Sugarloaf climb is first for local

By Louis Short

Sun-Times Co-Editor

A trek to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain located east of Heber Springs is something a lot of residents and visitors do each year. After living here nine years, Mike Wagner of Heber Springs wanted see the views for himself that everyone else has seen from the top.

The idea of Wagner making it to the summit came up during the recent business expo in early October. “I just made a mention to Sugarloaf Heritage Council Board Member Mark Johnson that I would like to climb Sugarloaf one day. He took that one comment and ran with it, making the idea a reality.”

The only difference between Wagner and other climbers is he is a paraplegic. A motorcycle accident in 1991 lead to his injury, but that has not deterred him one bit. His will and determination to make it to the top as unassisted as possible was clear when he made his climb Friday, November 12.

He is an independent man who goes into the woods by himself, cuts, stacks, and hauls his own firewood, has participated in triathlons, and is as adventurous as any athlete.

Wagner arrived at Sugarloaf at 7:30 a.m., putting on protective gear including heavy-duty plastic to cover his legs, heavy-duty gloves, and elbow pads. Wagner started his climb alone just before 8 a.m. and was back to the bottom by early afternoon.

It took him 45 minutes to navigate the 1,500-foot trail to the summit. He used custom-made handles to help scoot up the trail back- wards, over rocks and some accents a few feet high. Once at the bottom of the summit Wagner chose where he wanted to make the rest of the climb to the tiptop.

Doug Perry, captain with the Heber Springs Fire Department, set up a rope system for Wagner to be able to pull himself from the bot- tom of the summit to the top. After being secured to the rope by Perry and Greg Holland, Wagner started up a sheer face of the mountain on the southwest side.

Although he assumes Perry assisted him make it to the top by pulling on the ropes, Wagner was not assisted and made it to the summit in just under 20-minutes. He used a lever device to help pull him up the side of the mountain and was at the top around 11:10 a.m. His forearms felt like they were on fire, but he didn’t give up and made it.

Once at the top and under a crystal clear blue sky, with the colors of fall below, bystanders and SHC members could hear Wagner as he was in awe of the view. “This is amazing.”

Johnson and Sugarloaf Heritage Council Board Member Frank Barton pointed out the landmarks normally seen at ground level. Wagner used binoculars to get an even better view of town to the west and the Little Red River to the east.

Although most climbers are satisfied with making it to the rocky pinnacle, Wagner wanted to get to the highest point, which meant navigating a pebble covered hill to the small wooded area high atop the mountain. Once at the very top, he made his way around the summit surface, taking in every sight, sound, and smell he could before he rappelled back to the summit base. “I really appreciate the assistance in allowing me to make it to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Everyone provided such support and encouragement, you made it easy.”

Reaching his destination at the beginning of the trail following the climb, Wagner was asked by Sugarloaf Heritage Council President Jo Price, “What would you tell someone whose says they can’t climb Sugarloaf Mountain?”

He said, “The trail from the parking lot to the base of the cliffs is short and almost as easy to negotiate as a city sidewalk. You can't get lost, and the foliage in the fall is beautiful.

“If you decide not to tackle the top portion without a guide, then enjoy the walk back down, and know you made it more than half way. Perhaps the next time you stroll up the trail to the base of ‘the loaf’ you'll be with a companion/guide who's been to the top before and can offer assistance, and you'll have a better idea of what to expect so you'll have more confidence to make it to the top. Don't give up before starting.”

For this story Price said, “This event was the brainchild of SHC Board Member Mark Johnson. He came up with a two-fold purpose for Mike climbing Sugarloaf Mountain. Not only to add to Mike’s achievements but also to bring public awareness to the mission of the Sugarloaf Heritage Council in restoring and preserving Sugar- loaf Mountain.

“As for Mike Wagner, I can tell you we have not heard the last of achievements for him. He has a vision for the possibilities not the limitations concerning his physical condition and I am sure that new victories and achievements lie ahead for him.”

To learn more about the SHC, go to www.sugarloafheritagecouncil.org.