tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44466920231795276282024-03-13T01:56:13.653-06:00Colorado Mountaineermountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-63306741644848736052011-06-14T14:06:00.006-06:002011-06-14T14:26:06.629-06:00More pics<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Richard emailed me the pictures from his camera of the climb we did last <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">saturday</span> on Quandary's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cristo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Couloir</span>.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f48vDu-NkQ/TffAKMwr42I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/_VYFZRmdKHw/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f48vDu-NkQ/TffAKMwr42I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/_VYFZRmdKHw/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618170341624636258" border="0" /></a>Early morning, and trying to wake up.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KpOTMOkYSY/TffAKkmFxOI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MPNLxDlwdak/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%25285%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KpOTMOkYSY/TffAKkmFxOI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MPNLxDlwdak/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%25285%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618170348022645986" border="0" /></a>About 1/4 of the way up.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1iugD4ppkU/TffALHFZICI/AAAAAAAAA4g/ejudzuZ5ePw/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1iugD4ppkU/TffALHFZICI/AAAAAAAAA4g/ejudzuZ5ePw/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%25286%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618170357280743458" border="0" /></a>Having a Great time on the ice!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PtpdelpgaI/TffALnX-xII/AAAAAAAAA4o/gtpwN6j51K8/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252810%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PtpdelpgaI/TffALnX-xII/AAAAAAAAA4o/gtpwN6j51K8/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252810%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618170365948642434" border="0" /></a>Richard, just before he headed down.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ccRo2o3490/TffALxT9ElI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rItulA1ICnk/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252811%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ccRo2o3490/TffALxT9ElI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rItulA1ICnk/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252811%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618170368616108626" border="0" /></a>The rocky slope that Richard descended.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxwlEe2lgqA/TffCs2yeCaI/AAAAAAAAA5o/U-pId5jDgeE/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252812%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxwlEe2lgqA/TffCs2yeCaI/AAAAAAAAA5o/U-pId5jDgeE/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252812%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618173136045214114" border="0" /></a>North Star mountain, along the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">contiential</span> divide, from Richards high point.<br /><br />The last three are from the parking area. In the middle of the picture, you can see the dam of Upper Blue Lake, where our climb actually began.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAEhIss_HuI/TffBKm_OwhI/AAAAAAAAA5A/PAvyDO24VZg/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252813%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAEhIss_HuI/TffBKm_OwhI/AAAAAAAAA5A/PAvyDO24VZg/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252813%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618171448176591378" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAvND-iKzNk/TffBLePsnFI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/C10L2mqQ378/s1600/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252816%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAvND-iKzNk/TffBLePsnFI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/C10L2mqQ378/s320/2011-06-11%2BQuandary%2B%252816%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618171463009606738" border="0" /></a>Happy Climbing!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-90604745142467677592011-06-12T15:58:00.015-06:002011-06-12T18:31:57.472-06:00A Great Couloir Climb<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cristo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Couloir</span><br />Quandary Peak 14,265'<br />June 11, 2011<br />Jerry and Richard<br /><br />It was 1130 pm on Friday night when I hit the road to Denver to meet up with Richard for this summer snow climb to the top of one of Colorado's most popular 14er hikes. After getting into Denver at 1am, we were soon on the road through a dark and calm night into the mountains. By 4am we were hiking up the road to the summer trail head. It might be summer in the plains, but up here at 11,000 feet, spring is still hanging on. The road to the trail head is still blocked by some really large snowfields.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rtk7P1mYKs/TfVEkUV2BPI/AAAAAAAAA1U/SivLvdtBZYU/s1600/DSC02184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rtk7P1mYKs/TfVEkUV2BPI/AAAAAAAAA1U/SivLvdtBZYU/s320/DSC02184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617471500940870898" border="0" /></a><br />The beginnings of another day reveal our objective as we reach the base of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">couloir</span>. The cool mountain air felt good. At the top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">couloir</span>, the summit of Quandary awaits us. Quandary has been somewhat of a mountain of mystery to me. A winter ago, I attempted to climb her East Ridge route, only to be denied 3 times. It is time that she allows me to begin to surmount her steep slopes again, and hopefully stand on top!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6DUp65ReAw/TfVHh2OrkdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/QBrCE5wFvAo/s1600/DSC02187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6DUp65ReAw/TfVHh2OrkdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/QBrCE5wFvAo/s320/DSC02187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617474757032907218" border="0" /></a>It wasn't long before the morning sunlight began to light up our surroundings. Across from Quandary, to the south is North Star mountain, along the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">continental</span> divide. Some clouds began to roll over the ridge, as the southwesterly wind began to pick up.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjnv5XVvyNw/TfVH9HlCzXI/AAAAAAAAA1k/ohLNODto_nQ/s1600/DSC02189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjnv5XVvyNw/TfVH9HlCzXI/AAAAAAAAA1k/ohLNODto_nQ/s320/DSC02189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617475225546575218" border="0" /></a>A quick pic of Richard on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cristo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Couloir</span>. Please excuse my blurriness, at times the wind would gust and it was hard to keep a steady hand.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPk0OYkNfL4/TfVJKD6OzLI/AAAAAAAAA10/eWE4ExVxEEQ/s1600/DSC02191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPk0OYkNfL4/TfVJKD6OzLI/AAAAAAAAA10/eWE4ExVxEEQ/s320/DSC02191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617476547411627186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From the base, it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">appeared</span> to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">continuous</span> snow, but this flatter section was devoid of snow and easy to hike up. Looking up, the remainder of the route is easy to follow.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvOd2yqCpG0/TfVJJsAFtpI/AAAAAAAAA1s/vJ8chG9RwII/s1600/DSC02190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvOd2yqCpG0/TfVJJsAFtpI/AAAAAAAAA1s/vJ8chG9RwII/s320/DSC02190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617476540993746578" border="0" /></a>Looking west, the sun is having a hard time shining on the mountains with the scattered cloud cover and the hazy and smokey skies caused by a massive forest fire down in Arizona.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CbH78p4vIs/TfVLcWAuN1I/AAAAAAAAA2E/QDTuH-5n1_8/s1600/DSC02193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CbH78p4vIs/TfVLcWAuN1I/AAAAAAAAA2E/QDTuH-5n1_8/s320/DSC02193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617479060531590994" border="0" /></a>A quick look east towards the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">continental</span> divide. Colorado state hwy 9 can be seen below as it hairpins up towards Hoosier Pass, not seen.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iucKykdHzB4/TfVLb8ABU8I/AAAAAAAAA18/c7lQrodt5nQ/s1600/DSC02192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iucKykdHzB4/TfVLb8ABU8I/AAAAAAAAA18/c7lQrodt5nQ/s320/DSC02192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617479053549327298" border="0" /></a>A group of climbers above us on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cristo</span>, the summit is now hidden. The angle of the slope once again, becomes steeper.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCLgcyFW18Q/TfVNWy1wO0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/B1J2MDkdP3M/s1600/DSC02194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCLgcyFW18Q/TfVNWy1wO0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/B1J2MDkdP3M/s320/DSC02194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617481164214254402" border="0" /></a>Clouds began to cover most of the sky, and I was thankful, hoping they would slow the melting, but worried that they may bring some thunderstorms earlier than expected.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HM4Bm5sqEtM/TfVNXT0xkhI/AAAAAAAAA2U/XisqgVVBA4s/s1600/DSC02195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HM4Bm5sqEtM/TfVNXT0xkhI/AAAAAAAAA2U/XisqgVVBA4s/s320/DSC02195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617481173068517906" border="0" /></a>The true steepness of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">couloir</span> can be seen above. The snow was rock hard and hard to penetrate with our ice axes. Richard began to feel sick and light headed. He opted to traverse west, towards a grass and rock rib, and descend back to the valley floor. Judging by his symptoms, he was likely suffering from altitude sickness, in which retreat to a lower elevation is the only cure.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KxzjPcbVT4/TfVNXyvV8wI/AAAAAAAAA2c/aPUXTnfooGM/s1600/DSC02196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KxzjPcbVT4/TfVNXyvV8wI/AAAAAAAAA2c/aPUXTnfooGM/s320/DSC02196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617481181367235330" border="0" /></a>Have you ever wanted to climb a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">couloir</span>? Here was my perspective of the route ahead.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y27uZOvgDWs/TfVPvGhZQ4I/AAAAAAAAA2k/NYsfYVjnC0I/s1600/DSC02197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y27uZOvgDWs/TfVPvGhZQ4I/AAAAAAAAA2k/NYsfYVjnC0I/s320/DSC02197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617483780837688194" border="0" /></a><br />And from the same place, a look below to upper Blue Lake, still mostly frozen over. We began our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">assault</span> at the dam on the left side of the photo.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0dcglX0cX8/TfVPvjpjrFI/AAAAAAAAA2s/nhewTn4A7jg/s1600/DSC02198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0dcglX0cX8/TfVPvjpjrFI/AAAAAAAAA2s/nhewTn4A7jg/s320/DSC02198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617483788656553042" border="0" /></a><br />My left ankle began to hurt, and I began to worry if I was not going to make the summit, still another 1,000 vertical feet above me from this location. I decided to rest a little, as a group of 4 skiers passed me.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KPZUU6Mh8E/TfVPwJ1or4I/AAAAAAAAA20/Cm5B7PzDb30/s1600/DSC02199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KPZUU6Mh8E/TfVPwJ1or4I/AAAAAAAAA20/Cm5B7PzDb30/s320/DSC02199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617483798907760514" border="0" /></a>After a few minutes rest, I began climbing again. The slope continued to be in the 45 degree range, and the snow was firm. The climbing was fun, but very exhausting at this altitude of approximately 13,200 feet. As I climbed, it became <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">apparent</span> that if I was to continue up, then the descent would be difficult and long with my ankle in extreme pain. But, if I turned around and descended, it would very be either on steep, icy snow or on very loose and steep rock. Ultimately, while on Quandary peak, I was truly in a quandary. I weighed the pros and cons, and came to the decision that it would be best to descend and catch up with Richard. I was concerned about his condition and worried if he would be able to descend safely on his own. The snow was still really hard and firm. Below me were a series of small cliffs and quite a few large, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Volkswagen</span> sized, rocks. At the time, I thought it would be best to traverse east to a rocky rib and descend the cliffs, rather than take a chance on the bulletproof snow. It took some time to get back to some flatter ground as I began to catch up with Richard. I tried to yell at him, but with the windy conditions, he was unable to hear me. When I finally caught up with him, he was traversing a very steep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">couloir</span>. At the base of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Cristo</span>, there is a maze of cliffs and snow. The snow is a little less steep than the vertical cliffs. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Route finding</span> through the mess is difficult, and one can find himself in a pickle if the wrong route is taken. This was Richard's case.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TOVUpwcWvE/TfVUkN2cxAI/AAAAAAAAA3k/XcYbXSTDfcA/s1600/DSC02206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TOVUpwcWvE/TfVUkN2cxAI/AAAAAAAAA3k/XcYbXSTDfcA/s320/DSC02206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617489091384624130" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">couloir</span> in middle center, you can see Richard traversing over to avoid the vertical drop. I had taken a route to the left, and out of the picture. This pic and the one below were taken from the base of the climb. The dam is to the right, out of picture.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIzdJhRll_U/TfVUjvVKv6I/AAAAAAAAA3c/DeWS9XoktSI/s1600/DSC02205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIzdJhRll_U/TfVUjvVKv6I/AAAAAAAAA3c/DeWS9XoktSI/s320/DSC02205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617489083191967650" border="0" /></a>Above is a close up of what I like to call, Richard's Traverse. Notice the large boulders below him. A fall here would not be good!<br /><br />The pictures below were taken at the base of the climb.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReyW3HVLUkM/TfVT6DHiaiI/AAAAAAAAA3M/QII0qwkR6G4/s1600/DSC02202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReyW3HVLUkM/TfVT6DHiaiI/AAAAAAAAA3M/QII0qwkR6G4/s320/DSC02202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617488366949001762" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVAC3KlGmEA/TfVT5reahUI/AAAAAAAAA3E/U8T9xDnYm6Y/s1600/DSC02201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVAC3KlGmEA/TfVT5reahUI/AAAAAAAAA3E/U8T9xDnYm6Y/s320/DSC02201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617488360602502466" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwGwG7tSRww/TfVT5IzS9DI/AAAAAAAAA28/uSbH8hnM6Pw/s1600/DSC02200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwGwG7tSRww/TfVT5IzS9DI/AAAAAAAAA28/uSbH8hnM6Pw/s320/DSC02200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617488351294846002" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5BF7A1WDsI/TfVT6jhxK2I/AAAAAAAAA3U/noSvMbWWIXc/s1600/DSC02204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5BF7A1WDsI/TfVT6jhxK2I/AAAAAAAAA3U/noSvMbWWIXc/s320/DSC02204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617488375648955234" border="0" /></a>A final view of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Cristo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Couloir</span> and the summit of Quandary. The snowfield in front, was the route I took to get to the base. After a few tricky moves and a nice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">glissade</span>, Richard was down at the base with me. Ahead of us, was a short 1/2 mile hike down the partially snow covered road to Richards car.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCcvaW0Z8fg/TfVXWp09tWI/AAAAAAAAA3s/s65UcVbdhgk/s1600/DSC02209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCcvaW0Z8fg/TfVXWp09tWI/AAAAAAAAA3s/s65UcVbdhgk/s320/DSC02209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617492156911301986" border="0" /></a><br />A look from where we parked, up towards the dam. Quandary lower slopes are on the right.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1P9S004BMc/TfVXXJbSU7I/AAAAAAAAA30/eHoZAE0bxzY/s1600/DSC02207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1P9S004BMc/TfVXXJbSU7I/AAAAAAAAA30/eHoZAE0bxzY/s320/DSC02207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617492165393535922" border="0" /></a>Can you find the Mountain Goats? These goats were traversing some cliffs above our parking area. It is really neat to see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">wildlife</span> when you out in the woods!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkvI-h3_byQ/TfVXXsvWfTI/AAAAAAAAA38/gEdC-eEfJE0/s1600/DSC02208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkvI-h3_byQ/TfVXXsvWfTI/AAAAAAAAA38/gEdC-eEfJE0/s320/DSC02208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617492174872935730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This last pic was taken of Quandary, right side of photo, from the turnoff to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">trail heads</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Cristo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Couloir</span> is on the right, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">far one.