I recently relocated from the Atlanta area to a town just outside of Denver. I lived in Georgia my whole life and after 23 years of being in the same place, I decided to make a change. There are so many new things to me in Colorado:
lack of trees (in GA there are trees EVERYWHERE like you can barely see the sky through all the trees), dry (SOOO dry, I feel like I have to bathe in lotion every day), and MOUNTAINS!
lack of trees (in GA there are trees EVERYWHERE like you can barely see the sky through all the trees), dry (SOOO dry, I feel like I have to bathe in lotion every day), and MOUNTAINS!
I fell in love with the mountains instantly. I had never experience any thing like them, and I certainly had never hiked one. My first few weeks in mountain country, I went on a nature hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park, and instantly I thought that I was a master hiker. I decided to climb my first 14k feet elevation peak thinking that it was gonna be similar to my walks in the park. Oh boy was I wrong.
Quandary Peak
With an elevation of 14,265 feet and 6.75 mile round trip, we (my sister-in-law and I) were told that this was a beginner 14er. I am an averagely active person and the idea of around 3.4 miles to the top of a mountain sounded achievable to me. If you are interested in knowing more about the peak (were to park, where the trail head is located) go here.
Thoughts I had at the beginning of the hike:
We had done all the prep work needed. I went to the thrift store the day before and bought my windbreaker jacket and hiking pants, and I went by Target and purchased a small backpack with a water bladder and lots of snacks. I read lots of blogs and felt like I had all the supplies that I needed; I thought I was prepared. As far as supplies go I was very prepared, but emotionally I had no idea what I was in for.
Thoughts during the hike:
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"It's taken me an hour to walk one mile"
"Did a 7 year old just pass me?!"
"Everyone on the mountain can hear how hard I am breathing"
"Why can't I breathe?"
"Is it time for a break yet?"
"Where did all the trees go?"
"What am I going to pee behind without any trees?"
"Did a 70 year old just pass me?!"
"My heart is pounding out of my head!
"I've walked 20 steps...break time."
"Where is the path?"
"Everyone on this mountain has passed me."
"Did that 12 year old just tell me 'You can do it, don't give up!'?"
"I hate that kid."
"I'm gonna stop to take a picture of this beautiful view, but really I just want an excuse to take a break."
"I'm gonna die on this mountain."
"I hope I don't see a bear."
There are very few people that hike their first 14er and find it easy. It is difficult no matter how in shape you are. The air is very thin and even if you walk on the stair master 3 hours every day the change in altitude is going to hit you like a ton of bricks. It is impossible to not feel self conscious about your performance on the mountain even though no one is going to judge you. From my experience, hikers are the nicest people in the world and are always willing to give you a word of encouragement. When we were "almost" at the top it felt like we would never make it and I probably was told at least 15 times "Your almost there!"(I kind of hated all the hikers and their optimism). I also found out about myself that when faced with a mountain sized obstacle I will not give up, but I will complain 95% of the time.
So if you are planning your first 14er, heed my warning. Don't give up and feel free to laugh, cry, whine, or whatever you need to do to get to the top. But be prepared to have lots of feels.
So if you are planning your first 14er, heed my warning. Don't give up and feel free to laugh, cry, whine, or whatever you need to do to get to the top. But be prepared to have lots of feels.
FYI, don't be disappointed when you find out there is no Taco Bell at the top of the mountain. Trust me, I looked.