~18 miles
~7,000 vertical
"Peak Y" (12274')
"Zephyr Peak" (12067')
"Peak Z" (12244')
Payne Benchmark (11780')
"No Payne" (11789')
Shawnee Peak (11927')
"X Prime" (12100')
"Peak X" (12429')
Participants: Jeff & Allison Valliere & Sierra, Dave Hale & Shep, John Kirk, Dwight Sunwall, Keith Bershader, Patrick Lilly, Jill Salva, Bob Dawson, Ryan Kowalski, Greg Hakes, Jeremy Hakes, Derrill Rodgers, and Kevin Baker
Got out with a great group of friends on Saturday for a jaunt in the Lost Creek Wilderness, starting from the Long Gulch TH, about 10 miles South of Jefferson near Kenosha Pass. Aside from hunkering down near treeline prior to our last two peaks due to a bit of lightning and graupel, we had great weather. Most of this was a bushwhack/tundra walk, but we did get a few miles of trail at the beginning and end which was nice. This was a very cohesive group in many ways and we really had a great time.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/LCW%20Dash/?start=0
Sierra
Sierra
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, 9/26/08 Green Mountain
6 miles
2,500
Again, the First Flatiron route to the summit. Took Sierra along, so things were quite slow. An hour up, and 35 or 40 down, did not even look. Great morning though, nice to slow down and soak it all in.
2,500
Again, the First Flatiron route to the summit. Took Sierra along, so things were quite slow. An hour up, and 35 or 40 down, did not even look. Great morning though, nice to slow down and soak it all in.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thursday, 9/25/08 Green Mountain
6 miles
2,500
Went up past the First Flatiron again to the top of Green. Went pretty easy, going up in 42, down in 29. Awesome fall day, the colors are getting to be really nice on the mountain, but it was a little warm, felt good though.
2,500
Went up past the First Flatiron again to the top of Green. Went pretty easy, going up in 42, down in 29. Awesome fall day, the colors are getting to be really nice on the mountain, but it was a little warm, felt good though.
Wednesday, 9/24/08 South Twin Cone Peak, LCW
~12 miles
2,420 vertical
Jeff, Allison and Sierra Valliere
Allison and I met her parents at the Fort and carpooled up to Kenosha Pass. We were hoping to do one of our favorite fall hikes on the Colorado Trail heading East through the HUGE stands of towering aspen. However, when we arrived at the pass, we noticed that our favorite stands were still green, yet the trees on the approach to N/S Twin Cone looked to be changing nicely.
We walked the extra mile from the pass along the smooth dirt road, to the 2wd TH described in Roach’s book, then past the gate and along the public right of way through the 1.5 miles of private property. The trees and willows through this stretch were stunning and I was snapping pictures like mad. The road switchbacks up the hillside through some great aspen that are now at their peak and we found an amazing rock outcrop over looking the valley to have lunch.
I did not intend on going up S. Twin Cone, but with it right there staring us in the face and the fact that we (I) intended to climb it 2 years ago when we were up on N. Twin Cone in the winter, I had to go. Allison and Sierra joined me, as her parents hung out and took a nap. We were tight on time, so we went pretty fast, doing some high speed bushwhacking through the trees on the way up, then some serious (but luckily not too long) willow bashing on the way down to regain the dirt road. It was a quick cruise out on the road and we eventually caught up to the rest of the group.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/South%20Twin%20Con/
2,420 vertical
Jeff, Allison and Sierra Valliere
Allison and I met her parents at the Fort and carpooled up to Kenosha Pass. We were hoping to do one of our favorite fall hikes on the Colorado Trail heading East through the HUGE stands of towering aspen. However, when we arrived at the pass, we noticed that our favorite stands were still green, yet the trees on the approach to N/S Twin Cone looked to be changing nicely.
We walked the extra mile from the pass along the smooth dirt road, to the 2wd TH described in Roach’s book, then past the gate and along the public right of way through the 1.5 miles of private property. The trees and willows through this stretch were stunning and I was snapping pictures like mad. The road switchbacks up the hillside through some great aspen that are now at their peak and we found an amazing rock outcrop over looking the valley to have lunch.
I did not intend on going up S. Twin Cone, but with it right there staring us in the face and the fact that we (I) intended to climb it 2 years ago when we were up on N. Twin Cone in the winter, I had to go. Allison and Sierra joined me, as her parents hung out and took a nap. We were tight on time, so we went pretty fast, doing some high speed bushwhacking through the trees on the way up, then some serious (but luckily not too long) willow bashing on the way down to regain the dirt road. It was a quick cruise out on the road and we eventually caught up to the rest of the group.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/South%20Twin%20Con/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, 9/23/08 Green Mountain
6 miles
2,500 vertical
36:46 up (from Chautauqua)
23:38 down
60:24 RT
Wow! What a difference a day makes! Yesterday I busted my b@lls trying to get a PR on SBP and missed by 2 minutes. I felt like I had two left feet on the descent and was trashed all day, culminating with a splitting headache that made me sweat that evening, I could hardly hold my head up.
9.5 hours of sleep later, I felt great and busted my hump at work all day doing very physical work. All afternoon, I thought I would get done at a decent hour and have plenty of time to go run at a leisurely pace, but I kept getting set back, culminating with an error which cost me an extra 45 minutes, so I was running way behind. I got to Chautauqua and figured I would see how things went and started up my new favorite route up Green, going up past the 1st Flatiron and then bushwhacking to the NE ridge, then up Greenman. Fueled by the adreneline of not having much time, and an espresso (I don't really ever drink coffee), I was jacked and feeling good.
