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!
Sierra
Sierra
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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:
Sunday, September 7, 2008
9/5/08 Tabeguache and Shavano
Tabeguache (14,155), Shavano (14,229)
9/05/08
~11 miles
~6,100 vertical feet
3hrs 54 minutes
For a variety of reasons, we got out of town a few hours later than I had hoped and did not make it the Angel of Shavano Campground (closed for the season) until 3pm and set up camp just up the road in a nice little informal camping spot, as we were meeting Dave, Emily, Aron and Kevin for a hike the next day.
It was my intention to run a fourteener on the way, or Tabeguache/Shavano after we set up camp, but as it was getting so late, I was a bit conflicted. I quickly set up camp and got ready for a “run”, not really sure how far I would get, but I was hoping to check out the route up “Espirit Point” over to Shavano and see how things went from there. It looks short on the map, and the distance/stats looked reasonable for the remaining daylight I had, but just barely.
I got off to a not so alpine start time of 3:35pm up the Colorado Trail from the Angel of Shavano TH at 9,180 feet. Not having done my homework, I realized that after a few strides, I needed to bushwhack hard left to attain the steep SE facing gulley/ridge. I was thankful that I dressed/prepared for a hike, rather than a “run”, as I was quite thankful to be wearing pants, long sleeve shirt, work gloves and scree gaiters. Up I went through the dense bushes, sharp yucca, cacti and deadfall. Up, left, up, left, up, left I went, desert scrub, turning to deadfall, talus and branches to hit your head on. Often times I was on all fours, negotiating the loose slopes and numerous obstacles. I could never really settle into a steady rhythm because of the terrain and I don’t really think I was feeling 100%.
It was hot from the start, but I eventually put all the trees/bushes behind me and appreciated the cool breeze above treeline. 13,630 foot “Espirit Point” looks tantalizingly and deceptively close, but took a bit longer than planned. Without pause, I cruised over the summit and dropped the 300 feet down to the Shavano/Espirit saddle and standard trail, where I could move a bit more efficiently. I topped out on Shavano at 5:30pm, and again cruised over the top while sucking down a gel. I originally debated heading over to Jones, as it looked fairly close, but I was behind schedule and knew my time frame just for getting back to camp before dark was tight.
Since I was running a bit behind schedule, I was starting to get a little antsy about getting off the mountain in a timely manner. I considered turning tail and going the way I came (too steep and loose, would probably have taken me longer to descend than ascend), debated heading down to Blank Gulch, then the Colorado Trail, but it seemed long and some of it unknown. I ultimately decided to go over Tabeguache and descend to Jennings Creek, as I have been that way before and I knew as long as I can get to the road with enough daylight, I would have no issues getting back to camp (I did have a headlamp). In the back of my mind, I kept thinking there was some sort of issue with the Jennings Creek route, “little used?”, and perhaps “discouraged???” (I would later find out permanently closed and erased from the mountain).
I made the traverse over to Tabeguache from Shavano at a quick, but conservatively safe pace and again did not pause. I was anticipating a nice quick cruise off the mountain and although the West ridge was not so bad, it had a few more ups/downs and more loose rock than I remember. I opted to side hill the talus below 13,936 (not sure if this was the most efficient way), then after a long while made it to the nice ridge heading South. The trail was faint and the ridge longer/slower than I anticipated, complicated by a now stiff wind from the West. I eventually lost what little trail was left and then descended the slope where I remembered the trail to be. I got my lucky break here, and was able to drop 2,000 feet in 10 minutes due to the nice soft dirt (probably the old trail) and then finally bushwhacked my way to the road in another 15.
I had told Allison I would be back in less than 3 hours, but I was now beyond that, oops. I kicked it into gear and jogged down the rough/rocky road, thinking maybe 10 or 15 minutes I would be back to camp. The road really started to seem endless after a while, way longer than I remember, but I still had plenty of daylight. I was just anxious at this point to get back as I knew Allison would be starting to question my whereabouts.
After 29 minutes and 4 miles slogging down the road, I made it back 3:54 after I started with only about 30 minutes of daylight to spare. I was very happy to see that Dave and Emily had arrived and we built a nice campfire and had a great time enjoying one another’s company.
