Quandary Peak
WE DID IT!! We hiked a 14er!!!
I truly have absolutely no idea how we did it, but we did. Really, still trying to process it.
I think ultimately my fear of heights forced me up. The thought of turning around and looking down was more terrifying than the physicality of going up. And it was PHYSICAL. The hardest thing we have ever done, including Brianโs marathons and century rides. Just before the summit, everyone takes a few steps then a few seconds breath. Just one foot in front of the other is all you think about. (And for me, that up is better than down ๐.)
We also had the most incredible, experienced guide, Tanner Thompson, with Colorado Adventure Guides. He could have easily lapped us a few times, all while carrying a 50lb pack!! He was amazing. Without him, we NEVER could have done it. He kept close watch over us and kept spirits up. He was a search and rescue expert, and we were even fitted with avalanche locators as the weather can change significantly on a dime. Luckily, we had great weather the entire time.
My husband had some altitude issues for a bit going up which required a few stops, and my fear of heights really slowed the first half of our descent. BUT WE DID IT!!
The stats:
Mt. Quandary
Summit 14,271โ
Trail 6.75 miles, up and back
Elevation 3,326โ (~1000โ per mile)
Steepest grade 58%
Class 1/Class 2
Hardly any pics. Honestly, I was too worried about going down to care about photos. But the view was magnificent!
Quandary Peak
WE DID IT!! We hiked a 14er!!!
I truly have absolutely no idea how we did it, but we did. Really, still trying to process it.
I think ultimately my fear of heights forced me up. The thought of turning around and looking down was more terrifying than the physicality of going up. And it was PHYSICAL. The hardest thing we have ever done, including Brianโs marathons and century rides. Just before the summit, everyone takes a few steps then a few seconds breath. Just one foot in front of the other is all you think about. (And for me, that up is better than down ๐.)
We also had the most incredible, experienced guide, Tanner Thompson, with Colorado Adventure Guides. He could have easily lapped us a few times, all while carrying a 50lb pack!! He was amazing. Without him, we NEVER could have done it. He kept close watch over us and kept spirits up. He was a search and rescue expert, and we were even fitted with avalanche locators as the weather can change significantly on a dime. Luckily, we had great weather the entire time.
My husband had some altitude issues for a bit going up which required a few stops, and my fear of heights really slowed the first half of our descent. BUT WE DID IT!!
The stats:
Mt. Quandary
Summit 14,271โ
Trail 6.75 miles, up and back
Elevation 3,326โ (~1000โ per mile)
Steepest grade 58%
Class 1/Class 2
Hardly any pics. Honestly, I was too worried about going down to care about photos. But the view was magnificent!