August Snow...Again!

I can't express how many times it has snowed in the higher elevations during the month of August this year, simply because I have lost count! Today was one such day, though.

I waited all day for the clouds to give way some because I just knew Pikes Peak would be dusted white from today's weather. I was right, and here is the end result:

I admit it's a bit hard to see on the photos, but the sun is beginning to set and the light isn't quite right. The big white, zig-zaggy line is the upper portion of the Pikes Peak Highway. I hope it's still there in the morning because it'll be a beautiful shot....

New Colors...

As difficult as it is, I have decided to change to the fall colors a few days early. I really just wanted to wait at least until September. But, alas, I saw signs of fall's fast approach on the way to the ball game last night. *sigh*

The geese and ducks are starting to fly South in droves. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn, especially as you get higher in elevation. The cottonwoods along Fountain Creek in Fountain (suburb of Colorado Springs) are showing the earliest hints of turning yellow, while maple trees even in my own area are beginning to demonstrate the same hints of orange and red. And the feel in the air? Oh my...

So, with a bit of a heavy heart, but also with the slightest touch of excitement I turn the blog colors to that of autumn. The good thing is that while we are well aware the snow will soon be flying, fall still brings on adventure for this family always going strong in the out of doors....

360 Days of Sunshine, and The Boys of Summer...part 2

We dashed home for me to change from shorts into something more appropriate, grab some jackets, and fresh batteries for the camera. Luke took a nap while we quickly ran around to get on the road. One more quick stop for some food from a drive-thru and we were off. The simple jaunt from our home to Security Service Field seemed to take forever in the Friday evening traffic, but we made it. Along with what appeared to be most of the rest of Colorado Springs. We've never seen so many cars there! But we made it.

Tickets bought, we made our way to our seats....which were taken. Okay, we'll take the same seats in the back, no big deal. We got there after the game started, but in plenty of time to see Jason Giambi up for his first at bat. Poor guy, he kind of fluffed it and couldn't make it to base before being thrown out. Well, we're all rusty when we take time off, and we were happy just to get the chance to see him play.

looking around at stuff
Giambi at bat

Luke was having fun with the music, clapping and dancing as it forced its way out of the speakers. He giggled as he watched the other little ones around us having fun, too. He still can't quite understand why we can't just go out on the field and play with the guys, but he has fun watching. And he always gets a kick out of Sox the Fox, our mascot.

There was a short time that Luke did get a little bored and wanted to go for a walk. Daddy took him, and then he was fine. He came back and watched Giambi grab a base hit, saw the only run made for the Sky Sox (a home run!), and continued to dance. We could see he was still just exhausted, but he was having fun.

Sox the Fox leading the cheers

The Sky Sox lost, incidentally to the Salt Lake Bees, a team I never thought I'd be cheering against. Okay, I can justify that by saying I'm cheering against a team that isn't nearly the same as the triple-A team I grew up with. If it isn't the Salt Lake Buzz, then it's not the same team. Anyway, they beat us last night. But we had fun.

There has been some controversy in having Jason Giambi return to the game. He was kicked out for doping charges. But my thought has been this: if Michael Vick gets a second chance after felony animal cruelty, which harmed many living beings, then Giambi deserves a second chance after hurting only himself. My feelings on him deserving a second chance were heightened last night at the end of the game. The entire crowd remained to watch the fireworks, but they were slightly postponed. Security was trying to get Jason Giambi off the field so they could kill the lights, but Giambi refused to budge. He was signing autographs, trying as hard as he could to get everyone who was there with a ball, or cap, or simple piece of paper. That speaks volumes! They finally did actually grab his arm and physically pull him away.

The lights were killed, the music came up, and the fireworks began! Luke jumped, covered his ears, but smiled big the entire time. Let me add that I love fireworks. They give me such a thrill! The fact my little boy was having fun watching a show from a closer vantage point he's than he's ever been was very, very fun.