Reflections:
I’m really ashamed and embarrassed that I did not do my homework on this route, but my lack of commitment for a specific peak and late start unfortunately prevented me from taking this important step. Subsequent research revealed that my ascent route is suggested for winter conditions only ascents due to erosion issues. The old Jennings Creek trail is completely closed and has been snuffed out with nary a trace. Although I happily bushwhack on little used peak, I respect the work of the trail crews on busy 14ers and was not happy with myself for coming down that way. Lesson learned.
Splits:
Treeline: :53
"Espirit Point": 1:33
Shavano: 1:55
Tabeguache: 2:20
Old Jennings Creek TH: 3:25
Camp: 3:54
9/05/08
~11 miles
~6,100 vertical feet
3hrs 54 minutes
For a variety of reasons, we got out of town a few hours later than I had hoped and did not make it the Angel of Shavano Campground (closed for the season) until 3pm and set up camp just up the road in a nice little informal camping spot, as we were meeting Dave, Emily, Aron and Kevin for a hike the next day.
It was my intention to run a fourteener on the way, or Tabeguache/Shavano after we set up camp, but as it was getting so late, I was a bit conflicted. I quickly set up camp and got ready for a “run”, not really sure how far I would get, but I was hoping to check out the route up “Espirit Point” over to Shavano and see how things went from there. It looks short on the map, and the distance/stats looked reasonable for the remaining daylight I had, but just barely.
I got off to a not so alpine start time of 3:35pm up the Colorado Trail from the Angel of Shavano TH at 9,180 feet. Not having done my homework, I realized that after a few strides, I needed to bushwhack hard left to attain the steep SE facing gulley/ridge. I was thankful that I dressed/prepared for a hike, rather than a “run”, as I was quite thankful to be wearing pants, long sleeve shirt, work gloves and scree gaiters. Up I went through the dense bushes, sharp yucca, cacti and deadfall. Up, left, up, left, up, left I went, desert scrub, turning to deadfall, talus and branches to hit your head on. Often times I was on all fours, negotiating the loose slopes and numerous obstacles. I could never really settle into a steady rhythm because of the terrain and I don’t really think I was feeling 100%.
It was hot from the start, but I eventually put all the trees/bushes behind me and appreciated the cool breeze above treeline. 13,630 foot “Espirit Point” looks tantalizingly and deceptively close, but took a bit longer than planned. Without pause, I cruised over the summit and dropped the 300 feet down to the Shavano/Espirit saddle and standard trail, where I could move a bit more efficiently. I topped out on Shavano at 5:30pm, and again cruised over the top while sucking down a gel. I originally debated heading over to Jones, as it looked fairly close, but I was behind schedule and knew my time frame just for getting back to camp before dark was tight.
Since I was running a bit behind schedule, I was starting to get a little antsy about getting off the mountain in a timely manner. I considered turning tail and going the way I came (too steep and loose, would probably have taken me longer to descend than ascend), debated heading down to Blank Gulch, then the Colorado Trail, but it seemed long and some of it unknown. I ultimately decided to go over Tabeguache and descend to Jennings Creek, as I have been that way before and I knew as long as I can get to the road with enough daylight, I would have no issues getting back to camp (I did have a headlamp). In the back of my mind, I kept thinking there was some sort of issue with the Jennings Creek route, “little used?”, and perhaps “discouraged???” (I would later find out permanently closed and erased from the mountain).
I made the traverse over to Tabeguache from Shavano at a quick, but conservatively safe pace and again did not pause. I was anticipating a nice quick cruise off the mountain and although the West ridge was not so bad, it had a few more ups/downs and more loose rock than I remember. I opted to side hill the talus below 13,936 (not sure if this was the most efficient way), then after a long while made it to the nice ridge heading South. The trail was faint and the ridge longer/slower than I anticipated, complicated by a now stiff wind from the West. I eventually lost what little trail was left and then descended the slope where I remembered the trail to be. I got my lucky break here, and was able to drop 2,000 feet in 10 minutes due to the nice soft dirt (probably the old trail) and then finally bushwhacked my way to the road in another 15.
