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Coming up from sea-level for the weekend I had hoped to knock off the East side Sangres 14ers, but after laboring up Lindsey on Saturday I decided that the Crestones were a rock too far, and finishing off the Mosquito Range by knocking out Sherman was the way to go. It was not what I wanted, but I had to listen to the aging body. I drove from Westcliffe to Fairplay on clear Sunday morning. When I arrived at the locked gate there was still parking available.
It was pretty breezy at the trailhead, enough for me to think the open door on the rental could get bent out. I guess that can happen? On the way up I meet several people who had bailed out at 13,800, because the wind was too strong: 50mph was the common estimate. Those who had battled to the top warned me that once I got past the notch I would be fine. Still buffeted by the wind, but not having to worry about being blown over.
Sure enough at the notch at 13,800 the wind was fierce. The people ahead of me looked like they were pinned to the slope. They were resting before crawling on. I managed to get by in a stoop with the aid of my poles, but it was hard work and I submitted to the wind and altitude rested a few times going up the slope.
Beyond the Notch in the lee of the ridge
Beyond that I tried to stick to the east side of the ridge. As that was much more sheltered. On the way down when I got to the notch I found myself on a faint trail in the lee of the ridge. It was much less windy, and trodden enough to be stable. So if you find yourself on Sherman in a gale try that route.
The Wind Avoidance option at the Notch
The Trail leading up to the Notch at 13,800. Of course the mountain goats didn't care about the conditions.
Apart from that there ain't much to say about Sherman. I was kind of glad, the wind added some spice to the day. If you are lucky you might see a beaver on the drive up
Plenty of Beaver ecology on the way up the road. I guess I has to be really windy to finish off the job. How they get the fallen aspen across the road would be something to see!
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