Tuesday's hike took six hardy folks up Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. After a Monday night with rain, we awoke to clouds covering the Lake View campground and the lower slopes. Our 6:20 a.m. start took us through aspen, old lodgepole pine, and then healthy spruce. Just above timberline, with 2/3 of the trail ahead of us, we walked into the sunlight and the steep upper slopes of Mt. Elbert. Our little group joined about 50 people at the top. They came from many states. They circulated enough that their total number probably more than 100 climbers by midday.
We think that my brother Rob and I, septuagenarians, were the eldest. (We apparently inspired several youth to continue to the top.) The youngest little girl spent the day just above timberline collecting crickets and releasing them, while her mother relaxed in a beautiful setting. All the people we talked to were inspired by the beauty, vastness, and wildness of the mountains all around us.
Invitation: Robert Knudson (a Taos resident) suggested that a group of us come to the Taos area for an overnight (free campgrounds). Then we can climb New Mexico's highest point, Wheeler Peak 13,161'. He will be off on a Santa Fe Trail bike ride to Missouri in September, so think August or early October (maybe). Taos is full of opportunities for shoppers, historical/cultural tourists, and art lovers. If you haven't yet toured the Taos Pueblo (an International Heritage Site designated by the United Nations), I recommend it as one of America's great places. Let me know if you have an interest in a trip like this.
Linda in Elbert fog
Target--Mt. Elbert 14,433'
Wayne above morning fog
Bob loved the mists
Linda on a ridge
Bob discretely dominating the 14,000' heights
Rob,George, Bob, Linda
Twin Lakes at the base of the mountain
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