tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15563984750779985582024-03-07T21:49:54.075-08:00The Summit Air...where I belong.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-73840022092615463182014-05-11T11:30:00.004-07:002017-10-30T10:37:33.515-07:00Bear Peak, Boulder County, Colorado.<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/bear-peak/151499">Bear Peak</a> is the highest and most prominent peak in the Front Range, along the foothills of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulder,_Colorado">Boulder, Colorado</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">With just the elevation of 8,461 feet (nothing compared to a 14er), it offers no less than 3 miles of at least 3000 feet gain. My friends and I took the <a href="http://www.totalboulder.com/resources/42.html">Fern Canyon trail</a> (which is the steepest and most difficult route) and I'm not gonna lie, it was quite strenuous and difficult for me. This trail was a stair-suckfest, or stair-heaven depends on what kind of freak you are. However, we really enjoyed the rock formations throughout the hike with a great amount of shade, beautiful green grass and exotic wild flowers. It was also amazing to feel the cool air from the rocks. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were a lot of hikers, with their adorable dogs and screaming babies. There were also tons of runners who wear nothing but short shorts to show off their sickening endurance-injected muscular bodies. One of these days, I'll get there, I promise. But for now, I'm happy with my crawling "2 hr/mile" speed and a backpack full of snickers bars, beers, and a camera. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-71369600977974499412014-01-31T09:00:00.004-08:002022-03-01T17:13:25.137-08:002014 Enlightens Me With Changes!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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Where do you begin when everything has changed?<br />
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People collect strange things, like coins, habits, and friends. I collect mountain peaks and photo albums after every trail I've hiked on. It's a childhood habit originating from an evident lack of "stuff I'm not supposed to do because I'm an Asian woman, but it makes me feel important anyway."<br />
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I've reached my goals last year, which means I have the opportunity to set some new ones this year. In 2013, I moved to a new place that allowed me to live the dreams, continue the love for nature, and took many wilderness escapes. 2014 opened my book of journey with a pleasant trip to Salt Lake City, with a purpose of meeting new people. I love networking, and I love interacting with people, especially the outdoor enthusiast ones.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyQ9bScC8nU/Uusn_CqmDvI/AAAAAAAALSI/YhW97wusg9k/s1600/20140124_161406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyQ9bScC8nU/Uusn_CqmDvI/AAAAAAAALSI/YhW97wusg9k/s1600/20140124_161406.jpg" width="320" /></a>The weekend in Salt Lake City was quite eventful. It's a nice little town with lots of live music and healthy adventurists. Over the few days course, I didn't see a troupe of half naked bicyclists like Boulder. However, I drove among the mountains and did a bit of boutique shopping to finish everything off. Ironically, driving through downtown and witnessing the major event, the OR (Outdoor Retail) show I've been hearing all week. Think of 2,000 interactive marketers all gathered into one place for inspirational speeches, techie-marketing savvy, and free stuff. It's all about free stuff. Turns out, the internet isn't just a passing fad and there's a lot of awesome stuff happening with it. Keep your eyes peeled on this social media thing, it's a big deal.<br />
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A yoga session with live DJ jamming in psychedelic tunes was quite refreshing, especially after being enclosed in a tight-little-car space for 9 hours.<br />
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The food has been excellent; there was a live band that played surprisingly good Latin music. Wouldn't it be cool if we all had thought bubbles above our heads? I hope someone invents that before I die, because it'd make dinning with strangers a lot more entertaining. Three-hour, nonstop dancing at a "Best-in-Town" venue turned out to be exactly what I needed.<br />
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The snowshoeing hike on the following morning was spectacular. The event was put together by <a href="http://www.tetonsports.com/" target="_blank">TetonSports</a> (an newer outdoor company that makes camping gear). The hike was far from strenuous; it was short and sweet. I've always been so impressed with the mountains here in Utah. They're quite big, sometimes snowy and often filled with trees. If you're lucky, you'll spot a mountain stream gushing down the rocks in the slippery slopes. I've done sea caving, kayaking, shipwreck exploring, and overlapping waves of the ocean, but my heart belongs to the vertical gain. Much thanks to Shawn, founder of TetonSports, who did a phenomenal job at organizing the snowshoe hike to the Donut Falls up in the Big Cottonwood Canyon.<br />
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The best part about the hike was the people I've met through social networking. These folks are from all over the states, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and even from Texas. They all came with a bag of adventurous souls. Beautiful spirits and positives make the time spent more memorable. A family who currently resides here in SLC invited me into their home for a night of delicious food, and stories with enthusiasm, optimism and intellect.<br />
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Leaving downtown before dawn makes the flickering city lights a lot more surreal. Salt Lake City reminds me a bit of a rural, upper class town. Only with "Trust Jesus" painted on the sidewalks (except for one, where it was scratched into "Don't trust Jesus. He hates you.") Besides skiing and disappearing in the mountains, I can't imagine what people do here. I don't think I'd make a very good Mormon, after all.<br />
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I'm thankful for 2013, for the people I've met, and epic adventures. Innovation has become a currency, although a great deal of wisdom has been passed down as well. Looking back over the past year, I finally have the perfect foundation to launch tomorrow with. Each year, I'm amazed at the memories and possibilities that are revealed. When it's all done, everything falls into place exactly as it should: the good, the bad, and the spectacular. I'm excited for 2014. The year of an ongoing quest for new, interesting friends, the people who cross my paths, things I'll do, and continents to conquer. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Photo Credit to <a href="http://500px.com/mbybee" target="_blank">MBybee</a>.</i></b></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-20787513742888938062013-10-29T16:27:00.000-07:002017-10-30T07:15:15.686-07:00I am Tucker, the Adventure Dog!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A little introduction about
myself: my name is Tuck Norris, and I’m pretty sure I’m the cutest. Well, I am
very charming, and handsome. Some hoomans mistake me for a mountain goat. Very
close, but I’m a black Labrador-Rottweiler prince charming to be accurate. I
enjoy lots of photo shoots since modeling comes naturally for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I like to pretend I’m obeying
my master’s commands; it amuses me when she falls for it and feeds me fancy food.
I am shy 7 years of age, and still haven’t quite figured out how to lick my
butt yet, but that will come someday. The only thing I’m a little embarrassed about
myself is my foul breath. Though I’m still getting a lot of kisses, so I’m not too
stressed out about it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">What makes me an adventure
dog is the fact that I love hiking, backpacking for extended periods of time,
or even multiple days. I would love to have a companion of my kind for many
reasons, but hoomans will do for now. Being an adventure dog give me many
benefits, besides the obvious like more treats and frequent pettings, my
favorite part of a hike is the satisfactory amounts of butt sniffing from pretty
four-legged females, even though I’m not interested in them because I have no
balls. I do like to chase stuff, especially stuff that moves around in
unpredictable zigs and zags. The Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland” had a
quote that I can completely relate to: “Well, some go this way, some go that
way. But as for me, myself, personally, I prefer the shortcut.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am quite possibly the most loyal
and confident hiking guide you’ve ever asked for, and I’m very protective of my
master. On the trial, I never need to put a leash on you as I trust that you
will never go out of eye-shot, and you will follow me at all time. I always
find my way without a map, hear things that you can’t, see life through
the darkness and never complain, nor ever will I give you the stupid pep talk.