I made it to the Mesa trail in 5, bottom of the 1st in 10:37, top of the 1st in 20, NE ridge in 25:?? then the summit of Green in 36:46, my fastest EVER from Chautauqua by a lot (don't feel like investigating previous PR now), but by at least a few minutes. So much for my confession yesterday that I need to take things easy. Today I just felt absolutely on top of things and would have done another lap if I had time, I felt that good. Legs were unbelievably strong, lungs and breathing were hardly labored, my focus was absolutely intense and I was even listening to my MP3 player (Competitor Radio interview with John Howard).
I ripped the downhill (for me), sticking to the Greenman, Saddle, Amphi trails. 20:10 to the Gregory lot jct, then another 3:28 to the car. I was hoping to have done the RT in under an hour, but missed it by 24 seconds...... Dang. Oh well, maybe next time. It is runs like today that produce such a high, it constantly keeps me seeking that next fix to match it and cancel out bad days like yesterday that make you wonder how it is you can derail so bad.
2,500 vertical
36:46 up (from Chautauqua)
23:38 down
60:24 RT
Wow! What a difference a day makes! Yesterday I busted my b@lls trying to get a PR on SBP and missed by 2 minutes. I felt like I had two left feet on the descent and was trashed all day, culminating with a splitting headache that made me sweat that evening, I could hardly hold my head up.
9.5 hours of sleep later, I felt great and busted my hump at work all day doing very physical work. All afternoon, I thought I would get done at a decent hour and have plenty of time to go run at a leisurely pace, but I kept getting set back, culminating with an error which cost me an extra 45 minutes, so I was running way behind. I got to Chautauqua and figured I would see how things went and started up my new favorite route up Green, going up past the 1st Flatiron and then bushwhacking to the NE ridge, then up Greenman. Fueled by the adreneline of not having much time, and an espresso (I don't really ever drink coffee), I was jacked and feeling good.
I made it to the Mesa trail in 5, bottom of the 1st in 10:37, top of the 1st in 20, NE ridge in 25:?? then the summit of Green in 36:46, my fastest EVER from Chautauqua by a lot (don't feel like investigating previous PR now), but by at least a few minutes. So much for my confession yesterday that I need to take things easy. Today I just felt absolutely on top of things and would have done another lap if I had time, I felt that good. Legs were unbelievably strong, lungs and breathing were hardly labored, my focus was absolutely intense and I was even listening to my MP3 player (Competitor Radio interview with John Howard).
I ripped the downhill (for me), sticking to the Greenman, Saddle, Amphi trails. 20:10 to the Gregory lot jct, then another 3:28 to the car. I was hoping to have done the RT in under an hour, but missed it by 24 seconds...... Dang. Oh well, maybe next time. It is runs like today that produce such a high, it constantly keeps me seeking that next fix to match it and cancel out bad days like yesterday that make you wonder how it is you can derail so bad.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, 9/22/08 S. Boulder Peak
8 miles
3,000 vertical
47:58up/1:24 RT
Intended to go fast today, but was unsure about where I was at. I faked it for a bit and got to the first few time checks at or slightly ahead of PR pace, my time was 18:30 at mouth of Shadow, but I knew deep down I would pay for it soon and was on borrowed time. Sure enough as it got steep, I started to hurt bad and knew I was off pace. I kept at it though, despite knowing that I was falling off pace with every step.
Got to the saddle in 41:45 with a slow split through the canyon of 23:15. Ouch. Dug deep for the remainder of the distance to the summit and got there in 47:58. I knew it was not my day even before I left the house and it was getting pretty hot even at my 9:40am start. Excuses, excuses. Took it pretty easy on the down, just jogging it out. Fall began at 9:44am today, so this was my last run of the summer/first run of the Fall season. I felt pretty crappy and I think I need to take things easy for a bit, as today may have been a sign that I have already passed my peak for the season and need to tone it back a bit. I might get in some longer runs and keep the intensity down relatively, in hopes of putting in a good run at the Grand Canyon in November.
3,000 vertical
47:58up/1:24 RT
Intended to go fast today, but was unsure about where I was at. I faked it for a bit and got to the first few time checks at or slightly ahead of PR pace, my time was 18:30 at mouth of Shadow, but I knew deep down I would pay for it soon and was on borrowed time. Sure enough as it got steep, I started to hurt bad and knew I was off pace. I kept at it though, despite knowing that I was falling off pace with every step.
Got to the saddle in 41:45 with a slow split through the canyon of 23:15. Ouch. Dug deep for the remainder of the distance to the summit and got there in 47:58. I knew it was not my day even before I left the house and it was getting pretty hot even at my 9:40am start. Excuses, excuses. Took it pretty easy on the down, just jogging it out. Fall began at 9:44am today, so this was my last run of the summer/first run of the Fall season. I felt pretty crappy and I think I need to take things easy for a bit, as today may have been a sign that I have already passed my peak for the season and need to tone it back a bit. I might get in some longer runs and keep the intensity down relatively, in hopes of putting in a good run at the Grand Canyon in November.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sunday, 9/21/08 Mt. Helen
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/
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/
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/
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