Backpacking!

It's backpacking time again!

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year. This Wednesday, Mitch and I leave for Denver for a week! Saturday and Sunday we are camping at Rocky Mountain National Park. Last year we did the Fern Lake trail. This year we are doing the Lawn Lake trail.

Stats:
- 6.2 miles to campsite from trailhead
- 2,447 feet of vertical
- 11,000 feet at camp site
- 13,500 feet max elevation on Day 2

To train for this, I have been lifting weights, running, hiking on an inclined treadmill with a loaded backpack, and breaking in my new boots at work. This hike is about twice as long as last year's trail. Day 1 will be getting to the campsite. It could take us about 4 hours, but we're definitely not going for speed. Day 2 we will be climbing to the Hagues and Mummy Mountain in the Mummy Range at Rocky Mountain National Park. Both peaks top out around 13,500 feet! On Day 3 we will hike out. Like last year, I will definitely be taking lots of pictures!

Backpacking is challenging, to say the least! The packs weigh about 30-40 pounds. We are required to carry bear canisters which are big, bulky, plastic containers. Other than that, you've obviously got your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, toiletries, food, etc... all on your back while walking up a big hill! We're going 3 days before the hike so we have time to acclimatize. Living at sea level makes us pretty susceptible to altitude sickness. So far I haven't had a problem with that on all my trips to Colorado. Aside from that, I think the only other thing I'm concerned about is getting blisters from my boots. :)

Looks like the weather will be perfect! High's in the 60's/70's and lows in the 30's! We'll stop at REI in Denver before the hike to get some freeze dried meals for breakfast and dinner. I actually think they are really good! But there's nothing like your first big meal when you get done camping. Granola bars just don't cut it after 3 days in the wild.

I think I'm most excited about climbing the peaks! Last year we climbed to the base of Ptarmigan Glacier, and then tried to also climb up Flattop Mountain but it was far and we didn't make it all the way up to the top. We had to turn around 300 feet from the summit in order to get back to the campsite before dark. It also rained on us the whole hike back. It was kind of a miserable hike, but in a crazy way it was also invigorating. So my big request this year was to be able to climb at least one peak. The tallest peak in Rocky Mountain is Long's Peak. Mitch has told me so much about it! He has tried to summit Long's twice but different things have happened with the weather each time that have prevented him from making it to the top. I think we're working our way up to that for next year. It's a very long and difficult trail.

Last week we watched "180 South" to get pumped up! I really liked the movie! Here are some of my favorite quotes:

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

It takes a while to detach from your schedule back home into the rhythm of what's around you.

The adventure starts when everything goes wrong.

It's hard leaving a place I really connect with. I tell myself I'll be back, but I know there's a good chance I won't.

Regarding a book called "Conquistadors of the Useless": Climbing isn't useless. I learn something every time!

This is what makes the climb... this crap [rough terrain]... We could take a helicopter, but that's cheating.

Another thing I'm looking forward to on this trip is using Mitch's new GPS watch! When we get back, I will be able to post a picture showing the trail we walked and all the details!

Only 2 days and 4 hours until the flight!