Although sometimes, I do need to work on my speed; I mostly out hike you, but I
always wait and make sure you catch up before proceeding on with my mission. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Most hoomans I know aren’t
out in weather cold/harsh enough that their dogs can’t handle it. That being
said, winter is not an issue for me, as I can survive through sub temps that
would kill most hoomans. However, when we’re out camping in the cold weather, I
gotta admit I do love snuggling into my master’s sleeping bag at night because
I care; rumors say that body heat is the best to stay warm. I snore really
loud when I sleep as I often stumble across some kinds of epic adventures in my
dreams. My master has no trouble sleeping through it because it is the most
natural therapeutic sleep remedy for her.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd2_034QF1E/UnBGu-RaL5I/AAAAAAAAJzo/Oe6wX_g6GnY/s1600/20130914_131202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd2_034QF1E/UnBGu-RaL5I/AAAAAAAAJzo/Oe6wX_g6GnY/s400/20130914_131202.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">One of my favorite two-legged
companions is my master. She occasionally wakes me up from my
17-hour Tuck coma, drags me out of the house before I get to tackle my important
must-do list, one of which is to sit and stare out the window for several hours
pondering Einstein’s theory of relativity, until to see my arch-enemy Claus Von
Squirrel-berg as he sits on the tree, mocking me. But, I’d rather go on a hike
than completing my list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZSQracMWuM/UnD0CocLRhI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/knX-mXTIdFc/s1600/20130914_120600-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZSQracMWuM/UnD0CocLRhI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/knX-mXTIdFc/s400/20130914_120600-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Being on top of Boulder Creek
Falls, hopping rocks and crossing streams for several miles into the Canyon,
climbing Colorado’s highpoint (my first Fourteener, Mt. Elbert), the short and
simple 3 mile leg stretch, so called Mt. Sanitas trail, remains my all time
entertainment: so many dogs, and plenty of devious chipmunks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBwdlB1F7Wg/UnBG4IYyJpI/AAAAAAAAJz0/Gj7B9mGxDC8/s1600/20130914_123350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBwdlB1F7Wg/UnBG4IYyJpI/AAAAAAAAJz0/Gj7B9mGxDC8/s400/20130914_123350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xt10XlLk_CY/UnBE4n2xpYI/AAAAAAAAJzc/eXa2AFLkqTI/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nr_VfF8QOeM/UnBE1nShY7I/AAAAAAAAJyw/X_cdSxBEJAc/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nr_VfF8QOeM/UnBE1nShY7I/AAAAAAAAJyw/X_cdSxBEJAc/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I've</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">been through a lot of epic journeys
with my master, and that’s how I find my love for the nature and adventures. I’m
always up for a hike with anyone, at any time, to the end of the world and I’ll
still be your “Mountain Goat”. Also, I’m open for new hiking buddies, no
strings attached (pun intended, wuff wuff). Petting me IS required. In return, I will
satisfy all your “Awww, that’s cute” needs. I will even let you carry my water and the travel
bowl. Peanut butter and appropriate amount of dog treats are a plus.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-9371741183156550202013-10-22T15:50:00.004-07:002017-10-30T07:26:03.497-07:00Boulder Flood<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I moved to Broomfield,
Colorado, on New Year day of 2013. Growing up in Vietnam, I
remember vividly, during the raining season, it rained
every freaking day, which produced frequent floods in the city. In my younger
age, 3 feet of water in our house was super cool, sort of like having an indoor
swimming pool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Living in Boulder for
several months in the summer, at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of each month,
Boulder tests its emergency warning system –deafening loud sirens and booming
voice over the loud speakers chillingly announcing, “THIS IS A WARNING SYSTEM TEST.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPwYA2wKx9w/UmcAA55P_-I/AAAAAAAAJq8/eaaCK2x5HFc/s1600/SC20130912-164155-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPwYA2wKx9w/UmcAA55P_-I/AAAAAAAAJq8/eaaCK2x5HFc/s1600/SC20130912-164155-1.jpg" width="291" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The “100 Year Flood” was
part of the local lexicon, one of those legendary things that can’t really
happen. On September 12 – 15, when the proverbial “100 Year Flood” actually
happened, it was a shocker. For one thing, no one ever thought big flood would
happen in September, when summer monsoon storms typically taper off and
thunderstorm producing convection is weak. The year, the monsoon was stubborn,
and a confluence of static weather systems and particularly abundant moisture
produced a cataclysm that seemed to be “biblical”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The hard rain started on
September 11<sup>th</sup>, and that night I was lying in bed listening as the
skies opened up with deluge. Thunder and lightning sent me scurrying for
cover. Then the sirens started. That night alone it rained 7”,
exceeding the record of 5.5” for the entire month of September. It did not
stop. By the time the weather system finally moved out, some stations had
recorded 17” of precipitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next morning, on my way
to work, I had to take a detour due to collapsed bridges. After
making it to work safely, which is in Boulder, in less than an hour, our office
announced “Closed” due to weather disaster. Instead of heading home, my
curiosity got better of me, and I decided to stay in Boulder to see “what was up.”
It was stunning to see how every usually tiny trickle had turned into a rushing
cascade. The roads were washed out everywhere, and huge new drainage channels
had been created literally overnight. Foot bridges over several little creeks
had completely disappeared. I foolishly decided to check out Boulder Creek
trail, one of my favorites. There was a crossing part over the creek, normally
you simply step over a little trickle of water, this time was increasingly
life-threatening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBF6GumLlqc/UmcBGQMroUI/AAAAAAAAJrU/UnhyLGmk2gw/s1600/SC20130912-181543-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBF6GumLlqc/UmcBGQMroUI/AAAAAAAAJrU/UnhyLGmk2gw/s1600/SC20130912-181543-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Two days later, there was a
break in the rain, and I’d been feeling all cooped up. By now, I saw pictures
and video footage on the news – the road washouts and the towns of Lyons and
Estes Park underwater. I decided to sneak up on Mt. Sanitas, wasn't sure if I
could get on the hills or how far I could go. On my way there, I wasn't
prepared for the devastation I found: roads were completely destroyed, houses
and cars were in the raging creek. Military helicopters buzzed overhead,
assessing the situation. Million dollar homes were parched undamaged up on the
hillsides, but they might be worthless due to the inaccessible roads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjdtD2RoNJA/UmcAbp9CnZI/AAAAAAAAJrM/UnXH3qza55c/s1600/Salina3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjdtD2RoNJA/UmcAbp9CnZI/AAAAAAAAJrM/UnXH3qza55c/s1600/Salina3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-ri6SnQGRI/UmcAHTOLZ5I/AAAAAAAAJrE/50c61G8uEQs/s1600/1267368_10101669610139760_1806995880_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-ri6SnQGRI/UmcAHTOLZ5I/AAAAAAAAJrE/50c61G8uEQs/s1600/1267368_10101669610139760_1806995880_o.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Boulder rain finally
stopped around 9:00 am on September 16<sup>th</sup>. The sun timidly poked
through the clouds as I walked along city streets, many of which were still in
running water. There was mud everywhere, which quickly dried and turned to
dust, churned up by traffic. Cops stopped to removed barricades from recently
flooded areas, while yellow police-tape blocked off the most damaged areas.
