Digital Talus
I haven’t blogged forever; maybe there’s something about the summer that puts a cap on blogging—I for one would rather spend my free time outside, perhaps you would as well.
I’ve been spending even more time than normal out of doors lately—and I count that as a very good thing. I’ve explored the gorges and vistas of Red River Gorge, KY; I’ve wandered along new-forest growth at Wildcat Hollow in southern Ohio and I’ve explored trickling waterfalls in Mohican State Park just north of Columbus. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on outfitting us with lighter, more technical gear, and I’ve spent hours scouring topographical maps and route descriptions. The big vacation of the year for Britt and I is approaching quickly, and we want to be ready. In July we’ll fly out to Colorado for 9 days of adventure. The plan right now is to bag 3 14ers as well as to tackle several shorter and lower elevation warm-up hikes. I also plan to go whitewater rafting—I’ve never been before, but it looks fun. Britt and I have been training as hard as we can; it’s been gratifying to see the muscle definition in my legs continue to swell, and our greater physical fitness is paying rich dividends already (I can almost dunk again).
I’m really looking forward to this trip; growing up I was fortunate enough to go to Colorado nearly every year, but since moving to Ohio I’ve only been to Colorado once.
I plan to blog summit reports upon our return, and maybe I’ll give more details about our plans as our departure day draws near.
Sounds sweet. Which 14ers?
As for ultralight, I’ve tried going to a tarp/treking pole shelter, but the bugs drive me nuts. But I can’t seem to find a decent two-person, three-season I like which isn’t going to cause me to take out a second mortgage.
Thoughts?
Cheers.
You’re pretty brave to try the tarp/trekking pole shelter, I haven’t done that and probably wouldn’t unless it was early spring/late fall or I had some sort of mosquito netting.
As for tents? I have the Sierra Designs Lightning, which I love so far. It’s a snap to set up, is completely watertight and weighs about 4 lbs. I just wish it had two entrances and a slightly bigger vestibule, but that would add at least another half pound and probably another $75. I’ve heard really good things about Big Sky SummitShelters. Unfortunately you’re gonna pay for a good tent, at least $250.
This sounds awesome. I’m assuming that Long’s is one of the peaks you’ll be going after. Have a great time.
Oops, I forgot to say what 3 peaks.
Ariel is right: Longs Peak, Grays Peak and Torreys Peak (maybe Quandary Peak instead of one of the latter). I also want to do Chasm Lake as a warm up hike.
Nice intinerary.
We alternate mountains and deserts. Next Summer, Olympic and North Cascades.
Alas, the younger ones are still to small for summits, but I swear I’m dragging the Official Daughter’s tookus up above 11K.
Cheers.
Bag all three, and I’ll be pretty impressed. If you do Chasm Lake as well as Long’s, you’ll see some of the same trail twice over. Not that it isn’t great trail; but Estes Cone would be another plausible warm-up hike.
Thanks for the Estes Cone tip, Ariel. There’s another hike over near Boulder that’s under consideration at the moment too; I think it’s called Bear Ridge or something like that. Apparently it’s a great place to see black bears…