I had told Allison I would be back in less than 3 hours, but I was now beyond that, oops. I kicked it into gear and jogged down the rough/rocky road, thinking maybe 10 or 15 minutes I would be back to camp. The road really started to seem endless after a while, way longer than I remember, but I still had plenty of daylight. I was just anxious at this point to get back as I knew Allison would be starting to question my whereabouts.
After 29 minutes and 4 miles slogging down the road, I made it back 3:54 after I started with only about 30 minutes of daylight to spare. I was very happy to see that Dave and Emily had arrived and we built a nice campfire and had a great time enjoying one another’s company.
Reflections:
I’m really ashamed and embarrassed that I did not do my homework on this route, but my lack of commitment for a specific peak and late start unfortunately prevented me from taking this important step. Subsequent research revealed that my ascent route is suggested for winter conditions only ascents due to erosion issues. The old Jennings Creek trail is completely closed and has been snuffed out with nary a trace. Although I happily bushwhack on little used peak, I respect the work of the trail crews on busy 14ers and was not happy with myself for coming down that way. Lesson learned.
Splits:
Treeline: :53
"Espirit Point": 1:33
Shavano: 1:55
Tabeguache: 2:20
Old Jennings Creek TH: 3:25
Camp: 3:54
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Green Mountain
6 miles
2,500 vertical
Again I was feeling lazy and almost bailed at the last minute, but I was at Chautauqua and ready to run after a few errands. 5 minutes to Gregory TH at warm-up pace, another 35:50 to the summit taking the standard route on the front side. I just chugged along in 3rd gear mostly, a bit of second gear on Amphitheater, a little 4th gear for the last few minutes. Came down in 22:59. Hoping to get a good run tomorrow up Tabgauche/Shavano/Jones, but it depends on weather.
2,500 vertical
Again I was feeling lazy and almost bailed at the last minute, but I was at Chautauqua and ready to run after a few errands. 5 minutes to Gregory TH at warm-up pace, another 35:50 to the summit taking the standard route on the front side. I just chugged along in 3rd gear mostly, a bit of second gear on Amphitheater, a little 4th gear for the last few minutes. Came down in 22:59. Hoping to get a good run tomorrow up Tabgauche/Shavano/Jones, but it depends on weather.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Green via Flag
~8 miles
~2,700 vertical feet
Allison and I got out for a late evening run up Flag and over to Green. It was a nice cool evening and once I got warmed up, I was really into it, as I was feeling lazy at the start and was hinting at bailing. 1hr 50 minutes.
~2,700 vertical feet
Allison and I got out for a late evening run up Flag and over to Green. It was a nice cool evening and once I got warmed up, I was really into it, as I was feeling lazy at the start and was hinting at bailing. 1hr 50 minutes.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Flagstaff
~4 miles
~1,500 vertical
At the last minute I decided to join Allison and Sierra for a hike up Flag. I was feeling a bit lazy and did not want to go, but even more, I did not want to pass up time on the trail. Allison ran and I powerhiked/jogged to keep up. We went up in about 22, then did the loop around the top. Nice and cool out, fall is right around the corner.
~1,500 vertical
At the last minute I decided to join Allison and Sierra for a hike up Flag. I was feeling a bit lazy and did not want to go, but even more, I did not want to pass up time on the trail. Allison ran and I powerhiked/jogged to keep up. We went up in about 22, then did the loop around the top. Nice and cool out, fall is right around the corner.
Monday, September 1, 2008
S. Boulder Peak Attempt
~4 miles
~2,500 vertical
Got out with John today for an attempt of S. Boulder from Eldo up the ridge. Some 5th class, lots of 4th and 3rd class, bushwhacking, boulder hopping. We only made it about 1/3 of the way after about 3 hours. Tough going, but really fun.
~2,500 vertical
Got out with John today for an attempt of S. Boulder from Eldo up the ridge. Some 5th class, lots of 4th and 3rd class, bushwhacking, boulder hopping. We only made it about 1/3 of the way after about 3 hours. Tough going, but really fun.