Piles of soaked carpet, insulation and furniture lined the sidewalks. In the
wake of Boulder’s biggest flood in recorded history, some people lost their
homes, tragically some even lost their lives, others are dealing with little
more than flooded basements, and some of us very lucky ones are just wondering
where we’re going to hike tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-65191188301709756532012-12-20T09:08:00.000-08:002013-08-30T08:04:08.042-07:005 Great Gift Ideas for the Newbie Outdoor Enthusiast this Christmas.So far, every time I look up gift ideas online, often I come across blogs and posts that suggest a bunch of gears, like shoes, stoves, sleeping bags... BORING! Let REI and Gander Mountain do all those advertising and marketing stuff for ya. I, in the other hand, have several excellent gift ideas for those beginner/outdoorsy enthusiasts who want to be extreme. <br />
<br />
1. Ski or Snowboard Lesson Passes. <br />
<br />
2. State Park or/and National Park Sticker(s)<br />
<br />
3. One or Two-day Rock Climbing Anchor Classes<br />
<br />
4. Guided Climbing Trip(s)<br />
<br />
5. Glacier Skill and Crevasse Rescue Courses<br />
<br />
They say money can't buy time, and they're wrong. What's a better gift when you can spend a little money (or a lot of money) to be partners in crime on top of a summit together. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-1011106277108556602012-10-24T08:56:00.002-07:002017-10-30T07:24:57.140-07:00Climbing at Devil's Lake<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Climbing is a very dangerous
activity. But, as you know, sport climbing, rock climbing, and mountain
climbing have become increasingly in favor. The popularity of climbing walls
has drawn people to outdoor climbing areas, such as Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin. When gym climbers
like me decide to make the leap to outdoor climbing, the result is always a ton
of fun, challenges, and profoundly different. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8DwMnhJNZ8/UIgGbjKfvvI/AAAAAAAAFvA/3gyc2uV3Ha8/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8DwMnhJNZ8/UIgGbjKfvvI/AAAAAAAAFvA/3gyc2uV3Ha8/s400/IMG_3667.JPG" width="285" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzZT7OQnwjI/UIgGjk5Y6yI/AAAAAAAAFvU/4hLJgLtK0Gg/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzZT7OQnwjI/UIgGjk5Y6yI/AAAAAAAAFvU/4hLJgLtK0Gg/s400/IMG_3745.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuJeiZCeifk/UIgGvHM0VNI/AAAAAAAAFvc/xGjIxiBtq-4/s1600/IMG_7174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuJeiZCeifk/UIgGvHM0VNI/AAAAAAAAFvc/xGjIxiBtq-4/s400/IMG_7174.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JClpBXt_9zE/UIgGfmeBd2I/AAAAAAAAFvI/Ixf-h2auNOw/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JClpBXt_9zE/UIgGfmeBd2I/AAAAAAAAFvI/Ixf-h2auNOw/s400/IMG_3732.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8DwMnhJNZ8/UIgGbjKfvvI/AAAAAAAAFvA/3gyc2uV3Ha8/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Devil’s Lake, near Baraboo in
south-central Wisconsin, provides extraordinary climbing opportunities for
climbers. The quartzite cliffs are a geologic anomaly in a region better known
for its unusual sandstone formations. With pink, red, or purple color, the rock
terrain is hard with smooth and shinny surfaces, sharp fractures, cracks,
ledges, slabs, chimneys, and a variety rock forms that make this the best rock
climbing area in the Midwest. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLrYLHlmTgk/UIgG0-5HmMI/AAAAAAAAFvk/RuHmGOqNgSs/s1600/IMG_7281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLrYLHlmTgk/UIgG0-5HmMI/AAAAAAAAFvk/RuHmGOqNgSs/s640/IMG_7281.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYWU6QgxYx4/UIgGX_DFzWI/AAAAAAAAFu4/QCH1IesPZ3U/s1600/20121019_182407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYWU6QgxYx4/UIgGX_DFzWI/AAAAAAAAFu4/QCH1IesPZ3U/s400/20121019_182407.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I just love how purple this rock is.</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Based on the most recent discovery,
there are over 2000 climbing routes in the area. I never worry for not finding
a route. The classics may have been taken, but there’s always a crack waiting
to be jammed. With the ever-lasting climbs to choose, it is essential to
bring a guidebook, or make sure the “Mountain Project” app function properly in
your fully-charged Smartphone, or pay several hundred bucks for a
guide/training course, or just invite a friend or two, who know the area really
well, then later on offer them a nice cold beer with brats over a campfire or
something similar. Last weekend, we joined Steve and Cecilia Johnson
here for a great climbing experience. I am very fortunate to have met and
became friends with this wonderful married couple from a rock climbing gym
several years ago, who are also an excellent guide anywhere we go since they
have been climbing outdoors for over 30 years of their lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0jMmokc_co/UIgLkKVtG7I/AAAAAAAAFww/uuwjrKeoY5E/s1600/IMG_3714+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0jMmokc_co/UIgLkKVtG7I/AAAAAAAAFww/uuwjrKeoY5E/s640/IMG_3714+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Well-set anchors</i></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6sX6BTwiIk/UIgJGQiZNqI/AAAAAAAAFv0/oJV0HmjQCAA/s1600/IceAgeTrail64.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6sX6BTwiIk/UIgJGQiZNqI/AAAAAAAAFv0/oJV0HmjQCAA/s400/IceAgeTrail64.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mr. Steve Johnson and I on top of a route: the King's Throne.</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl55nNgDAFM/UIgJNhiEAeI/AAAAAAAAFv8/oGrKn0eeNfI/s1600/20121021_113735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl55nNgDAFM/UIgJNhiEAeI/AAAAAAAAFv8/oGrKn0eeNfI/s640/20121021_113735.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The route: Son of Great Chimney</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">October is the Devil’s chance to
give us a spectacular show of color and richness of autumn leaves. Fall is
gorgeous here at its peak. We came a little later in the season, 50% of the
leaves has changed colors, and 40% fallen. Even so, love at first sight was all
over again every year. All I wanted to do was taking pictures, but somehow,
they could not justify the stunning colors display around the lake. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw-X_QJPrlM/UIgKXUXVuaI/AAAAAAAAFwM/5N_b_Rn8aDc/s1600/20121020_164223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw-X_QJPrlM/UIgKXUXVuaI/AAAAAAAAFwM/5N_b_Rn8aDc/s640/20121020_164223.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhzSZJtFqBw/UIgKbxCe4wI/AAAAAAAAFwU/T4qzvRLxYCc/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhzSZJtFqBw/UIgKbxCe4wI/AAAAAAAAFwU/T4qzvRLxYCc/s640/IMG_3671.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gf84wtQ24w/UIgKlRuR-PI/AAAAAAAAFwc/Zlg0SzeolkM/s1600/IMG_7177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gf84wtQ24w/UIgKlRuR-PI/AAAAAAAAFwc/Zlg0SzeolkM/s400/IMG_7177.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONlCKySIbC8/UIgKz7tSiBI/AAAAAAAAFwk/uNNI6RoEqBk/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONlCKySIbC8/UIgKz7tSiBI/AAAAAAAAFwk/uNNI6RoEqBk/s640/IMG_7198.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The morning air and chill made for
quiet mornings, but the sun eventually emerged and climbers started to show up.
