Mt. Helen (13,164)
9/21/08
5 miles
2,800 vertical
1:45 up/3:15 RT
Allison, Sierra and I spent the weekend at the cabin where we were married 4 years ago near Hoosier Pass to celebrate our anniversary. We spent the day Saturday hiking to Wheeler Lake, but not getting up anything due to a late start, fickle weather and other fun activities. Sunday morning, the weather was still less than inspiring with intermittent rain/snow showers, so we slept in and relaxed at the cabin with no agenda other than to delay as long as we could stand and see if the weather improved.
We ultimately got cabin fever and decided to give Mt. Helen a shot on the way home, as the weather seemed to be improving, albeit marginally. We parked at the Spruce Creek TH and began walking up the road to the Wheeler trail and then took a right. We soon came to a locked gate, walked around and then immediately headed West up the steep hillside following the path of least resistance. After a few hundred vertical feet, the terrain became a bit more manageable, although still steep. We found a nice shallow, grassy gulley that led us directly up the fall line to the open and grassy East facing slopes. High up, there were occasional patches of snow, nothing to slow us down, but just enough for Sierra to have a blast in. I can say with confidence that she is eagerly awaiting winter.
It was lightly raining at the start, but the sun came out and warmed things nicely. For the entire hike, there were dark clouds threatening all around, but none were electrical and we enjoyed a perfect little weather window. On the descent, we deliberately went out of our way to trek through a few small aspen groves that were at their peak and went picture crazy. This was an awesome consolation hike after pining away for a summit all weekend. We took our time and really enjoyed the day.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Helen/
Sierra
Sierra
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, 9/20/08 Wheeler Lake
7 miles
1,500 vertical
Allison, Sierra and I spent the weekend at the cabin near Hoosier Pass where we were married 4 years ago on Sept. 18th. We arrived at the cabin a bit later in the morning than I would have liked and settled in, had breakfast and discussed options (nearby 13ers that we have not done). We decided that we would try for Wheeler Peak, a nearby bicentennial. We did not get going until 10:15am and were slowed by wet conditions and a parade of SLOW moving jeeps. The skies soon clouded over and became threatening. We took a long break at Wheeler Lake and decided that Wheeler Peak was not to be. Allison was feeling sick (a bug she caught at work), plus the weather was deteriorating quickly, so we gladly called it a day. Of course, just as we decided to head down, so did the brigade of Jeeps which we played leap frog with, sucking in exhaust and filthy cigarette smoke. I eventually cruised past the redneck brigade, but Allison was lagging behind. I was feeling bad, but I was a bit peeved and stayed ahead hoping she would catch up. Soon, another parade of ascending Jeeps approached, creating a massive traffic jam, allowing Allison to pass and we never saw them again. Awesome day out despite the crowds of 4x4s and the not so great weather. The colors were amazing, contrasting vividly with the snowcapped peaks.
We arrived back at the cabin around 1:45pm and hung out reading, napping and relaxing, then headed out for a nice dinner in Breck.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Wheeler%20Lake/
1,500 vertical
Allison, Sierra and I spent the weekend at the cabin near Hoosier Pass where we were married 4 years ago on Sept. 18th. We arrived at the cabin a bit later in the morning than I would have liked and settled in, had breakfast and discussed options (nearby 13ers that we have not done). We decided that we would try for Wheeler Peak, a nearby bicentennial. We did not get going until 10:15am and were slowed by wet conditions and a parade of SLOW moving jeeps. The skies soon clouded over and became threatening. We took a long break at Wheeler Lake and decided that Wheeler Peak was not to be. Allison was feeling sick (a bug she caught at work), plus the weather was deteriorating quickly, so we gladly called it a day. Of course, just as we decided to head down, so did the brigade of Jeeps which we played leap frog with, sucking in exhaust and filthy cigarette smoke. I eventually cruised past the redneck brigade, but Allison was lagging behind. I was feeling bad, but I was a bit peeved and stayed ahead hoping she would catch up. Soon, another parade of ascending Jeeps approached, creating a massive traffic jam, allowing Allison to pass and we never saw them again. Awesome day out despite the crowds of 4x4s and the not so great weather. The colors were amazing, contrasting vividly with the snowcapped peaks.
