Last Day of Summer - Friday the 21st Sept - Square Top Mountain A (13,794) and Argentine Peak (13,738) & attacked by Alpine Chickens!:
I was in the mood for something different, something new. Some peaks that were off the radar and lacking any true trail. Not really sure why I choose these peaks but I'm glad I did.
(Argentine & Square Top from Kenosha Pass)
Parking just north of Guanella Pass at the Silver Dollar Lake Trailhead, I was off just before 7:00am. Elevation at roughly 11,200 feet and temps at 30 degrees and I was smacked with the reality that today would be all about going very slow.
After 10 mins on an established trail, I would spend the next 2 hours and 45 minutes off-piste. Temps were actually fine but the wind along Square Top were harsh. Things thankfully calmed down comfortably once I made my way to Argentine.
(Square Top after 1,000 feet of scrabling in 1/2 mile)
(Love Shack near the top of Argentine)
After Argentine, I had planned on climbing near by Mt Wilcox, but I just wasn't in the mood. I was having fun taking pictures, enjoying the views and moving slowly. Plus I wanted to get home and just relax.
(Last hint of summer in the high country)
More off-piste traversing and I was finally on an established trail with just under 2 miles to go back to the car. Up to this point all I'd seen was some falcon type bird flying around high above 13,000 feet. With a mile to go, I came across some hikers. Maybe 10 yards in front of me. All of a sudden a huge swarm of Alpine Chickens (1/2 dozen White Tailed Ptarmigans) came popping out of who knows what. One of them clipping me. A hiker screamed as she was scared I was going to get eaten alive. I was just like WTF! but not really effected by the encounter. I was more peeved that this was the best shot I could get of 2 of them feathery bastards.
Something like 8.5 miles (6.5 off trail), 3,800 feet of vert in 3 hours 15 mins.
First Day of Fall - Saturday the 22nd of Sept - Enjoying the Denver Marathon:
For the second straight year, the Denver Marathon came within feet of my home (Mile 20). An early and easy 9 miles and I was kicking it with my neighbors drinking coffee, mimosa's, IPAs and grubbing on breakfast burritos as we watched all the marathoners run by.
My neighbor plays in a band and their group of bag pipes and drums was so much better then anything offered up on the course.
(Yes, there was a "Thank You Very Much"!)
There was even a ultra trail runner sighting! In true trail running fashion, CB took a wrong turn and got lost for many, many miles putting him at like mile 34, 20 miles into the marathon. I of course kid (about getting lost, not the miles) and CB was looking strong out there!
Sunday the 23rd of Sept - Colorado Trail West of Kenosha Pass:
Last weekend I drove over Kenosha Pass with the family and the colors were amazing. Thought it would be fun for an easy and slow out and back along the Colorado Trail. A section I had never been on.
(Mt Goyut - On of my favorite peaks around)
The colors were peak last weekend but the views were still stunning this morning. The trail is absolutely amazing and I was all alone for a majority of my run. The perks of starting early!
( I believe I just found a long run for next spring)
