Got out with Dave this morning for a run up S. Boulder/Bear. We jogged conversation pace up to the mouth of Shadow from S. Mesa (22 even I think at the trail jct. sign), then 22:44 for me up the canyon, made the summit at 50 and change (don't remember the exact time). At the bottom of the canyon, Dave told me to go ahead if I wanted. I upped the effort and immidiately got a good gap and was a bit surprised, he either stopped to pee or was just toying with me. Eventually he reeled me back in a bit before the saddle and cruised on past, putting 30-40 seconds on me by the summit. We then headed to Bear (where I stashed by bottle before it got steep), made the summit at 1hr even, then I had to backtrack to get my bottle, as Dave wanted to descend via W. Ridge/Bear Canyon. We took it anywhere from moderate to easy on the way down, shooting the breeze the entire way. Cruised our way back on the Mesa Trail, finished in 2:11.
It was a great day and good to get out with Dave. I actually felt pretty good today despite being over a minute off my best through Shadow Canyon and 5 minutes off PR at the top (though we were taking it casual on the approach). My legs felt reasonably good, lungs a little less good and my lower back was killing from stooping over, always seems to happen on this section of trail and rarely at other times on other trails. Dave and I are planning on a regular weekly time trial up a peak which should hurt like crazy, but build good fitness.
TT #1, Green Mountain, Thursday, 5/28/09, 5pm Chautauqua Park. All are welcome.
Sierra
Sierra
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, 5/21/09 Sanitas
17:22 up S. Ridge, pushed hard, but did not expect much more.
Ran a ways down, met Allison/Sierra, back up, down E. Ridge/Valley.
Ran a ways down, met Allison/Sierra, back up, down E. Ridge/Valley.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday, 5/20/09 Green Mountain
Got out for a great run up Green after work today. Went SUPER easy, yet was only 42 seconds slower on the same route than I was yesterday morning where I busted my hump, go figure.
37:32 up
1:03 RT
37:32 up
1:03 RT
Monday, May 18, 2009
Jones, Shavano, Tabeguache, Espirit Point
Jones Peak (13,604)
5/16/09
~9 miles
~4,500 vertical
After getting camp set up near the Blank Gulch TH around mid afternoon in preparation for Shavano and Tabeguache the following day, I had a few hours to kill before dinner and the weather was nearly perfect, so I figured I would go explore and see if I could fit in a climb up Jones Peak.
I started off heading North on the Colorado Trail, went about a mile past the junction of the Shavano Trail, crossed Squaw Creek and headed NW, over a ridge, crossed another small creek and began climbing the SE ridge of the SE ridge. The bushwhacking was relatively easy up to about 11,000 feet, then the hill got a little steeper, a little rockier and a lot more vegetated with plenty of deadfall up to about 12,000 feet.
Before long, I emerged from the trees as the clouds that were previously enshrouding the peaks were mostly dissipating. The day was relatively warm and there was hardly a breeze. Up I went over Pt. 12,985 and got my first real view of the true summit. There were several rollers that could be easily skirted with some painless side hilling, a steepish climb to the summit, then a bit of confusion. There were several similar height summits along the ridge, then a much higher point almost all the way to Shavano. A quick check of the GPS confirmed that I was on the summit of Jones, but what is that other peak? Unfortunately, I don’t have time to keep going and have to be content with just Jones.
I promised Allison that I would not be gone long, so I tried to get back fast, but the steep/rocky/deadfall section between 12,000 and 11,000 feet was very slow and tedious, resulting in lots of slips, trips and curse words. Keeping my same line going down also turned out to be a bit of a challenge, so I occasionally referred to my GPS just to streamline things. Once I hit the Colorado Trail, I jogged the remainder of the way back to camp, regretting the heavy pack I carried, as I only needed my glove liners, GPS, camera and a bottle of water. Oh well, better safe than sorry.
Shavano, Tabeguache, Espirit Point
5/17/09
~11 miles
~5,600 vertical
Angel of Shavano from Blank Gulch TH
Allison, Sierra and I
The Angel is one of our favorite easy snowclimbs/glissades, so when Allison suggested the trip and the weather forecast looked to be perfect for Sunday, I was eager to go. We camped in a nice meadow just beyond the Blank Gulch TH and enjoyed a quiet night.
We arose a bit past 5, but were slow to get going, which did not happen until 6:22am. We made good time up the trail, passing several other groups of 1’s and 2’s. The trail was free of snow all the way to the point at which we began the bushwhack toward the base of the Angel. In the woods, there was a short stretch where there were sporadic patches of snow (no snowshoes necessary), but they could easily be avoided or crossed without any difficulty. At the base of the Angel, we took about 30+ minute break to gear up/fuel up before engaging the snow.
