Monday, 04 September 2006
Since Matt and I decided that for our 4-year anniversary we would hike a fourteener, we had to follow through with the promise. (For those of you who don't know, and don't feel bad because I didn't until I moved here, a fourteener is a mountain that rises above 14,000 feet elevation. There are 54 fourteeners in Colorado ranging from 14,001 to 14, 433 feet.) We chose to hike Mount Huron, which sits at 14,003 feet. Yeah, yeah, I know. It barely qualifies as a fourteener! It was a good "starter" for us and a very positive and exciting experience. The air is definitely thinner at such high elevation and my lungs took more of a beating than my legs! Matt, the super-hero, acted like it was no big deal and he made it up just fine. I think at the end, he was even contemplating pushing me to the top! We left on Friday right after school and drove for 5 hours to get to the spot where we were leaving the truck. On the way, we drove through beautiful scenery which made the drive much more interestiOne last self-portrait before heading back down to reality... I can't wait to hike another fourteener! I wonder which one to do next?! ng. After driving through Aspen, we continued on and traveled through Independence Pass. Though it's a highway, the road narrows at times to one lane traffic. We arrived at the spot where we left the truck at 8:30pm and packed up our backpacks and headed out. Instead of hiking 6 miles on Saturday, we hiked out 2 miles on Friday night (in the dark) and set up camp. The next morning, we woke up at 7ish, Matt made some oatmeal, and we headed up the mountain by 7:30am. The air was chilly at that hour, especially since we camped at over 10,400 feet. The next 4-5 miles up the mountain were tough, but the reward at the end was definitely worth every step. As we kept climbing and climbing, more and more mountain ranges came into view. Once at the top, we could see forever! It was awesome to see the layers and layers of mountains that magically appear once you're on top of the world! We stayed at the top for 30-40 minutes, eating lunch and taking pictures. Then, after one last look, we headed back down. As most people think, the hike down should have been easy. However, after hiking up such steep terrain and using those muscles, hiking down is a test of strength by holding yourself back and not giving in to the momentum that wants to take over your body. Believe me, it still works your muscles! We got down the mountain about 2:30, packed up our camping equipment, re-packed our packs, and finished the 2 miles to the truck. It was such an incredible experience! I feel as if we have officially joined the "fourteener club!"
A view from Independence Pass.
Our campsite in San Isabel National Forest.
Heading up the mountain on Saturday morning in the brisk mountain air. Isn't God's creation amazing?!
Matt and a shot of the Three Apostles peaks.
Find the very top of Mount Huron, the mountain in the background, and you'll see where we went! Notice all the rock?! Also, this adorable alpine pond was covered in ice!
Julie, taking a break.... again. Now we're on the rocky part, and almost to the top!
This was the first point where we could see the south side of Mount Huron. But wait, it gets better!
YAHOO! WE MADE IT! This is a celebratory picture to show that we BOTH made it to the top! See the little canister to the right of my thigh? It's a log where you can sign your name (with pride) to prove that you made it to the summit of Huron. Awesome!
We could have taken hundreds of pictures with all the wonderful 360 degree views. Unfortunately, the guy who took our picture charges by the hour - just kidding! The sad part is that the pictures don't even begin to show the enormity of this experience...
Here I am, at the top and loving it!
Matt did bring a hat, gloves, and a turtle, but opted to tough it out. The sun was actually really powerful and warm, but the wind took away some of the heat! Aren't the mountains beautiful?
One last self-portrait before heading back down to reality... I can't wait to hike another fourteener! I wonder which one to do next?!
Our campsite in San Isabel National Forest.
Heading up the mountain on Saturday morning in the brisk mountain air. Isn't God's creation amazing?!
Matt and a shot of the Three Apostles peaks.
Find the very top of Mount Huron, the mountain in the background, and you'll see where we went! Notice all the rock?! Also, this adorable alpine pond was covered in ice!
Julie, taking a break.... again. Now we're on the rocky part, and almost to the top!
This was the first point where we could see the south side of Mount Huron. But wait, it gets better!
YAHOO! WE MADE IT! This is a celebratory picture to show that we BOTH made it to the top! See the little canister to the right of my thigh? It's a log where you can sign your name (with pride) to prove that you made it to the summit of Huron. Awesome!
Here I am, at the top and loving it!
Matt did bring a hat, gloves, and a turtle, but opted to tough it out. The sun was actually really powerful and warm, but the wind took away some of the heat! Aren't the mountains beautiful?
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