Climb Every Mountain - Our First 14er

We finally hiked our first 14er! Peter and Adina met us at our house at 5:30am on Sunday, 8/23. Destination: Mt. Bierstadt, elevation 14,060', elevation gain 2,850'. Hike length: 7 miles. Since the weather forecast called for thunderstorms starting around 11-12pm, we wanted plenty of time to reach the summit, enjoy the view  and be back down before any storms started. We drove to Georgetown and started on the trail around 7am. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - nice cool breezes, gorgeous sunrise in the mountains. Apparently every mountain I climb reminds me of "The Sound of Music", and Bierstadt was no exception. Unfortunately, the "Sound of Music" song stuck in my head was "The Lonely Goatherd." Once those Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hoo hoo's get stuck in your head, there's no way out. 

The Torbentson's

Taking a breather

 The last 1-1.5 miles were by far the most intense with a great deal of elevation increase and climbing rocks, but we did it!!

People climbing rocks to the top

About to climb a big pile of rocks

The view from the top was as spectacular and breath-taking as you can imagine. Someone had left a sign to commemorate the day, which we were more than happy to take cheesy pictures with. So much beauty to take in....

Next, we stopped by Tommyknocker to celebrate our feat with my favorite beer. What a great day. 

As Maria & nuns would say: 

Climb every mountain, search high and low

Follow every byway, every path you know.

Climb every mountain, ford every stream,

Follow every rainbow, 'til you find your dream

A dream that will need

all the love you can give,

Every day of your life

for as long as you live.