Sunday, 08/31/08 North Apostle and Ice Mountain
N. Apostle (13,860) and Ice Mountain (13,951)
8/31/08
9 miles
4,000 vertical
Jeff Valliere, Dave Hale, Dave “Hoot” Gibson, Dale Peterson, Sierra and Shep
Starting from our campsite ~.3 miles below the 4wd TH above Winfield, we got off to a prompt 6am start and headed up the road at a good pace. I was familiar with the Lake Ann trail to just above the junction of the Three Apostles Trail and was a little uneasy about how easy it would be to follow the route up into the basin, as I have read numerous TR’s where people have had mixed results finding the route.
Roughly .2 miles past the junction, the Three Apostles Trail crosses the creek on a large log. Beyond this, the trail continues to be well worn and very easy to follow along the West side of the creek up into the basin to 11,300. At around 11,300, the trail crosses over to the East side of the creek and loosely meanders through the willows S/SE to the base of a large rock pile below the headwall. From the large rockpile, we headed East up a steep grassy slope, until we saw a cairned route head SW up the hill toward the lake at 12,100 feet, exactly as described in the Roach guidebook.
Up the talus and scree we went to the saddle under less than inspiring gray skies. We topped out at the saddle after a surprisingly long ~2:40 from the campsite where we bumped into a solo climber named Ryan who asked if he could join us. He seemed like a nice enough guy and he immediately meshed well with our group as we made the short jaunt up to N. Apostle. The peaks were in/out of the clouds and this did nothing to relieve my trepidation for Ice Mountain.
Dave, Dale and the dogs opted out of Ice., while Hoot, Ryan and I carried on. The climb up the ridge is very straight forward and is easy class 3. I was starting to think Ice was cake and a bit over rated until we reached the crux. We got to the first gulley and Hoot went up and checked out a steep chimney. While I was waiting, I traversed over a minor rib at the top of the same gulley and found the route as described in the guidebook.
I crossed the gulley and started up the right side and reached the class 4 crux. The rock in this section is loose and the move up the crux was a bit awkward. Once past the crux, I missed the crossover on the right to the class 3 finish and kept heading up the gulley on ever steepening rock. Hoot noticed this and pointed out my mistake, but I was committed at this point. Up I went, testing and retesting each small and suspect hand hold. A few grunts, some foul language and a few stemmed out stretchy moves on knocking knees saw me to the top safely, arriving about the same time as Hoot who had taken the easier way.
I was a bit on edge and did not linger. I followed Hoot down to the class 4 crux down climb and knowing how awkward that one move was going up, I opted to find a better way down as Hoot accompanied Ryan to the top. I was able to gingerly descend the exposed rib to a point where I could cross over into the gulley below the crux. In my opinion, this was easier, but it was exposed for longer with many loose rocks and ledges to negotiate.
Once we were below the crux, it was easy street back to the saddle. Unfortunately, I let my guard down a bit and stepped on a rather large rock that looked stable, but just the slightest bit of weight from me stepping on it set it into motion. I surfed it for a foot or so until I was able to leap to solid ground and avoid going off the edge with it. It crashed 20-30 feet down the mountain and stopped just short of the big drop. This really startled me and I was ready to be done. From then on, I was on a heightened sense of alert as we picked our way back to the saddle and then the valley floor.
The trip out was a cruise and I sped ahead to catch Dave, Dale and the dogs and we walked the last mile together, arriving at camp around 1pm.
N. Apostle and Ice did not disappoint. As advertised, Ice is more dangerous than it is difficult. If you take your time, you can keep it at class 3, but it certainly is loose and a good bit of care needs to be taken.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Ice/
8/31/08
9 miles
4,000 vertical
Jeff Valliere, Dave Hale, Dave “Hoot” Gibson, Dale Peterson, Sierra and Shep
Starting from our campsite ~.3 miles below the 4wd TH above Winfield, we got off to a prompt 6am start and headed up the road at a good pace. I was familiar with the Lake Ann trail to just above the junction of the Three Apostles Trail and was a little uneasy about how easy it would be to follow the route up into the basin, as I have read numerous TR’s where people have had mixed results finding the route.
Roughly .2 miles past the junction, the Three Apostles Trail crosses the creek on a large log. Beyond this, the trail continues to be well worn and very easy to follow along the West side of the creek up into the basin to 11,300. At around 11,300, the trail crosses over to the East side of the creek and loosely meanders through the willows S/SE to the base of a large rock pile below the headwall. From the large rockpile, we headed East up a steep grassy slope, until we saw a cairned route head SW up the hill toward the lake at 12,100 feet, exactly as described in the Roach guidebook.