As usual, I was psyched by the quality of my company. After a bunch of good
climbing, a friend expressed interest in trad climbing on one of the routes
nearby, so we wrapped up our ropes and gear to prepare for the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARRBf20LctE&sns=tw" target="_blank">Queen’s Throne(5.4)</a> where good cracks and placement opportunities abound. It’s fun when
climbers are as interested in the technical side of climbing as the physical
one. But don’t worry, you can easily find a Devil’s Lake 5.8 that gives as much
physical work as a 5.10 gym route.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAGtlXgBOzw/UIgMDeKkLSI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/CrtLge3aY94/s1600/IceAgeTrail53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAGtlXgBOzw/UIgMDeKkLSI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/CrtLge3aY94/s640/IceAgeTrail53.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I was working on setting another TR anchor.</i></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4FHBIXlV68/UIgMEJAt_aI/AAAAAAAAFxY/eGvwlTfObSI/s1600/IceAgeTrail54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4FHBIXlV68/UIgMEJAt_aI/AAAAAAAAFxY/eGvwlTfObSI/s640/IceAgeTrail54.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A climbing day can be wonderful for
a lot of reasons, as many of them can be unpredictable. Certainly, a good
climbing day is accounted because you climb harder than ever before, finally
understand a key movement concept, or you send the formerly-impossible project
you’ve been working on for months. To me, the beauty of a climbing day is not
really about “climbing” at all, but more the relationships – with
ourselves, each other, and the natural world… A day can shine with great
stories that lead to ridiculous jokes and uncontrollable laughter, an off-hand
suggestion that leads to a pretzeled climbing position, a good question that
leads to an hour-plus conversation, because we are out here with some amazing
people, and we can do whatever we want to do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All in all, I couldn't ask for a
better climbing weekend, and hope to continue getting out a few more times this
gorgeous fall weather before the snow and ice arrive. </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-13131272602553768222012-08-29T23:23:00.010-07:002022-03-01T16:47:48.669-08:00My First Summit, Gannett Peak, in the Wind River Range, WY.My urge to climb a mountain started in July, 2012, not too
long after I got back from our usual climbing trip in the Black Hills,
South Dakota, with several good friends of mine. <br />
<br />
As I was contemplating of which mountain I should lay eyes on for this adventure,
Gannett Peak came across my mind. She is the highest peak in Wyoming (sorry,
Grand Boobies, you're not the one). So, not only is Gannett 13,809 feet above the sea level, which would be the highest elevation I've ever been on, but also the most remote of all the state high points
in the lower 48. Thought process and excitement flooded my mind.<br />
<br />
Am I
ready for this? Why do I strive for something that's way over my capability? How do I know if there's a limit? Will I do it right? I
immediately worked on my research, read trip reports, and talked to people about doing it solo on this beastly expedition. I found several
topographic maps, acquired multiple climbing routes, and learned some useful techniques
about glacier travel and self-rescue from friends and the internet.<br />
<br />
The
plan started.<br />
<br />
On August 15th, 2012, I left for this epic expedition of my own and arrived in Dubois, WY, late evening
on August 16 after driving for 17 hours from St. Paul, Minnesota.<br />
<br />
That night, I decided to get a campsite at a local
campground that was only several miles away from the trailhead in order
to sort out my gear, and also, to get a good night sleep before
hitting the trail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Day 1, 2 & 3</span></u></i> </b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBi-uYkt4j4/UEbHBOtvHHI/AAAAAAAAFgo/cuHp0oWmdeA/s1600/Gannett+%252826%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBi-uYkt4j4/UEbHBOtvHHI/AAAAAAAAFgo/cuHp0oWmdeA/s320/Gannett+%252826%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Glacier Trail Approach: </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">23 miles to basecamp; </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">3,590 feet gain.</span></b><br />
<br />
In to the Wind River Range, Glacier
Trail welcomed me right away with a crap load of constant uphill and
switchback suckfest. Immediately after was the high 5-mile Burro Pass
that would take you to the end of the world where you might reconsider
climbing Gannett.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtfl_hvCDVg/UEbK7O3bnLI/AAAAAAAAFho/XfWW-K9TD70/s1600/Gannett+%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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I learned that these switchbacks did not take me to the top of the pass.
Further on, there was still a very long slope to go up above the tree line. Several
hours into the hike up on these hills, I could tell the air was getting
thin as the trail got more rocky, and it was necessary to pick each
step. The blazing sun blasted its best heat wave on my face, just enough for me to drain my sweat on this thirsty meadow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GsXSCCJy-Q/UEbKhyR59BI/AAAAAAAAFhU/8ZR7sC5OXqQ/s1600/Gannett+%252810%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GsXSCCJy-Q/UEbKhyR59BI/AAAAAAAAFhU/8ZR7sC5OXqQ/s400/Gannett+%252810%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>Once
I attained the Pass, it was, for me, a matter of grinding
it out, one miserable step at a time. I was tired, I was hot, and I was beginning to wonder what on earth had prompted me to
embark upon this insane adventure. After hating my life for 11 miles, I finally
made it to Phillips Lake, the first water source, and rested there for
the night. Rumor said that a lot of sleep and hydration would help these tired muscles
and joints.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4XeGnchQsM/UEbLDkb1BkI/AAAAAAAAFiI/xUDIXBKH89s/s1600/Gannett+%252830%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4XeGnchQsM/UEbLDkb1BkI/AAAAAAAAFiI/xUDIXBKH89s/s640/Gannett+%252830%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPAA8mB0Dho/UEbLCAK4H2I/AAAAAAAAFiA/PWP1OapNzAg/s1600/Gannett+%252829%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPAA8mB0Dho/UEbLCAK4H2I/AAAAAAAAFiA/PWP1OapNzAg/s640/Gannett+%252829%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJbCEHC_TFI/UEc-h23lD5I/AAAAAAAAFr0/86SA317RZWM/s1600/Gannett+%2856%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJbCEHC_TFI/UEc-h23lD5I/AAAAAAAAFr0/86SA317RZWM/s640/Gannett+(56).JPG" width="508" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdOFUzxHddU/UEbK978ByQI/AAAAAAAAFhw/neUv2zQ_f5c/s1600/Gannett+%252820%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdOFUzxHddU/UEbK978ByQI/AAAAAAAAFhw/neUv2zQ_f5c/s400/Gannett+%252820%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a>The
next morning, breakfast was heavenly. I needed to eat and
prepare for the suck. After demolishing the whole dehydrated meal and several Cliff bars, I quickly chugged 2 full bottles of water, mixed with chia seeds and honey. An hour later, I continued on the good old trail
and reached Double Lake, Star Lake, and the view of Honeymoon
Lake. Beautiful morning. Beautiful sun. Beautiful lakes. Long series of
switchbacks appeared. No problem. I went down some thousand vertical
feet with more rocks and gravel to encounter the most beautiful creek
I've ever seen. After approaching the Big Meadows, Dinwoody Creek and
Klondike Creek lead me to Wilson Meadows in less than 2 hours. At this
point, Gannett peaked her face around the corner for the very first time
to say, "Hey, silly girl, you're only half way there!" The hike was a lot
less strenuous, but I decided to pitch my tent early anyway to get
plenty of rest for the final push tomorrow. Highlight of the day: I saw a
