North Dome, where my step-grandfather disappeared

[kennykb]

On 2014-11-02, I climbed North Dome with Jon from this forum and Jon's friend Chris. This trip was a personal pilgrimage for me, since my step-grandfather disappeared in 1940 after starting out for North Dome from his cabin in Spruceton. He was never heard from again, and his body was never found, even after the mountain was combed by hundreds of searchers. The mountain became quite a bugbear for my family, and I think I'm the first family member to make it back to the site since the tragic events unfolded.

More of the story can be found at my blog.

I signed him in at the canister.


Kevin at the summit by ke9tv, on Flickr


Memorial inscription by ke9tv, on Flickr

Thanks to Jon and Chris for putting up with a nervous Nellie.

[kennykb]

Oops, meant to include pictures of Jon and Chris as well!




Conditions on the ascent by ke9tv, on Flickr

[mike]

Great to see that you finally did ND. Yup, it's steep cliff bands are memorable. Further to the southeast, it becomes too steep. The climb from the west side is quite easy. But, once up the steep bands of cliffs the plateau is quite nice.

Thanks Jon and Chris for taking Kevin up there.

[mtnclimber]

Tough mtn to climb. Sorry to hear about your relative getting lost there and never being found.

[Birdman]

I remember you telling me the story over the summer. Glad you did the hike and thanks to the friends that went with you. Ed

[Jon]

Fun times. Now we just have to get back to Sherill! I have a pair of hiking poles I lost somewhere up there.

[kennykb]

Sure. Also Blackhead, come the Solstice!

[biscut]

That is an amazing story. Thanks for sharing. You must feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Congrats on conquering North Dome!