Conditions were soft, as it was 8:30am before we started climbing the snow, but very easy as the angle of the slope is pretty laid back. We decided on the right arm, hoping for a more direct line toward the summit, but the snow was discontinuous and we eventually removed the crampons/axe and made the final grind toward the summit which always looks much closer than it is. Having climbed each arm and the head in the past, I have determined that it does not matter which way you pick, it is all about the same.
I topped out at 9:55 and Allison was 7 minutes behind. She was very happy with that since it was earlier than she topped out last time, we started 22 minutes later AND she passed and put time on all the guys we passed.
Once on the summit of Shavano though, she was reminded how far it was over to Tabeguache and decided to turn me loose and have at it while she and Sierra took a break. Not wanting to keep her waiting long, I boogied over there at a quick pace on the mostly dry ridgeline down to the saddle, avoided most of the snow on the ascent of Tabeguache, then retraced my steps back to Shavano. For some reason I thought it was 15 minutes each way, but it ended up taking me 25 over and 21 back going pretty hard. Oops.
Back on Shavano, I finally relaxed a bit, taking a long break and soaking in the scenery. It was so calm, warm and sunny, it felt as though summer had truly arrived. On the way out, we tagged Espirit Point for kicks, before the much anticipated glissade down the Angel. Lots of whoops and hollers as we sped down, Sierra sprinting and pouncing along side.
It was such a nice day, we took our sweet time walking out, finishing the day at 2:40pm and reluctantly drove home, wishing we could do it all over again.
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_09_Jones_Tab_Shav/
5/16/09
~9 miles
~4,500 vertical
After getting camp set up near the Blank Gulch TH around mid afternoon in preparation for Shavano and Tabeguache the following day, I had a few hours to kill before dinner and the weather was nearly perfect, so I figured I would go explore and see if I could fit in a climb up Jones Peak.
I started off heading North on the Colorado Trail, went about a mile past the junction of the Shavano Trail, crossed Squaw Creek and headed NW, over a ridge, crossed another small creek and began climbing the SE ridge of the SE ridge. The bushwhacking was relatively easy up to about 11,000 feet, then the hill got a little steeper, a little rockier and a lot more vegetated with plenty of deadfall up to about 12,000 feet.
Before long, I emerged from the trees as the clouds that were previously enshrouding the peaks were mostly dissipating. The day was relatively warm and there was hardly a breeze. Up I went over Pt. 12,985 and got my first real view of the true summit. There were several rollers that could be easily skirted with some painless side hilling, a steepish climb to the summit, then a bit of confusion. There were several similar height summits along the ridge, then a much higher point almost all the way to Shavano. A quick check of the GPS confirmed that I was on the summit of Jones, but what is that other peak? Unfortunately, I don’t have time to keep going and have to be content with just Jones.
I promised Allison that I would not be gone long, so I tried to get back fast, but the steep/rocky/deadfall section between 12,000 and 11,000 feet was very slow and tedious, resulting in lots of slips, trips and curse words. Keeping my same line going down also turned out to be a bit of a challenge, so I occasionally referred to my GPS just to streamline things. Once I hit the Colorado Trail, I jogged the remainder of the way back to camp, regretting the heavy pack I carried, as I only needed my glove liners, GPS, camera and a bottle of water. Oh well, better safe than sorry.
Shavano, Tabeguache, Espirit Point
5/17/09
~11 miles
~5,600 vertical
Angel of Shavano from Blank Gulch TH
Allison, Sierra and I
The Angel is one of our favorite easy snowclimbs/glissades, so when Allison suggested the trip and the weather forecast looked to be perfect for Sunday, I was eager to go. We camped in a nice meadow just beyond the Blank Gulch TH and enjoyed a quiet night.
We arose a bit past 5, but were slow to get going, which did not happen until 6:22am. We made good time up the trail, passing several other groups of 1’s and 2’s. The trail was free of snow all the way to the point at which we began the bushwhack toward the base of the Angel. In the woods, there was a short stretch where there were sporadic patches of snow (no snowshoes necessary), but they could easily be avoided or crossed without any difficulty. At the base of the Angel, we took about 30+ minute break to gear up/fuel up before engaging the snow.
Conditions were soft, as it was 8:30am before we started climbing the snow, but very easy as the angle of the slope is pretty laid back. We decided on the right arm, hoping for a more direct line toward the summit, but the snow was discontinuous and we eventually removed the crampons/axe and made the final grind toward the summit which always looks much closer than it is. Having climbed each arm and the head in the past, I have determined that it does not matter which way you pick, it is all about the same.
I topped out at 9:55 and Allison was 7 minutes behind. She was very happy with that since it was earlier than she topped out last time, we started 22 minutes later AND she passed and put time on all the guys we passed.
