Pettingell Peak (13,553)
10/09/09
~8 miles
~3,200 vertical
Jeff Valliere, Aron Ralston, Sierra
Allison is out of town for a week, so I had 3 days to myself to do as I pleased. I was conjuring up all kinds of ambitious plans to jump in the car with Sierra and go climb as many 13ers as I could in 3 days, maybe work on my 14er x 2 list a bit, but as the time drew near, it was evident that weather and snow conditions were not going to be optimal, so I figured I would stick close to home and get in some “local” peaks (or at least a peak).
I sent an invite to a few friends with flexible schedules and Aron soon replied that he was in town and he too wanted to get out on Friday. We bounced around a few different ideas, but settled on Pettingell, as it is somewhat short and close to home.
We met at Neptune a bit after 7am and made decent time to the TH, arriving there in about an hour and eventually got going on the snow dusted trail by 8:30am. I was expecting more snow, but was pleasantly surprised that there was only a few inches at most along the trail through Herman Gulch to Herman Lake. The temperature was in the 20’s, partly cloudy and we could see that the wind was raking the divide, as evidenced by the swirling snow devils above treeline.
Sierra led the way up the trail, with her nose to the ground and tail in the air, sniffing out a fresh set of wild canine tracks as large as hers (large fox? Coyote?) as Aron and I lagged behind chatting it up, not too anxious to fight the wind.
At the last patch of trees, we took a moment to add some layers and eat some food before the real fun began. Above the lake, the route got a good bit steeper and the snow got deeper where it was drifted in the talus, which made for some tricky footing. The final 7-800 feet were a bit tedious, as the rock was loose, the slope steep and the wind was gusting hard enough to knock me down if I wasn’t working hard to maintain my balance. With temps in the 20’s, howling wind and blowing snow, I was thankful to have packed my winter kit, including goggles.
I think we topped out around 11:45am and spent ~15 minutes or so taking in the views and pointing out different peaks. Since we both had obligations in the afternoon, we made quick work of the descent, arriving back at the TH around 1:30pm for a 5 hour RT.
Although conditions were a bit chilly, it was a good shakedown hike to help get into gear for the winter season.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_10_09_Pettengill/
Sierra
Sierra
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, 10/08/09 Bear/S. Boulder
7 miles
3,500 vertical
1:49:45
With the weather today being in the low 30's and rainy, motivation to get out was quite low. In the mid afternoon, the rain transitioned to snow, which made it not seem as bad, so I figured what the heck, better start getting used to cold and snow. I initially debated bringing Sierra, as I knew she would really get mucked up, so I put her harness on, changed my mind again, took it off and ultimately put it back on again as I could not bear to leave her after all the build up.
We went up Shanahan/Fern on the easy side of moderate, which was fine after going somewhat hard the past 2 days. The higher we went, the trees and grass became pasted with ice and I continually bumped my head on low hanging icey pine branches. Once into Fern Canyon, the trail became mostly snow packed, 1/2 inch to an inch at most, just enough to make things a little slippery and very pretty.
We topped out at the post in 48, then another minute to the true summit. Negotiating the summit pitch and then the class 3 shortcut was interesting as the rocks were mostly wet and icey in spots. I proceeded at a cautious pace over to S. Boulder, arriving there in 12 minutes, then 12 minutes back to Bear. From the summit of Bear back down the steep trail to the saddle was an accident waiting to happen with the snow, ice and crappy traction shoes I was wearing, so I went super slow and easy.
Although I normally have to wait for Sierra, she was running circles around me on the upper mountain, sprinting around in the snow at mach speed with a huge smile on her face, making gleeful grunts and noises. This alone made the entire trip worth it. Though the day looked crappy at first glance, it was an awesome day to be out and I am thankful to have had the opportunity.
3,500 vertical
1:49:45
With the weather today being in the low 30's and rainy, motivation to get out was quite low. In the mid afternoon, the rain transitioned to snow, which made it not seem as bad, so I figured what the heck, better start getting used to cold and snow. I initially debated bringing Sierra, as I knew she would really get mucked up, so I put her harness on, changed my mind again, took it off and ultimately put it back on again as I could not bear to leave her after all the build up.