It did come time for us to make our way to our 4Runner and come on home. We obviously did not miss the crowd in the parking lot, and we obviously filed out with everyone else. It gave us a bit of time to chat. The final thing Luke said before he drifted into slumber again was music to my baseball-loving ears:

"When can we come back for more baseball?"

360 Days of Sunshine, and The Boys of Summer...part 1

We had a busy, busy day yesterday! But it was wonderful. One of the great things about living in Colorado is the fact we get 360 days of sunshine. It may not be all day long, but that's not the point. Yesterday was one of those days that it was sunny, warm, and gorgeous the entire day. We took full advantage and ended up completely bushed.

Luke had yet to go out on the lake. He's been out to the boat, has been on the boat, and has even been IN the lake on numerous occasions, but he hasn't been underway. Until today. Okay, so it was Catch he got to go on, but considering she's made for racing, and therefore speed, we haven't really wanted to take him out on her. Especially on a day like today when the wind has been enough to get some decent speed and heel (or lean) when your sails are full. We went out with a friend who has a cruising vessel, instead. First thing I want to say: what a difference between that boat and ours!! The cabin is actually livable, and she's much steadier in the water. By steadier, I mean she doesn't have as much side-to-side action....because she's made for cruising, not to go very fast and turn very sharp.

Luke was excited because he loves water. He then decided to take over and steer for us. Thank goodness daddy was also at the helm because we may have only done circles and serpentines in the marina! But the kid was having fun, so who can blame him. And it's not like sails needed to be trimmed or anything at that point; we were on diesel power.

Once into open water the engine was killed and the main sail hoisted. Just with that one sail up we picked up some speed. Then the genoa (the sail in the front, of which there are many forms...today was the genoa) was deployed and we were off! Luke suddenly got bored because he was no longer steering and he didn't realize he could move around. Not to mention, he wasn't in the mood for pictures. Goofy kid. But he quickly got over it.

chocolate boy proudly steering

boredom

It didn't take long for him to realize the wind makes the boat do funny things....like heel over onto its side. Not like a capsize, just a heavy lean. He had fun holding on and watching the water get closer to the lifeline. I, on the other hand, was grateful for the sailing harness he had on under his life jacket, despite my enjoyment at the thrill of riding at an angle.

whoa, man! Getting some speed!

Allen, and a great demonstration of the boat heeling, the picture is NOT crooked

It didn't take long after seeing me sitting at the rail that Luke decided it was his turn. He grabbed daddy and marched right on up the deck to plop down and swing his feet over the edge. He sat there to eat his apple, and he was a little disappointed he couldn't quite reach the water to splash his feet. Yeah, you don't sit the rail on the heeling side, you're up in the air, but I think he still enjoyed it.
Hanging with daddy at the rail

At one point I was sitting the rail enjoying the sunshine and wind in my face as the splash of the boat cutting through the water filled my ears when the wind picked up enough to heel the boat even further. Jeff was at the helm, I wasn't in a position to grab Luke, and he decided to shoot across the cockpit toward the water because he could actually reach it now. My heart and stomach in my throat, I quickly said a thank you to Allen who grabbed him....smart move despite the harness being attached to keep him on board. Silly child just loves the water! He was good and relegated himself to not reaching for the wet stuff. Instead, he stood and watched the waves the hull of the boat was making as we sliced through.

We were on the water for 3 very short hours. We probably would have been out longer, but the Rockies have signed Jason Giambi to the team. He is making a comeback to Major League Baseball after some time off due to doping charges. He is also currently playing for the Rockies triple-A farm club located in Colorado Springs. Good for everyone to not just jump the lines and to do it right! Make the player "earn" his spot! Anyway, we had plans to go watch the Sky Sox play tonight....primarily to get the chance to watch this slugger play a bit. So we headed back to the marina......

The Winter Banner....

