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Summary: Introduced Jon, a young man whose family is part of our church family, to the beauty of the Colorado Rockies with a quick trip to the Sangre de Christos and Humboldt Peak. This coming only 72 hours before he was to set sail for two months in the South Pacific as part of a Merchant Marines cruise. We had camped Friday evening overlooking Lower South Colony Lake and Jon caught a couple of trout in Upper SCL. That and making faces at marmots were among many firsts for him. But perhaps he would say that the most memorable first was his summiting of Humboldt on Saturday. Slowed but not to be denied by a little altitude uneasiness, Jon and his 19-year-old legs/lungs made it to the top from the start of the switchbacks in about 2:45. The old man successfully followed about 30 minutes later. Persistence was the word of the day. Windy and cold; glad we threw in stocking caps ... long since packed away in Texas. Absolutely fantastic views in all directions. Good conversations at the top with folks from all over.
Highlights:
14ers.com celebrity sighting: We were catching our breath on the hike in Friday at the intersection where the Humboldt/Upper SCL trail veers off the main South Colony Lake trail when a dog comes running up to us. He was followed shortly by a party of four, with whom we chatted briefly. Then one in the party said, "Come on, Cooper." "That's not the famous Cooper, is it?" I asked. Yes, the man confirmed, it was. "Then, you are the famous Steve?" Yes, another in his party confirmed, he was. We talked a little about Cooper's remarkable Saga in the Sangres a short five weeks earlier. Good to see Cooper "back at the scene" and none the worse for wear. Happy trails, men.
The 63-year-old gentleman and his lovely wife who made the summit shortly after me, they having come up from the East Ridge route and the Rainbow trailhead. Later back down at our campsite, I saw them hike past, having descended the West Ridge route and making their way back down the SCL trail to their vehicle at Rainbow. And this after having summited Lindsey a week earlier. Salute, friends.
The four pairs of dads and daughters (girls must have been middle school age) making their way up Humboldt as we were descending. Had visited with them the evening before and made recommendations on campsites near Upper SCL. Then to see them the next morning making their way up the peak I had to stop and congratulate them. This is their fourth consecutive year of progressively more challenging outdoor adventures together. Way to go, girls! Those dads of yours are lucky to get to hang out with you in such beautiful surroundings!
Lone Star and Jon summit Humboldt
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
My dad and I passed you guys on the way up, but we were very impressed with your pace given that you had basically shown up from sea level and battled altitude sickness.
No remaining snow anywhere along the actual climb from the switchbacks up. Small patches of no consequence along the trail that skirts Upper South Colony Lake. Enjoy!
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