</span>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-21289583111448569962011-02-07T18:45:00.001-07:002011-02-07T18:45:43.937-07:00Quick UpdateJust a quick update to keep her alive.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-60805949056088227092010-05-09T19:46:00.007-06:002010-05-09T20:34:07.010-06:00Almagre Mountain May 8th, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds8uzokmI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4jvq61GviYE/s1600/DSC02059.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds8uzokmI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4jvq61GviYE/s320/DSC02059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469460063077306978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds7WFZaOI/AAAAAAAAAxU/nMkMl_9dot4/s1600/DSC02065.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds7WFZaOI/AAAAAAAAAxU/nMkMl_9dot4/s320/DSC02065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469460039261055202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds66-QhUI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Hoi-A_cR30Q/s1600/DSC02067.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds66-QhUI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Hoi-A_cR30Q/s320/DSC02067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469460031983355202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds6Nq4AVI/AAAAAAAAAxE/ClEmQoEyJgQ/s1600/DSC02068.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-ds6Nq4AVI/AAAAAAAAAxE/ClEmQoEyJgQ/s320/DSC02068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469460019822461266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-drkNBxZqI/AAAAAAAAAw8/cNavrnYmjGc/s1600/DSC02073.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-drkNBxZqI/AAAAAAAAAw8/cNavrnYmjGc/s320/DSC02073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469458542181312162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-drjggSawI/AAAAAAAAAw0/UzBEX5CmxMI/s1600/DSC02075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-drjggSawI/AAAAAAAAAw0/UzBEX5CmxMI/s320/DSC02075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469458530229709570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dri6ZuS6I/AAAAAAAAAws/eOFu77su5IQ/s1600/DSC02077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dri6ZuS6I/AAAAAAAAAws/eOFu77su5IQ/s320/DSC02077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469458520001629090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-driKth5sI/AAAAAAAAAwk/29XlB_8BLw0/s1600/DSC02078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-driKth5sI/AAAAAAAAAwk/29XlB_8BLw0/s320/DSC02078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469458507199801026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-drhl95ftI/AAAAAAAAAwc/NFgqHewMq1s/s1600/DSC02079.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-drhl95ftI/AAAAAAAAAwc/NFgqHewMq1s/s320/DSC02079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469458497336344274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqSbNtNqI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Qr0JLlQPEeU/s1600/DSC02080.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqSbNtNqI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Qr0JLlQPEeU/s320/DSC02080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469457137240192674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqRYFPh3I/AAAAAAAAAwM/83EZc65dl10/s1600/DSC02081.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqRYFPh3I/AAAAAAAAAwM/83EZc65dl10/s320/DSC02081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469457119219517298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqQl7vRwI/AAAAAAAAAwE/B3a9AJn9L0M/s1600/DSC02082.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqQl7vRwI/AAAAAAAAAwE/B3a9AJn9L0M/s320/DSC02082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469457105757882114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqPsAVxHI/AAAAAAAAAv8/pJByhzMBY9k/s1600/DSC02083.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqPsAVxHI/AAAAAAAAAv8/pJByhzMBY9k/s320/DSC02083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469457090207925362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqPPuujTI/AAAAAAAAAv0/z7Iac9BzKOM/s1600/DSC02084.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S-dqPPuujTI/AAAAAAAAAv0/z7Iac9BzKOM/s320/DSC02084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469457082617859378" border="0" /></a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-24201541457104344362010-05-02T11:40:00.004-06:002010-05-02T11:55:15.172-06:00May 2nd 2010 SnowstormThe weather forecast for today was suppose to be 40% chance of thunderstorms and a high of 50F. But it is dumping snow right now, with about an inch on the ground so far! Wow! and it's May! Crazy weather! Well, it just thundered! I guess it's thunder snow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S9269Z2riQI/AAAAAAAAAu8/zdM-bzA65JM/s1600/DSC02056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S9269Z2riQI/AAAAAAAAAu8/zdM-bzA65JM/s320/DSC02056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466731086772668674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S926903TgzI/AAAAAAAAAvE/fEDIwdeJV1w/s1600/DSC02057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/S926903TgzI/AAAAAAAAAvE/fEDIwdeJV1w/s320/DSC02057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466731094023045938" border="0" /></a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-76401816622766290022010-01-25T19:30:00.001-07:002010-01-25T19:31:53.585-07:00AutoblocksI don't have much time to write, but I'd like to share a write up from the American Alpine Institute concerning autoblocks. <a href="http://alpineinstitute.blogspot.com/2009/07/rappel-rope-climbing-trick.html">Click here for the link.</a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-19030483646731671062009-12-23T14:32:00.002-07:002009-12-23T14:35:07.269-07:00The Avalanche EncyclopediaA great link to a site that gives basic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitions</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">terminology</span> involved in avalanches. <a href="http://www.avalanche.org/%7Euac/encyclopedia/index.htm">The Avalanche Encyclopedia</a> is one to bookmark. I have added it to my links.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-80338362052317545122009-12-22T18:57:00.004-07:002009-12-23T14:37:44.076-07:00Pemmican recipes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nativepeoplephotographer.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54f9e34648834010534a807f7970b-500pi"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 341px;" src="http://nativepeoplephotographer.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54f9e34648834010534a807f7970b-500pi" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I been searching for a new source of food while in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">backcountry</span>. One that will neither melt, nor freeze into a concrete block. The old standbys, Cliff Bars and Power Bars, are getting real old, so I need something original. While reading stories of expeditions in the Himalayas, I came across countless examples where Pemmican was used as a staple. A quick google search revealed that the pemmican of today is not the same as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yesterdays</span>. Nowadays, Pemmican is a brand of beef jerky. As I continue to search for the pemmican of the new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">millennium</span>, I will add them to this blog, so that everyone can share. The first one came from this site, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1051.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EasyFunSchool</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">. Pemmican, in it's purest form, is a very simple and often easy to make <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">concoction</span>. The most important ingredient has got to be beef or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">venison</span> jerky. Store bought jerky is not recommended. The very thought of having fresh <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">venison</span> as the base, sends my taste buds into a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">frenzy</span>. I will have to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">make deer</span> hunting more of an effort next year. This year season has already come and gone. Below, is the recipe from the link above.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">SUPPLIES/INGREDIENTS:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">1 cup Jerky, either beef or venison</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">1 cup dried blueberries*</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">1 cup <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">un</span>-roasted sunflower seeds or crushed nuts of any kind</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2 teaspoons honey</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">1/4 cup peanut butter</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">DIRECTIONS:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">1. This version uses peanut butter rather than melted lard as the binding agent, which is much better suited to today’s tastes and need for conscious diets.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Grind [or pound] the dried meat to a mealy powder.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Add the dried berries and seeds or nuts.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">4. Heat the honey, peanut butter until softened. Blend.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">5. When cooled, store in a plastic bag in a cool dry place.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Supposedly this will keep for months, but it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">doesn</span>’t last long at our house. If you can’t find or use dried blueberries, please feel free to use other dried fruits. You can used dried cranberries, raisins, applies, apricots, peaches, etc.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, I found a really good blog about surviving day to day. Here is the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://daily-survival.blogspot.com/2009/01/abundance-of-pemmican-recipes.html">Daily Survival</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> take on pemmican. It is a little long to paste here, so you'll just have to follow the link. Lastly, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.thecampfireonline.com/pemmican.htm">The Campfire</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> has a nice write up with step by step pictures for those of us that have yet to learn to read!</span><br /></span>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-83432953641857902792009-10-26T16:20:00.001-06:002009-10-26T16:20:25.679-06:00You might be a mountain climber if....You might be a Mountain Climber if...<br /><br />1. You own a $75 dress suit and a $1000 Gore-Tex suit.<br />2. You have ever frozen your lips to an ice screw while blowing an ice plug at your partner.<br />3. You have ever used an ice axe to chop weeds in the garden.<br />4. You have more summit pictures than wedding pictures.<br />5. You've ever had icicles hanging from any part of your face.<br />6. You've ever fallen so far that you've run out of adrenaline before you ran out of rope.<br />7. You say "Namaste" instead of "Hello."<br />8. You like the smell of burning yak dung.<br />9. What you call cold is not on the thermometer scale.<br />10. When you hear the words "nose," "captain," or "aid," your hands start hurting and swelling.<br />11. You arrive at a climbing gym with stoppers and cams still in your bag.<br />12. You hear the name "Hillary" and think about Everest instead of the Secretary of State.<br />13. And finally, you understood all the previous lines. If you laughed at any of these lame lines, then you should definitely get back to work.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-60908813283939297002009-10-21T16:41:00.008-06:002009-12-23T14:39:23.007-07:00Missouri Mountain Oct 18th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cKRN396I/AAAAAAAAAmA/pgwfAB2choY/s1600-h/DSC01905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cKRN396I/AAAAAAAAAmA/pgwfAB2choY/s320/DSC01905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395202578847365026" border="0" /></a>My brother came up from Austin on his way to Billings Montana to buy a pick up truck. The first weekend he was here brought freezing temps and icy conditions around town, making normally a short hop from Lubbock into a very long day. He was more than willing to give up his rear wheel drive car for a 4wd truck. Bekah's birthday party was on saturday, the 17th, until noon, and after that we were free to go climbing. I wanted a relatively easy climb mixed with a backpack and camp in above tree line. The Elks were pretty snowed under, the Front Range climbs seemed a little too short, and the Sangres were a bit too far of a drive. And that left us with the Sawatch Range. We narrowed it down to either Harvard or Missouri. They both seemed like good choices.<br /><br />We left town around 230pm after a stop at REI and Mountain Chalet for Jay to pick up some last minute supplies, like a new backpack, which by the way, is totally awesome! I need one of those now! We arrived at the Missouri Gulch trail head at about 5pm and were geared up and ready to hit the trail by 530pm. The sun had already set behind the mountains, as we began our race to beat darkness. It was a clear sky, with warming then normal temps. About half way up the trail, darkness took over and it was time to turn on the headlamps. We still had not reached snowline yet, but from the view at the parking lot, there was a lot of snow up there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PP7TmrQI/AAAAAAAAAko/TD5XEwqPqY0/s1600-h/DSC01889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PP7TmrQI/AAAAAAAAAko/TD5XEwqPqY0/s320/DSC01889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395188382393871618" border="0" /></a>We made it to camp at 11,000 feet and found a place to pitch our tent on some soft snow, and sheltered from the relentless wind. Once dinner was ate, we crawled into our bags for a cozy night winter camping style.<br /><br />The view north across the valley where my truck is parked.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PQhCaOVI/AAAAAAAAAk4/xcYGJTMG0ow/s1600-h/DSC01891.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PQhCaOVI/AAAAAAAAAk4/xcYGJTMG0ow/s320/DSC01891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395188392522299730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PQYFfNkI/AAAAAAAAAkw/E8_0U0W3OaY/s1600-h/DSC01890.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PQYFfNkI/AAAAAAAAAkw/E8_0U0W3OaY/s320/DSC01890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395188390119290434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The next morning, we woke up extremely late, which we found out later in the day, would prohibit us from making the summit. The alpenglow on Missouri was a<br />spectacular sight, especially with all the snow. This is the view from our campsite, out away from the short, stubby trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PRKEauQI/AAAAAAAAAlA/2a4FpD0oPtQ/s1600-h/DSC01892.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PRKEauQI/AAAAAAAAAlA/2a4FpD0oPtQ/s320/DSC01892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395188403536574722" border="0" /></a>Mount Belford's Northwest shoulder, standard route. I climbed this route last August, in winter like conditions, ice and snow!<br />A closer view of Missouri, the summit is roughly in the middle, out of sight behind the ridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-Xpgy-7nI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/uNd6GwAUYnQ/s1600-h/DSC01895.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-Xpgy-7nI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/uNd6GwAUYnQ/s320/DSC01895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395197618047348338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PRQLsCaI/AAAAAAAAAlI/E-Sc2_uKudM/s1600-h/DSC01894.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-PRQLsCaI/AAAAAAAAAlI/E-Sc2_uKudM/s320/DSC01894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395188405177682338" border="0" /></a><br />The route we intended to climb is starting to receive it's morning sunshine. It is behind the shoulder that is in the middle of the picture coming off of the large mountain on the right, still in the shadow of Belford.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A closer view of the sub peak along Missouri's North Ridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-Xp5-JH4I/AAAAAAAAAlY/Gze6iB0hdsc/s1600-h/DSC01896.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-Xp5-JH4I/AAAAAAAAAlY/Gze6iB0hdsc/s320/DSC01896.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395197624805040002" border="0" /></a><br />Jay and me geared up and ready for the climb, as we leave camp at roughly 830am; extremely late in the morning! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-XqOW6vsI/AAAAAAAAAlg/EsnxR9jjiFo/s1600-h/DSC01899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-XqOW6vsI/AAAAAAAAAlg/EsnxR9jjiFo/s320/DSC01899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395197630277664450" border="0" /></a><br />As we hike further up the basin, we begin to realize just how much snow is up there.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-XqQ6xIcI/AAAAAAAAAlo/u7zCyJhN8FE/s1600-h/DSC01901.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-XqQ6xIcI/AAAAAAAAAlo/u7zCyJhN8FE/s320/DSC01901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395197630964900290" border="0" /></a><br />I am not too sure of the name of this sub-peak, but it has some interesting lines to climb.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-XqkyC46I/AAAAAAAAAlw/i5c6aAdItaM/s1600-h/DSC01903.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-XqkyC46I/AAAAAAAAAlw/i5c6aAdItaM/s320/DSC01903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395197636297024418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cKGUezbI/AAAAAAAAAl4/iUKicv5t3JY/s1600-h/DSC01904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cKGUezbI/AAAAAAAAAl4/iUKicv5t3JY/s320/DSC01904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395202575922286002" border="0" /></a>Jay, taking his turn of breaking trail in the snow. Missouri's impressive North Face is behind him. The trail would come and go, as we tried to follow it the best we could. The day before, a couple descended from Elkhead Pass, at the head of Missouri Gulch. We tried to follow their tracks, but they would often go through deep snow, which was difficult to climb up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cLmkIFUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/pxJklCqHp0U/s1600-h/DSC01909.