Once on the summit of Shavano though, she was reminded how far it was over to Tabeguache and decided to turn me loose and have at it while she and Sierra took a break. Not wanting to keep her waiting long, I boogied over there at a quick pace on the mostly dry ridgeline down to the saddle, avoided most of the snow on the ascent of Tabeguache, then retraced my steps back to Shavano. For some reason I thought it was 15 minutes each way, but it ended up taking me 25 over and 21 back going pretty hard. Oops.
Back on Shavano, I finally relaxed a bit, taking a long break and soaking in the scenery. It was so calm, warm and sunny, it felt as though summer had truly arrived. On the way out, we tagged Espirit Point for kicks, before the much anticipated glissade down the Angel. Lots of whoops and hollers as we sped down, Sierra sprinting and pouncing along side.
It was such a nice day, we took our sweet time walking out, finishing the day at 2:40pm and reluctantly drove home, wishing we could do it all over again.
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_09_Jones_Tab_Shav/
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, 05/13/09 Torreys and Grays via NW Face
Torreys via NW Face/Grays Peak
5/13/09
~14 miles
5,060 vertical
Bakerville Winter TH
Partner: Sierra
Our recent climb of Guyot made me realize how much I have been missing the high peaks and the small section of using crampons and axe had me wanting more. For years I have been eyeing the NW Face (climb 2.12, p. 27 in Roach’s 2nd edition Fourteeners book) and Emperor Couloir, but have never made it over there. Since I could not stir up any partners aside from Sierra at the last minute on a Wednesday, I opted for the easier option.
I started up the road at 7:00am and got a great pull from Sierra on the leash, as a blue pickup truck passed and she was sure that it was Dave Hale and her doggie buddies and wanted to chase. I tried to convince her that Dave drives a Toyota, not a Dodge, but she was having none of it.
We reached the Grizzly Gulch turn in 15 minutes and from there to the summit, it would be new scenery for me. After enjoying a snow free cruise from Bakerville, I was forced into my snowshoes about 1/5 mile beyond the junction. Soon there were some secondary junctions with tracks leading in multiple directions. I always picked the more travelled looking path, knowing I need to stay on “the road” for quite some distance. Sooner than expected, the road I was on ended at a mine and there was no sign of trail, road, track or anything.
Not wanting to backtrack, I made my way into the thickly vegetated woods along the creek bed and was bogged down in the bottomless sugar snow. My heart rate was maxed and I was going nowhere. To my right, I spied a S. facing, but steep slope and headed for it. After a few choice words, a reachy acrobatic creek jump with snowshoes from icy rock to a mystery landing, I made it up the dry slope and regained my intended route on the snow covered dirt road.
The snow was mostly packed if I stayed on old tracks, but with all the snow and having never been up Grizzly Gulch, the route was not always obvious. I made it to a point in the valley directly under the NW Face at 11,160 at 8:15am and took 15 minutes to get geared up for the climb. Initially, after swapping snowshoes for crampons, I was having trouble staying on top of the crust and was post holing, regretting the choice to put on crampons so early. Soon, the slope steepened enough that snowshoes would have done no good, as I worked hard to surpass the initial bench to get to the actual base of the mountain.
As I approached the base, the snow firmed up a bit and conditions were perfect for kicking steps. I initially made good progress as the wind was mellow, snow conditions were good and the temperature was just right. Before long, I started to look up and make guesstimates of when I may top out. I was thinking just 10-15 minutes more, for what seemed like forever, but a quick glance to the right revealed that I was not even as high as Grizzly Peak (only 13,427). I was hoping to just cruise up, but was instead getting discouraged with my slow pace and occasional pauses to catch my breath (although at the time justified it as taking in the views). Then things got interesting as the full brunt of the winds raking the divide picked up in earnest.
The wind sounded like a jet roaring overhead, I would look up and see a swirling blizzard of wind driven snow racing down the snow slope toward me. I would bury my axe, make sure both feet were firmly embedded and just hang on, as I watched snow fill the cuff of my glove. I have better mittens in my pack, but there was no way I was going to dig for them now. Between bursts, I would step step, plant (axe), step step, plant as quickly and safely as I could through the wind deposited powder on top of semi-breakable crust, all the while keeping tabs on the next assault from above.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally gained the ridge close to the summit and was reminded what real wind was all about. I skulked along the wide, gentle, snow covered ridge toward the top, but needed to plant my axe more than once to not get blown off. Sierra crept along low to the ground, keeping close to me, though all the while smiling and wagging her tail.
I was starting to bonk and was really getting cold, as it felt more like winter than May. I tagged the summit and immediately noticed that there was no place to hide, so down I went toward the Grays/Torreys saddle without breaking stride. From past experience, I knew there would be no respite at or near the saddle, so I decided to blow off Grays and just quickly drop off the saddle in hopes of finding some shelter.
