14,259 feet above

KEYHOLE ROUTE AHEAD
DO NOT CLIMB IF UNPREPARED
The Keyhole Route is a climb that requires
scrambling on exposed narrow ledges, loose rock and steep slabs.
Sudden changes in weather may create high winds, lightning, rain,
hail, snow, freezing temperatures and ice covered rock at any time.
A slip, trip, or fall could be fatal.
Rescue is difficult and may take hours to days.
Self-reliance is essential.
Stay on route and be willing to turn around at any time.
SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

- NPS warning sign as you enter the Boulderfield

Climbing Longs was definitely one of the most exhilarating hikes I've ever done.  I'd rate it right up there with climbing Mt. Madison in the Whites with the clouds crashing over us at sunset.  However, unlike hiking up and over Mt. Madison, Longs Peak emitted a foreboding that I couldn't quite shake until I made it off the mountain.

Considered to be one of Colorado's most deadly mountains, the fourteener claims somebody's life almost every year.  Thankfully there haven't been any fatalities this season.  And I am incredibly thankful for the perfect weather and protection I had back in July when I made my summit.

It truly is a wondrous mountain and was a humbling experience to set foot on the top.

Over the Divide

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known.

- JRR Tolkien

Wow, this summer is flying by.  Already August 11?!  I can't believe it.

A few weeks ago my little brother came into town and stayed with me for a few days.  He's currently driving cross country on his way to Seattle to start a new phase of his life.  Gosh I love that guy.  We had some good times catching up and sharing stories over plenty of Chinese food and good beer.

The highlight for me was our two-day trip hiking over the Continental Divide from Bear Lake to Grand Lake, over Flattop Mountain and down the Tonahutu Trail.  Breathtaking views.  Grueling, rugged terrain.  Exciting wildlife and frigid alpine skinny dipping.  The entire time we were out there, I felt like we were trekking through Middle Earth.  Two hobbits bumbling along the beaten path, through forests with meandering brooks, over the misty mountains and into lush, green meadows.  The wildflowers were popping all over the place with bright bursts of color and variety.

Truly awe inspiring.  We live in a beautiful country.

It was pretty funny as we were trying to hitchhike back.  Ben tried showing some leg to no avail.  We also had an American flag (MURICA) with us and thought that might help.  As it happened, some of my park ranger friends just happened to be driving by at that moment, though they almost didn't stop because they thought we were waving a Confederate flag, haha.

It was an unforgettable adventure that will go down on my list of all time favorite hikes.



Next up will be the video I shot climbing Long's Peak.  I'm a little behind on my editing, so stay tuned!  Cheers.

Bear

Tomorrow is July 4th.

Man, this summer has been flying by.  I realize I haven't posted in a while, but it feels like I've only been back at Rocky for a couple weeks.  It'll be September before I know it.

Yesterday I hiked up to Sandbeach Lake in Wild Basin for my backcountry patrol day.  Sandbeach will always have a special place in my heart.  It was the first trail I hiked in RMNP two years ago, and despite the lung crushing steady uphill to the lake, it remains one of my favorites.

As I was coming down from the lake (after dismantling FIVE illegal fire rings) I stopped in at the Hunter's Creek campsite to talk with the campers staying there.  They were four young guys from Louisiana on an epic National Park roadtrip to the west coast and back.  They were telling me about the bear tracks they spotted the day before and asking me what bear scat usually looks like.  I told them they'd be pretty lucky to see one of the park's few bears, and as long as they store their food properly, they shouldn't have anything to worry about.

"Alright, see you guys later!  Have a great trip."

30 seconds later I nearly walk into a black bear waiting just uphill from their campsite.

I managed to whip out my phone and snap a few shots and video before the curious bear sauntered off down the trail.

!

It's always so exciting to see a bear.  I immediately returned to the Louisiana campers and told them what I had just seen.

"Are you f***ing for real?!"  A mixture of excitement and worry in their voices.

I showed them the video and wished them well again, throwing in an extra reminder to secure their bear canisters. 

Sandbeach Lake will always have a special place in my heart.

The birds and the breeze

"As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing.  I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche.  I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can." 
- John Muir

It's a beautiful Georgia day off my back porch.