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cLmkIFUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/pxJklCqHp0U/s320/DSC01909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395202601757709634" border="0" /></a>Me, with Missouri behind and Elkhead Pass behind a shoulder off of Belford on the left.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cKwFvrsI/AAAAAAAAAmI/XZwW_WRqhcI/s1600-h/DSC01906.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-cKwFvrsI/AAAAAAAAAmI/XZwW_WRqhcI/s320/DSC01906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395202587134766786" border="0" /></a>Another cool looking pic of Jay.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another shot of me with a cool looking shoulder that would be fun to climb.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fYmLDweI/AAAAAAAAAmg/pR3kBu6q4gE/s1600-h/DSC01910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fYmLDweI/AAAAAAAAAmg/pR3kBu6q4gE/s320/DSC01910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395206123525751266" border="0" /></a><br />Contemplating a climb for another day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fZM7gVUI/AAAAAAAAAmo/QBiifSaGDBs/s1600-h/DSC01911.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fZM7gVUI/AAAAAAAAAmo/QBiifSaGDBs/s320/DSC01911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395206133929497922" border="0" /></a><br />The creek would appear and disappear under the snow. It was really cool to see the ice formations within the creek.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fZeZtKQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/QGkzd1zOc7Q/s1600-h/DSC01912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fZeZtKQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/QGkzd1zOc7Q/s320/DSC01912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395206138619570434" border="0" /></a><br />We made it to the sign for the turnoff to the standard route up Missouri, roughly a mile and half from camp. The sign is visible at the base of the cliffs in the foreground.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fZs7QisI/AAAAAAAAAm4/5GCUA9zJ-oU/s1600-h/DSC01913.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-fZs7QisI/AAAAAAAAAm4/5GCUA9zJ-oU/s320/DSC01913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395206142518397634" border="0" /></a><br />Jay crossing the creek on a snow bridge.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-faDPDiPI/AAAAAAAAAnA/UiWPgrwr-y8/s1600-h/DSC01914.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-faDPDiPI/AAAAAAAAAnA/UiWPgrwr-y8/s320/DSC01914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395206148507011314" border="0" /></a><br />A closer view of Missouri's East Shoulder, the standard route is up the ramp to the left of the rocks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h21U8LaI/AAAAAAAAAnI/o8LgvEvomZw/s1600-h/DSC01916.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h21U8LaI/AAAAAAAAAnI/o8LgvEvomZw/s320/DSC01916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395208842013060514" border="0" /></a><br />At the turnoff to Elkhead pass, below the route up to the ridge. We decided to opt out of this climb for various reason. One being that it was really late in the day, roughly 1130am, and two, the snow was not stable. We noticed several avalanches high above on Missouri. The more we hiked up into the basin, the more slides we could see. none were large, but they all could be damaging to anyone caught in one.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h3Xt_b7I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/uy1RSTDR4j0/s1600-h/DSC01917.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h3Xt_b7I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/uy1RSTDR4j0/s320/DSC01917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395208851244937138" border="0" /></a><br />Jay, looking up at a future climb, and wondering what the summit looks like.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h3skzVeI/AAAAAAAAAnY/l1cEYzNlEaU/s1600-h/DSC01918.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h3skzVeI/AAAAAAAAAnY/l1cEYzNlEaU/s320/DSC01918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395208856843539938" border="0" /></a><br />Here is two more of a close up on the North Face Couloirs.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h3_iukNI/AAAAAAAAAng/0oQhigmAu2o/s1600-h/DSC01919.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h3_iukNI/AAAAAAAAAng/0oQhigmAu2o/s320/DSC01919.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395208861935112402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h4XwYn4I/AAAAAAAAAno/IG2r0cG47zg/s1600-h/DSC01921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/St-h4XwYn4I/AAAAAAAAAno/IG2r0cG47zg/s320/DSC01921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395208868434845570" border="0" /></a><br />Given the time of day and the work involved in a retreat back to camp, we called it a day. Turning around from such a beautiful, but a dangerous place is always hard to do, but it must be done. The return to civilization begins. We made it back to camp by 130pm to an open tent. Apparently, we forgot to close up the tent before we set out earlier in the morning. Luckily, nothing was missing or chewed up. Arriving at my truck at 330pm was a sad, but a relief to be there. A bad day in the mountains is always better than a great day back in the real world. I look forward to many more climbs and boundless mountains. My next adventure will be over Halloween weekend, maybe I can act more like a true mountaineer rather than dressing up like one!mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-31301460545911791532009-10-05T16:32:00.010-06:002009-10-05T18:33:20.819-06:00Fall in Colorado, Mt Yale attempt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE2gTrncI/AAAAAAAAAjY/gQk7XqF_WbA/s1600-h/DSC01886.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE2gTrncI/AAAAAAAAAjY/gQk7XqF_WbA/s320/DSC01886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389265976022506946" border="0" /></a>Well, it looks like fall has finally arrived and is planning on sticking around for awhile now. No more of those 80F days. Over the past several weeks, storm after storm has pounded the high country, but it has always been followed by a dry, warm spell; melting all the fresh snow. But, now it seems that the new snow will be sticking around! Maybe this will make a great base for our winter snowpack. Down here in the springs, we have already had a taste of early winter. Last week we had our first freeze and snow of the season! And it was in September! Boy, am I ready for it.<br /><br />Last weekend was suppose to be a weekend of climbs. But as the ball rolled on, it seemed that nothing was accomplished. I had originally planned on to hike in to Horn Fork basin below Mt Harvard on friday after work, then make a climb up Harvard on saturday am, eventually leaving the sawatch range that afternoon for the elks. Thoughts of Castle Peak loomed in my mind throughout the week and into the weekend, for that was going to be the climb of climbs for me. I looked forward to a weekend full of climbing! What happened? As work often lingers beyond the time it is suppose to, fridays can never be early, nor can I ever get off in time for anything on that day. Thursday brought a slow day at work and thus I was at home by 11am, hoping that the next day would follow it's lead. I should have known better.<br /><br />By the time 130pm on friday came around, it was too late to try to drive somewhere and then hike in 3 to 3.5 miles and set up camp before dark. I'd be lucky to have camp set by 9pm, roughly 2.5 hours after sunset. Now, I had to come up with a "plan B", and quick! Mount Princeton looked to be good climb and warm up to Castle Peak. Ok, I've got a mountain in mind, now what? I wanted to start the climb a little bit before sunrise, so that I could maximize my day, and enjoy a glorious sunrise above treeline. 430am seemed doable, but I still would have to drive 2-1/2 hours from home to get there in the middle of the night. Doable? Well, maybe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE3bi3XAI/AAAAAAAAAjg/CVKoRV39z90/s1600-h/DSC01887.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE3bi3XAI/AAAAAAAAAjg/CVKoRV39z90/s320/DSC01887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389265991923883010" border="0" /></a><br />The alarm went off at 245am. I struggled to crawl out of bed and gather myself up. I arrived at Buena Vista at 445am, and was bound and determined to get lost on the road to the trail head. I made wrong turn after wrong turn, eventually getting frustrated enough to call it quits. Now what? I suppose I had better make a "plan C"! Mount Yale is not too far away, and I know where the trail head is! It was 545am when I pulled into the Denny Creek parking lot, the trail head for Yale. The morning air had become quite cold as the first indications of a new day began to illuminate the eastern skies. I made a quick check of gear and headed up the trail. It was a cool hike, although most would think that 30F is cold, it is relative to the energy output needed to climb nearly 4500 vertical feet all the way to the top.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE2Ii-9LI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/nRrBngOBDSY/s1600-h/DSC01884.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE2Ii-9LI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/nRrBngOBDSY/s320/DSC01884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389265969644238002" border="0" /></a><br />The first 2 miles gains very little elevation, as it follows Denny Creek up into the deep forest. Emerging from treeline, the wind really began to pick up in earnest; making a cold wind chill, roughly around 15F. I've got to get on a little soap box here about the trail. Up until this point, the trail was a very nice, well maintained trail; but once above the trees, the trail became quite steep, practically straight uphill, on a very loose dirt patch. It was nasty! Up, and up it went. Upon cresting each hill, another steep, straight section of trail would loom over me, as a thorn to my side! The mountain was laughing, as I was struggling to maintain composure. I took a break, and put on more clothes, ate some snacks, and drank water.<br /><br />Contemplating the never ending dirt patch to the ridge, I was puzzled at what I should do. There were quite a few other groups of climbers ahead of me, the weather was clear and a million, but I was spent, cold, and utterly exhausted. I wasn't sure if I would have any energy left over for another climb on the following day. The decision was not one to come quickly. I fought within my deepest self, to find any reserves left to help push me over the top. But, each time I searched my soul, I would find cold emptiness. The weekend was half over, and I felt I was in a fight with a Spainish bull, and was loosing the battle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE3_P37EI/AAAAAAAAAjo/9zkVqmGZSF4/s1600-h/DSC01875.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE3_P37EI/AAAAAAAAAjo/9zkVqmGZSF4/s320/DSC01875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389266001507904578" border="0" /></a>The look of defeat is never a beautiful sight. As I made plans for a retreat, I began snapping pictures, as a reminder of a mountain that persisted to be unclimbed. I could bare no more, as her walls were too much for the wounded warrior. I felt terrible after putting such a strong fight just to get to 13,000 feet, and 3.25 miles, only 1200 feet and 1 mile short of the summit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMdDBRx1I/AAAAAAAAAj4/YrzW0A-gHFc/s1600-h/DSC01877.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMdDBRx1I/AAAAAAAAAj4/YrzW0A-gHFc/s320/DSC01877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389274334756980562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Three Apostles to the Northwest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE4Ud5hDI/AAAAAAAAAjw/NixvQPmtkkk/s1600-h/DSC01876.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqE4Ud5hDI/AAAAAAAAAjw/NixvQPmtkkk/s320/DSC01876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389266007203873842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />West towards the snowy Elk Mountains. Tomorrows destination?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMebDsGMI/AAAAAAAAAkI/BCjvL3D7PdA/s1600-h/DSC01879.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMebDsGMI/AAAAAAAAAkI/BCjvL3D7PdA/s320/DSC01879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389274358389414082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cottonwood Creek valley and the trailhead below.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMd0DYKOI/AAAAAAAAAkA/J98GDErXz8w/s1600-h/DSC01878.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMd0DYKOI/AAAAAAAAAkA/J98GDErXz8w/s320/DSC01878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389274347919124706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Upper Cottonwood Creek.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMexSrukI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/RZkna9qXw8w/s1600-h/DSC01880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMexSrukI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/RZkna9qXw8w/s320/DSC01880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389274364357884482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Mount Yale Southeast Ridge and more mountains beyond.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMfZ3zPdI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Kkftb9eWqF0/s1600-h/DSC01881.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqMfZ3zPdI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Kkftb9eWqF0/s320/DSC01881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389274375250984402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Mount Princeton, another 14er, this mornings early plan to climb, but I couldn't find the right road in the middle of the night!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqNjFJrBwI/AAAAAAAAAkg/PsXsFKs9BTE/s1600-h/DSC01882.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SsqNjFJrBwI/AAAAAAAAAkg/PsXsFKs9BTE/s320/DSC01882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389275537919903490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />A close up of the remainder of the route up to the ridge proper. It is much steeper than it appears.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After an hour and half decent, I was back at my truck stripping off layer, upon layer of clothing and insulation from the cold tundra above. I packed my belongings, and picked myself up from defeat, and headed into town for a nice hot meal. K's Dairy Mart, was on the horizon. A #2 please, no onions, and a large Coke! Oh Boy! Nothing like a fat double cheeseburger with bacon, complimented with fries and a Coke to wash my blues away. I made a few phone calls to fellow climbers concerning a climb of Castle the next day. The weather report did not look too good, and I felt like crap. The next horizon will take me back home to the reality of Colorado Springs and to my loving family. Castle will have to wait for another day, more than likely a day next spring!mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-75204741344402389832009-09-15T19:07:00.003-06:002009-09-16T16:27:09.990-06:00Training for climbing links<a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Training for a 5k</a><br /><a href="http://www.runningplanet.com/training/5K-training.html">Running Planet</a><br /><a href="http://sfrsdenali.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/denali-training-chart/">blog</a><br /><a href="http://aai.cc/PhyCond_feature_article.asp">American Alpine Institute </a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-14432584401946439422009-09-13T08:08:00.007-06:002009-09-13T09:21:36.845-06:00Colorado Highest, Mt Elbert<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Bj2LgofI/AAAAAAAAAg8/yQBg_gHKiLw/s1600-h/DSC01825.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Bj2LgofI/AAAAAAAAAg8/yQBg_gHKiLw/s320/DSC01825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380958845128450546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This weekends climbing schedule was a little tricked up. I had originally planned on the Castle and Conundrum idea, but could not find anybody to go with. That climb is best done with another person, and not solo. So, I had to look at other peaks that I could climb solo that fit the criteria; close to home, decent weather (no t-storms, or white out snow conditions), and class 2 climb. There is plenty of peaks within a 3 hour drive to Colorado Springs, but none as close as our own, Pikes Peak. It would have worked well, but the weather forecast for the Springs was pretty grim, and the summit forecast was much worse. 70% chance of snow, up to 3 inches during the day, and another 3 to 5 overnight, and high temps around 30F. Definetely winter, but I wanted one more summer climb before winter takes hold of the high country, plus I also wanted to see how the Fall colors were coming along around the central mountains. The East Trail of Mt Elbert fit the bill. With a 30% chance of rain/snow showers and "some thunder possible", and highs around 50F, it was the best forecast for 14ers in Colorado.<br /><br />By the time I got things ready to go on Friday, it was too late to leave for the mountains. And we BBQ'd friday night with our neighbors until 11pm. So, there was no way I was going to get up at 1am and drive 3 hours to the trail head in the dark, then climb for 2 and half hours by headlamp (note. also in the dark). 3 hours of sleep is not enough to climb any mountain, let alone a 14er. Instead I set the alarm for 230am, and boy did it come around quick. I felt like I just went to bed, so I turned it off, giving up on the idea of climbing, and fell back asleep. Around 530am my body woke up and said "if your going to climb something today, then now is the time!". So, I listened, and left in 15 minutes.<br /><br />Leaving the Springs, I still had Pikes on my mind. After fueling up in Divide, I sat there in the cold 36F weather, pondering and looking over at Pikes. It was 645 am, and I would have another 2 hours drive to the Elbert trail head, putting me on the trail at 9am. Really late start! Where as I could be on the trail for Pikes at 7am, 2 hours earlier than Elbert. But what about the weather on Pikes? Naw... Elbert or bust! Here I come! Watching the weather move in towards the front range on the drive out, assured me that I had made the right decision.