First of all, my father Gary Wiens has been severely injured and he’s in stable condition at Harborview Medical Center, one of the best trauma centers in the country. He’s broken his ribs and pelvis, but there are no signs of neurological damage and he’s completely aware and coherent. He’s a very tough guy, and things have worked out as well as possible considering what happened.
On Sunday July 11th, Gary, our friend Charlie, and I were hiking near Mount Baker in the North Cascades. We were hiking across an avalanche chute when we heard a loud crashing sound from above us. I looked up, and saw a huge log, eerily silhouetted against the sky, falling down from the cliffs above us. I remember thinking that I should run out of the way, and then realizing that I was already running. Charlie and I both ran up the trail and got out of the way, but Gary was behind us and had to take refuge behind a large fallen log. The falling log hit the log he was hiding behind, and both of the logs rolled over him and continued down the slope. The whole incident happened in slow motion; it was perhaps the longest few seconds of my life.
Log that fell from the cliff
Charlie and I immediately rushed to Gary to help him. The first few minutes were the scariest, blood was coming out of his mouth and each of his shallow breaths came out as a horrible moan. It was made worse by the fact that his eyes were glazed over and were moving erratically. We had seen a ranger with a radio earlier, and so Charlie immediately left to find him and summon help. There were two hikers behind us, Philip and David, who were both extremely helpful and supportive. It would have been much worse if I were alone. After a few minutes Gary calmed down immensely. His breathing slowed, and he was able to speak and focus his eyes. I did a quick survey of his injuries; I checked his pupils for concussion, and verified that he could move and feel his extremities.
At this point, Gary asked that we put all his warm clothes on him. This was surprising and reassuring. Here he was, severely injured and in pain, and he very calmly asked us to do exactly what they teach in a wilderness first aid course. We were able to strip off his cotton t-shirt and put all of his warm layers on his upper body. He wanted to be moved to a more comfortable position, but when we lifted him he complained of pain in his hip and so we attempted to make him as comfortable as possible on the hillside.
After about half an hour, Charlie returned with the ranger, a tough-looking guy named Ben Lehman. Not only was he able to call in help on his radio, but he also was a trained wilderness EMT. What a stroke of luck! Ben was amazingly helpful. He was calm and collected, and from what I remember from my limited training, he did all of the first-responder procedure by the book. He did a variety of diagnostic checks, everything from taking pulse to checking Gary’s entire neck and spine for possible fractures. Gary was calm and coherent this entire time, although he did cry out in pain when we moved him to check his spine. After he evaluated Gary, Ben pulled out a sleeping pad, and with the help of the two hikers we very carefully moved Gary up onto the trail.
The log that Gary hid behind
The accident had happened about two and a half miles from the trailhead, over relatively rough terrain. At this point, I ran to the trailhead, both to put the dog in the car and to ensure that the EMTs arriving on foot were able to find their way to the accident. It felt good to be moving, to be doing something that felt constructive. I met some EMTs from Skagit County at the trailhead, and headed back to the site of the accident. By the time I returned, two very competent EMTs from the Navy had been dropped from a helicopter and were preparing to strap Gary into a backboard to be airlifted out. We could tell Gary was in good hands, with both the Navy EMTs and the Skagit County EMTs, so Charlie and I said our goodbyes, and hiked out to the trailhead to race Gary to the hospital.
We worked out later that Gary had arrived at Harborview Medical Center before Charlie and I even reached the car. My predominate emotion at the time was not fear, but relief. We had done all we could for Gary; the rest was out of our hands. The drive back to Seattle was uneventful, and we arrived at the hospital shortly after midnight. We arrived to find that Gary was in stable condition, and had already been through a number of scans. He was hooked up to all manner of equipment, including tubes inserted into his chest to drain air that had escaped during the accident. He was conscious and glad to see us. We then found that almost all of his ribs had been fractured, and his pelvis was in several pieces. Thankfully, there appeared to be no major organ damage, and his head and spine were unharmed.