A gentle breeze rustles through the branches above me, and a chorus of birds tries to be heard over a neighboring lawnmower.  My cats take turns drinking from their water bowl and sharpening their claws on whatever wooden surface they can find.  I'm sitting at the table with my laptop, a cup of tea, and my journal.

I just got the news that I will be Rocky Mountain National Park's newest backcountry ranger, and I couldn't be more excited.  The job is still seasonal, like my previous two summers, but I will be stationed in the park's backcountry office with time also spent hiking and monitoring the extensive trail network.  Dream job, much?

I hope to dive back into the wonders of the Rocky Mountains even more this summer, experiencing and learning everything I can about the wildness and majesty of the park, and in return, inspire and excite others to get out and do the same.

This year marks Rocky Mountain National Park's 100 year anniversary, and I consider it a great honor to be a part of that history.  The centennial will be an exciting time for anyone crossing within the park's boundaries.

In the meantime, I will be counting down the days to departure and enjoying this nice Georgian weather before it becomes too humid.  I am very excited about the months ahead of us.  Just wanted to give you all a little update!

The lawnmower has stopped, and the birds have center stage once again.

Lily Mountain, July 2013

ROMO 2014

Another season at Rocky Mountain National Park.

I cannot believe how quickly it went by!  May through September felt like five days rather than five months.  We'll see what the next five months have in store for us.

Thanks to everyone for all the fun and adventure that we shared.  And to Aaron and Ben who were present during my two separate concussions.

White Russians & Golden Aspens

Really had a great time with my Mom & Dad last week.

Monday night bowling.
Dark beer.
Onion rings.
Coffee.
Golden aspens.
Frigid alpine water.
Red wine.
Coffee.
Bugling elk.
Pink sunsets.
Kind Coffee breakfast.
Trail Ridge Road.
Alpine tundra.
Sprinting moose.
Coffee.
Waterfalls.
Ice cream.
White Russians while looking for moose.
Movie night with Chinese food.

I'd call it an awesome trip.

Sky Pond with the Friddles

"What?!" I shout over the howling wind.
"I said, this is the most adventurous thing I've ever done!" Micah repeats as he clings to the edge of Timberline Falls, wind and rain pounding our faces.  Sarah's poncho flaps uncontrollably as she descends the precarious cliff, step by careful step.
"Awesome!"  I shout back.

Music to my ears.

I'm so happy my sister (Sarah) and brother-in-law (Micah) were able to make it out to Colorado for a few days of adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was so much fun hanging out with them.  I'm glad they were able experience a slice of the Rocky Mountains.

By the time we made it back to the trailhead, we were all soaked to the bone.  It was definitely time for a hot meal and a cold brew.

Flattop

The stars are the only light as I pull into the Bear Lake parking lot.

I click on my headlamp.

Hiking past the eerily quiet black water of Bear Lake, I begin my ascent to Flattop Mountain.

The rocks and dirt and twigs feel welcome beneath my boots.

A faint orange light begins to appear through the trees on the horizon.

The stars begin to fade away.

I stop for coffee at treeline just as the orange fireball bursts over the horizon.

The squirks of a thousand pikas fight to be heard over the howling wind.

I climb higher into the alpine tundra.

A lone bull elk watches me from afar and trots down the mountainside.

The wind tries to push me over as I approach the top.

There is no other sound but the howling in my ears.

Alone on Flattop with the howling wind.

I pause.

And join in the howling before retreating back down the mountain.

Blood and Sand

"Remember, pain is temporary, film is forever."
- Peter Jackson

I'm so thankful my mom and dad got to come out and visit and hike around for a few days with me.  It was an exhilarating and challenging trip up to Thunder Lake, and I'm still madly impressed by my parents for doing such a great job coming straight from Georgia elevation and hiking up to over 10,000 feet.

My brother came on his own about a week later, and what an adventure that was!  I love my little brother, and I always have the best time with him.  I'm also glad we didn't die.

Below are the two videos documenting each adventure.  See if you can notice a difference in the level of danger between the two...





I'm also really looking forward to having my BEST FRAND come visit next week, followed by my seester and brother-in-law in September.

Adventure is out there!

Sandbeach

Craving the woods.
Craving rocks and roots and dirt beneath my boots.
Craving the soft stillness of the midnight forest.
The smell of my pack like sweet perfume.
The sound of my trekking poles clicking and clacking against earth.
The sensation of crisp mountain air against my bare skin.
The sun rests behind the peaks, and as I crawl into my musty tent...
I am at peace.