<br /><br />I arrived at the trail head at 9am and began hiking at 915am in brilliant sunshine. The trail begins in a very large forest of aspens, and most of them were changing to their fall colors. As I climbed through the forest, the sun was overtaken by dark clouds, and the wind began to pick up some. Upon reaching tree line, the objective became clear, just as the snow/sleet began to come down. It was too warm for it to stick to the ground. Continuing up, the squalls would come and go, as with the visibility. It was never bad enough to turn around, as I could still clearly see the trail ahead, but the surrounding mountains would disappear. This trail to the top of Colorado is pretty straight forward, just follow it until it ends. I summited at 1pm amidst half a dozen other people. There were stronger storms to the north and also to the south, whereas only scattered snow was to our west, the general direction that the weather was coming from. After a quick snack, it was time to descend, before the weather changed it's mind. About half way to tree line, loud, crackeling thunder began to roar behind Elbert, and I knew it was coming my way. I scurried as fast as possible down the steep trail, to the point of almost jogging, racing the impeding storm! If I could only get to the trees before it hits, then I'd be safe! Reaching treeline, I turned behind to what I thought would be the storm of all time, only to see light snow/sleet falling on the ridge behind me. The storm had just missed me by one ridge! Whew, that was close! Descending further into the forest, I had to shed my winter layers and return to fall like weather. I reached my truck at 330pm, roughly 2 hours after I left the summit. It was a fairly uneventful drive back home, until I reached Wilkerson Pass, where the rain began to come down hard. Reaching Woodland Park, the clouds dropped, as thick, soupy fog settled in, and flashes of lightning were all around. I met my family at Black Bear Diner for a nice big breakfast supper. Here is the pics from the trip.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0IlJljMZI/AAAAAAAAAhE/3pb3UnbhDIA/s1600-h/DSC01827.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0IlJljMZI/AAAAAAAAAhE/3pb3UnbhDIA/s320/DSC01827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380966564099207570" border="0" /></a><br />Thick aspen forest on the trail<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0IlgdEPtI/AAAAAAAAAhM/w1cUz-g_e9U/s1600-h/DSC01829.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0IlgdEPtI/AAAAAAAAAhM/w1cUz-g_e9U/s320/DSC01829.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380966570237640402" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Elbert is finally in sight<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0ImGx8aQI/AAAAAAAAAhU/D-hdiqH3WgU/s1600-h/DSC01836.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0ImGx8aQI/AAAAAAAAAhU/D-hdiqH3WgU/s320/DSC01836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380966580525754626" border="0" /></a><br />Closer to the East Ridge of Elbert<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0ImuPBOLI/AAAAAAAAAhc/LVqpPcXU1B4/s1600-h/DSC01839.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0ImuPBOLI/AAAAAAAAAhc/LVqpPcXU1B4/s320/DSC01839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380966591116687538" border="0" /></a><br />On the East Ridge looking across the basin to the North Ridge<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0InJLW-AI/AAAAAAAAAhk/RJnnbTN-53w/s1600-h/DSC01841.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0InJLW-AI/AAAAAAAAAhk/RJnnbTN-53w/s320/DSC01841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380966598349092866" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Massive, 2nd highest, and my 2nd 14er<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0JlA5EAzI/AAAAAAAAAhs/LsyiQ41zix0/s1600-h/DSC01843.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0JlA5EAzI/AAAAAAAAAhs/LsyiQ41zix0/s320/DSC01843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380967661276758834" border="0" /></a><br />Looking down into the East Bowl<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0JllQJZFI/AAAAAAAAAh0/JKUdBUv_gzU/s1600-h/DSC01844.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0JllQJZFI/AAAAAAAAAh0/JKUdBUv_gzU/s320/DSC01844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380967671037256786" border="0" /></a><br />Twin Lakes and Independence Pass road from high up<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0JmAjx4DI/AAAAAAAAAh8/i1DNa1um_e8/s1600-h/DSC01849.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0JmAjx4DI/AAAAAAAAAh8/i1DNa1um_e8/s320/DSC01849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380967678367359026" border="0" /></a><br />First view of La Plata, 4th highest and my 1st 14er<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Jmt47siI/AAAAAAAAAiE/oeBlU4PHLeM/s1600-h/DSC01851.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Jmt47siI/AAAAAAAAAiE/oeBlU4PHLeM/s320/DSC01851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380967690535678498" border="0" /></a><br />Looking down the North Face<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Jm7mz8pI/AAAAAAAAAiM/HrOtX76yykY/s1600-h/DSC01853.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Jm7mz8pI/AAAAAAAAAiM/HrOtX76yykY/s320/DSC01853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380967694217769618" border="0" /></a><br />Highest point in Colorado, Mt Elbert summit<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Kp-9bedI/AAAAAAAAAiU/UeKHvAUsVfc/s1600-h/DSC01855.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Kp-9bedI/AAAAAAAAAiU/UeKHvAUsVfc/s320/DSC01855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380968846169176530" border="0" /></a><br />La Plata with storms boiling to her south<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0KqZukdHI/AAAAAAAAAic/6t9FYo4niQY/s1600-h/DSC01858.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0KqZukdHI/AAAAAAAAAic/6t9FYo4niQY/s320/DSC01858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380968853354607730" border="0" /></a><br />Northeast from the summit<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Kqy0Zq3I/AAAAAAAAAik/RZkWOIJyD88/s1600-h/DSC01862.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Kqy0Zq3I/AAAAAAAAAik/RZkWOIJyD88/s320/DSC01862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380968860089953138" border="0" /></a><br />View North from the summit, Mt Massive and North Halfmoon Creek drainage<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0KrWZo9DI/AAAAAAAAAis/BuROlvsqUpM/s1600-h/DSC01863.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0KrWZo9DI/AAAAAAAAAis/BuROlvsqUpM/s320/DSC01863.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380968869641385010" border="0" /></a><br />View Southeast towards Buena Vista and Twin Lakes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Kr_EBXsI/AAAAAAAAAi0/fKV8I9HVJ4s/s1600-h/DSC01865.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0Kr_EBXsI/AAAAAAAAAi0/fKV8I9HVJ4s/s320/DSC01865.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380968880556564162" border="0" /></a><br />Official summit USGS benchmark, 14,433<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0L6JOMi-I/AAAAAAAAAi8/kZQVN5E5DYw/s1600-h/DSC01866.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0L6JOMi-I/AAAAAAAAAi8/kZQVN5E5DYw/s320/DSC01866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380970223313390562" border="0" /></a><br />Looking roughly West from the summit<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0L6oaLSXI/AAAAAAAAAjE/w2XIY_hWGaQ/s1600-h/DSC01869.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sq0L6oaLSXI/AAAAAAAAAjE/w2XIY_hWGaQ/s320/DSC01869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380970231685138802" border="0" /></a><br />Across the Arkansas River valley, with Mt Sherman about to be stormed onmountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-58751209882121729042009-08-30T15:48:00.007-06:002009-08-30T17:16:01.469-06:00Castle and Conundrum Peaks, August 29th, 2009Dave and I headed over to Aspen again to try for Castle and Conundrum Peaks. We had the same plan as the week prior, but with the more unsettled weather due in saturday afternoon, we decided to start out a little earlier on saturday morning. The weather on the drive over was fantastic, few clouds, but now precip, and fairly warm. The 4wd road was fairly devoid of people and the campsite choices were plentiful. When we got to treeline, approximately where our camp was a week earlier, we decided to continue driving to the end of the road at 12,800 feet, to scope out the conditions and get a glimpse of our route and the peaks. From camp, you cannot see either mountain, nor the actual climbing portion of the climb. It was awfully tempting to stay there and camp for the night, but abiding by mountaineering standards, we elected to drive back down to the trees and camp there; allowing for at least 3,000 vertical feet of climbing, versus the 1400 feet from the end of the jeep road. We camped at the last campsite at treeline. The evening was really nice with clear skies and plentiful stars. A half moon lite the basin with a warm white glow. We ate a quick rommen meal and hit the sack. Around 430am, Dave wakes me up. He seemed pretty tired and expressed that he had had a really rough night sleeping and didn't quite feel into the climb. We decided to push on and see if things would improve with his health. From our camp to the end of the road is roughly 2.25 miles and 1800 feet of elevation gain. The route follows the jeep trail in it's entirety. From there, a couple of routes can be taken. As the darkness began to give way to the morning glow, we continued to hike up the steep and rocky road, slowly gaining elevation. Dave continued to have difficulties with his health, which as we went on, became worse and worse. It was not the same sickness the ailed him from the week prior. This one gave the appearance of a bad cold or flu. The sun finally rose as we put away our headlamps, and awaited the rays to hit our cold bodies. We continued to push on, hoping that things would improve. But, it was inevitable. Dave was sick, and going on would do nothing for us, other than give us the experience of a mountain rescue. Which we did not need to experience. We made it to the end of the road, contemplated our situation and Dave's health. The mountain God's warned us to not continue. So, we headed back down. We briefly chatted with several small groups of hikers coming up the road as we descended. The last group we encountered was a group of 5 hikers that we met at our camp. The funny thing about their group was that it was roughly 9am and they still had a lot mountain to climb before the weather would turn on them. I can only hope that they made it back to the safety of the trees before it hit. The packing up and driving home was uneventful, with the necessary food stop in Buena Vista. The weather did change quickly. As we drove home, the clouds thickened, and rolled in from the west and northwest. Lightning and heavy rain would accompany us from Wilkerson Pass into Woodland Park, and it was not even an hour after I got home that it dumped. Below is a few pictures from the trip. We hope to go back again soon and try to summit these two mountains that have alluded us for so long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6dPGP8-I/AAAAAAAAAdk/iZBDi_sZyes/s1600-h/DSC01777.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6dPGP8-I/AAAAAAAAAdk/iZBDi_sZyes/s320/DSC01777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375884485396001762" border="0" /></a><br />Independence Pass westbound at Twin Lakes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6d5GBQ6I/AAAAAAAAAds/w6oiH4p2W4M/s1600-h/DSC01778.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6d5GBQ6I/AAAAAAAAAds/w6oiH4p2W4M/s320/DSC01778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375884496669328290" border="0" /></a><br />Independence Pass westbound towards Star Mountain, 12,942'<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6eckj94I/AAAAAAAAAd0/RIo2aZUmmkc/s1600-h/DSC01781.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6eckj94I/AAAAAAAAAd0/RIo2aZUmmkc/s320/DSC01781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375884506192672642" border="0" /></a><br />Independence Pass westbound towards La Plata Peak, 14,361'<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6ezhsG4I/AAAAAAAAAd8/V-uxp9XecpQ/s1600-h/DSC01784.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6ezhsG4I/AAAAAAAAAd8/V-uxp9XecpQ/s320/DSC01784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375884512354638722" border="0" /></a><br />Castle Creek Road southbound towards Taylor Peak (13,435') and Star Peak (13,521')<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6fWWf4TI/AAAAAAAAAeE/3sVnGY6kwFE/s1600-h/DSC01785.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr6fWWf4TI/AAAAAAAAAeE/3sVnGY6kwFE/s320/DSC01785.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375884521702940978" border="0" /></a><br />Along Castle Creek 4wd Road, Tagert Hut, part of the 10th Mountain Division and Summit Huts Association network of huts<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9M4nfBrI/AAAAAAAAAeM/_27S5LgFT-I/s1600-h/DSC01787.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9M4nfBrI/AAAAAAAAAeM/_27S5LgFT-I/s320/DSC01787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375887503018362546" border="0" /></a><br />Waterfall cascading down from Montezuma Basin, where we'll be camping and climbing<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9NmlCMxI/AAAAAAAAAeU/pcA8yvdCE38/s1600-h/DSC01788.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9NmlCMxI/AAAAAAAAAeU/pcA8yvdCE38/s320/DSC01788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375887515356115730" border="0" /></a><br />End of the jeep road and the beginning of the climb, friday evening<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9OBM5hSI/AAAAAAAAAec/VYgCl41YwoU/s1600-h/DSC01790.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9OBM5hSI/AAAAAAAAAec/VYgCl41YwoU/s320/DSC01790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375887522502640930" border="0" /></a><br />Same place as previous photo, but looking back down Montezuma Basin and Malemute Peak<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9OiARoqI/AAAAAAAAAek/nuYKGNq7nRo/s1600-h/DSC01793.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9OiARoqI/AAAAAAAAAek/nuYKGNq7nRo/s320/DSC01793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375887531308065442" border="0" /></a><br />Dave and his Jeep at 12,800 feet<br /><br /><br />The remainder are of the hike up on saturday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9PGNn50I/AAAAAAAAAes/IfwCEXn2Sdg/s1600-h/DSC01794.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Spr9PGNn50I/AAAAAAAAAes/IfwCEXn2Sdg/s320/DSC01794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375887541027727170" border="0" /></a><br />Ah, darkness turns to light, mornings are my favorite<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC6sLsr5I/AAAAAAAAAe0/Tha7OlulTRI/s1600-h/DSC01798.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC6sLsr5I/AAAAAAAAAe0/Tha7OlulTRI/s320/DSC01798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375893787512713106" border="0" /></a><br />The lower flanks of Castle's Southeast Ridge<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC7K5Cl0I/AAAAAAAAAe8/jj7Mb6HKi6U/s1600-h/DSC01801.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC7K5Cl0I/AAAAAAAAAe8/jj7Mb6HKi6U/s320/DSC01801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375893795755956034" border="0" /></a><br />Upper Montezuma Basin ablaze with alpenglow. Conundrum Peak is center.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC7otlLJI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8ySWAUk3qHk/s1600-h/DSC01802.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC7otlLJI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8ySWAUk3qHk/s320/DSC01802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375893803760954514" border="0" /></a><br />Conundrum Peak on the left<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC8fVXCvI/AAAAAAAAAfM/XVPyXby8Qww/s1600-h/DSC01803.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC8fVXCvI/AAAAAAAAAfM/XVPyXby8Qww/s320/DSC01803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375893818423315186" border="0" /></a><br />The end of the jeep trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC8yN8BEI/AAAAAAAAAfU/UTIAy6bjPp0/s1600-h/DSC01804.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsC8yN8BEI/AAAAAAAAAfU/UTIAy6bjPp0/s320/DSC01804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375893823492457538" border="0" /></a><br />Upper Montezuma Basin<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFVTUXtDI/AAAAAAAAAfc/EFShxJAyhlA/s1600-h/DSC01805.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFVTUXtDI/AAAAAAAAAfc/EFShxJAyhlA/s320/DSC01805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375896443717923890" border="0" /></a><br />Looking back down from high up in Montezuma Basin<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFVwbbB7I/AAAAAAAAAfk/sJsZFmyIS_4/s1600-h/DSC01808.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFVwbbB7I/AAAAAAAAAfk/sJsZFmyIS_4/s320/DSC01808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375896451532130226" border="0" /></a><br />Conundrum Peak from below Montezuma Glacier<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFWX2GWiI/AAAAAAAAAfs/GPmxJltkyRo/s1600-h/DSC01810.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFWX2GWiI/AAAAAAAAAfs/GPmxJltkyRo/s320/DSC01810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375896462113004066" border="0" /></a><br />Castle, left distant, northwest ridge, and Conundrum on the right<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFXCnv_UI/AAAAAAAAAf0/vEhEu19VHbU/s1600-h/DSC01811.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFXCnv_UI/AAAAAAAAAf0/vEhEu19VHbU/s320/DSC01811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375896473595542850" border="0" /></a><br />Conundrum Peak and lower part of Montezuma Glacier<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFXqDBw0I/AAAAAAAAAf8/M1ffiBemFhI/s1600-h/DSC01814.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsFXqDBw0I/AAAAAAAAAf8/M1ffiBemFhI/s320/DSC01814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375896484178936642" border="0" /></a><br />A little wildflower action above treeline amidst the rocks<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHN9WDH5I/AAAAAAAAAgE/EBx2JgwjeHo/s1600-h/DSC01815.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHN9WDH5I/AAAAAAAAAgE/EBx2JgwjeHo/s320/DSC01815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375898516583554962" border="0" /></a><br />Our cozy campsite<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHOclnxMI/AAAAAAAAAgM/X03ZSKGA1z8/s1600-h/DSC01818.