Showing posts with label Rocky Mountain National Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rocky Mountain National Park. Show all posts
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Climbing Long's Peak
Today is the day Peter, Doug & Heidi have been waiting for and training for. They are now climbing Long's Peak in RMNP. Peter left here last night at 10PM with the plan to meet with Doug & Heidi at the trailhead at about midnight. They had plans to start the long hike in the nite so that they could summit before the ever common afternoon storms broke through. It is now about 2:30PM on Sunday and I have not heard from them. Hoping that that is just because there is no phone service where they are headed.
Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park
Douglas, Heidi and I met at the Longs Peak Ranger Station parking lot at midnight Saturday to start our journey to the summit of Longs Peak. The vertical climb is 5100 feet to the summit of this 14er. We have been training this year by hiking and climbing. I have been hiking in the Poudre Canyon summiting some of the many ranked peaks there, but the hikes have been 8 or 9 miles long and the elevation gain was less than 3,000 feet. We also climbed Mount Elbert which is the tallest of the 14ers in Colorado. One of the big distinctions of Longs is that much of the climb is considered Class 3, requiring use of hands and feet to scramble along rocks. This demands concentration, care and keen sense of balance.
We hiked in the dark using headlamps to light the way through the pine trees. We crossed rushing streams that we could hear better than see. We switched back and forth winding our way up to treeline where the clear sky revealed stars without end. When we glanced back down the slope we started to see a parade of lights dancing through the trees below. Other hikers had started the climb as well. The city lights of metro Denver blazed from below providing a compass of sorts showing east instead of north.
With no sleep since sunrise on Saturday, the effects of the elevation gain are wearing me down. We stop for snacks along the way to stay nourished during this calorie burning trek. At about mile four, I'm feeling a little light headed. My 15 pound pack is starting to feel heavier than it should. At one of the breaks, I curl up on a foam pad and close my eyes, but sleep eludes me. After a few minutes of quiet, I rise and feel a little better. Faster hikers, those of muscle and youth, pass us up as we wish each other well.
The eastern sky lightens as we gain elevation. Instead of dark shadows, I can now make out sharper outlines of the peaks in front of us. The change in terrain is evident as the size of the rocks grow bigger and bigger. Instead of walking, we are now hopping from rock to rock balancing on the soles of our boots hoping that the rock we jumped on is stable and doesn't move. A trail sign announces that the "boulder field" is just ahead. Our dance across the rocks purposefully protects the fragile alpine plants.
With first light we can see tents of campers ahead in the midst of acres and acres of boulders. A structure ahead is the target for our dance line. The building is the site of the solar powered privy. The toilets are really just elevated toilets surrounded by a short fence for privacy. This rest stop is a welcome relief.
The "Keyhole" is the next landmark. Moving through this hole in the rock moves us from warm morning sunlight into the shade of the mountain. We travel along the back side of the mountain close to the base of the rock. The exposure and drop to our right is sharp and steep. Thousands of feet of drop. People have died along this stretch of rock. This is the start of the Class 3 scrambling. Painted markings dot the way winding steadily upward. We take turns leading the way finding the best rock for good footing and looking for hand holds as well. Some sections are crumbly and slippery. We try to avoid those areas as dangerous for our own safety as well as for those below us. Rocks spilling downward can be serious trouble. My progress is slower than Doug and Heidi and they relieve some of my burden by pulling some weight from my pack and adding it to their own. Thanks guys. Progress is slow but steady along the "Narrows". After what seemed like miles through the Narrows we turn into the Trough for an even steeper climb to the "Home Stretch". Every foot step and every hand grab requires attention up this steep section of the rock face. I'm not thinking about breathing at this point because we can see the summit point and the adrenaline kicks in. We made the summit by 10:00. This area is huge and flat and awesome. We remove our packs and celebrate with some snacks.
Heidi unfurls her Ostomy Awareness banner and celebrates her success. Doug upends himself with his traditional summit headstand. I sign in at the summit log and down we go to complete the climb in reverse order. Gravity helps, sometimes a little too much, on the climb down. We move on all fours down the rock facing outward for much of the sheer vertical drop. Where there is no rock protecting against a precipitous fall we turn and face the rock and climb down. There is much traffic on the climb today. We must wait our turn and allow others the chance to climb at their own pace. Doug reminds me that accidents most often happen during the euphoria of success and the rush to get back down. We move slowly and methodically down the sheer rock face.
