My first Fourteener & not my last!!!

July 19, 2008

"FOURTEENER"
MT. ELBERT

Mt Elbert is the third highest mt in the United States and the highest in Colorado (beating out 50+ other peaks) . Mt Elbert's peak is at the elevation of 14, 433 ft.

The day finally arrived for the hike of my life. I have been training since April with great anticipation. My group consisted of 10 women and 2 men ranging from the age of 29 to 65 yrs old. We took off Friday night, stayed in a cabin, went for dinner and retired to bed early. We woke up early at 4:45, left at 5:15 and got to the trail head by 6:00am. It was 6:30 am and the hike began.

The first half reminded me of the kind of hiking I grew up with in Seattle WA. Being surrounded by huge green pine trees and walking on dirt and roots. Colorado Hiking is very different than what I'm used too, but it's just as beautiful. Once we hit the timberline we were able to see a clear view of the bright blue sky. It was perfect weather to be out hiking, I could not have asked for a better day.

About 2/3 of the way up I started to feel the effects of the elevation. I had to slow down, drink more water(which I thought I was drinking alot already), and take more breaks (oh, and eat). Getting elevation sickness was one of my worries before starting, yet I didn't let it stop me. It took me 5 hrs to get up and 3 to get down. Yes, it took me longer but I reached my ultimate goal.

THE TOP!!

I made it!!!!Pole of Victory!

My life savers who nursed me back to health so I could finish!!! Thank you!!

Some of us on the summit!
As you can see, on top of the summit there was still some snow, it just added to the beauty.... Check out the views!

This hike will stay with me forever. It was one of the neatest experiences I've had. When I was sick, I kept asking myself, " why am I doing this? What made me want to do this? After the sickness passed, I was feeling great. I was on "top of the world". In fact I had so much energy on the way down, I ran some of the it!!! This was my first FOURTEENER but it's not my last. Jay and I are planning to hike Mt. Beirstadt sometime in September. Anyone want to join us, let us know!!!

Circus Circus in G.J.

Circus Circus came to Grand Junction last weekend. The elephants were the kids favorite act. Pretty amazing huh! Well I take that back. Jayden REALLY enjoyed the clowns. He was laughing pretty hard. Jay and I actually really enjoyed it too. Although, I'm not sure I enjoyed the circus more or seeing the happiness on my kids faces. You're never too old for the circus. Jayden and Aleah are pretty reserved and shy for the most part. (in public) Yet it's fun to see them grow and come out of their shells alittle. A year ago you would not have found them taking a picture with clowns(with alittle help) or riding on ponies.

This our first picture as a family since Cache was born 27 months ago. This summer we plan to get an offical one taken.
Some friends we went to the circus with. Teyah (Aleah's best friend) and Ryder (little bro.) Longtin.

Baseball Star(S)

Last night Jayden had a T-ball game. He loves it. Infact when he got his team shirt the kid wouldn't give it up. He wore it for his game, then slept in it, wore it to school the next day, wore it to bed again. He wanted to wear it to school again, but I had to draw the line. We're really glad to see he is enjoying it (ESPECIALLY JAY). Every dad wants their son to play baseball. Here are some shots!!!

After the game we headed to the car. When I turned around to check on Cache this is what I saw.
Cache is a baseball star already, or so he thinks!!

Our future Paleontologist

This past week, Jayden's class had a career day. They were to dress up as what they want to be when they grow-up. If you ask Jayden what he wants to be, he'll say"I want to be a PALEONTOLOGIST, a scientist who studies dinosaur fossils." The kid knows his stuff. I've actually learned a lot, listening to him read. Whenever we go to the library, he goes straight to the dinosaur shelf. He's only 7, so things can change, but I think it would be pretty neat if he ended up doing what he's always dreamed of. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS SON, I LOVE YOU.