On 19-21 July I hiked to Wheeler Peak for the sixth time, I think. (First pictures I have are from 1994) Love this trek and that mountain. I'll have my ashes scattered there.
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| 1994 Wheeler Peak Group |
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| Campsite at Lost Lake |
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| Jon and Jeff at Lost Lake |
The three of us left Riverside Lodge in Red River about 0700 Friday morning. After stopping by Major Bean for coffee and sausage/cheese biscuit, we got to the Middle Fork Trailhead about 0800. The weather was ideal, and my legs were okay after Gold Hill the day before.
We got to the "half-way meadow" by 0900 and texted Kim, who had left for home the day before. I found out we needed a new AC unit at the house back home. Ended up calling Kim, texting a friend to get a friend’s number for a framer to lay boards in the attic, and buying a new unit to be installed Monday. All at 10,000 ft. of elevation! (Not really a break you want from life in the city while on the trail.)
The trail from the meadow to Lost Lake is one of my favorite. Walking through the valley on the single track trail and rock falls make for a pleasurable and relatively easy ascent. There are places to stop in the shadows of pines that make for ideal rest stops. The panoramic view rivals some in CO.
Got to Lost Lake, picked a camp site, set up my tent, and took a nap in my hammock. My site was above Jon and Jeff’s and was isolated both nights. Wind was very high off the lake and kept us up in the night.
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| Lost Lake |
Started a fire, walked halfway around the lake with Jeff, and came back to freeze dried dinners. Fellowship was good. Really like these guys, and we never had an awkward or contentious moment. They have all the gear you would need and were always happy to share.
Went to bed about 20:00, but the howling wind and no sleeping pad made for a long night. The full moon was like a car headlight shinning in my tent. After a short night, we hit the trail by 0800.
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| Horseshoe Lake |
The trail from Lost Lake to Horseshoe Lake is as scenic and comfortable as from meadow to Lost Lake. Deeper forest with rock falls and a waterfall add to the beauty. The wind calmed down and Horseshoe Lake was still. Patches of snow dotted the slopes falling into the lake. Campers weathered the wind and exposure the night before and waved as we trudged by them. Stopped at the overflow bridge and pumped filtered water.
The trail out of Horseshoe Lake is the most difficult to the summit. It is steep with loose walk. The view of HL from the top of the trail shows why the lake is named like it is.
The “freeway” from the top of HL to the ridge to Wheeler Peak is a respirate from the HL climb before the climb from the ridge to the summit. Smooth with a gradual incline spotted with marmots and marmot holes.
We made the summit and joined the ten or so Saturday hikers. Dogs and sky runners were unique additions to the trip up. Signed the notebook, took pictures, rested and FaceTimed Kim. Little to no wind. That surprised us after the wind the night before and that morning.
Met a couple from NM, who knew all the peaks around WP, and a guy from Ohio, who was hitting the highest peak in every state. Always a different group of folks on the peaks
By the time I woke up, the rain had stopped, and we gathered below to visit. Started a fire at 16:30 with a goal to keep it burning until 21:00 so it will be dark when we went to our tents. Goal attained. Also, instant mashed potatoes!! A must from now on.
Great fire and conversation before bed. I slept so well with only one bio break about 01:30. Woke up, took down the tent, packed my pack and went down to join J&J for a breakfast of a shot of G7 coffee and instant oatmeal. We used their Jet Boils and filtering systems (Sawyer and Katadyn). Not sure where my Katadyn went. Loaned it to someone, I guess.
Broke camp by 0740 and headed down to the car. Weather was ideal. Stopped on the valley trail down to worship the Creator of this beauty and power. Valley below and sunshine thru the clouds above. Cool breeze, green foliage, sweet smells of the forest, feet in the earth, eyes to the sky, heart connected to God. Truly an awe-inspired moment.
Got to the car by 10:00. Met Billie and Betty Ann at Major Bean for coffee and a muffin. Spit bath and change of clothes at the Convention Center and on the road by 11:00. Had to throw away the bandana I used for the spit bath. It was radio-active.
A fabulous trip that satisfied my wanderlust and desire for adventure. With the Gold Hill climb on Thursday I had enough to satisfy me. And with these guys made it even better.
Headed home to a full inbox of emails and Kim’s Sewing Kamp at our house all week.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of this trip. The beauty of Creation still moves my soul and refreshes my spirit like few other things you have provided.
I’m ready for the run to Christmas.