We went up Shanahan/Fern on the easy side of moderate, which was fine after going somewhat hard the past 2 days. The higher we went, the trees and grass became pasted with ice and I continually bumped my head on low hanging icey pine branches. Once into Fern Canyon, the trail became mostly snow packed, 1/2 inch to an inch at most, just enough to make things a little slippery and very pretty.
We topped out at the post in 48, then another minute to the true summit. Negotiating the summit pitch and then the class 3 shortcut was interesting as the rocks were mostly wet and icey in spots. I proceeded at a cautious pace over to S. Boulder, arriving there in 12 minutes, then 12 minutes back to Bear. From the summit of Bear back down the steep trail to the saddle was an accident waiting to happen with the snow, ice and crappy traction shoes I was wearing, so I went super slow and easy.
Although I normally have to wait for Sierra, she was running circles around me on the upper mountain, sprinting around in the snow at mach speed with a huge smile on her face, making gleeful grunts and noises. This alone made the entire trip worth it. Though the day looked crappy at first glance, it was an awesome day to be out and I am thankful to have had the opportunity.
Wednesday, 10/07/09 Green Mountain
Since I got out of work a bit early and it was such a nice day, I blew off Sanitas in favor of Green. I felt much better than the previous day as I had a somewhat light and healthy lunch, one of those days where I felt light and agile instead of bulky and bloated. My only problem was that my legs were feeling the previous days efforts (though not too bad). To be on the safe side, I did not push crazy hard, just a steady tempo, focusing on fluidity instead of brute force.
I made the Amphi/SR jct in 6:47, was around 12:50ish (I think) at the 1st Flatiron cutoff, then I diverted up the NE ridge and just hiked a good part of that. Made the summit in 34:54 and immidiately turned around to cruise the descent. I felt great going down and made quick work of the trail and the NE ridge. Just I was thinking I was nailing it, I took a minor slide, but pulled out of it with no consequence aside from my confidence being slightly shaken.
Up in 34:54
Down in 20:23
RT 55:17
I made the Amphi/SR jct in 6:47, was around 12:50ish (I think) at the 1st Flatiron cutoff, then I diverted up the NE ridge and just hiked a good part of that. Made the summit in 34:54 and immidiately turned around to cruise the descent. I felt great going down and made quick work of the trail and the NE ridge. Just I was thinking I was nailing it, I took a minor slide, but pulled out of it with no consequence aside from my confidence being slightly shaken.
Up in 34:54
Down in 20:23
RT 55:17
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday, 10/06/09 Green Mountain
Met Brandon for Green today at 4:45 and ran up Gregory/Ranger and back down the front side short route. Started off moderate to easyish and after 12 minutes, Brandon encouraged me to go ahead, as he was not feeling super. I bumped it up a notch or two and was glad to find that my foot was feeling pretty good, but I was feeling a little crappy from not having run in a week, or more than a few times in the past few months, not to mention the bagels, donuts and cheesy pasta I ate today.
Despite all this, the trail was passing by reasonably quickly and I topped out in a surprising 37:56, only two minutes off PR. I made a u-turn to meet Brandon and he was not far back and moving well.
Up in 37:56
Down in 27
Despite all this, the trail was passing by reasonably quickly and I topped out in a surprising 37:56, only two minutes off PR. I made a u-turn to meet Brandon and he was not far back and moving well.
Up in 37:56
Down in 27
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday, 10/02/09 Pancake House, REI, S. Boulder Peak and Bear Peak
Slept in today (6:10am), putzed around for a bit, then we went to the Original Pancake House in Boulder. If you have never been, go soon, it is the best breakfast joint around, seriously. Went to REI afterwards and I picked out the ultimate winter pack, the Osprey Stratos 40, which is now on my wish list.
Spent 3 hours this afternoon taking a casual walk up S. Boulder and Bear with Allison and Sierra. It was pleasant in the sun, but the shadowy Shadow Canyon was chilly and had that fall bite.