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHOclnxMI/AAAAAAAAAgM/X03ZSKGA1z8/s320/DSC01818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375898524970370242" border="0" /></a><br />self portrait<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHPH3Z7mI/AAAAAAAAAgU/e7MIAhrAHw8/s1600-h/DSC01819.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHPH3Z7mI/AAAAAAAAAgU/e7MIAhrAHw8/s320/DSC01819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375898536587685474" border="0" /></a><br />Another view of our camp<br /><br />The last two of Castle Creek waterfall along the jeep trail back down to Ashcroft.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHPpCChgI/AAAAAAAAAgc/VZnEfVQjNmI/s1600-h/DSC01823.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHPpCChgI/AAAAAAAAAgc/VZnEfVQjNmI/s320/DSC01823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375898545490658818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHQdil-DI/AAAAAAAAAgk/6cvSiSfEO6E/s1600-h/DSC01824.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpsHQdil-DI/AAAAAAAAAgk/6cvSiSfEO6E/s320/DSC01824.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375898559585843250" border="0" /></a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-8804132124305351592009-08-27T20:39:00.002-06:002009-08-27T20:42:31.543-06:00Castle and Conundrum tomorrowHeaded out tomorrow to Aspen to try for Castle and Conundrum Peaks. Both are above 14,000 feet. The weather is supposed to be a little more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">volatile</span> than previously predicted. 30% chance of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thuderstorms</span>. We will want to be back down before noon on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">saturday</span>. We are also considering another 14er on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sunday</span> on the way back home. But, we will have to see how that goes. I'll update a trip report when I return later this weekend.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-71720348732530177032009-08-23T17:02:00.003-06:002009-08-23T17:29:54.059-06:00Castle and Conundrum Peaks, August 21st, 2009Dave and I had been planning most of the week to head for the Crestones and try for both of them. But on thursday afternoon, we decided that maybe we should try for something else. We were looking for climbs that we would be able to summit two different 14ers in the same day or weekend; not just a single mountain, but a series of mountains. Kind of one of those "wanting to pad one's peak list" idea. Paul had recently climbed Castle and Conundrum peaks a few weeks prior, so this set came up in discussion early on. So, it was decided. We would drive up to Aspen and as far as mechanically possible the rugged Montezuma Basin 4wd road; also known as the Pearl Pass road. Just one word on this road, it is the roughest road my little Nissan Frontier 4x4 has ever been on. Way, way rugged! We left Colorado Springs at 3pm and were in Aspen at 630pm. The sun was setting fast and we still had to get up into Montezuma Basin and set up camp before darkness. There were some really bad spots in the road, but my truck made it through them. The road goes all the way to the base of Montezuma glacier, but we had decided to play for the 3,000 foot 14er rule. Which basically says that in order for a 14er climb to be considered an actual climb the climber must gain 3,000 vertical feet of elevation during the climb. Castle Peak is 14,265 feet, and the end of the road is at 12,800 feet. Less than 2,000 feet, making it quite a bit less than the 3,000 foot rule. So, we planned on camping around 11,000 feet to make it fair. We set up camp and began boiling water for tea as we ate supper. Darkness was closing in on us as we noticed the thunderstorm some distance to our east.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpHO6KqSZ3I/AAAAAAAAAdU/NArlDLZWmg8/s1600-h/DSC01770.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpHO6KqSZ3I/AAAAAAAAAdU/NArlDLZWmg8/s320/DSC01770.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373303329119168370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It didn't appear to be a threat to us, just a pretty picture and a nice ending to a great day. We stayed up until 10pm ish tracking satelites and looking at the stars, awaiting the rise of Mars. Around 1130pm, Dave wakes me up to tell me he is really sick and needs to get down soon, if not now. For some odd reason, I thought that it was 4am and that the sun should start rising soon. We packed up camp in a fury, and started to drive down. It was very clear from the moment we started driving, that Dave was in pretty bad shape and that a visit to the ER would be imment. Driving anywhere at midnight with an hour and half of sleep is bad, but doing it on the worst 4wd road in the area, was well, just crazy. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpHO6lcojhI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Ac8zuS_JclQ/s1600-h/DSC01774.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SpHO6lcojhI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Ac8zuS_JclQ/s320/DSC01774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373303336309657106" border="0" /></a><br />But, we had no choice and this was begininng to be a very urgent situation. We arrived at Aspen Valley Hospital a little before 1am. After some much needed meds, Dave was released and we began our drive back home to Colorado Springs. We arrived back in town just as the sun rose over the plains. Whew, what a night! Castle and Conundrum will have to wait for another day. Which is best, I forgot my crampons anyways.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-82692076895611285472009-08-09T20:32:00.003-06:002009-08-09T20:43:52.711-06:00Is it really August 9th?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sn-Iwo-ptlI/AAAAAAAAAco/2Oq5HT0vdks/s1600-h/maroon-bells-at-sunrise_aspen_colorado.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Sn-Iwo-ptlI/AAAAAAAAAco/2Oq5HT0vdks/s320/maroon-bells-at-sunrise_aspen_colorado.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368159650064217682" border="0" /></a><br />Tomorrow is my birthday and it looks like I will be working a split shift at work. At least I don't have to be in until 5am instead of the normal midnight sunday night routine! I was hoping to make another summit this weekend, but too many duties here at home. Next weekend is looking the same. 5th anniversary on friday, so no climb that night and a going away party saturday night. I am hoping to maybe do the incline saturday am before it gets too hot outside. Yes, it does get pretty hot here in Colorado. I made it finally to one of those REI garage sales here in the Springs. There was a ton of people and even more stuff than I imagined. I walked away with a saddle bag setup for our Golden, Sierra. Normal price was $60 and it cost me $30! Pretty good steal! It will take her some time to get use to it. Maybe next summer she can go up some 14ers with me. I am hoping to get out for a climb on the 21st and 22nd weekend, maybe Shav/Tab. And the following weekend, another climb, but not too sure where yet. For the time being, I am just training and getting prepared for the upcoming winter. Climbing will get much tougher this winter than the summer. More gear, more exposure, worse weather, and longer approaches make for a long and difficult day in the mountains. I plan on climbing Longs in September via the Keyhole route and then Torreys in October via Kelso Ridge route. Hopefully, time permitting, I'd like to give the North Face/Cables route on Longs a try this early winter or late winter, depending on snowpack. This fall should be spectacular in the Rockies, I just hope that I can get out there and enjoy it!mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-77343102845461137352009-08-03T13:11:00.002-06:002009-08-03T13:13:19.076-06:00Moon Phase CalenderI found a really great calender that shows the moon phase for each day of the given month. It is a great planning tool if night time ascents are in the beginnings. <br /><a href="http://www.moonconnection.com/moon-august-2009.phtml">Moon Phase Calender</a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-28646165810861236822009-08-02T16:23:00.018-06:002009-08-06T17:37:24.721-06:00August 1, 2009 snow and climb<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTKv3jWqI/AAAAAAAAAWw/51HhOTLk24A/s1600-h/DSC01708.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTKv3jWqI/AAAAAAAAAWw/51HhOTLk24A/s320/DSC01708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365497081427614370" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Belford<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTKGiJagI/AAAAAAAAAWo/mnmRlyjWa9s/s1600-h/DSC01707.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTKGiJagI/AAAAAAAAAWo/mnmRlyjWa9s/s320/DSC01707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365497070331980290" border="0" /></a><br />Missouri Mountain<br /><br />Mt Belford and Mt Oxford Stats:<br />Missouri Gulch Trail Head (9,650 feet)<br />Mt Belford, 14,197 feet<br />Mt Oxford, 14,153 feet<br />Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 feet<br />Round Trip Total: 11 miles<br />Camp to Camp time: 0430 start 1430 finish, 10 hours total<br />Trail Head to camp at 11,500 feet, approx 2.5 miles, and 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down<br /><br />After a record cool week here in the springs, I knew that the weather up high would be more September like. We left the springs around 3pm on friday, July 31st, amist heavy and dark clouds that were dumping large amounts of rain on the city and the adjanct mountains. Once we arrived in South Park, the skies had cleared and only a few small cumulus clouds dotted the western horizon. Great weather looked to be in store and high pressure seemed to be building. After packing up and readying ourselves at the trail head, we began hiking at 6pm. Not 5 minutes into the hike, rumble..... and then another rumble...... Where did this come from? It had been clear and no signs of a storm coming. The thunder got louder and the clouds above seemed to be moving our way. We elected to postpone our trek in for a few minutes to wait out the weather, and it was a good thing. As we sat in comfort of the Jeep, rain and hail pelted the windshield. Lightning danced among the ridges and valleys. As soon as it had started, it ended abrubtly; leaving a double rainbow across the valley.<br /><br />The hike now could begin again. It is a fairly short hike up to treeline at 11,000 feet. But, along that hike, a lot of elevation must be gained, which could only mean one thing.... switchbacks! Those nasty devils in discuise. It is not mandatory to climb up them, but the only alternative is to stay at home in the comfort of ones lazy boy! So, I suppose you could say, that there really is no other choice in the matter. One must go up, so that one can come down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTJoRiqdI/AAAAAAAAAWg/aefRKiXIAAc/s1600-h/DSC01704.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTJoRiqdI/AAAAAAAAAWg/aefRKiXIAAc/s320/DSC01704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365497062209268178" border="0" /></a><br />An old miners cabin from the late 1800's right at treeline, 11,200 feet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTJLYJAQI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/2W4Q-FpoUvs/s1600-h/DSC01702.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTJLYJAQI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/2W4Q-FpoUvs/s320/DSC01702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365497054452318466" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Belford near our camp.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTJcv0dTI/AAAAAAAAAWY/uC_SlfCy0Us/s1600-h/DSC01703.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYTJcv0dTI/AAAAAAAAAWY/uC_SlfCy0Us/s320/DSC01703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365497059115038002" border="0" /></a><br />Upper Missouri Gulch.<br /><br />We arrived at a decent camping area around 830pm as the sunlight began to fade into the darkness of night. Tents sprang up and supper was served. Well, as served as Ramen can be served! While eating supper, around 930pm, above the ridge to the north, tall anvils of thunderheads began to take shape. Lightning could be see shooting across the towering clouds. With the little bit of remaining light disappearing, I could see the clouds begin to roll over into our valley. It was like a huge wave toppeling over into the dark abyss below. It was time to get into bed and try to sleep through the coming storm. For the next 45 minutes the wind howled and the precipitation pelted my tent. I am not sure if it was hail, sleet, or just hard rain; but it was pretty loud. With the lightning striking very near to our campsite, my tent would light up like it was daytime. I think that I was too tired to worry about a direct hit, but what could I have done differently if I was to worry?<br /><br />I don't remember much else from that night, other than being awakened by headlamps and voices outside my tent telling me to get up! It was now 4am. After a quick oatmeal bar, our long day could begin. Our headlamps lit the way up the trail as night slowly turned into day. It became apparant early on that the mountains around us had a fresh coat of snow on them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWb4pgLyI/AAAAAAAAAXI/GzDNuHMThK0/s1600-h/DSC01713.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWb4pgLyI/AAAAAAAAAXI/GzDNuHMThK0/s320/DSC01713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365500674377264930" border="0" /></a><br />Missouri with a fresh coat of snow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWcHwuLyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/IFDTQR9wbxU/s1600-h/DSC01714.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWcHwuLyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/IFDTQR9wbxU/s320/DSC01714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365500678434074402" border="0" /></a><br />About 1/4 of the way up Belford looking at the fresh August snow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXif1zaII/AAAAAAAAAXg/pA0fb36eHCQ/s1600-h/DSC01716.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXif1zaII/AAAAAAAAAXg/pA0fb36eHCQ/s320/DSC01716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365501887488682114" border="0" /></a><br />Missouri<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWcvYm76I/AAAAAAAAAXY/7Lhrp1iACVc/s1600-h/DSC01715.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWcvYm76I/AAAAAAAAAXY/7Lhrp1iACVc/s320/DSC01715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365500689070354338" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Hope in the distance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWbnvzzMI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Hbsi8uluhFo/s1600-h/DSC01712.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYWbnvzzMI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Hbsi8uluhFo/s320/DSC01712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365500669840313538" border="0" /></a><br />The two mountain goats, Dave and Paul.<br /><br />As the sun rose higher into the sky, the alpenglow began to shine on the eastern slopes of the surrounding ridges and mountains. I wish that I would have stopped longer to take more pictures, but with the 30F temperature and 30+ mph winds, it was quite cold. It definately felt like winter, eventhough it was only August 1st!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXiz1vhBI/AAAAAAAAAXo/T7CnDJ3k2rQ/s1600-h/DSC01717.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXiz1vhBI/AAAAAAAAAXo/T7CnDJ3k2rQ/s320/DSC01717.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365501892857136146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXji9_wCI/AAAAAAAAAX4/X4DLt_U02Po/s1600-h/DSC01719.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXji9_wCI/AAAAAAAAAX4/X4DLt_U02Po/s320/DSC01719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365501905508220962" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Hope<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXj9AA2CI/AAAAAAAAAYA/qIELpJuzy3o/s1600-h/DSC01720.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnYXj9AA2CI/AAAAAAAAAYA/qIELpJuzy3o/s320/DSC01720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365501912496003106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneYzpBi-qI/AAAAAAAAAYI/5ZLYF3xciAc/s1600-h/DSC01721.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneYzpBi-qI/AAAAAAAAAYI/5ZLYF3xciAc/s320/DSC01721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365925493988326050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneY0HF7cuI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/fhNNLALVhSs/s1600-h/DSC01722.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneY0HF7cuI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/fhNNLALVhSs/s320/DSC01722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365925502059770594" border="0" /></a><br />La Plata Peak, my 1st 14er.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneY097UC9I/AAAAAAAAAYg/6cftFZa2oYo/s1600-h/DSC01725.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneY097UC9I/AAAAAAAAAYg/6cftFZa2oYo/s320/DSC01725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365925516779195346" border="0" /></a><br />Reaching the snowline around 13,000 feet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneY1b4egqI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Bj4s_1maFxw/s1600-h/DSC01726.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SneY1b4egqI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Bj4s_1maFxw/s320/DSC01726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365925524820361890" border="0" /></a><br />In Belford's shadow, while Missouri enjoys the sunshine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebJ7Z9rxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/qDurujwYTx8/s1600-h/DSC01727.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebJ7Z9rxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/qDurujwYTx8/s320/DSC01727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365928075902955282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is what winter looks like in August. Wildflowers covered with fresh snow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebKE-ySHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/yuW6SzY7VKU/s1600-h/DSC01728.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebKE-ySHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/yuW6SzY7VKU/s320/DSC01728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365928078473316466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebKjkPgnI/AAAAAAAAAZA/P5uDt5j1--A/s1600-h/DSC01729.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebKjkPgnI/AAAAAAAAAZA/P5uDt5j1--A/s320/DSC01729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365928086683484786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebLO_SyvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/jxbWw4fcdlY/s1600-h/DSC01730.