essay! I have only been to Rocky Mountain National Park once. For acclimation hikes. We didn't try to summit Longs but we did do the long hike to Chasm Lake and back. It's where I found out all about altitude sickness. I was hoping to acclimate in two to three days, but in fact it took me eight days.
Thanks Bob! I have been very fortunate to not have altitude sickness issues in Colorado. As an alternative, I would highly recommend the North Cascades - which provide stellar scenery at much lower elevations. I know I'm looking forward to heading back there later this summer.
Thanks Larry! For a number of reasons, it was an appropriate title, and yes how quickly time slips away. Could have just as easily called it "Longs Peak and the Cats in the Cradle."
Enjoyed the photos also! Your perspective on Longs seems to have evolved from wannabe to climber to guide.
Might be hard to pass on another chance to summit. DMB could be playing Red Rocks next year!
Thanks Bill! Now, I'm not too sure about that guide thing...unless people want a higher chance of getting lost (LMAO). In reality, I know that both Andrew and Olivia have spent enough time in the mountains of Colorado to have been fine by themselves. I understand them wanting to go with someone that's done it bofore though. It's nice to feel needed(LOL).
We'll see about 2017, but my guess is that the concert caravan may not be a reality then. I'll be sure to keep in touch this summer...will be anxious to hear what you have planned. The Winds I assume? Take care...
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by! The first photo was taken from the east ridge of Otis Peak, pretty close to the summit. As stated in the caption, I used A LOT of zoom.
BobSmith - Mar 8, 2016 11:17 am - Voted 10/10
Very nice...essay! I have only been to Rocky Mountain National Park once. For acclimation hikes. We didn't try to summit Longs but we did do the long hike to Chasm Lake and back. It's where I found out all about altitude sickness. I was hoping to acclimate in two to three days, but in fact it took me eight days.
Lesson learned.
MarkDidier - Mar 9, 2016 5:11 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Very nice...Thanks Bob! I have been very fortunate to not have altitude sickness issues in Colorado. As an alternative, I would highly recommend the North Cascades - which provide stellar scenery at much lower elevations. I know I'm looking forward to heading back there later this summer.
lcarreau - Mar 8, 2016 5:13 pm - Voted 10/10
Appropriately named !Now, after reading your report, I know why they call it "Longs"
and how 'SHORT' time slips away.
I would require nine days, otherwise I'd have to be "resuscitated"
by Laura Antonelli, which wouldn't be so bad !
MarkDidier - Mar 9, 2016 5:13 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Appropriately named !Thanks Larry! For a number of reasons, it was an appropriate title, and yes how quickly time slips away. Could have just as easily called it "Longs Peak and the Cats in the Cradle."
Bill Reed - Mar 9, 2016 10:36 am - Voted 10/10
Good read Mark!Enjoyed the photos also! Your perspective on Longs seems to have evolved from wannabe to climber to guide.
Might be hard to pass on another chance to summit. DMB could be playing Red Rocks next year!
MarkDidier - Mar 9, 2016 5:18 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Good read Mark!Thanks Bill! Now, I'm not too sure about that guide thing...unless people want a higher chance of getting lost (LMAO). In reality, I know that both Andrew and Olivia have spent enough time in the mountains of Colorado to have been fine by themselves. I understand them wanting to go with someone that's done it bofore though. It's nice to feel needed(LOL).
We'll see about 2017, but my guess is that the concert caravan may not be a reality then. I'll be sure to keep in touch this summer...will be anxious to hear what you have planned. The Winds I assume? Take care...
lcarreau - Mar 10, 2016 9:06 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Good read Mark!Geez, Mark ! Gonna have to start calling you "Daddy Warbucks."
Huckleberry-Hiker - Mar 28, 2016 9:36 am - Voted 10/10
Great trip report!And great photos! Where was that first photo taken - somewhere above Black Lake?
MarkDidier - Mar 28, 2016 6:59 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Great trip report!Thanks, and thanks for stopping by! The first photo was taken from the east ridge of Otis Peak, pretty close to the summit. As stated in the caption, I used A LOT of zoom.