Return to Rocky

It feels great to be back at Rocky Mountain National Park.

I arrived just in time for a little snow storm to sweep across the area.  Even after all the snow I received on the AT this winter, it was still exciting to see.  We got over a foot of fresh snow at my house... truly a beautiful scene.  The few days I've been back, there have been deer, elk, and moose hanging out in my backyard.  Watching them from a cozy interior makes for delightful entertainment.

Driving out here from Georgia, I decided to go out of my way a little and see South Dakota and the National Parks along the way (Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave, and Wind Cave).  I loved the drive, and I loved the parks I stopped in, but the thing that made the trip completely worthwhile and incredible for me was seeing the bison.

I had never seen them in the wild before, so when I glimpsed them way off in the distance as little specks on the Badlands horizon, I immediately jumped out of my car and started snapping a series of blurry photos.  Little did I know that I would soon become the bison paparazzi for the next few days.  THEY WERE EVERYWHERE.

I arrived in the Badlands campground, and there was a herd of them grazing among the tents and car campers.  I couldn't believe it.  These massive North American beasts were just a stone's throw away from where I was distractingly setting up my tent.

I finally crawled into my tent with a fresh cup of coffee and watched the sunset.  The bison continued to graze nearby, and as the clouds danced over the grassy hills, a chorus of coyotes struck up an ancient song.  I was mesmerized.

Moments such as this demonstrate the importance and magic of our National Parks.  I remember seeing my first bear in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  I can recall rounding that corner in Arches National Park and being dumbfounded by Delicate Arch standing defiantly before me.  My jaw dropping above the infinite Grand Canyon of Arizona, and seeing my first herd of bighorn sheep in the Rocky Mountain wilderness.

A fresh wave of excitement and pride washed over me knowing what I was returning to.

Bowlin' Boys

Where Park Rangers go to have some furlough fun.

Sit down and die

Sunday afternoon, working in Wild Basin... lots of people coming into the park – many of them departing on their backpacking trips into the Rocky Mountain backcountry.

Man...

"I really wanna spend tonight in the woods," I think to myself.

I bust out a map and scout out a few places I haven't been to before.  The Fall River area sounds like a plan.  I get off work and race up to the backcountry office to pick up a permit.  It's a beautiful hike in the light rain up to my campsite.

I have a brief staring contest with a beautiful buck and doe just a little ways off trail.  It's a scene right out of Bambi.  Which, by the way, is a highly underrated film in my opinion... the animation is breathtaking.  If you haven't ever seen it or not since you were a kid, check it out!  If you like Nature, you'll appreciate it.  OK, end random Bambi commentary.

I pitch my tent.  Cook up some pasta.  Smoke a pipe.  And watch the light fade away as the chilly mountain air surrounds me.  It's a perfect night to crawl into a sleeping bag and listen to the rain fall against my tent.  I write in my journal and read a few chapters of Moby Dick before closing my eyes.  I'm pretty tired from the work day and the couple mile hike up to the campsite.  I slip into a slumber with little difficulty.

The next morning I have a quick breakfast of oatmeal and coffee and break camp.  I have a two mile headstart on the hikers leaving trailhead.  I'm breaking a sweat up trail when I suddenly see an older gentleman ahead of me.  Man!  What time did he start?  I know he didn't camp nearby so he must've started super early.  I politely make my presence known so as not to startle him.  We talk briefly about the morning, the altitude, and where we're from.  I wish him well and am off again.

About an hour later I reach Lawn Lake.  I eat a pear on a rock by the lake.  It's a gorgeous morning.  I look at the mountains surrounding me and notice a trail going off into the alpine tundra.  That must be the trail to Crystal Lakes, about another mile and a half or so.  I check my map to confirm and start heading that direction.

As I'm walking away from the lake, I see the older gentleman walking towards me. 
"Well, hello again!" I say as we meet up. 
This time we stop and talk for nearly 20 minutes.  We discuss hiking and how beautiful it is here and whatnot.  He asks me how old I am and I tell him 26.
"Well, I've got you beat by about 50 years," he remarks.
"Wow.  Props to you for coming out here all the time and hiking."
He told me earlier he was from Iowa and tried to hike as much as possible.  And this was not an easy hike.  I was winded and sore already from the uphill climb.
"Let me tell you something honestly," he says.  "And this is the truth... the day I'm unable to come out here and hike, I'll probably just sit down and die."