Up the talus and scree we went to the saddle under less than inspiring gray skies. We topped out at the saddle after a surprisingly long ~2:40 from the campsite where we bumped into a solo climber named Ryan who asked if he could join us. He seemed like a nice enough guy and he immediately meshed well with our group as we made the short jaunt up to N. Apostle. The peaks were in/out of the clouds and this did nothing to relieve my trepidation for Ice Mountain.
Dave, Dale and the dogs opted out of Ice., while Hoot, Ryan and I carried on. The climb up the ridge is very straight forward and is easy class 3. I was starting to think Ice was cake and a bit over rated until we reached the crux. We got to the first gulley and Hoot went up and checked out a steep chimney. While I was waiting, I traversed over a minor rib at the top of the same gulley and found the route as described in the guidebook.
I crossed the gulley and started up the right side and reached the class 4 crux. The rock in this section is loose and the move up the crux was a bit awkward. Once past the crux, I missed the crossover on the right to the class 3 finish and kept heading up the gulley on ever steepening rock. Hoot noticed this and pointed out my mistake, but I was committed at this point. Up I went, testing and retesting each small and suspect hand hold. A few grunts, some foul language and a few stemmed out stretchy moves on knocking knees saw me to the top safely, arriving about the same time as Hoot who had taken the easier way.
I was a bit on edge and did not linger. I followed Hoot down to the class 4 crux down climb and knowing how awkward that one move was going up, I opted to find a better way down as Hoot accompanied Ryan to the top. I was able to gingerly descend the exposed rib to a point where I could cross over into the gulley below the crux. In my opinion, this was easier, but it was exposed for longer with many loose rocks and ledges to negotiate.
Once we were below the crux, it was easy street back to the saddle. Unfortunately, I let my guard down a bit and stepped on a rather large rock that looked stable, but just the slightest bit of weight from me stepping on it set it into motion. I surfed it for a foot or so until I was able to leap to solid ground and avoid going off the edge with it. It crashed 20-30 feet down the mountain and stopped just short of the big drop. This really startled me and I was ready to be done. From then on, I was on a heightened sense of alert as we picked our way back to the saddle and then the valley floor.
The trip out was a cruise and I sped ahead to catch Dave, Dale and the dogs and we walked the last mile together, arriving at camp around 1pm.
N. Apostle and Ice did not disappoint. As advertised, Ice is more dangerous than it is difficult. If you take your time, you can keep it at class 3, but it certainly is loose and a good bit of care needs to be taken.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Ice/
Saturday, 8/30/08 Mt. Yale (14,196)
Mount Yale (14,196ft.)
8/30/08
9.5 miles RT
4,300 vertical
Jeff Valliere, Kevin Lund, Dale Peterson
When making plans for the weekend, Kevin proposed climbing Mt. Yale on Saturday before we met Dave and Hoot for a climb of Ice and North Apostle the following day. At first I was a bit hesitant as I was not really interested in climbing Yale for the 3rd time on a busy holiday weekend, but I started thinking that it might be fun to go take a stab at the fastest known time of 1:32 set back in 2001 by Bill Briggs. FWIW, fastest known times (or FKT’s) don’t really mean all that much and carry little weight, as there may be faster times but not known or posted anywhere, but at the very least it was a good benchmark time to shoot for.
We arrived at the Denny Creek TH at ~7:40am (snagging the last parking spot in the lot) and prepared for our ascent. Kevin was planning on hiking, Dale was planning on hiking/running at a moderate pace and I was intending to dig in deep and go for broke. While Kevin and Dale were packing their packs, I was already set to go, but used this time to get in a short warm-up. I started up the trail for a bit and it was a bit steeper and rockier than I recalled, but I knew my legs were feeling great and was eager to get on with it.