I've had a few people privately ask me about the new banner. I finally figured out how to put a picture on and wanted something that was special to our family without actually BEING our family. I could've put something dealing with hunter ponies and jumper horses, but that'd only properly fit Luke and myself. While Jeff does ride, he doesn't get the joy out of it that Luke & I do, nor will you find him in anything other than his roping saddle. He's a team roper, and he'll always be that way. I will always be a hunter/jumper rider, and Luke...well, he's showing great desire to jump, but we'll see. Anyway, that idea was out pretty early.

I could have put the boat up, but that's for Jeff, and I'll do that on the Catch 24 blog (which DESPERATELY needs to be updated...bad Denise). Luke has yet to go out, too. So that was also out nearly immediately.

Then I thought about how much we love to be outside, especially in the mountains. Luke, of course, has not climbed any of the 14ers with us, though he's technically old enough. We don't want to make him do it just yet (they're pretty steep), but he'll likely start doing some easy 13ers with us next summer, maybe even ending in an easy 14er by the end of the season. We'll see. Still, he HAS been up above 12,000 feet, loves to be outside, loves to camp, and will hike all day if you give him the chance (as long as it's not too steep or difficult). So, I thought I'd find a place pretty special to the three of us and put it there.

I came across the picture while looking for something nicer than we've been able to capture. It was taken at sunset on a day clear enough that I'm sure you could see well into Utah during the daylight hours. It is obviously winter, too, which just adds to the dramatic color. It is a special place for the three of us because Luke and I went leaf looking last year in that mountain's shadow, gazed in awe for miles and miles as we drove by to watch the elk rut, and love to venture in its direction just because the area is so lovely. It is special to Jeff because he has been on so many 4-wheel trails in its shadow, saw his first wild moose in the area, and really wants to live close to its base. For the two of us adults, it is special because it is the climb we did together that challenged our brains & lungs.

"It," of course, is Mount Elbert. Tallest peak in Colorado at 14,440 feet, second in height only to Mount Whitney in California in the lower 48 states, and 17th highest in the entire nation. And we climbed it! You all already know about that, but it is part of this story, too.

So, when you open our blog and see this picture, you now can see what we are so blessed to see everyday: the beauty of Colorado. You can also know why it was so chosen to be the lead-in to our family's life stories.....

Crossroads...

I'm anxious. I actually feel quite a bit like I did when I graduated high school: ready to conquer the world, but not sure how to go about it.

Each year I try to set some goals for myself. Sometimes I get a few done, the past few years I wasn't able to complete any other than getting my baby here safely, and this year I actually managed to complete them all plus one. Now I'm starting to make my goals for next year. I have one ready. A big one. And I'm already having problems. I need a pool, but I don't want to join a health club or the YMCA to have basically unlimited access. Why spend that kind of money when all I need is a pool? Ugh...but I'll persevere and see what I can do.

But then comes my other goal in mind. It's been there for...well, forever. I was there once, but had to back out because of a pregnancy that wasn't cake. I didn't want to risk my health, or that of my unborn baby, so I backed out. Now I'm ready to jump back in, but I need to figure out some things that I may not get help with. So I'm also frustrated.

I was never even supposed to be able to join the military because I tore my knee apart when I was a freshman in high school. In fact, my orthopedist said I'd never run again. I believed him for two years, then decided he didn't know crap about me and took charge. By the time I graduated, I was only dealing with being afraid to take the plunge. I was 19 when I just decided one day, told the recruiter exactly what I wanted, basically got it, signed my commitment, then went home and announced to my parents I had joined the Air Force. Fun thing to do when you're eating dinner! I left Valentine's Day 1996 for Basic Training, and it was the best thing I could've done. Now I'm ready to get back....only part-time as a Reservist because of family. It's all in the timing, and I feel like I'm back where I was then...

I readily admit that the goals I set are for selfish reasons. I do need to emphasize, however, that selfishness is fueled by wanting to make my little boy proud. I realize all kids are proud of their parents, but I just have a need to have him see me doing something worthwhile. I fooled around as a teenager and young adult enough.....