Doug stopped along the boulder field to filter a new supply of ice cold water for the rest of the trip. The cool water is refreshing. The hike down is long. We're working on energy supplies that have dwindled.
We celebrate that the weather has been great all night and so far during the day, but we see clouds starting to fill the sky. As we near the tree line the clouds now dark with rain start to break loose and share the moisture with and on us. The rain is great, but the lightning storm that came along with it is near and loud and fierce. We hurry along the trail now sloshing through the muddy pathways and sliding on slick rocks. The lightning is scary. It is real and close. We continue quickly along the trail that eventually leads to the trail-head. Despite our rain jackets and pack covers we are drenched to the skin. The rain came in hard, cold, steady streams. Everything was shiny and wet. After changing into whatever dry clothes we had at the cars, we unceremoniously depart anxious to return home and rest our sleep deprived and weary bodies. It will take days before I can take in the literal enormity of this trip to the top of Longs Peak.
We hiked in the dark using headlamps to light the way through the pine trees. We crossed rushing streams that we could hear better than see. We switched back and forth winding our way up to treeline where the clear sky revealed stars without end. When we glanced back down the slope we started to see a parade of lights dancing through the trees below. Other hikers had started the climb as well. The city lights of metro Denver blazed from below providing a compass of sorts showing east instead of north.
With no sleep since sunrise on Saturday, the effects of the elevation gain are wearing me down. We stop for snacks along the way to stay nourished during this calorie burning trek. At about mile four, I'm feeling a little light headed. My 15 pound pack is starting to feel heavier than it should. At one of the breaks, I curl up on a foam pad and close my eyes, but sleep eludes me. After a few minutes of quiet, I rise and feel a little better. Faster hikers, those of muscle and youth, pass us up as we wish each other well.
The eastern sky lightens as we gain elevation. Instead of dark shadows, I can now make out sharper outlines of the peaks in front of us. The change in terrain is evident as the size of the rocks grow bigger and bigger. Instead of walking, we are now hopping from rock to rock balancing on the soles of our boots hoping that the rock we jumped on is stable and doesn't move. A trail sign announces that the "boulder field" is just ahead. Our dance across the rocks purposefully protects the fragile alpine plants.
With first light we can see tents of campers ahead in the midst of acres and acres of boulders. A structure ahead is the target for our dance line. The building is the site of the solar powered privy. The toilets are really just elevated toilets surrounded by a short fence for privacy. This rest stop is a welcome relief.
The "Keyhole" is the next landmark. Moving through this hole in the rock moves us from warm morning sunlight into the shade of the mountain. We travel along the back side of the mountain close to the base of the rock. The exposure and drop to our right is sharp and steep. Thousands of feet of drop. People have died along this stretch of rock. This is the start of the Class 3 scrambling. Painted markings dot the way winding steadily upward. We take turns leading the way finding the best rock for good footing and looking for hand holds as well. Some sections are crumbly and slippery. We try to avoid those areas as dangerous for our own safety as well as for those below us. Rocks spilling downward can be serious trouble. My progress is slower than Doug and Heidi and they relieve some of my burden by pulling some weight from my pack and adding it to their own. Thanks guys. Progress is slow but steady along the "Narrows". After what seemed like miles through the Narrows we turn into the Trough for an even steeper climb to the "Home Stretch". Every foot step and every hand grab requires attention up this steep section of the rock face. I'm not thinking about breathing at this point because we can see the summit point and the adrenaline kicks in. We made the summit by 10:00. This area is huge and flat and awesome. We remove our packs and celebrate with some snacks.
Heidi unfurls her Ostomy Awareness banner and celebrates her success. Doug upends himself with his traditional summit headstand. I sign in at the summit log and down we go to complete the climb in reverse order. Gravity helps, sometimes a little too much, on the climb down. We move on all fours down the rock facing outward for much of the sheer vertical drop. Where there is no rock protecting against a precipitous fall we turn and face the rock and climb down. There is much traffic on the climb today. We must wait our turn and allow others the chance to climb at their own pace. Doug reminds me that accidents most often happen during the euphoria of success and the rush to get back down. We move slowly and methodically down the sheer rock face.
