The Top of Colorado
On our last full day in Colorado Brent and I set out for Mount Elbert. At 14,433 feet it is the highest peak in Colorado. Only Mount Whitney in California is higher in the lower 48 states. It is not the hardest, but it seemed like a fitting way to end the trip by making it to the top of Colorado. The trail was 5 miles long with 4,300 feet of elevation gain.
The South Mount Elbert trailhead.
Self portrait at the trailhead after running straight down the mountain in 1 hour flat. It was the hottest day of the trip and I still hardly broke a sweat.
Picture of Mount Elbert on the right and South Mount Elbert not the left. Picture taken from large open meadow just above tree line.
Picture of the summit from higher up.
Another summit photo. If you look carefully, you can see someone standing on top (dot in center).
Picture of Mount Massive from the summit. Mount Massive sits only 12 feet lower but has a very impressive 3 mile summit ridge with several false summits as you can see.
Brent and I at the top. I made it in 2 hours and 20 minutes. The trail was the best graded I have been on so far.
Picture of me on top pointing to La Plata Peak(center left). Since I forgot the camera yesterday, this will have to do. You can also see the gentle ridge leading down and to the left to South Mount Elbert.
View west back towards Independence pass and Aspen.
Panoramic photo from the summit.
While Drew and Brent were hiking, the rest of us were just enjoying another spectacular day at the ranch.
This was my view from under the tree where I was sprawled out on the grass reading my book after lunch.
After naps and rest time, we continued our Olympic games. The kids and dads built towers. We had to declare a tie between the Fountains and Adkersons on this one :).
Avi and Drew didn't do so hot in the tallest tower game, but she had fun nonetheless!
The guys had to play blindfolded horse shoes. Brent ended up winning and actually got VERY close to the pole.
We played a game of girls against boys beach ball volleyball. The boys ended up winning by ONE point!
Avi and Emily got SO excited about putting up the tent.
They both did an excellent job of helping Drew put the tent up so they could sleep in it.
Jack and Joe put up the Fountain tent, and they all had a blast playing in the tents.
This is James and Aileen, the caretakers/managers at the ranch. I cannot even begin to describe how amazing these two wonderful people are and how unbelievable they made our trip. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our trip the best vacation ever!
Emily and Avi were ready to spend the night in the tent...they stayed up until after 10:30 shining the flash light, but they had the time of their lives! Such fun memories they made!
Can you ask for a better backdrop for camping?
And yes, Avi, Emily, Jack & Joe made it ALL night in the tents. Drew slept with the girls and Brent slept with the boys. SO proud of them!!
I am SO tickled that ya'll had such a great time!!! The pictures are awesome! Can't wait to see ya'll tonight!
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