Back down to the car, I got Sierra leashed up for Kev and I gave a few route instructions and we agreed to just meet on the summit. I started my watch at the parking lot at 8:07am. Although the trail starts off steep and rocky, I was feeling even better than I anticipated and knew at that moment I was going to have an awesome day. The weather was cool, but not cold, sunny, clear, no wind.I kept a quick cadence up the steep trail, going hard, but knowing that I needed to pace myself just right for maximum efficiency. The loose and rocky trail was not conducive to maintaining an even rhythm, but I did what I could, always looking for the path of least resistance and cutting the apex whenever possible.
Before long, the trail leveled a bit and I was really able to up the pace. At 10:3? in, I came to the creek crossing and tip-toed my way across a few small logs and wet rocks (completely overlooked the nice, big dry logs spanning the creek slightly upstream) and was happy to have not gotten wet going at such a quick pace. In 5 more minutes I came to the junction and took right hand turn for Yale.
At this point, I was really starting to hit my stride, I felt like I was absolutely flying, cruising effortlessly up the trail and tearing through the rollers, my feet, legs and brain all working in perfect sync. By this point, I was starting to pass crowds of people who had started earlier and they were all great about stepping to the side as they heard me coming up behind them. As I passed, most people made some sort of complimentary remark, either to me or to one another. All of this super positive energy from others on the mountain only added fuel to my already hot fire.
There were some surprisingly steep sections as I neared tree-line and I was careful to not blow my quads and power hiked when necessary, all the while assessing the terrain ahead planning on where I would resume my run and always staying focused on maintaining a steady output regardless of the gear I was in ("changing gears" quickly was key here).I reached tree line at 38:?? and could now start to see the summit and the general path of the route. At this point, it was starting to seem somewhat unlikely to me that I would better the FKT, but I was hoping to come close.
Skeptical, but not deterred, I pressed on up the hill, now in full on, “hands on the knees” power hike mode, always looking for the best traction as the steep trail is pretty slick with loose dirt on hard pack.The trail just gets progressively steeper as it works it’s way up to gain the ridge, but occasionally there was a brief flat section where a running pace could be temporarily initiated, if only for 20-30 seconds. I got to the base of the headwall at an hour even, the point I would consider to be the start of steepest section of trail as it rears up to gain the ridge crest through a braided mess of loose dirt and rock.
The ridge still looked distant, but I caught a glimpse of a few guys topping out and it was closer than I had thought. I arrived on the ridge at 1:08:?? and knew it would be a quick boulder hop to the summit along the ridge. I cruised this section fast, hopping from rock to rock with surprising speed and agility, as the “super computer” as George likes to say was working at full capacity, everything was just coming together perfectly.At this point, I knew I had the FKT in the bag, but now it was a matter of how much.
I looked at my watch and was bent on getting in under 1:20, but could not up the effort any more, as I was already at my max speed, you can only go so fast across this type of boulder strewn ridge. I tagged the top at 1:19:24 and felt the most unbelievable runners high I have ever felt. I paced a bit and laughed aloud as I soaked it all in, looking down toward the parking lot, 4,300 feet below, feeling fresh still and not the least bit winded.
I poked around for a while checking the views and then built a nice recliner chair facing Harvard and Columbia, where I sat until Dale arrived at 10:20 and then Kevin/Sierra at 10:45. Everyone on the mountain was quite friendly and many asked about my run and offered congratulations or some kind words. I felt a bit awkward receiving so much fanfare (especially in the company of Dale who has placed top 10 at Pikes 20 or so times) but he and Kevin were quite excited for me.
We then headed down at a casual pace, talking to more people along the way. About a mile from the cars, we bumped into Shep and Dave who walked up to meet us, awesome surprise! We all had a great time chatting on the way down.
I felt absolutely amazing on my run, it was awesome hanging out with great friends, the weather was perfect and even though crowded, the energy and spirits amongst everyone on the mountain was at such a high, it was truly inspiring. I would have to rank this as my best run yet this year, perhaps one of my best ever, I sure wish all days could be this great!
Splits:10:3? to creek crossing
15:?? to Yale/Browns Pass jct.
