I can’t tell you how amazing our time is here in the mountains! And the weather. I’m still marveling. We’ve not had a year with such perfect weather for quite some time.

Anyway, Monday morning, Mary’s 21st birthday, we set out for Mount Yale. The temperatures allowed for just a light jacket to begin with, which is totally perfect.

We enjoy talking while we hike, but sometimes quietness is just the thing too. Eating is essential to keep the energy going! 

You might even have multiple pictures going at once.

Look at those puffy clouds!

It’s hard to describe the feeling one has watching the sun hit the surrounding mountains with its cheerful rays as you hike.

This is how deceiving distance can be when climbing. I’m actually pointing to Mt. Yale! But we were still a long way off.

It’s also a fun past time to keep track of hikers who are ahead of us on the trail, and see what progress they’re making, or to chat with them in passing.

We’re very grateful for all the work organizations have done on the trails (like 14ers.com). Often, steep sections will be easier because of switchbacks. Here the family is climbing up the switchback before the saddle. After a break on the saddle, we begin the final ascent.

The last stretch is bouldering. Basically climbing over large rocks. The nice part about this summit is these rocks are stable.

Jesse on the summit!

Beside August 21st being my sweet sister’s birthday, this year was also known for the big solar eclipse event. Christopher kindly gave us those special glasses to wear, so we each stuck one in our packs. Up on the summit, other hikers thoroughly enjoyed our glasses too and were often borrowing them to check on the progress of the eclipse. I have to say those glasses weren’t made for fashion: but they do the job! As the eclipse progressed, the shadows changed, and the light dimmed too. We can all agree that experiencing the eclipse on the mountain really was a highlight!

You honestly can’t see anything else with those glasses beside the sun!

Junior Mints are the best summit food!

My parents are incredible, hiking a 14er!

Our family on the summit.

Coming back down, we took our time. Even though storm clouds built behind us, we didn’t get caught in a storm. Such a blessing!

I said fuel was essential. Energy bars (such as Clif bars) are great, but hey, snack mix is really great too, oh, and those mini York mints!

All in all, Mount Yale is a great 14er hike!

More adventures coming. Stay tuned.

Love,
Sarah

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
Psalm 8:3-4