Mt. Elbert #7 August 26-27, 2006

Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado is now crossed off the list.

We have found a systematic way of preparing and leaving, as well as camping the night before in order to allow for us to set the alarm a little later on ascension day. So we headed up to Elbert, just outside of Leadville, on Saturday afternoon. We arrived around 5 or so to the base of the mountain which had several lovely camping spots that were free.

We pulled in and shortly after we finished our dinner, it started to rain. That was no surprise since the 2 out of 2 trips we had been out that way previously, it had done the same thing. Plus the ground and area around us was so damp that we were unable to find much dry wood for a fire. 

We had decided to try something different this time by sleeping in the car rather than the tent. We actually spent a few hours in the back of the trailblazer prior to sleeping because of the rain. It was the best night's sleep ever! (Except for the part where I set the car alarm off at 3 AM to get out for nature's call. Sorry everyone!!) 

In the morning we followed the usual routine. Get up early, eat cottage cheese and drink energy drinks, pile on the layers and get to walking. We were expecting a 'stroll in the woods'...I suppose from fourteen-er standards, it was. But it was very steep in places (in the initial part), but the woods were damp and smelled like evergreen. The mushrooms and berries were also present again. 

The climb gets harder as you exit tree line. At that point we were on a dirt trail, scattered with rocks which gave way to snow. There was a point on the hike that it was so cold and windy that we had to pull out our rubber pants. Instant warmth, can't recommend them enough. So we continued, and of course, the higher you go, the colder it gets. The wind was exceptionally fast in some places, but in others non-existent. The trail was steep and slow-going.  I quit many times in my mind in the last 3/4, but we eventually made it. The worst part was the 2 false summits. You get to what you think is the top, and it's quite a ways from there actually.

The scenery was quite lovely from the top of Elbert. There was a large lake in the distance and since there were clouds out this day, they would break occasionally and the light would fall across the lake in different sparkling patterns. As I mentioned too, it was cloudy so being that high up you can really see the speed of the clouds as they race across the sky morphing the whole time into different shapes. THe conrast of the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds is stunning and very dramatic. Much more so than when viewed from 5280 out our patio door, even though it is quite lovely then too.

I liked that Elbert was wide across the top. Normally you get to the top of a 14-er and you are on what feels like the tip of the mountain. Here, except for the actual peak itself, was very wide open, relatively. There were drop offs on each side, but many yards away. As usual, this would be a fun peak to summit and slide down on a sled, skis or snowboard.

The top was bitter cold, so we took the usual photos and signed in and I was off like a banshee. Four hours later, on very tired feet we arrived back in the parking lot. That is such a welcome sight at the end of a long day walking.

On my way to work on the next day, Monday, I was stopped at a light that is downtown and near a homeless shelter. A man with crutches was standing on the corner to my right, facing the sidewalk, as if he had just crossed the street. He was simply standing there, and I noticed him because of his bright yellow shirt and white bushy hair and beard. After some moments, he attempted to take a step and that was when it became clear that he could barely move his stiff legs. I could see the exertion and strain on his face as he took two tiny steps, moving him only about a foot and a half. It pains me so much to think of this man, and the difficulty he must have had in crossing the large intersection, with cars waiting as he strained to make the light in time (which I am sure that he couldn't have). And also in what his daily life must be like---just getting to the next street is a huge accomplishment for him. All I could do for him was to pray for him to be blessed. 

It was a reminder while others struggle with their day to day movement, I can walk up and down mountains. Mobility, as little as I ever think about it, is on the top of my list of blessings of which to be thankful.