Notes and Quotes
*Most of us are familiar with the popularity of climbing Mt. Everest. In the last 5 years literally hundreds of people have summitted the world's highest mountain. Meanwhile, K2, the world's second highest mountain, has not had a successful summit since 1995. What K2 lacks in elevation (and lack of oxygen) it more than makes up for in unrelenting steepness. It is widely regarded as a significantly more difficult climb than Everest.
*75% of the sun's radiant energy makes it through the atmosphere to 6,000 feet above sea level. Only 50% makes it to sea level. The intensity of the sun's radiation is approximately 25% greater at 15,000 feet than at sea level.
*We'll be in Colorado during monsoon season. A monsoon is generally defined as a seasonal shift in the prevailing winds that brings increased precipitation. Because we can expect afternoon showers and thunderstorms, starting our climbs early is critical to our chance of success and safety. (Lightning likes to strike things standing on mountains. We don't want to be those things. Trust me.)
*Most mountain climbs in Colorado are rated with the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Most of our climbs will be almost entirely Class 1, which is defined as hiking. Some routes might be rated Class 2, meaning you should expect simple scrambling with possible occasional use of the hands. (This is fun climbing!) Some 14ers have routes rated Class 3, which is defined as scrambling (with minimum exposure, for which the group may want to carry a rope). We will probably not attempt Class 3 routes. We will definitely not be attempting any Class 4 or 5 climbs, those climbs where unprotected falls could be fatal.
*It took 96 years for all of Colorado's 54 fourteeners to see first ascents. Last fall Andrew Hamilton climbed them all in 13 days, 22 hours, and 48 minutes.
*"A thrill of awe, a spice of adventure, affords many pleasant memories." -Annie S. Peck
*"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and storms their energy..." -John Muir
*"We do not feel proud enough of being alive." -Goeffrey Winthrop Young
*"To those who have struggled with them the mountains reveal beauties they will not disclose to those who make no effort. That is the reward the mountains give to effort. And it is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly to those who will wrestle with them that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again...the mountains reserve their choice gifts for those who stand upon their summits." -Sir Francis Younghusband