tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81683187417466093242024-03-20T04:13:59.320-07:00Brady's 14ersBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-41586021988131448052012-05-03T12:48:00.000-07:002012-05-03T12:48:40.089-07:00Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak 4/24/2012Total Mileage: about 13 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gained: about 6300 feet<br />
Starting Point: Willow Creek Trailhead<br />
Party: solo<br />
Time: 12.5 hours<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak right before sunset from the road out.</td></tr>
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I started this trip with the intention of spending two days hiking while my wife and daughter were out of town and I had work off. I left Colorado Springs around 3:15am and was making great time to the first trailhead on my list. At around 5:00 am I was about 2 miles west of Salida, CO when a deer decided to jump in front of my car. I will tell you that the deer was pregnant. I will not tell you how I know that. Suffice it to say that my car sustained some significant damage that would limit my adventure to one day only. I would need to use my extra day off to report the claim to my insurance and deliver my vehicle to begin repairing it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best photo but this was at the trailhead as I started off.</td></tr>
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Once I discovered my car to be operable I thought it senseless to not continue with my plans for the day. The only internal damage done was a leak to the power steering fluid. It was a beautiful morning contrasted by a very rough start. I arrived at the trailhead and made my preparations to begin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First light on the mountains. The red dot indicates my first destination. The headwall that leads to Willow Lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx_eqEXLCUosOOPwtEBAGUetNetQoVpK6eJCGwdJ9w1S29E193rHYHnd9AuSJ76YmGBSkec7KfVIHZAAVDvhXMLJNurlDU9I9QkRKJesJvtVGm7EvZlULaScVsbFy3KVar3H_gL5FFDs/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx_eqEXLCUosOOPwtEBAGUetNetQoVpK6eJCGwdJ9w1S29E193rHYHnd9AuSJ76YmGBSkec7KfVIHZAAVDvhXMLJNurlDU9I9QkRKJesJvtVGm7EvZlULaScVsbFy3KVar3H_gL5FFDs/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pensive!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clearer view of the headwall with the red dot marking the same place as the previous picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In light of the early morning's events I found it eery that I have never seen more deer on a hike than this day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer to the headwall which is at about 11,300 feet and a mile and a half or so from where this was taken. </td></tr>
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I didn't really encounter any snow until I reached the headwall. And even then it was not significant until well above 12,000 feet. I had my snowshoes with me but never used them. I never found it necessary. I felt like I was pretty speedy up until this point. My tendency is to go too fast initially I think. I find myself hiking about 2 miles per hour under 12,000 feet and slowing to about 1 mile per hour above.<br />
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I finally reached the headwall and started to get some the sun that was previously blocked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_wbn1TQcKitwbiWi7vOZ7Dd1PLvT0dYDrKiIlLCrMTck4StatLc1Z3UHxH4ZxLzPdR4tZpJNJ4E4QisQ8gXy-jOSty8vJyJe4KCrDDHrqf2fm1XbTmOUHXIFN2yIPqY5crtooddul0M/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_wbn1TQcKitwbiWi7vOZ7Dd1PLvT0dYDrKiIlLCrMTck4StatLc1Z3UHxH4ZxLzPdR4tZpJNJ4E4QisQ8gXy-jOSty8vJyJe4KCrDDHrqf2fm1XbTmOUHXIFN2yIPqY5crtooddul0M/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My car is parked about 1.5 miles past the clearing you see. This was taken at the headwall previously shown. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPHP66Oi7i-I2Xn9j2JSOcvzuwb_8kYynnNKfsJSo_OkMZhyphenhyphenUHAOut4OEaVHNHM7SwbKz4aDGq8_UJGEgjhSV4ZkHiW0j9C3Afa7pS_iTWXQ1u9G92eKpRABSz08kWzXrzuatQJ667hA/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPHP66Oi7i-I2Xn9j2JSOcvzuwb_8kYynnNKfsJSo_OkMZhyphenhyphenUHAOut4OEaVHNHM7SwbKz4aDGq8_UJGEgjhSV4ZkHiW0j9C3Afa7pS_iTWXQ1u9G92eKpRABSz08kWzXrzuatQJ667hA/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just above the headwall where snow began to be more significant. Looking back.</td></tr>
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The snow covered the exact trail for a bit but I quickly picked it up again. Willow Lake is about 3/4 mile from the top of the headwall and I felt like it went quickly. If you like waterfalls then this hike is for you. There were a lot of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MimG3SQ-sf_UJgVEBacGAv5-FU8L63Ayt3MytgTdqsKhjICk3Y4s-1qPBBSFc3Y94a7DQrOJDwFrIywQHM-mkGe9ZwFX6LG7Qde4DoiCTiUCsDGR853apdMgkh88PyiBfOFfJNDEfAg/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MimG3SQ-sf_UJgVEBacGAv5-FU8L63Ayt3MytgTdqsKhjICk3Y4s-1qPBBSFc3Y94a7DQrOJDwFrIywQHM-mkGe9ZwFX6LG7Qde4DoiCTiUCsDGR853apdMgkh88PyiBfOFfJNDEfAg/s640/020.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow Lake is just above this waterfall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChXtbRPK7mrIgAX2OtxNbzo4Qrm6albcuvOf36RMNmHT0-Ct8JFrL5WDT31gXyyCk_aeBd41bBe18BIpWyFyYTMOB-iqMJrG8Z7u0xTuMAoG2jWvAn56jZQ5hSKezdmPIE8iTojKLUfo/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChXtbRPK7mrIgAX2OtxNbzo4Qrm6albcuvOf36RMNmHT0-Ct8JFrL5WDT31gXyyCk_aeBd41bBe18BIpWyFyYTMOB-iqMJrG8Z7u0xTuMAoG2jWvAn56jZQ5hSKezdmPIE8iTojKLUfo/s640/025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse of the Lake through the trees. Frozen waterfalls trying their best to stay that way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coolest lake I've ever been to in the alpine. The route takes you on top of the cliffs you see bordering the far end of the lake. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So awesome.</td></tr>
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From the top of the cliffs I was able to take a long break. I ditched my snowshoes and found the stream dumping into Willow Lake. I purified 2 liters of water and began to think about the next part of this hike. I decided to leave my pack behind to make it easier on myself. I brought a liter of water and filled my cargo pockets with fruit snacks, energy gu, and my cell phone and wallet. I put on my microspikes and some gloves and headed up. A parting shot of the lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7krmQBgEfl-ITxZvdzoSnGG-bIlMqQXk0nl1Ufrk8AHttGf8UzAIhCbXW1sLnnpvhmzYogG_RUtAsQHWjdDTfksreEDaue3JIAdlDrdmAA8Y1V8Sh0joa4J8AzEVp0xUhFmHMUAw49u4/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7krmQBgEfl-ITxZvdzoSnGG-bIlMqQXk0nl1Ufrk8AHttGf8UzAIhCbXW1sLnnpvhmzYogG_RUtAsQHWjdDTfksreEDaue3JIAdlDrdmAA8Y1V8Sh0joa4J8AzEVp0xUhFmHMUAw49u4/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I threw a rock. The ice didn't break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB4Frod4_LqKi-wreKR1Cb1VHS4Xhmmvbb2aPcxycrurOqpwiYeKGw5wpyjnFcEHhI7bIbL5DArQoPzCdH7kbcISGSJzlOwCT3-PCULaxIEpdwkIdJfnisxbxnNDbHH6ZHslLQ5X2XXA/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB4Frod4_LqKi-wreKR1Cb1VHS4Xhmmvbb2aPcxycrurOqpwiYeKGw5wpyjnFcEHhI7bIbL5DArQoPzCdH7kbcISGSJzlOwCT3-PCULaxIEpdwkIdJfnisxbxnNDbHH6ZHslLQ5X2XXA/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit Carson Peak 14,165 feet.</td></tr>
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All I will say is that the hike up to Challenger (not visible above) was very tough. The snow was a bit unstable and good traction was hard to come by. It took me 3.5 hours to get to where I dropped my pack. It would be 5.5 hours until I would be back at my pack. I took frequent breaks and began to realize I needed to ration my water. I reached the top of a notch which was about 13,900 feet and could finally see Challenger and Kit Carson together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem2dgdbOjtgNqJfjSFJnrR5J4Bokc7sBP38YT3RBnMqsmW4UFNt-0aUMc3MkYmm0uVqp8B48ErN9-N-qJR7MGQJDDH3UwcrYdWzBux8Gwp_4Ikx_wUIQJMcP17Nzhz-jHtfTpmwZL8sw/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem2dgdbOjtgNqJfjSFJnrR5J4Bokc7sBP38YT3RBnMqsmW4UFNt-0aUMc3MkYmm0uVqp8B48ErN9-N-qJR7MGQJDDH3UwcrYdWzBux8Gwp_4Ikx_wUIQJMcP17Nzhz-jHtfTpmwZL8sw/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenger on the right and Kit Carson on left.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1f3X_pG58wnSj_xotB5T6ydWgX0C-CqfJBq-rFQttUvhNBcj1XoxqxloYnkJyGOz7cP2_ZBIcfb1lAE9igb2ncx8GBJbplT8CGk1vEDZ4kJn_w1nELGlCDkc9bzGXAiBsYsaTptz_tY/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1f3X_pG58wnSj_xotB5T6ydWgX0C-CqfJBq-rFQttUvhNBcj1XoxqxloYnkJyGOz7cP2_ZBIcfb1lAE9igb2ncx8GBJbplT8CGk1vEDZ4kJn_w1nELGlCDkc9bzGXAiBsYsaTptz_tY/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from the summit of Challenger.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCUYGAIF9rA_HCh8BKfdD8h6JqG2MKZ64vIy1NZ4tq3O_vc8pFBIyATQrhtq2v4YQUMecxxhfjfM0vwraNPXeVtsdH_47kBjInrLfr8VIWEgg2hnuYtuac_wsCaoH-iTqA7MoRvwO1lI/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCUYGAIF9rA_HCh8BKfdD8h6JqG2MKZ64vIy1NZ4tq3O_vc8pFBIyATQrhtq2v4YQUMecxxhfjfM0vwraNPXeVtsdH_47kBjInrLfr8VIWEgg2hnuYtuac_wsCaoH-iTqA7MoRvwO1lI/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenger Point 14,081 feet! Crestone Peak in the distance.</td></tr>
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The above picture was taken in the only direction where blue sky was visible. It seemed to be raining in every direction and location except where I was. So I didn't stay on Challenger very long. I stayed on top for maybe 5 minutes and I was off to get Kit Carson Peak next. I would need to drop 200 feet, climb 100, drop another 200 and finally climb the final 400 feet to get to the top. The route follows a ledge system that is commonly referred to as Kit Carson Avenue. At this time of year that ledge system retains a bit of snow and ice on it. Makes it a little more technical but I never felt unsafe in the least bit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArSN6uLS0BpJSm8kZaoqrcah1lV-_7umQrE_33ltw0g2mUcFFxRi-rcoNGHG3kbgHGgG-FCXH-fyuSszY1uqp58_tvCyeKekcbWdUSBEYPiEj3isNVwXM94ccR4ynNXdTw0AuzJL1dAU/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArSN6uLS0BpJSm8kZaoqrcah1lV-_7umQrE_33ltw0g2mUcFFxRi-rcoNGHG3kbgHGgG-FCXH-fyuSszY1uqp58_tvCyeKekcbWdUSBEYPiEj3isNVwXM94ccR4ynNXdTw0AuzJL1dAU/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down Challenger this is the beginning portion of The Avenue.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiN9Q98gZ1wq6WASZo3Jt4JJYgqkSm15VtsncxgPOapDHl5W9FooTijpA3vz-_SOCoeWAa6puXALFZXy8fdNMR2LZjs6FE38vKGq6weB7R2GFLHWrNr8buRZbhBgmQU-TyaJh79IdFnOU/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiN9Q98gZ1wq6WASZo3Jt4JJYgqkSm15VtsncxgPOapDHl5W9FooTijpA3vz-_SOCoeWAa6puXALFZXy8fdNMR2LZjs6FE38vKGq6weB7R2GFLHWrNr8buRZbhBgmQU-TyaJh79IdFnOU/s640/037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Avenue looking back on Challenger. A human can be seen on top of Challenger. </td></tr>
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The snow got steep in some places and sometimes I had to travel just below the Avenue to find solid rock. About 90 minutes after topping out on Challenger I reached the top of Kit Carson Peak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfUJkOQiwUMpPhTksLi8co0GmfBOt_IdKUrJGoacmOOEzwa6e-YG_aGZXgmDaAWCerf6fGy2M97MVoTn0DthPtDWsLeZELUzq59Mo3eUD-Jty_i51FMpWXV-U7YJyfNupZVE5UhJjo6s/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfUJkOQiwUMpPhTksLi8co0GmfBOt_IdKUrJGoacmOOEzwa6e-YG_aGZXgmDaAWCerf6fGy2M97MVoTn0DthPtDWsLeZELUzq59Mo3eUD-Jty_i51FMpWXV-U7YJyfNupZVE5UhJjo6s/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd summit of the day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJb0m-_XZZXyTlxFPFNqnBNVwxiDfKQ2ZxqSL6xm20xO71LPoW3wJpZvInYgUMZVQG9-Mpr3BT37LNnh93sZiJM-_Q11MQrJ6GMIfrg13L-QKdYgxr6cvqTWEuaepbFXzhS1yzkzJseD0/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJb0m-_XZZXyTlxFPFNqnBNVwxiDfKQ2ZxqSL6xm20xO71LPoW3wJpZvInYgUMZVQG9-Mpr3BT37LNnh93sZiJM-_Q11MQrJ6GMIfrg13L-QKdYgxr6cvqTWEuaepbFXzhS1yzkzJseD0/s640/042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humboldt Peak on far left and Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle on far right. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj639uvwX-o9mwb7CJBdxE50hVJK3BbTTs2r0b7drEow36aHULMd8Pega2gbsB35fij71-Cd0UprjdW4vQI4qOYFVb_IgfhtKCNdaPp7dv272T4sVBV685knq1Y6Hg5xpqwwk9wmxqszPs/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj639uvwX-o9mwb7CJBdxE50hVJK3BbTTs2r0b7drEow36aHULMd8Pega2gbsB35fij71-Cd0UprjdW4vQI4qOYFVb_IgfhtKCNdaPp7dv272T4sVBV685knq1Y6Hg5xpqwwk9wmxqszPs/s640/043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down on Challenger Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtSvH-3rVbkB7zgyh2dKrO6ijg2-A9GGry84az6Pr3VMSUo35m3bsNQMab27GKG2cXa5J0MuRAlEJTJZvyW5kxwAwhU4cvrVAjLYPhsfSml4ft7NVK0ShAMXjplsA6BbAP6YgbU8WH_U/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtSvH-3rVbkB7zgyh2dKrO6ijg2-A9GGry84az6Pr3VMSUo35m3bsNQMab27GKG2cXa5J0MuRAlEJTJZvyW5kxwAwhU4cvrVAjLYPhsfSml4ft7NVK0ShAMXjplsA6BbAP6YgbU8WH_U/s640/044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking way down to Willow Lake and figuring out how to get back down there. The frozen waterfalls are barely visible.</td></tr>
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The way down turned out to be quick and easy. I didn't have my ice axe with me so I didn't feel good about glissading without a way to self arrest. From the saddle between Challenger and Kit Carson I plunged stepped through the snow down the Kirk Couloir. This a narrow chute that would lead me back to Willow Lake. It was pretty steep but the snow was perfect for it. At times the plunge stepping would evolve to short glissades that I would stand up from pretty quickly to resume the plunge stepping once again.<br />
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Before I knew it I was back at Willow Lake and reunited with my backpack and stashed snowshoes. I took some time to filter some water from the stream and packed up to head on out. The way out was pretty clear with the trail disappearing at moments from the remaining snow. I always picked it up again shortly. I ran into some campers just below Willow Lake. Chatted with them for about 5 minutes and I wouldn't stop again until the car about 4 miles down trail from the lake.<br />
<br />
My prayers were answered when my car started up just fine and was mechanically sound. Minus the power steering which was an annoyance but an acceptable loss all in all. The damage to my car would be about 6K and 1 week in the shop to repair. Luckily, insurance companies consider this like an act-of-God and all I had to pay was my $500 deductible plus the cost of a rental for a week (about $100). Given the days events, a second day of hiking would have to be passed up. Still a great hike and a beautiful area to have explored.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-13740565937782348072012-03-25T19:40:00.000-07:002012-03-25T19:40:20.127-07:00Ellingwood Point 3/22/12Total Mileage: 9.5 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gained: ~4000 ft.<br />
Starting Point: Lake Como Approach<br />
Party: myself and Curt (mtnsurveyer on 14ers.com)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnQI-kIySYy0e3u_XK14zq7YbNuLE9ozLpJW17mAIj-zyNvNICPnUgrCALRAFEPqn7xCt7oL1ikMzKZ5cXlOwaQS2axKszPuAejGJEI_2zwPBtRhQxKdrSEXuq-j4s4GPDg4uUwPHHvc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnQI-kIySYy0e3u_XK14zq7YbNuLE9ozLpJW17mAIj-zyNvNICPnUgrCALRAFEPqn7xCt7oL1ikMzKZ5cXlOwaQS2axKszPuAejGJEI_2zwPBtRhQxKdrSEXuq-j4s4GPDg4uUwPHHvc/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellingwood Point 14,042 feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The weather was forecasted to be working in our favor today as we set off for the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The Lake Como approach grants access to three 14,000 ft. peaks. This would be my third venture to Lake Como to bag the third and final 14er that this approach allows access to. It was one year ago, nearly to the day, that I had first slogged my way up the lousy Lake Como road to tackle Little Bear Peak. When summer came around I headed back for a shorter day trip anticipating a summit of Blanca and Ellingwood. Once atop Blanca I could see foreboding clouds that warned against an Ellingwood summit. Today my eyes were set on Ellingwood and Ellingwood only. My climbing partner Curt wanted both peaks but that wasn't a priority for me. As it would turn out, he was very capable of finishing two peaks in the time it took me to do just one. <div><br />
</div><div>We were able to drive to 10,300 feet up the Lake Como Road where I parked my Jeep. We readied our packs and set off around 6:30am. We were about 2.25 miles from Lake Como and arrived there quickly. Along the way we enjoyed the views of the valley below and the wildlife around us. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiniN4XdPdEK2cqvC0YNuAQSYILvCmdc1D9q03cpybdhKafH4DKlFvSz00j96pKGhLM5o1BGOUwWdB1jzvxvDl1Yrp5q5x1Ax2Mal9BlxjTWCJD5ydc_9T5dMqQyvau0QcqAy1-M6e2A/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiniN4XdPdEK2cqvC0YNuAQSYILvCmdc1D9q03cpybdhKafH4DKlFvSz00j96pKGhLM5o1BGOUwWdB1jzvxvDl1Yrp5q5x1Ax2Mal9BlxjTWCJD5ydc_9T5dMqQyvau0QcqAy1-M6e2A/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken around 11,000 feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyw2WEqEt-beAuYPcAyiFXuJJ5rzM8xCylQ9rD1IbZ_fKgIcZzmdxObWRoA-H4Qe4_BZway0ucxllAwSltkqTBRLdM7A2ZCuuHFXbOW9tsdVXVLxy6nT8UFLTbtdykF-TQi8iPDNy_SE/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyw2WEqEt-beAuYPcAyiFXuJJ5rzM8xCylQ9rD1IbZ_fKgIcZzmdxObWRoA-H4Qe4_BZway0ucxllAwSltkqTBRLdM7A2ZCuuHFXbOW9tsdVXVLxy6nT8UFLTbtdykF-TQi8iPDNy_SE/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always fun to see one of these guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div> Upon arrival at Lake Como (~11,800) we donned snowshoes and they wouldn't come off until about 13,300 feet. We crossed right over the lake and into the trees beyond.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXBy0HaDZMBJj2OIEk54SqsKkfhq_5_Jyp-VDJ78D77auzH7XzsWQL1pULx0XrenQrqBZzeBHA2tgg1ILW2s3E4cYyRaGHw3HyRx6ebDDYG3KvnclC2Zh1KZtBw4X7Yp7hE2Sc8g_hZ8/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXBy0HaDZMBJj2OIEk54SqsKkfhq_5_Jyp-VDJ78D77auzH7XzsWQL1pULx0XrenQrqBZzeBHA2tgg1ILW2s3E4cYyRaGHw3HyRx6ebDDYG3KvnclC2Zh1KZtBw4X7Yp7hE2Sc8g_hZ8/s640/043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first time walking over a frozen lake ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQagYnM39wkL8GR_ntDjfEweQgVSw3gVQJR9bhZqdJQ96wioEuOiup65fU0KERG9gS2TR-nQsuz883OoWzkB1sOTXejBP2os4wbkRYhMRm5RSBTZ8hpRWVpIQ066Qu9RZMzSQL23Buwwg/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQagYnM39wkL8GR_ntDjfEweQgVSw3gVQJR9bhZqdJQ96wioEuOiup65fU0KERG9gS2TR-nQsuz883OoWzkB1sOTXejBP2os4wbkRYhMRm5RSBTZ8hpRWVpIQ066Qu9RZMzSQL23Buwwg/s640/044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt making his way across with Little Bear Peak looming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8txshyphenhyphenA-WefvSglT6vnLPymwA5n_32FkZhF-KCbFcJkVggtXwb7WMsoZjtw0GrF1G0KbxhyphenhyphenH4mPEZyJYubI0ov8LD_lLOiZnHtzNPLJqTpJJBuBPMTa-h62OG8HDMGAFv4O_B_RLAf4k/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8txshyphenhyphenA-WefvSglT6vnLPymwA5n_32FkZhF-KCbFcJkVggtXwb7WMsoZjtw0GrF1G0KbxhyphenhyphenH4mPEZyJYubI0ov8LD_lLOiZnHtzNPLJqTpJJBuBPMTa-h62OG8HDMGAFv4O_B_RLAf4k/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyond the lake the snow deepened for short while.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>We were lucky to be able to follow some tracks of a lone hiker ahead of us. With our tracks added to his a nice trench was forming nicely. We would find out later that those tracks belonged to Ken Nolan, a local CO mountaineer with over 1800 summits under his belt and I believe over 500 14er summits. I understand he is trying to complete what is known as "the grid." For those unaware, the grid constitutes the completion of all 14ers during every month of the year. To complete "the grid" for one peak requires 12 individual summits of that peak during each calendar month. Completing this for all 14ers in CO (58) would require 696 unique summits. Not one of my personal goals but I can see how one might get wrapped up in this. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, on through the trees we continued and soon we caught our first glimpse Ellingwood Point.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxw7-I7vOyrXdSLtGhiJw1pp5Yhd5p4_7Y1Hc54D9gBX7XC2XVO8hINiP9wrA2wUJmRMZsUdJisWl72iC7LXy2l_-eDDola54Tqn97Kd8vqr28kHy3s7b3fnYG-2HcWc0TJuDug5NpvFg/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxw7-I7vOyrXdSLtGhiJw1pp5Yhd5p4_7Y1Hc54D9gBX7XC2XVO8hINiP9wrA2wUJmRMZsUdJisWl72iC7LXy2l_-eDDola54Tqn97Kd8vqr28kHy3s7b3fnYG-2HcWc0TJuDug5NpvFg/s640/047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoomed in version of the first picture. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Before too long we emerged from the trees to beautiful blue skies. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U-dtQacHrqFfql6wKcDKhGQRVEPT5HKJ3sBPcE_jRNuQwSMAcz9L6CtxivjKucKWVKl9W-VWRB4e_ZzCBZjsBGe6ya1h8lreuSHRRDSq_MQbmAV38HRSVKN1zlieklg8TnfxzateGvo/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U-dtQacHrqFfql6wKcDKhGQRVEPT5HKJ3sBPcE_jRNuQwSMAcz9L6CtxivjKucKWVKl9W-VWRB4e_ZzCBZjsBGe6ya1h8lreuSHRRDSq_MQbmAV38HRSVKN1zlieklg8TnfxzateGvo/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt leading the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>It became very clear at this point that Curt's speed was far greater than my own. The distance between us became greater and greater. We finally saw in view the lone hiker whose tracks we had been following. This seemed to motivate Curt to speed his pace to catch up which he promptly did. Before leaving me in the dust we discussed that he should go onto Blanca and that I would only be climbing Ellingwood and we would meet back at Lake Como. The way the two mountains are situated allows for one to constantly view the other. So we remained within eyesight almost the entire time. </div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnmrJI8XLlGvcTw_2u15XB5A1F-wHbJYKQEifZRfoCkvRjaV6oBPYzL-9sR91L3P9p_n6NEXZA7tP-sEGCc3KjOaBO271mK-_jYRQfdg1B_DBp6cfIZQb6pg4yEF2NQZ2LubwsbTMhl4/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnmrJI8XLlGvcTw_2u15XB5A1F-wHbJYKQEifZRfoCkvRjaV6oBPYzL-9sR91L3P9p_n6NEXZA7tP-sEGCc3KjOaBO271mK-_jYRQfdg1B_DBp6cfIZQb6pg4yEF2NQZ2LubwsbTMhl4/s640/053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt leaving me in his dust. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>In the picture above are a series of ledges that need to be overcome. The top of which sits at about 13,300. Once I reached the top I ditched my snowshoes. I could see Curt had caught up with Ken ahead of us and they were both about 400-500 vertical feet above me. It was at this point that I made a miscalculation that cost me about an hour of wallowing in slush. The route forks at a certain point and I had waited too long to veer left for Ellingwood. At about 13,600 feet I realized this mistake and the result would require me to lose about 100 feet of elevation to get myself on the right path. I suppose the silver lining was that I was able to scout out a good route for the ascent up the south face of Ellingwood.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eFYp8NF1Ava7ZDjXAGuzV6GNNcMapyCUcbow0n9B_mm-niaR1fDkokHBdBBRXO2JatZ1GFWkyLyg_R_vAlC7E2T2RCpDOI6i-hpyQb8VacjErZEpxxjYB6lhHwPvV73Zh7gdAZel20I/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eFYp8NF1Ava7ZDjXAGuzV6GNNcMapyCUcbow0n9B_mm-niaR1fDkokHBdBBRXO2JatZ1GFWkyLyg_R_vAlC7E2T2RCpDOI6i-hpyQb8VacjErZEpxxjYB6lhHwPvV73Zh7gdAZel20I/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South face of Ellingwood and my general route up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>From further up the correct route one can see my course correction.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRnX_7CfloPVHF2w9XLzJlIGHizc5CfJ_q6QlwTDYxa8Hzq8YrISzZfT1WIqU90ctXMOZVlB00wllSfklANFjRGal5beexQIjJPylfV59tHhJrXMSeLTHuibL8_0fLex3Ohyphenhyphenz79uQYgw/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRnX_7CfloPVHF2w9XLzJlIGHizc5CfJ_q6QlwTDYxa8Hzq8YrISzZfT1WIqU90ctXMOZVlB00wllSfklANFjRGal5beexQIjJPylfV59tHhJrXMSeLTHuibL8_0fLex3Ohyphenhyphenz79uQYgw/s640/060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From almost near the summit and zoomed in you can see my tracks emerge from the rocks and then suddenly drop and intersect Ken's tracks from earlier in the day. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7Lo40bZ1Dj5CTWKLRLABhHZUlOflLNrEiAnXI93X5oNWiLuw0ky7pe1YZc1Ndy6yKE_OIj5uZssus1VDqHmiTNXEZMZnjosWRmyWbsFKtxnuHDN2OmYXM26V6ADFCJSbzcDFrNmlYCk/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7Lo40bZ1Dj5CTWKLRLABhHZUlOflLNrEiAnXI93X5oNWiLuw0ky7pe1YZc1Ndy6yKE_OIj5uZssus1VDqHmiTNXEZMZnjosWRmyWbsFKtxnuHDN2OmYXM26V6ADFCJSbzcDFrNmlYCk/s640/058.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a lower elevation this shows the same thing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Upon making my course correction it didn't seem like it took me long at all. The temperature was getting much warmer and I got down to my base layer. I kept glove liners on and a beanie for sun protection. However, I left my eyes exposed and I would pay the cost later. I had sunglasses in my backpack but when I tried to retrieve them I found the frames bent and the lenses dislodged from the frames. I had left my ski goggles in the car due to the mild winds forecasted. I had no idea at the time what lied in store for me that night.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As I climbed up onto the ridge the views were astounding. I only had about 200 vertical feet to hit the summit and I felt great. I heard a voice from behind me and it was Curt. He hadn't descended Blanca like I thought he would but instead he traversed the jagged and very snow-covered saddle. A little spicy for my taste but everyone has their own comfort level. I took my time and reached the summit about 10 minutes before he did. We took some time to enjoy ourselves and got our summit pictures and headed back down after about 20 minutes. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSf1h-i0BvQAr8MbzAkI1vzwCfZElf6wenvsUjmZ6guwrElYLYg0ajseLs4rSrwctUYgG3s2jZIXHlPJFyjMd63rgF8o-40tG_48iz7X8SfMb499V7rcG5KJF5pO6he1c-ri6FT5UkKw/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSf1h-i0BvQAr8MbzAkI1vzwCfZElf6wenvsUjmZ6guwrElYLYg0ajseLs4rSrwctUYgG3s2jZIXHlPJFyjMd63rgF8o-40tG_48iz7X8SfMb499V7rcG5KJF5pO6he1c-ri6FT5UkKw/s640/064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the ridge but the true summit is not in view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoH59jfGezasF1La9jCcwk609Qmkl8jr5Q6yXkTNPtP7sEJL9uhJ38cIEClPXhsLkMjUP3V8Zs6ROh3J2ZOZucK5INGbS7Ebg_Ym7TH-ALU-tu84pFy8U2NCzTlPC8-niunv5TcofwfM/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoH59jfGezasF1La9jCcwk609Qmkl8jr5Q6yXkTNPtP7sEJL9uhJ38cIEClPXhsLkMjUP3V8Zs6ROh3J2ZOZucK5INGbS7Ebg_Ym7TH-ALU-tu84pFy8U2NCzTlPC8-niunv5TcofwfM/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt making the final push with Mt. Lindsay behind him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4xEAOquZLw4R7CCUhdMEAS7ARCNL7SCS5KXWLBGkoPsxSQGBIU5utrZqTYk71Zsy_4927sweb-gbMQBFUzdeFUQcEhk1V081KBg_ZRIP_VzHLEkDkmTTX2FgquL3IzU3czVeFN3tndA/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4xEAOquZLw4R7CCUhdMEAS7ARCNL7SCS5KXWLBGkoPsxSQGBIU5utrZqTYk71Zsy_4927sweb-gbMQBFUzdeFUQcEhk1V081KBg_ZRIP_VzHLEkDkmTTX2FgquL3IzU3czVeFN3tndA/s640/067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt on the summit with the Crestones in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7qDKtwpE5EvWJfJ9t8av-GJAqAe1MLI4keToQt9e6W7VtFMfwDcxMKJn4H4A4awY3QmelkNOFC3ugbxCnMIz0rFN7yE3aVTZG4rSGeRzI-N_op-hzZpJPadzJIFWIfvwBATT0x5r7WY/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7qDKtwpE5EvWJfJ9t8av-GJAqAe1MLI4keToQt9e6W7VtFMfwDcxMKJn4H4A4awY3QmelkNOFC3ugbxCnMIz0rFN7yE3aVTZG4rSGeRzI-N_op-hzZpJPadzJIFWIfvwBATT0x5r7WY/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am on the summit with Blanca Peak behind me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyEPaPdghyphenhyphenc7h7VtNmX8irJePk7H9728ZPEbbZdF6DaACLsnS3Iq1Ux1eKZ7M6iIj8EHiweiF5KstpRK9DE2DZ4fW61LFIOs6MB385_pf6oCWC1-O9KiJ7Qx3l-NZcGurbC-A5caO8qs/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyEPaPdghyphenhyphenc7h7VtNmX8irJePk7H9728ZPEbbZdF6DaACLsnS3Iq1Ux1eKZ7M6iIj8EHiweiF5KstpRK9DE2DZ4fW61LFIOs6MB385_pf6oCWC1-O9KiJ7Qx3l-NZcGurbC-A5caO8qs/s640/071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bear Peak on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS7nlRF7eHCUjGWcEHgpAv3iP8aL3MjdN1N3ffakUNLgqG_DlY9B7776ESujNq1GZOEscR8xW0GYH0XMW-7avVFnnTjAzj08QXhyphenhyphenwF8MQOS5yj3X1Dl8PHI0BGCEjApZm7AAhQjiQN2k/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS7nlRF7eHCUjGWcEHgpAv3iP8aL3MjdN1N3ffakUNLgqG_DlY9B7776ESujNq1GZOEscR8xW0GYH0XMW-7avVFnnTjAzj08QXhyphenhyphenwF8MQOS5yj3X1Dl8PHI0BGCEjApZm7AAhQjiQN2k/s640/074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down from the summit behind me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yikshiktUajeHzkZGF4_-3-hVFPSDJfV5z0U2IP_1FLdjmai-LdrnJkYHuKbvLJukmLXu4U5rb7XCJeYDGinONTDi70jOsTx4tRz7OALYQ80z7AeHXslUDpnbVkqr6d5oxq5V3Cc3zs/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yikshiktUajeHzkZGF4_-3-hVFPSDJfV5z0U2IP_1FLdjmai-LdrnJkYHuKbvLJukmLXu4U5rb7XCJeYDGinONTDi70jOsTx4tRz7OALYQ80z7AeHXslUDpnbVkqr6d5oxq5V3Cc3zs/s640/075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last look at Ellingwood as the day drew to a close.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>We were back at the car at around 5pm. I'm a slow hiker anyway, but this was a slow day even by my standards. It took about 45 minutes to drive the 4 miles down Lake Como road and about 2.5 hours later I was home. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Once home, my wife told me my eyes looked bloodshot and I knew I had got a lot of sun. I applied sunscreen liberally at three different times along the route and even remembered my SPF 30 lip balm. I went to bed at around 9:30 pm and realized that I was uncomfortable. My eyes were watering and it was hard to keep them shut. I just tried to doze off and forget about it. I awoke at 10:30pm in more pain then I can remember ever being in. Like there was sand in my eyes I couldn't flush out. In the back of my mind I knew snow blindness was probably what was happening. I had my wife do a quick google search and it matched my symptoms exactly. The corneas of my eyes had been sunburned. My wife ran to the store to buy eyedrops that did no good. Nothing relieved my pain. I decided to sleep in the front room as to not disturb my wife and just try and get through it. Snow blindness, in most cases, does no permanent damage and a complete recovery is expected within 48 hours. I spent the next day laid up in the darkest room in my house wearing sunglasses and trying to sleep away the day. Now, almost 72 hours later I feel virtually no symptoms and a valuable lesson has been learned. I'm grateful to a wife that knew how to pamper me through such a roller-coaster experience. She brought me food and water and would often just sit with me in the dark and occupy my mind with small talk. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I suppose that it is experiences like these that fortify our resolve to be better prepared for future events. I am confident that I will never experience this again and hope that hiking enthusiasts reading this may benefit from my mistakes. </div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-8165659949768666012012-02-25T13:32:00.000-08:002012-02-25T13:32:15.305-08:00Mount Sherman 2/2/2012Total Mileage: ~10 miles<br />
Elevation gained: ~3000 feet<br />
Party: solo<br />
Starting point: .75 miles before the Leavick site<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0qW0SB7N0OOAG9xrB0YYlsewrL0Pd1C5KJVo1c9fz42iRUyyYOk6AZdAQraFNEAuFX1YFoqzD-u1FAuWqbv2bsCgXv0HW2FHJd7hJZUSNwizKJP8ClBUV0M_z-hwhCxZlO3Bvc4jZkI/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0qW0SB7N0OOAG9xrB0YYlsewrL0Pd1C5KJVo1c9fz42iRUyyYOk6AZdAQraFNEAuFX1YFoqzD-u1FAuWqbv2bsCgXv0HW2FHJd7hJZUSNwizKJP8ClBUV0M_z-hwhCxZlO3Bvc4jZkI/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Sherman 14,036 feet (summit not visible) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was time to get out again. The forecast wasn't ideal but it rarely is this time of year here. It was about 5:30 am when I arrived at the trailhead. No other cars had arrived before me so I had no idea who I might be sharing this mountain with today. I got suited up and headed up the snowdrifted road. I may have been able to get another .5 miles up the road but better judgement got the better of me. The snow was about 8-10 inches deep where I stopped. It didn't take long before I donned my snowshoes. Made such a huge difference in energy expenditure.<br />
<br />
There's a lot of people who claim Sherman as one of the most boring 14ers in all Colorado. I think it helps to climb it in winter covered in 1-2 feet of snow. It really was awesome and quite challenging for me. I made it to the Leavick site fairly quickly which is the normal summer trailhead for most people.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3lG08QenrSt0kxuda_zbjIEeX5AQaNd9WVvHpECDBNu_W_CbWwrgnCCHF_1rv_E1WFI90Guo9g9gUNYacXItmbTx_hAknCb7unNYg9gqqMSdXXj-3z6OvAJOUyKi2MnGZ2PmayLTaMc/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3lG08QenrSt0kxuda_zbjIEeX5AQaNd9WVvHpECDBNu_W_CbWwrgnCCHF_1rv_E1WFI90Guo9g9gUNYacXItmbTx_hAknCb7unNYg9gqqMSdXXj-3z6OvAJOUyKi2MnGZ2PmayLTaMc/s640/IMG_1661.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This area is rich with mining history. That's the extent of my knowledge though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jzNtsV95EyPwkv550KwB9eGt61OJu9-0v0W6nt6jXuQdN1mZOW3vLcAObJl9gyiJ4BXWY6fwuC9A9qosoVZ4h0s2l0npDnpGFXriZnbN8nz603cliyQoQ2S2O3vOlFXv-CsF09IF2aY/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jzNtsV95EyPwkv550KwB9eGt61OJu9-0v0W6nt6jXuQdN1mZOW3vLcAObJl9gyiJ4BXWY6fwuC9A9qosoVZ4h0s2l0npDnpGFXriZnbN8nz603cliyQoQ2S2O3vOlFXv-CsF09IF2aY/s640/IMG_1662.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of signs warning to keep out. Might be a secret fight club location.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>About a mile in it became light enough to turn off my headlamp. The sun never really came out that day. It tried to all day but the fog cover just hovered in the wrong place all day long. It still was quite scenic but I would have loved some unobstructed views.<br />
<br />