My toes were about as cold as I can ever remember from being compressed by the crampon straps and front pointing for nearly 3,000 feet and I was starting to feel a bit desperate. As I descended, they started to warm, but it felt like thousands of stinging needles and my toes felt as if they were swollen. Surprisingly, they felt somewhat better in the 10 minutes or so it took me to reach the saddle, but the wind was not relenting.
Being stubborn, and a glutton for punishment, I decided to give Grays a shot, even though I was feeling a bit worked. By staying a bit below the ridge to the left as I ascended, I was able to stay mostly out of the wind, but it meant dealing with deep snow with unpredictable talus underneath. Though difficult, it was far better than dealing with the hurricane force wind.
Fortunately, there was enough of a wind shadow behind the summit rocks that I could collapse in a fetal position, pant, gasp, groan and put down some gel, water and a few Clif Shot Bloks. Once recovered, I remembered that I had a camera with me, took a few photos, enjoyed the views and was able to remember why I love coming up here so much.
On the descent, I was able to piece together mostly consolidated patches of snow and kept my crampons on all the way to just beyond the Kelso ridge jct. and was actually thankful to have them on in at least one spot, as the summer trail had disappeared under a steep snow slope. I think there is more snow up in Stevens Gulch now than I have ever seen.
The trip out was a cruise for the most part, as I was able to stay on top of the crust with my snowshoes and post holing was minimal. A truck had made it to within a mile of the summer trailhead, but it looked like an effort. The drive to the steep section of road by the first houses is almost completely melted out and would be easy to drive there if you have 4wd/clearance.
Splits:
Start Bakerville: 7:00am
Grizzly Gulch Turn: 7:15am
Base of climb at 11,160 8:15am
Start climb: 8:30am
Torreys Summit: 10:40am
Grays Summit: 11:17am
Summer TH: 12:40pm
Finish Bakerville: 1:24pm
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_13_Torreys/
5/13/09
~14 miles
5,060 vertical
Bakerville Winter TH
Partner: Sierra
Our recent climb of Guyot made me realize how much I have been missing the high peaks and the small section of using crampons and axe had me wanting more. For years I have been eyeing the NW Face (climb 2.12, p. 27 in Roach’s 2nd edition Fourteeners book) and Emperor Couloir, but have never made it over there. Since I could not stir up any partners aside from Sierra at the last minute on a Wednesday, I opted for the easier option.
I started up the road at 7:00am and got a great pull from Sierra on the leash, as a blue pickup truck passed and she was sure that it was Dave Hale and her doggie buddies and wanted to chase. I tried to convince her that Dave drives a Toyota, not a Dodge, but she was having none of it.
We reached the Grizzly Gulch turn in 15 minutes and from there to the summit, it would be new scenery for me. After enjoying a snow free cruise from Bakerville, I was forced into my snowshoes about 1/5 mile beyond the junction. Soon there were some secondary junctions with tracks leading in multiple directions. I always picked the more travelled looking path, knowing I need to stay on “the road” for quite some distance. Sooner than expected, the road I was on ended at a mine and there was no sign of trail, road, track or anything.
Not wanting to backtrack, I made my way into the thickly vegetated woods along the creek bed and was bogged down in the bottomless sugar snow. My heart rate was maxed and I was going nowhere. To my right, I spied a S. facing, but steep slope and headed for it. After a few choice words, a reachy acrobatic creek jump with snowshoes from icy rock to a mystery landing, I made it up the dry slope and regained my intended route on the snow covered dirt road.
The snow was mostly packed if I stayed on old tracks, but with all the snow and having never been up Grizzly Gulch, the route was not always obvious. I made it to a point in the valley directly under the NW Face at 11,160 at 8:15am and took 15 minutes to get geared up for the climb. Initially, after swapping snowshoes for crampons, I was having trouble staying on top of the crust and was post holing, regretting the choice to put on crampons so early. Soon, the slope steepened enough that snowshoes would have done no good, as I worked hard to surpass the initial bench to get to the actual base of the mountain.
As I approached the base, the snow firmed up a bit and conditions were perfect for kicking steps. I initially made good progress as the wind was mellow, snow conditions were good and the temperature was just right. Before long, I started to look up and make guesstimates of when I may top out. I was thinking just 10-15 minutes more, for what seemed like forever, but a quick glance to the right revealed that I was not even as high as Grizzly Peak (only 13,427). I was hoping to just cruise up, but was instead getting discouraged with my slow pace and occasional pauses to catch my breath (although at the time justified it as taking in the views). Then things got interesting as the full brunt of the winds raking the divide picked up in earnest.
