Enter my hero and his mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My son showed great compassion and leadership
qualities. He walked me back to the log
where we had been resting. He took over
carrying any extra items I had already been carrying two backpacks. My wife took over carrying some items too and
acted as my Water Girl”. But with all
that, for me to go on I had to leave something else behind that even though it
weighed nothing, MY MODESTY! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Off went the shirt I was down to boots and shorts… Oh those poor people we met on the trail who
had to see that! The cost of their
therapy to erase that image from their mind will easily burn their insurance deductible. Onward I trudged, dying, stopping every 50
to 100 yards for the next 2 miles. My
son provided assistance to sit down and stand up. He patted on me and encouraged me. He even broke out his phone
to play “theme music”! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally we saw it; one half mile to Barr Camp! “LET’S GO!”
I put my shirt back on, my energy was renewed, mentally anyway. “And it should be right around this corner…..
OK…. this corner…. OK... OK… Right up this path at the top of this slope…….? The corner after that???” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt defeated, tired, and like I was dying. We were down to mere sips of water now. Simon
would run ahead and scout and come back with, “It’s just right there”. We press on.
I just wanted to sleep. I just
wanted to lay down and sIeep. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barely taking half steps we came to higher than usual ledge. I took the large step up and “WOAH!” I begin to collapse backwards. I slam my trekking poles into the ground
ahead of me! I stiffen my body to pull
myself forward! With every OUNCE of what
little energy was left I managed to right myself. Then POW!
My left groin to below my knee CRAMPS, CRAMPS HARD! I began to hyperventilate! “I can’t think how to stretch it…. think… THINK!
CONTROL YOUR BREATHING!!!! WORK
YOUR WAY TO THAT LOG AND SIT DOWN!!!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hobbled to the log.
I somehow began to stretch the groin, but simple butterfly stretches weren’t
cutting it. I was cramping in other muscles
too. “WHERE DID THOSE COME FROM???? What is the counter movement??? Just stretch, control your breathing, just
relax…… “ Finally... Finally; the cramping
subsided, the breathing was back to normal and we moved on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a VERY LONG soon after there was the first bench
outside of Barr Camp! I had seen it so many times in photos and videos…. “AHHHH…” I went to sit one last time before dragging
myself across the small bridge and onto the benches outside of the Barr Camp
cabin at 3 p.m. I did not even think
about the fact that the last time any caloric substance hit my stomach was before
5 a.m. that morning. I foolishly hiked 6
uphill miles over 10 hours with no food.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moral of this DAY 1: drink
and EAT, drink and EAT, drink and EAT, drink and EAT. EVERY 15 to 30 minutes DRINK AND EAT!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tomorrow we summit.” <o:p></o:p></div>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-34477139171422197022014-08-14T20:19:00.001-07:002014-08-14T20:19:26.661-07:00Our Summit of Pikes Peak - Part 1 of 3: Preparation.<div class="MsoNormal">
I grew up in west Texas and for two August summer weeks,
every high school year, I endured 2-A-Day football practices in blistering heat
on a practice field peppered with sticker weeds. I always thought that was the most
physically and mentally challenging activity I would ever perform. That is before I vacationed at an elevation
5,800 feet higher than where I lived and then hiked another 7800 feet
higher. While I will equate those
2-A-Day practices to how difficult the hike was, reaching the summit of Pikes
Peak is, by far, the greatest physical accomplishment of my life; so far.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to share my experience for a few reasons. One is to just have the experience
documented. Two is to let others, especially
those new to hiking and, even more so hiking at high elevations, my lessons learned. Finally; three, just to relive the experience as I recount some of the greatest
memories of my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Preparation<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was told by those experienced, “you need to hit the stairs”,
“you need to work your legs” and all I heard was, “you need to do cardio”. NO!
Pay attention, especially you flatlanders, YOU NEED TO HIT THE
STAIRS! YOU NEED TO WORK YOUR LEGS! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I prepped by walking a few trails with smooth
ups and downs, I walked for miles around our nice neighborhood and parks with
some inclines but that is NOT what you are going to find on Barr Trail. Looking back through the haze of my oxygen
deprived memories I would guess that 80% of the trail was STEPPING UP
and heaving my weight in lunge like fashion to progress forward. I found that for the other 20 percent of walk
where I could take little half steps and trudge forward I was fine, but for the
other 80 percent my calves and quads were SCREAMING for oxygenated blood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
heaved my still very overweight body, and at times strapped with a backpack up just
8 to 12 inches. After those 1 or 2 steps my breathing
would rapidly increase working to get oxygen and blow off carbon dioxide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Train with a weighted back pack. Train on
uneven ground. Train with the gear you
plan to use. Practice, train, practice,
train….. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also learned I should have done more than just train physically. I had one VERY disappointing moment just 1 switchback and 100 yards away
from the summit. I could not figure out
the action camera I was gifted with for Father’s Day! I was to winded, to light headed, and to
emotional to figure out how to change it from taking photo’s every 1 minute to
constant recording. So I did not get to
film our team’s final steps up the summit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Practice, train, including with your gear!
Here is another embarrassing tidbit. I left our trekking poles in Texas!
We bought more in Colorado of course, VERY nice one$, VERY light weight
one$. They pulled apart and collapsed on
to themselves for VERY quick $torage. Unfortunately as we hiked the basket at the bottom of the poles would get stuck in a crevice or on a bush and a pole would
pull apart and collapse! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first stop the day after
the summit was to take these pole$ back! So we did where a store clerk quickly showed us how to lock the poles in place to
prevent that from happening! They did
this of course by pointing out the instructions, in pictures, displayed on the
LARGE shopping tag connected to the poles themselves that was there when we purchased them. In the “techy” world we refer to
this as RTFM (Read The F$@%ing Manual).
