Tuesday morning, quite of few of us set out to hike Mt. Princeton, one of Colorado’s 14ners (meaning the mountain is over 14,000 feet). Some stayed back with the little girls.
Five thirty we left the cabin and drove to the trailhead. At that point, we dropped the van, and loaded into Christopher’s truck to drive up further. From the research done, we were planning on parking at the radio towers. It took us almost an hour to drive up the single lane, rocky, rough road, but we made it.
We weren’t totally sure what to expect of the terrain, although most of the group, except for the girls and Jesse, had hiked a 14er before.
At 7 a.m. we left Christopher’s truck, and the first forty minutes was quite easy, just walking along a dirt road. Then, we left the road and followed a path through a meadow. We soon hit a rock field, and we spent the remainder of the hike having to place each footstep among the rocks. Most of the time, we could see the summit in view.
We spent hours going across rock fields, but we pressed on. Around 11, we were on our final ascent. It was literally hand-over-hand as we climbed up the rocks. It would still not be considered a “technical” climb at all by those experienced, but for us it was difficult.
In our final ascent, the rest of the group got ahead, and I suddenly became fearful and told Dad I was done. I couldn’t imagine how we would get back down. I thought I would just sit on the rocks and wait for the others. Looking down all I saw was steep rocks, and looking up was still a hand over hand climb. Dad gently talked me through the situation, encouraging me that the rocks were solid and not slippery, and we would do it together. I needed to keep my eyes only on the rocks near me, not looking up or down, but move on, one “step” at a time. I took Dad’s encouragement and pressed on, and I’m glad I did :-). It reminds me of a spiritual analogy. If we set our focus on our past, we can become discouraged. If we look to the future, we can also get concerned. We have to focus on what the Lord has for us right now!
The summit was gorgeous, beautiful, amazing! We spent about a half hour on top, taking pictures and talking. Several others had also made the climb, and so we had company up there, and one man took a group picture for us. It was a wonderful experience.
It took around three and a half hours to hike back to the truck and about another hour down in Christopher’s truck to the van. It was a very long day and everyone was exhausted. Well, actually, the boys had far more energy left than some of us.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalms 19:1
That is a great analogy, Sarah! So glad to hear you made it… that is quite the climb!!! It looks like the Lord has blessed you all with beautiful weather!
Praying for your family!
Samantha
I have a terrible fear of heights, so I would NEVER have made it like you all did (and good for you, Sarah, taking a break and then pushing through!). What beautiful scenery — the photos are breathtaking! The oxygen level must have been challenging at such an altitude. A long day for sure, but probably lots of sound sleepers that night! Congratulations on such a challenging hike!
I am very glad you pressed on, Sarah! The pictures are great…but I’m sure being there in real life would be much more exciting!
I am exhausted just reading about your trek! Sounds like you are having a great time in the mountains. Be sure to wave to my hometown as you drive home.
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Home now and yes, we did wave. Smile.
Steve
Amazing hike. I am so in awe of your diligence and energy to make a hike like this, and I love the pictures at the summit–no a one of you looks dusty, or sunburn pink, or the least bit tired. Whay fun it would be to hike God’s mountains with you.
So fun to see your wonderful trip through your pictures. Prayers for a the remainder for your time in Colorado and safe travels home.
Blessings, Mrs. Mari
WOW! What a hike! Pushups? That must have been difficult! It’s a good thing you physically prepared for this trip! God knew you’d need it!
Looks like you are having wonderful autumn-type weather! I can’t wait to be feeling it! I’m looking forward to autumn!
Been praying for you! Have a safe trip home! God bless! Rebecca K.
I am so impressed! And the girls did it in skirts! Again, spectacular photography!
Thank you for sharing your vacation with us. We are blessed.
Amazing pictures! What a wonferful adventure! What does the sign say that you are holding in the group picture? It’s too small for me to see.
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Mt. Princeton
I must ask, what does the sign you are holding up say?
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Mt Princeton. We had just taken a picture for three men who climbed it just prior to us and they carried up a little sign for their picture. It makes it easier when sorting pictures later. They offered it to us for our photo and we accepted.
Steve