We arrived back at the cabin around 1:45pm and hung out reading, napping and relaxing, then headed out for a nice dinner in Breck.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Wheeler%20Lake/
Friday, September 19, 2008
Friday, 9/19/08 Green Mountain
6.5 miles
2,500 vertical
Got out with George today for a run up Green, same way I went yesterday and came down Ranger/Gregory. Up in 49, down in 32 (from Chautauqua). Went pretty easy, jibber jabbering the whole way. Crazy amounts of lady bugs on the summit.
2,500 vertical
Got out with George today for a run up Green, same way I went yesterday and came down Ranger/Gregory. Up in 49, down in 32 (from Chautauqua). Went pretty easy, jibber jabbering the whole way. Crazy amounts of lady bugs on the summit.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thursday, 9/18/08 Green Mountain
6 miles
2,500 vertical
Sick of the usual trails, I headed up the trail used to access the First Flatiron. I took it easy, to moderate at the hardest and spent a few minutes poking around the 2nd Flatiron (anyone want to scramble this soon?). From the top of the trail, I descended a short bit West to reach the well worn trails that connect with the NE ridge trail. Topped out in 47, down in 29.
2,500 vertical
Sick of the usual trails, I headed up the trail used to access the First Flatiron. I took it easy, to moderate at the hardest and spent a few minutes poking around the 2nd Flatiron (anyone want to scramble this soon?). From the top of the trail, I descended a short bit West to reach the well worn trails that connect with the NE ridge trail. Topped out in 47, down in 29.
Wednesday, 9/17/08 Evans, Epaulet, "Epaulie"
Mt. Evans, Epaulet Mountain, “Epaulie”
9/17/08
~19.4 miles
~5,500 vertical
6:47 RT
TH: Abyss Lake
Needing to take some pictures and notes on the route to Abyss Lake for an upcoming CMC guidebook, I headed up there to review the trail and refresh my memory of the area. I got on the trail at 7:42am and started jogging at an easy pace, just trying to put some of the easier and familiar trail behind me quickly. After the first creek crossing, the views opened up and I had to bust out the camera. The aspens in this valley are slowly starting to change, maybe 25% at this point, but the trail went through a nice yellow grove where the warm morning sun was illuminating the forest, absolutely stunning.
I got a little carried away with picture taking and would for shorts periods of time forget that I had an agenda for the day. This became the theme, as I would jog for a while, then find great photo ops and space out for a bit. Once the trail neared tree line and got a bit steeper, the heavyish day pack made it’s presence known and I resigned to hiking.
The lake at 11,730 was flooded by beaver activity and I had a nice willow romp around the East side trying to not get wet. Soon after, the trail merged with a creek and it was a challenge to stay dry. Once out of the willows, it was easy cruising the remainder of the way to Abyss Lake on a nice trail and I arrived there at 10am. I took a long break here, drinking in the scenery and serenity. The morning was warm and calm, the only noise to be heard was the occasional marmot or pika.
My plan was pretty loose and I debated turning back, but with Evans and Bierstadt looming overhead, how could I pass them up? I worked my way up the steep slopes of Mt. Evans, gained the ridge and then traversed over to the summit. On the summit, I saw the first and only people I would see all day, a few groups of two who had hiked up from Summit Lake and several cyclists. I took another long break here and debated my options. I wanted to take Sawtooth over to Bierstadt, but I was not sure if there would be much snow/ice and there was a pesky dark cloud developing overhead. Since nobody really knew where I was, I decided to play it safe and head over to Epaulet and “Epaulie” since I had not climbed them before.
