The planned hike was to climb from the TH at 9,000 ft to three peaks above 12,000 ft.  Flattop Mountain at 12,324 ft was the first leg.  There were only a couple of us hikers out that early.  It was quiet and we were able to get above tree line quickly.  It really got the heart pumping because it was mostly straight up.  It was also amazing as we crossed our first glacier to the summit of Flattop.

After resting for a couple of minutes on the summit of Flattop and chit chatting with our new friends, we headed off to Hallett Peak at 12,713 ft.  This is where the trail went primitive and we had to follow rock cairns through a saddle to the summit of Hallett.  On the way to this peak we saw a few marmots and passed another glacier.  The final trek up to the peak was a chore.  We had to rock hop to the summit.  Not a easy task at over 12,000 ft!

After resting a little bit more (we realize we can’t rest for long!  go go go!), we started off to tag our final peak, Otis.  Later this day, I realized Joscelyn didn’t really want to do it because she was tired.  She is a trooper and the best hiking partner I have ever had!  Anyways, the trip to Otis (12,400 ft) was the hardest!  We trekked down another saddle and the trail went away.  We had to make our own trail.  As we approached the summit, we had to manage through a huge boulder field.  We took it easy as we didn’t want to break an ankle in the middle of the continental divide.  On the top of Otis, you can see me pointing to Longs Peak, our next adventure!

We did it!  We tagged three 12ers in great time!  Overall we hiked over 12 miles and for seven hours.  We stumbled back down to the TH destroyed.  It was awesome, but it took a toll on our bodies.  I think we would definitely do it again!

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The next morning came early!  We drove the last 25 miles to Fruita, CO to be checked in by 7am.  When my race started, the course was planned for 8 mi and 45 degrees at the start.  Last minute changes made it 17.5 mi and it turned to 70 degrees during the race.  I was not ready for that!  The start was good and I was in 2nd place going into 4 mi……that’s when it happened.  I broke my chain and watched everybody in my class pass me.  After an half hour walking to find somebody to help, I was able to piece the chain together to finish the race.  It was such a beautiful day!  We stayed for a little while to watch the other classes race.

Being so close to Utah, we decided to hit the border for a photo op.  We then took are time driving back the 230 or so miles back home.  What a difference a day makes!

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