Fourth of July

Happy 4th everyone. 

Boy did I have an exciting day. Leaving out of Port Clinton, PA, my group and I decided to hike to an overlook be watch fireworks room all the surrounding towns. A easy 10 miles to a place called the pinnacle. The day didn't even start for our little troupe until the early afternoon. On way out of town we managed to waste another hour cliff jumping into the river. The beautiful day spent at the river was incredible. Eventually we dried off and packed out. It was still a really slow day even after we had swum because we were fairly sure that there would be plenty of fireworks to watch when the sun went down. Why got to the view point around 8 and then something crazy happened. All of us were exploring, talking, or cooking dinner when a member of our group fell from the rock face he was climbing. Had a local that was sitting on the edge not seen him fall we might not have known for some time. He fell at least 20 vertical feet and from what we could tell tried to stand and was so disoriented in a boulder field he lost his footing and rolled another 30 or so feet. Over the next 5 hours something like 30 responders came to the scene, he was lifted out by cables, and then air lifted to a hospital. He had no memory of where he was, what day it was, or even how old he was. Needless to say it put a damper on our 4th of July night with everyone holding their breaths writing to find out if he wads going to be ok. We received word this morning that he has 6 broken ribs, a few fractured vertebrae, possible serious concussion, but should have no lasting damage. I spent most of my time once we arrived at the cliff climbing and exploring a cave not far from where he fell. I am glad he is ok but maybe I will think twice before I go bouldering again. Since we found out he is gonna be ok team morale has gone up exponentially. 

I need to light off some fireworks at some point. I am aching for some red neck celebrating..

More to follow later today and pictures!