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebLO_SyvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/jxbWw4fcdlY/s320/DSC01730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365928098339670770" border="0" /></a><br />The trail is still evident, but the wind chill is much more apparant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebLovSVtI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/ZqTZGfNMBeY/s1600-h/DSC01731.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnebLovSVtI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/ZqTZGfNMBeY/s320/DSC01731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365928105251854034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Snjce72hIXI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ZBbI3HnXqx4/s1600-h/DSC01732.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Snjce72hIXI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ZBbI3HnXqx4/s320/DSC01732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366281380032487794" border="0" /></a><br />Missouri in all of her majesty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnjcfVhZNnI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ThEdNgZgJ6k/s1600-h/DSC01733.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnjcfVhZNnI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ThEdNgZgJ6k/s320/DSC01733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366281386923210354" border="0" /></a><br />Elkhead Pass and Missouri Basin, very remote part of the Sawatch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Snjcfn_NPnI/AAAAAAAAAZo/YCBS_3IlH0c/s1600-h/DSC01734.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Snjcfn_NPnI/AAAAAAAAAZo/YCBS_3IlH0c/s320/DSC01734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366281391880093298" border="0" /></a><br />Still in the cold shadow,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnjcgP7UARI/AAAAAAAAAZw/cJGqc5FSAZE/s1600-h/DSC01735.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnjcgP7UARI/AAAAAAAAAZw/cJGqc5FSAZE/s320/DSC01735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366281402601177362" border="0" /></a><br />Just a little bit further!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Snjcgnyof0I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/ULbYNbgc8R4/s1600-h/DSC01736.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Snjcgnyof0I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/ULbYNbgc8R4/s320/DSC01736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366281409007222594" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes you just have to turn around and look back at what you've already accomplished. Somewhere below in the valley to the left is camp, and even further down is the trail head.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCtrFZxmI/AAAAAAAAAaA/uO6yAzr3t5c/s1600-h/DSC01737.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCtrFZxmI/AAAAAAAAAaA/uO6yAzr3t5c/s320/DSC01737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366604889648121442" border="0" /></a><br />Almost there!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCuC2gjcI/AAAAAAAAAaI/2-LhOZkHr50/s1600-h/DSC01738.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCuC2gjcI/AAAAAAAAAaI/2-LhOZkHr50/s320/DSC01738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366604896028102082" border="0" /></a><br />Are we there yet?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCuw5-EOI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/vQxHnjUzamA/s1600-h/DSC01742.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCuw5-EOI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/vQxHnjUzamA/s320/DSC01742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366604908390650082" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Belford summit, 14,197 feet, at 815am. The wind was much stronger on top, directly out of the north. Missouri is behind my left shoulder.<br /><br />I knew that my time on Belford would be short, so I added a few layers of clothing, ate a quick bite, and drank as much as possible. About that time the 2 way radio buzzed. "Jerry? How ya doing?" It was Paul! They were reaching the saddle between Belford and Oxford, see the next picture. Somewhere , way down there, I would soon be not only once, but twice. Belford was just one mountain to climb out of the three that I would have to climb to make my way back to camp. Time is short, and I must continue my journey!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCvLtO0qI/AAAAAAAAAaY/q5t0OTobrcY/s1600-h/DSC01743.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCvLtO0qI/AAAAAAAAAaY/q5t0OTobrcY/s320/DSC01743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366604915584979618" border="0" /></a><br />From Belford's summit looking southeast towards the ridge over to Oxford. One of those tiny spots on the saddle is Dave and Paul, as they begin their climb up to Oxford.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCvp2AAxI/AAAAAAAAAag/zq8fbb-kpuE/s1600-h/DSC01744.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoCvp2AAxI/AAAAAAAAAag/zq8fbb-kpuE/s320/DSC01744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366604923674821394" border="0" /></a><br />High up on Oxfords West ridge. Is this the summit? Dave and Paul can be seen as they are headed back down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFEZzLWqI/AAAAAAAAAao/a93B0Nb98nk/s1600-h/DSC01745.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFEZzLWqI/AAAAAAAAAao/a93B0Nb98nk/s320/DSC01745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366607479168522914" border="0" /></a><br />Same place as the picture above. Looking back down the ridge and over to Belford. You can see the entire route from the Belford summit to Oxford.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFElGxQnI/AAAAAAAAAaw/3yPl0HPw61Q/s1600-h/DSC01746.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFElGxQnI/AAAAAAAAAaw/3yPl0HPw61Q/s320/DSC01746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366607482203488882" border="0" /></a><br />I thought that was the summit, but no....I still have more climbing to do! The Oxford summit is now in view.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHwmg0TgI/AAAAAAAAAb4/PG1NyQFc7uw/s1600-h/DSC01759.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHwmg0TgI/AAAAAAAAAb4/PG1NyQFc7uw/s320/DSC01759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366610437518675458" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Oxford summit, 14,153, with Belford behind me, approx. 1030am. That's the number 2 14er summit for today!<br /><br />The next series is from the summit of Oxford.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFFEUAC7I/AAAAAAAAAa4/ciUQcPF5gbE/s1600-h/DSC01748.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFFEUAC7I/AAAAAAAAAa4/ciUQcPF5gbE/s320/DSC01748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366607490580482994" border="0" /></a><br />Looking Northeast towards Leadville and Twin Lakes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFFuHpjAI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Ha_v_APqvE8/s1600-h/DSC01749.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFFuHpjAI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Ha_v_APqvE8/s320/DSC01749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366607501802966018" border="0" /></a><br />Looking North towards Elbert and Massive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFF2GF9YI/AAAAAAAAAbI/QeHZWMkS8Cc/s1600-h/DSC01750.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoFF2GF9YI/AAAAAAAAAbI/QeHZWMkS8Cc/s320/DSC01750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366607503943923074" border="0" /></a><br />Looking Northwest, towards La Plata, and the Elk Range<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGWohpWII/AAAAAAAAAbQ/fWDvmkxhdrA/s1600-h/DSC01751.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGWohpWII/AAAAAAAAAbQ/fWDvmkxhdrA/s320/DSC01751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366608891870795906" border="0" /></a><br />Looking westerly, Belford is in the foreground.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGXLbD9lI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Chu9UbKUGkc/s1600-h/DSC01752.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGXLbD9lI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Chu9UbKUGkc/s320/DSC01752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366608901238421074" border="0" /></a><br />West again, but the ridge traverse is in full view. To get back to camp, I must downclimb 1,000 feet to the saddle and then climb back up 1,000 feet to Belford's summit again, and then descend the other side of Belford. It will take quite a bit of work to get back to where I was at 2 hours earlier.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGXtvK6DI/AAAAAAAAAbg/TcJ9Pshku-I/s1600-h/DSC01753.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGXtvK6DI/AAAAAAAAAbg/TcJ9Pshku-I/s320/DSC01753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366608910449567794" border="0" /></a><br />Looking Southwest into Missouri Basin, Emerald Peak is the pyrmid shaped mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGYCyTjQI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ZRl6rjMwuzg/s1600-h/DSC01754.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoGYCyTjQI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ZRl6rjMwuzg/s320/DSC01754.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366608916099861762" border="0" /></a><br />Mt Harvard, another 14er. Access to this side of Harvard is via a very long 16 mile trek up the unmaintained Pine Creek trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHxDoR5lI/AAAAAAAAAcA/V7AxZnruLIE/s1600-h/DSC01762.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHxDoR5lI/AAAAAAAAAcA/V7AxZnruLIE/s320/DSC01762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366610445334603346" border="0" /></a><br />A closer look at the seldom visited North face of Harvard.<br /><br />I spent about 30 minutes on the summit of Oxford, before the relentless wind convinced me to begin my long trek back to camp. I would traverse the easy class 2 ridge back to Belford and summit her for the 2nd time that day. And then descend the Southwest shoulder of Belford back into Missouri Gulch and eventually to camp. I reached the Belford summit around 1230 for the second time. And back into camp by 1430. It was a very long day! We reached the trail head at 1630, about 12 hours after we had left camp that morning. As I journey up more mountains, the hunger for altitude bekons stronger and stronger. It is never soon enough before another trip begins. But, it is all to often that one ends. I remind myself that as one ends, another is beginning! May one's journeys be safe and climb on!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHyBGbsFI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/LZlXd2Utd2g/s1600-h/DSC01766.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHyBGbsFI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/LZlXd2Utd2g/s320/DSC01766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366610461835636818" border="0" /></a><br />One last look at Missouri.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHyirhZrI/AAAAAAAAAcY/_y0JfXJlfWg/s1600-h/DSC01767.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SnoHyirhZrI/AAAAAAAAAcY/_y0JfXJlfWg/s320/DSC01767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366610470849570482" border="0" /></a><br />I really liked this view.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-84791398365412325042009-07-30T12:15:00.003-06:002009-07-30T12:31:29.169-06:00Mt. Belford and Mt. Oxford plansIt is looking like that for this weekend, I will be climbing Mt. Belford and then traversing over to Mt. Oxford. I will be meeting up with Paul and possibly Dave tomorrow afternoon and then we will backpack up to treeline and camp out there for the night. The stars that are out high in the mountains are amazing! It is too bad I don't have the equipment to take pictures of it, as it is quite a sight to see! The backpack in to treeline will cut the distance down considerably, making the traverse over to Oxford more practical. Espically for me, as I am the slow one!mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-26231316198529143042009-07-20T17:14:00.011-06:002009-07-23T21:30:18.485-06:00Mt Massive on July 18th, 2009Mt Massive stats:<br />Summit Elevation: 14,421 feet<br />Trail Head Elevation: 10,500 feet<br />Total Elevation Gain: 3,950 feet<br />Total Roundtrip: 8.0 miles<br />North Halfmoon trail head<br /><br />Dave and I met up with Paul at the North Halfmoon trail head just as the sun was setting behind the divide on friday. We had barely enough light out to pitch our tents and start dinner. The morning was going to start really early, so soon after we ate, it was lights out. Dave came over to my tent at 3:45am to wake me up, so that we could eat breakfast before our 4:30am departure. With very little moon light out, the forest was dark and kinda creepy. Both Dave and Paul had LED headlamps, as I only had a regular headlamp that the batteries were mostly dead on. Trying to keep up with the steady march that Paul led us on, seemed difficult, at best. Throughout the hike to the trail junction, I felt sick to my stomach and dizzy. At one point, I had to sit down to keep myself steady. By the time we got to the junction, I was feeling aweful and I thought that my hike was coming to an end rather quickly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT7yymfdnI/AAAAAAAAARk/D_h1ciZFKjE/s1600-h/DSC01664.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT7yymfdnI/AAAAAAAAARk/D_h1ciZFKjE/s320/DSC01664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360686306472982130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT7zb--DQI/AAAAAAAAARs/bEdY93GO6BE/s1600-h/DSC01665.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT7zb--DQI/AAAAAAAAARs/bEdY93GO6BE/s320/DSC01665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360686317581503746" border="0" /></a><br />Mt. Elbert from the junction<br /><br />The morning light began to fill the valleys and a slight tint of alpenglow warmed the ridges and summits. I insisted that Paul and Dave leave me and continue on to the summit. I told them there was no need for an emergency evacuation, and that they should, and have to go on. I explained to them that I would 1. be back at the tent resting, 2. hiking back down, or 3. climbing upwards towards the summit. Either way, I would be on the trail somewhere and not wondering off into the woods searching for trout uncaught. As they hiked on, I began looking for a suitable spot to sit for awhile and asses my condition. I munched on a few snacks and drank water. The shadow of Massive and the cool wind brought chills to my body as I sat and pondered my situation. As I got colder, I decided that the only way to stay warm was to keep moving, either up or down. It didn't matter much to me at the time, I just wanted to get warm. Curious as to way was around the next upward bend in the trail, I made my mind up that I would continue up, and that if I felt dizzy enough to sit down, then it would be finished. Period! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT7zlCHI1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/iNXJjM0Apz4/s1600-h/DSC01666.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT7zlCHI1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/iNXJjM0Apz4/s320/DSC01666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360686320010601298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT70CRXrII/AAAAAAAAAR8/5k9P-S4d4QY/s1600-h/DSC01667.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT70CRXrII/AAAAAAAAAR8/5k9P-S4d4QY/s320/DSC01667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360686327859227778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT70W2uguI/AAAAAAAAASE/2ymzfkeZe2g/s1600-h/DSC01668.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT70W2uguI/AAAAAAAAASE/2ymzfkeZe2g/s320/DSC01668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360686333384622818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9bOTNhfI/AAAAAAAAASM/k155zPJoOW0/s1600-h/DSC01669.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9bOTNhfI/AAAAAAAAASM/k155zPJoOW0/s320/DSC01669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360688100614702578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As I climbed higher and higher, the views got better and better. I had made my way to treeline and still felt pretty good. Climbing mountains is difficult, but climbing for no apparant reason, is well, pointless. I had to set myself a goal, or the journey would be tiresome and long. I assesed my condition again and considered the ridge as a good goal. A little out of reach, but not inpossible. To me, that is what a goal should encompass.<br /><br />High above the valley below, the summit and it's long ridge were still out of sight. I continued at a very slow pace, having very little concern for the weather. The forecast for saturday was calling for a 10% chance of thunderstorms, but mainly warm and clear. With no clouds at any level and endless daylight, there truthfully was no reason to worry about the weather. Except for sunburns, which I always seem to get. I suppose it is my foregetfulness, or possibly my lack of something else. I should have brought sunscreen. Maybe after getting burned twice, I will remember it on the third. At about 12,500 feet, I met Dave on his way down. Interested in the distance to the ridge, I probed for answers; only to find out that the trail he and Paul took to the ridge, was not really a trail, but a loose and unstable gully. He had climbed the gully and spent quite some time looking for a trail on the ridge, leaving himself exhausted to the point of sickness. He felt his best option was to go back down. He told me that he was very surprised to see me that high and thought that I was finished. I explained to him that I had regrouped myself and felt tired, but overall, good. At somepoint during our discussion, a fairly large group of climbers passed us headed up. Dave decided to head down, as I continued up towards the ridge. It was not too long after that, that I caught up with the large group. It was a very strong group of climbers. At the tail of the group, I found a place get into line with. It was not long after I joined their group, that it became apparant that me and another member were not as fast as the rest of them. Together we pushed, each as tired as the other. Often, we would count aloud a predetermined amount of steps that we would hike until we could stop. Then we would rest for the same amount of heartbeats. It started out as 25 steps, then 30, 50, and finally 70 plus. Climbing can sometimes be a little mundane, as the goal is not always visible, so climbers have to do something mentally to keep going. Otherwise, it is just too easy to quit and turn back, leaving your goals and dreams high above.