August 7, 2010 - Redcloud Peak 14,034 ft - It was a 4 1/2 drive from Littleton to Lake City on Friday afternoon. However, it
took another hour in fast fading light to get to the trailhead where I camped out in my jeep for an early morning climb – to what I thought
was going to be Redcloud and Sunshine peaks.
This hike was unique for me because during this trip, I had several 'Oh shit!' moments. It started with the drive to the trailhead which
was 16 miles from the main road south of Lake City. About 11 miles into it, the road became what is classified as a shelf road – basically
a single vehicle width road carved like a shelf along the side of the mountain. As I drove – very carefully mind you – in what was now
pitch darkness, I could hear the stream far below. My heart was in my mouth as I went over potholes and boulders in the road that made
the jeep lean – too much for my liking. Oh shit – I don’t like this drive but I made it and promptly downed the only beer I packed for the
celebration AFTER the hike.
At the time I took this shot, much further up the valley and started the ascent to the ridge, I took this shot – to my right – at what I
thought was the summit. I found out a little later that this was just a false summit. When hiking 14ers, coming at the peak from below
you climb to what looks like the summit only to be disappointed that you haven’t gotten to the real peak yet.
|