Practice with your gear, study your gear, know your gear before you
go. No matter HOW SIMPLE you may think
it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow - I will post DAY 1 of our 2 day hike.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-83456920547865604982014-08-08T06:05:00.002-07:002014-08-08T06:05:58.246-07:00TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY! PIKES PEAK OR BUST!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWa40dUuYjI/U-TD4v7yQSI/AAAAAAAAMrQ/0pZlxf8hbfE/s1600/pikespeakorbustcoveredwagon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWa40dUuYjI/U-TD4v7yQSI/AAAAAAAAMrQ/0pZlxf8hbfE/s1600/pikespeakorbustcoveredwagon1.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I made a promise that we would walk up <a href="http://www.springsgov.com/SectionIndex.aspx?SectionID=18" target="_blank">Pikes Peak</a> to my son (seated in the picture) 3 years ago this month. That year we visited Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns, and Pikes Peak. At each National Park he wanted to hike explore and play. I was in denial of my obese condition but reality quickly hit and I could do nothin</span></span><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">g with him. I forfeited a lot of great memories and experiences. By the time we had driven to the summit of Pikes Peak I was completely beaten down with shame and sadness for disappointing Simon. The depressed look on his face to this day sickens me. It was on the way back to Texas I apologized and promised him in 3 years for his Senior trip we would return to Pikes Peak and we would walk up that mountain. I was 370 pounds with a 60 inch waist. Since then my weight has been a roller coaster but have netted a 130 pound loss and brought my waist down to 42 inches. I also replaced my right hip which I damaged in 1986 in a car wreck. Now we are driving to Colorado Springs to complete this promise. We hit the trail head of Barr Trail 8/9 will go half way and spend the night at Barr Camp and then summit 8/10 which also happens to be Simon's 19th birthday.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Tomorrow we hit the <a href="http://www.barrtrail.net/" target="_blank">Barr Trail</a> trail head, will spend the night on the mountain at <a href="http://www.barrcamp.com/" target="_blank">Barr Camp</a> and summit on Sunday. We arrived in Colorado 2 days ago and went straight to the trailhead of Barr Trail to practice both physically and mentally. We went about a1/4 mile up the trail just to get a taste. I have been telling other Texans that are going to hike up with us, "we have no idea what it is REALLY going to be like" I felt the truth in my own words while walking up that 1/4 mile. The trail is even more intimidating for me than I thought. Especially after stumbling to get around a precarious rock, while a hundred foot very step drop off was just to my right. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">From a physical perspective I could definitely be in better shape. What I am proud of is that I had my right hip replaced March 20th and while not as strong as had hoped that leg would be it has held up very well. I don't know how affected I am by the oxygen at the 6500 foot level at the base of the mountain in Manitou Springs but I don't feel like it has affected me very much if any at all.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">We have trained every day this week. Yesterday I went part way up the Manitou Incline, which is a mile of stairs straight up. I made it about a quarter mile of the way up and then descended back down; which was even MORE taxing on my quads than going up! This was do to the slow step down really feeling the burn as I lowered my body to the next step.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">We are ready as we will ever be! Today is rest day our legs are sore! We will be driving to <a href="http://www.leadville.com/area/facts.htm" target="_blank">Leadville Colorado</a> today, the highest town in the USA at 10, 152 feet. The group in the picture are those I am very blessed to have joining my son and me on this adventure. Seated in the picture is Simon, my incredible son to whom I made this promise. To the left are Mike and Lisa Martinez. Lisa is also <a href="http://catholictourist.com/wrd/gearing-up-camping-and-climbing-a-14er/" target="_blank">blogging about this adventure</a> at Catholic Tourist's web site. In the middle is a new wonderful friend Terri who had also turned her health around and made this trek 5 times already! At my side is my incredible, supportive wife, that has lost over 90 pounds in preparation for this adventure. Then there I am on the right.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Thank you ALL of you who have supported us; Family, Friends, and Facebook pals! Especially those of you on facebook that have encouraged me, educated me, and at times have tried to SET ME STRAIGHT! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4m.1:3:1:$comment1462116640709312_1462122597375383:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfb; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">So tomorrow we are off with a strong will, great support, and prayers for a safe hike and good weather. PIKES PEAK OR BUST!</span></span>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-20765217958827332552014-08-03T08:29:00.001-07:002014-08-03T08:42:02.003-07:001 WEEK UNTIL SUMMIT<p dir="ltr">Unable to dedicate time to a fun count down do to other life priorities it is an exciting moment for my family. Could not get my weight below 240 for the past month but my waist size did go from 46 to 42!! </p>
<p dir="ltr">We rehabbed my hip replacement. Lost more weight and put on some muscle. We practiced hikes the longest one 7.5 miles. Packed repacked and then packed again. We have one last week to prep and will hit Colorado 3 days before we hit the trail head to acclimated to the elevation. Hydration will be happening and ibuprofen 2 days before and throughout. </p>
<p dir="ltr">3 years work to a completing a promise to my son; PIKES PEAK!</p>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-37672274784479610292014-07-19T17:02:00.001-07:002014-07-19T17:02:20.732-07:00How to Poop in the Woods and above Tree Line<p dir="ltr">No it is not the most pleasant of subjects but I like to think myself as a realist and as thorough. Here is a link that tells you how to deal with number 2!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Most importantly folks focus on the "why" to follow the instructions especially around water sources. <br></p>
<p dir="ltr">http://wikihow.com/Go-to-the-Bathroom-in-the-Woods</p>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-32403792582780962392014-06-29T19:21:00.002-07:002014-06-29T19:21:16.469-07:00T - FORTY DAYS until Pikes Peak40 days until we hit the Barr Trail head and work out way up to the summit over the next 2 days. Last night, down in Austin Texas, I participated in my first 5K (walking) since 1998 and it educated me that I have a bit more work to do to prepare myself. The hip and leg did fine. The buttock and my calf of my operated leg were tired. My right ankle is also a bit sore today and slightly swollen. I also used trekking poles for the first time and learned a lesson; shoulders, traps, and pectoral muscles get tired too!!!! This was also a good test because there were some nice long inclines, ala the edge of the hill county! <br />
<br />
This little 3.2 mile walk was a huge dose of reality! While I have lost 130 pounds to prepare for this adventure I need to shed as much more as I can (my goal 70 more) and best be bringing a Rocky like montage of training!Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-84339835212580330922014-06-26T04:35:00.001-07:002014-06-26T04:35:47.808-07:00Weigh in<p dir="ltr">Up 3 pounds. I haven't been balanced with work, exercise, diet, life events. I haven't been handling stress well. I haven't been focused. I haven't been organized in my diet and exercise. Folks without foucus, organization and balance it is hard to be successful in all areas. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yKweqPueprs/U6wFkV3esAI/AAAAAAAALqs/TgSozkX0Zvo/s1600/20140626_062016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yKweqPueprs/U6wFkV3esAI/AAAAAAAALqs/TgSozkX0Zvo/s640/20140626_062016-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-45078486713480812492014-06-04T20:15:00.001-07:002014-06-04T20:15:57.042-07:00Weigh in<p dir="ltr">Down 3 more pounds in 6 days! I am coming for 240!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZlOOvikbVAY/U4_g6vCxdpI/AAAAAAAALCQ/hNx45iz6DPM/s1600/20140604_065158-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZlOOvikbVAY/U4_g6vCxdpI/AAAAAAAALCQ/hNx45iz6DPM/s640/20140604_065158-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-35370032373702371872014-05-29T20:53:00.001-07:002014-05-29T20:53:14.396-07:00Weigh in<p dir="ltr">BUSTED THROUGH! I finally past the 250 mark and am now closer to 200 than I am 300. I will admit I have been nervous to step on the scale. I cranked up the calories a bit, splurged a little more often but also cranked up the activity. Not just exercise but just "moving". I received this advice from research and friends and it has paid off! Charging like a bull to get below 200.