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| Storm moving in |
We started our trip with a group staying @ a VRBO in Buena Vista -- knowing that there was weather, we planned an early departure - 5;45am. Our group was 6 people, with 2 definites going to summit, 2 maybes and 2 definitely not. We had 2 vehicles & my 2 huskies of course!
Well this trip started out on the wrong foot -- an inexperienced person from our group, held up our departure by 20 minutes (which ended up being a critical 20 minutes!). Then half way up to the radio towers, one of the people in the other car started freaking out about the heights and stopped to discuss. Another hold up!
Well - finally on the trail -- with my living at altitude, I was the fastest in the group. As soon as the 2 definitely not going saw the rocks - they hung out in the meadow just above tree-line. The 2 maybes slugged through the rock for 1/8 mile or less and turned around. All that was left was me, my dogs and my other definite. The group started together around 6:45 or so...
After waiting for my partner several times (not for too terribly long) and stopping for a snack break and several dog water breaks, we were on the summit around 10:20am. Unable to see half the vistas due to the approaching storm.
I stopped to touch the plaque of the young woman who was struck & killed by lightening in 1995. She was the sister of my brother in laws good cycling/ski buddy.
The hike down was hurried, as we were trying to reach tree line before the storm hit. Well - no such luck -- the thunder and lightening started about 20 minutes before we hit tree line (around 12:30) ..... I carefully ran over the boulders, and my partner slipped on a rock and twisted his ankle -- damn!
Several notes to keep in mind -
The road is rutted out -- not awful, but bad enough to need a higher clearance vehicle
The trail above the trees is all rock -- talus mostly with some boulders -- know that and be experienced with it before doing this one (both my dogs and I have done lots of this stuff, but my partner did not).
The golden rule -- don't go with people who aren't experienced and may put others at risk
Wet rocks are slick!
Overall it was a good accomplishment and I'm glad that we reached the summit. It was my 1 year old huskies 1st 14'er -- woohoo.
That's all folks.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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