S. Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Green Mountain, Flagstaff, Sanitas
16 miles
6,250 vertical
Ran a 3:07 today from S. Mesa, over S. Boulder, Bear, Green, Flag to the top of Sanitas. I took 20 minutes off my PR, so I was a little happy with that, but felt surprisingly crappy most of the way and hoped to go faster, so I was not happy with that. I should have quit before going up Sanitas, but no pain no gain right? I ran out of water, struggled bad and was a total mess for a while after and it was a struggle to go retreive my bike and drive home. I might write more tomorrow.
Slightly Expanded version:
My old PR of 3:27 in May of 2005 was a bit soft. I have done this route many times, but always with a group, with the dog, with snow, ice etc…, so I knew I would be able to go much faster on my own. I parked my car at Sanitas and rode down to the S. Mesa TH in commuter mode (crappy town bike, bike path, civilian clothes/shoes) in 30 minutes. It felt like a good warm up and I was hopeful that I would have a good day, especially since my legs felt extremely springy in the morning when running up the stairs or whatever.
I felt OK for the first few minutes, but knew by the mouth of Shadow that I was putting too much effort into a slow time (21:20) at that point. As Shadow steepened, I knew I was in trouble. On the larger rock step ups, I just did not have the strength to power over them and I wavered a bit with each large step. I was 4 minutes ahead of PR at the mouth of shadow, but lost 2 of those minutes by the saddle.
Feeling better on the flats and downhills, I pushed a bit harder, but not really hard, just trying to be smooth and efficient. I knew I would come close to PR, but my plan to go under 3 was probably out the window. I mentally gave up a few times, but I had to get back to my car, so I just continued to plug away.
Coming off Flag, I finished off the last of my 3 x 7oz bottles and was really thirsty. At the base of Sanitas, I knew I should just bail to the car, but I got here at 2:40 and thought that if I really suffered and dug deep, I MIGHT be able to pull off a sub 20 minute ascent, which when I am fresh, I always do with hardly any concerted effort.
After a few steps, I knew that this was a pipe dream however and each step I took, I contemplated stopping. I pushed on though, thinking that to improve, you have to suffer along the way. My HR was through the roof, but I was hardly moving. I made it to the top with an abysmal time of 27 minutes for a total of 3:07:51, my slowest Sanitas trip ever, on my own, while trying to go “fast”.
Heading down, I had nothing and it took me 18 minutes back to the TH, then I was regretting parking at 4th and Mapleton, as it seemed like a monumental walk. I got in the car, rolled down the windows and began to drink the lukewarm water from my bottle, but I was hardly able to do it. I got out and laid down in the grass, panting in a fetal position, trying to get my wits about me so I could go get my bike and drive home.
Driving was a task and it was all I could do to stay awake going to the S. Mesa TH, where I took a short doze before loading my bike and continuing home. Once home I felt better after having lunch and dinner within the span of an hour. I guess I have a long ways to go fitness wise, much more than I was hoping. Not sure if I just had a bad day, or am that out of shape, or had a bad day because I am out of shape.
Either way, it was a fun run and I will probably do it again sometime soon and shoot for a better time.
Splits:
Towhee/Dirt Road 13:55
Start of Shadow 21:20
Saddle 48:55
SoBo 55:45
Bear 1:06:16
Bear Creek 1:24
Green 1:43
Flagstaff 2:07
Boulder Creek 2:31
Start Sanitas 2:40
Sanitas Summit 3:07
Sierra
Sierra
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, 10/13/09 Bear Peak
Another dog jog with Sierra. I work 10 hour days, so when Allison is working (she works 13 hours days), or out of town (like this week), it is easiest for me to bring Sierra to work and then include her on the afternoon run, which is fine, since I am in no hurry to get home, but the flip side is that she is never in a hurry on the run and I am forced to go her pace (a good thing sometimes).
Either way, we had a great trip up Bear (don't know whether or not to call it a run with a lot of hiking, or a hike with a little bit of running). We jogged easy into the mouth of Fern, then hiked all but a few steps to the saddle and then it was just a walk from the saddle to the top. On the descent, the trail was mostly slick just about all the way down to the mouth of Fern and I went slow and cautious.
Today was another inversion day, 48 at the Cragmoor TH, yet it was probably 10 degrees warmer from the saddle to the summit which made for a comfortable trip. The trail still has plenty of ice and slush, but is melting well and should be mostly gone tomorrow.
Splits:
Mesa 11:55
Slab 16:45
Saddle 29:45
Summit post 44:19
True summit 45:01
Summit post 46:00
Saddle 56:05
Mesa 1:08
Finish 1:19
Either way, we had a great trip up Bear (don't know whether or not to call it a run with a lot of hiking, or a hike with a little bit of running). We jogged easy into the mouth of Fern, then hiked all but a few steps to the saddle and then it was just a walk from the saddle to the top. On the descent, the trail was mostly slick just about all the way down to the mouth of Fern and I went slow and cautious.
Today was another inversion day, 48 at the Cragmoor TH, yet it was probably 10 degrees warmer from the saddle to the summit which made for a comfortable trip. The trail still has plenty of ice and slush, but is melting well and should be mostly gone tomorrow.
