4307m summit, 2000m elevation gain, YIKES!
Highest no-thru pass in North America!
The night before the climb we loaded up on fruit and ate most of it before going to bed. Thanks to Mike and Vicky who let us camp in their yard for the night and the next. WAS GREAT TO MEET YOU. THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US IN OUR ADVENTURE!
We were on the road by 6 am and reached the half way point, Echo Lake, about three hours later. In the picture you can see the top of Mt Evans peeking up from behind the trees.
The view is getting better and better every minute!
Way above the tree line now!. I was amazed how many flowers and the variety of colourful butterflies that live at this altitude. No photos of them unfortunately. I just had the summit in mind.
Last break before the last stretch to the summit. A herd of mountain goats seemed to like hanging around the parking lot.
Wow we came up all this way!!!
WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the summit we received a very warm welcome from the people who had passed us on the road. Some even clapped as we pulled into the parking lot. It felt so good!!!!! Two lovely ladies came up to us and offered to make us some peanut butter sandwiches with honey (how did they know that was our favorite snack!?) We gladly accepted and they made us the fattest, juiciest pb+h sandwiches we have ever had. Then they also gave us all kinds of chocolate treats to take with us. What generosity!!!!
We managed to stay at the summit for almost two hours but then we started noticing what James calls Altitude Happiness setting in. A bit light headed, coughing, and minor dizzyness. Time to pack up and head for lower elevations.
Taking a break in one of the switch backs to let the brakes cool off.
These rain storm clouds are for you Tabea and Alex!!!!
Delicious dinner at the Main Street Restaurant in Idaho Springs with lots of red wine for the tired legs. I am getting hungry again just looking at this picture.
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