The trip over there was easy, but perhaps a bit longer than it looks. I took great pleasure in shortcutting the switchbacks in the road, as I always think about this when running or biking the road. From “Epaulie”, I headed West, then NW down a grassy gulley to re-connect with the Abyss Lake Trail at around 12,200 feet. Once on the trail, I jogged most of the way out, splashing through the creek and the lake, too lazy to avoid getting wet. I arrived at the car at 2:29pm, with dark and stormy skies at my back. This was a great route and a nice casual day out.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Abyss/
9/17/08
~19.4 miles
~5,500 vertical
6:47 RT
TH: Abyss Lake
Needing to take some pictures and notes on the route to Abyss Lake for an upcoming CMC guidebook, I headed up there to review the trail and refresh my memory of the area. I got on the trail at 7:42am and started jogging at an easy pace, just trying to put some of the easier and familiar trail behind me quickly. After the first creek crossing, the views opened up and I had to bust out the camera. The aspens in this valley are slowly starting to change, maybe 25% at this point, but the trail went through a nice yellow grove where the warm morning sun was illuminating the forest, absolutely stunning.
I got a little carried away with picture taking and would for shorts periods of time forget that I had an agenda for the day. This became the theme, as I would jog for a while, then find great photo ops and space out for a bit. Once the trail neared tree line and got a bit steeper, the heavyish day pack made it’s presence known and I resigned to hiking.
The lake at 11,730 was flooded by beaver activity and I had a nice willow romp around the East side trying to not get wet. Soon after, the trail merged with a creek and it was a challenge to stay dry. Once out of the willows, it was easy cruising the remainder of the way to Abyss Lake on a nice trail and I arrived there at 10am. I took a long break here, drinking in the scenery and serenity. The morning was warm and calm, the only noise to be heard was the occasional marmot or pika.
My plan was pretty loose and I debated turning back, but with Evans and Bierstadt looming overhead, how could I pass them up? I worked my way up the steep slopes of Mt. Evans, gained the ridge and then traversed over to the summit. On the summit, I saw the first and only people I would see all day, a few groups of two who had hiked up from Summit Lake and several cyclists. I took another long break here and debated my options. I wanted to take Sawtooth over to Bierstadt, but I was not sure if there would be much snow/ice and there was a pesky dark cloud developing overhead. Since nobody really knew where I was, I decided to play it safe and head over to Epaulet and “Epaulie” since I had not climbed them before.
The trip over there was easy, but perhaps a bit longer than it looks. I took great pleasure in shortcutting the switchbacks in the road, as I always think about this when running or biking the road. From “Epaulie”, I headed West, then NW down a grassy gulley to re-connect with the Abyss Lake Trail at around 12,200 feet. Once on the trail, I jogged most of the way out, splashing through the creek and the lake, too lazy to avoid getting wet. I arrived at the car at 2:29pm, with dark and stormy skies at my back. This was a great route and a nice casual day out.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Abyss/
Monday, September 15, 2008
Monday, 09/15/08 Bear/S. Boulder, reverse Bill Loop
10 miles
3,500 vertical
Had a great run this morning. Did not go too fast, but it was just such a perfect morning to get out for a good run. Up Mesa, over to Bluestem (Bluebell?), re-connect to Mesa, Shanahan past the slab to Fern, topped out on Bear at 59 going easy on the up and moderate on the approach. 10 more over to S. Boulder, then took the descent easy. 1:45 RT.
3,500 vertical
Had a great run this morning. Did not go too fast, but it was just such a perfect morning to get out for a good run. Up Mesa, over to Bluestem (Bluebell?), re-connect to Mesa, Shanahan past the slab to Fern, topped out on Bear at 59 going easy on the up and moderate on the approach. 10 more over to S. Boulder, then took the descent easy. 1:45 RT.
Sunday, 9/14/08 S. Boulder Peak
8 miles
3,000 vertical
An easy hike with Allison and Sierra in the afternoon once it finally got nice. 1:20ish up, a long summit break, then an easy walk back down. 2:42 RT.