Splits:
Mesa 11:55
Slab 16:45
Saddle 29:45
Summit post 44:19
True summit 45:01
Summit post 46:00
Saddle 56:05
Mesa 1:08
Finish 1:19
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, 10/11/09 Green Mountain
All day, the sky was grey and dismal looking with the temperature hovering right around freezing and I waffled several times during the day whether or not I wanted to go run. However, when I left work, the sun was shining in Longmont and it seemed as though the poor weather was finally starting to clear and I decided to go for it. My enthusiasm was short lived though, as I drove into Boulder, it was evident that the clouds were holding a tight grip on the foothills.
At the Gregory trailhead, I debated bagging the idea as it seemed colder than the 30 degrees on the car thermometer indicated, but I made the effort to change clothes and make the drive, I should at least go for a short while. Sierra and I headed up the Gregory Canyon trail and I was questioning my judgment on whether or not I should have opted for my studded shoes, but as I ascended, the icy trail slowly transitioned to very nice snowpack.
I had to do the usual tugging and towing of the dog through the leash required section of trail, as she has to sniff, sniff and sniff some more. This drives me nuts when I am trying to run, as I have to stand there and wait (not so)patiently. Once off leash, she can repeatedly sniff and catch up as I jog casually and periodically wait to be sure she is on track.
Once past the Ranger Cabin, Sierra decided she had gotten in enough sniffing and was sticking to my heels very well and even running 10 feet ahead at times. Traction was good and I felt great, so I upped the pace a bit just to test her. She surprisingly maintained her focus all the way to the top and we arrived there in 41:28, despite all the goofing around early on. I may have even set a PR (or came very close) from the cabin to the summit, but don’t have a split to confirm.
The real shocker of the day however was the change in weather as we approached the 4-way junction near the West side of the summit. Seemingly in an instant, we went from being engulfed in cold, dense gloomy clouds to brilliant sunshine, 50+ degree temps and melted out trail. We spent a good 10 minutes hanging out on the summit rock taking in the views of the surrounding peaks, while watching the thick blanket of clouds just below drifting over ridge tops and pulsing through valleys. I have been lucky enough to witness this several times over the years, but never has it been so beautiful or welcome.
Reluctantly, we started down, taking it easy at first on the steep rocky section, then really opening up the throttle all the way down to Gregory Canyon. This section was super fun in the snow, as traction was good and the snow smoothed out some of the roughness. Sierra was having a blast as she bounded next to me, stride for stride as I whooped and hollered, we were in complete sync and fed off one another’s enthusiasm as the snowy trail passed quickly underfoot.
Once into Gregory Canyon however, the trail became a bit treacherous as the ice became more packed and solid. I slipped and slid a bit, but was able to keep it upright by going much slower. We arrived back at the TH 25:20 after leaving the summit. This was certainly one of the best runs I have had in a long time.
At the Gregory trailhead, I debated bagging the idea as it seemed colder than the 30 degrees on the car thermometer indicated, but I made the effort to change clothes and make the drive, I should at least go for a short while. Sierra and I headed up the Gregory Canyon trail and I was questioning my judgment on whether or not I should have opted for my studded shoes, but as I ascended, the icy trail slowly transitioned to very nice snowpack.
I had to do the usual tugging and towing of the dog through the leash required section of trail, as she has to sniff, sniff and sniff some more. This drives me nuts when I am trying to run, as I have to stand there and wait (not so)patiently. Once off leash, she can repeatedly sniff and catch up as I jog casually and periodically wait to be sure she is on track.
Once past the Ranger Cabin, Sierra decided she had gotten in enough sniffing and was sticking to my heels very well and even running 10 feet ahead at times. Traction was good and I felt great, so I upped the pace a bit just to test her. She surprisingly maintained her focus all the way to the top and we arrived there in 41:28, despite all the goofing around early on. I may have even set a PR (or came very close) from the cabin to the summit, but don’t have a split to confirm.
The real shocker of the day however was the change in weather as we approached the 4-way junction near the West side of the summit. Seemingly in an instant, we went from being engulfed in cold, dense gloomy clouds to brilliant sunshine, 50+ degree temps and melted out trail. We spent a good 10 minutes hanging out on the summit rock taking in the views of the surrounding peaks, while watching the thick blanket of clouds just below drifting over ridge tops and pulsing through valleys. I have been lucky enough to witness this several times over the years, but never has it been so beautiful or welcome.
Reluctantly, we started down, taking it easy at first on the steep rocky section, then really opening up the throttle all the way down to Gregory Canyon. This section was super fun in the snow, as traction was good and the snow smoothed out some of the roughness. Sierra was having a blast as she bounded next to me, stride for stride as I whooped and hollered, we were in complete sync and fed off one another’s enthusiasm as the snowy trail passed quickly underfoot.
Once into Gregory Canyon however, the trail became a bit treacherous as the ice became more packed and solid. I slipped and slid a bit, but was able to keep it upright by going much slower. We arrived back at the TH 25:20 after leaving the summit. This was certainly one of the best runs I have had in a long time.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, 10/09/09 Pettingell Peak (13,553)
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/
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/
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.
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