In this video my friend Lisa and I hike to Mt Kearsarge North and check out the fire tower at its summit!
Shoulder season with patchy snow and ice can have its dangerous moments. When to put on traction is always a question in your mind as you dodge the constant patches of ice along the trail. Unfortunately in this adventure, (though I don’t show it much) I injured myself the worst I’ve ever gotten injured on a hike. Though I’d like to say it was because I was distracted and not use to hiking and talking with a friend and my focus wasn’t 100% on the trail, it could happen any time whether we are trying our hardest or not to take careful steps.
We waited awhile after we had been bouncing around the trail dodging glare ice patches/sections barebooting it until we decided to put on our traction gear. Unfortunately after we had both fallen once.. My fall however was a doozy. I took to the side of the trail to avoid the dangerous portion, but my first step was on solid ice which swept me straight to the ground in an instant, hitting my face on a rock and slamming my knee into the ice, along with my arm and side that tried to break the fall. I was in such shock that I actually hit my head on a large rock/boulder… My main concern at first was wondering how bad I had hurt myself. Second, after realizing my head was ok, super sore, but ok.. I noticed my knee was in some pain. I got up, dusted myself off and decided I was fit enough to carry on the remaining .5 miles to the summit. After reaching the summit, I noticed I couldn’t straighten my hurt leg all the way and that it was having an odd cramping sensation behind the knee. Fast forward to a few minutes after we got far enough down the trail to remove our traction and bare boot again.. where small patches of ice/snow were very seldom, I somehow managed to find more ice to slip on with my hurt leg. This time, really doing a number on the ligaments and muscles, leaving me writhing in pain and once again on the ground.
We had about 1.5 miles remaining on our trek back and I had rendered my leg almost unusable. Able to hobble back at a snail pace, with the worlds best hiking buddy who had absolute patience, encouragement and kindness, I made it back to the vehicle on my own two legs. (With the help of a kind women who saw me struggling down the road, who offered me a ride the remaining 1/4 mile road walk)
Still waiting for the MRI that’s being scheduled for a more accurate diagnosis, but as of now the doctor told me that he thinks I broke my kneecap, and according to the x-ray images there is indeed a fracture there. He also mentioned there is a slight chance I tore my ACL..
Safety with traction is never going to be in question for me again. I will wear my rock spikes or crampons the minute there are large patches of ice. It’s not worth the potential injury that could occur. I’m lucky it wasn’t worse than it was. Praying that it’s a fast recovery and that I can get back out there in a couple months. As dumb as I feel for my injury, I have to keep reminding myself that it happens to the best of us and that is why safety should always be the first thing on our minds when out in the wilderness.
Always remember your ten assentials and ensure you have proper clothing, food and water for the journeys you take.
Happy and Safe Hiking!
If you guys are interested in this hike - this is the link for the route we took!
Mount Kearsarge North on AllTrails
www.alltrails....