3,000 vertical
An easy hike with Allison and Sierra in the afternoon once it finally got nice. 1:20ish up, a long summit break, then an easy walk back down. 2:42 RT.
Saturday, 9/13/08 Flattop Mountain
Flattop Mountain (12,324) RMNP
9/13/08
8.8 miles
2,849 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere
2hrs up/4 RT
Where oh where did summer disappear to? That is what we were asking ourselves on Flattop on Saturday as we intended to do something short, close to home, mellow and super easy but mother nature had other plans. As we were leaving the house, we were surprised to see how white the Indian Peaks were, but did not think too much of it, as we were taking an easy trail to only 12,324 (should have gone back home for boots/gaiters, balaclava/goggles).
We started up the trail at 8:15am from Bear Lake. It was a bit cool, but otherwise a gorgeous day. We quickly warmed up, and before long, we were walking on a snow and ice covered trail, but it was really no biggie and kind of fun actually. At tree line, the depth of the snow was increasing, as was the wind and soon we were in a full on raging ground blizzard, it really felt like full on winter. The going was slow as we tried to stay upright in the unconsolidated, and often times knee deep snow. Too bad we could not have brought the dog, at least she would be enjoying this.
The trail was only discernable by following the large cairns, but we were often times off of it, trying to find patches of less deep snow. Each step was a complete mystery and we never knew what we were going to step on or in. We made the uneventful summit after 2 hours and beat a hasty retreat. On the way down, going as cautious and slow as I could, I still managed to sink my leg into a deep hole and really smash my shin, probably the worst since my BMX/bear trap pedal days, OUCH!
Fortunately, the descent was a bit easier with the wind at our backs and once back in the trees, it turned out to be an amazing fall day and warmed quickly and dramatically. The leaves are really slow to change this year, and there was nary a hint of yellow anywhere. I slept in the car all the way back to Lyons and awoke to people riding bikes every where I looked, a stark contrast from winter in a seeming instant.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Flattop/
9/13/08
8.8 miles
2,849 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere
2hrs up/4 RT
Where oh where did summer disappear to? That is what we were asking ourselves on Flattop on Saturday as we intended to do something short, close to home, mellow and super easy but mother nature had other plans. As we were leaving the house, we were surprised to see how white the Indian Peaks were, but did not think too much of it, as we were taking an easy trail to only 12,324 (should have gone back home for boots/gaiters, balaclava/goggles).
We started up the trail at 8:15am from Bear Lake. It was a bit cool, but otherwise a gorgeous day. We quickly warmed up, and before long, we were walking on a snow and ice covered trail, but it was really no biggie and kind of fun actually. At tree line, the depth of the snow was increasing, as was the wind and soon we were in a full on raging ground blizzard, it really felt like full on winter. The going was slow as we tried to stay upright in the unconsolidated, and often times knee deep snow. Too bad we could not have brought the dog, at least she would be enjoying this.
The trail was only discernable by following the large cairns, but we were often times off of it, trying to find patches of less deep snow. Each step was a complete mystery and we never knew what we were going to step on or in. We made the uneventful summit after 2 hours and beat a hasty retreat. On the way down, going as cautious and slow as I could, I still managed to sink my leg into a deep hole and really smash my shin, probably the worst since my BMX/bear trap pedal days, OUCH!
Fortunately, the descent was a bit easier with the wind at our backs and once back in the trees, it turned out to be an amazing fall day and warmed quickly and dramatically. The leaves are really slow to change this year, and there was nary a hint of yellow anywhere. I slept in the car all the way back to Lyons and awoke to people riding bikes every where I looked, a stark contrast from winter in a seeming instant.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Flattop/
Friday, September 12, 2008
09/12/08 Sanitas
~ 4 miles ~1,700 vertical
For years I have been trying to break 17 on Sanitas and I came close to letting it go and just accepting that it is never going to happen. I often times gaze up toward Sanitas from Boulder and think to myself, "it looks so short, why can't I break 17?". The first time I ran it, I think I was 20 minutes, and I quickly slimmed that down by a minute here, 30 seconds there, quickly I got it down to the low 17's, 17:09, 17:05, 17:03, but felt like I was really busting a gut to go that fast and my best time here stayed stagnant for years.