We were then told that he’d need to have surgery on his pelvis, and that it was possible he’d have to wait over a day for this to be done. At this point, Charlie and I were both exhausted, so we said goodbye and went home to sleep. The following morning I found out that they were able to get Gary into surgery early in the morning, and had re-aligned his pelvis, and installed a metal bar to keep it stabilized. The metal bar sticks out from his hips, and it looks like something you might hang a hand towel on.
Gary sleeping in the ICU
Gary has since been moved out of the ICU, and is doing quite well. He should be out of the hospital relatively soon. A full recovery is expected, although the hospital staff has been very reluctant to give specific numbers on recovery times. The one concrete number we’ve been given is that it’ll take at least six weeks for his pelvis to become “load-bearing”. The recovery process is going to be frustrating and painful, and he’ll need lots of assistance and rehabilitation.
This has been a major traumatic event, but I’ve been quite impressed with how well everyone has handled it. Gary has been very strong, and that has been greatly reassuring to Charlie and I. Starting with Ben Lehman, all of the medical staff we’ve dealt with have been very helpful and supportive. I would like to thank the ranger Ben Lehman, our friend Charlie Madden, the Skagit Country EMTs, the Naval EMTs, the excellent staff at Harborview Medical Center, and everyone else who has been involved in ensuring Gary’s safe recovery.
Gary’s recovery is going to be a long and arduous process. He’s going to need all the support we can give him. I’m sure he’ll appreciate any phone calls and letters you can send his way. We’re not sure how long he’ll be at the hospital, so you can send any cards and letters to my house and I’ll make sure he gets them.
As a child, you grow up believing that your father is invincible. This accident has only confirmed that hypothesis. For such an unfortunate incident, it’s been amazing how fortunate we have been. I’m very lucky to have Gary as a father, and my fear of losing him has been overshadowed by my belief that in a few years this difficult time will be little more than a memory.
For more information, see this article in the Helena Independent Record.
The Bellingham Herald has a short article about the accident. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/07/13/1524287/hiker-injured-by-falling-log-in.html
Wow, what a story! I’m glad that you and Charlie were unhurt and that your dad is going to be ok. And you’re right, we are invincible.
Tell your dad that I really feel for him. I broke just three of my ribs last year, and that was intensely painful. Breaking all those ribs and his pelvis as well has got to be really tough. I forsee many blurry nights ahead retelling that one. It reminds me of the time one of my climbing partners broke his leg on Dragon Tail and had to be helicopterd out. Although he was not hurt nearly as badly as your dad.
Thanks for sharing that. I hope you don’t mind, I am passing it along to some of my buddies who I am planning a trip with at the end of this month. These kinds of stories help us all to be a little wiser when we venture out.
Jill told me about this yesterday. Here’s my best wishes for Gary’s speedy recovery.
My family and I are thinking of you and if you need anything please contact me. We know that we will see you back in Helena soon. Looking forward to hearing of your rapid recovery.
Bill, I’m a friend of your Dad’s in Helena. I’m so sorry this happened to him and to you. Your Dad is in such fantastic physical condition (for a man even half his age). I hope this helps him tremendously. It does not surprise me that he had his wits about him to ask for his warm clothes. Your Dad is really, really bright. My thoughts are with all of you at this time. I’m sure it was really tough to witness this, Bill….keep writing in your blog. Time will help. When you see your Dad next, give him a really big (but not squeezing) hug from me. Maybe just hold his hand.
Diane
Dear Bill,
First, I am SO THANKFUL that you are okay and so sorry that your dad has to experience this. You responded just as you should have and I am very proud of you. I will try to figure out now how to call from here on a Sunday night in Santiago, Spain. Think about whether I should fly home to Seattle this week or August 9th. I can do either.
Dear Gary & Bill,
What a terrifying experience. You were both very brave to keep your heads through the whole thing. I am so happy that everything points to a full recovery for you, Gary. Please know that I am thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers.