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9bRVi72I/AAAAAAAAASU/m8Q_wUWqAqc/s1600-h/DSC01670.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9bRVi72I/AAAAAAAAASU/m8Q_wUWqAqc/s320/DSC01670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360688101429800802" border="0" /></a><br />Karen, after reaching the ridge. The summit is not in view yet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9cF8ydiI/AAAAAAAAASk/DT7Fa-l-Hj8/s1600-h/DSC01672.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9cF8ydiI/AAAAAAAAASk/DT7Fa-l-Hj8/s320/DSC01672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360688115553039906" border="0" /></a><br />Karen, as I told her not to jump! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9bt-ge4I/AAAAAAAAASc/bBSAtA9Ofg4/s1600-h/DSC01671.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9bt-ge4I/AAAAAAAAASc/bBSAtA9Ofg4/s320/DSC01671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360688109117799298" border="0" /></a><br />And this is what she was looking down at, the west face of Massive towards North Halfmoon lakes and beyond. <br /><br />Upon toping out on the ridge, I realized that I had made it that far, and that the summit was not too far out of reach. Why turn back now? I am in good health, physically and mentally, the weather is hold great, and we still have quite a bit of time left until nightfall. It was an obvious and quick decision. To reach the summit on Massive after topping out on the ridge, there are several false summits to climb and descend. It is very much like a roller coaster. Up and down. Up and down. Reaching the top of one, only to find that there is still yet, another one. We reached the summit around noon. Honestly, a really late summit time for Colorado in the middle of July. The rest of our group was there waiting on us, eating, hydrating, and celebrating their accomplishment. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-Zjzy37I/AAAAAAAAATE/lm5TMhqC8L8/s1600-h/DSC01676.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-Zjzy37I/AAAAAAAAATE/lm5TMhqC8L8/s320/DSC01676.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360689171540402098" border="0" /></a><br />My 2nd 14er! I was really happy!<br /><br />The next set of pictures is from the summit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9coR7JyI/AAAAAAAAASs/zI-AwNTc4uM/s1600-h/DSC01673.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT9coR7JyI/AAAAAAAAASs/zI-AwNTc4uM/s320/DSC01673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360688124768495394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-Y4XlqVI/AAAAAAAAAS0/T4bof_8fEDw/s1600-h/DSC01674.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-Y4XlqVI/AAAAAAAAAS0/T4bof_8fEDw/s320/DSC01674.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360689159879371090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-ZPk0GdI/AAAAAAAAAS8/dBpL4oLeA7w/s1600-h/DSC01675.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-ZPk0GdI/AAAAAAAAAS8/dBpL4oLeA7w/s320/DSC01675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360689166108858834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-ZxeluDI/AAAAAAAAATM/zaA97YFYppA/s1600-h/DSC01677.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-ZxeluDI/AAAAAAAAATM/zaA97YFYppA/s320/DSC01677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360689175209556018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-aEIFamI/AAAAAAAAATU/BK7yk_a3BzY/s1600-h/DSC01678.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT-aEIFamI/AAAAAAAAATU/BK7yk_a3BzY/s320/DSC01678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360689180215437922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_bKZ6ueI/AAAAAAAAATc/TMJ-kPM8ICc/s1600-h/DSC01679.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_bKZ6ueI/AAAAAAAAATc/TMJ-kPM8ICc/s320/DSC01679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360690298592344546" border="0" /></a><br />The ridge back down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_bQUStuI/AAAAAAAAATk/3utHE_EdjZE/s1600-h/DSC01680.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_bQUStuI/AAAAAAAAATk/3utHE_EdjZE/s320/DSC01680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360690300179363554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_b2XTHTI/AAAAAAAAATs/JOCYOVFONoM/s1600-h/DSC01681.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_b2XTHTI/AAAAAAAAATs/JOCYOVFONoM/s320/DSC01681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360690310392519986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_cPxhJzI/AAAAAAAAAT0/_ES4--s32y8/s1600-h/DSC01682.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_cPxhJzI/AAAAAAAAAT0/_ES4--s32y8/s320/DSC01682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360690317213378354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_cfjh6dI/AAAAAAAAAT8/ESq-neVrN1E/s1600-h/DSC01683.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmT_cfjh6dI/AAAAAAAAAT8/ESq-neVrN1E/s320/DSC01683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360690321449675218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAZVLE1vI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ymuSfklDg3o/s1600-h/DSC01684.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAZVLE1vI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ymuSfklDg3o/s320/DSC01684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360691366634772210" border="0" /></a><br />Leadville, Colorado. Elevation of 10,152 feet above sea level.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAZ5HjzLI/AAAAAAAAAUM/PKGN6ryAeSY/s1600-h/DSC01685.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAZ5HjzLI/AAAAAAAAAUM/PKGN6ryAeSY/s320/DSC01685.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360691376283700402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAaQyxFXI/AAAAAAAAAUc/GqR2I6ktBok/s1600-h/DSC01687.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAaQyxFXI/AAAAAAAAAUc/GqR2I6ktBok/s320/DSC01687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360691382638941554" border="0" /></a><br />I think that this is one of my best shots. Although it was not taken on the true summit, just a few feet shy of 14,421 feet.<br /><br />The journey down was long and mostly uneventful. I took a few shots and this was the outcome:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAaBpZznI/AAAAAAAAAUU/8IgRrQgiq1U/s1600-h/DSC01686.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAaBpZznI/AAAAAAAAAUU/8IgRrQgiq1U/s320/DSC01686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360691378573135474" border="0" /></a><br />Getting close to exiting the ridge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAa9HZQzI/AAAAAAAAAUk/aYwRyR_h4TM/s1600-h/DSC01688.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUAa9HZQzI/AAAAAAAAAUk/aYwRyR_h4TM/s320/DSC01688.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360691394536620850" border="0" /></a><br />Around the corner to grandmother's house we go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBVu-KtQI/AAAAAAAAAUs/N83eTAov73E/s1600-h/DSC01689.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBVu-KtQI/AAAAAAAAAUs/N83eTAov73E/s320/DSC01689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360692404352103682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBV0zWxkI/AAAAAAAAAU0/0afFQcyeWvA/s1600-h/DSC01690.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBV0zWxkI/AAAAAAAAAU0/0afFQcyeWvA/s320/DSC01690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360692405917369922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBWYZEHcI/AAAAAAAAAU8/jyqwmBX_CSk/s1600-h/DSC01691.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBWYZEHcI/AAAAAAAAAU8/jyqwmBX_CSk/s320/DSC01691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360692415470771650" border="0" /></a><br />Still a little snow up there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBWndQGkI/AAAAAAAAAVE/q58TBpcOtDc/s1600-h/DSC01692.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBWndQGkI/AAAAAAAAAVE/q58TBpcOtDc/s320/DSC01692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360692419514866242" border="0" /></a><br />I really like this shot. The trail as it leaves the ridge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBXHJ96TI/AAAAAAAAAVM/qW5ITchBAtY/s1600-h/DSC01693.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUBXHJ96TI/AAAAAAAAAVM/qW5ITchBAtY/s320/DSC01693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360692428023916850" border="0" /></a><br />A good view of La Plata's north face. It was only 3 weeks ago that I was standing on top of it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUCIiO3NGI/AAAAAAAAAVU/QfeSFrXN6To/s1600-h/DSC01694.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUCIiO3NGI/AAAAAAAAAVU/QfeSFrXN6To/s320/DSC01694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360693277105796194" border="0" /></a><br />Another gully on the west face.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUCJIlBgRI/AAAAAAAAAVk/XOVGN1cFvI0/s1600-h/DSC01696.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUCJIlBgRI/AAAAAAAAAVk/XOVGN1cFvI0/s320/DSC01696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360693287399293202" border="0" /></a><br />Cliff bands on the west shoulder of Massive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUCIzwdY6I/AAAAAAAAAVc/g9hvBScCW8o/s1600-h/DSC01695.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmUCIzwdY6I/AAAAAAAAAVc/g9hvBScCW8o/s320/DSC01695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360693281810113442" border="0" /></a><br />A parting shot, as we said our fairwells, and then she jumped!<br />Just kidding! <br /><br />After a very long day, we made it back to the trail head at 3pm. Climbing is becoming more and more of a passion for me. The people that I meet on the trail are some of the best people in the world. There are very few mountaineers that will not go out of their way for someone else. I long to be in the mountains, and experience all that they have to offer.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-21922421378253440282009-07-20T15:26:00.011-06:002009-07-20T16:31:37.635-06:00La Plata on June 26, 2009 Part 2, The DescentWith storms brewing and moving in our direction, it was time to get down, fairly quickly. Most of the people I ran into were hiking the Northwest Ridge. It was mostly an uneventful hike back down the ridge. I moved as fast as I could with the weather dancing around. As I neared the saddle and the steep, loose trail that lead into the amphitheater, I started getting really hot. I still had my gore-tex layers on from the cold and windy summit, but I didn't want to take anytime shedding them, possibly allowing the storms to truly come alive. By the time I got back to my tent at 12,500 feet, I felt really sick. A lack of nutrition combined with the physcial activity involved with climbing, made my stomach quite upset. I hurriedly packed my tent and camping gear, and began the hot trek all the way back down to the trail head. About every 100 yards or so, I would stop and have dry heaves. Not too sure why, but I think that it had a lot to do with the way in which I treated my body that morning. Not wanting to get caught in a downpour with lightning around, I made as few stops as possbile; getting back to my truck just as the flood gates opened, and mother nature began unleashing her fury. Here are the pictures:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkuPu8jeI/AAAAAAAAAN0/bJ_Itu010S4/s1600-h/DSC01564.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkuPu8jeI/AAAAAAAAAN0/bJ_Itu010S4/s320/DSC01564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360660939626286562" border="0" /></a><br />From the trail head looking south towards Huron, 14,003 feet.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkustEYTI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ajUqbOrgDR0/s1600-h/DSC01568.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkustEYTI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ajUqbOrgDR0/s320/DSC01568.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360660947403039026" border="0" /></a><br />A view west along the trail before reaching the amphitheater and treeline.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkvu1r0VI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Ea8mm8Clf9A/s1600-h/DSC01570.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkvu1r0VI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Ea8mm8Clf9A/s320/DSC01570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360660965155918162" border="0" /></a><br />South again at roughly 12,000. Huron is in the distance.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkwHUdpOI/AAAAAAAAAOM/Uq2KJY1cTRk/s1600-h/DSC01571.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkwHUdpOI/AAAAAAAAAOM/Uq2KJY1cTRk/s320/DSC01571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360660971727463650" border="0" /></a><br />My first view of the cliffs and ridge that make up the headwall.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkwjZA-SI/AAAAAAAAAOU/7flb_MlPhKU/s1600-h/DSC01576.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTkwjZA-SI/AAAAAAAAAOU/7flb_MlPhKU/s320/DSC01576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360660979262748962" border="0" /></a><br />Getting closer to a high camp. What appears to be La Plata on center stage.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnjlZdHuI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Snu16VTfbRI/s1600-h/DSC01584.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnjlZdHuI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Snu16VTfbRI/s320/DSC01584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360664054998048482" border="0" /></a><br />A good view of the heart of the amphitheater.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnkH-ATtI/AAAAAAAAAOk/JdUfQnjAsvY/s1600-h/DSC01590.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnkH-ATtI/AAAAAAAAAOk/JdUfQnjAsvY/s320/DSC01590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360664064278154962" border="0" /></a><br />From left to right: Browns Peak, Huron, and the Three Apostles, with Ice Mountain being in the middle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnkZgDv5I/AAAAAAAAAOs/xf3Ktmk4Kas/s1600-h/DSC01609.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnkZgDv5I/AAAAAAAAAOs/xf3Ktmk4Kas/s320/DSC01609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360664068984389522" border="0" /></a><br />View of Huron and the Three Apostles from my high camp at sunset.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnkze7lgI/AAAAAAAAAO0/geJSt918alo/s1600-h/DSC01630.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnkze7lgI/AAAAAAAAAO0/geJSt918alo/s320/DSC01630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360664075958982146" border="0" /></a><br />Another later shot of sunset.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnlNrzWZI/AAAAAAAAAO8/K-YP3nqdF-I/s1600-h/DSC01637.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTnlNrzWZI/AAAAAAAAAO8/K-YP3nqdF-I/s320/DSC01637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360664082992290194" border="0" /></a><br />Cresting the saddle in the ridge the next morning, Saryes Benchmark comes into view. This is the same mountain that was at the head of the valley that weeks before, me and Richard made our attempt in.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqmlwtB3I/AAAAAAAAAPE/fVJEldrlvTU/s1600-h/DSC01638.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqmlwtB3I/AAAAAAAAAPE/fVJEldrlvTU/s320/DSC01638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360667405170050930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqnf_uApI/AAAAAAAAAPU/h-0C6fd0z9o/s1600-h/DSC01641.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqnf_uApI/AAAAAAAAAPU/h-0C6fd0z9o/s320/DSC01641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360667420802286226" border="0" /></a><br />On top of the ridge looking down on the amphitheater. The tiny blue speck in the shade is my tent!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqm2qBZ1I/AAAAAAAAAPM/wbrwjR2cyMA/s1600-h/DSC01639.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqm2qBZ1I/AAAAAAAAAPM/wbrwjR2cyMA/s320/DSC01639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360667409705428818" border="0" /></a><br />Looking up the ridge at what is hopefully the summit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqnn-NFSI/AAAAAAAAAPc/BpfV2k06Y3k/s1600-h/DSC01645.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqnn-NFSI/AAAAAAAAAPc/BpfV2k06Y3k/s320/DSC01645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360667422943417634" border="0" /></a><br />Looking back at Sayres and the saddle. Sayres is such a classical looking mountain.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqn-LTxrI/AAAAAAAAAPk/DhlJEsaI1lA/s1600-h/DSC01646.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTqn-LTxrI/AAAAAAAAAPk/DhlJEsaI1lA/s320/DSC01646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360667428903962290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsxPIM88I/AAAAAAAAAPs/3YpdrtXyz1E/s1600-h/DSC01648.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsxPIM88I/AAAAAAAAAPs/3YpdrtXyz1E/s320/DSC01648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360669787096413122" border="0" /></a><br />Reaching the top, only to find that we still have a long way to go!<br /><br /><br />The remainder is views from the top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsxrXsCNI/AAAAAAAAAP0/vFJCeCIkxSg/s1600-h/DSC01650.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsxrXsCNI/AAAAAAAAAP0/vFJCeCIkxSg/s320/DSC01650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360669794677557458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsyPSHnKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/KdVMLXDoT64/s1600-h/DSC01651.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsyPSHnKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/KdVMLXDoT64/s320/DSC01651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360669804317875362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsyZ3mPUI/AAAAAAAAAQE/iS7Nz2qP9tQ/s1600-h/DSC01652.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsyZ3mPUI/AAAAAAAAAQE/iS7Nz2qP9tQ/s320/DSC01652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360669807159426370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsylkSfOI/AAAAAAAAAQM/q4FGfpE-ViA/s1600-h/DSC01653.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTsylkSfOI/AAAAAAAAAQM/q4FGfpE-ViA/s320/DSC01653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360669810299665634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuQ36qsUI/AAAAAAAAAQU/j_8aoO_JpFo/s1600-h/DSC01654.