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lrr19dIuPj0/U4gAp9ldTjI/AAAAAAAAK6M/oXVIt0R4VK8/s1600/20140529_071013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lrr19dIuPj0/U4gAp9ldTjI/AAAAAAAAK6M/oXVIt0R4VK8/s640/20140529_071013-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-58512904357649317822014-05-15T04:37:00.001-07:002014-05-15T04:37:39.809-07:00Weigh in<p dir="ltr">Dang it!!!!! I am right there! I have got to get past this 250 mark.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhTVkGNQ6YY/U3SnATo1SjI/AAAAAAAAKP4/bgLUPiUWNRw/s1600/20140515_062448-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhTVkGNQ6YY/U3SnATo1SjI/AAAAAAAAKP4/bgLUPiUWNRw/s640/20140515_062448-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-87881544465369043552014-05-03T06:28:00.001-07:002014-05-03T06:28:01.359-07:00Weigh in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--fAYkSSBDM8/U2Tu2xUs6-I/AAAAAAAAKKM/5Gww8Pms5ww/s1600/20140503_082403-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--fAYkSSBDM8/U2Tu2xUs6-I/AAAAAAAAKKM/5Gww8Pms5ww/s640/20140503_082403-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-37696281941021276552014-04-27T14:49:00.000-07:002014-04-27T14:49:17.492-07:00Lightning Survival and Risk Managment Information for Hiking"Yeah it was scary! The car was 600 yards away and I ran as hard as I could PRAYING not to get struck. I lasted about 150 yards then screeched to a walk, out of oxygen, wasted, and praying I WOULD get struck." -- This is from a recent conversation with an awesome, fit, brother-in-law who lives in Texas but visits Colorado quite often. A storm sneaked upon his group from the blind side of the mountain while they fished. He made it safe to the car and back down the mountain where he said, "I went straight to my tent, laid down, and it took over 4 hours before I felt right again"<br />
<br />
According to a write up <a href="http://www.wildbackpacker.com/wilderness-survival/articles/surviving-a-lightning-storm/" target="_blank">Wild Backpacker</a> on average there are over 50 deaths from lightning strikes annually in the United States and as many as 24,000 globally. In previous post I pointed to data the reported that the county Pike's Peak resides in, El Paso County, was the second highest in Colorado for cloud to ground lightning strikes. Immediately below is an excerpt from a previous post, "<a href="http://www.fourteenthousandonehundredten.com/2014/03/barr-trail-this-is-not-walk-in-park-pun.html" target="_blank">Barr Trail, This is Not a Walk in the Park</a>" Followed by that are What to do, and what not do that I have read during my research for this post.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lightning:</span></b><br />
According to the NOAA there are on average 27.5 thousand cloud to ground lightning strikes per year in El Paso county Colorado. The numbers in the image below are in the thousands and represent an annual average. Notice El Paso county, home of Barr Trail is by far the second most county for cloud to ground lighting strikes.<br />
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Keep in mind too that when hiking up Pike's Peak, based on your altitude, you could end up INSIDE the cloud where lightning is occurring.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9sHg3kGP0/UzWe7GPuLDI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/R3lbZnuIaCs/s1600/lightningStrikesPerYearInThousandsInColorado+-+cited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9sHg3kGP0/UzWe7GPuLDI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/R3lbZnuIaCs/s1600/lightningStrikesPerYearInThousandsInColorado+-+cited.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below is table, also from NOAA, that provides statistics on lightening injuries and fatalities. It is critically important to understand what to look for to avoid being caught in a lightening storm and safety measures to take in the event you do become so. My eyes did widen a bit when I saw there were 12 injured by lightening last year in El Paso county. Hovering over that row in the table you will find a link to a story that reports this was a single event on an Army base.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 463px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 49pt;" width="65"></col><col style="width: 59pt;" width="79"></col><col style="width: 38pt;" width="51"></col><col style="width: 68pt;" width="90"></col><col style="width: 62pt;" width="83"></col><col style="width: 71pt;" width="95"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">Year</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">Month</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">Day</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Time</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">Total Killed</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">Total Injured</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">2013</a></td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">July</a></td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">31</a></td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">1345</a></td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">0</a></td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">12</a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2011</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">5</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2010</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">10</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1240</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2008</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1420</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">2</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2007</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">22</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2007</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">2</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2007</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">September</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">2</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1758</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2006</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">19</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1700</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">13</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1040</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">25</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1715</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">23</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2001</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1620</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2001</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">30</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2000</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">25</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1159</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2000</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">28</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1630</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1999</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">19</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1700</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">8</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1999</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1406</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1999</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1420</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1998</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">19</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1500</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1997</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">6</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1230</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1997</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">13</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1800</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1996</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">September</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">10</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1996</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">10</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1720</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1996</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">20</