Today, at the last minute, I decided to join Allison and Sierra for a trip into Boulder to run some errands and take a trip up Sanitas. On the way there, I was sleeping in the car and was totally out of it. The crappy weather kind of had me in a funk, along with not sleeping too well last night. As the weather improved, I slowly snapped out of it, and figured I would run hard and see how it went.
Conditions were perfect today, high 50's and the sun was just starting to make an appearance after long steady rains for the last day and a half which made the dirt on the trail nice and tacky. I had a few minute warmup and then hit it as hard as I could, keeping my steps short and fast, trying not to take long stides and blow it too soon. I was completely redlined, but at the same time staying within myself, quickstepping the steep and flying on the lower angle sections. I got to the "puddle" downhill and knew I was slightly ahead of PR, but could I keep it up? It got steep again, and I felt better than I ever have on this stretch and knew I was pacing myself perfectly. I really leaned into it on the final stretch and hit my elbow on the pole at 16:23:09!
I was totally stoked. Sounds piddly, but I have been wanting this for years and finally got it by 40 seconds, way more than I anticipated, yet in the range I knew I could do on a good day. Now, maybe break 16? Food for thought.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday, 9/11/08 Green Mountain
5.5 miles
2,400 vertical
Allison and I got out for a trip up Green today. The weather looked a little iffy, but what the heck. About 1/4 of the way up, we were in the thick of clouds and like our outing on Monday, you could just taste them. I don't think I went hard enough to break a sweat, but I was dripping wet from the supercooled air and high dew point, as though I was having a real tough workout. We went up in 50 minutes walking the entire time up the front side, then down in 36 jogging the back way. Later, went to Gerry Roach's slideshow at Neptune featuring the new edition of his Flatiron Classics. Awesome show, now I am itching to get out there on some rock!
2,400 vertical
Allison and I got out for a trip up Green today. The weather looked a little iffy, but what the heck. About 1/4 of the way up, we were in the thick of clouds and like our outing on Monday, you could just taste them. I don't think I went hard enough to break a sweat, but I was dripping wet from the supercooled air and high dew point, as though I was having a real tough workout. We went up in 50 minutes walking the entire time up the front side, then down in 36 jogging the back way. Later, went to Gerry Roach's slideshow at Neptune featuring the new edition of his Flatiron Classics. Awesome show, now I am itching to get out there on some rock!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wednesday, 9/10/08 S. Boulder and Bear
9 miles
3,300 vertical
Pretty much just a long walk for the dog, really slow on the up with lots of waiting and water stops, 1:17 up S. Boulder from S. Mesa. 5 minute break, but it was a bit cold and windy. At the last minute, I decided to nab Bear as well. It was so calm and pleasant at the summit, that we got comfy for a 25+ minute session of napping and general zoning out. I was so relaxed, getting off the summit was a bit tricky and it took me a few minutes to snap out of it. The descent was a bit faster than going up, but not much. 2:47 RT.