Or Is It 14,115 Feet?

It's almost a different beast when you're used to heading out for a day's climb with someone else. I think it's harder to get out of bed when you're going "alone!" I was able to get to bed Friday night around 10:30 with the intention of getting up around 3am Saturday morning. It almost happened...I hit snooze twice and got up at 3:20. I figured that still gave me more than enough time to get on the road by 4am. I had everything ready, just had to get dressed & grab my pack and poles off the table. THAT I did have zero problem doing.

The other weird part is that I traded my dear husband vehicles for the day. He had a sail race on Saturday, Luke was staying with neighbors for a few hours during the race, but then it was with daddy at the potluck after the race at the marina. It's much easier to just trade vehicles than car seats, and the Saturn gets much better mileage, anyway. There was plenty of room in 3 other vehicles at the meeting point to keep the poor little car from having to worry about even an easy mountain dirt road. But it was strange to be sitting so low to the ground, though the coyote feasting on a roadkill deer partially in my lane on the freeway near the plant was VERY easy to see.

I was about 5 minutes late to our meeting point on the West side of Colorado Springs, but I wasn't the last one there. Whew! That's a relief! I even had time to dash to 7/11 for my "crab fisherman breakfast (that's one full of copious amounts of calories, specific to the job at hand)!" Jason and Kerry patiently waited for me, but we were still waiting on Heather. Strange, but we figured she'd meet us at the trailhead and we wanted to get started. It was already after 5am!

Ute Pass can sometimes be the perfect place to spot a black bear, or two, in the early morning hours, but it was quiet today. The summit house on the Peak was like a star leading us to our destination, and the sky was just barely starting to get a bit of color. It was beautiful...my favorite time of the morning! We made the trailhead by 6:15, which was already 30-minutes after when we wanted to be underway, and it was already packed! A quick trip to the outhouse, a change from sandals to hiking shoes, trek poles locked onto packs, packs thrown on our backs, and we were off! It was 6:30am, and 39 degrees at 10,100 feet. Still no Heather, though.

The trail here was incredible, not horribly steep, but beautifully wooded. I love the smell here! The stream was so clear, too...something that never ceases to amaze me. We could see the rock outcrops near the Crags, hear the creatures waking up and chattering at us, and gave pleasant greetings to our fellow hikers. We could see tree line and it seemed like we made it there in a very fast manner, but it had already been 2 hours! Wow! Tree line is also the point Kerry and I made a pit stop. There's typically not many places you can hide above that level, which can be problematic when it's as busy a trail as this one. Then we heard a greeting, and some friendly conversation among Jason and....HEATHER! Leave it to the triathlete to be the one to start about 15 minutes behind us, miss the trail cut-off, go about a mile out of the way, turn back, and STILL catch us at tree line! Our little group was complete.

Sunrise
looking toward the Crags
The trail before tree line
The first peak of the sun actually on our trail right near tree line

We cruised on and enjoyed the views around us. On the ridge above us were 4 mule deer bucks galloping along, heading for the cover of the trees below. The hummingbirds were buzzing, the pika were meep'ing, and there wasn't a cloud in the blue, blue sky. We stopped to look over the Highway 24 corridor toward other mountains we know and love and decided this was our "Sound of Music" moment. Guess who started the singing? Yup, the dorky one who was the youngest of the group.

two of the bucks
The ridge the deer were on
"The hills are alive with the sound of music!"
Sentinel Point

I can't believe my camera zooms a couple of miles!!! I see the Jeeps!!

We pushed up to where the trail leveled off a bit and stopped again for a snack and some photos. We could not only see the summit, but had a fantastic view of the summit house. There were already a number of cars coming DOWN! Good grief...it was just a little after 9am! But they couldn't see what we were. Their loss, let me tell you. Then we pushed on.

Summit house up top,

Snack/picture break!

