7-19-13

Me: This morning 14 of us drove up these switchbacks to Bridal Falls.

We geared up with rock climbing harnesses, helmets and were off to hike/climb Via Ferrata.

The trail is narrow and along a cliff. It's critical that you watch your step!

Then you get to THIS. "The Main Event" it's called.

It was scary (to me)!

 But not to Bob.

Or Mike & Laurel.

I clung tightly to the cables while I had tears of fear.

You work two carabiners along the cable making sure you are ALWAYS clipped in.

The views were pretty!

But I rarely looked down or out to enjoy it. :-)

Bob was relaxed and having a blast!

Back on solid ground. The Via Ferrata was a unique experience and everyone had a thrilling time. I'm glad I did it but not sure I'd do it again. :-)

Tonight Highly and Sally hosted all of us (25 Phoenicians) for a BBQ. They have an amazing home in downtown Telluride that looks at the mountains and a beaver lake. It was a wonderful night with friends!

7-18-13

Me: Mountain Biking Day. Eleven of us headed out at 9:30am. Start time was luxury!

Lots of climbing, great views, fast downhills, and a stop at some railroad ruins.

Pretty single track.

Bob demonstrating his balancing skills.

The clouds were building. We got back to town just before the downpour. Fun 5 hr ride!

Group supper at Telluride Bistro was really good.

Great day!

7-17-13

Me: I picked up Bob in Montrose around 9am. We spent the day hanging out in downtown Telluride and then met a bunch of friends for supper at The Crazy Elk in Mountain Village.

photo: Rich, Wendy, Bob, me and Dean

7-16-13

Me: Back in Telluride. 

I took it really easy today. Got caught up on e-mails, Facebook and even got a pedicure. My achey hiking feet thanked me. :-) Bob flys into Denver tonight (he'll be staying with Danielle & Mike - the kids are so excited). I'll pick him up in the morning from the Montrose airport. A bunch of our friends arrive tomorrow too for 4 days of mountain fun.

7-15-13

Me: Got up at 3:30am. No rain so I drove to camp to pick up Rich. The trailhead was close to camp so we were hiking by 5am. Blue skies with fog over the peaks.

 The higher we got, the steeper, colder and foggier. Today we were attempting to do two 14,000' peaks and needed the weather to hold out.

There is the top of Mt. Belford.

 Made it. No view but we didn't mind.

Just happy to be at the top.
Mt. Belford: 14,197 ft.
Had a quick bite and kept moving...

On to the 2nd peak; Oxford. We had to hike another mile, descend 500 feet and climb back up to the summit. It was hard to make out the trail. Though the weather was cold, foggy and moist, it was not threatening rain storms.

Beautiful flowers! I wish I knew the names of them.

White flowers growing through the rocks.

 Found the top of Oxford!

We were the only ones there.

Yes! Mt. Oxford: 14,153 ft.
My 6th summit in 6 days! I'm tired. :-)

On our trek back down we saw 7 Grouse. I think that's what they are called. Can you see them in the above photo (click on pic to enlarge). High mountain turkeys hanging out at 14,000 feet.

In order to get back down we had to cross back over Mt. Belford (the 1st peak).

Despite taking a wrong turn that cost us time and extra climbing, we got back on track and found our way again. The fog was tricky.

The lower we got the clearer the view.

Beautiful valley below.

Clear mountain stream.

Success! Mt. Belford AND Oxford: check!

What a GREAT time exploring the Collegiate Peaks. So thankful the weather cooperated for all our hiking days. Now to Telluride to meet Bob! Woo hoo. :-)

7-14-13

Me: On top of Mt. Holy Cross.

Simply amazing!

____________________

Rich and I left camp at 4am to drive 2 hours to the Mt. Holy Cross Trailhead. It was going to be a long day of hiking and in the mountains you have to start early if you want to summit and get down before any bad weather. 

Photo: Mt. Holy Cross in center - far away.

We began hiking at 6am being mindful of the clouds and not afraid to turn around if the weather threatened us. My legs felt much better after yesterday's rest.

 Above tree line the terrain turned very rocky.

Most of the time there was a well maintained trail to follow.

 Getting closer. The top is behind Rich.

 Made it and "WOW!"

The clouds were "heavenly".

Had fun taking silouette shots...

Stayed an hour and a 1/2 at the top eating lunch and taking it all in.

Had clouds on the one side and a clear view on the other. We could see the town of Aspen behind me.

Summit shot.
Mt. Holy Cross
14,005 ft.

12 miles. 5,600 ft elevation gain. 7 hours round trip, the last 2 in rain.

The rain kept coming and brought out a lovely rainbow on the way back to camp. However, my tent was under water so I got a hotel room in Buena Vista (20 minutes from camp) to get a good night's rest. Another big hiking day tomorrow (if the rain stops).