8 miles
3,200 vertical
3 hours
Spent 3 hours this afternoon taking a casual walk up S. Boulder and Bear with Allison and Sierra. It was pleasant in the sun, but the shadowy Shadow Canyon was chilly and had that fall bite.
8 miles
3,200 vertical
3 hours
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, 10/01/09 Biked SuperFlag
28 Miles
1:40 RT
Had a great ride up SuperFlag despite the wind and cooler temps. 31:59 up SuperFlag, felt pretty good.
1:40 RT
Had a great ride up SuperFlag despite the wind and cooler temps. 31:59 up SuperFlag, felt pretty good.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, 9/29/09 Green Mountain
Met George, JT and Brandon for a trip up Green. Took the bushwhack route up past the 1st Flatiron, went fairly easy, topping out in 47:22. I then opted for the short route down (standard) and got back to Chautauqua in a really slow/cautious 32. Great day, really warm.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, 9/28/09 Green
Super easy "dog jog" up/down Green via Gregory/Ranger. Felt good, but was happy to go Sierra's pace and enjoy the perfect afternoon.
49 up
39 down
49 up
39 down
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, 9/26/09 Belford, Oxford and Pecks
Mt. Belford, Mt. Oxford, Pecks Peak (13,270)
9/26/09
~11 miles
~6,000 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Sharon Hale, Kevin Lund, Ken Nolan, Jean Aschenbrenner, Sierra, Shep, Kiefer and Sophie
Although Allison and I have climbed these peaks before, we decided to join Dave and Emily for Belford/Oxford, as Oxford was one of Emily’s final two Sawatch 14ers and I had not hiked with them for over 3 months. As usual, Kevin was game for anything and a last minute e-mail to Ken revealed that he and Jean were considering this combo to fulfill grid requirements. A great group formed in an instant and I was very much looking forward to catching up with good friends on a bluebird day in the high mountains.
We got started from the Missouri Gulch TH a bit before 7am and made good time to the cabin at treeline. After a short break, we continued up the trail for a few hundred feet and then left the trail to engage the steep but grassy West slopes of Pecks peak, just for something different. The slopes were mostly dry, save for a thin, but crusty and inconsequential dusting of snow higher up.
The summit of Pecks seemed very much like the insignificant bump on the ridge to Belford that it is, but was enjoyable regardless and the dogs had a blast chasing one another and wrestling in the drifted snow.
Belford still looked surprisingly high and distant, but turned out to be a quick and easy walk up steep, snowy (but solid and intermittent) talus and tundra. The summit of Belford was a bit breezy, but just ducking down a few feet on the South side made for a warm and toasty spot for another long break.
Eventually, we mustered up the motivation to get off our lazy butts and head over to Oxford. The initial descent to the saddle had a good bit of snow in spots, or at least enough to make things a bit slick. Oxford, though distant looking, comes up quick, as the terrain is mellow and the walking fast and easy.
The summit of Oxford seemed a little busy with another group of 5 and some others crossing back and forth between the two peaks, but I guess busy is relative and I found it somewhat enjoyable to see others on the trail/peaks for a change.
Ken, Allison, Dave, the dogs and I made a 2nd visit to Belford, while the remainder of the group headed down in the general direction of Elkhead Pass. They had quite the jump on us, but we boogied hard to catch them and did so easily once they plopped down for break.
The walk out the valley was surprisingly long, but incredibly scenic and enjoyable, enhanced by the perfect weather and great company. Leisure was the theme of the day and we made it back to the TH around 4pm. A perfect day in the mountains with a great group.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_26_Belford_Oxford/
9/26/09
~11 miles
~6,000 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Sharon Hale, Kevin Lund, Ken Nolan, Jean Aschenbrenner, Sierra, Shep, Kiefer and Sophie
Although Allison and I have climbed these peaks before, we decided to join Dave and Emily for Belford/Oxford, as Oxford was one of Emily’s final two Sawatch 14ers and I had not hiked with them for over 3 months. As usual, Kevin was game for anything and a last minute e-mail to Ken revealed that he and Jean were considering this combo to fulfill grid requirements. A great group formed in an instant and I was very much looking forward to catching up with good friends on a bluebird day in the high mountains.
