The second season of elk hunting in Colorado proved to be a very frustrating one. Lots of walking, tons of old signs, and other frolicking animals. Continue reading “Hunting for Elk”
Hunting for Elk
Flatirons: The First (5.6R Trad)
First Flatiron
Back in Boulder again, I suggested to Ben that we climb the 1st flatiron before the weather started to turn and before the rock would be closed for raptor nesting. The approach we had planed was the direct route of the east face. This normally ends up being about 7-10 pitches (depending on your rope length and how ballsy you are).
Shelf Road Adventures
Shelf Road and Surrounding Area
For the long Labor Day weekend, everyone decided to do their own activities Friday and eventually meet up Saturday for some camping and climbing activities. In the morning, I aimed to go fishing at Skagway with some random gold mine stops. I stopped alongside the road outside of Victor and found some abandoned mines, I decided to get artsy with it and the following pictures ensued. Continue reading “Shelf Road Adventures”
Boulder: Trad Climbing Seal Rock and Devil’s Thumb
Flatirons of Boulder
The Flatirons of Boulder beckoned me again this August. Ben had planned out a climb of another one of the five most recognized flatirons in Boulder. There was also talk about trying another climb, but we wouldn’t know until the day of the climb. The task ahead for the weekend would be 4-5 pitches on the Seal, and cracky 5.8 high on the ridge. Continue reading “Boulder: Trad Climbing Seal Rock and Devil’s Thumb”
Seattle: Mount Rainer (14er) (the mountain)
Many moons ago, Ben had a great idea for a mountaineering trip up the great volcanic peak of Mount Rainer. It took many hours of planning on his part and some serious commitments from others in the group to make this a reality, but this summer it finally happened. A group of four unguided climbers made they run on Rainier, the Icy Jewel of the Northwest. Continue reading “Seattle: Mount Rainer (14er) (the mountain)”
Taylor Park / Tomahawk Wildlife Area
Taylor Park Reservoir
An early weekend in August, Ben and I set off for a fishing trip to the Taylor Park Area of Colorado, which is nestled deeply behind the Collegiate Peaks and north of Gunnison. We left Friday evening and decided to cut through Cottonwood Pass to get to the park quickly. Continue reading “Taylor Park / Tomahawk Wildlife Area”
Cheesman Canyon
Cheesman Canyon
In the middle of July, I felt the need to get out of the town of Colorado Springs and just relax in the middle of a stream. I mentioned this to Paul and Lindsey and they were game to go on an canyon adventure for the afternoon. I decided to try out Cheesman Canyon, which is right next to Deckers, Colorado. Cheesman is known for it world class fishing and it hearty population of Cutthroat trout. Continue reading “Cheesman Canyon”
Mount Lindsey (14er)
Lindsey and Mount Lindsey (hiding in the clouds)
One of the last weekends in July, everyone (Lindsey, Alison, Jimmy, Z, Dave and myself) finally had a flexible enough schedule for us all to climb Mount Lindsey (14,042 ft) together. Although the drive to the mountain was a great adventure on its own, we all were able to meet up at the same location around the same time (even though some left hours ahead of the others). The first dirt road was a lot of fun driving in at night. Not knowing how steep the dropoffs were or how deep the streams were added to the excitement. On a couple occasions, I needed to get out and wade though the water to make sure the Blazer would make it.
Continue reading “Mount Lindsey (14er)”
Cliff Jumping Redux – Guffey Falls
So its summer again and Dave’s girl Katie was in town, so we all piled in the Z-mobile and headed out to “Paradise Cove” aka “Cripple Creek Cliffs” aka “Guffy Falls.” I brought along the camera with the fast lenses to get some action shots. When we got there, I actually stopped to read the signs at the location this time, and noticed that this was BLM land. Free for all. Continue reading “Cliff Jumping Redux – Guffey Falls”
Runaway to the Smoky Mountains
In early June, I ran away for a weekend to the North Carolina/Tennessee area. I met up with a couple of friends, Jason, Caitlin and Alexis. It was little reunion trip to the town of Gaitlinburg (I pronounce it Gat-lynns-burgh).
Continue reading “Runaway to the Smoky Mountains”