herd of elk and a moose shortly after my first sight of Gannett Peak. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79i6OZGZvTg/UEbK_7TY0SI/AAAAAAAAFh4/iiCDVKuP08k/s1600/Gannett+%252822%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79i6OZGZvTg/UEbK_7TY0SI/AAAAAAAAFh4/iiCDVKuP08k/s640/Gannett+%252822%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Double Lake</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naeYl38yW-A/UEbRgMgVK_I/AAAAAAAAFiw/fa0XKl11-YY/s1600/Gannett+%2837%29.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naeYl38yW-A/UEbRgMgVK_I/AAAAAAAAFiw/fa0XKl11-YY/s640/Gannett+(37).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Gannett Peak for the very first time.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8SVglSVarQ/UEbLETvvF8I/AAAAAAAAFiQ/6B7Ik4iDxjk/s1600/Gannett+%2836%29.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8SVglSVarQ/UEbLETvvF8I/AAAAAAAAFiQ/6B7Ik4iDxjk/s640/Gannett+(36).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A herd of Elk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPuTj8B0HNo/UEbR8CMpkNI/AAAAAAAAFjE/DdvehLgmqfM/s1600/Gannett+%2844%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPuTj8B0HNo/UEbR8CMpkNI/AAAAAAAAFjE/DdvehLgmqfM/s640/Gannett+(44).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Say Hello to my little Moose.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WA84dMHA9p4/UEbKtyZUs0I/AAAAAAAAFhc/xqVSKXNACU8/s1600/Gannett+%252811%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WA84dMHA9p4/UEbKtyZUs0I/AAAAAAAAFhc/xqVSKXNACU8/s400/Gannett+%252811%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a> The
third day of this solo expedition started out very, very wet. And by "mwett", I meant crossing Gannett Creek and the many rivulets
that form the headwaters of Dinwoody Creek. There were three or four of
these to cross in this area and each had a
makeshift bridge formed by logs thrown across. I figured out the way
through this confusing area and made it over safely with great help from
the trekking poles.<br />
<br />
<br />
Continuing
up the trail, about an hour later, I passed the tree line and
walked up the valley toward the mountain. With green meadows and
colorful wild
flowers in abundance, and thousands of feet of towering rock on both
sides, this
valley was, so far, one of the most pleasant sights yet. However, the
ascent up the long, steep sections leading directly to the
gentle swayback grew increasingly aggravating and seemingly
never-ending. Finally, it brought me almost to the end of Glacier Trail
and the beginning of nasty boulder fields. I found a convenient, flatter
area and called it a day.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3RZESe2Ntg/UEc9WpnFEuI/AAAAAAAAFrs/yrWGiT4MmhQ/s1600/Gannett+%2860%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3RZESe2Ntg/UEc9WpnFEuI/AAAAAAAAFrs/yrWGiT4MmhQ/s640/Gannett+(60).JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_VDOAMpanY/UEbReFv5aiI/AAAAAAAAFio/UdPKd7-Qo_s/s1600/Gannett+%28112%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_VDOAMpanY/UEbReFv5aiI/AAAAAAAAFio/UdPKd7-Qo_s/s640/Gannett+(112).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2U_7mFrEAw/UEc9ROYAmoI/AAAAAAAAFrk/K0W-mubVEtk/s1600/Gannett+%28100%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2U_7mFrEAw/UEc9ROYAmoI/AAAAAAAAFrk/K0W-mubVEtk/s640/Gannett+(100).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkBnsk9oXuo/UEbHep9TCyI/AAAAAAAAFg8/JSZ8fDMoD9Q/s1600/Gannett+%252818%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkBnsk9oXuo/UEbHep9TCyI/AAAAAAAAFg8/JSZ8fDMoD9Q/s400/Gannett+%252818%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><u><br />
Day 4</u></i> - Pre-Summit Interlude. </span></b><br />
<br />
There
were a few potential factors to my concern on successfully climb the summit: dehydration, lack of oxygen, lack of time to acclimatize,
out of shape, bad weather, basecamp too far, running out of time... So, I
gave myself an extra day at the "basecamp" to acclimatize, load up on
calories, hydrate my body with delicious glacial water, and try to learn the route while convincing myself that staring at the summit enough would take me there eventually.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzBYC--nGrw/UEbYGWzlFlI/AAAAAAAAFkk/ljJ3FNnO71Q/s1600/Gannett+%2899%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzBYC--nGrw/UEbYGWzlFlI/AAAAAAAAFkk/ljJ3FNnO71Q/s640/Gannett+(99).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BM7t61haV1E/UEbXk24xhfI/AAAAAAAAFkc/P0xjyb0TskI/s1600/Gannett+%2879%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BM7t61haV1E/UEbXk24xhfI/AAAAAAAAFkc/P0xjyb0TskI/s640/Gannett+(79).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WO0WK-tP6UE/UEbXYAohK4I/AAAAAAAAFkU/WbfLah45D7A/s1600/Gannett+%2877%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WO0WK-tP6UE/UEbXYAohK4I/AAAAAAAAFkU/WbfLah45D7A/s640/Gannett+(77).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basecamp right under Gannett Peak</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpAZvdh8Mx4/UEbtBYESQjI/AAAAAAAAFq0/goitnK928Js/s1600/Gannett+%252871%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpAZvdh8Mx4/UEbtBYESQjI/AAAAAAAAFq0/goitnK928Js/s640/Gannett+%252871%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nwZWo8G74M/UEbXOFfTLCI/AAAAAAAAFkI/vX_dV7kxUlw/s1600/Gannett+%28139%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nwZWo8G74M/UEbXOFfTLCI/AAAAAAAAFkI/vX_dV7kxUlw/s640/Gannett+(139).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind me was the massive Warren Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also wanted to camp as close to the base of the actual peak as I possibly
could. That being said, having a 45 lb. weight on my back while
scrambling up a 1000' gain and crossing a 2 mile boulder field was
another crap episode I had to put up. It wasn't as bad as Day 1.
It was inconvenient...but not bad, really put my quad muscles to the
test though. Finally, amid the north of the Dinwoody Glacier below and the
gently rounded summit ridge of Gannett Peak above, I was able to find a
flat area next to one of the high tarns to set my tent and dump my pack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1z2ARWj0c30/UEbeHAe-CbI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/UK9iFFhoREQ/s1600/Gannett+%28128%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1z2ARWj0c30/UEbeHAe-CbI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/UK9iFFhoREQ/s640/Gannett+(128).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later, after hiding behind a rock wind break while enjoying the
carb-filled dinner,
my intention was now firmly in place to
make the summit bid on the next day. Being honest with myself about my
physical readiness: blisters, fatigued muscles, and inflamed joints were no longer my
issues; I felt great. By moving up to the top of the boulder fields, I gave myself a shorter (easier?)
climb on summit day, eliminating not just 1,000 vertical feet but also
an awkward boulder-hopping in the dark.<i> Water, snacks, ice axe, crampons, rope, headlight, <a href="http://gopro.com/hd-hero2-cameras/" target="_blank">GoPro </a>on my helmet,...</i> I double-checked the backpack over and over again
before "resting".<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><u>Day 5</u></i> - The Glorious Summit Endeavor.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">3.5 miles round trip from base camp; 2,750 feet gain.</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWXAj0Qgp8M/UEbffykf_3I/AAAAAAAAFlY/EMX6A-baf2g/s1600/Gannettvid+%2828%29-002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWXAj0Qgp8M/UEbffykf_3I/AAAAAAAAFlY/EMX6A-baf2g/s640/Gannettvid+(28)-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I
managed to get up at 4:00 am (that later on proved to be wise), and pulled myself together to nail this mighty
mountain. The meandering steep slope was a nasty mix of scree and
precariously balanced boulders. I followed the creek, which was made by
the melting glacier from Gannett. Listening to the sound of flowing water,
eyeballing the shiny rocks beneath every footstep, slowly but surely, I
arrived to the first glacier earlier than expected.<br />
<br />
A
45-degree sheath of icy gravel welcomed me unexpectedly. First
time traveling on glacier, it was a smart choice for me to stay here and
wait until dawn arrived so I could see where I was going. Crampons were ready; ice-axe was secured. Thirty
more minutes until the dawn rised.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3iPFftUtfEE/UEbfgxm7BmI/AAAAAAAAFlg/ncgBhP4DIBo/s1600/Gannettvid+%285%29-003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3iPFftUtfEE/UEbfgxm7BmI/AAAAAAAAFlg/ncgBhP4DIBo/s640/Gannettvid+(5)-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The
wind was pounding at me as I was beginning to feel the chill sinking in my
bones. Time went by slowly. I finally saw the different colors of the
glacial snow. It was firm for the most part. Marching toward the
low point of the glacier took me over countless rivulets of swiftly
running glacial melt and spots where the glacier was hard ice rather
than snow. Switchbacks on this 70-feet snow wall was done with care. At
what looked like the glacier's flat, a short break was necessary to re-hydrate myself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih6g9ZI-hIw/UEbgwTf9hGI/AAAAAAAAFlw/b5tmIec3H_Y/s1600/Gannett+%2892%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih6g9ZI-hIw/UEbgwTf9hGI/AAAAAAAAFlw/b5tmIec3H_Y/s640/Gannett+(92).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLUqD7U-xEU/UEbg-Q_wXGI/AAAAAAAAFl4/bhzNwje8Ym0/s1600/Gannett+%2893%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLUqD7U-xEU/UEbg-Q_wXGI/AAAAAAAAFl4/bhzNwje8Ym0/s640/Gannett+(93).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The alpine glow shined my path while I was traveling toward Gooseneck Pinnacle.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Approaching
