Ranger

He was 71 years old, lived in assisted living, had early stage dementia.

Not the same Mark Dolan.

The guy was using a name that belonged to a real person who would not be the one hiking to my tower.

Russ said they'd try to get somebody out to the peak when the helicopter was available.

That would be the supply drop on the 20th, six days out.

He said to stay safe until then.

I said, what if he comes back before the 20th?

Russ said, radio dispatch, keep the tower locked at night, trust your gut.

I signed off.

The next day he came back.

It was the 15th of August, around 4.30 in the afternoon, which was a different time than any of his previous visits.

The three earlier visits had been between 11 a.m.

and 2 p.m.

This one was late.

He was coming up the south ridge, like always.

I saw him from maybe a mile out.

I had my bear spray on my belt.

I always had it on my belt, but I made sure it was there.

I had my radio clipped to my collar.

I had my hand axe, the one I used for the kindling on the wood stove, leaned against the inside of the trap door.