This trip report is a continuation of the Mt. Bierstadt trip report for the TOG (Three Old Guys) from the Kansas City area. After climbing Mt. Bierstadt on 8/23/12, we were glad to see we still had some climbing left in us. The day after Mt. Bierstadt we wanted to rest our legs a bit and get more adjusted to the altitude. So, we hiked the Herman Gulch Trail up to Herman's Lake - a nice hike of about 7 miles RT and 2,000 feet of elevation gain. It was supposed to be an easy day, but I found that I didn't recover like Harry and Michael - I lagged a bit on the uphill behind my two hiking buddies. But, I did it, just at a slower pace. We all joined up on the lower part of the trail and finished together.

The next day we planned on going up Grays and Torreys. My fear was that I would slow my buddies down and they would not get to both two peaks. The night before at dinner I asked to go at my own pace. I would go for Grays while Harry and Michael could go for both mountains. They okayed the plan. We knew the trail would be crowded and none of us would be alone on either of these mountains.

We left Georgetown early Saturday morning and traveled the newly maintained road up to the Grays trailhead. Our 2WD sedan made it without a problem. However, at 6:15 am, the parking lot was already full so we parked on the side of the road just below the parking lot and bridge to the trail.

The trailhead was full of activity as there were many climbing parties getting ready to set out for Grays and Torreys. I was glad to see several families with smaller children that were headed up the mountain. We were on the trail at 6:30 am, and Harry and Michael at first walked at my pace. I got after them a little and they headed on up the trail. It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the early morning sky.

I found a pace that was comfortable for me, but I was having doubts about making it all the way to the Grays' summit. The trail was very good and not too steep early, but I wasn't sure if I had enough in me to get all the way to the top.

I took my first real break at the point where you cut over to go up Kelso Ridge to Torreys. I was amazed at the number of people who asked me if the trail to Kelso Ridge was the way up to Grays. My answer was yes, only if you want to do some real climbing and summit Torreys first.

After my break I walked maybe about 10 yards and sat down again. I almost turned around here as I was just feeling tired. I watched several groups on the Kelso Ridge. I started thinking about our first trip to climb 14ers in 2008. We climbed Mt. Democrat and Mt. Sherman that year. On the way down Mt. Democrat, we met a 78 year-old man that was going up. I will always remember what his climbing buddy told us, "He looks like he is going to die, but he will make it to the top." I started walking and kept saying over and over again in my head, "Old man on Democrat." One climber passed me on the trail and he told me, "It's not an athletic contest; it is a test of character."

When I reached the trail split to Grays or Torreys, I was again surprised at how many people asked me which way to go. Didn't they know about 14ers.com? I took a short break here and had some fun as most of the people passing by asked directions. I would give them the correct information, but added that maybe they should consider that I'm from Kansas.

It seemed that many of people on the trail that day appeared to be unprepared and or uninformed about the climb. I met one young woman and she was having a difficult time. I tried to encourage her to keep going and make it to the top. Her last question to me was "Is there restroom on the summit?" Harry and Michael were asked which peak had the most grass on the summit trails.

We had two-way radios to keep in touch during the day. At 9:30am, we were supposed to check in with each other. I was happy to hear that Harry and Michael had just made it to the summit of Grays.

I was making good progress and at this point no thoughts were in my head about turning around. I continued at my pace and was in sight of the summit when I saw Harry and Michael leaving Grays to go to Torreys. I yelled at them and it was a real lift seeing my friends.

When I reached the Grays' summit at about 10:45 am, there was a great crowd of wonderful people already there. One person was the un-official summit greeter. He was with his son and had a good word for everyone as they got to the top. I had my summit photo taken and sat down to have some lunch and rest.

On the way down, I met by a young couple on headed up the mountain. I noticed a Lawrence, Kansas T-shirt and KU Jayhawk hat on the young woman. We had a short talk about the Jayhawks. As they continued on, I noticed that she didn't have a pack, and I asked where it was. She pointed to her friend and said, "He carries everything for me." I told her that he was a "Keeper." As I continued my way down, I heard a lot of yelling from the summit. I thought that someone was very happy to have made it. The Lawrence couple later passed me on their way down. They asked if I heard the yelling from the top of Grays. She then showed me the engagement ring that her soon-to-be husband gave her on the summit - they were both so happy.

Harry and Michael made it from Grays to Torreys in a little over an hour. They enjoyed the summit with many other people. The views were great all around with clear, beautiful skies. They also checked out the Kelso Ridge trail as it came up to the summit.

After some food, water and a rest, Harry and Michael descended to the saddle and took the cut-off trail that connects with the Grays' trail below the switchbacks. It was all downhill from there.

I was about 30 minutes from the trail head when Harry and Michael joined me. I hated to see Harry get so far ahead of me with his 14er total, but it was still good that they got both peaks. I felt great making it to the summit of one.

We crossed the bridge to the trail head at around 2:15 pm. We all agreed this was one of our best trips to Colorado. As you can see from the photos, the weather was wonderful all day; no clouds or threatening weather of any kind.

The unpaved road that was recently repaired is in good shape all the way to the trail head. We saw many other 2WD cars that had made it. The trail up to Grays is also in very good condition. Harry and Michael reported that the descent trail from Grays to the saddle is rough and rocky; pay attention to your footing on this part of the trail. I think most people should be able to make it to the summit, but you have to come prepared for a hard climb. This is not a walk in your neighborhood park. I met people on the trail this year that had organ transplants, were recovering stoke patients, people with very bad knees, and myself with two hip replacements. If you want it and prepare properly, you can make the summit.

At the age of 64, I know at some point my days of climbing will have to come to an end, but not just yet. I have so many hikes that I would like to do and probably not enough time. But, we are excited about being in the mountains and already planning for next year.

I also have to bring my 12 year-old grandson to Colorado next summer so he can climb his first 14er. He was born with a heart condition and has donated parts that are now too small for him. Next month he will get new adult-size plumbing for his heart, so he should be able to climb next year. He has told me that it's his goal to make it to the summit with me. I can't wait!