September is a month of change here in Colorado – alpine gets dusted, aspen groves begin their annual fall color spectacular, and thoughts on my mind turn to the upcoming season. Ski flicks and garage deals abound, and anticipation is beginning to push forward, ready for the first flakes to fall.
I chose 4th of july trailhead this time around because I wanted to get an up-close look at the terrain surrounding the highest peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness – North Arapaho (13, 502′) and South Arapaho (13,397′). These peaks engage me – the sizeable Glacier/Boulder watershed sitting in between them on the east side is a siren who can’t be skied, yet still wanted. From 4th of July trailhead, I wandered solo up the Arapaho pass trail, connected to the Caribou Pass trail and made my way towards Dorothy Lake and Mt. Neva’s southeast ridge. The snowfield there taught me a lesson on this day: know what your runout is/ends, because you could find yourself sliding ass first towards it.
I ended up in rocks, luckily…he snow was steep, and soft only on the top inch or so…the temps dropped below freezing last night, and didn;t get enough cook time before I dropped in. I am lucky – my board is creased, but I am alive and not injured. Looking at the far end of the runout (after I made my way off the field), i noticed that my intended second run was ending abruptly about 20 feet off of the lake surface. Had I slid into home like the ned of my first run, I may have gotten a lot more than I bargained for this day.
Neva Ridge and Dorothy Lake
Even though I only managed one run today, it was entirely worth the effort. New vistas, new peaks and new surroundings always add a serenity and purpose to my exploration, and I am rightly stoked. In addition, on my way down i stopped and chatted with an elderly couple making their way up to the lake. The man told me this was his last time hiking this route. He has hiked this route 10 times previously, and he told himself he would do it at age 80, and today was his chance. I know he would make it. ”Just want to get to the lake, snap a picture, and head back down”.
Sometimes, that’s all we need. Tell yourself you are going to do something – and then just follow through.