Doug stopped along the boulder field to filter a new supply of ice cold water for the rest of the trip. The cool water is refreshing. The hike down is long. We're working on energy supplies that have dwindled.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Reconnecting with Family
Wednesday morning we rose slowly. Sue and Tony still had to rearrange their personal clock for mountain time.
Following breakfast and of course the puzzles, we started to look through old pictures that had been stored in a trunk for many years. These were a mixture of pictures from Grandma and Grandpa Skiba, Sister Gabriella etc. They had at one time been in Grandma & Grandpas house. When their house was sold, we became the keepers of these memories. It was time to share with other family members who would appreciate these mememtos. Peter & Sue took charge of sorting out the pictures, and putting them into different envelopes for siblings and cousins. Sue and Tony will bring them with them when they return home. Some will be dropped off in Albuquerque on their visit later in the week to see John & Pat. John & Pat moved from Milwaukee in Spring of 2010. Seems like the entire Skiba clan is moving away from Milwaukee. Can Sue and Tony be far behind?
Weather had warmed by noon and looked to be a delightful day. We headed West a couple of miles to explore one of Fort Collins' Natural sites. Our hike was to be in conjunction with discovering a couple of caches along the way. We figured we must have put in about 4 miles traipsing up and down the trails, fighting the weeds, the brambles, crossing the river a couple of times........
Following breakfast and of course the puzzles, we started to look through old pictures that had been stored in a trunk for many years. These were a mixture of pictures from Grandma and Grandpa Skiba, Sister Gabriella etc. They had at one time been in Grandma & Grandpas house. When their house was sold, we became the keepers of these memories. It was time to share with other family members who would appreciate these mememtos. Peter & Sue took charge of sorting out the pictures, and putting them into different envelopes for siblings and cousins. Sue and Tony will bring them with them when they return home. Some will be dropped off in Albuquerque on their visit later in the week to see John & Pat. John & Pat moved from Milwaukee in Spring of 2010. Seems like the entire Skiba clan is moving away from Milwaukee. Can Sue and Tony be far behind?
Weather had warmed by noon and looked to be a delightful day. We headed West a couple of miles to explore one of Fort Collins' Natural sites. Our hike was to be in conjunction with discovering a couple of caches along the way. We figured we must have put in about 4 miles traipsing up and down the trails, fighting the weeds, the brambles, crossing the river a couple of times........
When the outdoor escapade was completed we headed into Old Town Fort Collins for a treat. What better place to go then Ben & Jerry's? Peter & I were able to find a wonderful smoothie that was dairy free while Sue and Tony indulged themselves with some ice cream. It was even warm enough by then to sit in the square and enjoy our treat. But we couldn't go home yet....oh no! One more cache to find a couple of blocks from where were sitting! Euraka! That completed, we headed home for dinner and news and a game of Dominoes. 
A delightful day. Tomorrow we head to Rocky Mountain National Park.
A delightful day. Tomorrow we head to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Rocky Mountain National Park
Peter & I got off to a very early start this morning. Alarm went off at 4AM. Our plan was to get to RMNP for a sunrise. We arrived at about 6:30AM. Drive into the park was uneventful....no large animals in the roadways! Arrived in the park before the staff was there to check us in. Our plan was to look for elk today, photograph a sunrise and do some geocaching.
Initially went to Bear Lake for the sunrise. On the way up to that point we first came across some wonderful glistening frost on the low lying plants. As we progressed farther up, the frost turned to snow. Lovely to look at with the aspen trees still glowing their beautiful golden hues. There were about 4 other cars in the parking lot when we arrived. One was covered with snow so we presumed that the occupant (s) had spent the nite up higher on an overnite hike.
Peter proceeded to walk to Bear Lake along with another photographer who arrived at the same time. Said the water was not calm, so not terrific for reflections, but still beautiful with the recent snowfall.