38:00 to treeline
1:08:?? crested ridgeline
1:19:24 summit
8/30/08
9.5 miles RT
4,300 vertical
Jeff Valliere, Kevin Lund, Dale Peterson
When making plans for the weekend, Kevin proposed climbing Mt. Yale on Saturday before we met Dave and Hoot for a climb of Ice and North Apostle the following day. At first I was a bit hesitant as I was not really interested in climbing Yale for the 3rd time on a busy holiday weekend, but I started thinking that it might be fun to go take a stab at the fastest known time of 1:32 set back in 2001 by Bill Briggs. FWIW, fastest known times (or FKT’s) don’t really mean all that much and carry little weight, as there may be faster times but not known or posted anywhere, but at the very least it was a good benchmark time to shoot for.
We arrived at the Denny Creek TH at ~7:40am (snagging the last parking spot in the lot) and prepared for our ascent. Kevin was planning on hiking, Dale was planning on hiking/running at a moderate pace and I was intending to dig in deep and go for broke. While Kevin and Dale were packing their packs, I was already set to go, but used this time to get in a short warm-up. I started up the trail for a bit and it was a bit steeper and rockier than I recalled, but I knew my legs were feeling great and was eager to get on with it.
Back down to the car, I got Sierra leashed up for Kev and I gave a few route instructions and we agreed to just meet on the summit. I started my watch at the parking lot at 8:07am. Although the trail starts off steep and rocky, I was feeling even better than I anticipated and knew at that moment I was going to have an awesome day. The weather was cool, but not cold, sunny, clear, no wind.I kept a quick cadence up the steep trail, going hard, but knowing that I needed to pace myself just right for maximum efficiency. The loose and rocky trail was not conducive to maintaining an even rhythm, but I did what I could, always looking for the path of least resistance and cutting the apex whenever possible.
Before long, the trail leveled a bit and I was really able to up the pace. At 10:3? in, I came to the creek crossing and tip-toed my way across a few small logs and wet rocks (completely overlooked the nice, big dry logs spanning the creek slightly upstream) and was happy to have not gotten wet going at such a quick pace. In 5 more minutes I came to the junction and took right hand turn for Yale.
At this point, I was really starting to hit my stride, I felt like I was absolutely flying, cruising effortlessly up the trail and tearing through the rollers, my feet, legs and brain all working in perfect sync. By this point, I was starting to pass crowds of people who had started earlier and they were all great about stepping to the side as they heard me coming up behind them. As I passed, most people made some sort of complimentary remark, either to me or to one another. All of this super positive energy from others on the mountain only added fuel to my already hot fire.
There were some surprisingly steep sections as I neared tree-line and I was careful to not blow my quads and power hiked when necessary, all the while assessing the terrain ahead planning on where I would resume my run and always staying focused on maintaining a steady output regardless of the gear I was in ("changing gears" quickly was key here).I reached tree line at 38:?? and could now start to see the summit and the general path of the route. At this point, it was starting to seem somewhat unlikely to me that I would better the FKT, but I was hoping to come close.
Skeptical, but not deterred, I pressed on up the hill, now in full on, “hands on the knees” power hike mode, always looking for the best traction as the steep trail is pretty slick with loose dirt on hard pack.The trail just gets progressively steeper as it works it’s way up to gain the ridge, but occasionally there was a brief flat section where a running pace could be temporarily initiated, if only for 20-30 seconds. I got to the base of the headwall at an hour even, the point I would consider to be the start of steepest section of trail as it rears up to gain the ridge crest through a braided mess of loose dirt and rock.
The ridge still looked distant, but I caught a glimpse of a few guys topping out and it was closer than I had thought. I arrived on the ridge at 1:08:?? and knew it would be a quick boulder hop to the summit along the ridge. I cruised this section fast, hopping from rock to rock with surprising speed and agility, as the “super computer” as George likes to say was working at full capacity, everything was just coming together perfectly.At this point, I knew I had the FKT in the bag, but now it was a matter of how much.
I looked at my watch and was bent on getting in under 1:20, but could not up the effort any more, as I was already at my max speed, you can only go so fast across this type of boulder strewn ridge. I tagged the top at 1:19:24 and felt the most unbelievable runners high I have ever felt. I paced a bit and laughed aloud as I soaked it all in, looking down toward the parking lot, 4,300 feet below, feeling fresh still and not the least bit winded.