We got started from the Missouri Gulch TH a bit before 7am and made good time to the cabin at treeline. After a short break, we continued up the trail for a few hundred feet and then left the trail to engage the steep but grassy West slopes of Pecks peak, just for something different. The slopes were mostly dry, save for a thin, but crusty and inconsequential dusting of snow higher up.
The summit of Pecks seemed very much like the insignificant bump on the ridge to Belford that it is, but was enjoyable regardless and the dogs had a blast chasing one another and wrestling in the drifted snow.
Belford still looked surprisingly high and distant, but turned out to be a quick and easy walk up steep, snowy (but solid and intermittent) talus and tundra. The summit of Belford was a bit breezy, but just ducking down a few feet on the South side made for a warm and toasty spot for another long break.
Eventually, we mustered up the motivation to get off our lazy butts and head over to Oxford. The initial descent to the saddle had a good bit of snow in spots, or at least enough to make things a bit slick. Oxford, though distant looking, comes up quick, as the terrain is mellow and the walking fast and easy.
The summit of Oxford seemed a little busy with another group of 5 and some others crossing back and forth between the two peaks, but I guess busy is relative and I found it somewhat enjoyable to see others on the trail/peaks for a change.
Ken, Allison, Dave, the dogs and I made a 2nd visit to Belford, while the remainder of the group headed down in the general direction of Elkhead Pass. They had quite the jump on us, but we boogied hard to catch them and did so easily once they plopped down for break.
The walk out the valley was surprisingly long, but incredibly scenic and enjoyable, enhanced by the perfect weather and great company. Leisure was the theme of the day and we made it back to the TH around 4pm. A perfect day in the mountains with a great group.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_09_26_Belford_Oxford/
Friday, September 25, 2009
"Race Across the Sky" (Leadville 100 Movie)
I meant to post this sooner... "Race Across the Sky" starring Lance Armstrong and JV (hobbling along as a spectator) will be showing on October 22 at theaters nationwide. Tickets go on sale today, looks awesome!
http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/Sports/RaceAcrossTheSky.aspx
I am going to the showing at Westminster 24. Feel free to join us.
http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/Sports/RaceAcrossTheSky.aspx
I am going to the showing at Westminster 24. Feel free to join us.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, 9/24/09 Green
Started at Chautauqua as a rain squall was moving through. Undeterred, I continued on as the rain moved passed and headed up the trail between the 1st and the 2nd Flatiron, of course realizing before long that I was again over dressed. At the back of the 1st, I took the little shortcut up to the NE ridge. Made the summit in 41:30 and decided to head down via W. Ridge/Long Canyon. Jogging easy, I made it to the top of SuperFlag at 55, back to the car at Chautauqua in 1:28. Took it very easy on the down.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, 9/23/09 Sanitas
Plans changed at the last minute from Green to Sanitas, as I needed to get home a bit sooner than I anticipated. I wanted to go "fast" because I was in a hurry and because I was slowed down so much by the dog yesterday, but unfortunately I was not feeling nearly as peppy. I went about as hard as I could muster, but I was a bit bloated from lunch and feeling generally tired, not to mention I was a bit over dressed, wishing I was in shorts and a t-shirt instead of long pants, thick wool socks and two warm shirts. I just zoned out listening to my walkman, not really paying attention to time and ended up making the summit in 18:20. I turned tail and made the descent in a semi conservative 13:40. Not a bad run all things considered, lots of room for improvement.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, 9/22/09 Sanitas
Today was the first day I felt truly good about running uphill since sometime in May, long before I broke my foot, as I had been struggling for some time. Unfortunately, Sierra was not feeling as eager to go fast and I ended up having to stop, wait, encourage and backtrack as to not completely drop her. We ended up making the summit in 23:28 which was a little bit of a downer considering how good I felt. I am certain that I would have been good for at least 5 minutes faster. Took it easy on the down, 17ish.
Despite this being a "dog jog" as GZ would say (more like dog walk), I felt awesome about being out and was encouraged with how well my foot was feeling.
Despite this being a "dog jog" as GZ would say (more like dog walk), I felt awesome about being out and was encouraged with how well my foot was feeling.
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