Sunrise at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sunrise showing alpenglow at Bear Lake a few minutes after the initial shots.
Large bull elk taking a rest. Alone. Before or after his harem duties???!!!
As our car was almost empty of fuel, we then headed back to Estes Park to refuel the car and ourselves. We stopped for breakfast at a small restaurant called "The Other Side". Hearty breakfast of shared Denver Omelet, Blueberry Pancakes and coffee.
Following breakfast we decided to do some geocaching in the area. I had looked up about 10 places the night before. We were ready. We found all but one. Perhaps it had floated down the river or been taken by someone? Will never know. But the places we did get to were interesting.
Left this morning when the temperature was a mere 28 degrees and returned to Fort Collins where it was 70 degrees! What a pleasant way to spend a fall day!
Initially went to Bear Lake for the sunrise. On the way up to that point we first came across some wonderful glistening frost on the low lying plants. As we progressed farther up, the frost turned to snow. Lovely to look at with the aspen trees still glowing their beautiful golden hues. There were about 4 other cars in the parking lot when we arrived. One was covered with snow so we presumed that the occupant (s) had spent the nite up higher on an overnite hike.
Peter proceeded to walk to Bear Lake along with another photographer who arrived at the same time. Said the water was not calm, so not terrific for reflections, but still beautiful with the recent snowfall.
Sunrise at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sunrise showing alpenglow at Bear Lake a few minutes after the initial shots.
Large bull elk taking a rest. Alone. Before or after his harem duties???!!!
As our car was almost empty of fuel, we then headed back to Estes Park to refuel the car and ourselves. We stopped for breakfast at a small restaurant called "The Other Side". Hearty breakfast of shared Denver Omelet, Blueberry Pancakes and coffee.
Following breakfast we decided to do some geocaching in the area. I had looked up about 10 places the night before. We were ready. We found all but one. Perhaps it had floated down the river or been taken by someone? Will never know. But the places we did get to were interesting.
Left this morning when the temperature was a mere 28 degrees and returned to Fort Collins where it was 70 degrees! What a pleasant way to spend a fall day!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Colorado River
After Peter's long hike to Mount Ida, he was gracious enough to
go on a shorter walk with me. We went to the Hozworth Historic area in Rocky
Mountain National Park.
Trail goes along the Colorado River that Peter is standing by.
Beautiful day!
Hike to Mount Ida
Yesterday brought us back to RMNP for an early start on a hike that Peter wanted to do to Mount Ida. Road construction in the park slowed us down a bit on the way up, but he eventually started at 7:30AM on the trail to Mt. Ida (12,880) and returned to the car by 2PM.
I stayed and waited for him during his hike. Construction workers and trucks all around me.
Quite nosy and smelly at times. But gave me a chance to finish my book and do a bit of knitting.
Peter says that it was cold and very windy on top and I believe him because I was experiencing the same at my elevation.
The trail that he took was along the Continental Divide.
Peter was also able to see the smoke from the recent fires in Boulder and Loveland early on during the hike. These became less noticeable as the day progressed.
After Peter finished his hike, we waited in line with all of the other cars for the road paving equipment to let us proceed down Trail Ridge Road. As I had been waiting all day, I felt I need to have some kind of easy walk/hike. We first stopped at the Colorado River Trail but decided to go on to the Holzwarth Historic Site. This is in the Never Summer Mountain Range. Buildings on the site date back to the early 1900's. It was known as the Never Summer Ranch where tourists from the Denver area spent time relaxing.
I stayed and waited for him during his hike. Construction workers and trucks all around me.
Quite nosy and smelly at times. But gave me a chance to finish my book and do a bit of knitting.
Peter says that it was cold and very windy on top and I believe him because I was experiencing the same at my elevation.
The trail that he took was along the Continental Divide.
Peter was also able to see the smoke from the recent fires in Boulder and Loveland early on during the hike. These became less noticeable as the day progressed.