Diane
Dear Bill (and Gary if you are reading yet). Amazing. I am so impressed at how you handled this Bill, both on the Mountain and since then. Gary, you are amazingly strong. I hope that recovery is swift and uneventful.
Gary and Bill–
We heard early last week about the accident. Everyone at Claimstake is keeping you in their thoughts, Gary, and wishing you well. Surely your physical fitness and outlook will help you on your way to recovery. Marc and I will be in Seattle on vacation from July 24-August 2 and, if you’re up for visitors, stop by with well wishes from your friends in the the Claimstake ‘hood. Hang in there!
Kelli and Marc
Hi to Gary and Bill,
I’ve been following your travails through Paul and Becky, and am glad Gary is recovering. It seems that everyone handled himself well. We in Helena are thinking good, healing thoughts for Gary, and that “there but for fortune go I”… (do you know the Phil Ochs song?).
Let me know when Gary needs help back in Helena.
Yours,
Norm
Bill and Gary,
On Saturday 7/17,Suzanne mailed Gary prints of the photos from our Scapegoat Wilderness trip with him 3 weeks ago to the hospital address. I also sent him an invitation to view the images on the Kodak Gallery website to Gary’s email address.
Gary: It is a long road ahead, no doubt. But you and I will be hiking together again next summer, and it will be my turn to buy the post-hike hamburgers!
Suzanne’s and my thoughts are with you as you mend. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
-Dick
Gary, just heard about this today from Kelli Butenko and Sue Newell. Tough break – hang in there. You are one tough cookie to have made it through! Beers on me at the Blackfoot when you are up for it.
Larry
Hey Gary,
The universe is on your side and sending positive vibes to help you summon healing energy. There are lots of fiends here rooting for you for a speedy recovery. I’m really impressed with your strength and how well Bill and friend handled the emergency situation. I bet it was great to have both your sons nearby so soon after the accident. We missed you at the 60 y.o. boogie bash in the Quarry last night and danced a dance of life for you.
Take good care, Lynda
Bill just heard about your Dad today and found your Blog. We have not met; but I have had the pleasure for years in working with your Dad. My best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Gary and I have all positive thoughts and prayers for his recovery. In working with Gary, I know he is a strong willed individual and he always overcomes all obstacles placed in front of him.
Please tell him to stay strong and that we are all thinking about him here at Montana Rural Water Systems. P.S. My Dad passed at an early age of 56, and boy do I miss talking with him today. So, I am happy that you can continue to enjoy your Fathers presence and to be strong for him through his rehabilitation. He will need someone to keep kicking him in the butt… just like my Dad did!
- Rory Schmidt, MT Rural Water Systems
On behalf of my brother David and I, we wish Gary the very best possible outcome to what will probably be an arduous journey to recovery. We were so glad to be able to help there on the spot. I was glad to find your blog so that we knew Gary made it out of the woods. From our campsite that night we watched the chopper come in and try looping around several times, but weren’t sure how it all turned out. Just curious but do you know, did they lift Gary up into the chopper by a hoist cable or did the set the chopper down somewhere to load him up? We saw the wooden arrows in the snow and figured they’d been left to guide a carrying party in to get him… but carrying him out would have been really difficult, we figured. Anyway, BEST WISHES to Gary and yourself and all your fellow travelers on this planet! Keep in touch via the email address entered.
Phil
Dear Bill:
Thanks for the information about your dad. News of Gary’s injury spread fast among Gary’s extended Tango family here in Montana. Gary has been in all our thoughts. You can know his return to our tango floors will much anticipated and celebrated.
Gary, best wishes to you for a full recovery from all your tango friends.
Bill, it’s obvious you’ve been a great son in all this. Its enheartening to learn of your love and devotion.
Regards,
Mark
Helena, Montana
Bill,
I have just now read your letter. You write well, your words brought tears to my eyes. Your descriptions and words of love for Gary are good for all of us to read. Thank you for sending this out.
