Kusam Klimbers are a breed apart. What's your story? Tell us about your exciting, gruelling, and/or amusing, endurance event highlights....
Here are some of the things you wrote
"I've climbed this mountain when a young treenager growing up in the Sayward Valley, with adults & friends. We went up to the top of the clearing, some to the lake. There was snow in the lake. I don't remember exactly how long it took to go up, my girlfriend and I ran down the mountain, really we could not stop. It was so much fun, when I think back. I hope my endurence is good, my enthusiasm is the same for this mountain.
Shelley"
Owen is 78 years old, the oldest person to attempt the Klimb in 2004. He and Shelley took time to enjoy the trip. They made it over the top, to checkpoint #3 (Fisherboy). Unfortunately, they did not have enough time to complete the hike before dark, so they came out by vehicle. Owen emailed that they picked up garbage left by Klimbers. (two pieces of kleenex) :_) Thanks, Owen. We hope that next year Klimbers remember not to litter.
Ann is a grand-daughter of Joan Fersch, a Sayward pioneer who climbed Mt. H'kusam with a party of young people during the latter part of the second world war. Joan was only 16. Her story of her climb was recorded by Bill West-Sells, and will be put in a history section of the website.
Ann wrote:
"Klimbing Kusam in memory of Grandma Joan Fersch. She can see me better when I'm way up there!!!"
Ann had a fantastic run, we asked if Joan helped. Ann laughed and said, maybe she was throwing rocks at me.
Ann, Shelley and Owen are only three of a number of former Sayward residents who came to do the first Kusam Klimb Mountain Endurance Event. Andrew Hallam, Kyra Kendrick, and Barb Gilroy are Gold Prize winners who have a Sayward connection. Many others will be added to the Klimber Profiles section, as well as those visitng us for the first time.
Kurt, thanks for 'gathering up' Madeline fairly early on the trail and staying with her. You helped her make it all the way, even though you probably would have done the Klimb a lot faster on your own. Madeline really appreciated it.