the famous Gooseneck Pinnacle was strenuously interesting; stomping and carving the crampon teeth with every step in hope that I'd never have to self-arrest from
shooting down this awful glacial field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOPkehb2J_s/UEbhu3C775I/AAAAAAAAFmU/MOslyb3t9sY/s1600/Gannettvid+%281%29-007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOPkehb2J_s/UEbhu3C775I/AAAAAAAAFmU/MOslyb3t9sY/s640/Gannettvid+(1)-007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkOaXtQH4FY/UEbhwzv3LXI/AAAAAAAAFmk/sVBGtNXprn8/s1600/Gannettvid+%281%29-010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkOaXtQH4FY/UEbhwzv3LXI/AAAAAAAAFmk/sVBGtNXprn8/s640/Gannettvid+(1)-010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2rpC_FJn9A/UEbht2khmQI/AAAAAAAAFmM/Pu-q-PTjaYA/s1600/Gannettvid+%281%29-002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2rpC_FJn9A/UEbht2khmQI/AAAAAAAAFmM/Pu-q-PTjaYA/s640/Gannettvid+(1)-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tyg-Q_x3-4/UEbh1moFJEI/AAAAAAAAFm8/9hMJjNPB3U8/s1600/Gannettvid+%284%29-003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tyg-Q_x3-4/UEbh1moFJEI/AAAAAAAAFm8/9hMJjNPB3U8/s640/Gannettvid+(4)-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mveD9uDrcQ/UEbhvwUmQkI/AAAAAAAAFmc/sVVwLC4NLIY/s1600/Gannettvid+%281%29-008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mveD9uDrcQ/UEbhvwUmQkI/AAAAAAAAFmc/sVVwLC4NLIY/s640/Gannettvid+(1)-008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Things
continued to go smoothly as I worked my way up towards the crux of the
route - the base of Gooseneck
Couloir. There was a snow patch at the bergschrund had mostly melted away. A 15 foot gap of empty space to the black
hole below shamelessly presented itself between me and the 30 foot
vertical wall that lead to the couloir. Luck has been a companion
throughout the journey. Once across,
the snow heading up the 50-degree couloir was very soft and
provided solid footing. Just like that, I was at the top of the
Gooseneck, feeling very good about my chance of summiting Gannett.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iZ9zVA3WZg/UEbjjRITRJI/AAAAAAAAFnU/0e0Iar0o5wc/s1600/Gannett+%28113%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iZ9zVA3WZg/UEbjjRITRJI/AAAAAAAAFnU/0e0Iar0o5wc/s640/Gannett+(113).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down this steep SouthEast Couloir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLIaIfuMnGU/UEbhDS3THBI/AAAAAAAAFmA/rZ7Xmfyk9IM/s1600/Gannett+%2896%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLIaIfuMnGU/UEbhDS3THBI/AAAAAAAAFmA/rZ7Xmfyk9IM/s640/Gannett+(96).JPG" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up the remain glacial snow onto the top ridge to the Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Except
for the whipping and lashing wind, the weather was cooperating. Puffy
cumulus clouds were racing from west to east and seemed to be growing
thicker, but they didn’t have that certain look that
associated with thunderstorms or precipitation. The weather stayed on my
side as I flirted with several class-4 rock scrambles on the highly
exposed summit ridge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAxwDj9HCTk/UEbl0ma2E9I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/gT5MyGbWyiQ/s1600/Gannettvid+%2829%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAxwDj9HCTk/UEbl0ma2E9I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/gT5MyGbWyiQ/s640/Gannettvid+(29).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up a class-5. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woqAMoeZHxY/UEblsbbzjkI/AAAAAAAAFnw/vqUWZBWZkd8/s1600/Gannettvid+%2829%29-002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woqAMoeZHxY/UEblsbbzjkI/AAAAAAAAFnw/vqUWZBWZkd8/s640/Gannettvid+(29)-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LF1hqNM-9vw/UEblwx06xUI/AAAAAAAAFoA/k7b13MCWsMc/s1600/Gannettvid+%2829%29-007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LF1hqNM-9vw/UEblwx06xUI/AAAAAAAAFoA/k7b13MCWsMc/s640/Gannettvid+(29)-007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zl4yON3Oefc/UEblzA_A8VI/AAAAAAAAFoI/1z5Z1Veggm0/s1600/Gannettvid+%2829%29-009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zl4yON3Oefc/UEblzA_A8VI/AAAAAAAAFoI/1z5Z1Veggm0/s640/Gannettvid+(29)-009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Us5BzYZH2o/UEbluyZXkiI/AAAAAAAAFn4/YykmmQ0YDWU/s1600/Gannettvid+%2829%29-006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Us5BzYZH2o/UEbluyZXkiI/AAAAAAAAFn4/YykmmQ0YDWU/s640/Gannettvid+(29)-006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
During
my last hour of ascent, I occasionally walked on top of the snow fields
where there was a narrow but visible jagged crack in the snow, like a
wobbly
charcoal line a young child might have drawn on a sheet of newsprint,
perpendicular to my path upward. Boulder hopping and class-3'ish
scrambling is noticeably more tiring
above 13,000’ than it is at lower elevations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EiA9odtTEU/UEbtUOPQbYI/AAAAAAAAFrE/20Qol6_tuVc/s1600/Gannett+%252894%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EiA9odtTEU/UEbtUOPQbYI/AAAAAAAAFrE/20Qol6_tuVc/s640/Gannett+%252894%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPaJMgi0K-0/UEboRBj6LmI/AAAAAAAAFo8/6JDliFv-kyk/s1600/Gannett+%28116%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPaJMgi0K-0/UEboRBj6LmI/AAAAAAAAFo8/6JDliFv-kyk/s640/Gannett+(116).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTHV_hqwpVg/UEbniqo4yDI/AAAAAAAAFoY/BHmXeJevEFc/s1600/Gannett+%28105%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTHV_hqwpVg/UEbniqo4yDI/AAAAAAAAFoY/BHmXeJevEFc/s640/Gannett+(105).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At
last I reached what
had to be the highest point along the rounded top of the peak: top of
Wyoming. 12:30pm, I was 13,809 feet above the sea level. Tired and
relieved, I signed the first summit register book, unwillingly stuffed a Cliff bar down my throat, and set off
for the return trip after the extraordinary twenty-minute grand view on top of Gannett. How fearsome
this prominent peak had to offer to earn its outstanding reputation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPOp6Oh6INk/UEbn7yYNJXI/AAAAAAAAFos/kVdYBJAfe5A/s1600/Gannett+%2528109%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPOp6Oh6INk/UEbn7yYNJXI/AAAAAAAAFos/kVdYBJAfe5A/s640/Gannett+%2528109%2529.JPG" width="482" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALsct0fLiNU/UEboTVc4tHI/AAAAAAAAFpE/kLXUYURS0wQ/s1600/Gannett+%28143%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALsct0fLiNU/UEboTVc4tHI/AAAAAAAAFpE/kLXUYURS0wQ/s640/Gannett+(143).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4oWA6Yf2M4/UEbqSV4IkqI/AAAAAAAAFpY/BKHwL3TIZ5A/s1600/Gannett+%28108%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4oWA6Yf2M4/UEbqSV4IkqI/AAAAAAAAFpY/BKHwL3TIZ5A/s640/Gannett+(108).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prior to signing the summit book, for awhile, I thought I was dreaming. Must be the altitude affect. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aerBVfXz7gI/UEbqETqYOWI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/N6Ngd-nJsRA/s1600/Gannett+%28107%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aerBVfXz7gI/UEbqETqYOWI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/N6Ngd-nJsRA/s640/Gannett+(107).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>First time being 13,809 feet above the sea level, EVER. </i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znRsk12r4lU/UEbqa7CpMDI/AAAAAAAAFps/B8DjvrG2nho/s1600/Gannett+%28147%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znRsk12r4lU/UEbqa7CpMDI/AAAAAAAAFps/B8DjvrG2nho/s640/Gannett+(147).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Gannett summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WP5wUGw2OeQ/UEbqYrLxJWI/AAAAAAAAFpg/mRUzFIIOBF8/s1600/Gannett+%28111%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WP5wUGw2OeQ/UEbqYrLxJWI/AAAAAAAAFpg/mRUzFIIOBF8/s640/Gannett+(111).JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannett Peak. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZL7sHmUGsA/UEbnwcihk7I/AAAAAAAAFog/ay9MmfA2DNs/s1600/Gannett+%2528106%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZL7sHmUGsA/UEbnwcihk7I/AAAAAAAAFog/ay9MmfA2DNs/s640/Gannett+%2528106%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The mission wasn't finished. Only
half way done, the game of cautious decent had just began; going
back down was mandatory. I caught a glimpse of a mild avalanche on the
other side of Gannett while down-climbing the steep Gooseneck Pinnacle.
