Throwback! Kelso Ridge Loop 8-20-2022

This is the 2nd time I summited Torreys and Grays Peak. Only it was way cooler taking the class 3 climber's route. Since my van couldn't make it up to the TH, Brad agreed to pick me up at the parking lot below. This road is how I met Brad in the first place. I had just finished Torreys and Grays a month earlier and was hiking my ass down the road to my van. Brad offered me a ride down and let me know about his free group outings. I for sure wanted to join him on one. Luckily, I got a DM from him letting me know about this hike. 

It was a bloody early start, 3:30 am. I sleepily, yet gratefully loaded my things into his outfitted 4 runner. We met the group at the TH and set off on a hot pace. I liked going fast because it was rather cold, and my fingers were going numb waiting on people. I immediately clicked with Craig and Melissa. Craig will be featured in future blogs. It was fun to meet people after traveling solo for some time. The sun was starting to rise just as we came to the climbing section. 

The rock was stable and felt cold in the early hours. I was chomping at the bit. At one point, Brad was showing us how to navigate a section and a small rock came down on me. He laughed and was like "this is how you learn". Whoops! I backed up and waited for him to reach the ledge. 

Wild Calypso in her element

 

The weather seemed to be threatening all morning. Clouds were continuously rolling in over the ridge to Grays Peak. It was breathtaking. We approached the "knife's edge" and Brad gingerly walked across not even putting a hand down. He clearly has done this a time or two. I make my way across, but with at least one hand in contact. There was a small kid and her Dad ahead of us. She was so small, yet brave to be moving over terrain like this. Lucky kid! 

I wanna see you in the morning light, full of joy

"knife's edge"

Past the "knife's edge" it was smooth sailing to the top of Torreys. It's always a party at the top of Torreys and Grays and this day was no exception. We snapped some photos and made our way to Grays. The clouds were still rolling in. So happy with my first experience on class 3. Brad did an exceptional job of guiding us without holding our hand. 

I'm not cold, you're cold.

Say cheese!

A walk in the clouds

We woke the next morning to do some trail work with the CO Fourteeners Initiative. Protecting Colorado 14ers - Colorado Fourteeners Initiative No, I wasn't cold, I was late! Another whoops from this night owl. After this experience, I started thinking about a career shift. 

I peel bark like a BOSS