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1900</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1995</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1500</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1995</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1615</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1995</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">2</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">n/a</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1994</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">14</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1500</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1994</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">29</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1300</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1991</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">31</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1615</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1990</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1615</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1990</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1800</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1989</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">26</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1988</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">23</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1845</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">2</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">28</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Afternoon</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">2</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1345</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">13</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">30</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Afternoon</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1985</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1745</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1985</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">18</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1600</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1982</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1630</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1981</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Afternoon</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1981</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">1</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1715</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top-style: none; height: 15pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1981</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">26</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1215</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/?n=/ltg/county_stats_2.php" target="_blank">NOAA</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Lightning Position:</b></span><br />
If are in a situation where a lightning storm is upon you and you are not in a modern structure or a hard topped vehicle then a safe measure to take would be to get into the Lightning Position. The goal is to create as SMALL a front print as possible touching the ground and to be as low as possible.<br />
Remove any protruding metal from you (i.e. back pack frames, trekking poles) and distance from it,<br />
Put both feet closely together (if possible get on a foam pad or pack with no metal)<br />
Squat down on the balls of your feet<br />
Head down and hands over your ears<br />
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If you are with others then separate out at least 50' from one another. The point of this is that it will hopefully reduce the number of casualties if there is a strike and allow others to render aid to anyone who is struck.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To Do's and NOT To Do's:</b></span><br />
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<b>Prevention is Best:</b><br />
1. Time visits to high risk areas with local weather patterns.<br />
2. Keep an eye on the weather and turn around to safety sooner rather than later<br />
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<b>Seek Shelter:</b><br />
1. An enclosed modern structure is best, a hard topped vehicle is a runner up<br />
2. If there is no structure or vehicle then head for safer terrain<br />
a. If on a mountain; descend, most preferably on a side not covered by clouds, below the tree line is safer than above<br />
b. If there is no more time to descend, meaning the lightning is upon you or soon will be<br />
i. find a significant depression and go to it get into the Lightning Position<br />
ii. find a grove of trees trying to surround your self with shorter trees which hopefully are further out surrounded by taller trees. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object. Get into the Lightning Position.<br />
A GROVE OF TREES IS SAFER THAN OPEN TERRAIN; WHERE YOU MAY VERY WELL BE THE TALLEST OBJECT.<br />
3. If 1 and 2 are not options and the storm is upon you get into the Lightning Position.<br />
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<b>What to Avoid:</b><br />
1. Being the tallest object if possible! (BUT DO NOT LAY DOWN; get in the Lightning Position)<br />
2. Do not stand or seek shelter under the tallest object<br />
3. Peaks and ridges<br />
4. Overhangs (this includes your front porch by the way)<br />
5. Wide open ground<br />
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<b>What do if someone is struck:</b><br />
If an individual is struck by lightning it is best to render aid as soon as safely possible.<br />
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IT IS A MYTH THAT YOU WILL BE SHOCKED BY THE PERSON THAT WAS JUST STRUCK<br />
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There is a high chance that the individual may be in cardiac arrest (their heart has stopped beating) and that they are not breathing. Training in CPR and First Aid are offered in multiple venues. Classes, training methods, and reference info; including phone apps, backed by the Red Cross and the American Heart Association can be found on line.<br />
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/lp/take-a-class" target="_blank">Click Here for the Red Cross</a><br />
<a href="https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CommunityCPRandFirstAid/Community-CPR-First-Aid_UCM_001123_SubHomePage.jsp" target="_blank">Click Here for the AHA</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Handy <a href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/Image/riw/backcountry_lightning.pdf" target="_blank">Lightning Risk Management Pamphlet</a> for Hikers and Campers</b></span><br />
The NOAA, the National Weather Service, and NOLS, have put together a PDF to be downloaded, printed, followed, and toted. It is very illustrated and informative. I especially like the large "at a glance" graphic that shows examples of areas the at greatest risk to least risk. <br />
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<a href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/Image/riw/backcountry_lightning.pdf" target="_blank">Click Here to access the Pamphlet</a>.<br />
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NOLS also has a nice write up on backcounty lightning risk management that explains the "why" to some of the safety precautions advised to be taken, Such as seek a grove of small trees next to larger trees. <a href="http://rendezvous.nols.edu/files/Curriculum/research_projects/Risk%20Management%20Reports/NOLS%20Backcountry%20Lightning%20Safety%20Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">Click Here to view their document</a>.<br />
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Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-91974533259284971732014-04-26T04:25:00.001-07:002014-04-26T04:25:21.241-07:00Weigh in<p dir="ltr">Just 5 pounds away from being closer to 200 than I am 300!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AzUsR9MaL1k/U1uXnlLMqUI/AAAAAAAAKHU/P8qcP8sAijk/s1600/20140426_061738-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AzUsR9MaL1k/U1uXnlLMqUI/AAAAAAAAKHU/P8qcP8sAijk/s640/20140426_061738-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-41907336878029172252014-04-20T09:37:00.001-07:002014-04-20T09:37:59.238-07:00My hip is 1 month old!<p dir="ltr">Yesterday marked 4 weeks since my hip replacement. The day before that I was told by the therapist at my doctor's office that I was to slow it WAY down. I was disappointed to hear this. I have heard that I need to slow it down a bit but this new therapist gave me the physiologic facts and possible repercussions. I have requested a phone call with my doctor to run what she said by him. She reminded me that he is a true extreme athlete (biathlons / triathlons) and said he is probably going to say, "heck yeah, go for it!"</p>
