Mount Shevano is the one that the line of snow appears to point to the peak.
Day 2 we were up early to hit the trail on our ambitious route with our full packs (!). The plan was to take the Colorado trail for about 5-6 miles and then get on a different trail to eventually head to the Mount Shevano peak.
Beautiful Aspen trees against the blue sky.
So, we were off and walking single file through the beautiful trail -- getting water from the streams and pumping it or treating it so we could drink it and taking breaks so we could breathe and get somewhat used to the altitude. We were so used to walking in single file I was convinced we'd eventually get back to reality and continue this trend! Anyway, our main leader ended up getting some serious blisters about 4 miles in which altered our original route and was, I'd say, an answer to prayer! Although he was in pain and struggling, it was good for the rest of us and for us to change our plan to head back toward the van and take the main trail to Mount Shevano.
Resting at the stream.
So, after stopping at a beautiful stream to rest and dip our feet in the freezing water, we hiked the 4 miles back to a base camp for supper and then 5 of us continued up the hill to find a place to camp about a half mile away. This section was the most grueling of the whole trip because we were tired already and the amount of elevation gain we had to climb while being exhausted from the day and while wearing our full packs was almost more than I could bare! But we made it to a really cute camping spot at about 10,000 feet elevation that had a fire pit all set up so that made up for it.
Day 3 was summit day! Our goal was slow and steady and even that was hard! We were able to leave our big packs in our tents and carried only a day pack with long sleeves and water and even that was difficult! I think we had 4 miles to the peak with a 4,000 foot elevation gain! Every single step was uphill and it just got harder the higher we got! This is above tree line, people!! When we were at the tree line, we stopped for a bite to eat (and to have a last pee, of course) and this crazy lady RAN by us! She was running to the summit and looked fresh! It was ridiculous! Meanwhile, we hit the trail and literally have to stop every 50 step (if that) to catch our breath! Like, I was seriously huffing and puffing as if I've never exercised a day in my life!
Just about above tree line...!
The view was amazing...and the peak was quite cold but what an accomplishment! Going down was almost harder than going up...a whole different set of muscles plus your toes are pushed to the front of your shoes! Not only that but the whole way down you can't believe that you already went the other direction! I couldn't remember more than half of the route because I was so focused on my feet!
I was beyond exhausted when we got back to camp and could barely sit down by the fire -- my body was in a whole new state of hurt! I guess I could sit, I just had a serious problem getting up! I was so excited to get back to Kansas and to have a shower and sleep in a bed...and use a toilet, I'm not going to lie! Back to the bus by Sunday morning and after a big breakfast in Salida, CO we were on the road again!
What a trip and what an experience! It took me until Wednesday to be able to go downstairs without any pain! Oh joys!
Ah, the summit!