Coxcomb Loop & Prosthetic Hip Test

Pics by Harlan W. S. & Alda B.
Aug. 12, 2006

As many of you know, I've gotten interested in biomechnical modeling in the last few years. Alex L. had hip replacement surgery 4 months ago, and volunteered to help further the cause of science by acting as a test subject. Alda went along as an applied mathematician, to verify proper testing of the null hypothesis.

The north route to Coxcomb is very loose class 3, and not recommended for large parties*. The route from Stanley B Springs is class 2 and is principally a soft talus slog (if ascending, be careful to mount the ridge before the dryfall!).

We went up Trail Canyon, cut S to Coxcomb, and went out SE via Stanley B Springs.	On Trail Canyon trail, we look SE to Coxcomb Peak, and plan the experimental design.	On the ridge to Coxcomb; view NW to normal Mummy talus rte.

	Now on the NE side of the highest Coxcomb Peak, we start to climb.	Unsatisfied with the loose class 3, Alex breaks experimental protocol and goes up a class 4+ chute.

Alda gets a grip.		Mummy's Toe in the background.

View S, the final slog.	Alda signs in the OPS register, and records the wind speed.	We perform several important biomechanical tests. I test cerebellum function, while Alex simultaneously tests the range of hip flexor motion.

Harris Peak on left, as we head S from peak.	Scarlet Gilia, which is not really a gilia.	Down the ridge SE of the peak.

	Down the last steep talus slope.

We will have to conduct several more studies before we can draw significant conclusions.

*That's the one absolutely serious comment on this web page.