<p dir="ltr">I will do as always, gather advice, facts, opinions, of others and then make my own decision. I will not purposefully do something that will cause this replacement to be ineffective and place me right back in the same pain I have been in over the past 25+ years. To that end, I have already come to the decision there is MUCH I can do cardio wise and resistance wise to train, and I can train every other muscle, joint, bone in my body to its max potential while still babying my right hip and femur and performing only recommend exercises upon it.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-deA4br1ynUo/U1P35GMXXzI/AAAAAAAAKBo/3ihHqurW7gQ/s1600/20140417_114111-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-deA4br1ynUo/U1P35GMXXzI/AAAAAAAAKBo/3ihHqurW7gQ/s640/20140417_114111-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-62196494155600754092014-04-17T07:22:00.001-07:002014-04-17T07:22:25.029-07:00Weigh in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NNMbGt23YxU/U0_jnSTHiKI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/dAgqTsepgzs/s1600/20140417_091956-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NNMbGt23YxU/U0_jnSTHiKI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/dAgqTsepgzs/s640/20140417_091956-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-4235088193456694832014-04-10T05:38:00.001-07:002014-04-10T05:38:25.419-07:00Weigh In<p dir="ltr">Put 3 pounds on post surgery. Can I blame this new EXTREMELY HEAVY hip? :/ Gotta get back on a proper diet and find new ways to get cardio!!!! Pikes Peak! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BqfN2uCgggU/U0aQv0AIfkI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/JhRRrvjl4N8/s1600/20140410_072514-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BqfN2uCgggU/U0aQv0AIfkI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/JhRRrvjl4N8/s640/20140410_072514-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-14103708366348987822014-04-07T20:52:00.000-07:002014-04-07T20:52:13.171-07:00Notes about Water and Purification Systems for HikersWhile I am feeling fairly secure in the fact that during our hike on 8/9/14 up Barr Trail to Barr Camp and then on to the summit of Pikes Peak on 8/10/14 that will have plenty of drinking I always favor on the side of being prepared. We will take water with us and there is typically drinkable water at Barr Camp and then again at the Summit House but there in the event we need to rely on one of the water sources on America's Mountain I will be packing a water purification system.<br />
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There a few sites out there the have write ups on comparisons but by far the best I found was from <a href="http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews" target="_blank">Outdoor Gear Lab</a> from the which the below information is taken. But first a little on the importance of water especially as it pertains to physical exertion and altitude.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Physiological Facts</span></b><br />
According to the <a href="http://water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html" target="_blank">United States Geological Survey web page</a> up to:<br />
60% of the human body is water<br />
73% of the brain and heart are water<br />
83% of the lungs<br />
64% of the skin<br />
79% of muscles and muscles and kidneys and<br />
31% of our bones are water!<br />
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Here it is a graphic from the USGS site. Notice that little blurb in the lower right hand concerning the aid in delivering OXYGEN to the entire body. I am thinking that will become even more critical the greater the ascent into higher altitudes.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgcl8laAGdc/U0Hglax75LI/AAAAAAAAJzI/Dp9O7dy3omg/s1600/WaterForHuman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgcl8laAGdc/U0Hglax75LI/AAAAAAAAJzI/Dp9O7dy3omg/s1600/WaterForHuman.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
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On a normal day the adult male needs 3 liters of water and females 2.2. According to the <a href="http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews#bicreview" target="_blank">Outdoor Gear Lab site</a> when exercising in the mountains the required amount of water can increase by 50% meaning men may require over 4 liters of water and women 3 per day. <br />
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By the way; water weighs 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) per liter. This is something important to keep in mind as you pack the amount of gear you will be carrying.<br />
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Concerning altitude sickness I have come across contradicting information but most of it ways towards the fact that drinking additional water helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. What seems more plausible is that dehydration is mistaken for altitude sickness. Dehydration will be more prevalent during the hike due to a couple of factors, the most obvious being the additional exertion of hiking up the side of mountain. Another factor is increased water vapor lost from the lungs, according to <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Altitude-Sickness" target="_blank">WikiHow</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Water Purification System Options</b></span><br />
<b>Items to consider when selecting a system:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Cost - How much will the system set you back your pocket book?</li>
<li>Reliability and Effectiveness - When out in the middle of nowhere will you be able to count on the system? Will the system rid the water of both bacteria and virus?</li>
<li>Amount of water treated - How many hikers will be needing the water? Will you be expecting to cook with the water?</li>
<li>Time to treat - Will treatment be fairly instant or will have to treat for several hours.</li>
<li>Weight - How much weight will the system be adding to your gear</li>
<li>Ease of use - Will you need an engineer degree to put the system together or will be as simple as dropping a tablet into a bottle of water?</li>
</ul>
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<b>Types of Systems: Those that CLEANS / Those that PURIFY</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Pump filters - cleanse water by pumping it through a filter</li>
<li>Gravity-fed filters - cleanse water by using gravity to push it through a filter</li>
<li>Drops and tablets - purify water by treating it with a chemical</li>
<li>UV Light - purify water by treating it with ultraviolet light</li>
</ul>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Selection(s)</span></b><br />
For our trip up Barr Trail my understanding is that risk of virus is extremely is typically more a concern when hiking outside the US and Canada. We will hopefully only be minutes or a few hours away from receiving assistance if so needed. I would like to be able drink the water almost immediately and not have to carry around additional water while it treats. Hopefully we will be staying at Barr Camp where they will be cooking our meals, so that shouldn't be a concern!<br />
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Bottom line I may not really need a purification system but as I mentioned before I do believe in being prepared AND the geek in me wants so new toys to play with! I initially chose the Sawyer Squeeze System. This was due to the fact it met my requirements; low cost, light weight, eliminated pathogens and very small particulate and was rated a best buy by Outdoor Gear Lab.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMejIRasB9Q/U0NtcJe-vbI/AAAAAAAAJzY/TKXTCaMIL8M/s1600/SawyerSqueeze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMejIRasB9Q/U0NtcJe-vbI/AAAAAAAAJzY/TKXTCaMIL8M/s1600/SawyerSqueeze.jpg" height="320" width="112" /></a></div>
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The Squeeze System does not eliminate viruses and after performing some additional research for this post I decided to cover some additional bases (and yes get another toy) and decided to purchase the Steri-Pen as well to eliminate any viral agents that may be in the water source. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIpmUaX824k/U0NwJL-xT6I/AAAAAAAAJzk/4VErSoOuJYk/s1600/steripen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIpmUaX824k/U0NwJL-xT6I/AAAAAAAAJzk/4VErSoOuJYk/s1600/steripen.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
