Greys Peak
Somewhere along the way, I decided I should be punished for having a birthday. For many years this was in the form of an epic hangover filled with fuzzy memories. I have substituted the alcohol for mountains, but regardless, the next day I'm still left feeling completely exhausted and spent, but the difference is the memories are crisp and always filled with smiles.
My sister in law, Jasmin (Jas) and I decided about a month ago for August 30 to accomplish Grey's Peak. I had already climbed Grey's sister Torrey's Peak, but failed to grab Grey's as well. Many people do these in one day, I doubt I will ever be so cool as to grab both in one day and I'm so okay with it.
The night before I wanted to bail on this adventure so badly and I was dragging my feet getting ready for it. I had so much to do at home, and 1,000 other excuses and reasons to not go. Lately I have just been overwhelmed and drowning in work without a break (there are worse things in life) but I knew once I got there I would really appreciate the break. Just a day off from everything and the chance to just be. I even left my good camera at home and just used my cell phone. So when that alarm went off at 2:30am, I dragged myself out of bed and met Jas in Morrison at 4am and we headed up to attempt and tackle my 4th and her 2nd 14'er.
We got there and it was pitch black. Which is awesome, because even thought I'm an "adult" you should know, I'm terrified of the dark. I'm 100% convinced that once it goes dark, someone is in the corner ready to kill me. (I know, dramatic). But we went on and no one was killed so it was a solid win. I will say one of my favorite things in life is watching the night fade to day. You can't beat the colors or the promise of a new day. Here is my little week day adventure:
"Oh the possibilities...bears, goats, murder....sigh..."
The last of the stars, although I'm pretty sure this was Venus. I'm no astromomer so I could be totally wrong.
It was in this moment, that I was happy that I didn't bail and I could finally breath (albeit thin air) and let go my stress.
Torrey's Peak, with that gorgeous alpen glow. My favorite! Also, I believe this would be a pretty epic place for an engagement or elopement wedding!!
Jas, not freaking out about the distance to the top, like someone was (me). She is one of the strongest, bad ass women I know. I have always admired her get out there and get it attitude.
Here comes the sun.
There was something about this cliff I could not get enough of, and I could not quit staring.
Oh hey. We're just casually hanging out on this rock....totally natural.
This pile of rock is called a Cairn. They help mark the trail along the way. Although the trial to Grey's is pretty clearly marked, I have been on a couple where it's questionable.
And here is that ridge again....okay I will stop.
This is the part where the top is pretty close, but the air is pretty thin and so although it is within reach, it is the hardest part of the hike.
#4 in the bag!
Jas celebrating her second peak with a beer.
Hours of hiking up and down, 30 minutes on the top and the view is worth every single step!
Fall is starting to show it's face. I didn't think I was ready for it, but when you see the reds, you can't help but wish for a pumpkin spiced latte and some yoga pants....wait...I do yoga pants year round. (Don't judge!)
Just thinking about life and it's meaning. Just kidding I took a stupid selfie. I'm an idiot.
At the summit were these HUGE black ravens. I initially thought they were crows, which I associate with a bad omen, so when I saw this guy I had to pick him up to counter act bad juju.
Some fall color love.
Toward the bottom, the wildflowers and summer were still hanging on.
The beginning of the trail, which I hadn't seen in the morning.
I love this bridge. You find it at the beginning of Torrey's and Grays. It's the bridge to adventure, excitement, hard work, maybe self-doubt, and if you are lucky you end it with knowing you did something you weren't sure you were going to be able to!