My Thoughts...



Risk is essential.
There is no growth or inspiration in staying within what is safe and comfortable.

Not all who wander are lost

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Sharma and My 1st 14er!!!

So this morning Sharma and I, and Jenny because our apartment doesn't exactly allow for stealthy movement, got up at 4:45am to head West toward Gray's Peak. It is the highest 14er in the Front Range at 14,270. We drove out and got hiking at about 6:15am. The hike started with about a mile through a grassy canyon which lead us to the base of Gray's Peak. Also, right next to Gray's, is Torrey's Peak, another 14er. Many people do both in a day because 80% of the route is the same and its easy to connect the two. I opted out because the top of Torrey's would scare Sharma. So we hiked for 2 hours and 45 minutes before we reached the summit. On the way the most interesting thing I saw was within the 1st quarter mile, a less than in shape asian man was hiking toward the peak with a tennis backpack on, and using a broomball stick for a hiking pole. This clearly gave me a good laugh. The way down was pretty uneventful, however we did meet several mean dogs. Sharma is going to be scarred for life. Thats really all in regards to today. I suppose I could talk about the last couple weeks a little.

Last weekend my friends Drew and Brad came into town to visit! They are on a big road trip for a couple weeks and stopped here on their way to Moab, Portland, and Seattle. It was great to see them. We climbed 1 day in the Garden, a day in Clear Creek, and in Morrison. We also watched the US soccer game Saturday which we enjoyed until the end. Brad actually enjoyed it so much that he fell asleep at about 2pm...see picture.

Also teaching is still going well. We are starting a new class and to introduce us to everyone the new coordinators took us up to a cabin in the mountains that CC owns. Pics are up of it. It is amazing! Since that day it has been stressful because I am planning for next week. As of Monday I will have my own classroom for 2 weeks teaching science. I am excited about it however it is a lot to do. I chose to teach the class on my own as apposed to with a co-teacher because I wanted to just throw myself into it. Hope for the best! Hope everyone is doing well!

On the way back to the trailhead



Looking down toward the trailhead from the summit.

On the summit.

On the summit, again.

Looking West from the summit.



The last stretch to the summit. In the clouds!

The Kelso Ridge that connects Gray's and Torreys.





Using the bowl his Grandma Kim got him!

Starting the hike with Gray's on the left in the background.

Gray's Peak

Denver skyline, circa 5am.


CC cabin.

Clear Creek Canyon







The gang at the Garden.