Capitol Peak, the Annual Pilgrimmage 14,130' August 17-18, 2012  Chris Tomer and I had a chance to make our annual pilgrimmage to Capitol Peak this year, but this time we brought some friends. Joe Comer, a local celebrity chef, and Jen Broome, a colleague of mine and Chris' at FOX31 and well as another one of Chris' friends Mike Joined us for the adventure. It was great to lead a fun group of people on my 5th annual ascent of the peak and my 14th summit of Capitol overall. Friday afternoon we hiked to Capitol Lake in sunny skies and hot temps. The trek into the lake didnt seem too long, probably because of good company.  We chose our spot above Capitol Lake along some bushes and in the soft grass to set up our camp. Three of us slept out under the stars and we also set the tent up for Jen. After a brief rain shower before dark, the stars were out all night and there was no wind. At 230 I roused the troops and we boiled water, ate breakfast, drank coffee and were ready to depart camp by 315am. We took our time up to the saddle and behind the peak in the upper Moon Basin.  There is plenty of loose rock and glacial scree as you approach K2. Jen was feeling a bit light headed and concerned about the difficulties of the Knife Edge ahead near K2, so I stayed hiking with her while Chris took Joe and Mike up to the Knife edge. The sun started coming up just after 6am, and then Jen and I made it up to the ridgeline where we had a nice view of capitol and the guys crossing the knife edge.  At this Point Jen was content to have made it to the gorgeous ridgeline where you could peer down into Pierre Lakes basin. She assured me she would be ok warming herself in the morning sun, so she urged me to take off up the peak and catch the rest of the guys.  I pushed up the peak alone in warp speed, crossing the knife edge and catching the guys near the summit a mere 30 minutes later. It was very fun to put the Polish Hammer down and climb fast for the rest of the ascent. Joe and I reached the Summit with Chris and Mike shortly after and we were shooting photos just before 8am....though it was smoggy. We enjoyed the sunshine and then descended after taking in some of the views. By 9am I was back to Jen to start leading her back down to the high camp and then the guys were not far behind.  By the time we reached the saddle, we took in some more great views of the granite monster and then were back in camp by 11am.  Thanks again to my friends Chris, Joe, Mike and Jen for coming and stay tuned for an Explore Colorado Segment about our trip with Jen Broome on FOX31 news in the coming weeks! Also, my book tour moves on this week as I have appearances in Grand Junction Aug 24 KKCO and KJCT TV and 25th (Grand Valley Bookstore). I'll also climb Castle Pk this weekend and then head to Durango for Maria's bookshop on Monday the 27th, followed by A return to my hometown near Vail for an event at the Bookworm in Edwards on Aug 31st All events are at 6pm!  My 2013 Calendar for Sleeping on the Summits is now available, please click on "Order Sleeping on the Summits" on the menu bar on the right side of the page! Calendars are $15 + shipping. |
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Categories2012 Travels and Book Events2013 14ers and Everest 2013 Skiing off Summits 14ers/13ers Colorado 14ers: High Bivys Project 2011 Everest 2012 Sleeping on the Summits II CA 14ers |
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