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuQ36qsUI/AAAAAAAAAQU/j_8aoO_JpFo/s320/DSC01654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360671430133068098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuRJWzEaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/lBeUADA60E0/s1600-h/DSC01655.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuRJWzEaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/lBeUADA60E0/s320/DSC01655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360671434814460322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuRVZ-bsI/AAAAAAAAAQk/hUPdpBuBTCs/s1600-h/DSC01656.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuRVZ-bsI/AAAAAAAAAQk/hUPdpBuBTCs/s320/DSC01656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360671438049013442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuR8TB-GI/AAAAAAAAAQs/jhdIT8B6C3E/s1600-h/DSC01657.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuR8TB-GI/AAAAAAAAAQs/jhdIT8B6C3E/s320/DSC01657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360671448488867938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuSD-S64I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/06elnpOtNcI/s1600-h/DSC01658.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTuSD-S64I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/06elnpOtNcI/s320/DSC01658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360671450549382018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvpsJxj0I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/tZZZJ5DoQfs/s1600-h/DSC01659.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvpsJxj0I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/tZZZJ5DoQfs/s320/DSC01659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360672955983564610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvp0Rf0kI/AAAAAAAAARE/S6L7zaRLL-k/s1600-h/DSC01660.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvp0Rf0kI/AAAAAAAAARE/S6L7zaRLL-k/s320/DSC01660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360672958163440194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvqatFzPI/AAAAAAAAARM/LOAqLxTaLEg/s1600-h/DSC01661.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvqatFzPI/AAAAAAAAARM/LOAqLxTaLEg/s320/DSC01661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360672968479722738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvrhgOxGI/AAAAAAAAARU/9wYnLfFuCEg/s1600-h/DSC01662.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvrhgOxGI/AAAAAAAAARU/9wYnLfFuCEg/s320/DSC01662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360672987484701794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvr3ZOQYI/AAAAAAAAARc/UqJ7ol_DmgY/s1600-h/DSC01663.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmTvr3ZOQYI/AAAAAAAAARc/UqJ7ol_DmgY/s320/DSC01663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360672993360888194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope that you all enjoyed the post.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-57204383624427839472009-07-19T18:32:00.004-06:002009-07-20T17:10:09.010-06:00La Plata on June 26, 2009After an unsuccessful attempt of La Plata peak a few weeks earlier, I had it in my mind to get up this one. Here are the stats:<br />La Plata Peak Southwest Ridge<br />Summit Elevation: 14,336<br />West Winfield 4wd Trail Head Elevation: 10,950<br />Elevation Gain: 3,380<br />Total Round Trip Mileage: 7 miles<br /><br />I started out from Colorado Springs late saturday morning, more like early afternoon. I had made plans to solo Missouri, and that was what my loved ones thought I was attempting. After reaching the trail head for Missouri, I decided to drive on to Winfield. The parking lot full of cars and trucks pretty well made my mind up that I was not going up there this time. I made a quick change of plans and hit the trail for La Plata's Southwest Ridge at roughly 4pm. It was a fairly easy, but consistently uphill trek through the trees and next to a roaring river up the the ampitheater; where I decided to pitch a tent for the night. I knew that I would not be up to making it all in one day. So, I split the uphill mileage in half by camping half way up.<br /><br />That evening it looked very ominous to the south and east, storms were brewing and I began to worry some. Hiking solo, one becomes more easily worried and concerned for things as there is no one to talk you in to or out of something. It truely is up to you to decide what happens. I began to have problems with my stove, as it would no stay lit. The wind began to blow some, the light began to fade more, and the clouds started to roll in. The good thing was that there was no sound of thunder anywhere. After 2 hours of fighting with the stove, the battle was over. The stove won. I ate luke warm lasagn for supper with luke warm chia tea. Yuck! But it was food, and I needed the calories for the big day tomorrow. The clouds never did drop anything from them, but the alpenglow on the Apostles and Huron Peak was quite the sight to behold. A very beautiful evening indeed, it's too bad I didn't have anyone there to share it with. Throughout the night I tossed and turned, never finding that right postion to get comfortable in. The fact that it was pretty darn cold didn't help either. My therma rest air mattress kept leaking, and at 4:30am I looked at the thermometer and it read 22F. Quite a bit colder than forecasted, and definately colder than the sleeping bag I brought. 2 hours later, at 6:30am I decided to get up go.<br /><br />But which way? Up? or Down? Well, I didn't come out here to suffer through the night by myself on a half empty stomach. I came out to climb! Up it was! The trail to gain the ridge was very steep and loose. The sun had risen over the mountians and was hot on my skin. As I gained the ridge, I noticed that I had left my hat in the tent and that I had no sunscreen. I often wonder if people truley learn from their mistakes, or if they just go on making them again! Only time will tell. I wasn't going to let that stop me from climbing on to my 1st 14er. The next major objective was to climb what looked like the summit. A huge boulder field of rock of all shapes and sizes. The trail was very hard to follow as the carins were hidden within the rocks themselves. As I made the final push to the top, I noticied that the ridge went on and UP! I was not on the summit, but now it was clear just how far I would have to travel to get there. The remainder of the ridge was mostly snow covered with the occasional rock fields to cross. Upon joing up with the Northwest ridge route trail, the amount of people on the trail maginfied. The summit was very near. 14,336 was the highest I had ever been outside the comfort of a pressurized aircraft. The 5th highest peak in Colorado, and my 1st ever summit of a 14,000 foot mountain! I was very excited. I meet several people up top, as we shared stories and experiences in the sorta comfy wind break. I probably spent 30 minutes on top before heading down, as the clouds began to thicken and tops were building. "Storms A Brewing". I will continue with pictures tomorrow after work for Part 2, The Descent.<table class="data_box" border="0" cellspacing="2"><tbody><tr><td class="CopyR1" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" align="left" valign="top" width="140" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td> <td class="CopyR1"><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td class="CopyR1" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" align="left" valign="top" width="140" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td> <td class="CopyR1"><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td class="CopyR1" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" align="left" valign="top" width="140" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td><td class="CopyR1" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td class="CopyR1" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" align="left" valign="top" width="140" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td> <td class="CopyR1" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td class="CopyR1" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" align="left" valign="top" width="140" nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td> <td class="CopyR1"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-22793996865422236882009-07-19T17:59:00.004-06:002009-07-19T18:30:25.009-06:00La Plata on June 14, 2009 Part 2This is Part 2 of the trip with Richard up La Plata.<br />I will make it quick, since there is still a few pictures to add.<br />Basically made it to the ridge and up to 13,000 feet. I was pretty well beat and the weather was closing in, so I decided to turn around and head back down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3OrOqGfI/AAAAAAAAAMg/bCFAaTWyyXM/s1600-h/DSC01528.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3OrOqGfI/AAAAAAAAAMg/bCFAaTWyyXM/s320/DSC01528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360329444251277810" border="0" /></a><br />Looking up at the ridge with fresh overnight snowfall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3O43nyII/AAAAAAAAAMo/d58acoortQM/s1600-h/DSC01534.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3O43nyII/AAAAAAAAAMo/d58acoortQM/s320/DSC01534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360329447912753282" border="0" /></a><br />Looking down from the ridge towards the trail head and our camp.<br /><br />The next few are from the ridge looking up towards the point were Ellingwood ridge meets up with the east shoulder of La Plata, and then the rest of Ellingwood ridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3PUGGIoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/SpmqQ-z8etM/s1600-h/DSC01536.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3PUGGIoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/SpmqQ-z8etM/s320/DSC01536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360329455221219970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3Prdy9vI/AAAAAAAAAM4/VMg9RDH47Gg/s1600-h/DSC01537.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3Prdy9vI/AAAAAAAAAM4/VMg9RDH47Gg/s320/DSC01537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360329461494642418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3P1xjy8I/AAAAAAAAANA/ns8vIdIrtHk/s1600-h/DSC01538.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO3P1xjy8I/AAAAAAAAANA/ns8vIdIrtHk/s320/DSC01538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360329464261888962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5w7hcTWI/AAAAAAAAANI/l69fUWiHUDk/s1600-h/DSC01539.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5w7hcTWI/AAAAAAAAANI/l69fUWiHUDk/s320/DSC01539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360332231763840354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5xV5xyKI/AAAAAAAAANQ/f42gL9kkud8/s1600-h/DSC01540.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5xV5xyKI/AAAAAAAAANQ/f42gL9kkud8/s320/DSC01540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360332238845233314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The next three are roughly the remainder of the route up to the summit; which is not visible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5xuycbCI/AAAAAAAAANY/dIvtRk4IY_Q/s1600-h/DSC01545.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5xuycbCI/AAAAAAAAANY/dIvtRk4IY_Q/s320/DSC01545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360332245525359650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5yFRiUII/AAAAAAAAANg/-1aOIYNwYMY/s1600-h/DSC01552.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5yFRiUII/AAAAAAAAANg/-1aOIYNwYMY/s320/DSC01552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360332251561349250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5yu-vRrI/AAAAAAAAANo/0jA525PZ0fw/s1600-h/DSC01554.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SmO5yu-vRrI/AAAAAAAAANo/0jA525PZ0fw/s320/DSC01554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360332262756796082" border="0" /></a>mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446692023179527628.post-69816491831574847392009-06-30T18:25:00.009-06:002009-06-30T19:20:13.144-06:00La Plata on June 14, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skqt93aYVSI/AAAAAAAAALI/MA4DpYbJ130/s1600-h/DSC01561.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skqt93aYVSI/AAAAAAAAALI/MA4DpYbJ130/s320/DSC01561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353282385441477922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />La Plata Peak, 14, 336 feet<br />Northwest Ridge route<br />9.5 miles Roundtrip<br />4,500 feet elevation gain<br /><br />Richard and I had been planning on a overnighter and a climb for several weeks. Work always dictates ones availability to go wondering outdoors, espically when it is to be for more than one day. Originally we had planned to leave from Denver as soon as Richard got off work on Friday, but Lindsay's work asked her if she would like to work overtime on saturday. She agreed, so that meant that I would have to take care of Bekah and Kegan that day instead of going climbing. Not at all what we had planned. Fortunately, Marisa had that day off and said that she would watch them so that me and Richard could go out. To make it short and simple, Richard arrived at my house a little afternoon and we were off to the Sawatch mountain range. We worried that such a late start to our hike to base camp coupled with the unpredictable spring time weather would hinder us, possibly restricting us to a lower camp site. When we arrived at the trail head, the weather had completly obscured everything above treeline and we could not see La Plata peak at all. A steady rain began to fall as we started up the trail through the forest. The rivers were alive and full to their banks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skqwclzt5xI/AAAAAAAAALQ/CVYEsf3B_W0/s1600-h/DSC01493.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skqwclzt5xI/AAAAAAAAALQ/CVYEsf3B_W0/s320/DSC01493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353285112315111186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The trail for the northwest ridge route is fairly steep, with very few level spots in it. It was quite exhausting, so we had many stops for water, food, and to simply catch out breaths. About 2 miles in, the rain changed over to sleet and snow. The ground was just to warm for it to stick. Below is a couple of mugshots from the trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SkqytnC1qsI/AAAAAAAAALg/xzyaqvfOZEI/s1600-h/DSC01500.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SkqytnC1qsI/AAAAAAAAALg/xzyaqvfOZEI/s320/DSC01500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353287603728001730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SkqytOHgCgI/AAAAAAAAALY/pwxFR9gj7NY/s1600-h/DSC01497.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/SkqytOHgCgI/AAAAAAAAALY/pwxFR9gj7NY/s320/DSC01497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353287597036669442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At about 11,000 feet the trail enters the valley. The sun was beginning to set behind the mountains as the clouds and rain moved out. It was then that we saw our first view of our objective.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq0f03rgiI/AAAAAAAAALo/KnMzT-dJRn8/s1600-h/DSC01502.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq0f03rgiI/AAAAAAAAALo/KnMzT-dJRn8/s320/DSC01502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353289565944381986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We decided to make camp at the first flat spot with a view and call it a night. The next two pics are from our campsite looking, first, towards La Plata and the northwest ridge, and second down valley. Notice the fresh snow above treeline. The storm that had pelted us with rain, sleet, and snow, had dumped fresh snow above treeline.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq100RPzcI/AAAAAAAAALw/xjjozaqrb8M/s1600-h/DSC01509.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq100RPzcI/AAAAAAAAALw/xjjozaqrb8M/s320/DSC01509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353291026072063426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq11VwSJGI/AAAAAAAAAL4/TbLZJu8Kvdk/s1600-h/DSC01510.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq11VwSJGI/AAAAAAAAAL4/TbLZJu8Kvdk/s320/DSC01510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353291035060610146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />A closer look at the northwest ridge and our route to the summit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq112isvhI/AAAAAAAAAMA/abSdNyz6qmw/s1600-h/DSC01512.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq112isvhI/AAAAAAAAAMA/abSdNyz6qmw/s320/DSC01512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353291043862003218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We pitched our tent and began boiling water for cooking. It was an enjoyable meal of backpackers lasagna and trail mix for desert. Darkness fell on camp quickly and so it was time to crawl into our sleeping bags. I purposely brought my warmer weather 30 degree mummy bag, thinking that it would not dip below freezing at our lower altitude. I also neglated to bring my inflatable therma rest air mattress. Instead I brought my foam ridge rest, not nearly as comfortable as the air up one. The combination of the two kept me up all night tossing, turning, and freezing. I might have recieved a couple of hours of sleep; not nearly enough rest to prepare myself for a hard day of climbing. We awoke the next morning with clear skies and light winds. The views around were astounding! We fired up the stove for morning coffee and oatmeal. And away we went. There had already been a couple of groups that passed our camp on the way up prior to our departure. With the restless night behind us, we began to focus on the huge task ahead and above us. It was not long before we were above treeline and making ground towards the ridge line.<br /><br /><br />The final push for the ridge is before us. While most of the route to the summit is visible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq5E5Df_AI/AAAAAAAAAMY/5Mjvs-p_xmw/s1600-h/DSC01531.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq5E5Df_AI/AAAAAAAAAMY/5Mjvs-p_xmw/s320/DSC01531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353294600769371138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Richard with Saryes Mountain behind him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq5EczlphI/AAAAAAAAAMI/GHl4FlA9xBc/s1600-h/DSC01527.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9SCM-E95gew/Skq5EczlphI/AAAAAAAAAMI/GHl4FlA9xBc/s320/DSC01527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353294593186440722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am out of time for now, and will finish tomorrow.mountain manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15872973524807453878noreply@blogger.com0