Gary,
Gary, my hiking buddy through 17.8 miles (or was it 87.1 miles???) through the most beautiful display of wildflowers that I have seen on this terrific flower year….Gary, bolted together with a discarded towel rack…..Hmmmmm. So now we will change our hiking format to include 6 weeks of sitting and reading great books…..followed by walking short distanced, frequently, level, w/a bigger set of hiking type “sticks.” And we’ll set our sites on cumulative miles, no more of this gluttony for single day mile boasting. We will hike miles over months, and enjoy every moment of it. We will focus on the details closer at hand. Maybe we will not see a bear this time, but we will create the same bear sighting excitement when you climb stairs, and walk that first mile. Ah, I can see it all now. We are in for a terrific tour of old experiences made new by your tumble w/the BIG TREE. Honestly Gary. You give us all an opportunity to live by your example of enjoying the simple things through movement and nature.
I miss you. We miss you. We kept you in our hearts and talks as we started our Continental Divide hike, just this past weekend, getting some miles done so that maybe we’ll finish. And we already miss hiking w/you…..ah, but we will have many opportunities to do that different type of hiking w/you…..5 weeks and counting.
Hugs
Hugs
Much love to you and Bill and Greg – welcome back to civilization, and Meadow.
Becky
Thinking of at the VIG run…
Get well soon!
Vern Roberts
Gary .. I’m not sure if you remember me or not, I run with you in the Cedar group! Im thinking of you and you will continually be in my prayers for a speedy recovery. May God continue to bless you, all of your family and caregivers.
Dear Bill,Gary and Greg,
I heard about the accident yesterday on our return to the States. Just sending healing thoughts and support.To reiterate,per the phone conversation, don’t hesitate to ask for anything that may help in any way.
Margaret S.
Bill, hang in there. I run with your dad at the track; he is always tough and a fabulous, funny companion. He is a “rock” of the “cedars” running group. Thank goodness he was run over by a pine and not an aspen or a birch (he might or might not think that’s funny so please pass it along!). Tell your dad that we’ll be waiting for his return — as he well knows, cedars encompass all paces, and we (as a group) can’t wait to celebrate his first 400 around the track. (Always looking for an excuse to go slower). — Karen
Dear Gary:
Your son wrote an incredible story about this horrific accident while hiking. May you blessed with a speedy and full recovery. So many are sending healing thoughts your way.
My best,
Mary Fay
Hi Awesome Guy! That would be the Entire Family! It was just yesterday I was out on the Vigilante Runner’s websie and looked at the Shat’s series records. And who’s name did I see? Yup, Gary! I always thought you didn’t get it, when I saw you out running. Hiking is the Plan! So here is my newest idea (slow to get it, I admit). I’ll take your part in the Shat’s series. Gary, I’ll never keep up, and when I’m sucking air, know you are in my thoughts and quite unhappy with trying to do you justice knowing you would be smoking the course. Hear this. THIS YEAR ONLY (my body is going to object to the NTH level! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL —FOR NO LESS THAN A HUNDRED YEARS OR SO.) Next year, it’s all up to you, you ATHLETE YOU!
Hmmm, Deep Breath! Just try to keep up—- you next generation! Gary and Charlotte gave you the tools which you have learned exceptionally well! Our great ideas will continue to be the Best of the Best. Combined, the adventures of the World are Ours! Soon the accident will be history and the Future will have so much more meaning for all of us! No one can comprehend all you’ve dealt with…..but……I ask you….. in retrospect….. in this horrific event…..you had what it takes…..and MORE, right? We are so inspired by You!
Dawn and Scott Barnes
I’ll be calling you, Gary! A runner I am not! The Shat’s thing…… you’re a nutcake…… This year ONLY! Got it?
What an amazing story. You have such a loving and caring family.
Take care of yourself and we will see you soon at the track.
