Winter 2018 14ers attempt

[andrewhamilton]

Hey Everyone! So I wanted to officially let you all know my plan for this winter, which is to join those who have tried before and attempt to climb the 14ers in one calendar winter. I've gotten off to a slow start.

Before this year I hadn't actually climbed any peaks in winter, although I have lots of experience in spring with the late snowpack in recent years. Despite the relative lack of snow this year, I'm discovering that the cold temperatures and wind really take the suffering to the next level in winter...

I started with Chicago basin hiking all the way in from purgatory in one 36 hour push. Half way through the adventure I injured a foot tendon and for nearly 20 miles and through a wickedly cold night I hobbled back out.

I gave the injury a couple weeks to heal, then with it feeling mostly better decided to go take a shot at the crestones. It took 24 hours and I learned a new respect for Humboldt in a windy nighttime snowstorm but was able to climb all 5 of the peaks. The injury didn't come roaring back but is a nagging concern...

So I've kind of squandered a ridiculously dry start to the winter season. I have about half of the remaining winter to work with because of my schedule with my kids...I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull this off, but at least a few of the difficult ones are finished.

If you are interested in following along I'll post updates here and hopefully on my website http://www.andrewhamilton.com

My satellite tracker page is http://share.garmin.com/14ers

And I'll post pictures on Instagram at @andrewhamilton14ers

I hope to see some of you out there! I'm heading down to the San Juans tonight!

[JaredJohnson]

Stay safe out there.

http://avalanche.state.co.us/

https://aiare.info/course_list.php

Good luck!

-Jared

[Tornadoman]

Wow! This is one intense endeavor... I wish you well, climb safe and strong!

[GregMiller]

Go Andrew Go! Heh, wondered why you’d been out sufferfesting it in the cold.

Stay safe out there.

You know he holds the 14ers speed record, right?

[JaredJohnson]

You know he holds the 14ers speed record, right?

Since you're asking I guess that means he does? At any rate I saw his checklist and assumed he didn't exactly need berating, but those are useful links

-Jared

[Eli Boardman]

Good luck Andrew! Will be fun to follow.

Since you're asking I guess that means he does? At any rate I saw his checklist and assumed he didn't exactly need berating, but those are useful links

-Jared

Someone pursuing all of the winter 14ers, especially in one season, is certainly very aware of CAIC. On the other hand, I noticed that you (Jared) <likely> haven't done any winter 14ers. I heard once that "the less you know, the more you think you know."

[XterraRob]

Be safe Andrew!

[TallGrass]

Before this year I hadn't actually climbed any peaks in winter, although I have lots of experience in spring with the late snowpack ... I'm discovering that...

Stay safe out there. http://avalanche.state.co.us/ https://aiare.info/course_list.php Good luck!

You know he holds the 14ers speed record, right?

Seemed a polite and prudent reminder as he might encounter conditions novel to him.

Good luck, Andrew. Keep movin', keep dry, and keep warm.

[two lunches]

get it Andrew!

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
Someone pursuing all of the winter 14ers, especially in one season, is certainly very aware of CAIC. On the other hand, I noticed that you haven't done any winter 14ers. I heard once that "the less you know, the more you think you know."

How do you know this?

[14erAddict]

GOOD LUCK, ANDREW!!!!!

[illusion7il]

Wish you the best of luck. Looks like Sneffels today. I would guess the Wilson group for tomorrow.