From the Leavick site it's just up and up the road. Passing what remains of a once thriving mining operation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapVR2Wxfehx7PMbSi_ypreWxLyMleVaylW1K9aQpIK_xdoUIaOO1qJIxrU_pZ0WsrvQ6vXJx0k4Sp4HInS6WOS1V2l3PSiyIZDHQ16_gfoYxgSZG5DyK0rdeVvlEaFBlkR9oQjLTVhEU/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapVR2Wxfehx7PMbSi_ypreWxLyMleVaylW1K9aQpIK_xdoUIaOO1qJIxrU_pZ0WsrvQ6vXJx0k4Sp4HInS6WOS1V2l3PSiyIZDHQ16_gfoYxgSZG5DyK0rdeVvlEaFBlkR9oQjLTVhEU/s640/IMG_1665.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the wind picking up here and the sun trying to get though creating a kind of eerie scene.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkAVZa0W05XVtAz5Uv0qg3FftFgMrJxGx8-0KbWcoWiMRqAP4fMasRQ-FB3uXnYrKrCqnzth4biVBKO4W2xLJWPShyqEa7oq_q_BDgrzpDCl7VV8PRyHpXMPYUBxmWSFF8JBcjwVMzZI/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkAVZa0W05XVtAz5Uv0qg3FftFgMrJxGx8-0KbWcoWiMRqAP4fMasRQ-FB3uXnYrKrCqnzth4biVBKO4W2xLJWPShyqEa7oq_q_BDgrzpDCl7VV8PRyHpXMPYUBxmWSFF8JBcjwVMzZI/s640/IMG_1667.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountain ahead of me covered in clouds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmXjaYV0DuefPqbyEjmgYqlae07FHzvKqFS0ewdQmRcx4GFqmGHIr39RYSbvaoIpOJte6tE57RZT0ZP5pamoG4bPid8Ht-qC-XCGqYe1kUb-4X0e-SL8ABen2Ltor47B1AnbzLO-_nFU/s1600/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmXjaYV0DuefPqbyEjmgYqlae07FHzvKqFS0ewdQmRcx4GFqmGHIr39RYSbvaoIpOJte6tE57RZT0ZP5pamoG4bPid8Ht-qC-XCGqYe1kUb-4X0e-SL8ABen2Ltor47B1AnbzLO-_nFU/s640/IMG_1668.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Further up the road this is another look back. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5F7wFJ_1Gna7KVAFh7LQFyKc4pOR5sawZGFELah7LZaaElnjthJgsHAQAhkeElu3onGWNuPRhCGzGzahMDiOKtef81CRQwZAedpEaPrnowMbkp7Cs66g4Af3RQo6gc2DSQw0umXuVn0/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5F7wFJ_1Gna7KVAFh7LQFyKc4pOR5sawZGFELah7LZaaElnjthJgsHAQAhkeElu3onGWNuPRhCGzGzahMDiOKtef81CRQwZAedpEaPrnowMbkp7Cs66g4Af3RQo6gc2DSQw0umXuVn0/s640/IMG_1669.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mining stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuJ5hkRQSavrb2GKrT3uiVuFBmC3eroEL6f7NvD-Z0DDyEqKiBEJ5g8ijzv6a-Tk0l85FM_xRM3iQGwRtlv0pWsE6-4Jay1tX-loI28ocSVStdenEbwoX6hkVhGqKG1Y8cO9akcb-t2E/s1600/IMG_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuJ5hkRQSavrb2GKrT3uiVuFBmC3eroEL6f7NvD-Z0DDyEqKiBEJ5g8ijzv6a-Tk0l85FM_xRM3iQGwRtlv0pWsE6-4Jay1tX-loI28ocSVStdenEbwoX6hkVhGqKG1Y8cO9akcb-t2E/s640/IMG_1671.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Hilltop Mine at ~13,000 feet. The wind hit a fever pitch right as I topped out at the mine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwST_g4U9rd_oQO-4owxs5fJQzaB6aKBLZIYoW2sHxI8tUnMQ7xmdUpPfLE9HXqYtTHV2hTaRdVrZk_6QvCT2OzElg0DWJen0tTh4zVtsJ92UttQhmmFOB4WIQwQu5KgEZr7sNy8fcA8/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwST_g4U9rd_oQO-4owxs5fJQzaB6aKBLZIYoW2sHxI8tUnMQ7xmdUpPfLE9HXqYtTHV2hTaRdVrZk_6QvCT2OzElg0DWJen0tTh4zVtsJ92UttQhmmFOB4WIQwQu5KgEZr7sNy8fcA8/s640/IMG_1672.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ridge 13,684 feet shares a saddle with Sherman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, everything was manageable until I hit the Hilltop Mine shown above. The standard route gains the southwest ridge of Sherman via a saddle connecting it to Mount Sheridan. The entire saddle was obstructed by a huge snow cornice essentially making it impassable. To add to the difficulty the wind was rip-roaring and tearing through the area just below the saddle. I had determined that I was done and had actually started to turn around. I made one last look to assess any other way up. I spotted a line that I thought might work. It was fairly steep but I thought I might be protected by the wind so I figured I'd give it a shot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsN7GN6F_gC2066UDJ0bZPfqlHWGAlHhupkUfWFIahb28UKX6DHHEMA8o11uUDQBjiPdYPtpHMS2J53rjjpNLm4eP9dUz062TTGb1pzLQECJoJ4yUA9SeCOLpfVVjESIslGHNXOUA5p8/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsN7GN6F_gC2066UDJ0bZPfqlHWGAlHhupkUfWFIahb28UKX6DHHEMA8o11uUDQBjiPdYPtpHMS2J53rjjpNLm4eP9dUz062TTGb1pzLQECJoJ4yUA9SeCOLpfVVjESIslGHNXOUA5p8/s640/IMG_1675.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basic route I took up vs.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbIbiORCKGISHKtlrO6js1u1r3NiHz0-6oXI0pTqlOI2H5pNSWuRTrB5FBYhQM2vXgTo7V0e2mb-8Ox3iB1IvIeyanzabHrajvE9eJu7QMpKaf0eNT8OYfnHbL9Pwpqo0evf8ibZ3qWY/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbIbiORCKGISHKtlrO6js1u1r3NiHz0-6oXI0pTqlOI2H5pNSWuRTrB5FBYhQM2vXgTo7V0e2mb-8Ox3iB1IvIeyanzabHrajvE9eJu7QMpKaf0eNT8OYfnHbL9Pwpqo0evf8ibZ3qWY/s640/IMG_1677.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Mount Sheridan and the massive cornice obstructing access to the saddle from below. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I gained further up my chosen route it become clear that I had made the right choice. It also protected me from the wind until I gained the ridge. The route I had chosen carried me to the southwest ridge at about 13,700 feet. Once there I had to face even stronger winds but only had about 400 vertical feet to climb before I could start climbing back down. It wasn't the strongest winds I have ever been in but it was consistent and relentless.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0qW0SB7N0OOAG9xrB0YYlsewrL0Pd1C5KJVo1c9fz42iRUyyYOk6AZdAQraFNEAuFX1YFoqzD-u1FAuWqbv2bsCgXv0HW2FHJd7hJZUSNwizKJP8ClBUV0M_z-hwhCxZlO3Bvc4jZkI/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0qW0SB7N0OOAG9xrB0YYlsewrL0Pd1C5KJVo1c9fz42iRUyyYOk6AZdAQraFNEAuFX1YFoqzD-u1FAuWqbv2bsCgXv0HW2FHJd7hJZUSNwizKJP8ClBUV0M_z-hwhCxZlO3Bvc4jZkI/s640/IMG_1678.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is most of the remaining route from where I gained the southwest ridge. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZHvO15pLVDo7r-zngBXrTguyoGaJ7DmarSWJC_gdNSP9mb4aMhYsJY7g96RoK-G0B0Uqr0WdVoz1ZVw3J4ABMOz_bIS3x6EAcrd-9bMO-SwDkaH9KIS2BcB2Q4UGAA3qVt9Mt1bTHJM/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZHvO15pLVDo7r-zngBXrTguyoGaJ7DmarSWJC_gdNSP9mb4aMhYsJY7g96RoK-G0B0Uqr0WdVoz1ZVw3J4ABMOz_bIS3x6EAcrd-9bMO-SwDkaH9KIS2BcB2Q4UGAA3qVt9Mt1bTHJM/s640/IMG_1679.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very cool snow crystal formations on the rock at just under 14,000 feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPhg88UzkPGKDqx3cFKSuzx5z8KLiSnUkcW2TLpFXzD8xd8_ny0h2BHbtsPGwDcCk71FWExv4HiKLmAnRPvrg8stevFxg5Ju_s4_ULKnQewOBRSi8ezgy7UC2IlJ7ZsFRvWBA50bNC_g/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPhg88UzkPGKDqx3cFKSuzx5z8KLiSnUkcW2TLpFXzD8xd8_ny0h2BHbtsPGwDcCk71FWExv4HiKLmAnRPvrg8stevFxg5Ju_s4_ULKnQewOBRSi8ezgy7UC2IlJ7ZsFRvWBA50bNC_g/s640/IMG_1681.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess you'll just have to trust me that this is me and that I am standing on the summit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>No views from the summit which is always a bit of a disappointment. I was glad to be at the top and I was glad to start descending. I had purchased some new OR gloves that were a huge improvement from my old ones. My hands still froze instantly when I removed my gloves to take some of these pictures. But they didn't stay frozen for long like they used to. Once off the ridge I began to warm up quickly and made good time getting off the mountain. I had my axe with me so I could enjoy a controlled slide down the mountain. I was able to slide down about 1000 vertical feet total. A huge break for the knees.<br />
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It took me about 5 hours to summit and just over two hours to get back to the car. There was another car parked next to mine when I arrived back. But I never saw a single soul the entire day. I had the whole mountain to myself.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-35822375908017003532012-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:002012-02-25T12:28:46.094-08:00Quandary Peak 1/14/2012Total Mileage: 6.75 miles<br />
Elevation gain: ~3500 feet<br />
Party: Eric W., Kurt W., myself<br />
Starting point: Quandary trailhead<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGYpIrAS8kaBbXq4hscljRM7v5U_qKFxOVfryQTnRrjGuAqOwUTi1LDxtssRhsjzB8lrjzEiSwD2BWO88tLIVniKOnFsqImajVC3DSOa3MJOIlmGuYxAIv-KpH0DQfwic6ikY3OAu0nc/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGYpIrAS8kaBbXq4hscljRM7v5U_qKFxOVfryQTnRrjGuAqOwUTi1LDxtssRhsjzB8lrjzEiSwD2BWO88tLIVniKOnFsqImajVC3DSOa3MJOIlmGuYxAIv-KpH0DQfwic6ikY3OAu0nc/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quandary Peak 14,265 feet. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eric had called me with a few days notice. He told me his dad was in town and they wanted to hike a 14er and they invited me to tag along. I suggested Quandary and we met at the trailhead around 6:30 am. It was his dad's first 14,000 foot peak.<br />
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It was a beautiful Saturday so the trailhead was crowded. Even in winter. Because of all the traffic this peak gets there was a nicely laid trench to follow all the way up. So route finding wasn't necessary at all. We kept a slow and steady pace nearly the entire way.<br />
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We began in the dark, led by headlamp. Before too long the sky began to light up and we could turn our lamps off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpc8BOhtl2di6xF9a-lKU-VgXQWmpX3d267aH4yKdrJYO0qWE1JObY3bFAL58qckwzHEivafPz3z3F6Yuhlql6zTLNW6vwMw_GbqTCnyVru7fPPScT3tnI9sqbpsfqfwNJQ8bcT_H4as/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpc8BOhtl2di6xF9a-lKU-VgXQWmpX3d267aH4yKdrJYO0qWE1JObY3bFAL58qckwzHEivafPz3z3F6Yuhlql6zTLNW6vwMw_GbqTCnyVru7fPPScT3tnI9sqbpsfqfwNJQ8bcT_H4as/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm upset at the blurriness here. It was a very pretty morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This hike is pretty short and sweet. Maybe a mile and a half in the trees and we were at timberline. From there it's just the long east ridge that we follow to the tippy top. The wind picked up a bit once on the ridge and continued to increase as we ascended.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxX7_U74ftySTgPXO3SLO4Ky4qAGH05pAvHv5xtl4wHQakecFAO6CaQMzhVKtR7kNg2sxSI6fjf9Ngf9d2-0V8X9vQ0D-bBjIo7jtJl0IblJSv8Wxg9zLvKZm8bJ-MM-Y9jHxsI8uNys/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxX7_U74ftySTgPXO3SLO4Ky4qAGH05pAvHv5xtl4wHQakecFAO6CaQMzhVKtR7kNg2sxSI6fjf9Ngf9d2-0V8X9vQ0D-bBjIo7jtJl0IblJSv8Wxg9zLvKZm8bJ-MM-Y9jHxsI8uNys/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look behind after emerging from the trees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hmwKlJ87hzJCVE8HDzFAom8FcDbi90Soy7mk5-tpbbgEqFxgfUBvlrknCe4hWZLZ9WZVNRNGYa7UdxndXac5oxFltOpKuapBICnoAiYoV5nlbfwydQZHzR-Sakf3CmLdDy793CRL2Gk/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hmwKlJ87hzJCVE8HDzFAom8FcDbi90Soy7mk5-tpbbgEqFxgfUBvlrknCe4hWZLZ9WZVNRNGYa7UdxndXac5oxFltOpKuapBICnoAiYoV5nlbfwydQZHzR-Sakf3CmLdDy793CRL2Gk/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south this is North Star Mountain 13,614 feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NRdR8GiS6CMDiTx53EtnRdRzyB9VBU42dQ3z-T9HhhiPIwg1vmLQGQCrRKgNWRgCq0AV5hW0f3ePIWPE5hCTHypEiaS5GTaFfd3xLKaLECtfaXWeFpr6GNFqKTZs29U3tMIku21_2kY/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NRdR8GiS6CMDiTx53EtnRdRzyB9VBU42dQ3z-T9HhhiPIwg1vmLQGQCrRKgNWRgCq0AV5hW0f3ePIWPE5hCTHypEiaS5GTaFfd3xLKaLECtfaXWeFpr6GNFqKTZs29U3tMIku21_2kY/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the goal Eric and Kurt ahead of me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From this point on, it's just one foot in front of the other. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. The only downside was the wind that day. It really became quite frigid the higher we got. At the summit the fact that the sun was out seemed quite pointless. Removing gloves to take summit photos instantly froze my hands. Got a few summit shots and took a few for others as well.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO6ZqQTzKaid5Qrgi9w8A1M-YfdN5NTBFpb0izI9wsxTAc9xAeENMRRb5f-PAZx8hFmDAOsCcLadZ0iSfH7Ir-joJKaWZdmNR2Dy9mwumDc5V2i1CioKRatOu9b0FD0VpYJZ4Gx3gQk4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO6ZqQTzKaid5Qrgi9w8A1M-YfdN5NTBFpb0izI9wsxTAc9xAeENMRRb5f-PAZx8hFmDAOsCcLadZ0iSfH7Ir-joJKaWZdmNR2Dy9mwumDc5V2i1CioKRatOu9b0FD0VpYJZ4Gx3gQk4/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About five feet below the summit offered sweet respite from the wind while we figured out who would take who's pics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF2VCNpX2Q2KP27LegKHzt6zq3HlVlIXgJpoj8AdLgAHUHGBBRxxSk_XmCwWreyBTspYpBUJYoqaljnAetSIfS7hsigexTgkTd39ayPxSiwpC0oRGAp3PAndFYRZ_KGrJFWoTh1EIccM/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF2VCNpX2Q2KP27LegKHzt6zq3HlVlIXgJpoj8AdLgAHUHGBBRxxSk_XmCwWreyBTspYpBUJYoqaljnAetSIfS7hsigexTgkTd39ayPxSiwpC0oRGAp3PAndFYRZ_KGrJFWoTh1EIccM/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the loose straps on my pack are perfectly parallel to the ground. Wind was intense.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I didn't bother to wait for my party. As soon as I was ready I bolted for lower ground and warmer temps. I got down a ways and shoved my hands down my pants to warm them up while I waited for my party to catch up. Once all appendages were warm we took a short break before heading the rest of the way to the car.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEy4yuJhzpvLmJFirzD0pYDrzWY_6Wz_1QpD2bhkMSEqUskUiDSc45oLFQ-o5LLGZLyaBc0GpFGWgykJwl1ForX2GspAU-Vs9paLbOn0Zw6oeQdR3rPp-OuUHkzv3UpREBYUqHGdI1aU/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEy4yuJhzpvLmJFirzD0pYDrzWY_6Wz_1QpD2bhkMSEqUskUiDSc45oLFQ-o5LLGZLyaBc0GpFGWgykJwl1ForX2GspAU-Vs9paLbOn0Zw6oeQdR3rPp-OuUHkzv3UpREBYUqHGdI1aU/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric (left) might be pooping here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>It didn't take long before we had completely warmed up and were shedding layers as we descended further. There had to have been 40 people hiking the mountain that day. A very odd site to see in winter, even on Quandary. Quandary is a great mountain for beginners and I think Kurt had a great time. A few shots of the remaining descent:<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwjYul4Fhzw59rRBscalZwqVCaFoWRMuv0BF6MRQr5HfWxTMqypl8FqW8T6z99R9-4YQ2_8_4EvG_cf_b9GIeRdn1-ZycvoRoKHaYSepAn_ZOE4imU1GCunD4b9RXKd27yj8ZnVaTvzY/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwjYul4Fhzw59rRBscalZwqVCaFoWRMuv0BF6MRQr5HfWxTMqypl8FqW8T6z99R9-4YQ2_8_4EvG_cf_b9GIeRdn1-ZycvoRoKHaYSepAn_ZOE4imU1GCunD4b9RXKd27yj8ZnVaTvzY/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east on our descent off the ridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdCuRx4qfQrqGM3EiL2U0MovsVIt39CPJ9V2wX9njB6tj1YSDBeAKHFxOA9YwuYXfV2PskzGDKWPceWENk8FVWF3HOxjy-84jUqmGvoZpi3Q6CQTk0MAafPEOtHXAPv9EUPlOUxrAp6I/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdCuRx4qfQrqGM3EiL2U0MovsVIt39CPJ9V2wX9njB6tj1YSDBeAKHFxOA9YwuYXfV2PskzGDKWPceWENk8FVWF3HOxjy-84jUqmGvoZpi3Q6CQTk0MAafPEOtHXAPv9EUPlOUxrAp6I/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parting shot of the mountain before it leaves our view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc6Fl0ydocitnp4nl2t8ayClFD8OvwgEAH54NGLTTF8dN_9948fF7KqJbiMK_F0t1kB3JGGaBdjIS42fovShnXCROrFDPFDqFIvxcH5sBNlX6qyE6mdNNJv-47e8TU2NcOwLyz9pg_VY/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc6Fl0ydocitnp4nl2t8ayClFD8OvwgEAH54NGLTTF8dN_9948fF7KqJbiMK_F0t1kB3JGGaBdjIS42fovShnXCROrFDPFDqFIvxcH5sBNlX6qyE6mdNNJv-47e8TU2NcOwLyz9pg_VY/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this close-up you can see hikers speckled on the ridge we were just on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oOFmWMfDDIEWkmdPveCuK1NTHrzaMTXTLmIgScn95Kml86Qt0okEGh1TeEPKAXizg14XjE4y2kjIn5IXTYqe3NYxK4xTW0gElChYvJCKRStMoO_SwqlagaIMq99WqZ7jp5skFGFJXA8/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oOFmWMfDDIEWkmdPveCuK1NTHrzaMTXTLmIgScn95Kml86Qt0okEGh1TeEPKAXizg14XjE4y2kjIn5IXTYqe3NYxK4xTW0gElChYvJCKRStMoO_SwqlagaIMq99WqZ7jp5skFGFJXA8/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last shot in the trees about 1 mile from the car. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>This was my first winter summit of the season and I had a great time with great company. We decided to head up to Breckenridge just 8 miles north for a bite to eat before making our respective trips back to Denver and Colorado Springs. My only regret was not bringing my balaclava. My face got pretty cold and I think that could have kept me a bit more comfortable during the colder times.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-52623715812044564372011-12-25T14:25:00.000-08:002011-12-25T16:55:53.244-08:00Mount Belford and Mount Oxford 12/21/2011Total Mileage: ~10 miles<br />
Total Elevation gained: ~5800 feet<br />
Party: myself, Eric W.<br />
Starting Point: Missouri Gulch TH<br />
<br />
I climbed <a href="http://bradyhikes.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html">Mount Belford</a> back in April of this year. I didn't want to hike it again but getting on top of Mount Oxford basically necessitates going up and over Belford. I knew that the trailhead was accessible (rare in winter). I also had a willing partner so it made sense to make this happen. I have bad memories of climbing Belford last April. It was quite difficult, I was sick, and on top of that I had got my car stuck in the snow trying to get closer to the trailhead. So when I reached the summit of Belford last time I was tired and sick, and I knew there was a chance I would need to call someone to tow my car out of the snow before places closed for the day. So I turned around and left Oxford for another day. This day.<br />
<br />
It was 4 degrees when we started off at 6:30 am. We started off a bit cold but it quickly dissipated as we started to climb the initial switchbacks. I try to hike slow enough not to sweat but fast enough to keep good time. As we climbed past the trees we decided to cache our snowshoes at an old abandoned log cabin. There was a good snow trench that outlined the trail very well and we felt that snowshoes just weren't going to be needed today. We made good time to treeline and to the base of the Belford shoulder. I hate the Belofrd shoulder. It is about a mile long and 2200 feet tall. It is the standard route to the top of Belford. Last time I hiked it it took me 2.5 hours to climb just the shoulder and I felt like I was eking through every step.This time it took us 4.5 hours to climb officially making it my alpine nemesis.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5LxmBRu6Ow/TveXeleN2wI/AAAAAAAAAic/to-wYYlM8Po/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5LxmBRu6Ow/TveXeleN2wI/AAAAAAAAAic/to-wYYlM8Po/s640/055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the base of the shoulder. Pictures just can't do justice sometimes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vw-Io0_Owg4/TveXhmmNdgI/AAAAAAAAAik/YVJVwPgd0M8/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vw-Io0_Owg4/TveXhmmNdgI/AAAAAAAAAik/YVJVwPgd0M8/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back. The day was full of flashes of blue sky and thin wispy dark clouds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7G-F0ugG6k/TveXj-Ev59I/AAAAAAAAAis/EACes9PIQAw/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7G-F0ugG6k/TveXj-Ev59I/AAAAAAAAAis/EACes9PIQAw/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric climbing the shoulder. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyPoSq-rT6U/TveXlTuKArI/AAAAAAAAAi0/9yMPtEgiuy4/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyPoSq-rT6U/TveXlTuKArI/AAAAAAAAAi0/9yMPtEgiuy4/s640/058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted this little pervert spying on us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The shoulder was carrying about 4-5 inches of sugary snow on top of a layer of hard packed snow that was more like ice in some places. We were both stopping frequently and had no idea it was taking us so long to progress forward. When it donned on us how we were making such awful time we were confused as to why. We weren't in the best shapes of our lives but we weren't in bad shape either. The cold may have had something to do with it. We also may have unknowingly entered some kind of alpine vortex that sucks all your energy. Who knows....<br />
<br />
Anyways....we made it to the top.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--41ZSv6U_j4/TveZ4sri7UI/AAAAAAAAAjA/yG3TkXdyE7E/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--41ZSv6U_j4/TveZ4sri7UI/AAAAAAAAAjA/yG3TkXdyE7E/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and foggy on top with no views of anything. It was quite chilly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I told Eric that there was no way I'm not getting Oxford today. He agreed and off we went. We had only spent about 10 minutes on the summit. We couldn't even see Oxford until right when we started off. I could see Eric's will deflate a bit when he actually saw the route. I tried to console him by explaining "it's always closer than it looks. We'll be there in 45 minutes for sure." So 90 minutes later we would be standing on top of Oxford looking forward to climbing back over Belford for our final descent.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNvzAwxD44c/TvebdWVlj_I/AAAAAAAAAjM/sRG_H_pCA1o/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNvzAwxD44c/TvebdWVlj_I/AAAAAAAAAjM/sRG_H_pCA1o/s640/065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting just above the saddle between Belford and Oxford.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R0ptE7YbvzE/TvebgDmq8VI/AAAAAAAAAjU/84OJU8-hQbI/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R0ptE7YbvzE/TvebgDmq8VI/AAAAAAAAAjU/84OJU8-hQbI/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Belford is the tiny bump in the center. 14,197 feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-wVih81PXk/TvebjJ4DlzI/AAAAAAAAAjc/-1RUGZaJ_Dk/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-wVih81PXk/TvebjJ4DlzI/AAAAAAAAAjc/-1RUGZaJ_Dk/s640/069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remaining route to Mount Oxford.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBL6QMVo0MQ/Tvebkk1YBXI/AAAAAAAAAjk/kd1Tj6-b-xg/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBL6QMVo0MQ/Tvebkk1YBXI/AAAAAAAAAjk/kd1Tj6-b-xg/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of Oxford (14,153 feet) with Mount Harvard (14,420 feet) in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We knew we would be hiking home in the dark. We weren't terribly concerned about that because we were prepared for that. I think most people descend via Elkhead Pass which is a different route down than we took up. Neither of us were familiar with that route so we decided to go back over Belford and descend the exact way way we came up the mountain. It really didn't add much more elevation gain to our trip but it made us feel comfortable to know we wouldn't be doing any route finding in the dark. We didn't even stop on Mount Belford when we arrived the second time. It was cloudy and dark and we rolled over the summit like any other hill that day. By this time it was very, very cold. I thought that descending the shoulder would be a welcome respite from the non-stop climbing we had grown accustomed to. Turns out the shoulder sucked going down just as much as going up. It just didn't take as long.<br />
<br />
The problem going down was that I didn't have trekking poles with me or an ice axe. So my ability to arrest myself was limited. I left my poles in the car because I felt like they make my hands colder. I didn't even bring my ice axe with me. So glissading was out of the question. It was too steep and too icy underneath. Plunge-stepping was a bad idea as well just because there wasn't enough snow for it. We just had to be careful and go slowly. Sometime while descending the shoulder I decided to pull out my headlamp. Eric had his on and I was sick of sharing the light. I had waited so long because I knew my headlamp was still in the packagin and I didn't want to mess with it. So when we stopped to drink I took off my gloves and scurried to get it my headlamp out. What I didn't know was that the batteries that came with the light were not pre-installed but were sitting in the packaging individually. In my haste to open the light all the contents burst into the air like a bag of chips. I sifted through the snow and found two of the three batteries required to operate the light. After 60 seconds of continued sifting I relented and told Eric I was glad he had brought his light because I would be sharing it with him. Once down the shoulder it was all pretty easy and a bit warmer as well. We found our snowshoes easily and strapped them back on and headed down the rest of the mountain. We made one quick stop in Buena Vista to get back some calories we had spent and we called it a day. A fourteen hour day...<br />
<br />
Oh yeah...also, it's a good idea to clip toenails before hiking for 14 hours. Or this happens:<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XvD8ShVm_Q/Tvebmu0aWiI/AAAAAAAAAjs/GQfK-78OI5c/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XvD8ShVm_Q/Tvebmu0aWiI/AAAAAAAAAjs/GQfK-78OI5c/s320/073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies to my wife who told me not to post this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-90235000385400597582011-12-25T13:17:00.000-08:002011-12-25T13:17:39.871-08:00Wetterhorn Peak and Uncompahgre Peak 10/16/2011Total Mileage: ~14 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gained: ~5500 feet<br />
Party: solo<br />
Total Time: 12.5 hours<br />
Start Location: Nellie Creek TH<br />
<br />
We were getting the interior of our house painted and my wife decided she didn't want to be around for it. So she left to visit her parents in Las Vegas with my 2 year old daughter. Wanting to make the most of my bachelor status I planned to get a few 14ers checked off my list while the wife was away. So after work (in Pueblo, CO) I drove to the town of Lake City, CO and enjoyed a quiet meal at a quiet restaurant. From there, the trailhead was about 12 miles away and that's where I spent the night while laying inside my wife's Toyota Highlander. I awoke at around 4:30 am and was on the trail by 5 sharp.<br />
<br />
There was light snow. I didn't wear gaiters or microspikes and certainly didn't bring or use snowshoes. Gaiters and spikes could have been useful but weren't necessary. As I started out it was dark and it was cold. I had underestimated how long I would hiking in the dark. The sun didn't show up until about 7:30 am and by then I had made it to about 13K feet already. My hands were so cold I had to stop hiking and use my secret hand-warming method before continuing. It was a beautiful sight when the sun finally came over the distant range. It began to get warmer immediately.<br />
<br />
From my limited research, these two peaks are not always done together. It seems that, more often than not, there are hiked individually. I was very glad to find trip reports from those who have gone before me from 14ers.com. My first goal was reaching the summit of Wetterhorn Peak via the standard route. The hike up this route is very scenic and I would have taken more pictures if there would have been more light available.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYT-sjdlhGU/TveJ788JbHI/AAAAAAAAAfs/ZTN9oNMfBZs/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYT-sjdlhGU/TveJ788JbHI/AAAAAAAAAfs/ZTN9oNMfBZs/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wetterhorn Peak taken from about 13K feet just as the sun had risen. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa3-27sP8Mo/TveJ_6hOm9I/AAAAAAAAAf0/4eMqQ9TQJPw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa3-27sP8Mo/TveJ_6hOm9I/AAAAAAAAAf0/4eMqQ9TQJPw/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncompahgre Peak from essentially the same spot as above. This would be my second goal that day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The remaining 1000 vertical feet to the top of Wetterhorn was a lot of fun. I left my poles at 13K feet because I felt like gripping my poles was preventing my hands from staying warm. There is a prominent feature of Wetterhorn Peak that is commonly referred to as "The Prow" or "The Ship's Prow". It is visible in the first picture above as a small notch just left of the obvious summit. The route to the top passes right at the base of this impressive rock feature.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-El3jNPdcBhA/TveLvKQZJaI/AAAAAAAAAgg/gppegttewiI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-El3jNPdcBhA/TveLvKQZJaI/AAAAAAAAAgg/gppegttewiI/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing below the Ship's Prow with the summit dead ahead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7CPbUT6uYs/TveLy717BCI/AAAAAAAAAgo/-HIlVvHbQIo/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7CPbUT6uYs/TveLy717BCI/AAAAAAAAAgo/-HIlVvHbQIo/s640/013.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last couple hundred feet offers some fun Class 3 scrambling before topping off on the summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCNfpZmOYc8/TveL1iBnYKI/AAAAAAAAAgw/JUN5jQf9sdY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCNfpZmOYc8/TveL1iBnYKI/AAAAAAAAAgw/JUN5jQf9sdY/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on the summit (14,015 feet) with Matterhorn Peak and Uncompahgre Peak in the distance. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGwEvT0po_8/TveL5H5jyaI/AAAAAAAAAg4/DNKStjGVLXY/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGwEvT0po_8/TveL5H5jyaI/AAAAAAAAAg4/DNKStjGVLXY/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More summit shots</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl7zupyXu9A/TveL7lXTqAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/td2o7epBRbs/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl7zupyXu9A/TveL7lXTqAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/td2o7epBRbs/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The San Juan mountain range.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xU4vkboWOZ4/TveMC2mHOJI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9kiJIyzN3Ag/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xU4vkboWOZ4/TveMC2mHOJI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9kiJIyzN3Ag/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that I was there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the top of Wetterhorn my next goal was the top of Uncompahgre Peak. When the sun came out the snow that was on the ground became a bit softer. I had to descend to about 12,400 feet before beginning to ascend again. I would be aiming for a notch that is very visible in the above pictures on Uncompahgre.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx2cSxkXfHc/TveOditrbaI/AAAAAAAAAhU/_6vEtbkKduo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx2cSxkXfHc/TveOditrbaI/AAAAAAAAAhU/_6vEtbkKduo/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same picture as above with the notch labeled that I'm referring to. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>There was a lot of meandering in the snow meadows below this notch. In fact, I had not originally planned to ascend that way but I was so sick of sinking in the snow that I felt justified in making a detour up the long scree slide just below that notch.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDsiTQzLyg/TvePZH_PqII/AAAAAAAAAhg/hIw5WpczBOU/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDsiTQzLyg/TvePZH_PqII/AAAAAAAAAhg/hIw5WpczBOU/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally made it to the base of the notch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was a lot of hard work at this point in the day to climb that scree field. It was preferable however to walking in snow. It took about an hour and I was at the top of that notch which put me at about 13,300 feet if I remember right. Just another 1000 vertical feet to the top of Uncompahgre. It went by quick and before I knew it I was there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwkQ1lBVK90/TvePchT14SI/AAAAAAAAAho/jZTeXr9wN_o/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwkQ1lBVK90/TvePchT14SI/AAAAAAAAAho/jZTeXr9wN_o/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matterhorn peak is the one that is closest and Wetterhorn is behind it. Weird to think I was just there about 4 hours earlier. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jonLvZknC40/TvePecS8K_I/AAAAAAAAAhw/dvEoUJS2-xU/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jonLvZknC40/TvePecS8K_I/AAAAAAAAAhw/dvEoUJS2-xU/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If there's one thing I'm good at, it's posing for pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5mCNO4MlNY/TvePhlezQgI/AAAAAAAAAh4/SzsOCROWCwQ/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5mCNO4MlNY/TvePhlezQgI/AAAAAAAAAh4/SzsOCROWCwQ/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit shots</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRJrlI8lCuw/TvePk_I2VBI/AAAAAAAAAiA/rwjJHqGw0FU/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRJrlI8lCuw/TvePk_I2VBI/AAAAAAAAAiA/rwjJHqGw0FU/s640/025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More summit shots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I was not looking forward to slogging through all that snow again. But I went down the way I came and I was fortunate enough to have my own footsteps to walk into to minimize the postholing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDhv9Y-DcEw/TvePnsh69YI/AAAAAAAAAiI/FxMNl8vUbQ8/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDhv9Y-DcEw/TvePnsh69YI/AAAAAAAAAiI/FxMNl8vUbQ8/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAe1Ukog2oA/TvePqpkVzRI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Zjc4l53YvUc/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAe1Ukog2oA/TvePqpkVzRI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Zjc4l53YvUc/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Matterhorn peak from about 11K feet. About 2 miles from the trailhead. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>About 3 hours would pass before I found myself back at the car.My plan was to bag these two peaks and drive to Ouray, CO where I would climb Mt. Sneffels the following day. Truth is, I was too tired from this adventure and I really just wanted a bed to sleep in that night. So I started my car and made the trip back to Colorado Springs that night stopping to pig out at least twice at fast food joints along the way. In an unfortunate twist of fate, I arrived home and my bed had been plastic wrapped by the painters along with all my furniture and belongings. I had to sleep in the spare bedroom downstairs that wasn't being painted. Waking up the next morning I was quite content to be lounging around doing nothing instead of hiking another 14,000 foot mountain. Mt. Sneffels isn't going anywhere.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-80253625998925166202011-11-04T14:06:00.000-07:002011-11-04T14:09:19.606-07:00North Eolus and Windom Peak 9/16-9/18/2011Total Mileage: about 27 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gain: ~11,200 feet<br />
Starting Point: Needleton<br />
Total Time: 21.5 hours of hiking over 3 days<br />
Party: Myself, Eric B., Brandon J., Todd H., Ron R., Tim H., Dan B., and 4 other from Utah I didn't know very well and didn't stay there very long either.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TkSPd07ReodiKcYwkW2ijWeShl_aE5ifKvK7Jf_Qfd4fX0XeLyx7fmyQloeCIeCWsp4UAu5VPpFsAqJRf__lW3KuwSpphpDCd7xq_GMLJpgjiUdjOz6FgLr6Xt5kWaE-k6tTflaiiDw/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TkSPd07ReodiKcYwkW2ijWeShl_aE5ifKvK7Jf_Qfd4fX0XeLyx7fmyQloeCIeCWsp4UAu5VPpFsAqJRf__lW3KuwSpphpDCd7xq_GMLJpgjiUdjOz6FgLr6Xt5kWaE-k6tTflaiiDw/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Chicago Basin! Windom peak is left of center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is a hiking adventure that could easily be (and probably is) the highlight of anyone's life, let alone the summer. The Chicago Basin is located in the heart of the San Juan mountain range in southern Colorado. There are four 14ers that are within hiking distance from this basin. Mount Eolus, North Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak. The goal, of course was all four. Weather would change our plans.<br />
<br />
