Sitting on the back deck of our cabin located in lovely Cuchara, your eyes are drawn to the mountains looming above to the west, part of the Trinchera Range of the Sangres. From that vantage point, 2 peaks come into view: Teddy's, a rounded 12,560' peak named after Teddy Roosevelt, and Point 12630 to the south.

That Point always seemed more interesting than it's lower named neighbor, which I had climbed the previous year during a tremendous wind storm. I had considered hiking to it at the time, but since I was having a hard time just standing up, I decided it best to wait.

We returned this year with my niece, Kristin, who was interested in climbing some of the surrounding peaks. She had previously done Trinchera and West Spanish Peak, so when I explained my desire to hike up to Point 12630, she was ready.

Her only condition is that I name the peak after her if we are successful. Which we were. So I hereby declare Point 12630 from henceforth be called "KP" for Kristin Peak. There, obligation done.

The route is the same as for Teddy's, simply drive up toward Bear Lake off of Hwy 12, take the spur road to the left after crossing the junction toward Trinchera, and park at it's end. That road is a bit rough and may require high clearance vehicles. From there you will find a trail leading uphill along a small stream.

Cross the stream and head uphill. There are no switchbacks whatsoever, so it is a steady climb up a pretty forest with sounds of a burbling stream most of the way.

Before you reach treeline, the trail splits. If going to Teddy's it's best to take the path to the right. We went left toward KP.

Shortly you reach treeline and the goal comes into view.

And a nice stroll along the ridge to the summit.

All in all, a nice outing for a few hours in the mountains. I would think, as some have done here, a hike up to Trinchera Peak over to Teddy's and back to Blue Lake would be an excellent loop hike, something I may try another time.

My daughter recently wrote a poem I'd like to share with you that gives this Trip Report it's title. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Why stay? Why wait, when there is much, much more,

Way out in this world for us to explore?

There are clear rivers to swim in and fish,

To do anything just as you may wish,

There are paths that lead through forests and woods,

Mountains that climb up, treasures full of goods,

There’s sand that washes ashore at the beach,

And underwater depths people can reach,

The sky is bursting with life and fresh air,

Flocks of birds flying by without a care,

Can you not imagine what life could be

If only we could finally be free?

There’s so much more to see and journey towards,

To get to discover and to explore,

So don’t let the bad things stand in your way,

Not when you can freely cherish each day,

The clock is running on, still ticking by,

It is time for us to go, time to fly!

Why stay? Why wait when your goal is so near?

Go on, accomplish your dreams without fear,

There is no more staying, no more waiting,

Your journey before you begins right here!