Spent last weekend with Sis & family, Cheyenne rodeo yesterday, marathoning in San Francisco next weekend – should really be training but it’s summer….sooooo headed to the mountains for a high altitude hike.  Good for the head, good for the soul 🙂

Up early & on the road with my friend Cliff & his dog Pita – today’s destination: Lake Dorothy on the Continental Divide (just west of Nederland).  Was last here in 2012 during my 52-week hike challenge.  Forgot what an adventure it is to reach Fourth of July trailhead – 5 miles of dirt, dodging boulders & potholes in a Prius.  Mental note: 2016 might be the Year of the Truck.

Cool temps & rain in the forecast – typical high mountain forecast – packed extra layers, wore a cap & running gloves.  It’s July, right? 🙂

Mile up Arapaho Pass trail, another mile on Arapaho Glacier trail, then a mile-half to Caribou Pass.  Wildflowers & pine, glacier views & snowed-in mountain peaks.  Crossed over glacier-fed waterfalls; hiked thru marshy tundra – initially hopping stone-to-stone to keep the feet dry.  Eventually gave into the experience – all part of being outdoors.  Lost tree-line just over 12,000ft.

Re-energized with half a Luna bar & soaked it all in.  Beautiful hike.  Clouds enveloped my landscape surroundings; light rain on the hike return.  Nowhere else on Earth I feel more alive & plugged-in.  I’ll never leave Colorado.