6 days after the Georgia marathon, time to refuel mentally and get my Colorado hike on.

Decided on a local Boulder hike since I already had Sunday plans snow-shoeing 8 hours in RMNP.  I previously attempted Green Mountain in December 2012 but took a wrong turn & finished Flagstaff that day.

2014, no excuses.  Trekking with Ash & Tom means hiking’s been upgraded to GPS 🙂

Hiked UP a mile before being sign-restricted from continuing Green Mountain — $1,000 fine?  Well that’s no good.  Most of our local trail system was destroyed in September’s historic Boulder Canyon flood.  I had not first-hand witnessed the damage & naively assumed everything was now back to normal.  NOT!

Just beyond the trail closure, witnessed a huge gorge created by last fall’s destruction.  Bushwhacked UP thru fallen trees & rock, across snow & ice fields, until miraculously we reached Greenman Trail – which empties onto Green Mountain summit.

Next restriction?  No dogs allowed.  Guessing this is a new law since my guide book specifically states ‘dogs allowed’.  ARGH!

Beautiful day for me and my dog this day.  One older guy grumbled – but Ro & Marty were soon greeted by 3 other canine hikers. Warmed in the sun and enjoyed a black bean burger before return hiking down.

As luck would have it, Gregory Canyon trail was also destroyed so met up with Flagstaff trail, adding an extra ½ mile to our adventure (but no crazy bushwhacking climb DOWN the canyon – whew).

Not a fan of random Republic of Boulder ordinances, but today’s summit view – FAAAANNNNNTASTIC!