The next probably 3 or 4 miles were very easy, a very slight uphill grade that took us through the Devil's Playground (so named because lightning bounces from rock to rock during thunderstorms), across the Pikes Peak Highway, and on up toward the summit. We took a break for more photos around 13,500 or so feet in a gorgeous spot that we could see Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, and a great number of reservoirs belonging to our group's employer, and on out to the plains (through the haze from the numerous Western wildfires). We pushed on.

The Devil's Playground

Heather, Kerry, Jason, yours truly...Colorado Springs behind us ~13,5k ft

Here's where it started getting steep again and we were back to going short distances before small breaks. The lack of oxygen forces it, really. It seemed like we'd never reach the Boulder Field, but it was finally before us! Our class 2 portion of the hike! We located the cairns (small piles of rocks) marking the way, but this isn't a spot you absolutely have to remain on the trail. We were off trail a number of times, but still near it. The funny thing about it, though? It's class 2 because you have to use your hands and pull in a few places, but it was still easier than the portion right above tree line and right below the Boulder Field. Well, at least to me (Kerry agreed).

Jason and Heather about halfway up the Boulder Field

Kerry led the way through the Boulder Field and was first to summit. Tradition says she had to because this was her first 14er. What a moment! But it was also weird because the first thing you see on this summit is a warehouse with propane tanks to the side. Ahh, the life of a tourist spot! But it's the best way to get up to the top. We were relieved, happy, and anxious for our world famous Pikes Peak donuts at 11:30am, 5 hours after we began. But summit pictures came first.

Jason making his way up
Heather smoking us all

Kerry making her first summit!

I'm sure you've noticed the title. I say that because all the 14ers have grown, one by eleven feet, one by only 2 feet, but most by about 5 feet. The height for Pikes Peak is still officially 14,110 feet, but the new height is listed at 14,115 feet. The only one made official this year was Mount Elbert, which grew from 14,433' to 14,440...the rest are sure to be made official shortly. Still, both the GPS we had with us read 14,106 at the sign, but you can see it's in a lower spot with the naked eye. What a strange place to put the thing...

(ignore the mileage...I forgot to mark and started it late)

Pictures done we headed inside and were shocked by the extreme heat. It was in the mid-50's outside, but sweltering inside! One nice thing about this summit is there is food, drink, and bathrooms up there! Pit stop, then donuts (with pictures), and a swig of something not off our backs, a change of socks for me (thicker socks for the downhill), and we were headed back down. It was 12:30pm, making time on summit 60 minutes.

Kerry's first summit!
Kerry with her donuts
My extremely cheesy "look at me!" donut picture

It took us 4 hours to descend. 12 miles roundtrip, 10 hours on the trail. Whew! We stopped a lot just to enjoy the nature around us. It was such a lovely day. The clouds were starting to build as we came down, and though we weren't really in danger, we knew we had to keep an eye. It did finally end up raining after we left.

There is so much from each of my climbs this year that will always stand out for me, but this one had a different element: tourists. I'll never forget the looks on various faces in the summit house. Those of us who climbed up (either the way we came from Crags, or the East face up Barr Trail) had a look of health, happiness, accomplishment, and donut ecstacy. Those who drove had a look of fear, relief of being alive, and a bit of "wow, I feel weird," accompanied by glazed eyes. Those who came up the Cog Train were moving very slow and had a look of "I don't feel so good," and very glazed eyes. The hikers were polite, the tourists rather rude. Not my fault I've taken my pack off, put in so it's narrow in front of me near my feet, and you STILL run into it! Man, the dirty looks we hikers got. But the best part? The double-take looks those who drove up gave us, followed by the slowing of vehicles and the "what's wrong with you? Why are you walking up this thing? Are you crazy??" I loved that!

