Last summer Jesse, the kiddos, and I took a trip to Colorado to climb one of the state's famous 14ers (peaks over 14,000 feet above sea level). We met some friends (James and his sons, Benny and George, and Robert and his daughter, Kailis) in Montrose and headed to the Uncompagre wilderness.
We hiked two miles from the trail head and set up camp near a beautiful stream (where the Katadyn came in very handy) among the blooming mountain bluebells and columbines. The next morning we rose early and started hiking after our breakfast. Above the treeline the wildlife became much more interesting. We observed many marmots and pikas going about their business.
At around 12,000 feet, oxygen starts getting a bit scarce. The wind blows incessantly and cold, yet amazingly there is thriving life. Around the patches of scraggly, low-growing flowers, there were droves of butterflies hopping along the ground. They could not fly in the wind, making them easy for little hands to catch. We took a little break and watched the butterflies--happily making their living in that harsh and incredible environment.
It was these delicate little butterflies that made the final climb to the top just a little easier for me. If they can do it, anyone can (: We successfully summitted Redcloud Peak that day, and made some pretty great lifelong memories.
I canNOT wait for summertime and the opportunity to visit many more 14ers and the amazing alpine. I am thoroughly, officially addicted.
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