Utilizing the rope that I carried with, I rappelled down Gannett's famous bergschrund and
traversed passed the crux into the forever long glacier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QkPDVwaTvc/UEboFnj5xnI/AAAAAAAAFo0/vYMewtoEzzM/s1600/Gannett+%2528114%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QkPDVwaTvc/UEboFnj5xnI/AAAAAAAAFo0/vYMewtoEzzM/s640/Gannett+%2528114%2529.JPG" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gooseneck Pinnacle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_aLGnjnGTo/UEuPOv3I-WI/AAAAAAAAFsU/1SK-qQfqvFI/s1600/MVI_9457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_aLGnjnGTo/UEuPOv3I-WI/AAAAAAAAFsU/1SK-qQfqvFI/s640/MVI_9457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7kdSKu4ehQ/UEbrTYDOWbI/AAAAAAAAFp8/Y0XDF15x0RA/s1600/Gannett+%2855%29.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7kdSKu4ehQ/UEbrTYDOWbI/AAAAAAAAFp8/Y0XDF15x0RA/s400/Gannett+(55).jpg" width="240" /></a>Although
the ferocious winds had ushered me down, extreme care was still
necessary. A great deal of positive self talk and dreaming of an
imaginary celebratory meal of a giant burger, accompanied by a
glass of champagne waiting for me upon my return, got me through four
hours of slogging across the soft, semi-melted glacial snowfields and
boulders. Finally, my wrecked body returned to the little nylon dome
that I called home.<br />
<br />
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><u>Day 6, 7, & 8</u></i> - Back to Civilization. </span></b><br />
<br />
Not much to say here; an extremely long 3-day hike back to the trailhead with a very exhausted body was all I could recall at this point.<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
(See above for Day 1, 2, and 3 pleasantries.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjeCEVT42iQ/UEbXITWu8MI/AAAAAAAAFj4/k72NoHE5E_M/s1600/Gannett+%2528137%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjeCEVT42iQ/UEbXITWu8MI/AAAAAAAAFj4/k72NoHE5E_M/s640/Gannett+%2528137%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The morning when I had to leave the "basecamp".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh-wft2RfKI/UEbXKxG_9eI/AAAAAAAAFkA/GTXfrG1vM9A/s1600/Gannett+%2528138%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh-wft2RfKI/UEbXKxG_9eI/AAAAAAAAFkA/GTXfrG1vM9A/s640/Gannett+%2528138%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smile that hides the satisfaction of conquering Gannet Peak.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNRl-tcVnO0/UiCyti8S4mI/AAAAAAAAISM/OZ90rgJ9kjo/s1600/457504_4623891434045_1801654578_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNRl-tcVnO0/UiCyti8S4mI/AAAAAAAAISM/OZ90rgJ9kjo/s1600/457504_4623891434045_1801654578_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYhl5cZyE7M/UEbsg_s7TZI/AAAAAAAAFqE/mx-s7X7DM3M/s1600/Gannett+%2528142%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYhl5cZyE7M/UEbsg_s7TZI/AAAAAAAAFqE/mx-s7X7DM3M/s640/Gannett+%2528142%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good bye Gannett. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It was definitely a long but satisfying journey, and once again, I had been blessed
with the cooperative weather. Water was essential, and so were the
Ibuprofen and those trekking poles. Words could not describe how much I looked forward to eating real food, taking a
hot shower for the first time after a week, complaining about the hell hike to an actual person while bragging about the spectacular views in Wyoming.<br />
<br />
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6stQFiNmgc/UEbtNOnCxwI/AAAAAAAAFq8/CwBy2I7U0TA/s1600/Gannett+%288%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6stQFiNmgc/UEbtNOnCxwI/AAAAAAAAFq8/CwBy2I7U0TA/s640/Gannett+(8).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQuQTDEIdh4/UEbsleH1MwI/AAAAAAAAFqU/L-I8lLHo_t0/s1600/Gannett+%252838%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQuQTDEIdh4/UEbsleH1MwI/AAAAAAAAFqU/L-I8lLHo_t0/s640/Gannett+%252838%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I put together a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU8sqKcOT4E">video</a> that I recorded while spending 8 days out there in the gorgeous Wind River Range. Enjoy!</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU8sqKcOT4E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU8sqKcOT4E</a></u></i></span></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oU8sqKcOT4E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19Continental Divide Trail, Bridger National Forest, Cora, WY 82925, USA43.1843954 -109.654039142.8139159 -110.28575310000001 43.5548749 -109.0223251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-56830449004095882732012-06-27T13:39:00.002-07:002017-10-30T07:57:34.572-07:0010 common ways to ruin your mojo right before climbing.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMJ9kgbpyao/U_WObeVgD3I/AAAAAAAAP04/5g3sUPIYREo/s1600/S7002996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMJ9kgbpyao/U_WObeVgD3I/AAAAAAAAP04/5g3sUPIYREo/s1600/S7002996.JPG" width="159" /></a><br />
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1. Stuff your face with a massive meal (or 2).</div>
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I’m not talking about snacking on trail mix and/or energy
bars. I’m talking about a delicious breakfast, or a mid day lunch. Starvin Marvin devours a bowl of Vietnamese soup.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4micX-xJOkI/T-tmeLiaMQI/AAAAAAAAFfM/grenjhyBQR8/s1600/IMG_5693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4micX-xJOkI/T-tmeLiaMQI/AAAAAAAAFfM/grenjhyBQR8/s200/IMG_5693.JPG" width="132" /></a> 2. Drink too much… fluid.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It's still early in
the morning and a bit chilly. You made a cup of
coffee to sip on while getting things ready. Caffeine is the best way to get
your bowel movement activated. Too late. Belay is on. Climb. <br />
<br />
On a multipitch, you’re going wet yourself when you’re flexing every single muscle in your body as you almost make it pass the crux. </div>
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3. Humans and their loud volume.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3xcCw7tA9M/T-ts_I0-3lI/AAAAAAAAFgM/r462dRlqyjM/s1600/223658_10150250183193613_734433612_7536044_6919139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3xcCw7tA9M/T-ts_I0-3lI/AAAAAAAAFgM/r462dRlqyjM/s200/223658_10150250183193613_734433612_7536044_6919139_n.jpg" width="159" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WU6XkhrjoG4/T-tr0VBiEpI/AAAAAAAAFfo/b_MSrjr0kKQ/s1600/IMG_5202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Screaming. Cheering. Clapping. Yelling. Chatty belayer(s).</div>
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Your neighbor is sending the first 5.9 of her life.<br />
The noise remains constant during your climb. </div>
<br />
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</div>
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4. Rushing.</div>
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You’re running out of time. You have fifteen minutes to make
it back to the car before the park closes. It’s raining and screaming
hail; tornado is in the vicinity, and you need to clean the route because your 3 thousand dollars worth of gear is still up there, staring at you. </div>
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5. A ten minute “Intensive” work-out.</div>
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Everybody has different definition of what an intense
work-out means. Mine, for example, is to do clean swats with a kettlebell for 10 minutes to see how many reps I can accomplish. That’s
just great.<br />
<br />
But your grip is shit now. And your hamstrings are doing the Elvis-leg.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNiPW-SbTA/T-tr1myzkbI/AAAAAAAAFfw/gqRRwNEMkDU/s1600/kettlebell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNiPW-SbTA/T-tr1myzkbI/AAAAAAAAFfw/gqRRwNEMkDU/s320/kettlebell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv8jeCIwsZE/T-trxG3gj3I/AAAAAAAAFfY/0QXofk3MZIE/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv8jeCIwsZE/T-trxG3gj3I/AAAAAAAAFfY/0QXofk3MZIE/s200/IMG_0056.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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6. Long hikes to the crags.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you’re out of shape and the only way to get there is to
scramble your way up with 60 lbs of climbing gear and booze on your back,
forget it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngqEPPwew0k/T-tryPM9WTI/AAAAAAAAFfg/OAiNmaHa4kI/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngqEPPwew0k/T-tryPM9WTI/AAAAAAAAFfg/OAiNmaHa4kI/s200/IMG_1051.JPG" width="200" /></a> 7. Insects.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That itchy feeling from the starving mosquitoes, that
throbbing pain from them nasty wasps, the annoying pinches from those stubborn
flies, etc…, you name them, they’re the blessing devils of nature. By the way, “Off”
doesn’t keep the flies off, I promise.</div>
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8. Applying lotion.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
… or sticky, creamy stuff, like insect repellant, or SPF cream... Guess what, your hands will be slipping and sliding like a
grease ball while trying to perform an epic side-pull off a crack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. Sex. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpdYwQXJNeE/T-tsl_W3ypI/AAAAAAAAFgE/KCea1YR41bk/s1600/229223_10150252914161350_141230676349_9198287_740298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpdYwQXJNeE/T-tsl_W3ypI/AAAAAAAAFgE/KCea1YR41bk/s320/229223_10150252914161350_141230676349_9198287_740298_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disclaimer: I stole this photo from the internet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Who wouldn’t feel frisky when the 2 of you are in a secluded
crag, surrounded by the beauty of nature? The twitter pated birds are singing.
