Lone Peak July 10, 2009

Climbed Lone Peak with Bishop Moffat, Nate Stubbs and Jason Briggs. This time I brought my GPS watch so it was a much smoother ride down. I didn't get lost and it was nice to not have to bushwhack. Very enjoyable hike with some good company. I usually like to solo, but it was nice to have some company. We took it nice and easy this time and it was a nice change to my usual frantic pace when I am alone. I think we left at 6:30ish and were back at 5ish. I was glad I was able to provide some support to the three others. I had a water filter which came in handy as well as the GPS. We got everyone to the top after a bit of guided stepping in the exposed part. Overall a great day in an incredibly beautiful place.

Lone Peak June 19, 2009

Conquered Lone peak for the first time. Unbelievable experience that gave me a rush that is hard to describe. I woke up at 5:00 and headed out solo which Amy isn't extremely fond of but it is something I love to do. Everything was smooth on the way up except for the icy snow. It had frozen the night before and I could not dig my feet in. Luckily I had brought my crampons which were invaluable on this hike. I put them on early as there was still quite a bit of snow. I was actually surprised at how much snow was still on the mountain. The final 100 yards on the ridge line were intense. I never felt like I was in extreme danger or I would have turned back. I did realize if I slipped I would have gone off a cliff. The snow was solid and my footing was extremely solid with the crampons...so I kept going. I summited at 8:08. I spent a few minutes on top but was anxious to get off the summit and the exposed ridge. I went slow off the top taking not just baby steps but half baby steps in one particular scary spot. Made it off the ridge without incident and continued the descent. Everything was good until I got off the trail, or I should say lost the cairns marking the trail. I got to low on the mountain and ended up bush whacking my way back until I hooked up with the Jacobs Ladder trail near the bottom. That wasn't a fun experience and it probably cost me an hour or more. I made it back by 11:00. 12 miles, 5500 ft ascent. Great way to spend a morning!