So to wrap up I realize my "newbness" is showing by adding extra weight to our gear and spending a little more than I need to but the bottom line is a will be able to squash bacteria, virus, and sizable particulate from our water. I hope others find this information useful and as always I welcome feedback and most importantly advice.Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-67011257496630891822014-03-28T11:37:00.000-07:002014-03-28T11:37:23.648-07:00Barr Trail: This is NOT a Walk in the Park (pun intended)It is FLATTERING that some of you want to join us on the hike. I have spoken with a few of those folks but want to capture in writing what education over the past several months has provided me about this excursion. I have NOT hiked Barr trail. So 99% of what follows is second hand. I will work to keep it is as objective as possible. It is intended to EDUCATE, not scare nor deter, there is no undo drama. I have been to the summit of Pike's Peak via vehicle, and it can be difficult to catch your breath if active, and I can assure you this trail will be nothing like those around our lakes! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GEOLOGY</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Trail Distance:</span></b></div>
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12.8 miles sticks in my head but other reports are</div>
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13 miles according to <a href="http://www.americantrails.org/NRTDatabase/trailDetail.php?recordID=2160" target="_blank">National Recreation Trai</a>l</div>
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11.8 miles according to the <a href="http://www.barrtrail.net/" target="_blank">Barr Trail website</a></div>
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12.6 miles according to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barr_Trail" target="_blank">Wikipedia page of Barr Trail</a></div>
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From the trail head to <a href="http://www.barrcamp.com/" target="_blank">Barr Camp</a> my understanding is that approximately 6.8 miles.</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Elevation / Altitude:</span></b></div>
<div>
Trail Head: 6500<br />
Barr Camp: 10,200<br />
Pike's Peak Summit: 14115 (Not a typo)</div>
<div>
The signs up top have not been updated as of this writing. I learned this fact well after I came up with the FourteenThousandOneHundredTen name and URL. So the way I see it if the summit is really 14115 then there must be, by scientific law, a spot that is 14110. So I have told others I will keep my goal 14110 and then just over achieve once I get there!</div>
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There is a such thing as altitude sickness that under certain circumstances could lead to death.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gain:</span></b></div>
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The change in elevation is over 7500 feet is what I have always said; other reports</div>
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7900 feet according to the <a href="http://www.barrtrail.net/" target="_blank">Barr Trail website</a></div>
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7615 doing the math <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barr_Trail" target="_blank">Wikipedia page of Barr Trail</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade:</span></b></div>
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The average grade is 11% according to <a href="http://www.skyrunner.com/ppcourse.htm" target="_blank">Skyrunner</a> from who the below image is from.<br />
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<a href="http://www.skyrunner.com/img/l_11percent.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.skyrunner.com/img/l_11percent.gif" height="70" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CLIMATE</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oxygen Levels:</span></b><br />
One of the most profound words of advice I have received is that you can perform all the cardiovascular training you want but it is not going to prepare you for the major decrease in Oxygen percentages. There are some, what I would consider expensive, methods for attempting to prepare your body for the higher altitude from the comfort of you low altitude<br />
Here is a link to see what the elevation is at your specific location:<br />
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<a href="http://veloroutes.org/elevation/" target="_blank">VeloRoutes</a><br />
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And below is chart to show you the percentage oxygen at varying altitudes to compare yours against.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqcKhmU36O0/UzTDZx7IhJI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/_cUBPBiCADU/s1600/AltitudeVsO2Chart+-+cited+Barr+Camp+stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqcKhmU36O0/UzTDZx7IhJI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/_cUBPBiCADU/s1600/AltitudeVsO2Chart+-+cited+Barr+Camp+stamp.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Temperature:</span></b><br />
No matter the temperature the sun can cause damage to your skin. Make certain to utilize sunscreen and dress appropriately.<br />
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Here is a comparison of the Summit of Pikes Peak compared to that of the trail head located in Manitou Springs.<br />
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<b>Summit:</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPqa5qlhjY8/UzTiqOf-y4I/AAAAAAAAJpg/wSTPnwLLab4/s1600/summitAvgTemps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPqa5qlhjY8/UzTiqOf-y4I/AAAAAAAAJpg/wSTPnwLLab4/s1600/summitAvgTemps.jpg" height="270" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Trail head in Manitou Springs:</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrOHSwZpJzY/UzWDgyuy7XI/AAAAAAAAJp8/0X13ro2aaMQ/s1600/TrailHeadAvgTemps+-+cited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrOHSwZpJzY/UzWDgyuy7XI/AAAAAAAAJp8/0X13ro2aaMQ/s1600/TrailHeadAvgTemps+-+cited.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lightning:</span></b><br />
According to the NOAA there are on average 27.5 thousand cloud to ground lightning strikes per year in El Paso county Colorado. The numbers in the image below are in the thousands and represent an annual average. Notice El Paso county, home of Barr Trail is by far the second most county for cloud to ground lighting strikes.<br />
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Keep in mind too that when hiking up Pike's Peak, based on your altitude, you could end up INSIDE the cloud where lightning is occurring.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9sHg3kGP0/UzWe7GPuLDI/AAAAAAAAJqM/GAf_rLBxTKM/s1600/lightningStrikesPerYearInThousandsInColorado+-+cited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9sHg3kGP0/UzWe7GPuLDI/AAAAAAAAJqM/GAf_rLBxTKM/s1600/lightningStrikesPerYearInThousandsInColorado+-+cited.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below is table, also from NOAA, that provides statistics on lightening injuries and fatalities. It is critically important to understand what to look for to avoid being caught in a lightening storm and safety measures to take in the event you do become so. My eyes did widen a bit when I saw there were 12 injured by lightening last year in El Paso county. Hovering over that row in the table you will find a link to a story that reports this was a single event on an Army base.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 463px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2377; mso-width-source: userset; width: 49pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2889; mso-width-source: userset; width: 59pt;" width="79"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 1865; mso-width-source: userset; width: 38pt;" width="51"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3291; mso-width-source: userset; width: 68pt;" width="90"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3035; mso-width-source: userset; width: 62pt;" width="83"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3474; mso-width-source: userset; width: 71pt;" width="95"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">Year</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">Month</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">Day</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Time</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">Total Killed</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">Total Injured</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">2013</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">July</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">31</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">1345</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">0</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95"><a