We talked a little more until saying goodbye, and as he walked away, I snapped a photo of him.  He walked off into the morning sunlight with his weathered walking stick and leather hat.  His words remained behind.

They struck me, not as morbid or depressing, but as profound.  Here's this guy in his late 70s/early 80s hiking as much as he can whenever he can.  He seemed to be in great shape, and I actually believe he'll be hiking for years to come.  I think being in Nature rejuvenates the human spirit.  And we all need that rejuvenation.  I think that's why I had an urge to retreat into the woods for the night.  Our work lives can be stressful and tiring.  John Muir put it best, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and give strength to the body and soul alike."

I'm so glad I met that older gentleman.  It was an inspiring moment and one of the highlights of my hike.

The other highlight of my hike was actually on the way DOWN from Crystal Lakes.  After the sweaty climb up to the lakes and jumping in the frigid water, I warmed up with the afternoon sun and some hot tea.  As I was descending back towards Lawn Lake, I was thinking about how I still have never seen a bighorn sheep before.  Since my season at Arches and especially since living in Rocky, I have been on the lookout for these mythical creatures.  Literally, while I was thinking this, I look over to see a flock of sixteen bighorn sheep walking down the slope towards me.

"Holy s***!"  Haha, I may have let my excitement get the best of me.

I dropped my pack and scrambled up the slope to get a better vantage point.  Unfortunately I just had my iPhone and GoPro (neither of which are great for photographing wildlife from a distance), but I was able to snap a couple photos and get a few short video clips of the flock.

Of the sixteen sheep I counted, about five or six of them were little lambs.  They were grazing in the alpine grass and walking on the rocks along a little cascade.  Two of them butted heads before taking off.  I watched them until they disappeared back over the ridge. 

Nobody else was around to see them in this moment.  It was definitely an awesome first sighting of the mythical creatures I have been searching for since being in Arches.  They DO exist!  "You're doing it Peter!  You're belieeeeeeving."

Man, I was pretty much on a high after that.  I zoomed back down the eight miles of trail thinking about the older gentleman and the bighorn sheep.

Lost Spectacles

Last week, my brother and I went for a little hike up to Chasm Lake in the Park.  Good hike.  Not so good weather.  But it was good enough to take a quick dip in the pristine alpine lake (at least for myself... my brother was not convinced).  Well, on my second dip (for the first dip was simply not enough) my glasses came off my face.  I immediately tried to grasp them, but they slipped through my fingers and settled on the rocky lake bottom.  I was only about ten feet from shore and in water five feet deep, but the water was frigid.  After several attempts to retrieve them, I had to abandon hope.  Thunderstorms were approaching, and the lake water was simply too cold to keep looking.

The spectacles were lost.

But I had a plan to revisit the Lake.  One week later, I stuffed a pair of borrowed scuba goggles into my pack (with plenty of warm clothes) and headed back into the alpine tundra.

Operation LOST SPECTACLES had commenced.

Week 1


Week 2

Hiking with Mom & Dad

Recently, my dad came out to visit the park.
More recently, both my parents came out to visit.
This is basically what happened.

A Note From The Present

For those of you who do not know, I will be working at Rocky Mountain National Park this summer.  I arrived to the park yesterday and moved into my house (which has neither internet nor cell reception).  I will be primarily stationed at the Wild Basin Entrance Station, one of the more remote and less visited areas of the park.

I'm already blown away by the beauty of this place.  The snow alone impresses this Georgian native, not to mention the mountains, lakes and abundant wildlife.  Seeing the variety of backpackers setting out for their treks makes me miss the Trail life.  But then again, I'm always thinking about the Trail life.

Due to the lack of internet, I will do my best to keep updating last year's AT journal.  I really wish to keep posting the entries.  If nothing else, so that I may have an online archive of the journey.  I appreciate you guys for following along, both during the trek and now afterwards.

Happy trails.

"Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Here grow the wallflower and the violet. The squirrel will come and sit upon your knee, the logcock will wake you in the morning. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill. Of all the upness accessible to mortals, there is no upness comparable to the mountains." - John Muir

Seriously... there are elk everywhere.