We conquored the mountain in epic fashion.

Via Michael Curry.....we did conquor the mountain and have 159 more to go in order to catch up with the 60+ year old man that PASSED US on the way up to his 160th summit of a 14er. So, as we huffed and puffed, moaned and groaned, labored and perspirated to the top, ye old man had summited Gray's Peak and was on the 40min uphill battle to Torres Peak. We waved and wished him good luck, one was enough for us at the time.

We camped at the trailhead Sat night in order to get a head start on the crowd of people that would accompany us on the way up (and down I suppose). By the time 6:30am rolled around we were half asleep working our way up. I love my Eagle's Nest hammock and I haven't had the chance to use it in a long time. I used this camping opportunity to bust it out and enjoy its lovely company.

Obviously, Michael has missed its company as well. Who can resist a hammock, really? The dogs were all about climbing a mountain and at first were a pain to settle down as they knew something very exciting was up. We had to keep them on a leash for fear that they would chase the mountain goats or bighorn sheep and get demolished. The mountain animals here aren't as docile as the deer in KY and WV. Chaco did manage to slip from my hand a couple of times in order to chase a Pica (we learned this from a veteran 14er), a rodent/rabbit type animal that lives in the crooks and crannies of this terrain. We were way past the vegetation line and the fact that anything lived this high up was amazing.

After many rest breaks and the use of most of our water (2L for each of us) we reached the top. Exhausted, but relieved, the summit was more than generous in its view as we made the last step onto the top. Another huge section of the Rocky Mountains appeard out of nowhere and made me feel quite small. The dogs were curious, as usual, to what was on the other side of the mountain but other people/dogs kept them busy for a while. We saw several kids summit this mountain as well....one, in fact, had to pee real bad. His mom kept saying, "Just point it that way!!!" As we passed, the father mentioned something like "Someone has already threatened to call Social Services on us!" And to this we all kind of scuffed and scrowled. He continued, "I would be harming my child if I let him sit on the couch all day!" I guess one hiker decided he would pass judgement on this family saying that they were harming their child by bringing them on such an extensive hike. Mike and I agreed that if the child was healthy, happy, and well hydrated that there would be no reason NOT to bring him on the hike. But, to each his own.

Anyway....here's the family photo of the summit of Gray's Peak:


August 23rd, 2009
14,270 ft.
9th highest peak in Colorado

"You know, Lynsey," Mike said, "Mt. Everest is twice this size. It's at 29,000ft." Holy cow! I thought I had to be on top of the world, but, I guess Mt. Everest would laugh in my face. After some snacks and more water, we started the hike down. My knees are still not happy with the downhill climb, but we made it down in 1 hr and 15 min faster than the way up. That should tell you something about the elevation gain. About 3100ft in 4 miles.

Here we are, happy to be back at the Jeep!

After showing the light of day to our feet, we threw everything in the back and climbed in the Jeep for the hour trip home. Mike came up with GREAT idea that we should stop at a brewery in Idaho Springs called Tommyknocker Brewery and eat some real food (and try a beer, of course). I agreed in full and we scarfed down the dinner and headed home. A 2hr nap was in store when we arrived home and a sore body joined me in the morning when I rolled out of bed.

Overall, it was an amazing trip and we are ready to attempt our next 14er. I must say I was a little nervous at first, but now that we have one under our belt, the best is yet to come! We want to live it up while we're here and experience Colorado to the fullest. Ski season is right around the corner, ya'll. Love wins. Love you!