The wind sounded like a jet roaring overhead, I would look up and see a swirling blizzard of wind driven snow racing down the snow slope toward me. I would bury my axe, make sure both feet were firmly embedded and just hang on, as I watched snow fill the cuff of my glove. I have better mittens in my pack, but there was no way I was going to dig for them now. Between bursts, I would step step, plant (axe), step step, plant as quickly and safely as I could through the wind deposited powder on top of semi-breakable crust, all the while keeping tabs on the next assault from above.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally gained the ridge close to the summit and was reminded what real wind was all about. I skulked along the wide, gentle, snow covered ridge toward the top, but needed to plant my axe more than once to not get blown off. Sierra crept along low to the ground, keeping close to me, though all the while smiling and wagging her tail.
I was starting to bonk and was really getting cold, as it felt more like winter than May. I tagged the summit and immediately noticed that there was no place to hide, so down I went toward the Grays/Torreys saddle without breaking stride. From past experience, I knew there would be no respite at or near the saddle, so I decided to blow off Grays and just quickly drop off the saddle in hopes of finding some shelter.
My toes were about as cold as I can ever remember from being compressed by the crampon straps and front pointing for nearly 3,000 feet and I was starting to feel a bit desperate. As I descended, they started to warm, but it felt like thousands of stinging needles and my toes felt as if they were swollen. Surprisingly, they felt somewhat better in the 10 minutes or so it took me to reach the saddle, but the wind was not relenting.
Being stubborn, and a glutton for punishment, I decided to give Grays a shot, even though I was feeling a bit worked. By staying a bit below the ridge to the left as I ascended, I was able to stay mostly out of the wind, but it meant dealing with deep snow with unpredictable talus underneath. Though difficult, it was far better than dealing with the hurricane force wind.
Fortunately, there was enough of a wind shadow behind the summit rocks that I could collapse in a fetal position, pant, gasp, groan and put down some gel, water and a few Clif Shot Bloks. Once recovered, I remembered that I had a camera with me, took a few photos, enjoyed the views and was able to remember why I love coming up here so much.
On the descent, I was able to piece together mostly consolidated patches of snow and kept my crampons on all the way to just beyond the Kelso ridge jct. and was actually thankful to have them on in at least one spot, as the summer trail had disappeared under a steep snow slope. I think there is more snow up in Stevens Gulch now than I have ever seen.
The trip out was a cruise for the most part, as I was able to stay on top of the crust with my snowshoes and post holing was minimal. A truck had made it to within a mile of the summer trailhead, but it looked like an effort. The drive to the steep section of road by the first houses is almost completely melted out and would be easy to drive there if you have 4wd/clearance.
Splits:
Start Bakerville: 7:00am
Grizzly Gulch Turn: 7:15am
Base of climb at 11,160 8:15am
Start climb: 8:30am
Torreys Summit: 10:40am
Grays Summit: 11:17am
Summer TH: 12:40pm
Finish Bakerville: 1:24pm
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_13_Torreys/
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, 05/11/09 Bear Peak/S. Boulder Peak
I decided I needed to go somewhat hard today, so I took a shot at Bear Peak as a bit of a fitness reality check. From the first step, I felt lousy. Nothing in particular was bugging me, I was just a bit lethargic, had little energy and was generally not into it (into being outside, just not into railing it).
I pressed on and my time checks were decent, so I faked it for a bit, but knew by the saddle that I was not able to fake it for much longer, the charade was over. From the time I got on the Fern Canyon Trail, all the way to the summit, I was power hiking mostly and only ran several very short sections. I made it to the post near the summit in 39:49 and was only moderately satisfied, as I was hoping to be under 40, but was secretly hoping I would do better than that.
I know I am not at my best yet, but was secretly hoping for at least a minute better than this. Perhaps I could better this a bit if I felt a little better to start, who knows. From the post, I cruised over the true summit, hopped down the rocks on the West side and jogged over to S. Boulder at a more conservative pace. I backtracked to Bear and then descended Fern, just cruising, never pushing. Not a bad day, not a great day.
Splits:
Cragmoor TH 0:00
Shanahan Jct. 2:50
Doggy Mud Pond Jct. 4:30
Mesa Trail 13:30
Saddle 25:58
Bear 39:49
S. Boulder 51:5?
Bear 1:01:??
Saddle 1:09
Finish 1:28
I pressed on and my time checks were decent, so I faked it for a bit, but knew by the saddle that I was not able to fake it for much longer, the charade was over. From the time I got on the Fern Canyon Trail, all the way to the summit, I was power hiking mostly and only ran several very short sections. I made it to the post near the summit in 39:49 and was only moderately satisfied, as I was hoping to be under 40, but was secretly hoping I would do better than that.
I know I am not at my best yet, but was secretly hoping for at least a minute better than this. Perhaps I could better this a bit if I felt a little better to start, who knows. From the post, I cruised over the true summit, hopped down the rocks on the West side and jogged over to S. Boulder at a more conservative pace. I backtracked to Bear and then descended Fern, just cruising, never pushing. Not a bad day, not a great day.