After Peter finished his hike, we waited in line with all of the other cars for the road paving equipment to let us proceed down Trail Ridge Road. As I had been waiting all day, I felt I need to have some kind of easy walk/hike. We first stopped at the Colorado River Trail but decided to go on to the Holzwarth Historic Site. This is in the Never Summer Mountain Range. Buildings on the site date back to the early 1900's. It was known as the Never Summer Ranch where tourists from the Denver area spent time relaxing.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Poudre Lake
On Tuesday, Peter & I were in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Peter's plans were to hike up to Mt. Ida on the following day.
The Poudre Lake shown in this picture is at the bottom/beginning of the trail.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Winter Park
Left Fort Collins again on Friday, Sept. 10th after doing mundane chores around the house.
We headed for Winter Park late in the afternoon and chose to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park to our destination. Not wise as it was late and dark by the time we arrived.
Checked into Indian Peaks resort for another week's vacation.
We headed for Winter Park late in the afternoon and chose to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park to our destination. Not wise as it was late and dark by the time we arrived.
Checked into Indian Peaks resort for another week's vacation.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Beautiful Weather!
Absolutely beautiful weather here in Fort Collins this morning. Actually quite cool this morning when we got up at 3:30AM. Peter headed out to Rocky Mountain National Park for a weekend camping/hiking trip with son, Douglas. Peter left early this morning in order to obtain a camping spot.....First Come, First Served. No reservations available.
During the day his plans are to hike in the park and then meet with Doug after Doug's day at work in Golden.
I chose not to go and remain at home to catch up on some personal stuff before we leave for Milwaukee next week. Do a bit of painting, reading unpacking (still!) and generally relaxing.
Heading out for a walk of my own later in the day.
Kids are back in school. Neighborhood is very quiet!
During the day his plans are to hike in the park and then meet with Doug after Doug's day at work in Golden.
I chose not to go and remain at home to catch up on some personal stuff before we leave for Milwaukee next week. Do a bit of painting, reading unpacking (still!) and generally relaxing.
Heading out for a walk of my own later in the day.
Kids are back in school. Neighborhood is very quiet!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rose very early on Monday morning.....3:30AM to be exact.....and headed out to RMNP hoping to be there in time for a sunrise. We arrived so early that no one was even at the gates when we passed through. We drove to the part where we had seen elk before and were treated to a large herd grazing and drinking from the river. Of course it took time to set up the tripods etc, so by the time that was done, they had moved farther on up the field. Did get a couple of pictures of the sunrise. The best part of this sunrise was the fog bank that hung over the field.
As the elk moved on, we moved on as well. Getting so good at following them. Just observing their behaviors is a thrill. We even heard a little bugling before we left that spot.
Our main destination for the day was to do a hike near Bear Lake. The plan was for Renee to hike around Bear Lake while Peter headed farther up the mountain range. His goal for the day was to reach Lake Haiyaha. We both began at 7am at the parking lot. Peter going one way and I going the other. We had our walkie talkies on hand to stay in touch. We began at an elevation of 9475'. My walk was only an elevation gain of 20' and easy enough for me. Stopped many times to take pictures around the lake. Wonderful reflections and a perfect time of the day as the path was not littered with other hikers. About 1/2 around, it began to rain and the look completely changed. No reflections. Water very unsettled.
After my walk, I went back to the car and had a granola bar and sat and read for a bit knowing that Peter would still be several hours longer in his hike. While waiting, the hikers came in waves being dropped off by the shuttle bus. No more peaceful walk around the lake. I was glad I started early.
As the day progressed, so did Peter and he kept me informed by walkie talkie. He hiked first to to Nymph Lake (about 1/2 mile) and then on to Dream Lake (another 1/2 mile). Elevation at this point was about 10000'. From there he went on to Emerald Lake stopping many times for pictures. When he reached Emerald Lake he had to backtrack on the trail to get to his final destination, Lake Haiyaha. He said his legs felt fine and this was good practice for his next trip with Doug in a week.
When Peter reached Lake Haiyaha, he called and said he was coming down. I told him I would meet him along the way. Little did I know that the climb was so steep. Even with a walking stick it was hard for me and I made many stops on the upward path. But the destination of the first Lake (Nymph Lake) was well worth the effort. A lake with many lily pads and yellow flowers. I did not carry a camera, so had to rely on Peter's pictures. I started to head to the next lake, but my legs said "are you crazy?". I chose to wait for Peter at Nymph Lake and do a bit of people watching. By this time of the morning there was no lack of people to watch.