We would start from the town of Durango. To arrive at the Needlton Trailhead one must catch a train that goes between Durango and Silverton. Needleton is about 30 miles north of Durango and there is really no other way of arriving there. The train departed at 9am on Friday morning and dropped us off at the trailhead around 11:30am.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoj025v2sLPIck2qP7lGJWbH7uJ5qv8LvS57Ar4ugLKu7fmN3UeZykoeyD-iYhUZtzHMw2sNXpsQsLrheh4B9XwgPprUu_r4WMxfi7QHljvO74MNnmSw2xb0YY-LhTECpRxpYfY3k2Mk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoj025v2sLPIck2qP7lGJWbH7uJ5qv8LvS57Ar4ugLKu7fmN3UeZykoeyD-iYhUZtzHMw2sNXpsQsLrheh4B9XwgPprUu_r4WMxfi7QHljvO74MNnmSw2xb0YY-LhTECpRxpYfY3k2Mk/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading our packs in the cargo car of the train before departing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky_lwPl6a7m6S3TNX7fiuJOB7rKJxYzncKYBfOQV-LApzBd6WxzvTBqryTmlTYjINyVfL0YWUFWUCDsxICN5B1ivJRefHcDIUQ_UygxqWXVrGEk26LgfthSwMZdws-oZDZoRXsSVZMi4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky_lwPl6a7m6S3TNX7fiuJOB7rKJxYzncKYBfOQV-LApzBd6WxzvTBqryTmlTYjINyVfL0YWUFWUCDsxICN5B1ivJRefHcDIUQ_UygxqWXVrGEk26LgfthSwMZdws-oZDZoRXsSVZMi4/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the Las Animas River en route to Needleton.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuoH-B39t9mvehEOCXDtWP5eubWsSVy_gg5WrrDUULX8EaPySTOGRsuFi6rUF75vltKU6hn8Q4pjFVDPYuGbJ9VmhIOAPO8F66B1r5zSDWtPXczpJJ5whAr3KS9pXO7510Eele10SPo4/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuoH-B39t9mvehEOCXDtWP5eubWsSVy_gg5WrrDUULX8EaPySTOGRsuFi6rUF75vltKU6hn8Q4pjFVDPYuGbJ9VmhIOAPO8F66B1r5zSDWtPXczpJJ5whAr3KS9pXO7510Eele10SPo4/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Needleton drop-off. We would return here in 3 days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqRHmJAEA3P4VFq0US2oVeN0wk4Yt0KwbBjVRqp9F8BM2EIu87JA_O_bXg3LkBLV6U1DNa0R8UKZakkuDOkwfs2KuIe33TWL11wkpMra4mlwIy5fv29NubQjv4GpnSGMLC7MV-XfGArc/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqRHmJAEA3P4VFq0US2oVeN0wk4Yt0KwbBjVRqp9F8BM2EIu87JA_O_bXg3LkBLV6U1DNa0R8UKZakkuDOkwfs2KuIe33TWL11wkpMra4mlwIy5fv29NubQjv4GpnSGMLC7MV-XfGArc/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This suspension bridge marks the beginning of the trail to the Chicago basin and crosses the Las Animas River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
With 11 people in our party we made our initial ascent into the Chicago basin. I started it off with a little hiccup. About one quarter mile into the hike I realized I had left my trekking poles at the trailhead. I turned around and made it about half way back and saw a woman who had picked them up for me. Not a huge speed bump but it did put me at the back of the group.<br />
<br />
From Needleton it's six miles to the Chicago Basin area. En route we would gain about 2800 feet of elevation. With my pack weighing about 45 lbs I felt like this might be the crux of the entire route.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFNJNprFkJbB3IRk4dVR1dB2Y_E3tqZqId7rvtoG9roWQmwis5jMFpJ97Axz_2-e9SSzV9trU2c3g1Ewk5F0XuQBK6qwEnzmUtO9gCeVBG5a7pl30SF-vvSDBlwkTd6twHwSUnRct_5U/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFNJNprFkJbB3IRk4dVR1dB2Y_E3tqZqId7rvtoG9roWQmwis5jMFpJ97Axz_2-e9SSzV9trU2c3g1Ewk5F0XuQBK6qwEnzmUtO9gCeVBG5a7pl30SF-vvSDBlwkTd6twHwSUnRct_5U/s640/11.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We experienced a bit of moisture on our way up to Chicago Basin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It took about four hours to make my way to where we would set up camp. Good company the entire way made it easier to forget that I had 45 lbs strapped to my back. We found a great group campsite and quickly got tents set up for the night.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvUdmQiRVPU4xcI6RxhymAhJyeNCJJuWG9XEBICn_8P5X9-UCT-JTjq16a6jtd2TrIw8kCPYiKmZk0nd64jIQhR8QDIJCxS6NNxaWQ-JeGUT1MFmh3Qre_60DSIejRGeGQY9jmkQ_OLw/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvUdmQiRVPU4xcI6RxhymAhJyeNCJJuWG9XEBICn_8P5X9-UCT-JTjq16a6jtd2TrIw8kCPYiKmZk0nd64jIQhR8QDIJCxS6NNxaWQ-JeGUT1MFmh3Qre_60DSIejRGeGQY9jmkQ_OLw/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at 11,100 feet in the Chicago basin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our goal for the morning was going to be Windom peak. We knew the weather wasn't going to be the greatest so we'd try for the easiest of the four peaks first. I think we decided on a 5 o'clock start time. I could tell that not everyone was crazy about the early start time but it would give us the best shot at summit success.<br />
<br />
I probably haven't slept so bad in my entire life than that night (and the subsequent night as well). The ground was cold and I didn't bring a pad to lay down underneath me. I couldn't really tell if I was ever sleeping or not. Some kind of rest must have happened or I think I would have been dead tired the next day.<br />
<br />
In the dark the next morning all 11 of us set out for Windom Peak. The fog was hovering at about 12000 feet. So we started with good visibility that dwindled as we climbed higher.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVYicIrOCyeHMsmlazZLTX8vxGIwa4kQ7Dad8Un3eR_t3MP17R9Ydd1knm48goEW5ttXcx15zsdTjNf0sO4cb1c484HswZpEmPe76TkyMZ0DnI5ff7G_0eeNyDhJeB9k-8Ss7H16d5Xo/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVYicIrOCyeHMsmlazZLTX8vxGIwa4kQ7Dad8Un3eR_t3MP17R9Ydd1knm48goEW5ttXcx15zsdTjNf0sO4cb1c484HswZpEmPe76TkyMZ0DnI5ff7G_0eeNyDhJeB9k-8Ss7H16d5Xo/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken on the way down this shot shows the fog just hovering. Our camp is in the lower right corner here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> We all arrived at Twin Lakes which is about 1400 vertical feet above the Chicago Basin and our campsite. At this particular time it was also located in the heart of this increasing fog. We convened and discussed our next strategy. We all agreed to proceed to Windom under little visibility. We left in small groups at slightly different times.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDzbpqDthL6wCSckc6g-_c2CZvKBgCd4pXQkSi0_aix6o1c9srVeRZ7XQbqYhJ7XTXjcQi3Ju3OkZMUr3A-i6A-DC0LIoUXEAc3WS448hbWqIgiZPzSuEvIVSeJYqx2npVUEHebw6UZU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDzbpqDthL6wCSckc6g-_c2CZvKBgCd4pXQkSi0_aix6o1c9srVeRZ7XQbqYhJ7XTXjcQi3Ju3OkZMUr3A-i6A-DC0LIoUXEAc3WS448hbWqIgiZPzSuEvIVSeJYqx2npVUEHebw6UZU/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering at Twin Lakes to discuss our next move.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVW0sMoXx7bPHtTgppo975xrwgTIVcGXhEaHXcQtcoWX9W852-gPD951qUFsBN7QRGNIzOUs8ACoN6K0Jkes1XwqcWHynpyG7v_SHG65YI_VrAVwIXDn678dPTm5wxKrmxqy9cEiFTpA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVW0sMoXx7bPHtTgppo975xrwgTIVcGXhEaHXcQtcoWX9W852-gPD951qUFsBN7QRGNIzOUs8ACoN6K0Jkes1XwqcWHynpyG7v_SHG65YI_VrAVwIXDn678dPTm5wxKrmxqy9cEiFTpA/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric B. contemplating the Polar Bear Challenge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmobVT3ibcboOD2PMhFH9ju02KCjX1eK3V7nF34nzhnoSdf-gLOCKLe4C49nbPEhj6yOdL_YTcyp317JTJHAQmtqc89_HIWYcsI-bO5OwZSYLiVjVM5HTWIdfkFptybGF6-nSZ-qpQOxs/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmobVT3ibcboOD2PMhFH9ju02KCjX1eK3V7nF34nzhnoSdf-gLOCKLe4C49nbPEhj6yOdL_YTcyp317JTJHAQmtqc89_HIWYcsI-bO5OwZSYLiVjVM5HTWIdfkFptybGF6-nSZ-qpQOxs/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First group heads into the void. Windom is over there somewhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By way of explanation, the route to Windom is similar to the route of Sunlight Peak as well. Sunlight is another 14er located about 1/2 mile north of Windom. A little ways above Twin lakes I started to question whether or not we were on the right track towards Windom. I had a hunch that we had left the route to Windom and were heading towards Sunlight Peak instead. It would have only required a small course correction at the time I realized this. Unfortunately, I was in the rear of the group at this time. The wind was picking up and communication to the other groups ahead of us was impossible. Not too much further we all stopped and I made by recommendation that we reconsider our route. Some there pulled out maps and began to evaluate our current position. Through the next 3 minutes of conversation I was convinced that I was wrong and that we were heading towards our intended destination. We pressed on. At about 13,400 feet I had changed my mind yet again with more conviction that we had, indeed, not followed the right path. I believed that we were actually cliimbing Sunlight and not Windom. The tops of the peaks could not be seen due to fog and there was little means to use landmarks to navigate. Again, I was lagging behind and could not communicate this idea to anyone.<br />
<br />
Soon after I was startled by loud thunder that seemed to have come out of nowhere. This stopped the party and allowed me to catch up. I didn't see lightning but others did and described the lightning as having knocked a large boulder loose not far from where we were standing. They were discussing calling it a day. I said we were on the wrong peak anyways so we might as well. A few disagreed with me, but after pulling out my GPS there was no question we had gone wrong. (Yes, I had a GPS and yes, I should have used it to begin with.)<br />
<br />
So back to camp we went. Arriving at camp around 10 am. It was a fun four hour excursion that didn't net us a summit. We got as high as about 13,500 before turning around. The four-man Utah group in our party had had enough apparently. They decided that they would be catching that day's train back to Durango and heading back to Utah that night. It's hard to not feel a little demoralized with the morning's events and part of the group calling it quits. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous that they'd be sleeping in warm beds that night and I would be tossing and turning. They broke camp and left wishing us luck for an attempt the next day.<br />
<br />
As it turned out the next attempt up would be a little sooner than that. As the day went on, the weather turned worse. At around 2 pm we got a snow shower at camp that lasted a little more than an hour and left a 2-3 inch blanket of snow all around us. Then, at around 3:30pm the clouds parted and the sun finally broke through unimpeded. The storm had broke and we were left with a bluebird sky! So what now?<br />
<br />
I was standing with the rest of the group and said, "If anyone else wants to head up right now with me, I'm willing to give it a go." Brandon almost immediately volunteered as if he was dying of boredom. We agreed to get going and Eric joined us as well. I thought that the timing was such that we would arrive back at camp around dark, maybe a little after. We decided that we would leave Windom for the next day and attempt Mount Eolus that evening. It's no further than Windom would have been. Instead of going right at Twin Lakes you just go left basically. Around 4 pm we were off.<br />
<br />
About one hour later we arrived at Twin Lakes for the second time that day. But instead of seeing this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVW0sMoXx7bPHtTgppo975xrwgTIVcGXhEaHXcQtcoWX9W852-gPD951qUFsBN7QRGNIzOUs8ACoN6K0Jkes1XwqcWHynpyG7v_SHG65YI_VrAVwIXDn678dPTm5wxKrmxqy9cEiFTpA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVW0sMoXx7bPHtTgppo975xrwgTIVcGXhEaHXcQtcoWX9W852-gPD951qUFsBN7QRGNIzOUs8ACoN6K0Jkes1XwqcWHynpyG7v_SHG65YI_VrAVwIXDn678dPTm5wxKrmxqy9cEiFTpA/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Lakes at 7 am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We saw this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusyx9kgT8Pc6lzVGUrzuLIJkvfxIqfGkWg5olZtflMTgkgoE2N27QrJgQzu8beMF0AXb4Cj74yH1Kdml7-3S_9If0hWr5v4kx82le3KIxeYIb1_UBgWR4KSFjqOnLW5JhNQDeorNLUL4/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusyx9kgT8Pc6lzVGUrzuLIJkvfxIqfGkWg5olZtflMTgkgoE2N27QrJgQzu8beMF0AXb4Cj74yH1Kdml7-3S_9If0hWr5v4kx82le3KIxeYIb1_UBgWR4KSFjqOnLW5JhNQDeorNLUL4/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0UZmrCD9uzt0MOZbSPuWCE2xPgmOVGiQdJ9b5ceh84B7mcnYMaYZyyXeGAVRUWmhIqibNx6F52vNKUjiiXxDMFP2vFye_gVDJxDAfPouHqHqAn-7isrcoLpgF7r0UxKuhyzNL9AfSrQ/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0UZmrCD9uzt0MOZbSPuWCE2xPgmOVGiQdJ9b5ceh84B7mcnYMaYZyyXeGAVRUWmhIqibNx6F52vNKUjiiXxDMFP2vFye_gVDJxDAfPouHqHqAn-7isrcoLpgF7r0UxKuhyzNL9AfSrQ/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRWW0CaL5QWOWsi7P3ZqBNBe78jPst80NI56dUyRILygCRUaaZcGkBZFD-1KHav0SXTrrANh9mKbIscTGOeTzXnMcFdWCh32zsAMa59Dg-PjQd8KszIfGTqlh6W2gSWvEAWZPRFMjMfs/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRWW0CaL5QWOWsi7P3ZqBNBe78jPst80NI56dUyRILygCRUaaZcGkBZFD-1KHav0SXTrrANh9mKbIscTGOeTzXnMcFdWCh32zsAMa59Dg-PjQd8KszIfGTqlh6W2gSWvEAWZPRFMjMfs/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A much different view at 5pm.<br />
<br />
So we took a short break and continued climbing towards Eolus. There is a feature commonly referred to as "The Catwalk" on Mount Eolus. It is a narrow walkway with steep exposure on either side that one must walk across to summit the mountain. We were a little concerned with the recent snowfall what the conditions there would provide. We had North Eolus as a back-up plan if the Catwalk proved too dangerous.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyIGeN0E1ocj_OxhW1uIjm2fdg711NNkzdLHr4N7yHrB7ff-4Pk3a_qh522zQhVsp7HLPFDDgMM_pf-F-cX_xcFzFh6lHvi-af_El0U7pb18RdbC_zFyVZh5DgyCP4oPOxs_Wvc0QAeM/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyIGeN0E1ocj_OxhW1uIjm2fdg711NNkzdLHr4N7yHrB7ff-4Pk3a_qh522zQhVsp7HLPFDDgMM_pf-F-cX_xcFzFh6lHvi-af_El0U7pb18RdbC_zFyVZh5DgyCP4oPOxs_Wvc0QAeM/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up Eolus in 12-18 inches of snow we weren't planning on. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIGP-Dcq55nxVFgJGt1AOaVKC-ZD42kdqyvzeTYH7RMF_AVTqvgP73COATpQsH-EbbYIAeQRlaUvBhMo2QJEJyh-WqSBNe7r2RE-QXcCPkTCALiMhJBl37JMuFOQwXbCQeqf0og-jDgI/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIGP-Dcq55nxVFgJGt1AOaVKC-ZD42kdqyvzeTYH7RMF_AVTqvgP73COATpQsH-EbbYIAeQRlaUvBhMo2QJEJyh-WqSBNe7r2RE-QXcCPkTCALiMhJBl37JMuFOQwXbCQeqf0og-jDgI/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windom behind us dead center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We were heading towards the saddle that connects Eolus to North Eolus. from there we would make a determination to attempt the Catwalk or not. The next picture show our route (roughly) from Twin Lakes to the saddle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBK7ddWQVdRFsaIHh3wf3VwVwAdMMxX3xzV9yGBg17_b9wHM9cmiWaN-3V0YoQ0-n4jP_XUfA7NUgnB1DmaZ8TNlTSLkLhsT10HxkikqifmZHrtrQ9vcgHEn8JlReC_Y-g6hY_YP8oAw/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBK7ddWQVdRFsaIHh3wf3VwVwAdMMxX3xzV9yGBg17_b9wHM9cmiWaN-3V0YoQ0-n4jP_XUfA7NUgnB1DmaZ8TNlTSLkLhsT10HxkikqifmZHrtrQ9vcgHEn8JlReC_Y-g6hY_YP8oAw/s640/053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from near the top of Windom the next day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>We arrived on the saddle and decide to go towards Eolus and the Catwalk until we felt uncomfortable. It didn't take long for that to happen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4dtVagaXhKmbXXKDEwIniwe_QXD01kQElsPDLmI4jezIteGWLb698xKMDTEplDJ7-RuPBIoFLa25czlwrzaKThwHCoWsfQpuixOuHflr-25rvQJSJxdLlzgXNrGhO0YX9PnYLY_Ff7g/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4dtVagaXhKmbXXKDEwIniwe_QXD01kQElsPDLmI4jezIteGWLb698xKMDTEplDJ7-RuPBIoFLa25czlwrzaKThwHCoWsfQpuixOuHflr-25rvQJSJxdLlzgXNrGhO0YX9PnYLY_Ff7g/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric is waiting for Brandon and me to catch up. The Catwalk is below where Eric is sitting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn20qcr6gSliDCbyVks4crho2ekOiF9kwCZFWR8_19Ispu-J9_cH0BFiIbMn6L6OrGyY1RNjWsBKqzA9mTm0n8-oPU3Mm6tHEZ1qmm-2Xs4iibM9PeJNnrBdOdC5pibmhVwPD5qdd4vE/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn20qcr6gSliDCbyVks4crho2ekOiF9kwCZFWR8_19Ispu-J9_cH0BFiIbMn6L6OrGyY1RNjWsBKqzA9mTm0n8-oPU3Mm6tHEZ1qmm-2Xs4iibM9PeJNnrBdOdC5pibmhVwPD5qdd4vE/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We fell victim to good judgement and retreated back towards North Eolus. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eolus wasn't in the cards that evening. When the above pictures were shot we were about 30 minutes from the sun setting. We wanted to summit something at the very least. From the saddle between the two peaks it only took about 15 minutes for us to be on top of North Eolus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4WneD7hlpbiAF9wcaN05fPXRgQglfsm1bcnh1kKb_HI7sX7umFp7zNJWcQoTHDQGeo5z5uoNjNIVtw8NT87oVuVVMYUZBsER1HYWnvMTt9uaiQ2zn7M234vUV8tm3KNTW771gHElwL4/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4WneD7hlpbiAF9wcaN05fPXRgQglfsm1bcnh1kKb_HI7sX7umFp7zNJWcQoTHDQGeo5z5uoNjNIVtw8NT87oVuVVMYUZBsER1HYWnvMTt9uaiQ2zn7M234vUV8tm3KNTW771gHElwL4/s640/043.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Eolus 14,039 feet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Spectacular views from North Eolus right as the sun had set.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiJoTgRUHn9iqHkPSIlFQmIcXE1j71X6zpwjnc6vSSkAi_LA0E1MaTRUhzyvQU40SYdyDuMn0iKgY5IAbUMAmg1gQMp5w4a46lYrQzDLD8uuAOKOi3iIt5gkWDgRXtr0thepSSQ2y4S8/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiJoTgRUHn9iqHkPSIlFQmIcXE1j71X6zpwjnc6vSSkAi_LA0E1MaTRUhzyvQU40SYdyDuMn0iKgY5IAbUMAmg1gQMp5w4a46lYrQzDLD8uuAOKOi3iIt5gkWDgRXtr0thepSSQ2y4S8/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilson group of 14ers far in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaohwNe6k0_IpW0lkPB7sPMdHc5jDJb_DuDvw107LADzCWp9_A1dz-8iyXMS-ROVECD2xLB8b5GaAVTwztxvV96eOzUuLjgMCkajF8JwB3J6a0wpW584vFD4akO8iQIW8RIBDMI2RwEyQ/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaohwNe6k0_IpW0lkPB7sPMdHc5jDJb_DuDvw107LADzCWp9_A1dz-8iyXMS-ROVECD2xLB8b5GaAVTwztxvV96eOzUuLjgMCkajF8JwB3J6a0wpW584vFD4akO8iQIW8RIBDMI2RwEyQ/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMeluTZ1zRLPxT7L1XmwHwXkiKRllhiCgRu3bEhEsnI7hHL-oEwYHVcaQWn31792VcN9nc5NRrDWhR1o9L9vxUOsMMOzd9xfp4bBa-ulDM8nm6SGYsBZpm3BwVNltITVRSNlFMoOduJY/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMeluTZ1zRLPxT7L1XmwHwXkiKRllhiCgRu3bEhEsnI7hHL-oEwYHVcaQWn31792VcN9nc5NRrDWhR1o9L9vxUOsMMOzd9xfp4bBa-ulDM8nm6SGYsBZpm3BwVNltITVRSNlFMoOduJY/s400/048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back down to camp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the top of North Eolus we could see easily how far off we were that morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4IOxchNfh_FpYLADzRSY1wjd9gYRi3lyjGfC9DeLX-yqY5sDRwHKZLNkrA5u_PcxB4n0vd8hupf9V6VmkhFAEvl_0onRoqbal_TNoIW5XFInuWUu5T5Tq75Iyth5CvsPDVBLpTL4RZo/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4IOxchNfh_FpYLADzRSY1wjd9gYRi3lyjGfC9DeLX-yqY5sDRwHKZLNkrA5u_PcxB4n0vd8hupf9V6VmkhFAEvl_0onRoqbal_TNoIW5XFInuWUu5T5Tq75Iyth5CvsPDVBLpTL4RZo/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had turned around at point "B" many of us thinking we were at point "A". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>This goes to show how easy it can be to lose your ability to navigate under less than ideal conditions.<br />
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We made short work of the way down. It was officially dark when we arrived at Twin lakes. We donned headlamps and continued down the trail to camp. From that distance we could see the campfire and headlamps those of our party that chose to stay.<br />
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It was around 9:30 pm when we rolled into camp. I got warm around the fire and tried to dry out some gear knowing we'd be marching up that trail again in about 7 hours.<br />
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The next night was worse than the first one for me. I left my tent around 4 am and got the fire going. Everyone else was asleep. I figured if I can't sleep, why be cold and awake when I can be warm and awake. Plus everyone else would appreciate a rip-roaring fire when they get up. At around 5:15 am I was the camp's wake-up call. We ate some breakfast, refilled water, and got going. We had clear star-filled skies and an early start on this our second attempt of Windom Peak.<br />
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No wrong turns this time. I arrived at Twin Lakes much behind the rest of the group. I had left about 8 minutes after the last person from camp because I had misplaced my GPS device. Once I found it, I made it about half way to Twin lakes before nature called quite abruptly. Having taken care of business I found, ten minutes later, nature wasn't done. Once nature and I had settled our differences I hightailed it to Twin lakes. I got there and many were already rested and ready to continue onward. They did, and I waited a bit to rest up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up Windom just above Twin lakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's nice being able to see where you're going. It was slow going for sure but I held a steady pace and before long we were all standing on the summit of Windom Peak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR41FVeK205WrXGJ7grVXkf7AsUpGAWznjkZhhI35e1ng0sWTjGL_CtJzmwxq-y6z4uytmsTD5lfY2R94tCqo73S8pj0dMe-bGmj_IOyEv3oMGOKhXNfhJBGQDtEnQVMyqUsrTtJCFkA/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR41FVeK205WrXGJ7grVXkf7AsUpGAWznjkZhhI35e1ng0sWTjGL_CtJzmwxq-y6z4uytmsTD5lfY2R94tCqo73S8pj0dMe-bGmj_IOyEv3oMGOKhXNfhJBGQDtEnQVMyqUsrTtJCFkA/s640/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were glad we waited out the poor weather!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly at 14,089 feet! 28th 14er under my belt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCByNdv6QOZJQMuCgIr5NwbhcICOAySOCerelHlw4rfQrWxRL5BEKHAnqfJa5SX8ZITU0wGS0fmvaAYfgFA9JhtkMq3zXc2HcVW-tYJNR4auISjYcoLsb-Aa0O3xDB5lfsNDgB0qX9wo/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCByNdv6QOZJQMuCgIr5NwbhcICOAySOCerelHlw4rfQrWxRL5BEKHAnqfJa5SX8ZITU0wGS0fmvaAYfgFA9JhtkMq3zXc2HcVW-tYJNR4auISjYcoLsb-Aa0O3xDB5lfsNDgB0qX9wo/s640/12.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on top of the Chicago basin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-9oznplpOeHaYlHxKvTD6OpYg1z5x23nax9GyZIiyEdWVvdLolsOi_Z8pqi74iRo9op3BB5lECRRAk0clfgcbnoQJAamXzn2IcDdM1QBfWCRCKFZPOJ0H7ogxTMUshLgXPKnZO7gzWQ/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-9oznplpOeHaYlHxKvTD6OpYg1z5x23nax9GyZIiyEdWVvdLolsOi_Z8pqi74iRo9op3BB5lECRRAk0clfgcbnoQJAamXzn2IcDdM1QBfWCRCKFZPOJ0H7ogxTMUshLgXPKnZO7gzWQ/s640/052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrow peak and Vestal peak are the prominent mountains to the left. They aren't 14ers but they are very impressive mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the top of the Windom Peak our next goal was to catch the train back to Durango. Of course, this required us to break camp first. The way down offered some fun glissading for many. I prefer plunge-stepping myself and Todd caught some sweet video of me plunging about 800 feet down off Windom. Still waiting on that though. You'll just have to trust that it was awesome.<br />
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I had run out of water so I refilled at Twin Lakes. We broke camp quickly and from there it was a 6 mile hike back to the suspension bridge where the train would be picking us up. We had a little less than 3 hours to get there. If you miss the train there is no other way out. Well, I suppose there's always another way out. Just not a way that doesn't require 30 miles of hiking as the minimum energy expenditure to get out. A few of us were pretty fatigued at this point but felt confident we would all make it in time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQGy9bV2s-wo36y3Q53J3Am4q2C2MrEjrb4wParmF-_Kg50W6J_KLUN4WDzYWdIKzZ1gcpArmYcN3i28bmejYQKO3C7GyJt0JPGONqX4NBvI6694KLLVjE-Va-tXVyDZil6as8bByKLE/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQGy9bV2s-wo36y3Q53J3Am4q2C2MrEjrb4wParmF-_Kg50W6J_KLUN4WDzYWdIKzZ1gcpArmYcN3i28bmejYQKO3C7GyJt0JPGONqX4NBvI6694KLLVjE-Va-tXVyDZil6as8bByKLE/s640/19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking out of the Chicago Basin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We all made it to the train. The last of us made it with only about 10-12 minutes to spare. Cutting it pretty close I'd say. We boarded the train and 3 hours later we were eating Bacon Slamburgers at Durango's local Denny's!! Chicago Basin is a fantastic area that I will be looking forward to visiting again!Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-75639280403814311062011-10-15T15:42:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:42:57.057-07:00Pyramid Peak, South Maroon Peak, and North Maroon Peak 8/19/2011 through 8/21/2011Total Mileage: ~16 miles<br />
Total Elevation gain: ~9000 feet<br />
Starting Point: Maroon Lake Trailhead<br />
Total Time: about 21 hours of hiking over 2.5 days<br />
Party: Myself, and Eric W.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKhAuQc8zVaqWh6e4g2xmYcA0tAQf60ZYgWFfdbi749wtjKmbdplttJSKInx38QZB5mO7nHzLty8HPbMJ0il_tIjNnWkk-S6R2uhS_ajJZzTYoL3R_wR-Md3j47UC6HZLjzDixkMEiU4/s1600/Maroon-bells+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKhAuQc8zVaqWh6e4g2xmYcA0tAQf60ZYgWFfdbi749wtjKmbdplttJSKInx38QZB5mO7nHzLty8HPbMJ0il_tIjNnWkk-S6R2uhS_ajJZzTYoL3R_wR-Md3j47UC6HZLjzDixkMEiU4/s400/Maroon-bells+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maroon Bells in Winter. (Photo Credit: Google Images)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'll be using a lot of photos that aren't mine for this report. I lost my phone over the edge of some steep cliffs while traversing from South Maroon Peak to North Maroon Peak. My phone had all my pictures because I forgot my camera for this trip. Any pictures that I have of myself came from Eric's phone.<br />
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Eric and I had planned this trip about a month prior to going. When the time came to start packing for it I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. The Maroon Bells are probably the most photographed mountains in all of Colorado. They are located about 10 miles from Aspen, CO and shoot out of the ground in stark contrast to their surroundings. The scenery here would rival any other mountainous region in the world. Pyramid Peak is close by as well and our goal would be to climb Pyramid on Saturday and save then traverse from South to North Maroon Peak and hike out on Sunday.<br />
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Eric and I were traveling from opposite directions. We had decided to meet on the CO-82 about 13 miles west of the 24 junction. The La Plata Trailhead is right off the road and provides a place for one of us to leave our vehicle. I got there first and waited for Eric for a little over an hour. Eric was having babysitter issues and got a late start due to her just not showing up or calling at all. He worked out his business and got on the road. It was close to dark when he arrived and we decided I would leave my car at the trailhead there and we'd carpool the rest of the way. I did not realize that I had left my camera in my car until setting up camp that night.<br />
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We arrived in Aspen, CO around 9 pm. We stopped at a Domino's Pizza and ate some food before setting off for the Maroon lake Trailhead. We arrived at the Trailhead and started hiking in around 10 pm. Much later than we had thought it would have been. Camp was going to be located 2 miles in and only about 500 feet of elevation gain to get thereat a place called Crater Lake. We arrived at camp around 11pm and were sleeping by midnight. We didn't set any alarm for the morning figuring the weather would be nice and a late start would be okay for Pyramid.<br />
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Right before leaving for this trip we had heard of a bear attack that had seriously injured a camper very close to Crater Lake. Within .5 miles in fact. On top of that, we had seen a bear dive off the road when we rolled into Aspen. On top of that, my previous 14er hike put me within 30 feet of a bear. Needless to say, we were a little concerned about the presence of bears in the area.<br />
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So the first night camping we were awoken to a sound that had our heads perked up like little prairie dogs in the middle of the night. I fumbled around for my headlamp and turned it on and tried to shine it under a little gap in the rainfly. I couldn't see anything except for Eric clutching the handle of a Bowie knive like he was never going to see it again. With the lamp on and us rustling around a bit, whatever was out there, left. All I know was that the sounds I was hearing sounded large. We were able to calm ourselves and get back to sleep within a few minutes.<br />
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We woke up around 7am and ate some breakfast before setting off for Pyramid Peak. From our camp it would only be about a five mile round trip. The elevation gain was brutal and slowed us down to a pace of about 1 mile/hour. Nothing to be ashamed about on this mountain though. Pyramid is on many people's short list for difficult 14ers. It is steep, exposed, and there are areas of loose rock. Route finding becomes necessary as the trail suddenly disappears on you. We were able to grab one picture of Pyramid Peak on our way out on Sunday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOTHLX5UDb9FTTh2Et7v2FarGtUxFYsKMnH7PXrxq5wHHytiVPJHZIZv0V_bxawT1CCpwZtpjc3KUrxvXz999CJ4t5u4TDdWygW4pHID5RMO8Wx91XTPcD9ucnnfAen_NnbaTh1ySs3U/s1600/IMG_0644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOTHLX5UDb9FTTh2Et7v2FarGtUxFYsKMnH7PXrxq5wHHytiVPJHZIZv0V_bxawT1CCpwZtpjc3KUrxvXz999CJ4t5u4TDdWygW4pHID5RMO8Wx91XTPcD9ucnnfAen_NnbaTh1ySs3U/s400/IMG_0644.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid is in the center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Climbing the visible headwall in the picture above lands you in a big amphitheater. Surrounded nearly 360 degrees by steep cliffs this was an impressive sight. I've never been more mad that I forgot my camera. I will still include some pictures from 14ers.com that show some of the route. More physically demanding than climbing into the amphitheater, was climbing out of it. About 1000 feet of elevation gain over less than a half mile had us standing on the rim of the amphitheater with about another 1000 feet to go until we'd be on the summit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQtM5Gw0oulb_X5vU3pkVpcEFsP4ia6megSgNbV0bQUkmciVFyj9zG4Bzi8yqH_0vwuHr57ZSnTeN4NuXtErxnx0EVaZK5IQsmINAKmRJy63c4HDFMdAZFMBCPA3cGw4x3tB5EPIehtg/s1600/mRPyra_111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQtM5Gw0oulb_X5vU3pkVpcEFsP4ia6megSgNbV0bQUkmciVFyj9zG4Bzi8yqH_0vwuHr57ZSnTeN4NuXtErxnx0EVaZK5IQsmINAKmRJy63c4HDFMdAZFMBCPA3cGw4x3tB5EPIehtg/s400/mRPyra_111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing out of the amphitheater. (Photo Credit: 14ers.com)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QtJLR6qxHG48frVDqNInbPHWwF8vv5a7Gd6wg2_ifeuLSY0uQgf7ohly36VDJXUeCursgdWpG81MlBB6FO1XmcOf78p_2g6qUTzpgk2QoQ8_x0T79b31Yok20_X5UuSvqgOZcyyTkTU/s1600/mRPyra_116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QtJLR6qxHG48frVDqNInbPHWwF8vv5a7Gd6wg2_ifeuLSY0uQgf7ohly36VDJXUeCursgdWpG81MlBB6FO1XmcOf78p_2g6qUTzpgk2QoQ8_x0T79b31Yok20_X5UuSvqgOZcyyTkTU/s400/mRPyra_116.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the top of the amphitheater viewing the remaining route.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the point where the above picture was taken we were greeted by 4 or 5 VERY friendly mountain goats. We stopped there to refuel and the goats would have sat in our laps if we would have let them. We started off to finish the rest of the mountain and left the goats behind us. Little did we know that we would spend much of our time above 13000 feet accompanied by these guys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BRBAajf2_nYlSe5ys1eu96DM25ZB-miuiz1AxxTn7rsjF5ptZdSysMwJg3EwKruQq_0N5kOf_royT6HYgJqx9s6BlCWY5UTgm_Uvnaod5A4CKPCsLgy6bN391P3npsRAjY6rp4PJH7o/s1600/mRPyra_137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BRBAajf2_nYlSe5ys1eu96DM25ZB-miuiz1AxxTn7rsjF5ptZdSysMwJg3EwKruQq_0N5kOf_royT6HYgJqx9s6BlCWY5UTgm_Uvnaod5A4CKPCsLgy6bN391P3npsRAjY6rp4PJH7o/s400/mRPyra_137.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful views from the summit of what we would be doing the next day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>We spent a about 30 minutes on top before heading back down. There was only one other group climbing Pyramid that day. They were behind us but our routes were such that we never came close enough to them to talk to them. we went down different than they went up. It took us nearly four hours to descend to camp. This was first time that I had experienced a decent that took as long as the ascent. That speaks to the steepness of the route and the care needed to descend safely.<br />
<br />
We spent most of the remainder of the day lounging around Crater Lake. We encountered a Forest Service employee who informed us that they had shot and killed a bear in the area. They believed it to be the bear responsible for the attack 2 days earlier. This made us sleep more soundly that evening. We still hoisted our food up a tree and I still slept close to my bear mace. We entertained the idea of swimming in Crater Lake. we had just returned from climbing Pyramid Peak and we were hot and sweaty. The temperature of this lake was around 40 F. We were down to our shorts and entered the water. We made to about mid-calf and called it good. It was nice to just relax with good company and good conversation.<br />
<br />
We decided on an early start for the events of the next day. The Bells Traverse is nothing short of daunting. By far the most aggressive climb on my resume at this point. The goal: climb South Maroon in 5 hours, traverse to North Maroon in 2 hours, and down climb back to camp in about 5 hours.<br />
<br />