Splits:
Cragmoor TH 0:00
Shanahan Jct. 2:50
Doggy Mud Pond Jct. 4:30
Mesa Trail 13:30
Saddle 25:58
Bear 39:49
S. Boulder 51:5?
Bear 1:01:??
Saddle 1:09
Finish 1:28
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, 05/09/09 Mt. Guyot
Mt. Guyot (13,370)
05/09/09
Ascend E. Ridge
Descend SE. Ridge
~9 miles
~3,000 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Sharon Hale (to Ga. Pass), Sierra, Shep, Kiefer, Sophie
After a week of bouncing around different ideas, none really sticking, Dave suggested that we give Mt. Guyot a shot. I have often times eyed Guyot’s symmetrical East Ridge driving past on 285 and it has been on my list for many years.
The Hales camped Friday night at the Michigan Creek Campground, where we met them around 7:45am on Saturday morning. From the campground, we drove another ~2 miles or so on the Michigan Creek Road toward Georgia Pass where we were stopped by several snow drifts about ¼ mile from where the road crosses French Creek. For a long way, the walk along the road was mostly dry, save for several inconsequential sections of snow to cross. About a mile or so below the pass, snow became the dominant theme and we donned our long dormant snowshoes.
The slowshoe plod to Georgia Pass was a breeze on hard packed and well consolidated snow as we followed faint snowmobile tracks. From the sign on the pass at 11,500, we turned West, walked for a short distance over rolling snowdrifts and through the final remaining trees/krumholtz. As the wind scoured East Ridge became more pronounced and steepened, we packed up the snowshoes and began the stiff climb on loose talus.Soon, Dave and I became a bit annoyed with the steep and somewhat loose talus, so we veered a bit to climbers left onto the snow in search of easier walking. Conditions were perfect for easily kicking steps and we made efficient upward progress, all the while keeping close to the rocks as to not temp any trap door cornices.
Once at the false summit, perhaps less that 100 vertical/300 lateral feet from the true summit, we could see the remaining difficulties (that we were aware of from our pre-trip research) which consisted of a somewhat narrow, knife edged corniced ridge. Staying on the ridge proper would not be that steep, but the potential for a cornice collapse, dropping you 1,000+ vertical to the left is significant. To avoid this danger, one must stay a bit right below the ridgeline on ever steepening snow which is above LONG and steep snow/talus slopes. A fall here would certainly be bad news.Emily had no crampons or axe and opted not to continue on. Allison had crampons/axe and agreed to consider it after I tried it and gave report. Dave had an axe, but only Kahtoola Microspikes.
I started along the final section, very confident with my axe and crampon placements, knowing the snow was in perfect condition. The snow steepened and I got great purchase with all points and felt great, all the while reminding myself of the increasing exposure beneath my feet and to not become complacent. I made a last cautious mantle move over a hardened drift and was on the summit. The views were great and I strolled around for a bit taking pictures while waiting for Dave.I looked back down and saw him slowly ascending and could see that he was uneasy with his less than optimal traction.
I carefully walked down to meet him, the exposure now more apparent and we backtracked to a safer area. His Microspikes were not at all adequate for this type of terrain and I offered him my crampons. Since his feet are so much larger, he thought his boots would not fit, but luckily they extended far enough and he was able to complete the climb with relative ease.Allison and Emily were kicking back in the warm sun on the sub summit, keeping track of our progress and ultimately made the decision that they were content where they were.
Before long, we all reconvened, took a long break and then cautiously descended the SE Ridge down the variable snowfields and talus. At treeline, snowshoes were required once again and we made the easy trek back to the cars.All in all a perfect day. A great climb in excellent weather with great company. It was awesome to be back in the high mountains again after a near 2 month hiatus. Thanks for planning Dave!
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_09_Guyot/
05/09/09
Ascend E. Ridge
Descend SE. Ridge
~9 miles
~3,000 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Sharon Hale (to Ga. Pass), Sierra, Shep, Kiefer, Sophie
After a week of bouncing around different ideas, none really sticking, Dave suggested that we give Mt. Guyot a shot. I have often times eyed Guyot’s symmetrical East Ridge driving past on 285 and it has been on my list for many years.
The Hales camped Friday night at the Michigan Creek Campground, where we met them around 7:45am on Saturday morning. From the campground, we drove another ~2 miles or so on the Michigan Creek Road toward Georgia Pass where we were stopped by several snow drifts about ¼ mile from where the road crosses French Creek. For a long way, the walk along the road was mostly dry, save for several inconsequential sections of snow to cross. About a mile or so below the pass, snow became the dominant theme and we donned our long dormant snowshoes.