Eventually, Peter arrived back to where I was waiting. We then walked down to the parking lot together. Total trip for Peter was about 6 miles. At the peak of the hike he reached 10, 220'. A good morning for both of us.
From there we headed out to lunch on the fringe of the park at Trailside Restaurant. A delightful lunch on the deck overlooking the mountains. During our entire meal, we watched the hummingbirds feeding on the deck. Very active.
Having finished lunch we headed back home to Fort Collins. Along the way we encountered Big Horn Sheep on Hwy 34. Some feeding close to the roadway and others, a ram included a tad farther up the mountain. Stopped for quite some time to take pictures. Always a thrill to have the opportunity to see them up close. From there we continued on our drive home only to stop once more when we came across a herd of elk grazing in a pasture. By the time we arrived home the rain had started once again. All in all a great way to spend the day. Plans are to return again this week, weather permitting.
Lake Haiyaha
Bear Lake (left) and Nymph Lake (right) from the trail
Joshua Been, plein air painter at Dream Lake
As the elk moved on, we moved on as well. Getting so good at following them. Just observing their behaviors is a thrill. We even heard a little bugling before we left that spot.
Our main destination for the day was to do a hike near Bear Lake. The plan was for Renee to hike around Bear Lake while Peter headed farther up the mountain range. His goal for the day was to reach Lake Haiyaha. We both began at 7am at the parking lot. Peter going one way and I going the other. We had our walkie talkies on hand to stay in touch. We began at an elevation of 9475'. My walk was only an elevation gain of 20' and easy enough for me. Stopped many times to take pictures around the lake. Wonderful reflections and a perfect time of the day as the path was not littered with other hikers. About 1/2 around, it began to rain and the look completely changed. No reflections. Water very unsettled.
After my walk, I went back to the car and had a granola bar and sat and read for a bit knowing that Peter would still be several hours longer in his hike. While waiting, the hikers came in waves being dropped off by the shuttle bus. No more peaceful walk around the lake. I was glad I started early.
As the day progressed, so did Peter and he kept me informed by walkie talkie. He hiked first to to Nymph Lake (about 1/2 mile) and then on to Dream Lake (another 1/2 mile). Elevation at this point was about 10000'. From there he went on to Emerald Lake stopping many times for pictures. When he reached Emerald Lake he had to backtrack on the trail to get to his final destination, Lake Haiyaha. He said his legs felt fine and this was good practice for his next trip with Doug in a week.
When Peter reached Lake Haiyaha, he called and said he was coming down. I told him I would meet him along the way. Little did I know that the climb was so steep. Even with a walking stick it was hard for me and I made many stops on the upward path. But the destination of the first Lake (Nymph Lake) was well worth the effort. A lake with many lily pads and yellow flowers. I did not carry a camera, so had to rely on Peter's pictures. I started to head to the next lake, but my legs said "are you crazy?". I chose to wait for Peter at Nymph Lake and do a bit of people watching. By this time of the morning there was no lack of people to watch.
Eventually, Peter arrived back to where I was waiting. We then walked down to the parking lot together. Total trip for Peter was about 6 miles. At the peak of the hike he reached 10, 220'. A good morning for both of us.
From there we headed out to lunch on the fringe of the park at Trailside Restaurant. A delightful lunch on the deck overlooking the mountains. During our entire meal, we watched the hummingbirds feeding on the deck. Very active.
Having finished lunch we headed back home to Fort Collins. Along the way we encountered Big Horn Sheep on Hwy 34. Some feeding close to the roadway and others, a ram included a tad farther up the mountain. Stopped for quite some time to take pictures. Always a thrill to have the opportunity to see them up close. From there we continued on our drive home only to stop once more when we came across a herd of elk grazing in a pasture. By the time we arrived home the rain had started once again. All in all a great way to spend the day. Plans are to return again this week, weather permitting.
Lake Haiyaha
Bear Lake (left) and Nymph Lake (right) from the trail
Joshua Been, plein air painter at Dream Lake
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