I poked around for a while checking the views and then built a nice recliner chair facing Harvard and Columbia, where I sat until Dale arrived at 10:20 and then Kevin/Sierra at 10:45. Everyone on the mountain was quite friendly and many asked about my run and offered congratulations or some kind words. I felt a bit awkward receiving so much fanfare (especially in the company of Dale who has placed top 10 at Pikes 20 or so times) but he and Kevin were quite excited for me.
We then headed down at a casual pace, talking to more people along the way. About a mile from the cars, we bumped into Shep and Dave who walked up to meet us, awesome surprise! We all had a great time chatting on the way down.
I felt absolutely amazing on my run, it was awesome hanging out with great friends, the weather was perfect and even though crowded, the energy and spirits amongst everyone on the mountain was at such a high, it was truly inspiring. I would have to rank this as my best run yet this year, perhaps one of my best ever, I sure wish all days could be this great!
Splits:10:3? to creek crossing
15:?? to Yale/Browns Pass jct.
38:00 to treeline
1:08:?? crested ridgeline
1:19:24 summit
Friday, August 29, 2008
Twin Sisters Peaks
Twin Sisters Peaks, RMNP
NE summit 11428'
NW summit 11413'
S summit 11376'
TH: ~9000',
Twin Sisters Trail/Lily Lake Visitors Center
approx 9 miles, 3400' gain
After a slothful day yesterday (we wanted to get out, but the smoke was too bad..... cough cough), Allison and I decided to get out and do something somewhat close and not too committing.
I was a little stumped to not see any signs for the TH where it should have been. As soon as I started to really wonder, I saw a sign "Twin Sisters TH 1.6 miles". That is odd, I must have a pretty old map, as all the maps show the TH just North of the Longs Peak TH, not Lily Lake.
Anyways, we easily found the parking lot where they do not allow parking and then parked a bit down the road in line with 20 other cars. Funny stuff.
We started up the trail at 10am and casually strolled the endless switchbacks in the cool morning air. Back and forth, forth and back I was not sure where this trail was taking us! Anything but up it seemed. Eventually the views started to open up and we had great views of Longs and we could start to verify that we were indeed gaining altitude.
After passing nearly 20 people of all shapes and sizes, we topped out on the crowded NW summit at 11:15am, then cruised over to the NE summit for some solitude. After a bit of a break, we decided that we had to head to the S. summit to cover all of our bases. On the way there, we mostly stuck to the ridge down to the saddle and enjoyed some really fun class 3 scrambling on surprisingly grippy metamorphic rock (anyone have the scoop on the geology of this peak?). Going up to the S. summit, there was a great fin of rock that offered some very enjoyable and non-committal class 3 scrambling and it took us 25 additional minutes to traverse between the two summits going easy. We took a huge break here, taking in the views and split when 3 guys arrived, way too crowded!
On the way off the summit block, Allison really bonked her noggin on an over hanging rock. Knocked her senseless and she had to sit for a while to regain her composure. Maybe we should just start wearing helmets on all hikes harder than class 1 from now on!
On the way down, we were getting dizzy from all the switchbacks. I was on a mission for us to make it down faster than we got up (without running) and we really had to focus to pull this off, as it seems pretty much equal effort both ways. We were able to pull the descent off in 1hr (15 minutes faster than the up), without running one step. 4hrs RT, a sweet little walk in the "park".
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Bear/S. Boulder
9 miles
3,300 vertical
Hiked these two with Allison and Sierra at a leisurely pace from the S. Mesa TH with some long breaks on the summits. Tried out my new Chaco test shoes on trail for the first time. I really like them, but they are certainly not trail runners. Excellent grip on rock and very comfortable, stylish enough for a night on the town (in Boulder of course), (if you're into that sort of thing).
Was very thirsty at the end, as it got warmer than anticipated, 14oz just does not cut it for 3+ hours in the sun.
3,300 vertical
Hiked these two with Allison and Sierra at a leisurely pace from the S. Mesa TH with some long breaks on the summits. Tried out my new Chaco test shoes on trail for the first time. I really like them, but they are certainly not trail runners. Excellent grip on rock and very comfortable, stylish enough for a night on the town (in Boulder of course), (if you're into that sort of thing).
Was very thirsty at the end, as it got warmer than anticipated, 14oz just does not cut it for 3+ hours in the sun.
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