href="http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?list=194968&id=928452#.UzWIG_ldUZE" target="_blank">12</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2011</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2010</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">10</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1240</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2008</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1420</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2007</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">22</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2007</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">2</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2007</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">September</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">2</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1758</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2006</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">19</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1700</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">13</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1040</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">25</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1715</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2003</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">23</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2001</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1620</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2001</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">30</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2000</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">25</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1159</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">2000</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">28</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1630</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1999</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">19</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1700</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1999</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1406</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1999</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">24</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1420</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1998</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">19</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1500</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1997</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">6</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1230</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1997</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">13</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1800</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1996</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">September</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">10</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1330</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1996</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">10</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1720</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1996</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">20</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1900</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1995</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1500</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1995</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1615</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1995</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">2</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">n/a</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1994</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">14</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1500</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1994</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">29</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1300</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1991</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">31</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1615</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1990</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1615</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1990</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1800</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1989</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">26</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1988</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">23</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1845</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">28</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Afternoon</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1345</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">13</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1400</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1987</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">June</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">30</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Afternoon</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1985</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1745</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1985</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">18</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1600</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1982</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">9</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1630</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1981</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">August</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">5</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">Afternoon</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1981</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">July</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">1</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1715</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 49pt;" width="65">1981</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 59pt;" width="79">May</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 38pt;" width="51">26</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 68pt;" width="90">1215</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 62pt;" width="83">0</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 71pt;" width="95">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/?n=/ltg/county_stats_2.php" target="_blank">NOAA</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Strategy</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Educate appropriately</li>
<li>Train appropriately</li>
<li>Day of the Hikes start out early, beat the afternoon weather, and know that the average person will go from trail head to summit in 6 to 8 hours</li>
<li>Dress in layers be prepared for the heat, the cold, the rain, the snow</li>
<li>Pack light and appropriately</li>
<li>Keep an eye on the weather</li>
<li>Know your limits and use good judgement in pushing them</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Inadequate Preparedness: Real World Example</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>A fellow's video captured experience and lessons learned:</b><br />
If you are planning on ever making this hike then I strongly suggest you watch these videos. While performing some practice hikes this gentleman learned he was not prepared. Examples the viewer will see is that he starts late, had no idea of the distance, over-packed, and did not train appropriately. I intend no insult to this fellow and promote the videos viewing due to the fact they are publicly posted. Another benefit of these videos is some great footage of the trail's views and shots of Barr Camp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7laJ9mXKKc" target="_blank">Night before</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xad-H4RSZWA" target="_blank">Morning of</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqxc0dE1OpI" target="_blank">Hike video 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flauwlNojqQ" target="_blank">Hike video 2</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVD2w20lO4" target="_blank">Hike video 3</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qxCHOMMU6E" target="_blank">Hike video 4</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjV0kiCVk74" target="_blank">Hike video 5</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7iaZrM3eI4" target="_blank">Hike video 6</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viorEHTCzN4" target="_blank">Barr Camp 1</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt51HIJxPjY" target="_blank">Barr Camp 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwwnmq4lcrQ" target="_blank">Barr Camp 3</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebmvO3RuPd0" target="_blank">Barr Camp 4</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MhhTFQK5HI" target="_blank">Barr Camp 5</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCERF8ULKJ0" target="_blank">Hike Cancelled</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I encourage people to assess their health, abilities, knowledge,and time to prepare. Do not underestimate this challenge. If there is a desire and commitment to complete this hike, either by gifting us with your companionship on 8/9/14 and 8/10/14 or any other time in your life, then <b>GO FOR IT!</b></div>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-35579663470488497582014-03-26T09:44:00.000-07:002014-03-26T09:44:10.092-07:00Open Invitation and High Level Itinerary 8/6/14 to 8/12/14With the hip replacement milestone met I would like to offer an open invitation to those family, friends, and supporters that would like to celebrate life, each other, and the majesty of Pike's Peak to join us! Whether it is the early morning kick off at the Barr Trail trail head August 9th, the summit of Pike's Peak August 10th, or ANY part in between it would be a joy and an honor to have others share in building what I hope will be one of my son's greatest memories!<br />
