The best part of this project has been, without a doubt, the connections we’re making with climbers around the world. Our next climb is a perfect example of that.
We’re just getting started here but climber Alan Arnette has been a major source of support for us – providing much needed feedback, climbing tips, contributing a post to We Never Stop, and even volunteering to be the subject of our first climber interview. Now he’s offered to host our next climb – a valuable learning opportunity for climbers in our position.
The plan (it’s still evolving) is for the two of us to meet Alan and two of his experienced climbing buddies (Patrick and Robert) in April for camping and crampon/ice axe assisted climbing in the snowy Collegiate Peaks section of Colorado’s Sawatch Range.
Day 1
Drive to the trailhead and hike, likely with snowshoes, to a camp at 11,500 feet.
Day 2
Climb a long ridge to the summit of Mount Belford (14,197 ft – 4,327 m). We’ll break there before making our way over the saddle to the summit of Mount Oxford (14,153 ft – 4,313 m). From there we’ll make our way back to camp for the night.
Day 3
We’ll be climbing early – up a fairly steep snow wall before turning up a steep, somewhat exposed, ridge and heading for the summit of Missouri Mountain (14,067 ft – 4,288 m). We’ll return to our initial camp from there.
Day 4
Break camp. Search for steak and beer.
Needless to say, we’re pretty geeked out about all of this. It’s the perfect challenge for us at this time and fantastic learning opportunity. We also expect it to be a hell of a lot of fun. You can’t ask for more than that.
Stay tuned for more updates as planning and training continues.
Note: The photo of Missouri Mountain is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License by szczepan1990.
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This adventure is open to anyone interested. Just contact John or myself about the details.
Climb On!
Alan