The slowshoe plod to Georgia Pass was a breeze on hard packed and well consolidated snow as we followed faint snowmobile tracks. From the sign on the pass at 11,500, we turned West, walked for a short distance over rolling snowdrifts and through the final remaining trees/krumholtz. As the wind scoured East Ridge became more pronounced and steepened, we packed up the snowshoes and began the stiff climb on loose talus.Soon, Dave and I became a bit annoyed with the steep and somewhat loose talus, so we veered a bit to climbers left onto the snow in search of easier walking. Conditions were perfect for easily kicking steps and we made efficient upward progress, all the while keeping close to the rocks as to not temp any trap door cornices.
Once at the false summit, perhaps less that 100 vertical/300 lateral feet from the true summit, we could see the remaining difficulties (that we were aware of from our pre-trip research) which consisted of a somewhat narrow, knife edged corniced ridge. Staying on the ridge proper would not be that steep, but the potential for a cornice collapse, dropping you 1,000+ vertical to the left is significant. To avoid this danger, one must stay a bit right below the ridgeline on ever steepening snow which is above LONG and steep snow/talus slopes. A fall here would certainly be bad news.Emily had no crampons or axe and opted not to continue on. Allison had crampons/axe and agreed to consider it after I tried it and gave report. Dave had an axe, but only Kahtoola Microspikes.
I started along the final section, very confident with my axe and crampon placements, knowing the snow was in perfect condition. The snow steepened and I got great purchase with all points and felt great, all the while reminding myself of the increasing exposure beneath my feet and to not become complacent. I made a last cautious mantle move over a hardened drift and was on the summit. The views were great and I strolled around for a bit taking pictures while waiting for Dave.I looked back down and saw him slowly ascending and could see that he was uneasy with his less than optimal traction.
I carefully walked down to meet him, the exposure now more apparent and we backtracked to a safer area. His Microspikes were not at all adequate for this type of terrain and I offered him my crampons. Since his feet are so much larger, he thought his boots would not fit, but luckily they extended far enough and he was able to complete the climb with relative ease.Allison and Emily were kicking back in the warm sun on the sub summit, keeping track of our progress and ultimately made the decision that they were content where they were.
Before long, we all reconvened, took a long break and then cautiously descended the SE Ridge down the variable snowfields and talus. At treeline, snowshoes were required once again and we made the easy trek back to the cars.All in all a perfect day. A great climb in excellent weather with great company. It was awesome to be back in the high mountains again after a near 2 month hiatus. Thanks for planning Dave!
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_09_Guyot/
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, 5/04/09 Green Mountain
Sierra and I had a nice evening run up Green via Gregory/Ranger.
Of course she was lagging, sniffing, dawdling, but I took her knowing that I was intending to go easyish and she ensures that (although I felt great and was itching to go fast). I finally put her on leash since I was a bit sick of stopping to call her to me and we picked up the pace just a bit and actually started to go at a decent pace. Many of the fallen trees have been cleaned up, but several are still completely blocking the trail, not sure why they skipped these since they removed trees above and below.
Made the top in 45:25, down in 31 for a 1:16 RT.
Of course she was lagging, sniffing, dawdling, but I took her knowing that I was intending to go easyish and she ensures that (although I felt great and was itching to go fast). I finally put her on leash since I was a bit sick of stopping to call her to me and we picked up the pace just a bit and actually started to go at a decent pace. Many of the fallen trees have been cleaned up, but several are still completely blocking the trail, not sure why they skipped these since they removed trees above and below.
Made the top in 45:25, down in 31 for a 1:16 RT.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
5/3/09 Sanitas x 2 and Anemone
Allison proposed that we head to Sanitas, in search of warm and dry trails. We parked at Settlers Park and warmed up over Red Rocks. My plan was to run "fast" up the S. ridge while she and Sierra took Dakota Ridge to the Eastern ascent and I would meet them along the way. After an all too brief warm up, I started my watch and was immidiately going a somewhat quick, but seemingly comfortable pace. I kept upping the intensity and knew I was moving well and was hoping to sneak in under 18, but in the back of my mind, I was sure I was going to be closer to 17. A little past the 1/2 way mark, I started to feel a bit of burn that I just could not shake off, so I backed it down a touch and hit the top at 17:44. I was reasonably happy with that, especially since I have not been too focused on going fast for a long time, only a couple runs this year where I really pushed. I think I am getting to the point where I have laid down enough base and endurance and need to start upping the intensity a few times per week.
I briefly caught my breath at the summit and continued down the other side where I met Allison and Sierra at the sign board where the valley trail really starts to climb back up the Eastern flanks of Sanitas. I went down and past Allison for a bit, turned and worked hard to catch back up to her while Sierra paced me along.
From the summit, we headed back down the S. Ridge, headed up Anemone to the high point and came back down. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.
