Stats: 1,523 feet vertical climbed, max elevation 11,340 feet. (new goal – average 1,500 vertical climbed per day. Some days will be more, some days might be none, but that's a general average. Seems doable.)
It's good to get up early and wander the hills. Even though the snow is marginal right now, there are still things to do. Like basically, get in shape for May and June, which in my book is the real ski season anyhow. Here in Colorado, January is more of a dip and dab month, poking in trees and maybe doing a tour. I think I might do a winter ascent up South Arapaho on this route next week if the weather holds. Toss in some running shoes and blaze up the long stretches of tundra. Anyway, here are a few images – it was Stella's first day above timberline!
Storm clouds loom to the south.
Eldora Mountain…ahem…Resort.
Dog follows man across tundra.
Dog continues to follow man…for better or for worse.
Stella looking very husky-like.
Tromping around above timberline, skis, a cool dog and an iPod. Good reason to smile.
Stella trying to contain her excitement about being above timberline.
Mountain dog!
Jasper (left) and Neva (right) beckon for May.
After we climbed the pass with the Sherpas, we dropped our packs and
scrambled to an outcropping where we gained our first look at
Chomolunga (Mother Earth Goddess of the World). Some also call that South Arapaho Peak. Might make an attempt on that next week.
Alta Backcountry 