We woke up around 4 am and got on our way by 5 am. From our camp, this route is one big loop. we would not be backtracking our steps at all today. We really wanted to take it one step at a time today with our first goal being the summit of South Maroon Peak. We were able to survey most of the route from the top of Pyramid Peak the day before.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6uSsoKlZWXX1M6zSjso8kcKc74nQaKLX4RQQUwPTtcRj2wFHRbZmlxzVLl94oTGMcZKMGkfHcRHH3AdEP2rfc8lcDUvVRZlwZgRAS2QPYDk-6IYBNJWYUnPrK1Rur2XDLDYlXFQpBW8/s1600/mRMaro_106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6uSsoKlZWXX1M6zSjso8kcKc74nQaKLX4RQQUwPTtcRj2wFHRbZmlxzVLl94oTGMcZKMGkfHcRHH3AdEP2rfc8lcDUvVRZlwZgRAS2QPYDk-6IYBNJWYUnPrK1Rur2XDLDYlXFQpBW8/s400/mRMaro_106.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the route up South Maroon Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> From the point where the blue line disappears above the route is similar to Pyramid Peak. The trail comes and goes and can be misleading at time. You have to use your best judgement at times to find the best route.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ9ywdaNQRQZyXW39bkyD2lvPKI0aLEL4NCOrthmKCScZ8iDaRqgpNZgIhI1bY9enhSFSSJ2nM1DqfnB828d8LNG9JcztTQXlDAsKzBYwuNm-jDTC0aPl1jkbAWv9CJAkxcGDycjtqMo/s1600/mRMaro_109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ9ywdaNQRQZyXW39bkyD2lvPKI0aLEL4NCOrthmKCScZ8iDaRqgpNZgIhI1bY9enhSFSSJ2nM1DqfnB828d8LNG9JcztTQXlDAsKzBYwuNm-jDTC0aPl1jkbAWv9CJAkxcGDycjtqMo/s400/mRMaro_109.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remaining Route from the saddle to South Maroon Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We made great time to the top. We were on the summit just over 4 hours after starting. We assessed our physical and mental conditions and decided we would attempt the traverse to North Maroon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zRRT3P8xJippxQmXZ8qulpeM9DT9a2sSjFAWdSoyOvG-Ry-uRRtB_ZlKKkyGbdeTRh1XttPk3TNHPeTQznLYfAndhf90ts8fh7uCmJhTxOQ5bZi9A3Jv_yyAEeRInRMAutpfSHDYlT8/s1600/mRMaro_131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zRRT3P8xJippxQmXZ8qulpeM9DT9a2sSjFAWdSoyOvG-Ry-uRRtB_ZlKKkyGbdeTRh1XttPk3TNHPeTQznLYfAndhf90ts8fh7uCmJhTxOQ5bZi9A3Jv_yyAEeRInRMAutpfSHDYlT8/s400/mRMaro_131.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of the traverse can be seen in this photo. Only .5 miles from peak to peak. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The downclimb to the connecting saddle took us 45 minutes to reach. we were making good time and saw no reason to rush this. The climb from there to the top of North Maroon Peak took us another 2 hours and 45 minutes. This traverse is often described as having three major difficult pitches. Having climbed it I would say only one (the third one) would I choose to not do again. The exposure here is like nothing I have ever seen. Suffice it to say, there is no room for error. The footholds and handholds are solid and there was no necessity for rope. It was during this part of the climb that my phone (containing all the pictures of this trip up until that point) slid out of a pocket that I had left unzipped and feel about 1500 feet below. I wanted to cry. However, the manliness of what I was involved in prevented any such response. It was time to upgrade to the iPhone 4 anyways. The wife was super happy about that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged_6x_e7zxX01BuMPvWPaZRBPa8LpC52gOkoVls3xv7WdGQRUGzfb577FnY-w5-2k57b8QpWr0s5b2ffX5chrR9PdNCb6SiU_6s_jFq1_oxBEvkHRzj-hOVk9MDDzVrRRRjkf5QzxgSg/s1600/mRNmar_419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged_6x_e7zxX01BuMPvWPaZRBPa8LpC52gOkoVls3xv7WdGQRUGzfb577FnY-w5-2k57b8QpWr0s5b2ffX5chrR9PdNCb6SiU_6s_jFq1_oxBEvkHRzj-hOVk9MDDzVrRRRjkf5QzxgSg/s400/mRNmar_419.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 difficulties shown here. The rest is really just ridge walking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The last bit of the traverse went by without a hitch. One last chute to shimmy up and then a short walk to the top.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cvqUmEW0vdRZpbjykUtj4s2_WWBJTq2jCM0mXZ5QrdkPQf5lby_Y8upE7SUBXXCqMB3AJgyRs-2ldS3mxqdJwqWIYR2Xfj7dFMmcFrS4qd5SucJijr0ok0XvRB2XG9pzklBmJbVZJfc/s1600/IMG_0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cvqUmEW0vdRZpbjykUtj4s2_WWBJTq2jCM0mXZ5QrdkPQf5lby_Y8upE7SUBXXCqMB3AJgyRs-2ldS3mxqdJwqWIYR2Xfj7dFMmcFrS4qd5SucJijr0ok0XvRB2XG9pzklBmJbVZJfc/s400/IMG_0617.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually me on the last chute to the upper ridge. One of the more tame areas. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Upon topping out on the ridge we could see the summit 100 yards away. From where we were we could see that we would be sharing the summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzkCY2oZ0yoyFQdcLlqV35yv7YEnUOJTuWoJHwuHky7qUMGkZPoMxIayMe-MIuJ8YZlrkDAitmx39Yj0XyZPI03yxj5swOGBFlx1ZtUIkjdkmpNn04AH8cAMO3NHs7ZJB_XtoSEGDlbo/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzkCY2oZ0yoyFQdcLlqV35yv7YEnUOJTuWoJHwuHky7qUMGkZPoMxIayMe-MIuJ8YZlrkDAitmx39Yj0XyZPI03yxj5swOGBFlx1ZtUIkjdkmpNn04AH8cAMO3NHs7ZJB_XtoSEGDlbo/s400/IMG_0618.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of the last chute with a goat sitting on the summit block.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3E7385sTGbUViwDWMcQq3NHf4D2_aFkfLOcIxkI2-UoIjgl69kI8qTOrZn8SeQKTCaNNiD9wz_wjDytBKPSZRLrz_slrRWA1UiKY49r9iG_cmz4Cny2y3J84pbMo7ryAH03DX1kbz6c/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3E7385sTGbUViwDWMcQq3NHf4D2_aFkfLOcIxkI2-UoIjgl69kI8qTOrZn8SeQKTCaNNiD9wz_wjDytBKPSZRLrz_slrRWA1UiKY49r9iG_cmz4Cny2y3J84pbMo7ryAH03DX1kbz6c/s400/IMG_0620.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zRqHTPh_ikkWWI9FcM29v1UTUh9AftQAetVMmg9qgBz54rm60CkwQ_EYJpdGhYJ2zsF6N9lQ2o0Yj9CdsF8YbSW6gwdAxG4LUPgFD38sPf0VnUxnKI5Q4rbQIJHIJeNGR8ouVwl1d3s/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zRqHTPh_ikkWWI9FcM29v1UTUh9AftQAetVMmg9qgBz54rm60CkwQ_EYJpdGhYJ2zsF6N9lQ2o0Yj9CdsF8YbSW6gwdAxG4LUPgFD38sPf0VnUxnKI5Q4rbQIJHIJeNGR8ouVwl1d3s/s400/IMG_0625.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He really didn't want to move until we tried to cut off his horns. Then he left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I immediately felt a sense of accomplishment when we arrived at the summit of North Maroon Peak. It was good to be done with the climbing part. This goat would actually accompany us for about 2000 vertical feet of downclimbing. He clearly felt bad for us and felt the need to be our guide.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vzjiAuzYIbPnF1cgijAigsy0I8nUeuqcOoTkJhPqDSeLlzXNoaTdWouClcr5PEsbjZBoMmSPQnZ-CuZHJhD6TSVqEjI_lrcOt7s_2lp4brNAE7haH7ubA0kAhmnFfQLEEDAcCTeGVYc/s1600/IMG_0638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vzjiAuzYIbPnF1cgijAigsy0I8nUeuqcOoTkJhPqDSeLlzXNoaTdWouClcr5PEsbjZBoMmSPQnZ-CuZHJhD6TSVqEjI_lrcOt7s_2lp4brNAE7haH7ubA0kAhmnFfQLEEDAcCTeGVYc/s400/IMG_0638.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping an eye on us while keeping his distance. Crater Lake and Maroon Lake in the distance .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Summit shots (poor quality):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bv4lavULSLd1uPA9SI7m2h39UG4GI5ICl5bdn2DvBZs4fmmYEdzIfEttoMH8NPaSXAUPdByq2ZZaCbiOgDQYlO_pYbp8JUbA5kzxFKtkiYK7Mb8xietBd28VSGP5U8oqLzfouxCrrlY/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bv4lavULSLd1uPA9SI7m2h39UG4GI5ICl5bdn2DvBZs4fmmYEdzIfEttoMH8NPaSXAUPdByq2ZZaCbiOgDQYlO_pYbp8JUbA5kzxFKtkiYK7Mb8xietBd28VSGP5U8oqLzfouxCrrlY/s400/IMG_0631.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on North Maroon with South Maroon behind me. 14,014 feet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC90NDJBUzT3PEu574OoN-dsnVUN7rUb3W3jdHkcjzbSwagn16CzRzVUEAJ4_zIJExtbjCTumJfF3f132_kDfWsOL0qyEEcY2bhRHzfnDHcs8MXsTwcrTa5otNRWjKfIqoKip6gKX2kA/s1600/IMG_0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC90NDJBUzT3PEu574OoN-dsnVUN7rUb3W3jdHkcjzbSwagn16CzRzVUEAJ4_zIJExtbjCTumJfF3f132_kDfWsOL0qyEEcY2bhRHzfnDHcs8MXsTwcrTa5otNRWjKfIqoKip6gKX2kA/s400/IMG_0633.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Pyramid Peak on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHo0JoU87gkjh-PoOHmiWKYU_dQ2-PEBnXJ7c6lWSm2OeWdA7cMf-JAcQl0SH5KMPHXOzxzWtOBv1IUwpFlVmmT6rK7-QJmPnlm-V31jMKvPGMOdP45GNO3OY3ifAhCDZb687w0iPdFY/s1600/IMG_0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHo0JoU87gkjh-PoOHmiWKYU_dQ2-PEBnXJ7c6lWSm2OeWdA7cMf-JAcQl0SH5KMPHXOzxzWtOBv1IUwpFlVmmT6rK7-QJmPnlm-V31jMKvPGMOdP45GNO3OY3ifAhCDZb687w0iPdFY/s400/IMG_0637.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid on the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiuosc_9798_XfDYn7AJeluqnR6jTPxujz5fUOxtwpSPh7Z7ob3gnWxAt7hw0F_Rl3FlLcWeEypI48dh2Yb57qHpSjAIWg_7IVNfiEwFxfL5XkO7CJaolg6NtvKs1yYcMW167B27HueA/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiuosc_9798_XfDYn7AJeluqnR6jTPxujz5fUOxtwpSPh7Z7ob3gnWxAt7hw0F_Rl3FlLcWeEypI48dh2Yb57qHpSjAIWg_7IVNfiEwFxfL5XkO7CJaolg6NtvKs1yYcMW167B27HueA/s400/IMG_0635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric with South Maroon behind him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We have only to descend North Maroon and head back to camp at this point. Not a small task as it turns out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC2qnFm6k_d76cenbjvaHx8Q941blRGtveif8zAlSanqVbR7C6uBvY6eDme0wGp8Wf5lyzaNsHygGkns164U125ejUoOWfdS8Qt42xy4nyiWKXgEYkoVAiV6w4jEtJLfZODO6-ii2DJM/s1600/mRNMar_257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC2qnFm6k_d76cenbjvaHx8Q941blRGtveif8zAlSanqVbR7C6uBvY6eDme0wGp8Wf5lyzaNsHygGkns164U125ejUoOWfdS8Qt42xy4nyiWKXgEYkoVAiV6w4jEtJLfZODO6-ii2DJM/s400/mRNMar_257.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper portion of the descent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When crossing the rock glacier shown above, I took nasty spill that required some first aid for a gash on my left leg. Not a big deal but it hurt like crazy when it happened. It bled for a bit too but not too bad for what we had just got done doing.<br />
<br />
We made it back to camp about 11 hours after leaving. We were happy with the results and lounged for bit to eat and drink before taking down camp and heading out. I was not looking forward to a 45 pound pack for 2 more miles to reach the car. We filled our water at the lake and broke camp and headed back towards the parking lot. It was a long two miles. Maroon Lake always has people there so we got a picture together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0LelMi5A2hRTlpXYXW50JuwpaNdeWdabfGVV_h3KkYYv2Saq6I_XebosgsGOLqoixutPSx_yMWx5Eh-aSW_zUZo4unDh8bjXz63FCU_5N7Ahcv9_vntTmV9u2Bya3Nd-L-Wr4Trqtrc/s1600/IMG_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0LelMi5A2hRTlpXYXW50JuwpaNdeWdabfGVV_h3KkYYv2Saq6I_XebosgsGOLqoixutPSx_yMWx5Eh-aSW_zUZo4unDh8bjXz63FCU_5N7Ahcv9_vntTmV9u2Bya3Nd-L-Wr4Trqtrc/s400/IMG_0646.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maroon Lake right before leaving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1Pl1ZcxFWonrgX6BoVFiFNu3o-LbfdgoX8LLOrpdSN-5f1C-ptc53rkgfhGh3BoYUZKk8DL0WH9i_uln5RizgBgqSB3xPw2Ien4Ce8m3eQLaIx-Aob1P5I0pbf6-29MfyC586nPdBWE/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1Pl1ZcxFWonrgX6BoVFiFNu3o-LbfdgoX8LLOrpdSN-5f1C-ptc53rkgfhGh3BoYUZKk8DL0WH9i_uln5RizgBgqSB3xPw2Ien4Ce8m3eQLaIx-Aob1P5I0pbf6-29MfyC586nPdBWE/s400/IMG_0648.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was dark when we arrived so we didn't see the sign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQaehUwjvo30qqk6QO0CeSrHbztZdx1boFmPgzoQzFO7b6-DuFwBnPkd_nylGLGKN7MMDI9FxCvGoUMDPyCnTImfV-DawGjINtMJN0w8Urdy__4jJXb4VRxpDERzGYYRDNH9GSGWSBAw/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQaehUwjvo30qqk6QO0CeSrHbztZdx1boFmPgzoQzFO7b6-DuFwBnPkd_nylGLGKN7MMDI9FxCvGoUMDPyCnTImfV-DawGjINtMJN0w8Urdy__4jJXb4VRxpDERzGYYRDNH9GSGWSBAw/s400/IMG_0650.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my most flattering pictures I'd say. It's the leggings I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The ride home went fine. We stopped at a burger joint in Aspen and I was dropped off at my car at the La Plata trailhead. My wife was pleased to hear from me as she had not heard anything for 2 days. I usually call but there wasn't any service until Aspen. And, of course, I didn't have a phone so she was double worried when the phone call she received was from Eric's phone.<br />
<br />
I made it home just fine and we all lived happily ever after.<br />
<br />
Notes to self:<br />
- don't attack Eric at night because he sleeps with a knive.<br />
- will have to hike South Maroon and Pyramid again to get summit pics.<br />
- I love my new Jetboil<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-73149438925241582792011-09-28T18:42:00.000-07:002011-09-28T18:42:17.663-07:00Blanca Peak 8/1/11Total Mileage: 16 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gain: ~6000 feet<br />
Starting Point: Lake Como Trailhead<br />
Total time: about 11 hours<br />
Party: solo<br />
<br />
(click to enlarge photos)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWZJTg58gj-YAiWsfbF7H8MBnDXl8mhLZS3FjLxhuZV97csGg5Zjn6YPMwNcg25hCCrFq_7A-CRV-PRkGMpCjYg_nUaOt3QesOUPcMYfTGshJTuAEz8NFsLt1BrMLa_LmNViVPJ22kNU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWZJTg58gj-YAiWsfbF7H8MBnDXl8mhLZS3FjLxhuZV97csGg5Zjn6YPMwNcg25hCCrFq_7A-CRV-PRkGMpCjYg_nUaOt3QesOUPcMYfTGshJTuAEz8NFsLt1BrMLa_LmNViVPJ22kNU/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The idea was to climb Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point on this trip. I was unable to climb both due to weather limitations. My vehicle can't make it too far up the Lake Como Road. I pulled over at around 8300 feet and started making my way up the long road to Lake Como. I had hiked this road once before back in March when I climbed Little Bear peak. The hike up stays pretty steep and consistent the entire way. Lake Como marks roughly where timberline is. It took about 2.5 hours to reach Lake Como and begin the rest of the hike up. I saw a group of campers but this area was not nearly as busy as I had thought it would be.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznMdP9NRKuQGtuJUaCGVG0cyJ71JVKURi9_ElscWEB-M63nFddMkl76YoiWmub0dksudE7jmlGImod8_8q7aeG7hwxIWSDFfg9zj-b_rjuUp-1E5bPsw7d91dE47cuxUHlwwO-ztikJs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznMdP9NRKuQGtuJUaCGVG0cyJ71JVKURi9_ElscWEB-M63nFddMkl76YoiWmub0dksudE7jmlGImod8_8q7aeG7hwxIWSDFfg9zj-b_rjuUp-1E5bPsw7d91dE47cuxUHlwwO-ztikJs/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm staring at Lake Como in this photo though not visible. Very beautiful area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Just beyond the lake the trail dives into the forest for just a short distance. Maybe 1/4 mile or so. You pass an old abandoned log cabin and once out of the trees you'll stay out the remainder of the hike up. It was just past this cabin that I heard some noises coming from a ways ahead. It sounded like footsteps through the bushes. I assumed the noise to be from humans coming the opposite direction as me. I came around a corner where the source of the noise would be in full view. It was not a human. It was a bear. It was about 30-40 feet from me and when it realized I was there, it shimmied up a tree about 30 feet in 4 seconds flat. Before he went all Tarzan on me I was able to snap a few awful shots of him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKInMGa1oOxBT4V4aZGfI69nroI2YmZVruqXr-RUoXHg3huRj1pm8Cz43I7QAe_ZkABAIKP93hbr9T9L1Ww8mVTIsopstqr-1f9lBJNgj-HCog1PLV1zTnWpb7K8TN9W-WLHiojyfjXQ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKInMGa1oOxBT4V4aZGfI69nroI2YmZVruqXr-RUoXHg3huRj1pm8Cz43I7QAe_ZkABAIKP93hbr9T9L1Ww8mVTIsopstqr-1f9lBJNgj-HCog1PLV1zTnWpb7K8TN9W-WLHiojyfjXQ/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead center of the photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RYI81Zg7vfp1QsAyRuKo3R06Bkl_rm7vhGmdFRZN2ZldwKS7KRX5CGG1db8j1lyW3kpZePG-5ERUj6Bg0IPiEVDwWUh2zz38rzCwZI6cXmcTOGzmh7R3sB9bijrQJK949TVXAZxzD2U/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RYI81Zg7vfp1QsAyRuKo3R06Bkl_rm7vhGmdFRZN2ZldwKS7KRX5CGG1db8j1lyW3kpZePG-5ERUj6Bg0IPiEVDwWUh2zz38rzCwZI6cXmcTOGzmh7R3sB9bijrQJK949TVXAZxzD2U/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I apologize for the quality here. I guess I should have walked a bit closer to him. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>So the trail wrapped conveniently around the location of the bear. Meaning I never had to get close to it to continue forward on the trail upward. I chuckled later when I realized that one of my first inclinations was to grab for my camera. Talking to hikers later on that day I found out that that bear had been harassing campers in the area for the last few days.<br />
<br />
After about five minutes I emerged from the trees and soaked in the gorgeous scenery around me. With a lot of climbing ahead of me I began to doubt the feasibility of getting two peaks bagged that day. I decided Blanca would be first and then I would make the call to climb Ellingwood once atop Blanca. The first goal was to hike above a waterfall that runs off from the higher-up lakes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87ETaiwAyQpnbeCHi4mwobOu2g7Y3a6JcCraZObH8COj3BkrpFXkA2hXDXjamVRmBmk55NJdTOEVebvFAma6RJ9ZmRuLm911T6h3Vc4Tw87f6toLy0zJ0vywMv5K_YoxDSA0SJMI4I2I/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87ETaiwAyQpnbeCHi4mwobOu2g7Y3a6JcCraZObH8COj3BkrpFXkA2hXDXjamVRmBmk55NJdTOEVebvFAma6RJ9ZmRuLm911T6h3Vc4Tw87f6toLy0zJ0vywMv5K_YoxDSA0SJMI4I2I/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the official end of the Lake Como Road. The trail goes to the left of the waterfall. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Above the waterfall here the climb is basically medium sized talus all the way up. The route becomes unclear and some route finding is necessary. The steepness doesn't let up until the top.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvenyvvYUGv0GQhobsI98wEOwIv01nOJPVcSTOh477MOwoWxQ2_HW9HWAFbwkKU-2yY2eYi2lKq9N4p6gY91p8lEjlo2j_TJwd_qzf02J8bVmKp44KxS0ME1aWsUCGufeYiOVbeSMkos/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvenyvvYUGv0GQhobsI98wEOwIv01nOJPVcSTOh477MOwoWxQ2_HW9HWAFbwkKU-2yY2eYi2lKq9N4p6gY91p8lEjlo2j_TJwd_qzf02J8bVmKp44KxS0ME1aWsUCGufeYiOVbeSMkos/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some kind of old mine shaft it seems.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBqQ8G8pTbOdSkNO3Q_cawPR5MAh7uqbDyfRZ7LaQEJ-BZvWKi5QyJGHgsyWb87miSuK5LWSj9qbqL8GGUksxJG7ZuX5hfWVVi0W48_1-sEvOSPidXUQm6apYRkfxf3XLW2rdJDafLL4/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBqQ8G8pTbOdSkNO3Q_cawPR5MAh7uqbDyfRZ7LaQEJ-BZvWKi5QyJGHgsyWb87miSuK5LWSj9qbqL8GGUksxJG7ZuX5hfWVVi0W48_1-sEvOSPidXUQm6apYRkfxf3XLW2rdJDafLL4/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bear peak can barely be made out shrouded in clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMTg_h25XypN4x0Hu53Jkal_p4SoI3lFpMtGwLhGGI4-0L_kPYFPeaX2OPLwaqs0OpWDXiHlMqAqbKD4rqwjTYoLgL4ORXsXMUQJqe9zxx8C3Zg5mNHHK8JljmksjJTalUxGW8He9IEM/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMTg_h25XypN4x0Hu53Jkal_p4SoI3lFpMtGwLhGGI4-0L_kPYFPeaX2OPLwaqs0OpWDXiHlMqAqbKD4rqwjTYoLgL4ORXsXMUQJqe9zxx8C3Zg5mNHHK8JljmksjJTalUxGW8He9IEM/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellingwood Point. A huge heap of rocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Climbing up the face to the saddle the views became better and better. I was tired and definitely not moving at the speed I thought I should. I took breaks as frequently as I needed. Usually short 30 second breathers and then pushing on. I made it to Blanca's summit and stayed there for about 20 minutes. Here's Ellingwood Point again from the summit perspective.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmwRoVTCYug2VTOjH4CsQ3GOjwTAvsRBSDTRuhHYwbwnew8I88UHRlpUVGAYnkuxA8Z2eOcuTd_KIFjFes-p2d2Ge848rbpBSPhL4Vzz1TVjWhOWX8Hhg7li4waDzOlL1VO3S5Z9aVF4/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmwRoVTCYug2VTOjH4CsQ3GOjwTAvsRBSDTRuhHYwbwnew8I88UHRlpUVGAYnkuxA8Z2eOcuTd_KIFjFes-p2d2Ge848rbpBSPhL4Vzz1TVjWhOWX8Hhg7li4waDzOlL1VO3S5Z9aVF4/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look nearly as big.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> More summit shots:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pgakShw0leOskOtMWjf9BbV6ZW7_xQjYOauXXuXuYSDNSsPhFCt0yCa6k3WMvGtqJHjAWh6rQbt7-d_JxJNagDcBqOIO79jmWoTh5Xl-bbMoSsLptrlhNShdwdI1rO1Z7jkpKlzG_Qs/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pgakShw0leOskOtMWjf9BbV6ZW7_xQjYOauXXuXuYSDNSsPhFCt0yCa6k3WMvGtqJHjAWh6rQbt7-d_JxJNagDcBqOIO79jmWoTh5Xl-bbMoSsLptrlhNShdwdI1rO1Z7jkpKlzG_Qs/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Lindsay. Climbed about 1 month previous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16PKFFXPxzaKt8B9v8exC_VL0aybPbm_nEQmQM-1GQol98yHFkNM9ci6EcGRojNHDKO-fIf8JOuhkfCXlLHLjZnEDm5nm5T2ktaTGRjuoxW_Y4ql6jTysIO3KvbQhBrbIYwy9Oo7F0JE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16PKFFXPxzaKt8B9v8exC_VL0aybPbm_nEQmQM-1GQol98yHFkNM9ci6EcGRojNHDKO-fIf8JOuhkfCXlLHLjZnEDm5nm5T2ktaTGRjuoxW_Y4ql6jTysIO3KvbQhBrbIYwy9Oo7F0JE/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLDDruk4vEriy4NX7Zam38rFil9V5MV4rsRRKjZOjb4DhyZItaDKmRpQnyVFd3C1vCGaR_wyjIUhQ_-_pOnmhvx_BAWcufNDQW05sJUIEjidICYMZOwjRdmRR4DqR5k2bcEDA_fmKodY/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLDDruk4vEriy4NX7Zam38rFil9V5MV4rsRRKjZOjb4DhyZItaDKmRpQnyVFd3C1vCGaR_wyjIUhQ_-_pOnmhvx_BAWcufNDQW05sJUIEjidICYMZOwjRdmRR4DqR5k2bcEDA_fmKodY/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bear Peak behind me. The clouds parted for only a moment and then covered LB's summit for the remainder of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The clouds coming in were questionable and I was very exhausted as well. I chose to not climb Ellingwood and it ended up being the right choice. This will mean another slog up the Lake Como road someday in the future to climb Ellingwood. About half-way down the clouds turned nasty and I heard thunder and felt some light rain. Right before the weather changed I got one last pic of one of the upper lakes on the way down.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCF0lqmBren4J9bNthPQDGVgZ2XT7FLOam7_FF9_N3OcnMwLBLEqi1n-zNPZE_zbuWjbdYKqG05mfZ6K63k4KimbUBAZhY2LN0gU-AAd3ZqmhVFlmVJkoab3wQ9JsyRvJyduKyzbQjvw/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCF0lqmBren4J9bNthPQDGVgZ2XT7FLOam7_FF9_N3OcnMwLBLEqi1n-zNPZE_zbuWjbdYKqG05mfZ6K63k4KimbUBAZhY2LN0gU-AAd3ZqmhVFlmVJkoab3wQ9JsyRvJyduKyzbQjvw/s400/032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too bad I'll have to return here, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Just short of an 11 hour day. Little Bear was a 13 hour day for me just 6 months previous. I had a fantastic time and I was glad to have chosen to go home when I did. I estimate Ellingwood would have tacked on 2 hours. I escaped only getting hit with light rain. This is what the mountain and clouds looked like 15 minutes after starting home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep0NgID7pUAjdkIwQDRphMojK0V6HNfmXSxkC-d2uZzh_zcQuucZttpLtavtYal-eH0WYRceedLjo41v3iXvreN8OLoUSLafiMgG0Djrpz-vpDLPKPYFdg__FWtORnzOfn_Hge-sRxS0/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep0NgID7pUAjdkIwQDRphMojK0V6HNfmXSxkC-d2uZzh_zcQuucZttpLtavtYal-eH0WYRceedLjo41v3iXvreN8OLoUSLafiMgG0Djrpz-vpDLPKPYFdg__FWtORnzOfn_Hge-sRxS0/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad to be in a car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The weather can turn fast and I was glad to have escaped the worst of it. It was a great day in the Sangre de Cristo range.<br />
<br />
notes to self:<br />
- Buy bear mace<br />
- find a friend that has a car that drive further up the road for when I do EllingwoodBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-45233320782905502292011-08-28T13:02:00.000-07:002011-08-28T13:02:42.138-07:00Mount Lindsay 7/5/2011Total Mileage: 8 miles<br />
Elevation Gain: 3500 feet<br />
Starting Location: Lily Lakes TH<br />
Time: 6 hours 20 minutes<br />
Party: Solo<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF4sw1AjK7_1FElvGZfEYbMsuSOeEZ3m-nlUMCuHEvAgtK1BkSa6cCAyjTzydo4WiR736SpM1h8MgzNelCdppzzS3DXoMOhGu3jKwGP2fHgM2bQc1qgC2Vz99qNTOVymzN7Vv47P6SZQ/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF4sw1AjK7_1FElvGZfEYbMsuSOeEZ3m-nlUMCuHEvAgtK1BkSa6cCAyjTzydo4WiR736SpM1h8MgzNelCdppzzS3DXoMOhGu3jKwGP2fHgM2bQc1qgC2Vz99qNTOVymzN7Vv47P6SZQ/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've fallen behind in my archiving 14er summits. Early in July I climbed Mount Lindsay located in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It was a beautiful day and the weather held out the entire time. The Lily Lakes trailhead requires quite a journey to arrive. The last 20 miles or so is on a dirt road and takes about one hour to drive. Right before I hit the dirt road I hit a bunny rabbit while driving about 70 mph. It slightly dislodged my already damaged bumper and I had to thread a plastic bag through the holes in the bumper liner to temporarily reattach it. Eventually I arrived at the trailhead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuJ3rJBO4P3pxA73_tnBKzXltqsvHXNc2FW2h-o-01cTMhv6z80iaBpdnnITyyPvUSrfViEjuvQZewXcOapp1tnpQZrKO0AHSzIqHDjpVAQFcv4nCEnehd9aXwa-P2t1xXn3uQHrW60g/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuJ3rJBO4P3pxA73_tnBKzXltqsvHXNc2FW2h-o-01cTMhv6z80iaBpdnnITyyPvUSrfViEjuvQZewXcOapp1tnpQZrKO0AHSzIqHDjpVAQFcv4nCEnehd9aXwa-P2t1xXn3uQHrW60g/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily Lakes Trailhead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I got all my stuff together and after about 4 minutes of hiking I was treated to this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpF22GIk4EhkY5GSSTHWUJ6Xa6PkVIpZufeIuOfpZEBOrWMbizXY2bIkRuxvAvhGWV1MsCHfrRL6uHLniNwEuEg6-ZbqJUJyF33ou0hE7wOEvbFj0jFaIynAR6Au4G7-KBVmZYiFFyoEU/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpF22GIk4EhkY5GSSTHWUJ6Xa6PkVIpZufeIuOfpZEBOrWMbizXY2bIkRuxvAvhGWV1MsCHfrRL6uHLniNwEuEg6-ZbqJUJyF33ou0hE7wOEvbFj0jFaIynAR6Au4G7-KBVmZYiFFyoEU/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tremendously scenic day right off the bat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The first portion of this hike takes you up through a gulch right along side a babbling brook.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7NUj0L6kIUhMUdzvHFpdgytIKFU1qYpl2XwzgDo6m5x5I9S3FTh0M4yh99JKjl2p1ldd5RSTwMkeABw9__lZIsmjV3yRXAynfCzANGJFO-1xueq8F2dFoW-UFKWxM6Wh9JOFx2bI8ss/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7NUj0L6kIUhMUdzvHFpdgytIKFU1qYpl2XwzgDo6m5x5I9S3FTh0M4yh99JKjl2p1ldd5RSTwMkeABw9__lZIsmjV3yRXAynfCzANGJFO-1xueq8F2dFoW-UFKWxM6Wh9JOFx2bI8ss/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the cave seen in the last picture. At least 6 US presidents are believed to be buried here.<br />
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</tbody></table>Up through the gulch I reached a large basin that I would meander across to begin the real climbing of the day. At the start of the basin I caught my first glimpse of Mount Lindsay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6WYcRdClDm3D4ZtuPb4as8WVTVZ45wbn46bSndaBfnREdua6PCdn2cMpTA9mHSKas42PGQJoyidbraQa1sMCcUyepxuDszy7JJQWHWpWoJBimeRaT5mQYNwN-m2yCZ0LcAV23hWSNcQ/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6WYcRdClDm3D4ZtuPb4as8WVTVZ45wbn46bSndaBfnREdua6PCdn2cMpTA9mHSKas42PGQJoyidbraQa1sMCcUyepxuDszy7JJQWHWpWoJBimeRaT5mQYNwN-m2yCZ0LcAV23hWSNcQ/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Lindsay dead center and the basin I would cross and climb out of. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the same spot I could see two 14ers looking to my right. Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m9P5Y_uBm4bK5oDFY7H9L2zCrOoEL8nZJlDPRPM6oh8Msxjs_x37-luUW9XhvHsoncMJE4m6FexCCgOe8q4EQcmRBN1-A1Dh2KZ9gRzQJinwUkvhGw-1yvXCCJn5Yw_iGc-_tjLdziU/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m9P5Y_uBm4bK5oDFY7H9L2zCrOoEL8nZJlDPRPM6oh8Msxjs_x37-luUW9XhvHsoncMJE4m6FexCCgOe8q4EQcmRBN1-A1Dh2KZ9gRzQJinwUkvhGw-1yvXCCJn5Yw_iGc-_tjLdziU/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It seemed as I got closer that Mount Lindsay looked taller.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F1-Jfw0FCZEVt9qhmffNc_nhbZ5ldaUhB3oqb-9sWiXXysidgXdEIuUG-MmDxtT3oOx8l2udfOW9Fp8Y5vVVKmImEyVTDmZa-rxjZfnNOue8qIzSwOoH__f8npLeu5NyRpQXu6C8Y5Q/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F1-Jfw0FCZEVt9qhmffNc_nhbZ5ldaUhB3oqb-9sWiXXysidgXdEIuUG-MmDxtT3oOx8l2udfOW9Fp8Y5vVVKmImEyVTDmZa-rxjZfnNOue8qIzSwOoH__f8npLeu5NyRpQXu6C8Y5Q/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from about halfway to the saddle above the basin. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPuA8lquOOOy9A1dttZ83KPQ4N56zjZLOXn1MvtW7a9tuMtR3yNJIXu4UWH01Fn8GfGQnCOoe-02cyT5sXSsqwSwJhRz8ogfh3OzCwqoKbIzcN90KUwJRH_oN2q7U9jRfBXb7Kxi24SU/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPuA8lquOOOy9A1dttZ83KPQ4N56zjZLOXn1MvtW7a9tuMtR3yNJIXu4UWH01Fn8GfGQnCOoe-02cyT5sXSsqwSwJhRz8ogfh3OzCwqoKbIzcN90KUwJRH_oN2q7U9jRfBXb7Kxi24SU/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the basin, on the saddle with the rest of my route in view. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next picture is actually on the way down but shows the steepness and some perspective of the remaining route up. There are people above me who are being very careful not to kick rocks down on me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcectMpCwbBkUWOOpZSU1jK8b6K-M61NqMA0A7GlGpkQaa8uV3MCqISFEtE5gNwxaN1abrhAbPQB3iNpKdABFxJ6MqPXXmzHm51j4ugUJrBf3-3RCV8E8QR1Q9lh04NDLp9t45L4_Jrzk/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcectMpCwbBkUWOOpZSU1jK8b6K-M61NqMA0A7GlGpkQaa8uV3MCqISFEtE5gNwxaN1abrhAbPQB3iNpKdABFxJ6MqPXXmzHm51j4ugUJrBf3-3RCV8E8QR1Q9lh04NDLp9t45L4_Jrzk/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There were a few loose spots, a few steep spots, a few breaks for water, and a few minutes later I was standing on the summit of Mount Lindsay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0M0Ag0g0-cD1Em-g2LWRaKInfPOlhBajPVldbkqvkogMJeo-nf5Lr_d5ATAAXNzl0uQEdZWJTHP0KnOllvi3-jFPKC6b9KT-6lmWhT7Ki00H8cNhRSvktYFdwZ6gxYj85lLnAyojpO0/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0M0Ag0g0-cD1Em-g2LWRaKInfPOlhBajPVldbkqvkogMJeo-nf5Lr_d5ATAAXNzl0uQEdZWJTHP0KnOllvi3-jFPKC6b9KT-6lmWhT7Ki00H8cNhRSvktYFdwZ6gxYj85lLnAyojpO0/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14,042 feet! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFiV0vv5C17QWTn7fv0eDfGCrV7SMS9pyd8crF_nKsnEfn2WFB3fppID_oJ-1iXKi9lxtuvSIG4kyZuS9supI0WThjyWNt1CsO1bdrhDGgCqp_n3cb56ueqU4UDjekKNcwnUXVzk92oY/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFiV0vv5C17QWTn7fv0eDfGCrV7SMS9pyd8crF_nKsnEfn2WFB3fppID_oJ-1iXKi9lxtuvSIG4kyZuS9supI0WThjyWNt1CsO1bdrhDGgCqp_n3cb56ueqU4UDjekKNcwnUXVzk92oY/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liitle Bear Peak, Blanca Peak and Ellingwood point all visible. All are above 14000 feet themselves as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I stayed on top for about 20-30 minutes and made my way down snagging one last photo before heading back down the basin following the gulch back out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYNcAeTnWtJamcuV-yL754DTXgNf0AC_46MV8HYy_jYp0k-ce8WBJ7sNxflkUG0UdiFOZYDr7efHh8zLPhyi0zG6mtA59Wxn38Wj2fKJuFOQHkbgMnH1EoEA26V4ELLR4Abhj1nanR3A/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYNcAeTnWtJamcuV-yL754DTXgNf0AC_46MV8HYy_jYp0k-ce8WBJ7sNxflkUG0UdiFOZYDr7efHh8zLPhyi0zG6mtA59Wxn38Wj2fKJuFOQHkbgMnH1EoEA26V4ELLR4Abhj1nanR3A/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are my wife's favorite pair of sunglasses I own. She says they make me look really cool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Pretty uneventful hike down. This was by far one of the more scenic mountains I have ever climbed. I am writing this about 2 months after hiking it so I don't remember a lot of details. Definitely one that I would do again.<br />
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Notes to self:<br />
-When writing about killing bunnies remember to post pictures<br />
- bring helmet<br />
- never lose these sunglassesBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-73067184996794182892011-06-14T13:43:00.000-07:002011-06-14T13:43:34.233-07:00Mount Elbert 6/10/2011Total Mileage: 9 miles<br />
Total elevation Gain: ~4700 feet<br />
Starting Point Mt. Elbert Trailhead<br />
Time: 6.5 hours<br />
Party: Solo<br />
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(click to enlarge)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajhuFoiR6XkX4oo0BP6hFFr62HGoee-Oc6fWdF-1iRVkPzg13aEZX2CpBUcThMscug8_y3KAh7ELGQBtVb3AMM8zGLeTnu22yka9Yk84u-hMlLst4ekUTyJ3b4aRqxQD0-F1wB4CRTGQ/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajhuFoiR6XkX4oo0BP6hFFr62HGoee-Oc6fWdF-1iRVkPzg13aEZX2CpBUcThMscug8_y3KAh7ELGQBtVb3AMM8zGLeTnu22yka9Yk84u-hMlLst4ekUTyJ3b4aRqxQD0-F1wB4CRTGQ/s400/041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While Mount Elbert is considered one of the easier 14ers to climb in Colorado it also takes the prize of the tallest. It is also the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains and 2nd tallest peak in the lower 48 states. I had a perfect weather window and the day off from work to go climb this awesome peak.<br />
