Missing Colorado

While going thru some files at work I came across some old photos from Colorado, specifically a hike up Grays and Torreys, 2 of Colorado's 14ers. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last climbed a 14er. That was in August when I was in Leadville for the Leadville 100, or the Leadville 85 as I like to call it. Yes, I hitched a ride 15 miles from town because I was done and riding like a fool and at risk of breaking something.

Here, Annette and I are at the trailhead for Grays/Torreys. That's Torreys on the right and Grays on the left.

We chose Kelso Ridge for our ascent up Torreys. It has some 4th class sections on it and some exposure. Here Annette and I are scooting across the "knife edge." We are scooting because we are chickens. One misstep and we would have plummeted to our death. Sonja walked right across it like it was nothing.

I got a little off trail and thought climbing up this way would be a good idea. It was not. Once up and over I was faced with a lot of exposure and loose rock. Besides almost being struck by lighting on Princeton (and Huron for that matter) this was my scariest moment on a 14er.

Annette, Sonja and I on the summit.
This last shot is from another trip. This was taken right after I had completed the Pikes Peak Double (running the Ascent on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday). The only thing that kept me going on Sunday was thinking about the jumbo margaritas at The Loop in Manitou Springs.
When I finally finished the marathon we headed to The Loop and I had my margarita. It was the best margarita I've ever had.

So now that I am reminiscing about Colorado I've decided that I need to plan a trip out there, possibly in August or over Labor Day weekend. I really need to get out to the mountains. I miss them. Maybe I can finally get a shot at Kieners Route on Longs Peak. So Laura, if you are reading this, I think you can expect come company come August.