Jennifer
Bill,
Thanks so much for sharing all this with everyone. Your dad is lucky to have had you with him through this ordeal. I am impressed with your insightful observations and conclusion.
Gary,
Just a few weeks ago I ran into you at Trixie’s after your backpack with Dick & Suzanne in the Scapegoat. Never did I suspect that you would be run over by a tree a few weeks later. It really does remind us to get out and enjoy the outdoors as much as we can today because we never know if those opportunities will be taken away tomorrow. Bill’s story of your strength, courage, and having the sense to ask for warm clothes when you were so badly injured so impresses me. My thoughts will be with you throughout your recovery. I know your innate strength, perseverance, intelligence, and humor will get you through this and we will be hiking next summer.
Susan
Gary,
What an ordeal! Hang in there and get well soon. We are all thinking of you and missing you especially on Tuesdays at the track.
take care,
Rhonda
Dear Bill and Gary,
Gad Zooks!!!!! We are so grateful that everyone is on this side of the turf (after rolling around a bit)
Gary there will certainly be many good days and bad days in recovery – small step days
will still get you to your end goal.
Bill, bless your little pea-pickin’ heart for all you’ve done.
Blessings to the whole family. Love, Molly and Jerry
Gary
A person of lesser physical prowess would have been in deep trouble out there. Funny thing is that I was just there hiking in the same area 3 weeks before with my son Ben. I was planning on giving you a run for the money at the Shats Goat Grind this year to recoup my loss to you two years ago – but we will take up the friendly competition next year – I expect no less of you.
see you in Helena soon,
Bill
Bill, please pass on this messege to Gary. OH MY GOD! Just like Einstein says, You can believe nothing is a miracle or you can believe everything is. Well, there is no doubt about it with this incident. Thank God (The Universe & Everything) that you are alive & kicking. By the way – get to kicking, I firmly believe in MICE – Movement, Ice, Compression & Elevation. I suppose that sounds simplistic compared to what Dr.’s & Therapists have in store. When your ready please come to my Yoga Training(Touch) studio for a complimentary Restorative session. Love & peace, namaste.
Hey Gary — wow — I’m SO happy to hear that you’re OK! What a scary thing to go through. Sounds like you were in excellent hands…what a great son you have. His recap of the story is amazing. We’re all thinking of you at the track. Hang in there and please let me know if there is anything I can do. Can’t wait to see your smiling face back at the track!
Gary, I cannot believe what you have not only survived, but conquered!! Your spirit and wisdom of survival are very admiral! I will miss seeing you at the first SHATS race this year but will remember your smile and endurance! Congrats on a job well done in the Don’t Fence Me In run. Know that there are many of us cheering you on and wish you a very complete and successful recovery!! I know you will be back out there with us! Cheers!
Bill, please pass on this message to Gary. Heck of a way to get out of a mountain bike ride along the Continental Divide Trail! We will all miss you and wish you were with us. I am sure that you will be back to hiking, biking and canoeing real soon. You have great courage and strength. Get well soon!
Peggy Stringer
Gary, I’ve been out of town and am catching up a bit. Man what a scary brush with death! Hopefully by now you are in full recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you as a brother in running. You have always had a word of encouragement for me and a friendly smile. Here is to your recovery and return to Helena. After my year off from working out I’ve been able to work back up to a few vig workouts and a weekly 2.5 mile run. It will seem like forever but you will be back with us and more focused than ever.
Thinking of you and your family. Praying for a full recovery and strength to go through this. Sincerely, Jan Kovich
Hi Gary!!!! I have been thinking about you and keeping you in my daily prayers! I hope you have a quick recovery and I look forward to your return with the vig’s! Your smile is surely missed by all of us! Get well soon Gary!
Good luck with the recovery, Gary – not an easy row to hoe. You’ve probably remembered the old MN cartoon you liked, more than once: when the going gets tough the tough get going. You can do it
, E