Try #1

At 10pm, after a long day of work on Friday, 4 hikers set out on a hike that they knew woud challenge them both physically and mentally. With their headlamps and nerves ready, they began the 14 hour trek. Within the first hour and a half, we had travelled over 3 miles and above the treeline. For Dawn and myself, this was a feat that we had only dreamed about on our first hike of the season that began at that trailhead. The physically and mental struggles of those first hikes still stung fresh in our memories and our legs and we were beaming to have made such progress. Matching our mood, the moon was out in full force, seemingly acting as a 5th headlamp in the dark of night.

We come to the first mountain, Mount Lady Washington and decide to take the shorter, more strenuous route, straight up the side of the mountain, rock scrambling our way up. This challenge lasts an hour and a half and the winds are picking up by the time we hit the top. We cannot enjoy this summit thanks to 30 degree weather intensified by 50-60 mph winds. We decide to descend to begin our ascent of the next peak.

By the time we reach the Boulder field that acts as a bridge to Long's and Storm peaks, we decide to skip Storm for now and go straight for Long's. When we reach the Keyhole, all we can hear is the howling of the wind, indicative of huricanne force winds ahead. It did not disappoint. As I climb through the Keyhole, I am blown up against the rocks, unable to progress any further safely. We wait for an hour but the wind only increases to about 80mph. Disappointed, we turn around, knowing that safety does come first.

Are we disappointed? yes. Tired? Yes as it is still only 3am. Content? somewhat as now we know we can physically handle the mountain, if only the elements cooperate. We are back in the car at 7:45am as we stopped to enjoy the sunrise. Are there pics? Well 95% of the hike was in the dark so sadly no... but it will be a lasting memory.

Right before we left!