3,300 vertical
Pretty much just a long walk for the dog, really slow on the up with lots of waiting and water stops, 1:17 up S. Boulder from S. Mesa. 5 minute break, but it was a bit cold and windy. At the last minute, I decided to nab Bear as well. It was so calm and pleasant at the summit, that we got comfy for a 25+ minute session of napping and general zoning out. I was so relaxed, getting off the summit was a bit tricky and it took me a few minutes to snap out of it. The descent was a bit faster than going up, but not much. 2:47 RT.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday, 9/09/08 Bear Peak
6 miles
2,800 vertical
40:34 up
22:39 down
1:03:13 RT
Have not done this route in quite a while. Started off feeling like total crap and wanted to bail, but I just chugged along and stuck with it. I felt warmed up after 5 or 6 minutes, but was not feeling top notch, but I was moving OK I guess. I realized that a large lunch less than an hour before the run was really bogging me down. I was not expecting to set any records, but wanted to go up in under 40. I just missed it and topped out at 40:34, completing the final 1,000 feet from the saddle in 12 minutes. For some odd reason, I felt compelled to time my descent, 8 to the saddle, 15 to base of slab and 22:39 total on the down, for sure my fastest descent without snow. I was 3 minutes slower on the up than PR, but since my downhill was faster, I think I PRed on the RT by a handful of seconds.
2,800 vertical
40:34 up
22:39 down
1:03:13 RT
Have not done this route in quite a while. Started off feeling like total crap and wanted to bail, but I just chugged along and stuck with it. I felt warmed up after 5 or 6 minutes, but was not feeling top notch, but I was moving OK I guess. I realized that a large lunch less than an hour before the run was really bogging me down. I was not expecting to set any records, but wanted to go up in under 40. I just missed it and topped out at 40:34, completing the final 1,000 feet from the saddle in 12 minutes. For some odd reason, I felt compelled to time my descent, 8 to the saddle, 15 to base of slab and 22:39 total on the down, for sure my fastest descent without snow. I was 3 minutes slower on the up than PR, but since my downhill was faster, I think I PRed on the RT by a handful of seconds.
Monday, 9/08/08 Green via Flag
8 miles
2,700 vertical
Ran with George Zack, Dave Mackey, Claude Clegg and Charlie Nuttleman up Flag, over to Green via Ranger. Went fairly easy, talking most of the way. Upped the pace just a bit for the last 4 or 5 minutes. It was cold, foggy and damp. I was freezing when I got home and stood in the hot shower for too long. 57 or 58 up, 32 down (according to George, as I did not look at my watch).
2,700 vertical
Ran with George Zack, Dave Mackey, Claude Clegg and Charlie Nuttleman up Flag, over to Green via Ranger. Went fairly easy, talking most of the way. Upped the pace just a bit for the last 4 or 5 minutes. It was cold, foggy and damp. I was freezing when I got home and stood in the hot shower for too long. 57 or 58 up, 32 down (according to George, as I did not look at my watch).
Monday, September 8, 2008
Saturday, 09/06/08 Carbonate (13,663), Cyclone (13,596), “Lo Carb” (13,591), Grizzly Mountain (13,708)
Carbonate (13,663), Cyclone (13,596), “Lo Carb” (13,591), Grizzly Mountain (13,708)
9/06/08
~9 miles
~4,500 verticial
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Aron Ralston, Kevin Lund, Sierra and Shep
Aron and I had been exchanging e-mails during the week discussing possible plans for Saturday. I mentioned that we were thinking of heading to the Sawatch to climb some 13ers, but had no definitive plan, so Aron quickly suggested the above peaks and possibly Aetna/Taylor if we had time. I was game for getting them all, but I was doubtful Allison and Sierra would be up for all of them, so we just figured we would just play it by ear. Usual hiking partners for the weekends (Hales/Kevin) were eager to join and committed to the trip at the last minute and we were excited to have them along.
We got started at a not too early time from around 10,600ft, just a short stretch down the road from where Cyclone Creek intersects near the old Shavano town site labeled on the map. From our parking spot, we crossed the road and meandered North on the gentle South ridge of Carbonate. The pace was casual and we all just took our time conversing and enjoying the morning. When practical, we tried to stay just over to the East side of the ridge to avoid the cold breeze sweeping past, a nagging reminder that winter is not far around the corner.