I briefly caught my breath at the summit and continued down the other side where I met Allison and Sierra at the sign board where the valley trail really starts to climb back up the Eastern flanks of Sanitas. I went down and past Allison for a bit, turned and worked hard to catch back up to her while Sierra paced me along.
From the summit, we headed back down the S. Ridge, headed up Anemone to the high point and came back down. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, 04/30/09 S. Boulder and Bear
Had a sweet run with GZ today up S. Boulder and Bear. Went a moderate pace, which was fine with me as I am still not feeling totally recovered from RRR (although much better each day now). It was great to catch up with George, as I was injured for 6 weeks, then as soon as I healed, George got an achilles injury that he is now bouncing back from. We went conversation pace all the way to the saddle, then I upped the pace a bit, since I wanted to tag Bear as well. Made the summit in 56:54, got back to the saddle at 1:00 even I think, Bear at 1:05:53 and then met back up with George just above the saddle on the Bear side. We went down quick, but not really killing it and this is where I was still getting the biggest hints that I am not recovered, as my calves were pretty tight by the time we finished at 1:44:15. It was a great day for a run, cool, but not cold and the trails are mostly melted out.
Today was my 3rd day on the prototype Pearlizumi Fuel XC shoes, one of two pairs currently in existence. Scott Jaime has the other pair. I could comment on them, but then I would have to kill you. You'll just have to settle for a picture.....
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, 4/26/09 Green via Flag
Dave and I met up for a mellow run today up Flag, over to Green and then down the treefall route (Greenman/Saddle/Amphi). Dave was not feeling well due to a cold and I am still recovering from the Grand Canyon, so it felt great to go mellow and catch up with Dave as it has been a while since we have run together. My legs actually felt OK on the up, but it was the down that reminded me how not recovered I am, not to mention these outings tire me out more than normal as of late, even though I have been going super easy. Made it up in a very pedestrian 1:03 (jogging, walking and performing a bit of trail maintenance), then finished up in 1:39 total. Got done just in time, as it was starting to rain a bit, I would not want to risk melting....
Saturday, 4/25/09 Green Mountain
Despite the gloomy weather (40 degrees, rain, fog, snow mix), Allison and I took a trip up Green Mountain via the Amphitheater, Saddle Rock, Greenman route. I knew there would be the possibility for downed trees based on the previous day's outing up Gregory/Ranger, but was still a bit shocked at the sheer destructive magnitude of the recent blizzard. 15-30 foot high stumps jutted up all around while the tops of the trees littered the trail and surrounding forest. It was almost like there had been a major clear cut, or tornadic activity of some sort. Some of these trees were quite large and tipped completely over, exposing their root system and creating some tedious obstacles for would be runners.
Although the weather and trail conditions were lousy, there were a surprising number of people up on the mountain, several with kids in backpacks. We descended the Ranger/Gregory route as it is much more passable now with fewer/smaller/easier to navigate downed trees.
Up in 57, down in 50ish.
Anybody have a chain saw? I would love to go up there and help clear out some trees (probably not permitted though by OSMP.....).
The following pictures of Allison and Sierra are irrelevant to the trip, but I just like them, a bright spot on a cloudy day.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, 4/24/09 Green Mountain
Sierra and I met Tim for a trip up Green today. I felt a good bit of improvement over yesterday, like I could actually move at a reasonable rate if I tried, but kept the pace very mellow as to not hamper my recovery in any way. Just glad to be able to get out on the trails and enjoy the perfect weather and not feel as though I am going to fall over or need to be heli-lifted off the mountain. There were MANY downed trees across the trail from the recent snowstorm, yet most of the snow has melted on the Gregory/Ranger route, so the going was not as tedious as the post hole fest yesterday above the S. Boulder/Bear saddle. Awesome day.
Up in 52
Down in 40
Up in 52
Down in 40
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, 4/23/09 S. Boulder Peak
After two painful days on the bike, I figured a walk in the hills might help relieve a little stiffness in my legs. I decided to head up S. Boulder Peak, as I was interested to see what remained of this fabled snowstorm. The going was slow, then I hit some snow and it was even slower, then it even slowed more above the saddle as I postholed in shorts all the way to the summit. I made the summit in 1:33, even Sierra was waiting for me, wondering what the heck was up.
The descent was tricky in the snow, compounded by my weak legs. I ended up pulling off the descent in a lightning fast 1:21 for a 2:56 RT (including breaks). This might be an all time slow solo trip for me, but it felt great just to be outside on such a nice day, not to mention the coolness of the deep snow felt great on my sore and tired legs.
The descent was tricky in the snow, compounded by my weak legs. I ended up pulling off the descent in a lightning fast 1:21 for a 2:56 RT (including breaks). This might be an all time slow solo trip for me, but it felt great just to be outside on such a nice day, not to mention the coolness of the deep snow felt great on my sore and tired legs.
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