Ode to the Gornergrot

Edward Whymper, an Englishman, was the first to scale successfully The Matterhorn in 1865. It was his 7th try. People said the mountain was haunted and impossible to conquer. So he did it, but at a cost: four in his expedition perished on the descent. We had a much better success rate, yesterday, on our climb of the Gornergrot, the mountain facing Disney Sr. Was it the highlight of the trip? For 24 of us it was, even though THall said, "The Gornergrot kicked our buts."

After an early breakfast, we started in groups of seven or eight. Our trail led us through Pine and Evergreens, along a babbling creek, across a meadow or two, past a few swiss chalets and then we went up, straight up. Along the way, some rested, some charged. Groups exchanged personnel, short cuts were attempted, laughter turned to grumbling. When things got bleak, we`d sit and be rejuvenated by the most incredible vistas known to man. The gentle competetion kept us going, racing, cursing. Here is the official order of finish.

1. David Eiges--he didnt really want to win; just wanted time for another hike.
2. Mark Paulsen--Bob Dylan on his ipod did the trick
3. Meghan with an h Abramczyk--I never saw her rest
4. Mike Cooke--who got a late start and climbed without water.
5. Chelsea Alexander--she never complained
6. THall--did it with blisters
7. LV--he always says "I'll never do it again" but always reconsiders
8. Ashley Nassiri--she wanted to beat her boyfriend
8. Maddy DeWitt-Hoeger--almost beat her dad
10. Genevieve Wong--didn't even sweat, but got a little sunburn
11. Mitchell Beck
12. Brittany Daniels
13. Ryan Sung
14. Kelley Tran
15. Christine Huang
16. Lena Takehana

The next group consisted of:

17-24. Andy Kole, Victor Poon, Maddy Low, Dan Mathieu, Eric Haynes, Matt Lucky, Aaron Plocky, and Alex Kramer.

Getting a late start but coming on strong:

25. Alex Laetsch
26. Alex Graeber
27. Mike Tsujimoto

And then the lost group finally showed. They went the farthest because they continually went the wrong way, and they cursed the most--it echoed through the hills like an angry yodel. But they deserve props for perseverence.

28-32. Alexander Ochi, Laura Sattelmeier, Lyndsel Sherwood, Laura Chalfin, and Anna Minniti, Andrea Ingrassia, Kristin Evans

If you don't see your son or daughter listed he or she either attempted, tried another trail, or stayed in the city to shop. We don't begrudge them.

Each climber had his or her own method for mentally and physically persevering. For me I composed an ode as I strode. And here it is.

You thought you left me there to rot,
But I was on the Gornergrot.
You guessed I lost my will, my mind
Your thoughts of me left far behind.

But I was on the Gornergrot
The ancient peak that time forgot;
Across the way, The Matterhorn,
The most majestic ever born.

But I was on the Gornergrot.
I watched you fade toward the spot--
4000 meters, maybe more,
Then something happened to restore.

It came not from pride nor from within.
I knew I would again begin
And make my way up to the top,
For I was on the Gornergrot.

Frosty spoke of roads not taken,
Thoreau talked of desperation.
But I caught and passed you near the top
For I was on the Gornergrot.

The Mountain was the one that sustained.
The edelweiss, marmots and terrain.
You thought you left me there to rot,
But I was on the Gornergrot.

Truly, but wryly,
LV