I do still have one small streak going. It cracks me up, and I wouldn't mind it keeping going because it's funny. On Mt Sherman, Jason, Jeff, and I all managed to come down without falling on our butts....until we were within 50-feet of the vehicles. Then I hit a roller rock and landed on my butt. Mt Elbert saw Jeff and I run down about half the mountain with no problem, but we got close to the end of the trail, close to vehicles, I hit a roller rock and fell on my butt. Pikes Peak was another the four of us managed to come down with now issue. I was literally stepping off the trailhead and into the parking lot when I found a roller rock and landed on my butt. All three times were in front of at least a handful of people (Sherman being the least) who politely tried to stifle their laughs. I just let the laughter roll. Gotta' love it!

My climbs on the 14ers are done for the summer, but the memories will go on. I am thrilled to have made it this far after so many struggles the past 4-years, and I can only hope to pass the passion on to my little boy. Thank God for it all...

Pikes Peak, Baby! 14,110 Feet by foot....

Success!!! 12 miles round trip, 10 hours on the trail (including an hour on summit), and some really great company. I was able to complete my third Fourteener today, had 1 1/2 donuts in the summit house, and have now caught up to my husband. All since the latter part of June! Okay, so that's miniscule in a season compared to a lot of people, but considering it's only been six months since my embolism, I think it's a pretty big accomplishment.

Oh, btw, I'm not sticking my butt out in the group picture, I was holding on to the rocks on the sign because I was afraid we were going to break the bench. It was creaking!!

Nightstalkers Don't Quit.....

(Photo from one of the SAR folks who shared it with the 14ers.com community)

Yesterday was a bad day for the United States Army and for the Colorado Mountains. A Blackhawk helicopter (MH-60) from Kentucky crashed on the second highest mountain, Mount Massive. All four crewmen have passed away.

Most people who know me also know that stories like this strike an immediate cord in my heart. This one strikes my heart for two reasons: the military connection and the mountain connection, specifically the fourteener connection.

I am glad my climb this weekend is close to home and not in the same area as my last climb. There is a lot of activity going on there with the investigation, Mt Massive is completely closed to the public right now (including the campground at the base of the mountain), and those who have plans to be in the area of Massive and Elbert have been asked to reschedule their plans and go elsewhere this weekend.

I do, however, wish I were actively serving right now. It's no secret I am biding my time and starting my talks with the recruiters to get back onto Active Reserve duty, probably in the Legal Office, and you can be sure there'd be a good chance I'd be one who was involved in the recovery and investigation process due to my security clearance (since Air Force personnel are involved). So, I'm torn.

(Massive from Elbert. Crashi is just over the crest near the summit)
(Mt Massive from below, crash is near the center of the picture about 200 feet from the summit)

One thing that people don't realize about the mountains is just how dangerous they truly are. You can never go unprepared, and you can never expect the air to remain the same. Aircraft are often brought down by the every-changing thermals, which is why the military trains there. Sometimes, it just doesn't work out.

This bird was part of the unit highlighted in the movie "Blackhawk Down." Yes, that really happened. Yes, it is a very tight unit. I am sure they are grieving beyond belief right now. Not just current members, but those who have been there before. Rest assured, Nightstalkers, that you are not grieving alone. May these men rest in peace, and may their families know we are a grateful nation. NSDQ!

The Pictures

Mount Elbert from about 9000 feet...after the climb
Barefoot at 14,440 feet looking over the Twin Lakes
The GPS reading, always a plus!
A relieved and exhilarated couple!
The summit log
The Maroon Bells
Highest Pt in CO, Mt Elbert, 14,440 Ft, 8Aug09
Jeff making summit
A pika that was kind enough to stand still long enough for my shutter
Our path off the path, a.k.a. the Narrows
Can you see how steep? And not even close to the finish
Pikes Peak
Break time!
Going up!
Twin Lakes
Me with my hands in my pockets heading toward the first false summit. Second false summit is the point on my right shoulder
Mount Sherman, my first 14'er
Mount of the Holy Cross
Looking Northeast'ish, you can see Turquoise Lake
Mount Massive