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I expected a lot of traffic on the trail but was not disappointed when I found very little. With record snowpack still on many of the mountains this may be a deterrent for the normal traffic that would be expected on Mount Elbert in June. The trail was clear except for the last 1/2 mile before treeline where mounds of snow turned into walls of snow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAtzFOgI2t7OP5_HZhBzEAmbFqRsQ73aL6a3pyDo3qXo7zSxhfb516ucf5cywrG8h4Kuzbj3Ahfq_eNBQDRtjTXAiuPLJ6TSP39VGL-iq7cQqMzK3Si2av1ccJGDzC5h-MAsSdnCPhNo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAtzFOgI2t7OP5_HZhBzEAmbFqRsQ73aL6a3pyDo3qXo7zSxhfb516ucf5cywrG8h4Kuzbj3Ahfq_eNBQDRtjTXAiuPLJ6TSP39VGL-iq7cQqMzK3Si2av1ccJGDzC5h-MAsSdnCPhNo/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very distinct trail where it is clear of snow. Perhaps only surpassed by the Barr Trail on Pikes Peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxWPCeMQbfJJISg7aPdWnie9n9GCQBWf4uYi9UHvMR1DHHm_SKzG5r4-9d6bT-7nd7lFs2tRtUu9vOP0IsEIwq9BFSXR7Ul245m2mh5tP6VIc5p_zHiphc8me0lUSn-mxjki-OX-PUaE/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxWPCeMQbfJJISg7aPdWnie9n9GCQBWf4uYi9UHvMR1DHHm_SKzG5r4-9d6bT-7nd7lFs2tRtUu9vOP0IsEIwq9BFSXR7Ul245m2mh5tP6VIc5p_zHiphc8me0lUSn-mxjki-OX-PUaE/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerging from the trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUbFTcSHqOBKrDJxEZYRkHx46QXjUbRtKcHdWDRTHHO6i0O7EE9dSN6wDMFrzdjsyOujXEaSVr_k381tkM1bRBII86xtK1zdMcfSMfx8CJ8puyLXUK3FSAE6vNd4tj1bWi5j3X-jW14M/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUbFTcSHqOBKrDJxEZYRkHx46QXjUbRtKcHdWDRTHHO6i0O7EE9dSN6wDMFrzdjsyOujXEaSVr_k381tkM1bRBII86xtK1zdMcfSMfx8CJ8puyLXUK3FSAE6vNd4tj1bWi5j3X-jW14M/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snowpack that still covers the trail right before treeline. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr6wm-bhzqDhMY2SX5-bN-KLFXb3wxMD8vcfsodcbr1aaxXgPXhq5wU146Lekx_sAcIh_WBSNGpDTujw97LQPDA_8rwvoUQAvTQh_5IRZ58e-y6stNBWnGw-c3l1eDCukHSsmx5zc2J0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr6wm-bhzqDhMY2SX5-bN-KLFXb3wxMD8vcfsodcbr1aaxXgPXhq5wU146Lekx_sAcIh_WBSNGpDTujw97LQPDA_8rwvoUQAvTQh_5IRZ58e-y6stNBWnGw-c3l1eDCukHSsmx5zc2J0/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from the same spot this shows the route ahead. The summit is blocked from view here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> With the trees and snow behind me the rest of the hike was straight forward. Just keep going up on the clear trail. Although clear and unavoidable I don't think it's a trail to be taken lightly. It does get quite steep at times and there are about three major false summits for your demoralizing pleasure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYcnhdr_llk289_ZbhuMRNb7_oHlQcJQNKjl0lAbPPyJJ89BJ7u8XgyqlwOrX1DztPEelykJWfI96uPTJZ0Zuev6LsDsnRSHPuncdFKTCk-UMF-m79C520VO8-v1QihDKVPNwapOKVVw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYcnhdr_llk289_ZbhuMRNb7_oHlQcJQNKjl0lAbPPyJJ89BJ7u8XgyqlwOrX1DztPEelykJWfI96uPTJZ0Zuev6LsDsnRSHPuncdFKTCk-UMF-m79C520VO8-v1QihDKVPNwapOKVVw/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of the false summits to come. Path actually curves around to the right at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4_IJH6v9GNF5EYzU4Bct2kMOlsZF3ccYq-s3KbnB_6_czo2aQkr7SQryQMThU3RTG_bSo3JRmfUSTH3AmOZrQ78yLxVhSmNPbyyySd318JsRxt7ascZJiUokn1HeShnG95HbapYOOxc/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4_IJH6v9GNF5EYzU4Bct2kMOlsZF3ccYq-s3KbnB_6_czo2aQkr7SQryQMThU3RTG_bSo3JRmfUSTH3AmOZrQ78yLxVhSmNPbyyySd318JsRxt7ascZJiUokn1HeShnG95HbapYOOxc/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Massive to the north taken at around 13000 feet. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazXXoQUoAg05dR7pS336zXL_SwojdbkhituELGHkFT9TMHiAlTVWI7x3ygmOUXoGWNVFb_N8wwYiDtzERe4pCTsZeH0HlvblphSbNy6uDcs_7ElpR9pgnjeBJBCH9pcQK661suLlz-Dc/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazXXoQUoAg05dR7pS336zXL_SwojdbkhituELGHkFT9TMHiAlTVWI7x3ygmOUXoGWNVFb_N8wwYiDtzERe4pCTsZeH0HlvblphSbNy6uDcs_7ElpR9pgnjeBJBCH9pcQK661suLlz-Dc/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of these guys bustling around the mountain. They're pretty brazen at times. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fruit snacks have become my constant companion on my hiking adventures now. I feel the cherry and peach flavors coursing through my veins giving me the energy to put one foot in front of the other. Before too long I reached the top of the final false summit to see the real summit of Mount Elbert a few hundred yards off.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqIq83XCzjAleDqwpAlqSVK2x67pgp58V33VDjmXoLagLnr_kgW8cgg4bZt1tvICdc_gFbjxkIzTnwWEL0w9FFfqejXp8axjyxPvJAIjTdZFiRL4wuI_dadf9qQfAU0xvBfrTML13TqA/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqIq83XCzjAleDqwpAlqSVK2x67pgp58V33VDjmXoLagLnr_kgW8cgg4bZt1tvICdc_gFbjxkIzTnwWEL0w9FFfqejXp8axjyxPvJAIjTdZFiRL4wuI_dadf9qQfAU0xvBfrTML13TqA/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final push to the end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I reached the top just as two skiers were getting ready to drop down. I troubled them for a couple pictures before they left. After that I had the summit to myself (not common on Elbert) for about 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8FMuHO8RUzg9_oI3zBRKP5hRZ0Iq0Q9Y2mlHXWSUtxyM4Zbj2EAaw7a3UFBQs0EQP8xyaRucFHCneSDgU-b2rQB4t6VhCohCHzxaBhYjwDXSTXkrDGnPdbs6vb41TXFwL8beFSkfknw/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8FMuHO8RUzg9_oI3zBRKP5hRZ0Iq0Q9Y2mlHXWSUtxyM4Zbj2EAaw7a3UFBQs0EQP8xyaRucFHCneSDgU-b2rQB4t6VhCohCHzxaBhYjwDXSTXkrDGnPdbs6vb41TXFwL8beFSkfknw/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk Mountain Range behind me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxtUlpkzunWLabJJs5sIJeUs4jO4Exlbp8GC4CKv1egq6SQhUUFeJz28hrjz_z2u-dkFbdwqpkoaCkjHajm3k4zvG_oPTgLXE4p8Xtn__lGvF1M9MXTURxyqjNZu1pdhgM4-x54Oxg2A/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxtUlpkzunWLabJJs5sIJeUs4jO4Exlbp8GC4CKv1egq6SQhUUFeJz28hrjz_z2u-dkFbdwqpkoaCkjHajm3k4zvG_oPTgLXE4p8Xtn__lGvF1M9MXTURxyqjNZu1pdhgM4-x54Oxg2A/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plata Peak dead center. I climbed that one the previous week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fWaseE9UG7BnOqUEZc_YvwPcHBpOt-KD3x3KxYK0_BbhydMtN_8YebmFtVCObgI7PpuzS1cgPB_xE1EDR2gCv-2k19hAfUHdNpLwm-qDnst0bxZHs6pl5W2nFb92m_ULecvZrs8GF3o/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fWaseE9UG7BnOqUEZc_YvwPcHBpOt-KD3x3KxYK0_BbhydMtN_8YebmFtVCObgI7PpuzS1cgPB_xE1EDR2gCv-2k19hAfUHdNpLwm-qDnst0bxZHs6pl5W2nFb92m_ULecvZrs8GF3o/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawatch Range to the south. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMggnbRiEQIoOWu0a0dyKWghBxbepwVlK7BzshSQtpB49g8SC35igKdkuzbZ96-nzVzuE3zI6ne0ZaN24IBtcTTT7FC3uk4hlFWxMmpsFS369UGj0EtfKIJEBKsey-GdUKgR4Q5HJhVw/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMggnbRiEQIoOWu0a0dyKWghBxbepwVlK7BzshSQtpB49g8SC35igKdkuzbZ96-nzVzuE3zI6ne0ZaN24IBtcTTT7FC3uk4hlFWxMmpsFS369UGj0EtfKIJEBKsey-GdUKgR4Q5HJhVw/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Massive to the North (pictured earlier at lower elevation)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhg5O3NuU4oM_aG4hWUtZhSp_H0gjtah2FC8qCigNt6tCtV45lVZk8ol8rhz1L6pSDPGkHS2Ruzmb0EQ8sGk6jCm-G8MH9u8b4vXlpepQ2GOcARnbP3FgrV0vMKwljXAzyc_ZT_mC5GE/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhg5O3NuU4oM_aG4hWUtZhSp_H0gjtah2FC8qCigNt6tCtV45lVZk8ol8rhz1L6pSDPGkHS2Ruzmb0EQ8sGk6jCm-G8MH9u8b4vXlpepQ2GOcARnbP3FgrV0vMKwljXAzyc_ZT_mC5GE/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Lakes just south. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakmmJ_kmMy9-F_xjSgynZrtNU1W6P_QXnjMY-w0EnSAHB7py2pOVm2PAZ1ZnRoGHcEbdBSosyMNMSkVKF6Zi10q3FaDJ0pUle6XM8cYikBy_nQi-1sp6laUHriZyvgM2gAPi2xptdNpk/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakmmJ_kmMy9-F_xjSgynZrtNU1W6P_QXnjMY-w0EnSAHB7py2pOVm2PAZ1ZnRoGHcEbdBSosyMNMSkVKF6Zi10q3FaDJ0pUle6XM8cYikBy_nQi-1sp6laUHriZyvgM2gAPi2xptdNpk/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plata Peak again right below my right ear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I headed down and the descent went by very quickly. I tend to put my head down a lot when descending to ensure my footing and nearly walked right on top of this guy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmo2vmpT1-1sj9SLDp4BtXVdlb-11v1K6hgnp9vbfL9ENBP7PvuMq-8-0R2OoQZdXZcQFVD3-8D2rsFR3as7lx1ln2b_4SJoHdiJvNCQw0Lh_Fkj4rSpmZwScK8jtGtPNhQlKuCfjQUI/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmo2vmpT1-1sj9SLDp4BtXVdlb-11v1K6hgnp9vbfL9ENBP7PvuMq-8-0R2OoQZdXZcQFVD3-8D2rsFR3as7lx1ln2b_4SJoHdiJvNCQw0Lh_Fkj4rSpmZwScK8jtGtPNhQlKuCfjQUI/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No way he's moving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Within an hour I was back to the trees and snow and ended up getting a bit lost. My GPS had lost battery power so I had to just backtrack a bit and eventually I connected with the path down.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z_BW0PgA9UmSbk9htU_u4YhChaF4Q5dunOLfN0arTXM4sAjpBs0RyH2tNtEdfsL3YF_rh3jwsZ6-ACWtwLoyFQzQDyJrcxwCHzyNnlm7mqHvCI6NYwT1di-y5pO9MAD6NQG1-PjWc-8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z_BW0PgA9UmSbk9htU_u4YhChaF4Q5dunOLfN0arTXM4sAjpBs0RyH2tNtEdfsL3YF_rh3jwsZ6-ACWtwLoyFQzQDyJrcxwCHzyNnlm7mqHvCI6NYwT1di-y5pO9MAD6NQG1-PjWc-8/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path disappears under the snow right when you enter the cover of the trees. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>It took 3 hours and 45 minutes to summit and an hour less to descend back to the car. Total time of 6.5 hours which was pretty decent timing for me. I consider myself slightly less than average speed going uphill and faster than average going down.<br />
<br />
This would be a new elevation record for me which I don't plan on braking for a while. A Mt. Kilimanjaro trip may be in the works for September 2012. Until then , 14,433 feet will stand as my p.r. Every hike this last month has excited me for the summer hiking to come.<br />
<br />
One last parting picture.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVPG4kRuLAEXIagy-C5lB-UXVT6W_J7g4xaKCYl_eLeo2SyUtdf3yjOn3Ax3tungLuHRy5MFJ8ulaz8dgWioEPwPDMN3NM0O690n3BeeKtHxem97AOtr5X8VbcuG0CpNOr37FVhGYNFg/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVPG4kRuLAEXIagy-C5lB-UXVT6W_J7g4xaKCYl_eLeo2SyUtdf3yjOn3Ax3tungLuHRy5MFJ8ulaz8dgWioEPwPDMN3NM0O690n3BeeKtHxem97AOtr5X8VbcuG0CpNOr37FVhGYNFg/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Notes to Self:<br />
-Keep batteries in my car or backpack<br />
-Buy a Jeep Rubicon<br />
-Be better at lifeBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-24298592267363508742011-06-06T21:15:00.000-07:002011-06-06T21:15:17.229-07:00La Plata Peak 6/4/2011Total Mileage: ~10 miles<br />
Total Elevation: ~4500 feet<br />
Starting Point: La Plata Trailhead<br />
Time: 9 hours start to finish<br />
Party: solo<br />
<br />
(click to enlarge photos)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvM6LDtGys0dUS__io6YJIwcQshyphenhyphen7p7iRQEwzLxL_mk5OVQsL0D8GEQtl7H4VX-zI62zFov8_1nQL5VU5UKzGoBdd3GX4t-Wd2W1i54cy6AKxNv_4o0hMk8SBWZ5BsYpC00eKgQ4Bm-g/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvM6LDtGys0dUS__io6YJIwcQshyphenhyphen7p7iRQEwzLxL_mk5OVQsL0D8GEQtl7H4VX-zI62zFov8_1nQL5VU5UKzGoBdd3GX4t-Wd2W1i54cy6AKxNv_4o0hMk8SBWZ5BsYpC00eKgQ4Bm-g/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plata Peak 14,336 feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another fun peak to check off the list. This would be my 20th 14er which only served as a reminder that I'm not even halfway through the list yet. I'm having a great time making my way towards my goal and each new peak provides a little bit different experience. La Plata trailhead is only about 30 miles from a little place called Aspen. Had there not been so much smoke in the air from the fires in CO and AZ I may have had some better views of the Elk mountain range that surrounds Aspen.<br />
<br />
I knew from my research that there would be three creek or stream crossings in the first couple of miles. I try to piece together a little strategy by identifying landmarks and their distance from one another to distract myself from the physical toll my body takes. I can't really think about the strain in my legs if I'm trying to calculate the time it will take to get to point C after reaching point B if my speed is X. It's weird, I know. But it works. The rivers were rip-roaring more than usual due to the Spring runoff. The snow is melting quickly. I hit a little speed bump when I hit the trail registry and continued on the dirt road instead of the dirt trail. I must have been involved in a crazy math problem because I had gone about 1/2 mile and it just hit me that I had failed to start on the right trail.<br />
<br />
The first two river crossing are on high bridges and are no cause for concern. The third was tricky because it was just logs with rushing water lapping over them. The water was higher than usual making the normal path very unappealing. Looking at the logs, I conjured up images of watermelon seeds on linoleum, and loony toon characters walking across banana peels. I couldn't bring myself to cross the logs fearing a slip into the water below. Upstream only about 20 feet I found a tree that was about 6-8 inches in diameter suspended across the stream about 18 inches in the air. It was dry and strong and easily made the stream passable. Next obstacle I knew would be snow. It would only be a matter of time before the trail became less and less visible and I would choose my own path through the snow to reach treeline.<br />
<br />
It happened around 10,600 feet. A little earlier than anticipated. The trail follows a stream until about 11,300 when the trail starts to gain more elevation and strays from the valley below into a gully that ascends rapidly. I decided that I would try to stay close to the stream and look for a good opportunity to bushwhack upwards. Every now and then a hint of a trail would appear from under a mound of snow only to disappear a few feet ahead into another mass of it. Enough for me to know I'm going the right way. I ascended earlier than I should have but it wasn't all that big of a deal. I would reconnect to the trail at around 11,600 and continue working my way to the NW ridge of La Plata Peak at 12,700. From the ridge it would just be straight up until you can't go up anymore. It took three hours to gain that ridge from the time I left the car. I had estimated less time but the snow drifts drained my energy fast early on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDSj7nivDcrj4mF37n7VbImAv2QF-V26Ip-sdOgBVXQwv4k7iamz-1TPX0P8W3WZ4DDqMvgMXOZngSNZzGI-2RX-_nFG4GUew548EOSqQCnKwoYOZc7pjxMBv611iF5NsFl8-fkmWMSQ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDSj7nivDcrj4mF37n7VbImAv2QF-V26Ip-sdOgBVXQwv4k7iamz-1TPX0P8W3WZ4DDqMvgMXOZngSNZzGI-2RX-_nFG4GUew548EOSqQCnKwoYOZc7pjxMBv611iF5NsFl8-fkmWMSQ/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughly shows my route out of the valley and towards the ridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Climbing a bit farther I could finally see my path to the ridge and much of the remaining route.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hsX44881dqM-WETA9-JSYWcVCG2hcD84fp4oM02iqxMgbqJt-ZeFnwpIUGL7NXutrWQiK40Jxd7mUDhhYhyfOJjsya7AjUQIP4kx_owgbHAIPcowEZeauVSqUNkmoXCuJ7LBBPEFOfc/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hsX44881dqM-WETA9-JSYWcVCG2hcD84fp4oM02iqxMgbqJt-ZeFnwpIUGL7NXutrWQiK40Jxd7mUDhhYhyfOJjsya7AjUQIP4kx_owgbHAIPcowEZeauVSqUNkmoXCuJ7LBBPEFOfc/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the ridge the views were improving.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzVJiJuOvsdVVXWx8KKzJbpqfijHVc6FzG5NT9vlwu2EEPB2To64O4pWQuZt5PBMEiHB5nr-ylgBYiNliYSvyuHX_dFZtT6jrn9tWtpnqsomxlu2HvHIPSyTXSQyxeE3qvqtd6Jmgl5k/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzVJiJuOvsdVVXWx8KKzJbpqfijHVc6FzG5NT9vlwu2EEPB2To64O4pWQuZt5PBMEiHB5nr-ylgBYiNliYSvyuHX_dFZtT6jrn9tWtpnqsomxlu2HvHIPSyTXSQyxeE3qvqtd6Jmgl5k/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From 12,700 feet La Plata is visible but some of the route up is not. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSuk98xpnIIvnQSJkOTB2UM5ctLd7_X85LPSMYO9J1dlnn2MI0MM4b9LvbbIk4RHOz7zOD93q55oKdJcixQ7gj-J3JEDcU1nWpeRCzyD9vKRR8XdtSCtga-O9rvgV7iAuMXpVbm8PQzY/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSuk98xpnIIvnQSJkOTB2UM5ctLd7_X85LPSMYO9J1dlnn2MI0MM4b9LvbbIk4RHOz7zOD93q55oKdJcixQ7gj-J3JEDcU1nWpeRCzyD9vKRR8XdtSCtga-O9rvgV7iAuMXpVbm8PQzY/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the East from the same spot is Ellingwood Ridge which also leads to the summit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdNtIxOU8S93H-lXFohJ-TsMy-60SycOvc_0eeavW5ozLSW-5yjWnxFW0zG_R0_tTGb4uNs8mxxGuRnKWAmZlPrODH1Fn5ER-IBxZ1oHP2u0ve9x8Dd5Ss3M7mEnbJGyR2ZYz51ZlJps/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdNtIxOU8S93H-lXFohJ-TsMy-60SycOvc_0eeavW5ozLSW-5yjWnxFW0zG_R0_tTGb4uNs8mxxGuRnKWAmZlPrODH1Fn5ER-IBxZ1oHP2u0ve9x8Dd5Ss3M7mEnbJGyR2ZYz51ZlJps/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornices to watch out for.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From here I rested briefly. I still had about 1600 vertical feet to go and it would be tough. Maybe 500 vertical feet up I looked on ahead of me and thought I saw movement. Turns out it was a human.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjYLa91t8soOzSOKyKc-tUoM03yvj9Lwa355bepR1UGGUF_los7AdW4jmRcKrwYCWt8GVoBX4rJ7zN3Sg3m_m3jeyiIJgWhYaLRr3VTVbA1bVKLufkXxW1RmyilR0Z5NrSa2p-liQBZE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjYLa91t8soOzSOKyKc-tUoM03yvj9Lwa355bepR1UGGUF_los7AdW4jmRcKrwYCWt8GVoBX4rJ7zN3Sg3m_m3jeyiIJgWhYaLRr3VTVbA1bVKLufkXxW1RmyilR0Z5NrSa2p-liQBZE/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxZusUnVT09Czw_jpd4EAtAkR8i9T6FuuhIACZ2NiQQZ4ESLv11C9Y-DeI4qM4IVL8oRsGpQrQGwIym8HuoKhDqd14kpG3ENaOFE1M_DZiCboSIgGXlKea1iWTll8QldceqgyZqm5nfY/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxZusUnVT09Czw_jpd4EAtAkR8i9T6FuuhIACZ2NiQQZ4ESLv11C9Y-DeI4qM4IVL8oRsGpQrQGwIym8HuoKhDqd14kpG3ENaOFE1M_DZiCboSIgGXlKea1iWTll8QldceqgyZqm5nfY/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little easier to see here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hiking the ridge was exhausting and I kept looking at my altimeter to see my how far I had gone/have left. About 2 hours from the start of the ridge I was on the summit. I had full cell service so I updated my facebook status of course and called my wife to check in. I spent some time trying to work my auto-timer to get my summit photos. I got some good shots and bad ones.<br />
<br />
Bad Ones:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXCj0EHbIZ-_pq4hkn1LGM5aPdiOhzAIGvYOnpbuvZv3KHkuWKM5w4T142d5Ik4ZeoFH7cp4NXr6xQZ-NAxALyjyGHjkmrILsEr6co98d_65WvgQ6FT2zAQIfg9pkc_eO-y2RLZzf2Lo/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXCj0EHbIZ-_pq4hkn1LGM5aPdiOhzAIGvYOnpbuvZv3KHkuWKM5w4T142d5Ik4ZeoFH7cp4NXr6xQZ-NAxALyjyGHjkmrILsEr6co98d_65WvgQ6FT2zAQIfg9pkc_eO-y2RLZzf2Lo/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least I'm not blurry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj976Bww41TMdwSp4kaLNctqT7y-6F3MJNJ5sibY1Az1XaI9jmTAJtVTqJGRm_dclfGexsT2KN8a5GfmTf31MmRe68jmdWcIzqWVhEjrTMUmhhGIAKropTWMHZ3-AI_uuiREEfwdkj1-hI/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj976Bww41TMdwSp4kaLNctqT7y-6F3MJNJ5sibY1Az1XaI9jmTAJtVTqJGRm_dclfGexsT2KN8a5GfmTf31MmRe68jmdWcIzqWVhEjrTMUmhhGIAKropTWMHZ3-AI_uuiREEfwdkj1-hI/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least my whole body is in the shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfTHZyuunUSpFv1AT5l59ptr07Busc7VOQKgMvFEAFUhC4ALQjy2MaIwIR4WmYqyteEUf3tFM7a9tLaor5E-fQS_6SsboP_Okj59lblwTaiUI4FJZtXN7ws5H7frPGRimYsljq5jprEE/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfTHZyuunUSpFv1AT5l59ptr07Busc7VOQKgMvFEAFUhC4ALQjy2MaIwIR4WmYqyteEUf3tFM7a9tLaor5E-fQS_6SsboP_Okj59lblwTaiUI4FJZtXN7ws5H7frPGRimYsljq5jprEE/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry and I missed the shot. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I lied about any good shots with the auto-timer. I just went with the old stick the arm out and shoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J2BocpVdVOjY6phajVYWBwQSws8eCJFInuxe16c-ducVYUrdQVbljEUtNnH-eWImZ9CkWf0w30xmpUgrBHk_UQW_nizpQSDnr8MFj8Ie1xbug-y_PPapDoMcvV0Uj5mF3PdtJxTD3vQ/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J2BocpVdVOjY6phajVYWBwQSws8eCJFInuxe16c-ducVYUrdQVbljEUtNnH-eWImZ9CkWf0w30xmpUgrBHk_UQW_nizpQSDnr8MFj8Ie1xbug-y_PPapDoMcvV0Uj5mF3PdtJxTD3vQ/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvlkGrM2xUwyP9lTpMmwyVUeXiYjGrdRkw7LSkUEwsZ3DDOWS3JxHcAH0nFna9aBhMv-8hAkU7zt_Bl16Xyh-kjfdoP9ptYtMZFLtrgk0rvX36e6PEn7_cvxW-eckUljNLwiq1XrG0bw/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvlkGrM2xUwyP9lTpMmwyVUeXiYjGrdRkw7LSkUEwsZ3DDOWS3JxHcAH0nFna9aBhMv-8hAkU7zt_Bl16Xyh-kjfdoP9ptYtMZFLtrgk0rvX36e6PEn7_cvxW-eckUljNLwiq1XrG0bw/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>More Summit shots:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eWQOA4imVMRUPeC85f7uFu4kHwMQP43tQaojS1Atae-V54vXjtoQeXl6a5lvAmKnA-W7wgAsNBWypzOqxSq9jpc882C1UTfrVyDBpnxAatkkqKUsr5XF3Gm3BfqCVLAcJeYmZU0JNmE/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eWQOA4imVMRUPeC85f7uFu4kHwMQP43tQaojS1Atae-V54vXjtoQeXl6a5lvAmKnA-W7wgAsNBWypzOqxSq9jpc882C1UTfrVyDBpnxAatkkqKUsr5XF3Gm3BfqCVLAcJeYmZU0JNmE/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2d0isgHd0m1WcU5EM2BotcJJaJed8elym5GJDNoUUUNCU0xXHNqtqJ6RP0KiAEBZbzSfHFRJ4q5Ro6HctBtcaoqoqetiWeI19BmzNp-YAeVFdodPWXdhWyvLvNt8Gtmq9FTgv9OOKSE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2d0isgHd0m1WcU5EM2BotcJJaJed8elym5GJDNoUUUNCU0xXHNqtqJ6RP0KiAEBZbzSfHFRJ4q5Ro6HctBtcaoqoqetiWeI19BmzNp-YAeVFdodPWXdhWyvLvNt8Gtmq9FTgv9OOKSE/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vrQ8RrNr3ybY1DTym3SxhM1V6-EwEjShLratztCHHYA1FAne515rA6n15_OuVuhxCZXjXwbdOaYsoSUfsB9coeAO0E4Bk3rS5FWs3awWwg43q_PK_HJ4ro09maxtLO1bu4Vc_wG24-4/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vrQ8RrNr3ybY1DTym3SxhM1V6-EwEjShLratztCHHYA1FAne515rA6n15_OuVuhxCZXjXwbdOaYsoSUfsB9coeAO0E4Bk3rS5FWs3awWwg43q_PK_HJ4ro09maxtLO1bu4Vc_wG24-4/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Elbert in the distance just left of center. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I knew I'd be in for a slush fest during the descent so I didn't stay on top too long. I glissaded where I could though I was careful because I didn't have my axe to arrest myself with. The last glissade I did was a little crazy and I got going a bit fast. I was hoping that somewhere at the end of that glissade I would find the trail leading back. I stopped about 20 feet down from where I wanted to stop and looked to my right and beheld the clear and defined trail. How about that? I changed my socks as they were quite wet as well as my gloves. I finished the last of my fruit snacks and Gatorade and began the march through wet snow back to the car.<br />
<br />
Yada yada yada it took a really long time to get back. Between finding the trail and postholing in the snow it was exhausting. It was heaven to reach the snowless trail below 10,600. From there it was an easy jaunt to the car.<br />
<br />
One last look back on La Plata:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbJwibzzbJMGVi_jB511Ih_wE5r03kMfQekCQcHBNCfnC5OmzSnSbxU7XuGsd6WZk6Hdxd-eGQqay7X0Bb8qgARjTpevSdKBfjM6v5HEJ1ldIgi-Zr-ff6QyP9iuqziPPhyphenhyphendlzckSgVc/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbJwibzzbJMGVi_jB511Ih_wE5r03kMfQekCQcHBNCfnC5OmzSnSbxU7XuGsd6WZk6Hdxd-eGQqay7X0Bb8qgARjTpevSdKBfjM6v5HEJ1ldIgi-Zr-ff6QyP9iuqziPPhyphenhyphendlzckSgVc/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've been bringing a full change of clothes with me now on these Spring hikes because I find that I get really wet. It feels nice not to have to drive home in the same clothes I just hiked 10 miles in. My last stop before home would be K's Old Fashioned Burgers in Buena Vista. Instead of giving you a number for your order they give you the name of a celebrity. That day I was Brad Pitt and I threw up in my mouth just a little.<br />
<br />
<br />
Notes to Self:<br />
- buy new gaiters.<br />
- stop wasting time on trails that aren't the ones you came to hike<br />
- fruit snacks are delicious while hiking<br />
- fruit snacks are delicious alwaysBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-69897751403414971102011-05-29T19:18:00.000-07:002011-05-29T19:18:35.434-07:00Mount Antero 5/28/2011Total Mileage: 15 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gained: 5500 feet<br />
Starting Point: Baldwin Gulch Trailhead<br />
Party: Solo<br />
<br />
(click to enlarge photos)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YisxOuDWWk5ZVl9gQG66uJAZl0Hk-gs3447PdbtWOFVv3rY43pXQhJiScTbCvjK3xOHAAjNkditUp_A8DUWcuCxl7xOEF3HaYpIMLgehdwPIEAXv82YPf35VfLslIU-nBVK4pj4dyWw/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YisxOuDWWk5ZVl9gQG66uJAZl0Hk-gs3447PdbtWOFVv3rY43pXQhJiScTbCvjK3xOHAAjNkditUp_A8DUWcuCxl7xOEF3HaYpIMLgehdwPIEAXv82YPf35VfLslIU-nBVK4pj4dyWw/s400/037.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture taken at 12,700 feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I ventured back to the southern Sawatch Range to tackle Mount Antero. While this mountain doesn't rate as anyone's favorite it did offer spectacular views and an all around great Saturday to kick off Memorial Day weekend. Knowing the route was 15 miles roundtrip might have been a deterrent 6 months ago. One thing I've come to learn about climbing is that mileage is virtually irrelevant. There have been numerous occasions where I've only had 1/4 of a mile to go and it's taken me an hour to cover that ground. The vertical increase is much more informative to me when describing a route. In fact, the last hike I did, <a href="http://bradyhikes.blogspot.com/2011/05/mount-shavano-and-esprit-point-542011.html">Mt. Shavano</a>, was half of the mileage and took me the same amount of time to complete. In researching this route, I knew it was full of switchbacks that very gradually sloped upward.<br />
<br />
I got a 6 am start at the trailhead at around 9600 feet. In less than an hour I had covered 2.7 miles and 1200 vertical feet arriving at a stream crossing that I had been anticipating. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9_avXRnNcZ3Ynu0f51v-mJXpDUeXS1M55jlRF7t4SiUNjGCh7HCaITQ_pGo7kFNG5kwOlUblJamUCORUyZgIrk3epGkoTHltD53_HCQef0uoBdChelMRRw1amr9YxQ3VeaUR5_X-K7o/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9_avXRnNcZ3Ynu0f51v-mJXpDUeXS1M55jlRF7t4SiUNjGCh7HCaITQ_pGo7kFNG5kwOlUblJamUCORUyZgIrk3epGkoTHltD53_HCQef0uoBdChelMRRw1amr9YxQ3VeaUR5_X-K7o/s400/009.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,800 feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It's about one more mile until you exit the trees and start switching back up the mountain on a wide path. This mile was slow-going to say the least. I intentionally left my snowshoes in my car thinking of them as dead weight. As I continued forward I was fortunate to be hiking at an early hour. The snow accumulation on the trail leaves no other choice but to hike on top of it much of the way. At 7 am the snow pack was cold and hard and my weight would be supported only occasionally breaking through the hard outer crust and falling to my waist. Conditions worsened however, and at around 11,700 feet I saw a break in the trees and decided to alter my course slightly. Above me was a myriad of switchbacks and the path that I left would have soon led me there. Through the trees I looked up and saw a grassy mound that topped out a few hundred vertical feet from my position. That mound was free of snow and seemed much more inviting then the current path I was on where the <a href="http://www.niftytricks.com/wiki/Post_Hole">post-holing</a> had become much more frequent. Once above the mound I estimated that I would find myself on the standard path or close enough to it that an easy course correction would shortly get me there. I estimated correctly and within a short amount of time found myself at 12,600 feet and on the right track moving upwards. I had really nice views from that point so I grabbed some shots around me. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR4oKmnS8isUNHwVA9Kwndeb7Ya2esKRfTFXuPsKkmp5JDBoaCSQlebYNALPRRlEETgc-p7XUP8FC2FjA5cfBMyl4ITO_un2YCon3RjD2eIZPOiLeNPhgv-8Jda38KsDCkvtoEY4Zu1k/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR4oKmnS8isUNHwVA9Kwndeb7Ya2esKRfTFXuPsKkmp5JDBoaCSQlebYNALPRRlEETgc-p7XUP8FC2FjA5cfBMyl4ITO_un2YCon3RjD2eIZPOiLeNPhgv-8Jda38KsDCkvtoEY4Zu1k/s400/013.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking SE Mount Cronin 13,870 feet </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ndqyI80-i8tvukdrEr_bW5LiL154yf2zdeP1HHve8NmK5vyAtStxPtnkzVvusCFY3Smy8YdtJqzHOsCnkBursTY0NvT5RfDhLRe_4JPGVl4H6UiC_IURBT4rLV6uDUICPHDWGsbEs2k/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ndqyI80-i8tvukdrEr_bW5LiL154yf2zdeP1HHve8NmK5vyAtStxPtnkzVvusCFY3Smy8YdtJqzHOsCnkBursTY0NvT5RfDhLRe_4JPGVl4H6UiC_IURBT4rLV6uDUICPHDWGsbEs2k/s400/014.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East aspect of Mount Antero</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The next two shots I took a little further up at around 12,800 feet. They show Point 13,800 and the last long switchback that skirts around it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyE3MlD-gOrGEqE6W5FQfVxjfRXTvkmQc18UZwo2c1q7UiRFeIJrcm1PnR1ETyviDvPGWm1WRy6aWSA7LNE8Z7bkusGeXDqXE8yzZ8Wg4Ycgo072aIiMsYrKIMNydBl3DYnEP4YHKszY/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyE3MlD-gOrGEqE6W5FQfVxjfRXTvkmQc18UZwo2c1q7UiRFeIJrcm1PnR1ETyviDvPGWm1WRy6aWSA7LNE8Z7bkusGeXDqXE8yzZ8Wg4Ycgo072aIiMsYrKIMNydBl3DYnEP4YHKszY/s400/016.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pt. 13,800 dead ahead and the start of the switchback that goes around it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV6OryUlhSxzheEBgOg8DpPjnDeQEeUtVBed6app1qwjs580KhvEdbHgkqmwInFVdydkNb-xzvHW7XPqusBKLjbRGo7l2TVuIq8F-FcWse6cxtDCi85NXRb3zCsXBMP4V3ZzjeMP4Ta0/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV6OryUlhSxzheEBgOg8DpPjnDeQEeUtVBed6app1qwjs580KhvEdbHgkqmwInFVdydkNb-xzvHW7XPqusBKLjbRGo7l2TVuIq8F-FcWse6cxtDCi85NXRb3zCsXBMP4V3ZzjeMP4Ta0/s400/015.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirting around this point is the path I followed up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pt. 13,800 is the next landmark of this route with the idea being to get on top of it. I ran into a few hikers later on that had described just going straight up this point and bypassing the route around. That's definitely one way to do it. I was able to witness these guys hiking up and over pt. 13,800 while I was on the summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl7lvc1iXnqZD13UrwHX6mmihtX_fX_EB4bzFOZj3n3Dm7fkm5rY2evOyR47zotTlIYgXdOsb_M4IFO5OPic44DpZt8Y29qeH7L__-G3EJbaFHeKLUybZLyA7KY_TuYHMCjvQgUBTxso/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl7lvc1iXnqZD13UrwHX6mmihtX_fX_EB4bzFOZj3n3Dm7fkm5rY2evOyR47zotTlIYgXdOsb_M4IFO5OPic44DpZt8Y29qeH7L__-G3EJbaFHeKLUybZLyA7KY_TuYHMCjvQgUBTxso/s400/024.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two hikers can be seen here cresting pt. 13,800. One is just about to crest and the other is behind a ways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqvCxshlKuJ9Ij249ueqbC8dzVfqu5l68TP6C3Fo7uZkoFENgQSShzVNtLGofEzsAN7BYnHG5MQHEyl8YfDGjKMMduwFTb7Ijsdq6aG5t37ihCawbtQLUybPNSsQj7gE7W9wtwPI7NvY/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqvCxshlKuJ9Ij249ueqbC8dzVfqu5l68TP6C3Fo7uZkoFENgQSShzVNtLGofEzsAN7BYnHG5MQHEyl8YfDGjKMMduwFTb7Ijsdq6aG5t37ihCawbtQLUybPNSsQj7gE7W9wtwPI7NvY/s400/023.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up on hiker #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I came around this point on the other side which offers a more gradual slope but is definitely longer. Once there, the remaining route is visible.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaVe9i3JYaN0ePrA-xRaHhDPnj0N2ffSrEecHenJ6Jqun_qF5g8797ystRsGL6e5YfgUr5uNGC8h91gCpirWmS_cQ5kdgP-LKvNB3RiINb-OvtyepmaXaSodaux4AJD838i_fJrjWApw/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaVe9i3JYaN0ePrA-xRaHhDPnj0N2ffSrEecHenJ6Jqun_qF5g8797ystRsGL6e5YfgUr5uNGC8h91gCpirWmS_cQ5kdgP-LKvNB3RiINb-OvtyepmaXaSodaux4AJD838i_fJrjWApw/s400/018.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's as easy as following a ridge from here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> The rocky portion seen above provided great protection from a wind that was starting to pick up. The last 400 vertical feet were exceptionally difficult due to the relentless winds. Simple things that you never think about, like keeping your balance, become a very conscious task at high elevation and after expending so much energy. Every step and handhold becomes very deliberate and thought out. <br />
<br />
Before too long but not soon enough I made the summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPPowCnxdaHVZTEzHzIPpHIPC73AcYjtYgiH_O1fIbq8O6BcJxkPG6_pfPh-3GFYE_Hya09-joyCOT0ljk8CI7J4BrRYtFnowQh7xRJMbDSb9RieiqX7_VCvpeY0iZVhbNZNBAy2BrpU/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPPowCnxdaHVZTEzHzIPpHIPC73AcYjtYgiH_O1fIbq8O6BcJxkPG6_pfPh-3GFYE_Hya09-joyCOT0ljk8CI7J4BrRYtFnowQh7xRJMbDSb9RieiqX7_VCvpeY0iZVhbNZNBAy2BrpU/s400/020.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vital stats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IyC3HtZFpuKm4hmw-7X3uwb2NzKoFRSOPmvDxyonu66zVnm_5lcoggYnD82iOWoEOvC2d5oCSkJamvU2Vtm3s5bQWYGTOWTazoRzHi0aLOdOfIFPMMxc0W1arB9ESO-RaS7b-S5XRTw/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IyC3HtZFpuKm4hmw-7X3uwb2NzKoFRSOPmvDxyonu66zVnm_5lcoggYnD82iOWoEOvC2d5oCSkJamvU2Vtm3s5bQWYGTOWTazoRzHi0aLOdOfIFPMMxc0W1arB9ESO-RaS7b-S5XRTw/s400/026.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moun Antero summit 14,269 feet. Tabeguache can be seen to my left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One thing I want to point out that you may notice is that my GPS says that I was moving for 3 hours and 33 minutes and stopped for 2 hours and 7 minutes. During the mile after the creek crossing there were times where I was going so slow that my GPS was calculating that time as stopped time or resting time when, ironically, that was the time where I was exerting myself the most. A little FYI for those thinking that I was sitting around for 2 hours of this trip.<br />
<br />
One more from the top<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQrb4qux-QY9SFDsqVevqYPOfrdZywW1oMwRXnEbiM0vlUWpGu_mjPORFGVPbK33xcAgGOTyK5_mq9j4JXdBVfJiRd_S0zjI4kZyceFYSKhM7_iLxC1qYtEvuI8bAnbfYlylyOxcwB1U/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQrb4qux-QY9SFDsqVevqYPOfrdZywW1oMwRXnEbiM0vlUWpGu_mjPORFGVPbK33xcAgGOTyK5_mq9j4JXdBVfJiRd_S0zjI4kZyceFYSKhM7_iLxC1qYtEvuI8bAnbfYlylyOxcwB1U/s400/028.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawatch Mountain Range<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the way down I encountered a party of three that had separated from each other without knowing exactly where. With a bird's eye view from the summit I saw the whole thing unfold. Cresting point 13,800 the last of three to get there had a slightly different trajectory and while the first two waited for him he had already continued up the final ridge. Watching from the summit with binoculars I even saw one of the first two drop his pack and go back over the point looking for the third. Come to find out, the stray hiker had started alone and joined the party of two earlier in the day. Anyways, I spoke with all three on the way down and expressed how much I wish I could have yelled down to them what had happened. They were kind enough to snap a photo of me coming down.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvLdf3wYfmHfWngy51R8st1TcDx4IbBFHoxuuOBMS6gjceC67F7HQ6OIMI7Zg5TWnsNuk3QUTGjiescOQeHCCyDUC8hix_DyeytffgQeCiiT8ct2GYQncKCaAZV035hG4SLOaBQaUd2w/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvLdf3wYfmHfWngy51R8st1TcDx4IbBFHoxuuOBMS6gjceC67F7HQ6OIMI7Zg5TWnsNuk3QUTGjiescOQeHCCyDUC8hix_DyeytffgQeCiiT8ct2GYQncKCaAZV035hG4SLOaBQaUd2w/s400/031.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just below the final pitch. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I took a few shots of them with their camera and then a few more with mine after descending a bit more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V3d_Ama-6_tN4ECbwXP5nCundpjJeLZsRuI0hbjAqCoZJy3c1D6NtNgxETgGlEs4clXtHL0cZMIw_CI0SRHGIgpAyhOr2FAeYtTJFkwQqQukM8ob29Q-BeuprQEZnM7CYUxtqAP2siE/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V3d_Ama-6_tN4ECbwXP5nCundpjJeLZsRuI0hbjAqCoZJy3c1D6NtNgxETgGlEs4clXtHL0cZMIw_CI0SRHGIgpAyhOr2FAeYtTJFkwQqQukM8ob29Q-BeuprQEZnM7CYUxtqAP2siE/s400/033.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're right about in the middle of the rocky ridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJ288h4n3QvZXD1FRc-LuYKGicKxboN0jYNRdIZOs_ZZmFn8AwCdnXAWeiBTTtTYJQT8KQPMIO0sNyDLJkmjg38k_ay9WBHwPBPJG3e_wFgpbXijxLaAiRX5QiNClRRDZj_clXV2FwM/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJ288h4n3QvZXD1FRc-LuYKGicKxboN0jYNRdIZOs_ZZmFn8AwCdnXAWeiBTTtTYJQT8KQPMIO0sNyDLJkmjg38k_ay9WBHwPBPJG3e_wFgpbXijxLaAiRX5QiNClRRDZj_clXV2FwM/s400/035.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little easier to see because they're crossing a small patch of snow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A had planned on being open to the idea of a Mount Cronin summit as well. After descending back down to about 13,100 feet I really felt I could handle another 700 vertical feet up. I made my way over to the base of where I would start ascending. My GPS read that I had dropped to about 12,700 and I had not expected to drop that low. So now it was 1100 more vertical feet plus the 300 to get back to the Antero trail. One peak would have to suffice for the day. I would love to come back and climb Cronin in the future. <br />
<br />
The descent was fairly quick. I went down the exact way I came up. There were a few areas where glissades were possible.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VmDSHBX0AFZP8hpviyyPPVo5eGBT-iZ7KWwie650rFnjW-5rh9Jfa0rJW2VJfzeffvGsNcPl227TPiBayM9qQXKjGLSmCGVO8TdDCYM1DjZG4eHYQXJC0DQCCrRhVuBXFNMx4CZ_Cx0/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VmDSHBX0AFZP8hpviyyPPVo5eGBT-iZ7KWwie650rFnjW-5rh9Jfa0rJW2VJfzeffvGsNcPl227TPiBayM9qQXKjGLSmCGVO8TdDCYM1DjZG4eHYQXJC0DQCCrRhVuBXFNMx4CZ_Cx0/s400/039.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a fun way to descend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Back under the cover of the trees conditions had deteriorated and post-holing was constant back down to the creek crossing at 10,800 feet. I stopped even trying to tiptoe on top of the slushy ice and just pounded through it. It definitely pounded back. It was a rough mile that made me long for the summer hikes that got me hooked on hiking in the first place. Back at the creek crossing I picked up a 20 oz bottle of Gatorade I had hidden behind a rock and started the last 2.7 miles back to my car. <br />
Notes to self:<br />
I enjoy watching the seasons come and go and being able to witness the changes in the landscape. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages. While post-holing can turn a dream hike into a nightmare quickly I will absolutely miss glissades and plunge-stepping my way off a mountain. And I suppose by the end of the summer I'll be looking forward to cooler temps and a rest for my knees.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-70090593234243543352011-05-06T20:52:00.000-07:002011-05-06T20:52:23.804-07:00Mount Shavano and Esprit Point 5/4/2011Total Mileage: ~8 miles<br />
Total Elevation: ~5500 feet<br />
Starting Point: Angel of Shavano Trailhead<br />
Group: solo<br />
<br />