We took a long break on top of Carbonate, allowing time for regrouping, snacks, pictures, register signing (we saw Kunkle’s mark everywhere we turned) and moved on to Cyclone and “Lo Carb”, taking short breaks out of the wind on occasion. Unfortunately, Emily was having a bit of an off day, so she opted to head down from the Carbonate/Cyclone saddle. After another long and leisurely break on “Lo Carb” taking in the amazing views of the neighboring peaks, we set off for Grizzly.
I had not really done my research, but we were a bit surprised to see that it was not the rolling tundra walking we had become accustomed to, but instead a steep and loose mess of teetery talus with a few class 3 sections.
Aron, closely followed by Dave and Shep, cruised across no problem, while I waited to help Allison, Sierra and Kevin along. After much procrastinating as to whether or not they should continue on, or backtrack, I finally convinced them into following. Nothing about this ridge was overly difficult, but it was a bit dangerous due to all the loose boulders stacked this way and that like a house of cards. Allison, Sierra and I made it unscathed, but unfortunately Kevin caught a rock on the elbow and decided to bail at the saddle.
Kevin insisted that he was OK, and was just done for the day, so Allison, Sierra and I continued on to Grizzly, where Aron and Dave were patiently waiting, having sat up there for quite a long time waiting. I felt really bad that we had kept them so long. Knowing that Aron had an appointment to keep, we encouraged he and Dave to cruise ahead while Allison and I rendezvoused with Kevin on the walk out and got a ride back to camp with him. All in all a great day out with great partners and perfect weather.
9/06/08
~9 miles
~4,500 verticial
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Aron Ralston, Kevin Lund, Sierra and Shep
Aron and I had been exchanging e-mails during the week discussing possible plans for Saturday. I mentioned that we were thinking of heading to the Sawatch to climb some 13ers, but had no definitive plan, so Aron quickly suggested the above peaks and possibly Aetna/Taylor if we had time. I was game for getting them all, but I was doubtful Allison and Sierra would be up for all of them, so we just figured we would just play it by ear. Usual hiking partners for the weekends (Hales/Kevin) were eager to join and committed to the trip at the last minute and we were excited to have them along.
We got started at a not too early time from around 10,600ft, just a short stretch down the road from where Cyclone Creek intersects near the old Shavano town site labeled on the map. From our parking spot, we crossed the road and meandered North on the gentle South ridge of Carbonate. The pace was casual and we all just took our time conversing and enjoying the morning. When practical, we tried to stay just over to the East side of the ridge to avoid the cold breeze sweeping past, a nagging reminder that winter is not far around the corner.
We took a long break on top of Carbonate, allowing time for regrouping, snacks, pictures, register signing (we saw Kunkle’s mark everywhere we turned) and moved on to Cyclone and “Lo Carb”, taking short breaks out of the wind on occasion. Unfortunately, Emily was having a bit of an off day, so she opted to head down from the Carbonate/Cyclone saddle. After another long and leisurely break on “Lo Carb” taking in the amazing views of the neighboring peaks, we set off for Grizzly.
I had not really done my research, but we were a bit surprised to see that it was not the rolling tundra walking we had become accustomed to, but instead a steep and loose mess of teetery talus with a few class 3 sections.
Aron, closely followed by Dave and Shep, cruised across no problem, while I waited to help Allison, Sierra and Kevin along. After much procrastinating as to whether or not they should continue on, or backtrack, I finally convinced them into following. Nothing about this ridge was overly difficult, but it was a bit dangerous due to all the loose boulders stacked this way and that like a house of cards. Allison, Sierra and I made it unscathed, but unfortunately Kevin caught a rock on the elbow and decided to bail at the saddle.
Kevin insisted that he was OK, and was just done for the day, so Allison, Sierra and I continued on to Grizzly, where Aron and Dave were patiently waiting, having sat up there for quite a long time waiting. I felt really bad that we had kept them so long. Knowing that Aron had an appointment to keep, we encouraged he and Dave to cruise ahead while Allison and I rendezvoused with Kevin on the walk out and got a ride back to camp with him. All in all a great day out with great partners and perfect weather.
Pictures:
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