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We stayed the night in Leadville, hoping that a night at 10K would help with the altitude acclimatization. Alarm went off at 4am, and its about an hour drive from Leadville to the trailhead. The last 2 miles of the road before the trailhead was very rocky with many ruts.
Here we are starting our hike at 6am.
Approximately one-third of the hike is through the forest, which is beautiful as the slope consistantly rises. ,
Here we are taking a breather after clearing the trees, our first glimpse of the three apostles in the background , ,
After climbing the well-marked trail, there is a bit of a plateau. The tent in the background is where 2 hikers spent the night and had an early start. We could see them as tiny specks way up the side of the mountain.
My son and daughter are listening to their IPod's as I look to the summit next to my brother-in-law.
My daughter was the first to summit, with my son just behind her. Here she is waving us on, as Mom and Dad bring up the rear.
Summit pictures
My 2 eldest children (could a father be happier?)
The entire party ,
My bride and I with the 3 apostles in the background
Views from the top looking down ,
The 2 kids with my athletic brother-in-law scampered down lightly as, Mom & Dad enjoyed the views, snapped some pictures, and loved being together. Here, the kids are off in the distance, bearly visible
12
This is my favorite picture
We started at 6am, arrived at the summit at 9am. Spent about 30 minutes on top. Another couple from Steamboat preceeded us by just a few minutes, and we were joined by the 2 that had camped at the plateau after about 20 minutes.
We had a more leisurely descent, that got us back to our car at the trailhead around noon. Great timing; as, just as we arrived at our cars, there started a bit of rain.
Great hike, the first 14er for my 2 children, wife and brother-in-law. I am quite a novice myself, and we all found it extremely beautiful.
How can anyone question the existence of God, when the works of his hands so shouts His character as the mountains surround and envelope us on this hike?
PTL!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
... gets to see many a wondrous thing! Good job, all of you!
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