(click to enlarge photos)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheblEAyoJRpJnBJ-IuUsfi-siUTvn3QeaqXPpifYhyf-D7EuAA5ky1-22Nzv4Prc_E1KplAorz_R65L8u8U0uOhzATtNqNO2yKXMbRvRLH2GVC788m-uQHGRKdT1htO4V-NIN5pkEhDgw/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheblEAyoJRpJnBJ-IuUsfi-siUTvn3QeaqXPpifYhyf-D7EuAA5ky1-22Nzv4Prc_E1KplAorz_R65L8u8U0uOhzATtNqNO2yKXMbRvRLH2GVC788m-uQHGRKdT1htO4V-NIN5pkEhDgw/s400/063.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
I had been thinking of climbing another 14er and I had a few in mind. Weather, conditions, and an opportunity for a unique route led me to choose Shavano. My usual route finding research ensued. I consulted <a href="http://14ers.com/">14ers.com</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Colorados-Fourteeners-2nd-Ed-Climbs/dp/1555914128">Gerry Roaches Colorado's Fourteeners</a>. I found a route description in Roach's book that was not found on 14ers.com and intrigue set in. The starting point was the Angel of Shavano trailhead and the first instruction in Roach's guidebook was "bushwhack .5 miles due north." This route is a snow only route due to the environmental damage that hiking would cause if there was no snow. The snow is melting fast on the mountains it seems so I decided on the "bushwhacking" snow route. This route would require the summit of a 13er called Esprit Point which would end up being the first 13er in Colorado I've climbed. <br />
<br />
Roach's instructions were to stay North-Northwest maintaining a position between two drainages to the east and west. So it turned out that not having a trail wasn't any kind of disadvantage. There was really only way to go up. As the ridge steepened I began to switchback my way up the mountain. Here's the general route up (red) and down (green).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxopPKy3mhvv-MguSAYuT2HX8eJEHtSEORx1Sxb9a0ROuNQAB3DOsQspvktqd78wNCLC_wDXlrGr0qRmjJts-nOLpv4-fPt642tQi8AbtGxziQKWjfBRSMYWV21z3jqbaQ55q3I4TBJ1I/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxopPKy3mhvv-MguSAYuT2HX8eJEHtSEORx1Sxb9a0ROuNQAB3DOsQspvktqd78wNCLC_wDXlrGr0qRmjJts-nOLpv4-fPt642tQi8AbtGxziQKWjfBRSMYWV21z3jqbaQ55q3I4TBJ1I/s400/058.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shavano is barely visible and I'm 92% sure that Esprit is not visible here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The way down involved a glissade that may have been more work than it actually saved me. I was making decent time when I hit treeline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW-vtDQ5FC_u-hFAOqOHXTcJuxAaaqdxHc-Wu6Po6FX27kab2J7S2HAOltXDXWuJ_-F2T8trjzIDHzlLYw3uj3vTeCv_mFkO3Gp4WA0SYo9imc9F-WBCnTJbjxjBuxl-3_hZOIvrLlNs/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW-vtDQ5FC_u-hFAOqOHXTcJuxAaaqdxHc-Wu6Po6FX27kab2J7S2HAOltXDXWuJ_-F2T8trjzIDHzlLYw3uj3vTeCv_mFkO3Gp4WA0SYo9imc9F-WBCnTJbjxjBuxl-3_hZOIvrLlNs/s400/040.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look behind at the trees I just came from.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nEunk56BdvExkanmZgNsPDKRnAtIeKDinN4fN6RYYUQpapB_mioicoMEkLohkME6202b3oFKk0pUIX7nyGp6-XVofG0dGFHUKEUXYiFEfisRaLdlP3Pq5mP3ZdP7o8CFje-tRbuKowI/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nEunk56BdvExkanmZgNsPDKRnAtIeKDinN4fN6RYYUQpapB_mioicoMEkLohkME6202b3oFKk0pUIX7nyGp6-XVofG0dGFHUKEUXYiFEfisRaLdlP3Pq5mP3ZdP7o8CFje-tRbuKowI/s400/041.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Ouray to the Southeast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6m5gVn1djeFqlS73JGkqQCiKJaAvsaRazpL2CNbqlPq6B5-BzKXlpTHScaOdudHu8A55WNFUYH-5s60yy8tFZe4zmp1XsLU4D_XzNc1GQlnvCGZO_m_GpjiH6jXwJcbneOeBMpMpb3s/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6m5gVn1djeFqlS73JGkqQCiKJaAvsaRazpL2CNbqlPq6B5-BzKXlpTHScaOdudHu8A55WNFUYH-5s60yy8tFZe4zmp1XsLU4D_XzNc1GQlnvCGZO_m_GpjiH6jXwJcbneOeBMpMpb3s/s320/042.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me thinking I'm much farther along than I really am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLGeGvBl3EpjEWIX1_8VybTugm39PQD7OsNe_lJB5wo3A4Oc13_bVbviwjlHlUys_rPreDp3p7IzyBB3qsVeIajs0otgDeyIqPH7wYUi1-upapeSNj6jqQKIAfAgjelyAtwBedroHrD4/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLGeGvBl3EpjEWIX1_8VybTugm39PQD7OsNe_lJB5wo3A4Oc13_bVbviwjlHlUys_rPreDp3p7IzyBB3qsVeIajs0otgDeyIqPH7wYUi1-upapeSNj6jqQKIAfAgjelyAtwBedroHrD4/s400/046.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way up to the ridge that leads to Esprit Point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I felt great coming out of the trees. I did feel like I was farther than I really was. Getting to that ridge I had views of Shavano and Esprit and I realized that I was not nearly as close as I thought I was. When became strong and unrelenting from the time I topped that ridge until the time I left it hours later. Every now and again I would find myself with a minute or so of relief and I hoped it would let up eventually. It didn't. This has been my experience hiking above 13,000 ft. The top of Esprit would signify 4500 feet of elevation gain over about 3 miles. It had taken about 5 hours. Another hour and twenty minutes later I was sitting on top of Shavano and I knew that I would be calling it a day. Tabeguache Peak (14,155 ft) was less than a mile away but the thought of re-summiting Shavano to get back seemed too much this day. I enjoyed myself on the summit for about 15 minutes and started the journey back to the car. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS4zu1u86xrof-OytGHifjBi9YIIy_eeoXEymvIvQkVHi9HG6GZ2P6Hldfjzd9dgPRDnoTiCdHvhLMvIMdRQU42K337DMsUCJE8IjRUBnb9OE07QEYr9jsfCAW-v01hxjLzvJdClRuag/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS4zu1u86xrof-OytGHifjBi9YIIy_eeoXEymvIvQkVHi9HG6GZ2P6Hldfjzd9dgPRDnoTiCdHvhLMvIMdRQU42K337DMsUCJE8IjRUBnb9OE07QEYr9jsfCAW-v01hxjLzvJdClRuag/s400/047.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Shavano viewed from 13,300 ft. Almost 1000 vertical feet to go. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BWot2pJI9cSMaIl0Ceyjb4iI_imCfKOU3svdUwDaq6sCEcppDF0SHrmNoeD2tLkqxVaphrT8AzskQ2uxbw8b8suCqRqrADakXgaWOs8NjCn742gLBvZc989nNvChSr0r8SUgkTurym8/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BWot2pJI9cSMaIl0Ceyjb4iI_imCfKOU3svdUwDaq6sCEcppDF0SHrmNoeD2tLkqxVaphrT8AzskQ2uxbw8b8suCqRqrADakXgaWOs8NjCn742gLBvZc989nNvChSr0r8SUgkTurym8/s400/055.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up Shavano's last pitch looking back on Esprit Point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHajrMe1xnilKxrhFd_hyphenhyphenv1pGUlm5dgLT8-EwRAMrda6SCB1fhQs86zqbCXKX1mcNrL8FrFcpz91C4a6ys6_jZ33tmveXPRVd0uKBe8blxDFppdvfQxq7Y-kGwbIvUWK-kJEWZit7f98/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHajrMe1xnilKxrhFd_hyphenhyphenv1pGUlm5dgLT8-EwRAMrda6SCB1fhQs86zqbCXKX1mcNrL8FrFcpz91C4a6ys6_jZ33tmveXPRVd0uKBe8blxDFppdvfQxq7Y-kGwbIvUWK-kJEWZit7f98/s400/054.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkNoPnhohk2v774eRo1v48Z2T4eMMhaZ9CqlsKfuCWJMACxrvWZErCkD_-w3tm6i3KN-PAnxOk1FSUyTsLz4Mv4kBFr1sAcClKGAOJ2acrV9nQXO7wnuYNDptyHz7AtyM4SfxYfc5T7I/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkNoPnhohk2v774eRo1v48Z2T4eMMhaZ9CqlsKfuCWJMACxrvWZErCkD_-w3tm6i3KN-PAnxOk1FSUyTsLz4Mv4kBFr1sAcClKGAOJ2acrV9nQXO7wnuYNDptyHz7AtyM4SfxYfc5T7I/s400/050.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll to come back for this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GBxrQz-hueHjOGbyIluCwMc7i5Yas_1j8OaO3z6tFHGThM9XcVvKQcGkGTfUfMH_S4vsZVEU7V08Q4g3awp8K03QyFjPrwNcLtc2pkJU-s_Sz_GrJqGCEXx8EbqU2mLEjOX1gNp6DlI/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GBxrQz-hueHjOGbyIluCwMc7i5Yas_1j8OaO3z6tFHGThM9XcVvKQcGkGTfUfMH_S4vsZVEU7V08Q4g3awp8K03QyFjPrwNcLtc2pkJU-s_Sz_GrJqGCEXx8EbqU2mLEjOX1gNp6DlI/s400/052.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Ouray again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cK-60NOWFapTEHEKWfXw6oMBH4Zp8p8ssP_nqvA9N1L2dXzp92fXKenENRVDgH5b3f7ISMhIzgWOjbiJ6H2l2MrsvRNrlG_JAztdwJtFKsa6a8y4Xnt62ztTOMID1yspfyEj4cZrzF0/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cK-60NOWFapTEHEKWfXw6oMBH4Zp8p8ssP_nqvA9N1L2dXzp92fXKenENRVDgH5b3f7ISMhIzgWOjbiJ6H2l2MrsvRNrlG_JAztdwJtFKsa6a8y4Xnt62ztTOMID1yspfyEj4cZrzF0/s400/053.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sawatch range!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The way back was just like the way up. Except that instead of staying between the two drainages I got myself nestled in the east drainage and let the snow slide me right down. I probably descended about 2000 vertical feet in under 5 minutes. Great fun. I essentially followed the drainage right out and ended up back on County Road 240 which is the road I came in on. I missed the trailhead by about 300 yards. Found my way back to car around 3:30 pm making it about a 9.5 hour round trip. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xQ0ezy-mZlm4TxGDzXnlM6eCbFwyaNk9JvldBKKX907-OPOJ2tMuha2cN5MqgO7PUlDrXxDPo3zLAytlAHdifLL5nh6DcnliEZNTrPXax6dxoyh0Cjb6fiERlYt55_F-znp4tkwHRpc/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xQ0ezy-mZlm4TxGDzXnlM6eCbFwyaNk9JvldBKKX907-OPOJ2tMuha2cN5MqgO7PUlDrXxDPo3zLAytlAHdifLL5nh6DcnliEZNTrPXax6dxoyh0Cjb6fiERlYt55_F-znp4tkwHRpc/s400/056.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look up the drainage well below snow level. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0h0tuj8q2_Dfd3LGxNqIXVF2VAeTk2NXlzRl35Njb-7pBYwYnVA7vwo46NRDQPITzWesG0vpf0krboXsVaQIMVdC5F_-f1WFuSETwaIr4GNGQw6fUsohO2XyfdXCQ-cm7OVbyBQPgyQ/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0h0tuj8q2_Dfd3LGxNqIXVF2VAeTk2NXlzRl35Njb-7pBYwYnVA7vwo46NRDQPITzWesG0vpf0krboXsVaQIMVdC5F_-f1WFuSETwaIr4GNGQw6fUsohO2XyfdXCQ-cm7OVbyBQPgyQ/s400/064.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last look at Shavano and Esprit before heading home.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wish I could've tackled Tabeguache as well but a time commitment left me pressed to get home. I'm excited for summer to arrive to be able to hit these mountains without snow and with full access to the trailheads. I've loved hiking in the winter and spring but each season has it's own element of excitement that it brings.<br />
<br />
Notes to Self: <br />
-weigh my pack before leaving next time (I'm curious as to how much weight is on my back)<br />
-be thorough with sunscreen (the under part of my nose got it bad, but that's it)Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-85807288228247327232011-04-18T21:08:00.000-07:002011-04-18T21:08:44.003-07:00Mount Belford 4/6/2011Total Mileage: ~16 miles<br />
Total Elevation: ~5000 ft.<br />
Starting Point: 4 miles below the Missouri Gulch Trailhead<br />
Group: Solo<br />
(click to enlarge photos)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGZw7hXQZNs2Pn00OSr4gdrZzTYmKgJlf2GWy8wgC4gh9VTI6KkTg13kr_t5lqDNVeymV4jMrUy6TcIyN5i3uqcNhTrLwPdjOsrqWgMB5V1sfK0gFfMpchIO4rjrBtnO79Uzs312LfHA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGZw7hXQZNs2Pn00OSr4gdrZzTYmKgJlf2GWy8wgC4gh9VTI6KkTg13kr_t5lqDNVeymV4jMrUy6TcIyN5i3uqcNhTrLwPdjOsrqWgMB5V1sfK0gFfMpchIO4rjrBtnO79Uzs312LfHA/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I had large aspirations when this day started. When it ended, I was glad to not be spending the night in my car out of necessity. I had awoken very early to get a good start on this hike. I had figured that the trailhead was not going to be accessible from the recent reports I had read. I wanted to get as close to the TH as I could. As it would turn out, I was a bit over zealous in my car's abilities and started my day stuck in the snow pretty deep about 4 miles from the TH. It was 5:30am and it was still dark. I spent 30 minutes digging my car out with my ice axe to no avail. At about 6 am I convinced myself to proceed with the hike and get my car out later. <br />
<br />
The original plan was to climb Mount Belford first, then traverse over to Oxford and at that point evaluate conditions with hopes of climbing Missouri Mountain as well. From the get-go I knew that Missouri would not happen. Not with the added time it was now going to take me to get my car unstuck after my hike. I was still optimistic and thought that today was going to be a two mountain minimum. It was an uneventful 4 mile start to the beginning of the Missouri Gulch TH. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6j_t8Vlmsuww45C3u5mnb5hUVLYddF037ulL9nhRUzCN7rH4JPlf_FIMUA7lh0VVXKq5fRZpD6h-okSb019iHNcPgkTl5UoTcPs17f4t4EtZIzj4d7m2IT1YJUXm5J3jLS7BWrXErcQ/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6j_t8Vlmsuww45C3u5mnb5hUVLYddF037ulL9nhRUzCN7rH4JPlf_FIMUA7lh0VVXKq5fRZpD6h-okSb019iHNcPgkTl5UoTcPs17f4t4EtZIzj4d7m2IT1YJUXm5J3jLS7BWrXErcQ/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I cached one bottle of Gatorade and one bottle of water here at the TH knowing I wouldn't need it until later. The beginning of the trail starts getting steep right away as it weaves it's way up through the forest. I wore only my hiking boots because the snow was just soft enough for good purchasing but not too soft that I would fall though it. I had Microspikes and snowshoes with me that I would use later on. On the descent of this same section of trail I would find that even with snowshoes on I was sinking 6-8 inches with every step. The warm afternoon made the snow very squishy. <br />
<br />
Before I emerged from the trees the snow began to give way and the postholing commenced. I strapped on my snowshoes and continued upward and onward. While reviewing the route for this hike I remember reading about a stream crossing followed by an old abandoned log cabin along the trail. I thought it strange at many points up the trail that I had not passed this area. I never saw the log cabin on the way up or the way down. I have an inkling as to where I missed the trail but it will be fun to return here this summer and see where I went off. Directionally, I knew where I had to go so route finding was not difficult in spite of losing the trail. Snowshoes proved to be quite useful. A tough slog through the remaining forested area and I was out in the open. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYTAckB2M9Lwev1_BYXvTUdibdrybsV6x4aXwykuXB0v6pyMVLo5bs7f6tFMoTv_Jpxyz0VBHNVremO8SBziM-FMcXls7rO3hdzcdjaYu776vHiSBi-KpOSYaEoCLgx000Zag9CMWa5Q/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYTAckB2M9Lwev1_BYXvTUdibdrybsV6x4aXwykuXB0v6pyMVLo5bs7f6tFMoTv_Jpxyz0VBHNVremO8SBziM-FMcXls7rO3hdzcdjaYu776vHiSBi-KpOSYaEoCLgx000Zag9CMWa5Q/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look behind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF5wo43ZXuRbYRT7GTzBeeTCNwT77TJNPLHXzDJIM9cTr3-8tn-WYjn4P0v47RvhXUDjiej1ZFJcou3P9yKqQGFaxUUMbqB2Kfm0VgZVcqLEMHIcb5szdLrulwjjvV1C5jYRIMIzLDpg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF5wo43ZXuRbYRT7GTzBeeTCNwT77TJNPLHXzDJIM9cTr3-8tn-WYjn4P0v47RvhXUDjiej1ZFJcou3P9yKqQGFaxUUMbqB2Kfm0VgZVcqLEMHIcb5szdLrulwjjvV1C5jYRIMIzLDpg/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belford dead ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9TtGr27X2UbphnPKrLefD1E8Ex5bLSUb8xvUjVIdYDJcZkchVkcwotamqKFG8k4j2-Kn5GRo9YxbUtKYu9xAMMmcfk01WTW_uKDurqlQM-g7t4MDq3pB7UcbhFJurMa5TXE3lc6oMGs/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9TtGr27X2UbphnPKrLefD1E8Ex5bLSUb8xvUjVIdYDJcZkchVkcwotamqKFG8k4j2-Kn5GRo9YxbUtKYu9xAMMmcfk01WTW_uKDurqlQM-g7t4MDq3pB7UcbhFJurMa5TXE3lc6oMGs/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at hiker's left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Two strikes against me now. Getting the car stuck and losing the trail. I didn't think much of it though because I had already decided that not doing Missouri would save me oodles of time. With Belford in sight it was straight ahead to the part that I had been dreading. The shoulder up Belford leading to the summit. Mount Belford is not rated as a very difficult mountain to climb however, the final one mile to the top covers 2300' of elevation. It is long, it is relentless, it is never-ending, and it is tough. In addition to this I had been feeling especially weak all morning long. I can only attribute this to simply having an "off" day. I cached the snowshoes at the bottom of the shoulder and began my ascent up. It took me 2.5 hours to climb that shoulder. I felt the need to stop very frequently to catch my breath. When I was moving it was not much faster than a crawl. I made to the top of the shoulder which put me just below the summit of Belford. Reaching this saddle I had great views of many beautiful mountains surrounding the area. Contrasted with the dreary view of the remaining route.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOb2JcKOOeYbfav9m9ukqlgAOf5a5cHBApCGiRvJomxh-8cuG6df49YX3IL3hB7-GCOn4SonY_kkgPLP12uKhU3I7XKRSU7dRi_Brnrp0rkKwNCGNtrWVg8nq1f-fVvTSMMLSTthPNQQ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOb2JcKOOeYbfav9m9ukqlgAOf5a5cHBApCGiRvJomxh-8cuG6df49YX3IL3hB7-GCOn4SonY_kkgPLP12uKhU3I7XKRSU7dRi_Brnrp0rkKwNCGNtrWVg8nq1f-fVvTSMMLSTthPNQQ/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way up (summit not visible)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before too long I was on top and looking at a lot of familiar peaks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKK8mlF74YUPZl5phOncFhDC8K6CpWs-4Zc93Vr7ZRVc5qY86LdAQ_bQXAutitmRX1DQTAMw63HfnuzjAK2ikPuKGOERMLeKBA0P0NJrAHSJ4RBFBsTbGwT9zRW5Nzw3-DwzTCT4Ynzw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKK8mlF74YUPZl5phOncFhDC8K6CpWs-4Zc93Vr7ZRVc5qY86LdAQ_bQXAutitmRX1DQTAMw63HfnuzjAK2ikPuKGOERMLeKBA0P0NJrAHSJ4RBFBsTbGwT9zRW5Nzw3-DwzTCT4Ynzw/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRUxnwMRYuApX0Xs1LavThZgntMPVdFSWbCywhxx7kL2IRfUx_lrrM8yA2rQz3x5mmGT7sooYaalZhcg5PhiYUYaSkMbcvdipTR3oAie0rmA_xuCxTW4q1hRG_TpnKqL7Acbx1A7ezAU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRUxnwMRYuApX0Xs1LavThZgntMPVdFSWbCywhxx7kL2IRfUx_lrrM8yA2rQz3x5mmGT7sooYaalZhcg5PhiYUYaSkMbcvdipTR3oAie0rmA_xuCxTW4q1hRG_TpnKqL7Acbx1A7ezAU/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDhFuj2bDT3DhiWT26kItvAe5weRRnLTC04YZuvTh9imwJJHdA7Kq79ob2nW_O6_yNdkkC9IGDunqJgswZ8sqSdd_XwahYrPPxye16iINh30x8ZnkTn_gIP_U8YBKKrWzeRm0z_rThvs/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDhFuj2bDT3DhiWT26kItvAe5weRRnLTC04YZuvTh9imwJJHdA7Kq79ob2nW_O6_yNdkkC9IGDunqJgswZ8sqSdd_XwahYrPPxye16iINh30x8ZnkTn_gIP_U8YBKKrWzeRm0z_rThvs/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was around 2ish when I made the summit and I was disgusted at such awful time I had made getting there. I knew there was no way Oxford was in the cards that day. Also, the summit pictures when compared to the pictures in the open basin show a very different weather forecast. I was happy to have one more mountain under my belt and decided to claim it as a victory and head home. I glissaded most of the way down and was down the shoulder in about 14 minutes. I fetched my snowshoes and headed back down trying to see if I could find the trail on the way down. Before that I ran into these sneaky buggars.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-hCH8bvo050LYqocHqGCb-8Uzs2nPlirYFmZm9jfqF6WlVPTMw56w88b643r1vnn3FhAMDaN51eVCfy6nLhx1dZ08Vvh15ntGDQfpNbHdMAvdQsVVZv8OGB5P7d1Q49Gxet17-iC9Qo/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-hCH8bvo050LYqocHqGCb-8Uzs2nPlirYFmZm9jfqF6WlVPTMw56w88b643r1vnn3FhAMDaN51eVCfy6nLhx1dZ08Vvh15ntGDQfpNbHdMAvdQsVVZv8OGB5P7d1Q49Gxet17-iC9Qo/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovered in the late 1700's these strange birds are thought by scholars to be some kind of hybrid of the native warblers and mountain chickens. They are also bred for their skills and magic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I searched long and hard for any semblance of a trail and came up empty handed. I went down slightly deviating from the way I had come up. I found no trail but instead a tree that looked like it had no place being where it was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_1n1QJIKVmiAbhNTx9bcoXZreRWHp_8G6OLY7CpSi_iFswjY2dQ1Gi4OYoxDREz0KRpV8SFnIGfRqquSALY7MSkdB6yPm3BmCBs1YBfcXjYr3g_Ff4wQuGO4qNgeeHFDgGYBW1kS9u8/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_1n1QJIKVmiAbhNTx9bcoXZreRWHp_8G6OLY7CpSi_iFswjY2dQ1Gi4OYoxDREz0KRpV8SFnIGfRqquSALY7MSkdB6yPm3BmCBs1YBfcXjYr3g_Ff4wQuGO4qNgeeHFDgGYBW1kS9u8/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Either a sycamore or a maple spruce. Or any number of other possibilities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I ended up being able to swing back a bit to find my tracks up. I followed them down to where the trail clearly picked back up and looked around very confused at where I had gone amiss. I shrugged my shoulders (I literally did this) and decided that I'd find out this summer the answers to my questions. I was back to the TH in no time and picked up my stashed liquids and headed down to the next big task ahead of me. I told myself I'd try for 45 minutes and then If I wasn't successful getting my car out I'd call a towing service. This is how my day ended.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpI2zPKaU5vbtzVbUC3_-GHuf9HeOh3H54fITl-L2OcDJfyeCtyTAD-mBrvISsiBOnNe3DaBtF7QAyEL5VuxMQJTSxxOCcWjmC5EMk_i2W5TJd_4215mZ6s-Qs4l2jmUw3moTLQTDw134/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpI2zPKaU5vbtzVbUC3_-GHuf9HeOh3H54fITl-L2OcDJfyeCtyTAD-mBrvISsiBOnNe3DaBtF7QAyEL5VuxMQJTSxxOCcWjmC5EMk_i2W5TJd_4215mZ6s-Qs4l2jmUw3moTLQTDw134/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I drove out around 7ish and still had a bit more daylight left. I stopped in Buena Vista for a burger and headed back to CO Springs. <br />
<br />
Notes to Self:<br />
- Snowshoes aren't the devil after all<br />
- trails are for suckers<br />
- cell phone coverage saved my butt so I should probably switch to Verizon if I'm going to continue hiking.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-41323520788897911512011-03-23T15:52:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:52:51.211-07:00Little Bear Peak 3/21/2011Total Mileage: ~13 miles<br />
Total Elevation Gain: ~6200 feet<br />
Starting Point: Lake Como Road<br />
Total Time: 13.5 hours<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIVyRf6UJkXXjcsY_h3otDxKn12QDfUceK65NH-MpHs3B8lr0mHoerEjWf31pKejSDZ-yMoNnEFpWA6_YFP07WCBS2r24zaVWNGajzu6JwdyOxem6hGK9kKQ8RTM5aW2Tu0UrOGVrW30/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIVyRf6UJkXXjcsY_h3otDxKn12QDfUceK65NH-MpHs3B8lr0mHoerEjWf31pKejSDZ-yMoNnEFpWA6_YFP07WCBS2r24zaVWNGajzu6JwdyOxem6hGK9kKQ8RTM5aW2Tu0UrOGVrW30/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Lake Como 11,750 ft.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Alright, here's the situation. My wife's friend came to visit for a short vacation. I got keys to the brand new Porsche....and headed to Little Bear Peak. Except it wasn't a Porsche, it was a Subaru. And it wasn't new, it's an '08. <br />
<br />
A typical hike for me has always involved waking up quite early and driving 2-3 hours to arrive at the trailhead around 6ish. I devised a new strategy for Little Bear because I wanted to get as early a start as possible. I decided I would just drive there at night and sleep in my car at the trailhead. So, I arrived at the Lake Como Road at about 11:15 pm the night before and set my alarm for 4:45 am. The Chateau Subareaù was very accommodating and I was treated to a continental breakfast of apple strudel and Sunny D! A weird side note, when I arrived I noticed the clock in my car said 11:15 pm and my phone said 10:15 pm as did my watch (which sets the time automatically). So, I'm not sure if there is a time difference between Colorado Springs and Blanca, CO or not but I went with it. This sort of sucked because that would mean I would lose an hour coming home. My phone and watch stayed behind one hour during the whole trip. <br />
<br />
I ate my delectable breakfast and was geared up by 5:00 am to get going. There was a faint glow over the mountain ridge to the East but it would be a solid hour before morning light would become available. I had been walking for about 10 minutes when I realized I forgot my camera in the car. I hate turning around but I reasoned that if I did, not only would I have photographic evidence of this adventure, I would also get another bite of strudel and wash it down with a little more Sunny D. New starting time would be 5:30 am. <br />
<br />
The first leg of this hike would be a 5.25 mile long "road" to Lake Como. This road is not accessible, even in the summer, by anything but an ATV or a heavily modified 4x4 vehicle (or feet). I found a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnKRS9N80bw&feature=related">cool video on youtube</a> that shows a bunch of cars going up the road. The video calls it the Blanca Peak road. Same difference. Blanca peak is an adjacent peak that is accessible by this same road. I came these abandoned log cabins maybe half way to Lake Como and looked up to see my first glimpse of Little Bear Peak.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W8POWnG96c4Whyphenhyphen1fwOVWPAwXtm8F__1luaze3M3ODmdht5l4LcCBy9xXms4I6QuNHWjI9qWulBjq4jtlmLLtaJaSW3KNzRApKK2mmr-v-mzaui2r47vJM-8J3spKIIdUJ1Ex9eyOeQ8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W8POWnG96c4Whyphenhyphen1fwOVWPAwXtm8F__1luaze3M3ODmdht5l4LcCBy9xXms4I6QuNHWjI9qWulBjq4jtlmLLtaJaSW3KNzRApKK2mmr-v-mzaui2r47vJM-8J3spKIIdUJ1Ex9eyOeQ8/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bear center and in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Snow wasn't present until about this point. It became deeper and every now and again I would drop through to about my knees. This wouldn't prove to be a problem until after I reached Lake Como. Reaching the lake, I stopped to re energize and soak in some views the surrounding peaks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIVyRf6UJkXXjcsY_h3otDxKn12QDfUceK65NH-MpHs3B8lr0mHoerEjWf31pKejSDZ-yMoNnEFpWA6_YFP07WCBS2r24zaVWNGajzu6JwdyOxem6hGK9kKQ8RTM5aW2Tu0UrOGVrW30/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIVyRf6UJkXXjcsY_h3otDxKn12QDfUceK65NH-MpHs3B8lr0mHoerEjWf31pKejSDZ-yMoNnEFpWA6_YFP07WCBS2r24zaVWNGajzu6JwdyOxem6hGK9kKQ8RTM5aW2Tu0UrOGVrW30/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Lake Como 11,750 ft.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbatjzi3-NJ0kdTfIAlA0HA1XUIz59PGrPkjpHbxs3FHdocPS_b0pg4KEv38x1Grq-tL_sbnRnlpDpovnAAGpK-TPG-5r6PnjGCbx8YIeLfgCg5N6CVjAeuokS79nhbFWEgHTzCZcClYw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbatjzi3-NJ0kdTfIAlA0HA1XUIz59PGrPkjpHbxs3FHdocPS_b0pg4KEv38x1Grq-tL_sbnRnlpDpovnAAGpK-TPG-5r6PnjGCbx8YIeLfgCg5N6CVjAeuokS79nhbFWEgHTzCZcClYw/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plan is to come back in the summer and hike these two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The next leg is to find and climb a north facing gully 600 feet to gain the west ridge leading up to Little Bear. Just to get to the bottom of the gully took me about 90 minutes when it should have taken about 20-25. After rounding the north end of Lake Como I reentered the trees and every step was exhausting. For about a half mile I would sink to my knees or deeper into the snow. The top 3 inches were crusted over but underneath was pretty soft. I've reconsidered my position on snowshoes. One situation in particular had me crawling on my hands and knees because I found I wouldn't sink and it was faster than the alternative. Not only did I waste valuable time here but also valuable energy. I'm glad I was the only one on the mountain because I was getting mad. Audibly mad. I reached the bottom of the gully at 9:45 am and took some time to refuel and calculate the best route up the gully. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyKJj5AowvQyNhRjaBmB0KsG6AOqu1zuW_hAerSlzq9-Hbp-zqBQgQIUuYzG6xGHCJCU6nOOKTWImLnxCFa1hvOAYVcbHbtIUtzR_K_h6g44Qr5_6KqfYitBqHTal5bLig2AsMbIuP8o/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyKJj5AowvQyNhRjaBmB0KsG6AOqu1zuW_hAerSlzq9-Hbp-zqBQgQIUuYzG6xGHCJCU6nOOKTWImLnxCFa1hvOAYVcbHbtIUtzR_K_h6g44Qr5_6KqfYitBqHTal5bLig2AsMbIuP8o/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the bottom of the gully. Only the bottom half is visible. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I ascended I glanced far to my right and I saw another set of tracks that had ascended the gully before me. I figured those tracks would provide more compact snow to climb on so as soon as I could I turned hard right to get onto these tracks. Life got easier from there.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD97UPnopda2v7MCSPgazmYqM7OWXaa67HPyT3QNFB9qLUzdIe5kdCQ3XMPYknGZxgG6-YmvhzGAiIF1Rnwlhy6oWZ-hnFlNNeIkQXrxMorwDigYSoaJ8Wre6xxwKQ4pjy5Mo9wK2wEGE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD97UPnopda2v7MCSPgazmYqM7OWXaa67HPyT3QNFB9qLUzdIe5kdCQ3XMPYknGZxgG6-YmvhzGAiIF1Rnwlhy6oWZ-hnFlNNeIkQXrxMorwDigYSoaJ8Wre6xxwKQ4pjy5Mo9wK2wEGE/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway up the 600 ft gully looking down. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG1zDqTjW7vzWEPIcuIwOlTLVbquSHGxbs9fQqSEFjMkaVOjCv4_GQDY0on0nU63mykvwjUzzpsRBiEkMH_DLtkx5vq48P21NogZQGPgiN53MkWacBiqabSh8TonQKMdjl-xzVc09OuY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG1zDqTjW7vzWEPIcuIwOlTLVbquSHGxbs9fQqSEFjMkaVOjCv4_GQDY0on0nU63mykvwjUzzpsRBiEkMH_DLtkx5vq48P21NogZQGPgiN53MkWacBiqabSh8TonQKMdjl-xzVc09OuY/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then looking up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I reached the top of the gully at 10:45 am. A solid hour that definitely would have taken longer without the aid of those previous tracks. At the top there is 12,900 ft. point that blocks the view of Little Bear. Some go up and over, but I decided to go around. Once around the ridge of that point I could see the rest of the route to the summit. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJi6uTP08jtU36Ko6qWXYxPljsiterSoOT7On7ZdYw_d-7jpWw-g_BDHGcjBg1RdhWZeux60mVZDB2DeaOUqsda9D05fu1qKmwmDBdzB8me_XPreRgMMfpeDwwXqK9gf_otteDyPlxss/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJi6uTP08jtU36Ko6qWXYxPljsiterSoOT7On7ZdYw_d-7jpWw-g_BDHGcjBg1RdhWZeux60mVZDB2DeaOUqsda9D05fu1qKmwmDBdzB8me_XPreRgMMfpeDwwXqK9gf_otteDyPlxss/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remaining route.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Looking at the distance from where I was to the base of the "Hourglass" I had considered calling it a day. Which would have made it the 57th time I had considered throwing in the towel that day. Since I was enjoying myself, I figured I would hike, however slowly, until around 3 pm. The weather was great. The coldest that I saw that day was 30 F and that was on the summit. The temperature hovered around 40 F most of the day. I had plenty of food and liquids. Sitting there contemplating an early return I realized I wasn't even that tired. I was afraid of getting tired, which is a lame reason to turn around. Especially with my wife being entertained by her guest for the weekend I decided to press on and set my turn around time for 3 pm regardless of where I was. <br />
<br />
From the above picture it shows that I would cross a snowfield to a patch of rocks and then across another snowfield to more rocks until the "hourglass." This was an exhausting process. I stopped frequently but only for short amounts of time. I began to think of all the people around the world who are just as exhausted as I am but they're running like gerbils on treadmills. I get to be exhausted in the middle of snow capped mountains and lakes on a sunny day. When it's my turn to be a gerbil, I get done with a solid run and I head to the drinking fountain and think to myself, "That sucked." In contrast, when I finish hiking across a snowfield, I land on a patch of dry rocks, bust open a Gatorade and with the same feeling of exhaustion I think to myself, "That was awesome!" <br />
<br />
Before too long (2.5 hours) I arrived at the base of the Hourglass. I ran into a familiar set of tracks heading straight up. I followed them down with my eyes to see that whoever these tracks belong to had started way down in the basin. They were very likely the same tracks that aided me up the north facing gully earlier on. From the base of the hourglass I snapped a picture looking back on what I had accomplished. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMGZX7i2nZWggU6UbrjtitaIcaFmWYpQkRACsIRTUtDzBTaTYiEkvSRyn14og4uRo5cNLl1CLG4oS2lb21DEc2GZskuTpco6I9TpZF7Ps5xhsOVwfN22AtZ-QG8rzsGhqJsPjq2GxOQ8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMGZX7i2nZWggU6UbrjtitaIcaFmWYpQkRACsIRTUtDzBTaTYiEkvSRyn14og4uRo5cNLl1CLG4oS2lb21DEc2GZskuTpco6I9TpZF7Ps5xhsOVwfN22AtZ-QG8rzsGhqJsPjq2GxOQ8/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I should take a second here to give some background on this "hourglass" I keep mentioning. If you're my mom or my wife or anyone that will scare my mom or wife by talking about this you should skip the next paragraph. <br />
<br />
Little Bear is one of Colorado's toughest 14ers and this is due to the last gully that must be ascended. The name of the gully is the "hourglass." It is a large funnel that is quite steep and full of loose rock. People have died climbing this route and maybe the greatest danger is from climbers above you knocking down loose rock into this natural funnel. Hiking this route in March provided a few safety precautions that a summer summit would deny. First, being alone is an advantage in my opinion. Knowing that nobody is above you or below helps to make this a safer endeavor. Second, when the hourglass is filled with snow/ice it provides purchase points that create greater stability. This is assuming that the climber has appropriate gear. I would use the butt end of my ice axe to create a six inch hole in the snow/ice before placing my foot in it. Doing this at every step is tedious but ensures that when I put my foot in the snow and commit to that step it will hold. I wore <a href="http://www.kahtoola.com/images/product_landing_microspikes.jpg">microspikes</a> and it was sufficient. Crampons would be ideal. As I gained more elevation in this final gully below the summit I did have the opportunity to shift to dry rock to continue. I was so much more comfortable on the snow and ice that the rest of my route was determined by where I could remain in it. The tracks that I mentioned earlier chose a route on dry rock so I could only follow those tracks for a short while. From the base I got a picture looking up but it hardly does it justice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHl5dIk7CmpI6HUpXbwpN9A6kvglZ_-OR8SX_Q6z9Xbhrl2QedgSKSUu4RijnSHlo2f6SbqovD2uP3AnbGAHKVU8epoHC-9-pLD9DnNAS3y5RaeheSiyzigSduHQoMZeddD5x_qQIUpM/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHl5dIk7CmpI6HUpXbwpN9A6kvglZ_-OR8SX_Q6z9Xbhrl2QedgSKSUu4RijnSHlo2f6SbqovD2uP3AnbGAHKVU8epoHC-9-pLD9DnNAS3y5RaeheSiyzigSduHQoMZeddD5x_qQIUpM/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tracks are visible here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It took me about an hour and 20 minutes from the base to the summit. I was pooped. I scarfed down a Clif Bar and 20 oz. of water, took some photos and made haste back down the mountain. <br />
