First Flatiron
I climbed the Direct Route up the First Flatiron today, complete with a near-death experience (go HERE for a better account). On a ledge 2 pitches from the summit, I felt the most bizarre buzz of electricity-literally a flash of warmth, an audible buzz, followed by the standing of every hair in my body. This happened probably four times before I reached the summit, where I was quickly joined by Brandon. While setting up the rappel, we were hit by lightning. I’m feeling very lucky, because according to Wikipedia, 9-10% of those struck by lightning die, and the odds of being hit in the first place are 1:700,000 (although I suppose one could cheat those odds by hanging out on the summit of the First Flatiron in a storm). Needless to say, we both have Powerball tickets for this weeks drawing.
Perhaps the strangest part of the experience is the lack of introspection that I felt. There was no moment in which my life flashed before my eyes, merely a heightened sense of the dire need to get off of the summit before lightning struck again. Despite being cold, wet, and terrified, I have never moved so quickly or efficiently in my life. Never again will I turn down an opportunity to bail off of a route when conditions become potentially life-threatening. On the bright side, I can make another check on my to-do list.
