2009 SP Summer Gathering

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Marble Mountain

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2009 SP Summer Gathering

Page Type: Album

Image Type(s): Hiking, Informational, Scenery

Page By: Aaron Johnson

Created/Edited: Jul 19, 2009 / Jul 19, 2009

Object ID: 531114

Hits: 604

Page Score: 88.01% - 10 Votes

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Another Success in the Sangre De Cristos

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Photos from the event will be added by attendees over the course of the coming weeks.

The 2009 Summer SP Gathering was another in the growing list of these very successful events. Twenty-one people showed up for the festivities, coming from as far away as Minnesota and Oklahoma to attend. As far as we could tell, there were 4 no-shows due to changes in plans. However for those that did show, it was a fantastic and fun time and no one had any reservations about the reward for attending what has clearly become a successful annual event, probably the largest of its kind so far that is affiliated with SummitPost organized activities.

The phenomenon that is called the SP Gathering was first executed in Colorado by early member Alan Ellis. In the interest of meeting SP members, I attended that first event, which featured a climb of Colorado's highest mountain, Mount Elbert. Ever since, Alan and I have continued the tradition with winter and summer gatherings. It is gratifying to see this event has expanded to all parts of the globe through SP, and that the Colorado gatherings are continuing and becoming a highly anticipated event by attendees.

As Alan said at the 2009 event in Westcliffe, people come for the climb, but what they're really interested in are the people, their SP peers. And he's right. Meeting one's SP comrades is the highlight of these gatherings, and admittedly the reason why I attended that first event five years ago.

I'd be willing to state that this is the case for most folks that attend. The climbs aren't difficult or even unique, although the rewards are certainly stependous in terms of views and area quality. Those that attend are always impressed not only with the quality of the event, but the quality of their SP peers, and they're often surprised by it. You couldn't ask for people nicer than SP folks.

The trend is obvious. The popularity of these events assures their continuing for the forseeable future. Organizing a large group can be a challenge and unweildy, and this could understandably be a reason some folks don't attend. But for those that do, there's no better way to have fun and enjoy the company of one's kindred spirits in the mountains.

The 2009 summer group climbed Marble Mountain, an indistinguished low 13er that just so happens to have a stupendous view of four of Colorado's mighty 14ers, three of which are considered difficult and certainly dramatic in appearance. Other rugged Sangre De Cristo peaks could be viewed from the summit as well, so the reward was more than justifying for the event. But the biggest reward was the sense of community and commonality between SP members for nearly two splendid hours atop Marble Mountain on a spectacular bluebird day in Colorado (not to mention on the trail and the yummy dinner event at Pizza Madness in Westcliffe directly afterwards).

This is what SP gatherings are all about and why folks love to attend them. May the tradition carry on!

Incidentally, after early discussions, it appears the event will return to the San Juans next year, a week later. As Alan put it so well, people need an excuse to go to the San Juans. The SP Summer Gathering is a pretty good excuse!

Aaron Johnson
SummitPost

Photos & Comments

2009 SP Summer Gathering attendees are encouraged to post their photos in this album! As an added criteria to the usual SP photo fare, if you have photos illustrating SP folks being together and having a good time, feel free to post them here (do not be concerned with ratings).

Instead of using comments just to comment on the album, attendees please feel free to comment about the event in general. Have fun with it and we'll do it again next year!

Images

Summit Photo

The Adams Family

2009 SP Summer Gathering

Sangre de Cristo Marmot

Crestones from Little Horn

South Colony Basin

Upper Sand Creek Area

SP Summer Gathering 2009

2009 SP Summer Gathering

Oh...bless his heart

Sharon and Randy Breunlin and Cheryl Bradley at the summit of Marble

2009 SP Gathering

Northeast Ridge Mulesears

South Colony Bighorn Herd

[ View Gallery - 4 More Images ]

Comments

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Viewing: 1-5 of 5

sarah.simon

What a great time

Hasn't voted

Aaron,

Thank you a million for pulling this even (and the page to remember it by) together. I owe you and Ellen special thanks for waiting for Deb, Tom & I as we were running late the morning of the hike. SORRY!

We've got some great photos from the weekend and will post them as soon as we get the chance!

Sarah

Posted Jul 20, 2009 10:14 am

chicagotransplant

Thanks again!

Voted 10/10

Thanks again to Aaron, Ellen and Alan for putting this together, always a great time and I am looking forward to the next one! It was cool to be able to hang out on the summit for 2 1/2 hours, that is by far a new record for me.

It was a great day to be out with some great people, some old friends, some new. I think we put more people on this summit in a day than its used to seeing all year!

Sunday's climb went well too, a solo loop of Little Horn, Fluted and Horn - thanks to Westcliffe Willie for the recommendation, the ridge on Little Horn was a lot of fun!

Posted Jul 21, 2009 5:14 pm

Westcliffe Willie

Fantastic Time!

Voted 10/10

Thank you Aaron and Alan for putting this together. I had a fantastic time. Can't wait to do it again

Beautiful scenery. Beautiful weather and wonderful people. Everyone was a joy to be around.

Posted Jul 23, 2009 6:59 pm

Alan Ellis

As always....the people!

Voted 10/10

The climbs are fun, but meeting new people and seeing old friends are always the reasons for a gathering. This one was no exception and it was a pleasure being with everyone that day. I have over 600 photos to sort through of our week in the Sangres, so I'll get the Marble pics up by Friday evening. I will also post a link so you can download any of them you wish.

Jackie and I had a successful climb of the Arete on Crestone Needle with SP members Andy and Fabio. It pretty much kicked our butts so we never made it to the Blanca group. Pics and a TR for the Needle climb are also coming very soon.

Posted Jul 23, 2009 11:05 pm

Alan Ellis

Photos

Voted 10/10

Over 200 photos available on Photobucket. If you would like a high-res version of any of the photos, send me a PM or email on my profile.

http://photobucket.com/SP-SummerGathering2009

Posted Jul 24, 2009 8:57 am

Viewing: 1-5 of 5