Summit shots:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNrjDbLRYJVb2fGVBULGy5YXtL0wVM-x7Xs33C-hbOoYAAH01hUNG6Tv5NEG9CAl6czeuV4kpR16S1h0jiAh6-qbVqHF6brRreUv0ZwTRLAKAHbJ_h-JfOlcijeL7zfmypQZEDdom2C0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNrjDbLRYJVb2fGVBULGy5YXtL0wVM-x7Xs33C-hbOoYAAH01hUNG6Tv5NEG9CAl6czeuV4kpR16S1h0jiAh6-qbVqHF6brRreUv0ZwTRLAKAHbJ_h-JfOlcijeL7zfmypQZEDdom2C0/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceTXs6IMBLCvv5UihrEymxzwRZr6W3YlOqvjNF7tWfSIQLIecXw_QHld2rLBf5KqnLavcaKmL5R5YxXD7dVcpmy9ULzWtlYVBldlHEeDUbSpxDJjoJVtGdm1TQnZSR81etj3rtcTRi-s/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceTXs6IMBLCvv5UihrEymxzwRZr6W3YlOqvjNF7tWfSIQLIecXw_QHld2rLBf5KqnLavcaKmL5R5YxXD7dVcpmy9ULzWtlYVBldlHEeDUbSpxDJjoJVtGdm1TQnZSR81etj3rtcTRi-s/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0AZB3xsR3nEvE9myuUZrh9mA2WrWSLY4xbwaTlfcVi7UXBVsvQUpHFk5eGOjms6mKDZwOzALp9C08fcRufnmGKmz0Hrc-GS6EOIjUpe2erXUZcFWoTTKZvxn_0TWXBCu5kMUHDqAOeo/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0AZB3xsR3nEvE9myuUZrh9mA2WrWSLY4xbwaTlfcVi7UXBVsvQUpHFk5eGOjms6mKDZwOzALp9C08fcRufnmGKmz0Hrc-GS6EOIjUpe2erXUZcFWoTTKZvxn_0TWXBCu5kMUHDqAOeo/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwf6M6fTJudQYW4tUwF0OVuSqOdeEiiFyRkLg2wrgOzIMMeTgrNSfWGpo-zNTdI32N0QUrXkfRc9uQIvzohVPOEHs781d4Ogu3IULGTN_ObjfQsUGqv11kr59rawHeEJ0KmcX-l7XHz8/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwf6M6fTJudQYW4tUwF0OVuSqOdeEiiFyRkLg2wrgOzIMMeTgrNSfWGpo-zNTdI32N0QUrXkfRc9uQIvzohVPOEHs781d4Ogu3IULGTN_ObjfQsUGqv11kr59rawHeEJ0KmcX-l7XHz8/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the summit looking down on Lake Como.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6zzuwecos3CJ0EJrMgxs9XV-qBADdhIKV9ynOj6-3Fjkkkc-5XNqShfyBZPPzwmdeTkDHUxZkMtxh-E-DUDvVoxAyf7Ocd32WKzvKQtOSuHd3o3dJac1aOrNCUE25rwJ-vZE73ilv-8/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6zzuwecos3CJ0EJrMgxs9XV-qBADdhIKV9ynOj6-3Fjkkkc-5XNqShfyBZPPzwmdeTkDHUxZkMtxh-E-DUDvVoxAyf7Ocd32WKzvKQtOSuHd3o3dJac1aOrNCUE25rwJ-vZE73ilv-8/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the way I came up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM9Jsuo20k8a7F7bWNqrlLLlFogl9qCMclZc0zsfo4dvlxxIPgPU-7W4HaXZGRtdOIxew1rMUKEI1oxNGqn0EqSS3FV5r0ycYNBgBqAbOT8DAHINxfmqclkvK7TV2RMGHzJuMFwpVnqQ/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM9Jsuo20k8a7F7bWNqrlLLlFogl9qCMclZc0zsfo4dvlxxIPgPU-7W4HaXZGRtdOIxew1rMUKEI1oxNGqn0EqSS3FV5r0ycYNBgBqAbOT8DAHINxfmqclkvK7TV2RMGHzJuMFwpVnqQ/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I made the summit at 2:35 and left the summit at 2:40. I was back down to the base of the Hourglass at 2:49 pm. I used my ice axe as a brake for a controlled glissade down the Hourglass. This is another advantage of doing Little Bear in the snow. The descent isn't as dangerous in my opinion. I cruised back across the west ridge to the top of the 600 ft. north facing gully. I glissaded down that gully as well in about 6 minutes. <br />
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I was dreading the postholing nightmare awaiting me at the bottom of the gully back to the south end of Lake Como. I took a little detour from the way up but it turned out to be almost as bad. For every two steps on top of snow I'd have to take five steps waist deep in snow. I was ecstatic to reach the road where I would only sink down to mid-calf. It was 4:45 pm when I reached the Lake Como road. It was a mindless jaunt to the car where I arrived at 6:45 pm. <br />
<br />
I had waited until arriving at the car to really assess what I had accomplished. I think Ed Viesturs (famous mountaineer) was the one who said "Getting to the <strong>summit is optional</strong>. Getting back down is <strong>mandatory</strong>." Once I was down, I was elated to have completed one of the most difficult and probably the most dangerous 14er in Colorado. I ran a half marathon a few years back and I can say unequivocally this was harder. Physically and mentally I had been pushed nearly to my limits. My only regret is that I wish I had completed this hike one day previous to be able to claim a calender winter summit of this mountain. A big thanks to my wife for allowing me to pursue this hike and this hobby in general. She is the greatest!<br />
<br />
Notes to Self:<br />
-Sleeping in cars sucks<br />
-buy more Clif BarsBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-27367223291343542502011-03-13T22:29:00.000-07:002011-03-13T22:29:39.456-07:00Mount Cameron, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross 3/12/2011Total Mileage: ~12 miles<br />
Total Elevation: ~3000 feet<br />
Starting Point: Paris Mill (3 miles south of Kite Lake)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIOfmS0T2Yvz203mEOO1FnS_i0u8xWSftoNCUTdT2TlrAqkLZoRTV12pwRt_rHCsEutUN-iSfyDAV2dtgbpODvAa6IYexdXExlgB79-AQ0utY5St4kRjj1Ni3sRU1eMA-kBwDQKwP_hs/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIOfmS0T2Yvz203mEOO1FnS_i0u8xWSftoNCUTdT2TlrAqkLZoRTV12pwRt_rHCsEutUN-iSfyDAV2dtgbpODvAa6IYexdXExlgB79-AQ0utY5St4kRjj1Ni3sRU1eMA-kBwDQKwP_hs/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Lincoln summit viewed from the summit of Mount Cameron.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Redemption!<br />
<br />
Almost one month ago I came to Kite Lake to climb the four 14,ooo foot mountains surrounding it. I made it to the top of <a href="http://bradyhikes.blogspot.com/2011/02/mount-democrat-2182011.html">Mount Democrat</a> and turned back, leaving the other three for another day. Last Saturday was that day and I couldn't have asked for more cooperative weather in March. The approach was identical up until Kite Lake. I brought along my buddy Eric who climbed <a href="http://bradyhikes.blogspot.com/2010/09/grays-and-torreys-peaks-9242010.html">Grays, Torreys</a>, <a href="http://bradyhikes.blogspot.com/2010/09/castle-and-conundrum-peaks.html">Castle and Conundrum</a> with me back in September. We started from Paris Mill at 6:30am. At Kite lake I made some adjustments to my route from my previous experience up Democrat. No trails are readily visible but everything is blanketed in snow so erosion isn't really a concern. The goal was to find the most gradual path through and out of the basin. This go-around I stayed much higher on a ridge that I had previously left alone on the Democrat hike.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcXscpxdlhbPUTiZatuxQOC33uI90PtA1mvxhZzv1W_7kBbDgLEJU5O-q90Ze6nJULaP6oOE9IXwG34nHfUBac3W4ux0-k0L3-UWe5955Dk4brroF_S09t86V8sURY4_Vz_41J8XvwZQ/s1600/_DSC2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcXscpxdlhbPUTiZatuxQOC33uI90PtA1mvxhZzv1W_7kBbDgLEJU5O-q90Ze6nJULaP6oOE9IXwG34nHfUBac3W4ux0-k0L3-UWe5955Dk4brroF_S09t86V8sURY4_Vz_41J8XvwZQ/s400/_DSC2593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The red here was my previous route one month earlier and the blue arrows give an idea of how I changed things up. If I did this hike a third time I'd stick to blue route as closely as I could. I felt we really moved through the basin quickly and efficiently. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rRGxdFDDWrB9IbslgH6es7RLtV4pAYfpNTlEhOkeecjnGrQTZQQApCpoNshbQ7PKuMry0fZeW2fXF20BPZrWtiB_rPJ5Q_MnAq2S5NgpBXA6UY3e5ebfpgVYJYjG2VE-6jF86UmDcf8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rRGxdFDDWrB9IbslgH6es7RLtV4pAYfpNTlEhOkeecjnGrQTZQQApCpoNshbQ7PKuMry0fZeW2fXF20BPZrWtiB_rPJ5Q_MnAq2S5NgpBXA6UY3e5ebfpgVYJYjG2VE-6jF86UmDcf8/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still in the basin looking back on Kite Lake Trailhead from the the ridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJv0nABFk3V3iL2lqVONfpu6vVfMkPqIe3NCWfVcIL_nn0798eAmm1M57YR2yISpXHpC_82_5JdVd3clxLF1y2-8KZiNOj03ulnvV3R4rN8P9aWcT4wuCq0EvoT4rvIfKIjFt2ipcYDo/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJv0nABFk3V3iL2lqVONfpu6vVfMkPqIe3NCWfVcIL_nn0798eAmm1M57YR2yISpXHpC_82_5JdVd3clxLF1y2-8KZiNOj03ulnvV3R4rN8P9aWcT4wuCq0EvoT4rvIfKIjFt2ipcYDo/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding a route out of the basin. Followed a snowshoe path made a hiker a bit ahead of us.</td></tr>
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Once out of the basin we had to make it to the Democrat-Cameron saddle. From the saddle the remaining route would simply be following ridges of mountains leading to their summits. From the top of the basin we paused a bit to determine if we would follow the hikers path or look for a better option.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7E_m4H3OfCj8DF5kX1x7jyOkQaT0viPc-lQ7FFU3ngQnjacii_c-z5oMDHk38vRrO0dcYhVgRcqyBpMU2qlmo_HSBo0ZMp4s7D5HP7tPuwi0uDybQgGhV4uiX5SAp_oZRbYIzGAU_-o/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7E_m4H3OfCj8DF5kX1x7jyOkQaT0viPc-lQ7FFU3ngQnjacii_c-z5oMDHk38vRrO0dcYhVgRcqyBpMU2qlmo_HSBo0ZMp4s7D5HP7tPuwi0uDybQgGhV4uiX5SAp_oZRbYIzGAU_-o/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy really went for it. We decided on another route to the saddle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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From the same point where the above picture was taken we glanced to our left and saw a much more gradual approach to the saddle. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJWkRe_ikdLXHwHoveCJd87ldhAhArJ8D43DtW6-lOk_B_d-CTJY1UFnD5viceeTae2gqeY434FNf2sryVh_ps4LwBFMi-oUSx61r66k2S4DZ6S4gg_UCh7nc6aWGkYk72UkOB9uUzII/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJWkRe_ikdLXHwHoveCJd87ldhAhArJ8D43DtW6-lOk_B_d-CTJY1UFnD5viceeTae2gqeY434FNf2sryVh_ps4LwBFMi-oUSx61r66k2S4DZ6S4gg_UCh7nc6aWGkYk72UkOB9uUzII/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENtAlYHixxywprMHWIi3k_7mKkcW61Lr8lm1pdrsr3RlPvsy5lEC_BXJgvOJPozfY6nRByQAaUJcfJ94Z-b2jjhNIwqbqYoWYAzvHsGPT-0NIy-fVASUPD6LtkO5vJji6XvZMEkxR2Iw/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENtAlYHixxywprMHWIi3k_7mKkcW61Lr8lm1pdrsr3RlPvsy5lEC_BXJgvOJPozfY6nRByQAaUJcfJ94Z-b2jjhNIwqbqYoWYAzvHsGPT-0NIy-fVASUPD6LtkO5vJji6XvZMEkxR2Iw/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Route out of the basin as viewed descending Mount Bross. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From the saddle between Democrat and Cameron it was as simple as following a straight line to the summit. A long, steep, straight line. We arrived at the saddle at around 10:15am. We made great time to Cameron and on to Lincoln summiting Lincoln at around 11:30am. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CHWZR_1rZQfKGKO9ViO6MfiYEJTgxcef0t23bSrKmbNDRpLQcpWnI_umUzdQHbc1PVs7pGsRRfGzs0oQxandyiUQvUfY6NnxGfshzfBVV1jjoNp6bFyv2gbIzkhCjJ8KzzCsGwboeDs/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CHWZR_1rZQfKGKO9ViO6MfiYEJTgxcef0t23bSrKmbNDRpLQcpWnI_umUzdQHbc1PVs7pGsRRfGzs0oQxandyiUQvUfY6NnxGfshzfBVV1jjoNp6bFyv2gbIzkhCjJ8KzzCsGwboeDs/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just shy of the Mount Cameron summit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1GpfMsZNiMRQADKPdIIQYjXhRqkLBGkwNthP0Fni2vPbiHt4ZbHYfTp6P4hPsAVRQHZpUOMy2kUdO-jJAaH_myXIzb0agTC9YbSfyyIFS8oG9pM-qUo6gIKFhKRwsoEApWORw3RrF-c/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1GpfMsZNiMRQADKPdIIQYjXhRqkLBGkwNthP0Fni2vPbiHt4ZbHYfTp6P4hPsAVRQHZpUOMy2kUdO-jJAaH_myXIzb0agTC9YbSfyyIFS8oG9pM-qUo6gIKFhKRwsoEApWORw3RrF-c/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Mount Cameron 14,238 ft. Mount Democrat is directly behind me (green).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlMcGzTgoX8V4NddKBbt0w1IcWcyr2JbA4mR7tmQHQsD5DtDZKeWVFPGneO2dkml_pTcZo8efrAQZghn1COZ3kR_b73qrukSH0K3Ec55wWiQeOG9_Ek12PR6557edFCLuueOvs402GMY/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlMcGzTgoX8V4NddKBbt0w1IcWcyr2JbA4mR7tmQHQsD5DtDZKeWVFPGneO2dkml_pTcZo8efrAQZghn1COZ3kR_b73qrukSH0K3Ec55wWiQeOG9_Ek12PR6557edFCLuueOvs402GMY/s400/022.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 minutes later on Mount Lincoln's summit. It was cold. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zTijfOCY0im4wnd2TO61A5PTKi-eR8vkPIWLcd516OU44ZV2z__IK3GU5wnMBW98klLmn9vAjQkC71E7Uj5haTuHga7FP1HcP7Y_qcQZmP9D4ic_MLGYpXyfq9T4omislVoCub5TBq0/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zTijfOCY0im4wnd2TO61A5PTKi-eR8vkPIWLcd516OU44ZV2z__IK3GU5wnMBW98klLmn9vAjQkC71E7Uj5haTuHga7FP1HcP7Y_qcQZmP9D4ic_MLGYpXyfq9T4omislVoCub5TBq0/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen from Mount Lincoln.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GM0DE_K4tp55FiocS-X5qZ3iVl7xEZXFe75Src271-Z-vlqTat4emlhtoBv5eMDLhOEoLanCSQDkPzYwoF-WWWqEz2UId92905vd51cjlTXOCnbunm25xa8Ryx5NdlXahdEpjUTNpU/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GM0DE_K4tp55FiocS-X5qZ3iVl7xEZXFe75Src271-Z-vlqTat4emlhtoBv5eMDLhOEoLanCSQDkPzYwoF-WWWqEz2UId92905vd51cjlTXOCnbunm25xa8Ryx5NdlXahdEpjUTNpU/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen from Mount Lincoln.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From Lincoln we descended and started to make our way to Mount Bross. Wind picked up quite a bit and it felt like the temperature dropped 15 degrees in as many minutes. Made it to the top and stayed long enough to document with a photo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rizOJ5AKAUfiaJFYFtWvNX5uRf3lbznCiP_XeIT83af733BxaCi6UygxGIL5KDYMaL6srVXGiHvAuFw0Ugcx2kNksOWgsAAw3JJQItdRRtMWS3XLJRO7qwP9avVU19qVM69rryuSxp0/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rizOJ5AKAUfiaJFYFtWvNX5uRf3lbznCiP_XeIT83af733BxaCi6UygxGIL5KDYMaL6srVXGiHvAuFw0Ugcx2kNksOWgsAAw3JJQItdRRtMWS3XLJRO7qwP9avVU19qVM69rryuSxp0/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Bross summit 14,172 ft.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The route down was clearly marked but consisted of a lot of loose scree. It was not a fast descent by any means. It actually felt like it took forever to get off Bross. The wind was getting wild on top of Bross and didn't let up until we had descended about 500 vertical feet. We ended up back at Kite Lake just as some campers were arriving. Eric and I were joined by a fellow hiker and climber named Luke towards the beginning of the hike. He tagged along with us the entire way and it was great company. The more the merrier. From Kite Lake it was an easy 3 miles back to the car. We ran into this cuddly fella on the way back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNrDO8-5qHYkE6Lhn6LucSo5sQ6tUdNGPRrQ8wwKKjcA-lX-eZkKnlalBRp2EQ5ibZrEUVNCpmfi8LF1MspoTEStLP9viwrVRgW_t87FyLwjgxebmc5KA5p6Hu0gZ6Yj-kSb_1YDq8cY/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNrDO8-5qHYkE6Lhn6LucSo5sQ6tUdNGPRrQ8wwKKjcA-lX-eZkKnlalBRp2EQ5ibZrEUVNCpmfi8LF1MspoTEStLP9viwrVRgW_t87FyLwjgxebmc5KA5p6Hu0gZ6Yj-kSb_1YDq8cY/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Porcupine spotting ever!</td></tr>
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Great fun. Great company. Can't wait until the next one.<br />
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Notes to Self:<br />
<br />
- if you realize that you've forgotten sunscreen and you're only 100 feet from your car, turn back and put some on. It's not nearly as inconvenient as not doing so.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-41463006797139118492011-02-19T20:04:00.000-08:002011-02-19T20:10:44.513-08:00Mount Democrat 2/18/2011Total Mileage: ~9 miles<br />
Total Elevation: ~3000 feet<br />
Starting Point: Paris Mill (3 miles south of Kite Lake)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytvuk8z9J20l-JDn1Un5pBY7-PMtPqV6HLEa3GBwpzFhKzmxGlwM7Xi79Nd-EwQWSySqsufDn5iorYZJ6jzV1sj8vxyeVCjngpNATwL_3ZyZwHTmVCG7OmILOMsryLmRhOLLdvKfn-vM/s1600/Democrat+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytvuk8z9J20l-JDn1Un5pBY7-PMtPqV6HLEa3GBwpzFhKzmxGlwM7Xi79Nd-EwQWSySqsufDn5iorYZJ6jzV1sj8vxyeVCjngpNATwL_3ZyZwHTmVCG7OmILOMsryLmRhOLLdvKfn-vM/s400/Democrat+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Democrat. This picture was taken from 14ers.com since I didn't get a chance to make many pics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had a 4 day weekend and nothing to do so I started to check out if the weather would allow for a jaunt to the top of a mountain. Weather reports for the town of Alma, CO predicted "partly sunny with a high near 17 degrees." That was good enough for me to pack up the gear and head out to the mountains Friday morning.<br />
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I left my home in Colorado Springs at 5:20 am and arrived in Alma at around 7:05 am. Kite Lake is the beginning of the trailhead which is 6 miles NW of Alma. With winter conditions, the last 3 miles of the road to Kite Lake is closed. An old dilapidated mill called Paris Mill is as far as I got in my car which stuck me with an additional 6 miles round-trip. I started off from Paris Mill at about 7:20 am. The road was wind swept leaving portions bare and other portions with knee deep snow. No snowshoes for this trip and that was intentional. I haven't convinced myself that I need them yet. The added bulk around my feet doesn't sit well with me. I do wear microspikes and gaiters and that was definitely sufficient for me. So, of course, there are times when I'm walking and drop 12-18 inches into the snow. It just added to the manly-ness of the overall experience.<br />
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I arrived at Kite Lake. I only knew this because I saw signs that said so. The basin that Kite Lake sits in was one big blanket of snow. So I should pause and say right now that this hike was only a partial success. I had intended to climb four separate mountains. Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross. This foursome is commonly referred to as Decalibron. The name is derived from using the first two letters of each peak. I've never known where the "N" comes from on the end though. I just assume it's to make it sound cool. I took too long to get to the top of Democrat and I was quite exhausted so I'll have to go back to climb the other three.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxLx-X0L76PP0A9drjI__u9UBQt6-bQFAlyInTwsAZwa-xNlBGlAJPwg2_tPloXoA9jZFyZY_JJ2N7y4p4_uatVndrsEhJu8rkMum2e3ZlXCQisFNytAvSpqD-hj9BMs_yW73Dy-0Gio/s1600/_DSC2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxLx-X0L76PP0A9drjI__u9UBQt6-bQFAlyInTwsAZwa-xNlBGlAJPwg2_tPloXoA9jZFyZY_JJ2N7y4p4_uatVndrsEhJu8rkMum2e3ZlXCQisFNytAvSpqD-hj9BMs_yW73Dy-0Gio/s400/_DSC2592.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't do much justice but this is Cameron dead ahead from Kite Lake. I thought I'd be able to take more pictures from up top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I don't have many pictures because my camera ran out of battery before I got to the summit of Democrat. The route always reminds me of a baseball diamond with Kite Lake being home plate. Doing the standard route you'd run the bases backwards. The saddle between Democrat and Cameron being third base. You'd summit Cameron right before you hit second base which is Lincoln. Bross is first base and then back down to Kite Lake to complete the loop. Not an exact diamond but roughly so. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwO5CsymoAcUOmpcs54kqq7-qEcpC4qcIhYJMSRMSnnwS650QeMOlnlNO5akc6dFzc3cQ-sxY4oL7sun5B3-ELJjt0fFebL2Blm96Eh_AJ435F7l3sgTOACeDE9lETOi_fCgAc7ZOsmsY/s1600/_DSC2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwO5CsymoAcUOmpcs54kqq7-qEcpC4qcIhYJMSRMSnnwS650QeMOlnlNO5akc6dFzc3cQ-sxY4oL7sun5B3-ELJjt0fFebL2Blm96Eh_AJ435F7l3sgTOACeDE9lETOi_fCgAc7ZOsmsY/s400/_DSC2595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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From Kite Lake I saw no trail into the basin. Every so often I could look ahead and see the upper two feet of a trail marker. I was able to use these to get through most of the basin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H4PQ_WszmQQEQSKZtStllbwhWs4Vk7xqUXD3t__5muVAFGnvL7AuBHjb7GxvFOORm6frqELsJ-KOTyS_ECpIMR_zdd2gMzZ_qus9ud8VaZiccOCZGYiFvUkChIYGiNO_j2uqeMOSrpw/s1600/_DSC2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H4PQ_WszmQQEQSKZtStllbwhWs4Vk7xqUXD3t__5muVAFGnvL7AuBHjb7GxvFOORm6frqELsJ-KOTyS_ECpIMR_zdd2gMzZ_qus9ud8VaZiccOCZGYiFvUkChIYGiNO_j2uqeMOSrpw/s400/_DSC2596.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this sign particularly useful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I turned to climb out of the basin a little early and ended up really exerting myself. At times I found myself in some Class 3 situations which led to many more rests than are typical. The snow in the basin was consistently ankle deep and there were times where I would sink to my knees. This also contributed to a very long and arduous day. In spite of this I really enjoyed myself and I've always found that the more difficult a task becomes the more rewarding it becomes to complete it. Once out of the basin (but below the Dem-Cam saddle) winds picked up and cold ensued. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjWUyytY4XSuKi0Hgi9NXlNT1QjuxHqmcoqSJBRWmFQDgJXlVO2HxROGD9NoEiorzM9T564zggyufzyxqo6W5J8eWRdmN7BFgNByKeTgQ7vveBuiAIsPLFNj9nJ7rtzyadpozIzcGEig/s1600/_DSC2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjWUyytY4XSuKi0Hgi9NXlNT1QjuxHqmcoqSJBRWmFQDgJXlVO2HxROGD9NoEiorzM9T564zggyufzyxqo6W5J8eWRdmN7BFgNByKeTgQ7vveBuiAIsPLFNj9nJ7rtzyadpozIzcGEig/s400/_DSC2593.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added the red to show roughly how I manuevered through the basin and then out. The dotted just means I was behind the ridge. I'm just bad at using paint. Democrat actually isn't in this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'm no expert but I feel that continuous movement, no matter how slow, helps to alleviate the cold weather. So I continued up slowly. On the way up I never really arrived at the saddle. Having deviated from the trail, I ended up on the Democrat ridge about 150 feet above the saddle. From there it was just up and up and up. Winds were at their worst at this point with nowhere to escape them. It is only about 1/2 mile from the saddle to the summit of Democrat but it was a very long 1/2 mile. Mileage isn't as descriptive as knowing the terrain over which that mileage covers. At the summit I sat down and tried to take a picture and that's when I found out my camera had run out of battery. While I was on the summit I had a chance to look down at my boots and I noticed that my microspikes were inside out. I was contemplating not sharing this out of sheer embarrassment. I reversed my spikes and found myself reflecting on how many times I slipped or lost my footing on the way up. The small thermometer I have on my backpack was reading zero degrees but I think the wind made it even colder. I looked at the time and it was 12:30 pm. I could not believe it took me 5 hours to get there. I looked around and the clouds were appearing more and more ominous. I thought to myself that I'd get to the saddle and then decide whether I would climb up to Cameron or not. Secretly I knew that I'd be going back down to Kite Lake though. Arriving at the saddle I could make out a trail going back down to the basin and committed to return home for the day. As I had anticipated, the wind got better and the air got warmer as I dropped in elevation. I was on the standard trail for most of the way down which was nice. There were even a few parts that I could slide down on the ice/snow. Going down went by fast and I was back at Kite Lake before I knew it. My thermometer read a toasty 20 degrees. Then it was a three mile hike back to the car. It started to snow on my way back to the car and I turned around to see Mount Cameron obscured by copious amounts of fog. I was glad I wasn't up there. Reached the car at 3:40 pm and I was back home before six. I never saw a single person from the time I left Alma until I drove back into town.<br />
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I really hate turning around without accomplishing my goal. I think I made the right choice and I'm looking forward to going back. It will be nice to be able to cut out the Democrat leg of the hike for next time. I hiked Humboldt back in November but I consider Democrat to be my first real winter 14er summit. I was wearing trail runners on Humboldt for crying out loud. No way a winter hike should count as a winter hike if I was wearing trail runners.<br />
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Notes to Self:<br />
- consider snowshoes<br />
- hiking takes much longer in snow<br />
- because I will likely be hiking as long as I'm physically capable there is never a rush to "go for it" when I get that feeling that I should call it a dayBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-50275244008332962862010-11-03T22:06:00.000-07:002010-11-03T22:06:44.974-07:00Humboldt Peak 11/1/2010Total Mileage: 12.25 miles<br />
Elevation gained: 4200 feet<br />
Staring point: South Colony Lakes Trailhead (upper)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMKHuZ0glozvunYcxAY9R-wF9mmS146Qqel-bIudfk8HMxf-TGFkfrkap565J4Ko4_vn23blm-6ZXXaWYJ36aP0VFE2tyGBayblH-hFainnPY5YhxbDWKwHs4XcxbCcQ5zFzta6UFyk8/s1600/humboldt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMKHuZ0glozvunYcxAY9R-wF9mmS146Qqel-bIudfk8HMxf-TGFkfrkap565J4Ko4_vn23blm-6ZXXaWYJ36aP0VFE2tyGBayblH-hFainnPY5YhxbDWKwHs4XcxbCcQ5zFzta6UFyk8/s400/humboldt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken from 14ers.com and shows roughly the route I took.<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I set out for the town of Westcliffe, CO at about 4:30am on Monday morning. The trailhead is about 10 miles from Westcliffe and I got there at about 6:55am. I had to wait until about 7:20 to get started because it was still too dark to get going when I got there. ( I should get a headlamp.) The dirt road to the trailhead was free of snow and it was pretty simple getting my Suburu Impreza wagon to the upper trailhead. I was alone on this hike and I probably will insist on company for any further winter hikes I participate in. I never felt unsafe, it just would have been nice to have some distraction from the cold. The thermometer keychain I keep on my backpack said 18 degrees Farenheit when I left. By the time I reached the summit at about 11:20am it had warmed up to about 30 degrees. <br />
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The first 3 miles of trail is the old 4WD road to the old trailhead. Pretty uneventful really. As I got higher and higher in elevation on this road there began to be little patches of snow and ice on the trial. Pretty soon I found myself walking on sheets of packed snow and ice. Coming down this road later in the afternoon when it warmed up a bit was a little tricky. I kind of had to hike in the brush alongside the trail to avoid the slippery patches of ice. Sometimes little stones about the size of my shoe or smaller would poke up out of the snow and provide stepping stones for me to avoid the ice patches. There were a couple of cool small waterfalls that had neat ice formations around them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdxxJERiAsipor8u1zKRyZdbmDKpVFjgJODXs4prfm9AodPGoycY-V5Mu_BZX0KYIQuu5Atrx51y6zUOk0xY9p2UXhR_3Rskbsv6oPOEiA07D5wKWkgLak9Y82YKOZ3d9PpPCCIJswAg/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdxxJERiAsipor8u1zKRyZdbmDKpVFjgJODXs4prfm9AodPGoycY-V5Mu_BZX0KYIQuu5Atrx51y6zUOk0xY9p2UXhR_3Rskbsv6oPOEiA07D5wKWkgLak9Y82YKOZ3d9PpPCCIJswAg/s640/030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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I didn't take a lot of pictures on this hike because I didn't want to stop and take off my gloves and risk getting too cold. I realized during the first few water breaks that I was getting significantly colder sitting down for too long. Keeping active and moving helped me a lot on this hike. <br />
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So I got to a point where the trail splits off the 4WD road and onto a real trail that dives into the trees. With about 5-6 inches of hard packed snow on the ground the trail came and went it seemed. I got to a point where I had stopped and looked 360 degrees and realized there was no trail in front or behind me. It made me laugh a little so I took a picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGgY5tbyBLERd8Dkkrdo20DZRV18Z4ljdVajPQgIHOoeZcDfOKUto3bEBnxfz_rzoLlh_iqMBy8OgxqtbDagc9BAX85CKvlkAdWID35YJ3iAg8l-64oOb9bUm8QlI-Tkg_gfK28NoLFU/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGgY5tbyBLERd8Dkkrdo20DZRV18Z4ljdVajPQgIHOoeZcDfOKUto3bEBnxfz_rzoLlh_iqMBy8OgxqtbDagc9BAX85CKvlkAdWID35YJ3iAg8l-64oOb9bUm8QlI-Tkg_gfK28NoLFU/s640/031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I knew from my map that I would run into the South Colony Lakes if I just headed north from where I was. I took out my compass, found north and starting blazing through the forest. After about 7-8 minutes of that I hooked back onto the trail and continued upward. Before too long I was at the lakes and began the trek up to the saddle between Humboldt and the Crestones. Right at about that point the fog lifted and I got a good shot of Crestone Needle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J0d02hGPxE4PB7kx7PFL53nE12ilQJR-ppRBvJKdSlutm3ER5Gj-kvu-vnO_Zw5fO1lIIeiIjI18zO9xSO9HZ1rjvPYfPmDx9SfeFS0A8NESekGj40xqCUaZQ7xSJjdzVG9LzejI45A/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J0d02hGPxE4PB7kx7PFL53nE12ilQJR-ppRBvJKdSlutm3ER5Gj-kvu-vnO_Zw5fO1lIIeiIjI18zO9xSO9HZ1rjvPYfPmDx9SfeFS0A8NESekGj40xqCUaZQ7xSJjdzVG9LzejI45A/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
One of the more impressive 14ers in all Colorado in my opinion. I plan on climbing the Crestones next spring or early summer. I was in a hurry to take this picture because you never know if a good view will become available again. It began to snow about then, and it got really foggy again. The wind picked up when I hit the saddle and I got really cold really fast. The ridge from the saddle to the summit of Humboldt runs roughly east/west so I stayed on the south portion of the ridge and that provided a good deal of protection from the wind that seemed to be coming from the north. Halfway up the ridge the fog lifted, the wind died down and I saw great views of everything all around me. I was at the false summit before I knew it and snapped a quick shot of the final 1/4 mile up the ridge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzER7mgwnOC5qVh-jR-cFBAF9CffO0QwG-Hctt7dIwmvurfCJaMtbkejEpuABNg1oKH9PZcVuqhMVdx1blRpqhMn-i8SpChStQJzkZMXtLTvJb_HxbZ0cWzhzrmMT_RrQJR1a6abk_Xmw/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzER7mgwnOC5qVh-jR-cFBAF9CffO0QwG-Hctt7dIwmvurfCJaMtbkejEpuABNg1oKH9PZcVuqhMVdx1blRpqhMn-i8SpChStQJzkZMXtLTvJb_HxbZ0cWzhzrmMT_RrQJR1a6abk_Xmw/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This ridge kept on going for what seemed like forever. From the saddle to the summit took me one hour and fifteen minutes. I was happy to finally see the end and happier to get there. I had warmed up a bit by the time I reached the summit so I relaxed comfortably for about 25 minutes on top before going back down. An interesting "first" for me that's worth mentioning is that I never saw one human being on the entire trip. It kind of makes winter hiking even more appealing to me than spring and summer hiking. Anyway, I took a quick auto-timed photo with the awesome Crestones in the background and headed back for the car.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-m4LlkHrP-Sn5B4C5JLOR2xmnhZKnUdBqvGLravy9lKg9CVuf9rHD1A-GJIm9oNTvgub59Mu3yrVN-0m8T04gPrlGezFHOJUPqE864pTEnJnCXeRz17YDX61_SG2zbMSrHC11QomQK0/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-m4LlkHrP-Sn5B4C5JLOR2xmnhZKnUdBqvGLravy9lKg9CVuf9rHD1A-GJIm9oNTvgub59Mu3yrVN-0m8T04gPrlGezFHOJUPqE864pTEnJnCXeRz17YDX61_SG2zbMSrHC11QomQK0/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I can't wait to climb the Crestones. Such impressive mountains. The hike down was quick and uneventful. I had a great hike to kick off the Winter season. I'm looking forward to more winter hikes which I hope to be planning soon. This was my 11th 14er in 2010 and I'm hoping to hit 20 before 2011.<br />
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Notes to Self:<br />
-get a headlamp<br />
-get partners for winter hikes especially<br />
-bring handwarmers to shove into my glovesBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-30262386224379988042010-11-03T12:31:00.000-07:002010-11-03T12:31:20.836-07:00Cloud's Rest (Yosemite) 10/9/2010Total Mileage: 12.8 miles<br />
Elevation Gain: 3000 ft<br />
Starting Point: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgz1OhGlNWeZg0YJ31xEZtP95oaYes9EuPsEQd0juXMUdr9aCodCc8luGuA2RmJ65EYcKepNolPoopatDzb3wpD6MBAJQwmAlqPqRUJMnQb2_SUMGq-Sk-Z1bFZSE_WMA6JljdD3P-2w/s1600/clouds+rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgz1OhGlNWeZg0YJ31xEZtP95oaYes9EuPsEQd0juXMUdr9aCodCc8luGuA2RmJ65EYcKepNolPoopatDzb3wpD6MBAJQwmAlqPqRUJMnQb2_SUMGq-Sk-Z1bFZSE_WMA6JljdD3P-2w/s400/clouds+rest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken from google images. Cloud's Rest is right behind Half-Dome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
My wife and I had planned a trip to northern CA to visit some friends and spend a night in San Francisco where we used to live. We stayed a few nights with our friends, Rocia and Emerson. Emerson had mentioned possibly hiking Half-Dome on the Saturday we were there. I thought it was a great idea. About 3-4 days before leaving I was researching Half-Dome and come to find out that a permit is required to hike Half-Dome on the weekends. I thought I could just call up or apply online and get one but that was not the case. Suffice it to say, we could not get a permit so we would not be hiking Half-Dome. I solicited advice from my friends on 14ers.com and Cloud's Rest was suggested to me. It turned out to be a fantastic suggestion!<br />
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From Emerson's house it was about a four hour drive to the trailhead. Most of the day was spent discussing dentistry so you can imagine how wild it got. The huge granite slabs that make up these mountains are in stark contrast to what I'm used to hiking in Colorado. For me, it was awesome change of scenery and my first time hiking in Yosemite. I saw a beautiful peak called Mount Clark and I informed Emerson I would like to come back in the Spring to hike it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEhmquFVPTfbS8Jju-cRJkXIml2u61uGmYIVUapLpr_wc67QiqdveI7RZTmdjZXHT4dh3GDKzGcKaRwil5VQGBf9fuZeVlkVDeHbiYAEUTsEfyhxbN8ayNwcaHzGhp82phtt8GWMwXkk/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEhmquFVPTfbS8Jju-cRJkXIml2u61uGmYIVUapLpr_wc67QiqdveI7RZTmdjZXHT4dh3GDKzGcKaRwil5VQGBf9fuZeVlkVDeHbiYAEUTsEfyhxbN8ayNwcaHzGhp82phtt8GWMwXkk/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Clark is the prominent peak in the center. <br />
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</tbody></table><br />
The hike was moderate in difficulty and the trail seemed to follow the pattern of climbing then it would flatten out and repeat. Nearing the top, we began to see some of the awesome views of the granite faces. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yLfLWW0lHjf-zKXXt1UDng5CcZ3VCnyCThaZYAK4eUae46zgKGqXvIO3uXaoK8Ou0myO5tml3-FZmHeHDKxtzTPLcTzkOcwvEqmNV22_pyhAjj-0pSYdbHZBgaLHlUQz3MM5pWlN0u0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yLfLWW0lHjf-zKXXt1UDng5CcZ3VCnyCThaZYAK4eUae46zgKGqXvIO3uXaoK8Ou0myO5tml3-FZmHeHDKxtzTPLcTzkOcwvEqmNV22_pyhAjj-0pSYdbHZBgaLHlUQz3MM5pWlN0u0/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The final pitch to the top:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9otQmrITtOP5LOdd8GXm5XTU9V8IY3o0twZF32i7zI8H0azgifxU9nYoFb9W5G2QUsrnThnqnE46ahiZzXMClletisGezK43twrFdExAS1RudFFbulDzIkV0NEMaXwGvnMOF8OABIko/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9otQmrITtOP5LOdd8GXm5XTU9V8IY3o0twZF32i7zI8H0azgifxU9nYoFb9W5G2QUsrnThnqnE46ahiZzXMClletisGezK43twrFdExAS1RudFFbulDzIkV0NEMaXwGvnMOF8OABIko/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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After this last little hill we were on the summit with incredible views of the whole valley including Half-Dome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhSuFiwr0RjV-yPqgmEEl5J1IPQugjRktCywaOLw0Gu_1DvblXXdZY_UlHiTiqRbMCtZfNAIDJDEK-ZuGDL7B9aXzjhlLlaw8bRzkaZ_CiNmVm_SoFSyfHL9QZ4rVlvtytRlc32g0Ccc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhSuFiwr0RjV-yPqgmEEl5J1IPQugjRktCywaOLw0Gu_1DvblXXdZY_UlHiTiqRbMCtZfNAIDJDEK-ZuGDL7B9aXzjhlLlaw8bRzkaZ_CiNmVm_SoFSyfHL9QZ4rVlvtytRlc32g0Ccc/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud's Rest summit. Elevation 9,926 feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Zooming in on Half Dome I could barely make out the people climbing the steep face.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIECvibipdDgt0bvgNSrZCdz5hDyU3_5HSCiyUQmaCfXrrzGQQM8YXQh-ULeMYMA-nKu1PnLb1cOycmiHerS4axS5rrRPdGZMZI28vDOhkh5kMfdWBP7YpXUmNfJLAB6lf5KkOEsHYQoA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIECvibipdDgt0bvgNSrZCdz5hDyU3_5HSCiyUQmaCfXrrzGQQM8YXQh-ULeMYMA-nKu1PnLb1cOycmiHerS4axS5rrRPdGZMZI28vDOhkh5kMfdWBP7YpXUmNfJLAB6lf5KkOEsHYQoA/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We stayed on top for probably a solid hour. We shared the summit with about 10 people that day which I didn't think was too crowded for a Saturday. The views of Half Dome were awesome....almost as if I was holding it in my hand....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWOk5I02bNFGa9Lb60BN7UOcnHGEYqijwBFtAEHVbnuDcNp_o0WRs6U_YIA-MIzFe2Jx5YjZ1wMIufa46g1nYeFpHPGEG5QFWJ9oh3Gxty02ueCWkw-3OzBNzOj8o_HJVNGbqcFnNkmo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWOk5I02bNFGa9Lb60BN7UOcnHGEYqijwBFtAEHVbnuDcNp_o0WRs6U_YIA-MIzFe2Jx5YjZ1wMIufa46g1nYeFpHPGEG5QFWJ9oh3Gxty02ueCWkw-3OzBNzOj8o_HJVNGbqcFnNkmo/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Emerson was better at staging this photo than I was.<br />