<br />
I will begin posting to the blog more frequently covering topics in more detail such the trail itself, Barr Camp, the summit, Cog Rail, training/hiking/preparedness, Colorado Springs, and Manitou Springs; among others...<br />
<br />
Our high level intermarry so far:<br />
<br />
<b>8/6/14</b> - per a suggestion to allow our bodies time to acclimate to the altitude we plan to arrive in Colorado Springs<br />
<b>8/7/14</b> - Get a lay of the land, trail head, Pike's Peak entrance, restaurants, begin rounding up those that have said they would join us, practice hike / site seeing in one of the many trails suggested to us, perhaps something a Garden of the God's.<br />
<b>8/8/14</b> - A day on top of Pike's Peak, per a suggestion we will drive to the top of Pike's Peak to help our bodies become even more acclimated to the altitude. We will picnic, site see, practice hikes, and over all relax and enjoy each other's company.<br />
<b>8/9/14</b> - Hit the Barr Trail trail head by early, 6 or 7 a.m.'ish local time. Ascend to Barr Camp taking in the beauty and reveling in the experience. The afternoon and night will be spent on the side of the mountain at the Barr Camp level. We have purchased the private large upper cabin which sleeps 12. family and close friends that wish to spend the night may sleep with us in there on the 9th.<br />
<b>8/10/14 -</b> leave Barr Camp early and attempt to summit Pike's Peak! Enjoy the moment! later descend via car either by either a relative, friend, or car service. That night celebrate, if enough energy, at a location to be determined!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Contingency Plan</span></b><br />
There is NO GUARANTEE that the peak will be accessible via foot, train, or car! There is ALWAYS the chance the only way off the mountain is to HIKE back down. That being said we have booked 3 spots for Simon, Trish, and I in the main cabin the night of 8/10/14 in case we cannot summit the day of the 10th. We plan to make another go of it on the 11th. If we cannot summit the 11th we will head off the mountain either that day or the 12th camping where we can until we make the hike back down to the trail head.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ton's of places and ways others can join us!</span></b><br />
If we are blessed enough for others to want to participate in some fashion there are many opportunities beyond performing the entire hike!<br />
<b>Other ideas are:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Join us on the 8th to hang out on Pike's Peak!</li>
<li>Join us at the summit as we complete our goal!</li>
<li>Head to the summit on 8/10 and hike down the Golden Staircase, then hike back up the Golden Staircase with us! (Another post will review the Golden Staircase)</li>
<li>Take the Cog Rail to meet with us and visit Barr Camp, Do the same for the summit! (Other posts will cover Cog Rail and Barr Camp)</li>
<li>Join us at the trail head and hike part way up!</li>
<li>Join us the night of the 10th or any other time in Colorado to enjoy this wonderful state!</li>
</ul>
<br />
RSVP's would be greatly appreciated so we know where to look for you! Contact me with questions, concerns, ADVICE, encouragement:<br />
Follow my account on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fourteenthousand.onehundredten" target="_blank">Fourteenthousand Onehundredten</a><br />
Or email me: joseph@whyjoseph.com<br />
<br />
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD! It motivates me and I hope to inspire others!<br />
<br />
<br />Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-4416118292242790022014-03-25T06:53:00.001-07:002014-03-25T07:26:09.034-07:0014110 Gear is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used vistaprint.com. 2 sided printing on hats with shipping were $20.00 and the T-Shirts $15.00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hrq6gtLjXHI/UzGKRGlAFTI/AAAAAAAAJn0/6O_thjUyzxk/s1600/20140325_084551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hrq6gtLjXHI/UzGKRGlAFTI/AAAAAAAAJn0/6O_thjUyzxk/s640/20140325_084551.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EbPbd-loDrQ/UzGKSdExTRI/AAAAAAAAJn8/06sIq_Wimco/s1600/20140325_084421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EbPbd-loDrQ/UzGKSdExTRI/AAAAAAAAJn8/06sIq_Wimco/s640/20140325_084421.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-55739817156366192192014-03-23T12:24:00.000-07:002014-03-23T12:24:04.100-07:00Milestone Complete: Hip Replaced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--eX69pDvJMA/Uy8t0FuKwGI/AAAAAAAAJf0/xFCbQ9u9xgk/s1600/20140323_064921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--eX69pDvJMA/Uy8t0FuKwGI/AAAAAAAAJf0/xFCbQ9u9xgk/s640/20140323_064921.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is amazing that 48 hours after having a total hip replacement I am on my way home. These medical advancements are incredible. The procedure I had was an anterior approach as opposed to a posterior. Meaning the surgeon went through more of the front of my leg and was able to pull my muscles aside as apposed to the posterior where the glute muscles are cut through. Pain management has also come a long way. Before I even entered the operating room they started me on multiple time release pain meds and nerve ending relaxers. Something else that was great was the training video and book provided months before the procedure that literally showed how to train to prepare for the surgery and strengthen ancillary muscles that would be needed to move around and compensate for those that were traumatized during the surgery. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am so excited to have such an increase in my quality of life, everything from being able to tie my right shoe again, ride a bike, and then hike Barr Trail with beautiful wife and incredible son! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to give a special thank you to all those who are providing prayers and support! There have been offers and questions if others can join us on our adventure August 9th and summit August 10th and the answer is OF COURSE! IT WOULD BE AN HONOR! Even if others are there to see us off at the trail head on the 9th or meet us on the top on the 10th!</div>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-17648470353737926432014-03-18T17:41:00.000-07:002014-03-18T17:41:09.291-07:00Photo In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It shocked me, realizing how overweight I still am, just how much worse I was. There is still a long ways to go. This Friday is my total hip replacement and from there it is going to be an INCREDIBLE ride of rehab, exercise, and reduced diet all the way to August 9th when we hit the Barr Trail trail head. <b> PIKE'S PEAK OR BUST!</b></div>
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Thank you so much those that are supporting. Thank you VERY much to those following, liking, and sharing my story on Facebook. <b>PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD</b>. It motivates me to live so out loud and I hope to be an inspiration to others. </div>
Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544939628443412102.post-55027255476315199312014-03-09T19:25:00.001-07:002014-03-09T19:25:22.627-07:00Weigh in<p dir="ltr">Surgery is 3/21 going to push hard to get down to 250 by then.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5GlEUEoBU4I/Ux0ij2wJ82I/AAAAAAAAJMM/WqWj2Grw_DI/s1600/20140226_063829-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5GlEUEoBU4I/Ux0ij2wJ82I/AAAAAAAAJMM/WqWj2Grw_DI/s640/20140226_063829-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Joseph Kahlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04732459645244314872noreply@blogger.com0