The romance of being in love while sharing and doing something that you both
enjoy is in the air. Well, keep those pants on and place your hands on the rocks, not
your belaying partner. Save that lust for later "in-tents".</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBU3J6LUI5g/T-tsW-BtFbI/AAAAAAAAFf8/AYbOftrWAqs/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBU3J6LUI5g/T-tsW-BtFbI/AAAAAAAAFf8/AYbOftrWAqs/s200/IMG_3077.JPG" width="200" /></a> 10. Dehydration.</div>
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‘Nuff said. </div>
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That's all I can come up with, as I've experienced every one of them at least once. So, please enlighten me with your stories. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556398475077998558.post-71616638050869752332012-05-07T10:39:00.005-07:002014-05-11T12:17:13.398-07:00Climbing in Blue Mounds State Park, MNMy climbing partners and I are always looking for new crags to climb. In Minnesota, especially around the Twin Cities, there are several popular climbing areas, such as Taylors Falls, Red Wings, Willow River SP, Palasades Head, the North Shore, etc... They often become the "outdoor" climbing gyms on the weekends and almost no routes available if you haven't gotten there at the break of dawn already. So, a month ago, on a random weekend, we decided to check out Blue Mound State Park with no other expectations but to have another "rocking" climbin-experience.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxkY7gk_uwE/T6f89vIvkLI/AAAAAAAAFaE/_U1rbIkWmfI/s1600/20120331_104935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxkY7gk_uwE/T6f89vIvkLI/AAAAAAAAFaE/_U1rbIkWmfI/s640/20120331_104935.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous lone tree across from the Prairie Walls. (Blue Mounds State Park)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z3kINR0B6Q/T6f7Y4qb8TI/AAAAAAAAFZc/7K9paw6n-W0/s1600/20120331_105057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z3kINR0B6Q/T6f7Y4qb8TI/AAAAAAAAFZc/7K9paw6n-W0/s640/20120331_105057.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a><i> </i><br />
<i>The Prairie Walls</i></div>
<br />
Most climbers, who have heard or been to Blue Mounds, know that it lies off County Road 20, just 4 miles outside of Luverne (a small town in the southwest corner of Minnesota). It is nothing but the 100 foot quartzite cliffs appear among the endless grass filled prairie, featuring 50-60 foot walls with over 200 climbs. Without any bolted routes, the crag hosts numerous of boulder problems, trad and TR climbing with various difficulty from 5.5 to 5.12. Camping, swimming, biking, birdwatching are also enjoyable after a sweaty 80-degree climbing day.<br />
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFuKjnRpWUs/T6f7v96zdBI/AAAAAAAAFZs/pv6BF3n_qew/s1600/20120331_110734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFuKjnRpWUs/T6f7v96zdBI/AAAAAAAAFZs/pv6BF3n_qew/s320/20120331_110734.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUXF2pqJ_Mw/T6f7tdi_GCI/AAAAAAAAFZk/pzipj6jjohw/s1600/20120331_110555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUXF2pqJ_Mw/T6f7tdi_GCI/AAAAAAAAFZk/pzipj6jjohw/s320/20120331_110555.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Leaving at 6 in the morning, our arrival 4 hours later was surprised by the empty crag. Not a single human here. This is the one time opportunity to set two TR anchors between 3-4 climbs without feeling guilty and unethical for hogging them all. The walls are pretty simple to find and easy to get around. We put 4 climbs in and took our sweet time gazing at a few shameless quarter-sized spiders within the cracks, while the blazing sun amongst the plains reflects against our skin. I made friends with the lovely cacti real quick afterwards. Nature is what makes climbing more exciting, right?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzVIk3X2X9w/T6f-NonmFmI/AAAAAAAAFas/OygzQBVC7lk/s1600/20120331_140358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzVIk3X2X9w/T6f-NonmFmI/AAAAAAAAFas/OygzQBVC7lk/s320/20120331_140358.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
Four hours of driving distance between the Twin Cities to Luverne, it made more
sense to us that spending the night here in BMSP for the
convenience, and awesomeness. A few hours of climbing went by and still not a human in sight. Starving our faces off, we decided to go check out our camp site, set up some of our camping gear while enjoying the short lunch break. We came back out to the crag around 4 pm, set our anchor on a 5.9 wall, put 2-3 climbs in as the sun was setting behind the prairie, and called it the day.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsdEZF7dSPQ/T6f9akxbjzI/AAAAAAAAFac/gzFjO8Hv8Z0/s1600/20120317_080833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsdEZF7dSPQ/T6f9akxbjzI/AAAAAAAAFac/gzFjO8Hv8Z0/s400/20120317_080833.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There is nothing better than ending a hard climbing day by
crawling into your sleeping bag after sharing and devouring several delicious beer
brats on a camp fire.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpa9r2FPO0/T6gDwMS3RYI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/pCTRE8BV1Jk/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpa9r2FPO0/T6gDwMS3RYI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/pCTRE8BV1Jk/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, Blue Mounds needs more climbers. Its quartzite is similar to the rocks at Devils Lake, WI. If you haven't been to Blue Mounds yet, you're missing out. As fancy as it looks, you will find these routes to be pleasantly challenging of all grades. These rocks deserve to be gracefully touched more often by many dirty climbers' fingers, along with more admiration by the outdoorsy enthusiasts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjykiesp5Og/T6f-xKA13nI/AAAAAAAAFa8/rXZjNohW8g8/s1600/blue+mounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjykiesp5Og/T6f-xKA13nI/AAAAAAAAFa8/rXZjNohW8g8/s640/blue+mounds.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie Wall @ Blue Mounds State Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that you've been itching to have your hands all over the Mounds, go to <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/blue-mounds/362146" target="_blank">the Summit Post </a>and/or <a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/blue-mounds-sp-luverne/105812716" target="_blank">Mountain Project</a> for information on how to get here. This Memorial weekend, our plan is to come back here for the 2nd visit, and it will be a bigger group of friends and climbers for 3 days of climbing and 3 nights of beer and brats. Hope to see you there.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7Luverne, MN 56156, USA43.6541362 -96.212807143.631159200000006 -96.252289100000013 43.6771132 -96.1733251