Vertical Edition: Feb 1, 2011

At least that is my hope. For the past couple weeks that all too familiar feeling of my attention being demanded by higher elevation has returned. Literally captivated by the adventure that lies in the clouds of Colorado. There can be no argument that the high peaks of this state don't inspire a sense of wonderment usually lost by the age of 11. I think that my overwhelming need for this adventure began on a drive to Breck to go snowboarding. It was the first time I had been lucky enough to get a bluebird day for my drive, and realized that it was littered with beautiful peaks, waiting to be climbed. With no sense of which peaks they were, or really even what range it was, my wheels began to spin. With each drive to these snowy mountain resorts I became more enthralled, and my wonderment of these peaks grew, as did the question of when I could climb them. I started researching which mountains they were, and deciding which would be first. The range you gawk at on the drive up to board is the Sawatch Range. This is comprised of...

Mount of the Holy Cross

Map of the range (14ers.com)

This is a pretty impressive list. Especially since when I first moved to the Springs I thought that the move would put me on the dark side 14ers wise. In reality it just allows me to take the back roads to these mountains and avoid the disaster that is 70. So as the days have gone on I have found myself reading a lot on 14ers.com as well as in a new guidebook my lovely mother sent me for climbing all Colorado's highest peaks. I think that I have come to the conclusion that the first mountain I need to summit once the season allows is Mount of the Holy Cross. I am not sure why I have been so captivated by the mountain but this has in fact been the case. Really since I moved here it has been a point of interest. I have never seen the mountain in person, however it looks amazing. The climb isn't the most challenging I have done, but nothing to scoff at. Here is a picture of the mountain. (that I did not take, don't sue me)

Appropriately named for the snow cross on it. The right side is not as prominent as it once was due to rockfall.

So that has been my thought for the past few weeks. I don't want to wish away the amazing snow, however I am exciting to once again be back above tree line on my own accord.

In the meantime, Pikes has not been completely covered in snow all winter. Apparently it never is. It also seems to thaw and melt pretty quickly since we get so many warm days, and it is the Eastern most 14er. I think it will have to suffice until the more Western Peaks are accessible on foot. Although Pikes isn't high on my list due to its all Class 1 route (straight hiking) it is no joke being a 24 ish mile round trip. Hopefully in a couple weekends we will get a warm few days to give me the window I need to climb it. I think that will tide me over for the next few months.

Now that the rant is over, here is what has been going on. Last weekend I drove up to Breck early Saturday morning. I once again stopped at the Brown Burro in Fairplay, this time with the addition of a picture. The pup of course went with me. I read the night prior, that it was going to be 40 and sunny in Breckenridge, and couldn't pass up the chance. I also had a strong urge to spend the day with nothing but the snow and my music to occupy me. It was a beautiful day, but the snow wasn't great. Kind of the opposite of the weekend prior, where the snow was amazing, and the weather was garbage. Either way it was a great day. I felt like I pushed it harder than I ever had on my board and felt pretty good doing it. I was excited to have that moment of realization. It showed that I had accomplished something this winter. After boarding I drove back to the Springs, showered, ate, and started the drive to Denver.

My buddy Lance, Nick's brother, was back in Colorado for a few days and I went up to go out with them. We had fun and enjoyed catching up. We ended up at the Denver Diner somewhere in the 3am ballpark. Had breakfast with a climbing friend the next morning at a place called Cafe Europa, and headed back South. Sunday was relaxing, and I went back to real life Monday. Now, Tuesday, February 1st, I am having coffee and enjoying a day off. It is frickin freezing here. A high of -6 today. It was -13 when the stupid dog woke me up at 5:40, and the low for tonight is -16. I feel like I live on the damn arctic circle. Never the less I am pleased to have a day off. I'll probably find a place to go climbing, indoors of course.

Here are some pictures.

There were lots of creepy pictures like this taken on Saturday. Who had my camera and was taking these? Tracy?