Update on Ike Gayfield

Ike Gayfield

In May of 1998, Ike Gayfield along with a group of C.W. HOG trekers, made it to Everest Base Camp. The trek to Base Camp coincided with Tom Whittaker's 1998 attempt on Mt. Everest. Ike was featured in an article in the Idaho Statesman (April 23, 1998) before he left. Treking to Base Camp is done all the time, but what attracted the Statesman to Ike's trip was the fact that he has transverse myelitis, a degenerative disease similar to multiple sclerosis and has to walk with the aid of crutches. The Statesman article discussed how Ike was training and preparing for the walk into Everest.

Ike was an superb track athlete at Idaho State in the late 1960s. He ran the 100 yard dash in 9.8 seconds, was on Idaho State's outstanding mile relay team, and was nationally ranked in the 440 yard dash. After he graduated, he bicycle raced, backcountry skied, climbed (making the first winter ascent of Castle Peak in the White Clouds), wind surfed, and Alpine skied. In 1973, he and Ron Watters started Mountain Folk Equipment which was Pocatello's first true mountaineering store. When his disease worsen to the point where he had to use a cane, he substituted river rafting for climbing. He runs rafts on Idaho rivers and has oared the Grand Canyon six times. He also water and snow skis using special adaptive skis.

Ike is married to Diane Dorman, a past Outdoor Program staff member. They have two children and live in Boise.

For more information on Ike and his impressions of the trek to Everest, see "Kripples in the Kumboo"

Idaho State University Outdoor Program Links:

gayfield.htm
6/12/98