Day 21-30: Mt. Antero (#21), Mt. Shavano (#22), Tabeguache Peak (#23), San Luis Peak (#24), and Unco

Ah, it feels like we are back at home. We could tell there was a change when we climbed San Luis Peak here in the San Juan Range; the trees, the Columbine flowers, the atmosphere, was all different. So was the weather. We experienced threatening clouds in the morning on San Luis Peak and Uncompahgre Peak this week, but have been well out of the way of any danger.

The Uncompahgre Wilderness tested the group's ability to make tough decisions. On the saddle, just before the summit attempt for Wetterhorn Peak, we decided to turn around because of weather conditions. This was our first time needing to do this, and we--ultimately--agreed that it was the right thing to do for the team.

In spite of the difficulties on Wetterhorn, we have seen some absolutely amazing views. We visited Great Sand Dunes National Park, walked through the clouds that billowed through the hoodoos on San Luis Peak, met a vertical wall of cloud that extended upwards from the cliff's edge on Uncompahgre Peak, and saw the most beautiful sunrise we've ever seen from Wetterhorn's saddle.

We will re-attempt Wetterhorn Peak this weekend, but not before climbing Redcloud Peak, Sunshine Peak, and Handies Peak.

Because of our experience on Wetterhorn Peak, we've learned that even when we face difficult moments in our lives, there can always be a sunrise on the horizon just waiting to be noticed.

As always,

COTD

Mt. Antero

Start Time: 2:30am

Summit Time: 7:00am

Finish Time: 10:45am

Elevation: 14,269ft

Distance Hiked: 16 miles

Elevation Gained: 5,200ft

Mt. Shavano

Start Time: 3:00am

Summit Time: 6:50am