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Now for the posed shot.<br />
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</div>While I know this isn't a "14er" I still thought it was an awesome hike. Definitely worthy of being shared. I hope to make it back to Yosemite soon. Big thanks to Emerson for suggesting we go hiking and for opening up his house to me and my family. Bros 4 eva!!Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-23470518532038824412010-09-29T21:42:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:42:42.777-07:00Castle and Conundrum Peaks 9/25/2010Total Mileage: 12 miles<br />
Elevation Gained: ~5000 feet<br />
Staring Point: Castle Creek Trailhead<br />
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This was my favorite 14er hike to date! I set up this trip about a month ago with two friends of mine. They brought their wives with them, as I did, to Aspen. We spent Friday and Saturday night in a condo we rented for the two nights. We brought our kids along as well and it was time well spent with friends and family. Saturday morning the men set out for Castle Creek trailhead with aspirations of summiting Castle and Conundrum peaks. The day previous had been spent climbing Gray's and Torrey's Peaks as a little warm up for this hike. My friend Eric and I climbed together on both hikes and another mutual friend Joel joined us for the Aspen trip/hike. It was Joel's first 14er and he did awesome! <br />
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We knew the trailhead was the beginning of a 4WD trail that would shave a lot of mileage off our trip if we could make it up it. I only made it up about .5 miles before my 03' Passat hatchback had to pull over. I was hoping to make it up a mile but I didn't mind the extra mileage much. While hiking this 4WD portion, we were passed by multiple cars who were planning their start much further up the trail. The end of the 4WD trail puts you in Montezuma Basin and 12,800 feet. Cheating if you ask me, but to each their own. It reminded me a lot of the 4WD trail that most people skip when they hike Princeton. There is a scenic waterfall about 2 miles up the road.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0g2vwPshA0G3eiJUs48EjezvGWMAQIzguRviw-qedBwFAClRdv39t5bNS_fc0Gu9xf0oSPawNDb-bVPV5JnDC4v9AtwjyEXDmlPnWztDy27LR6G0GKqd6EzcEZrimwAC9ouUnG5UoI4/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0g2vwPshA0G3eiJUs48EjezvGWMAQIzguRviw-qedBwFAClRdv39t5bNS_fc0Gu9xf0oSPawNDb-bVPV5JnDC4v9AtwjyEXDmlPnWztDy27LR6G0GKqd6EzcEZrimwAC9ouUnG5UoI4/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We kept on hiking and cars kept on passing us. The hike was pretty uneventful until we made it to Montezuma Basin. From there we had a view of both mountains and we also ran into snow. Here's a view from the basin looking up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R7RLmQ_mgT-8R99yH4_DjRpvRHHC8lJi55fMwFoCh1WnW_Ppd6nq2CLoQijXgJR2OfUylyXw9SDYbGC2NF-9ElbStsQlcbbtzpnYoFVsebTXOitHWLcA5LfnXVoTR6NwUvEBLa38dfM/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R7RLmQ_mgT-8R99yH4_DjRpvRHHC8lJi55fMwFoCh1WnW_Ppd6nq2CLoQijXgJR2OfUylyXw9SDYbGC2NF-9ElbStsQlcbbtzpnYoFVsebTXOitHWLcA5LfnXVoTR6NwUvEBLa38dfM/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange was our route up through the snow. Red shows how we got down. We suck at "Leave No Trace."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once over this hump we had the last little climb to get to the top of Castle. Only it didn't feel little.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAHIEIBuJtk0TDNQKqdRmjp-LAJaw6lkOY2WkN09pQHlEU_i_z8muuHKxa9bz8NpVlyFlyTXxOtb8MoOMZNNbXalq1FupEFbs0cEyTaUZFwlGnSrw8AszPnoz-wz6QuGwxS8eBh28eF0/s1600/Panorama+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAHIEIBuJtk0TDNQKqdRmjp-LAJaw6lkOY2WkN09pQHlEU_i_z8muuHKxa9bz8NpVlyFlyTXxOtb8MoOMZNNbXalq1FupEFbs0cEyTaUZFwlGnSrw8AszPnoz-wz6QuGwxS8eBh28eF0/s400/Panorama+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We had perfect weather which made for great views of the Maroon Bells, Snowmass, Capitol, and we could even see Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn far to the South. Of course, we could see our next project right in front us as well. Conundrum seemed much further away then it really was.<br />
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I honestly didn't know if my hiking team would be up for Conundrum. We were all pretty tired and worried about the way down. It looks much more daunting then it really is. Our route would be down to the saddle between Castle and Conundrum, up Conundrum, back to the saddle, and straight down from the saddle to Montezuma basin. I was excited to hear the group decide to press on after a 20 minute break on top of Castle Peak. <br />
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Admittedly, it is very deceiving to view the saddle from below and see a viable route down it. It appears as a straight rock face that would be too dangerous. The truth is that it is very doable and I would consider the west slope of Mount Columbia to be more dangerous. Reading multiple trip reports on 14ers.com proved to be very valuable. We were on top of Conundrum 45 minutes after leaving Castle. Much easier then we had anticipated. The descent was pretty easy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWdff1iBg88mn-qJfthIJ5Q-7WdzDk_y5OPUjvAQvlfdOKMaIZj7e0OKQFkUcA4G_2k8SlWBwfNpcA3-CD58tsYszvl0AZNXVm07aT07Lfb9iczI5r09DatiKI74kKXR4pGBQkHpSIwQ/s1600/Panorama+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWdff1iBg88mn-qJfthIJ5Q-7WdzDk_y5OPUjvAQvlfdOKMaIZj7e0OKQFkUcA4G_2k8SlWBwfNpcA3-CD58tsYszvl0AZNXVm07aT07Lfb9iczI5r09DatiKI74kKXR4pGBQkHpSIwQ/s640/Panorama+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The black arrow shows the point of our initial descent. From there, you can see where the snow meets the rock and that accurately delineates the path we took down into the basin. There's also a big scar across the snow pack that appears as a possible path from far away. It is a huge crevasse that reveals a large amount of glacial ice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuPXpcniVqas4LLygFNjZ8I82nILE9pwYrRPYznIKGeNMMpDKanBMYzjz63NinTVVcHW92Af2YL54lANDPy9E2vXlwfBh_xoMnDYQ3SKEXL-3R_V8SjP4uPbaHW-3GSziYecPZhbAfL4/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuPXpcniVqas4LLygFNjZ8I82nILE9pwYrRPYznIKGeNMMpDKanBMYzjz63NinTVVcHW92Af2YL54lANDPy9E2vXlwfBh_xoMnDYQ3SKEXL-3R_V8SjP4uPbaHW-3GSziYecPZhbAfL4/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at my crevasse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's the summit pics of Castle first and then Conundrum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1l80I968P_36yjZLzfWvNEPyelX2yrMZ2lvtxhwy47Xh2XUDty-pPtymWxuHjpfJF5cICRvkMp47wOwZgrXQS47PprKP0iY_t0LwNBtqwPKt7fKt_YEcqFIldh_ZLXJY_avR7eg7W9I/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1l80I968P_36yjZLzfWvNEPyelX2yrMZ2lvtxhwy47Xh2XUDty-pPtymWxuHjpfJF5cICRvkMp47wOwZgrXQS47PprKP0iY_t0LwNBtqwPKt7fKt_YEcqFIldh_ZLXJY_avR7eg7W9I/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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This next picture is taken from Castle looking back on the route up. Some of the hikers you can see climbing up give a little perspective of the steepness.<br />
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As shown before, we found some fun sledding to get down a significant portion of the mountain. Of course, by sledding I mean sliding on our butts and getting very wet. We got down to the basin fast and hiked back to the car which was parked about 3-3.5 miles from the basin. I think Joel's knees were hurting him. I hope he's feeling better. I should probably call him. Anyways, it was radical and I'd do that hike again in a heartbeat.<br />
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Funny story time. On top of Conundrum we asked a nice gentleman to take a picture of all three of us. He held out the camera and started to just take multiple pictures without skipping a beat in conversation. We weren't really ready or even aware he had taken any pictures yet. Then he said "I love digital" which I can only interpret to mean, "I like pushing the silver button 10 times and I bank on one turning out good." Fair enough. He did the same thing with Joel and Eric's cameras as well. I'm hoping they got a good one. So here's my one-out-of-ten diamond in the rough standout photo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So all in all, about 12 miles roundtrip in about 9 hours start to finish. We headed back to Aspen and enjoyed dinner at the Hickory House. It was delicious and nutritious. Except probably not very nutritious. This made for my 9th and 10th 14er. Only 48 more to go. Then I'll be ready to do all the alternate routes on each 14er after that. Colorado rulez the school!<br />
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Notes to self:<br />
-bring a change of socksBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-92069364762385112532010-09-27T21:14:00.000-07:002010-09-27T21:14:46.771-07:00Gray's and Torrey's Peaks 9/24/2010Total Mileage: 9 miles<br />
Elevation Gained: 3600 feet<br />
Starting Point: Steven's Gulch Trailhead<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYeX1LuUTlqakMx7xmhhs2sQCCvVqMeoQhWVUrhzeRX7vbs2_9dscRVELOCNvrDgVNgwYPqt4nw6oe6lZZhDKWNiC7OVC22hi2pDM6izxfm2MFtjzJaYnacEDQw52SiAbUZ3x08VdRXE/s1600/Panorama+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYeX1LuUTlqakMx7xmhhs2sQCCvVqMeoQhWVUrhzeRX7vbs2_9dscRVELOCNvrDgVNgwYPqt4nw6oe6lZZhDKWNiC7OVC22hi2pDM6izxfm2MFtjzJaYnacEDQw52SiAbUZ3x08VdRXE/s400/Panorama+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrey's Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table> This hike was meant to be a warm-up for Castle and Conundrum peaks the next day. With short mileage and Class I terrain I didn't think this would be too draining of a hike. I got to hike this one with a buddy of mine named Eric. That would make it my first non-solo 14er. We got going around 7:00am and hiked about 4 miles to the summit of Gray's Peak. About halfway up we encountered some snow and by the top we were trudging through about 6-8 inches of fresh snow that had accumulated on the trail. Conditions were great for us. We had a little wind but clear skies the entire day. We shared the two peaks with a lot of other hikers. We rested for about 20 minutes on Gray's before heading over to Torrey's Peak.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Gray's with Torrey's not too far off. 14,270 feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We were on top of Torrey's about 45 minutes later and relaxed for another 20 minutes or so. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWqKZatU-3L7WD_6OZozJV_nY7ANyDKyl5m_VLp1Namx8JPfOyXMw7oeRDwKmLV3x14wlq6E31J82ISgqbt6yukF1FB05rU6C-9ThOOpWFHdIw3swrKBhVbpao_SG6KHvVmPCvBUeowE/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWqKZatU-3L7WD_6OZozJV_nY7ANyDKyl5m_VLp1Namx8JPfOyXMw7oeRDwKmLV3x14wlq6E31J82ISgqbt6yukF1FB05rU6C-9ThOOpWFHdIw3swrKBhVbpao_SG6KHvVmPCvBUeowE/s400/041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The following picture shows the standard route we took to Gray's summit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfsryfliSMHWANmEJajx9jaGA9CDSWtid0NsfLwo2uxj4ZkaaqGZnR8Xhbm7j1-VO0B0Zwl0uycQnUiQpnWmVVm4EG2bdkxgRwOZWqjSWwyvcYRtcFlrnKiSji55fqVBrNiLLX8vSOb8/s1600/Panorama+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfsryfliSMHWANmEJajx9jaGA9CDSWtid0NsfLwo2uxj4ZkaaqGZnR8Xhbm7j1-VO0B0Zwl0uycQnUiQpnWmVVm4EG2bdkxgRwOZWqjSWwyvcYRtcFlrnKiSji55fqVBrNiLLX8vSOb8/s400/Panorama+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green is the route up and Blue would be the descent from Torrey's/Gray's saddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a side note about my pictures. I am using some trial software to make panoramics and it automatically writes that copywright info in the lower right hand corner. I'm not really concerned with claiming these pictures as my property. Please feel free to copy and distribute all you'd like. <br />
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We finished our hike around 1pm and headed back to pick up the wives and head to Aspen, CO for the weekend. We would be hiking Castle Peak and Conundrum while the girls do something else to be determined (but probably shopping). I was a little worried about Eric, that he may be too tired for more 14ers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowQsmhoK79AceugJpSf5SEMdVx6I_Ojw7R3UU7txvx08aygq9ZE6oj4oI2YcIhjKAFqsRCcfAPgIZPIrxZ94hnVy855Bp42cWz41TcGgulTSgtVOHQQYpsN2jHEiE9Ki6C3zN74svnZc/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowQsmhoK79AceugJpSf5SEMdVx6I_Ojw7R3UU7txvx08aygq9ZE6oj4oI2YcIhjKAFqsRCcfAPgIZPIrxZ94hnVy855Bp42cWz41TcGgulTSgtVOHQQYpsN2jHEiE9Ki6C3zN74svnZc/s400/044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Notes to self:<br />
-bring toilet paper<br />
-drawing obscenities in the snow is immature but kind of funny alsoBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-48035710110196855822010-09-27T15:35:00.000-07:002010-09-27T15:35:53.060-07:00Pikes Peak 9/18/2010Total Mileage: 12.5 miles<br />
Elevation Gained: 7800 feet<br />
Starting Point: Barr Trail Trailhead<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbaZKfGGoReyYPGv4nSaY5xdUrhTjLVwIJi0VYiVDXhgooSVB__iqjWho7tCKFtmLF5I-HngyjuUPatqU3T-1azuOERdpmSIkc4RhrrBNE1ZtIAjWXPdlYhKKEMavfhTjco0E70SdHPc/s1600/pikes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbaZKfGGoReyYPGv4nSaY5xdUrhTjLVwIJi0VYiVDXhgooSVB__iqjWho7tCKFtmLF5I-HngyjuUPatqU3T-1azuOERdpmSIkc4RhrrBNE1ZtIAjWXPdlYhKKEMavfhTjco0E70SdHPc/s320/pikes1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
My Dad flew down from Spokane, WA to hike Pikes Peak with me! I had been looking forward to this trip since he called and arranged it. We had initially planned to only hike up and take the Cog Railway back down. The day before our hike a helicopter crashed on the mountain and I found out that the Cog may not be running the day of our hike. The Toll Road would also be closed down meaning our only descent option would be hiking the 12.5 miles down. We went ahead and planned to hike ourselves up and down the mountain and prepared for a 25 mile hike. <br />
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The picture quality is pretty bad here. My Dad and I both forgot to bring our cameras so I had to make due with just my phone. The picture above was taken about 4 miles into our 12.5 mile hike up Pikes Peak. We started up the trail at about 5:45am. It was dark for the first 45 minutes. We weren't using headlamps so we just had to adjust to it. By 6:20am it was getting lighter and visability wasn't an issue. The Barr Trail provides more elevation gain from trailhead to summit than any of the other 57 14ers. We started at about 6500 feet and ended at 14,110 feet. <br />
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At the halfway point there is a little cabin/campground called Barr Camp. It's essentially a campground with a bed and breakfast twist to it. You can purchase a campsite or indoor accomadations and at night a spaghetti dinner is served followed by a pancake breakfast in the morning. It also serves as a place to resupply. They sell Gatorade and other snacks. It was here we discovered that the Cog was running and we may not have to hike out if we didn't want to. This also meant that the summit house would be open. A lot of people use this camp as a way to break up the hike into two days or more. So we took about a 20 minute break and kept on hiking up the trail.<br />
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This hike served as a source of redemption for me. About three months ago I decided I wanted to hike this trail with a friend of mine. I made it as far as Barr Camp and had to turn back. I'm embarrased looking back on that hike and realizing how underprepared I was. The guy who runs the camp with his wife told me I could hike 1.5 miles to a Cog stop and catch the train up and then back down. I had already purchased the tickets so I called ahead and told them I would be there to be picked up. So I still was able to enjoy the summit but I took no pictures because I felt unworthy. My friend hiking with me was in much better shape and drove much further than me to be there. I thought for sure he'd never hike with me again. This experience is what motivated me to get in shape and begin hiking 14,000 foot mountains. I started running after this and hiking the Manitou Incline twice a week. I lost about 15 lbs and I now consider myself an elite alpinist. So, this hike was fun to complete and it reminded me how I never want to be that out if shape again. Nobody likes a fat dentist.<br />
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This is my Dad just above treeline with the final 3 miles ahead of us. The altitude was definitely affecting him and we slowed our pace for the final few miles. We took frequent breaks and stayed well fed and hydrated. We arrived at the top at 2:00 pm on the dot. <br />
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We were very fortunate to find room on the Cog train going down the mountain. We had to wait in a line and ride in separate seats but we were sure relieved to not have to hike down the way we came. I was pleasantly surprised at how well my Dad did overall. You never know how someone is going to react to that kind of physical exertion at altitude. I hope to have him down for another soon!<br />
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Notes to Self:<br />
-buy a headlamp<br />
-don't forget my camera<br />
-old man strength should not be underestimatedBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-24860173573038742942010-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:002010-09-10T21:14:46.670-07:00Mount Bierstadt 9/9/10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Roundtrip Mileage: 7 miles<br />
Roundtrip Elevation: 5800 feet<br />
Starting Point: Guanella Pass<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHneaGfREsEkUSGmbtbQ_nItNIDCAsegkNTED_Spus3_AqAfYhn7fY4pfF0U_InlSsaOiHRfMEH3ELnW9WLf5bKutCIaR44SuWBjO-Ta4y2Qw97y3kF47YNg8n37nF_BJNRKPbQFvf0vk/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHneaGfREsEkUSGmbtbQ_nItNIDCAsegkNTED_Spus3_AqAfYhn7fY4pfF0U_InlSsaOiHRfMEH3ELnW9WLf5bKutCIaR44SuWBjO-Ta4y2Qw97y3kF47YNg8n37nF_BJNRKPbQFvf0vk/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This hike was one I wasn't planning on doing until about two days before I did it. My wonderful wife was great to let me spend the morning hiking. I had realized I had the day off and nothing to do. Climbing Mount Bierstadt was the obvious choice. <br />
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I arrived at the trailhead at about 6:45am after driving the final 13 miles over a half dirt/half asphalt road. The road was a bit deceiving as it was littered with significant potholes throughout. I was hiking towards Mount Bierstadt by 6:50am. <br />
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The initial portion of this hike runs through a swampy, wet field. Luckily, the trail leads to bridges that carry the hiker over the really wet muddy areas. If not for these bridges this trail would be much less desirable. While on the bridge I lost sight of the trail but I eventually found it again. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZRSNn9Gh25RHN2pAjQlXCtMmsALGxG9oMJ62kOeQuBRWHTirbLTpUppnSCOfzKvBQB88lzK5ZXN1yXGL_p9qwGuRlRmackppr3xW3yWgBdt6E2wDvBFze9a7NOPyYzArSRIQSqXca80/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZRSNn9Gh25RHN2pAjQlXCtMmsALGxG9oMJ62kOeQuBRWHTirbLTpUppnSCOfzKvBQB88lzK5ZXN1yXGL_p9qwGuRlRmackppr3xW3yWgBdt6E2wDvBFze9a7NOPyYzArSRIQSqXca80/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You can see from this picture that the fog was very low. This did not clear up until I was on my way down the mountain and nearly to my car. The fog rolled along the mountain side the entire morning. Winds were mild but still made for a cold hike up the mountain. Little lakes and streams were scattered throughout this meadow. Even with the fog it was a very pretty hike and I imagine I would enjoy this hike even more on a second trip given a clear day (maybe a good starter 14er for the ole' ball n' chain). About half way up the mountain the fog cleared for a moment to reveal the goal.<br />
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</div>Normally, this is visable from the parking lot at the beginning of the trail but on this day, I only had about 5 minutes to soak in this view until the fog rolled back over it. This was the first time I've experienced a significant limit in visability while hiking. At times I couldn't see more than 20 feet in any direction. I was fortunate that route finding was not required on this hike. Towards the top, visability did not improve. I spent all of 10 minutes on the summit and decided I'd better start the descent. Being on top of a 14er isn't as exciting when you don't have the views you've worked so hard for. As I'm about to post this next picture of myself on the summit my wife informs me that I should explain why my face looks like I just went diarrhea in my pants. I have no explanation for this and I am posting this in spite of my wife's behest. <br />
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Arriving at the ridge leading to the final pitch the visability was at its worst. I snapped a photo on the way down looking back up the final pitch. There's a lone hiker somewhere in there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh710H5wjN8RjGcirvLhiPiLU9AmA4CEYfdWJWctXzWcWtekBma8qEkgdLzt5LeURIfEq3BoxOx0-ZZjZa8Hi1xMZWfV6yJ8xX_xC-CMrcQye-WnRFsXr36O-TZuvJG7P1Lzju0HSf4i28/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh710H5wjN8RjGcirvLhiPiLU9AmA4CEYfdWJWctXzWcWtekBma8qEkgdLzt5LeURIfEq3BoxOx0-ZZjZa8Hi1xMZWfV6yJ8xX_xC-CMrcQye-WnRFsXr36O-TZuvJG7P1Lzju0HSf4i28/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was also a first running into snow and ice. I started seeing snow at about 13,500 feet. This picture was at the summit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFO8jWGUv0hfbGhLg0qldEQ-jvjaD1KZo3cEK8G3d6UzGen9KGLkrAecoQ__IvuA9CUO2myfl440resj_PiR8ByhOb6s17tDYQsGpIgaOMpoTJZ81EnQCy4UhBHaubQS-X-QfCKvcR4E/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFO8jWGUv0hfbGhLg0qldEQ-jvjaD1KZo3cEK8G3d6UzGen9KGLkrAecoQ__IvuA9CUO2myfl440resj_PiR8ByhOb6s17tDYQsGpIgaOMpoTJZ81EnQCy4UhBHaubQS-X-QfCKvcR4E/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was 9:10am when I arrived at the summit. This was pretty good time for me. I zoomed down pretty fast as well. I didn't pass anybody on the way up and didn't see any other hikers at all until I was on the summit I was joined by another sole hiker. I saw plenty of hikers on the way down and secretly harbored ill feelings towards them because the fog started to clear almost as soon as I was about halfway down the mountain. I thought it unfair that I had woken up early and hiked the mountain and the "lazies" get to enjoy all the good views. I gave one hiker the "stinkeye" and I don't think he understood why. I may have whispered aloud, "Die in a fire."<br />
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Almost back at my car I turned around and the whole mountain was in view along with most of the route up.<br />
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It was 10:50 back at the car and I headed back for home. It was a quick hike and my 6th 14er. Next week I get to hike Pikes Peak with my Dad. I'm really looking forward to that even though I've already hiked it solo. It will be my first 14er with a hiking partner though which is another reason I'm looking forward to it. Most of my readers have asked me to make a post about it even though Pikes Peak has already been conquered. Since I'm all about making my readers happy, I'll do it. <br />
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Notes to Self:<br />
-it's getting colder and while I wore gloves, I wish I had better ones<br />
-find something to cover my ears<br />
-work on my camera facesBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168318741746609324.post-24242727445162187672010-08-28T22:07:00.000-07:002010-08-28T22:07:02.532-07:00Mount Harvard and Mount Columbia 8/26/2010Roundtrip Mileage: 15 miles<br />
Roundtrip elevation: 12,200 ft.<br />
Starting point: North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLJ74-TVQmQ-GnTeRUQCVB9PhCRa95hDq0NjRIY92gB3jG_Z4Q9aOcc_zRFzYdzhsTjItDiiqUIRrOBNaZllGa8VfrurMLjSCfXaKCbjloF_yAuAyEWk_OzRcSzDynmHx-SMpJ7sZMpo/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLJ74-TVQmQ-GnTeRUQCVB9PhCRa95hDq0NjRIY92gB3jG_Z4Q9aOcc_zRFzYdzhsTjItDiiqUIRrOBNaZllGa8VfrurMLjSCfXaKCbjloF_yAuAyEWk_OzRcSzDynmHx-SMpJ7sZMpo/s320/094.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Mount Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and the highest peak I've climbed to date. I was very excited for this combo hike. I have heard that the standard western slope route up Columbia sucks a fatty so I figured if I did the loop I could avoid going up the west slope but would still come down it. I was very glad I had done that by the end of the day.<br />
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I left my house at 4am and arrived at the trailhead at 6:30am. I finally bought gloves which came in very handy (get it!). It was a cool morning and the first three miles went by quickly for me. This was my first time using trekking poles and I must say, I'm a believer. I still think they look really stupid, but they're as helpful as they are dorky. Right before treeline I hit a clearing and got my first glimpse of Mount Columbia.<br />
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A little further up Harvard came into view. As I stood taking this picture I realized that from this point I had three different views of three different 14ers. <br />
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To the north: Harvard<br />
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To the east: Columbia<br />
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And to the south: Yale<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJDs64xsvTIExqCQ7d2gnn-90o0KPblfD_rt-9JZJvY5OAOJJZIJhaJBZjzfs0bulAaNJK3QrF_y7wxgFDX7tkWrVMA2Ugb94Xbc2-L99eWvLUWmdQY5-AqHTFy2bIXcQNBL1oM5LKBY/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJDs64xsvTIExqCQ7d2gnn-90o0KPblfD_rt-9JZJvY5OAOJJZIJhaJBZjzfs0bulAaNJK3QrF_y7wxgFDX7tkWrVMA2Ugb94Xbc2-L99eWvLUWmdQY5-AqHTFy2bIXcQNBL1oM5LKBY/s320/021.JPG" /></a></div><br />
At this point I was in what's called the Horn Fork Basin. Apparently it's a popular place to camp for those attempting Harvard, Columbia, or both. I didn't see a single soul though. Pretty nice actually. From the top of Columbia I got a picture that shows much of the route from treeline to the summit of Harvard. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMRYZrSyLSZbTdt17pdp6dAyD-N8jzPforKdNHjw7v754kepP6eUisU2a87LeJXBkmyAO429pyZ2pqVeLjoNbM56WPzxCSqwsa552vMdJm2-HIMcsxRcQ0LPR6cXKqFb-r5pPGbfi41g/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMRYZrSyLSZbTdt17pdp6dAyD-N8jzPforKdNHjw7v754kepP6eUisU2a87LeJXBkmyAO429pyZ2pqVeLjoNbM56WPzxCSqwsa552vMdJm2-HIMcsxRcQ0LPR6cXKqFb-r5pPGbfi41g/s320/033.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red is a rough idea of the route I took.</td></tr>
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Conditions were ideal for me. No clouds, no wind, no people. I've always been dead tired when I've reached the top of a 14er. After reaching Harvard's summit I felt fantastic and not anywhere close to out of gas. I had told myself that two things would turn me back at this point. If the weather was questionable or if I felt spent physically. Neither was the case so I decided to continue on to Columbia. <br />
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The most fun I've had on any 14er was climbing the last 30-40 feet to the summit of Harvard. It requires actual climbing and upper body strength to get there. And you know I've always been known for my upper body strength. Here's a pic of the final pitch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5COMKlKfDWWSIy6SLuW793fxegCs_Y6wU1gk5ffiK2KLPvSUz7kr-d5IbcILl74XIHVKg2fRZ36_dZWncYd5mX6ZJxJS13hDzxvtNNYbDkLYPv_0zZmUan6_Vjb56rsD_4eIZKzE64o/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5COMKlKfDWWSIy6SLuW793fxegCs_Y6wU1gk5ffiK2KLPvSUz7kr-d5IbcILl74XIHVKg2fRZ36_dZWncYd5mX6ZJxJS13hDzxvtNNYbDkLYPv_0zZmUan6_Vjb56rsD_4eIZKzE64o/s320/023.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Over those rocks and I had the summit all to myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk7EU95nghkKtGGNnSNe_fZu5a_8O3E0YjUvL7wvGXS92KgsDZByJvtsmzf6ofe50d_9kxSeaWu6P7F26hMQbZvAjDoHToOCo7kA-NpYHM2BoOo5YU2Xs2vqiHKoeBlAE3NjuevDae5g/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk7EU95nghkKtGGNnSNe_fZu5a_8O3E0YjUvL7wvGXS92KgsDZByJvtsmzf6ofe50d_9kxSeaWu6P7F26hMQbZvAjDoHToOCo7kA-NpYHM2BoOo5YU2Xs2vqiHKoeBlAE3NjuevDae5g/s320/025.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No people so I had to rely on auto-timed pictures all day.</td></tr>
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I took a video showing the 360 degree view from Harvard's summit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDFeziMwVr_GrqpUrNCv_Zj7HQu-3An2qvao-7aMnbXgyuA2IPPP7l6xoZ8YM2EPMKSIrTaSPF9OUnQaQsVg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
So I stayed on top for about 20 minutes. I enjoyed the views, some food and some Gatorade and continued on to what would be the most taxing portion of the day. Hiking the traverse isn't as easy as just following the ridge all the way there. From Mount Harvard (14,420 ft) you drop down into a basin that is about 12,900 ft. How you get there and how far you drop in elevation is up to the hiker. Close to halfway between Harvard and Columbia there is an unnamed 13,000+ ft. peak. It is here where the hiker must choose to descend gently down this ridge increasing mileage or drop abruptly down a gully of loose rock cutting off a bit of the route. I chose the gully and deeply regretted it. Coming down the loose rock I found myself surfing rock slides for about 3-4 feet at every step. At one point I needed to slow myself down which I did very forcefully with one of my trekking poles. It stopped me but was snapped nearly in half in the process. It was unusable the rest of the day. In addition to that my knees took a pretty bad beating. If you choose the gully you don't need to drop down in elevation as much as long as you don't mind hiking on loose rock. I did mind though after coming down that gully. I continued down into the basin ending up where I would have ended up had I chosen the gentle descent. At the bottom I looked back to see the gully. The red indicates my route and the black is where I should have gone. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3dkKPSElJorL4NFWvZTmXbBagn45j464o2NOsm707SNKYs2MGIU57tZqKF-UoNZPE5eE5xEs440BLHxX_mk_vyFR1OnDME_56TQi7oRWjOg5ldk4M1X36Wi3wu_fkSuYZc3moiTwonM/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3dkKPSElJorL4NFWvZTmXbBagn45j464o2NOsm707SNKYs2MGIU57tZqKF-UoNZPE5eE5xEs440BLHxX_mk_vyFR1OnDME_56TQi7oRWjOg5ldk4M1X36Wi3wu_fkSuYZc3moiTwonM/s320/030.JPG" /></a></div><br />
From the basin I could hike nearly the rest of the way on softer grassy terrain. My knees were bothering me so that's what I chose to do. Excluding the last 200-400 vertical feet to Columbia I was able to continue hiking on soft grass. It was slow-going but I felt no need to push myself knowing that the descent down Columbia would be coming soon. Close to the top of Columbia I saw a great view of Mount Princeton and Mount Yale together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3bPWkwAESarxmBo0jEDlqkWUj9EZ6oq7hJCir7tkEGXlIOe9nhu2SI07biYD5Fze4yu0660HYg4k5fkKlvdqBtPhIICe_pH1d9m0zFjs7dQhtEgX7xn7gtIcGQEenxSVdH171Hjvnfo/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3bPWkwAESarxmBo0jEDlqkWUj9EZ6oq7hJCir7tkEGXlIOe9nhu2SI07biYD5Fze4yu0660HYg4k5fkKlvdqBtPhIICe_pH1d9m0zFjs7dQhtEgX7xn7gtIcGQEenxSVdH171Hjvnfo/s320/031.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually had really good phone reception here so I called my wife to check in. (Brownie points!!)</td></tr>
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I finally made it to the top at 2:30pm. It took 3 hours and 20 minutes just for the traverse. I had anticipated finshing that part in about 2 hours so I was surprised at how long it took. I ate some delicious PB&J dessert treat my wife made and headed down after taking this summit shot. <br />
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So I began the dreaded descent and I honestly expected the worse. Truth be told the gully I descended on the traverse was much worse. Also, much shorter to be fair. It wasn't so much the steepness down Columbia but the length that got to me after going down about 2/3 of the way. It just never ended. I passed a group of four climbing down that had climbed up the same way. Pretty impressive climb in my opinion. One that I do not plan on doing anytime soon. On the descent I grabbed one more shot of Harvard that also shows a bit of the steep slope I'm standing on.<br />
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One of the sloggiest slogs any slogger could ever slog. It sucked. <br />
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From the bottom of that western slope I was back in the Horn Fork Basin where I had been earlier that morning. I was about three miles from the trailhead and I enjoyed the leisurely stroll back to the car. Though by this time even a leisurely stroll was tough on my knees. I made good time back and arrived at my car at 5:25pm. A record 11 hour hike for me. <br />
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The worst decision of the day came on way home. I stopped at a gas station and bought a 44oz Mountain Dew so that I wouldn't get drowsy on the home (2 hour drive). I don't drink soda regularly let alone Mountain Dew. Mountain Dew was a bad choice. By the time I got home I was feeling mild symptoms of food poisoning. (Not that I think I had food poisoning. I just felt the same symptoms.) It lasted for about 6 hours and then by morning I was fine. <br />
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The next thing I have planned is in mid-September my Dad and I will hiking Pikes Peak. In late September I'm kicking around doing another combo. Maybe Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak. So to all my loyal readers, you will both have to wait until then for my next post. So sorry :(<br />
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Notes to Self:<br />
-buy binoculars<br />
-bring ibuprofen with me<br />
-read trip reports over and over. No such thing as too familiar with the routeBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626924068618880027noreply@blogger.com8