A Summit to Remember
Last Friday, we embarked on our adventure to Frisco, CO and the Quandary Peak Summit we wrote about a couple weeks ago. Due to record snow levels in Leadville, we the climb was changed at the last minute from Mt. Elbert to Quandary Peak for the safety of the participants. It was an amazing climb to 14,265 feet with 55 of 57 climbers making it to the summit!
When we arrived in Frisco on Thursday afternoon, huge flakes were falling and it was COLD. We’d been receiving emails preparing us that the weather might be less than ideal, but reminding us the experience was about accomplishing it together. The adventure began with a group of us climbing on behalf of Global Explorers dining at what from the outside seemed to be an upstanding dining establishment. However, after the completion of our meal at this suspicious restaurant (which shall remain nameless), we were all hoping, praying, and crossing fingers that none of us contracted food poisoning. Thankfully, we were all fine! In the evening, we met up with all of the others participating in the climb, a group of about 60 from all across the US. Erik Weihenmeyer spoke about the organization we were supporting, No Barriers, and introduced the wounded vets that were part of the team. We then were privileged to see some of the clips of the Soldiers to the Summit film, even though it was not yet finished.
Last Friday, we embarked on our adventure to Frisco, CO and the Quandary Peak Summit we wrote about a couple weeks ago. Due to record snow levels in Leadville, we the climb was changed at the last minute from Mt. Elbert to Quandary Peak for the safety of the participants. It was an amazing climb to 14,265 feet with 55 of 57 climbers making it to the summit!
When we arrived in Frisco on Thursday afternoon, huge flakes were falling and it was COLD. We’d been receiving emails preparing us that the weather might be less than ideal, but reminding us the experience was about accomplishing it together. The adventure began with a group of us climbing on behalf of Global Explorers dining at what from the outside seemed to be an upstanding dining establishment. However, after the completion of our meal at this suspicious restaurant (which shall remain nameless), we were all hoping, praying, and crossing fingers that none of us contracted food poisoning. Thankfully, we were all fine! In the evening, we met up with all of the others participating in the climb, a group of about 60 from all across the US. Erik Weihenmeyer spoke about the organization we were supporting, No Barriers, and introduced the wounded vets that were part of the team. We then were privileged to see some of the clips of the Soldiers to the Summit film, even though it was not yet finished.
After a night of little sleep (I think they were possibly holding a pogo stick tournament on the floor directly us), we awoke at 4 am, and after breakfast, we departed the hotel for the trailhead. We were all a bit giddy to see the full moon that morning and realize that the snow storms had cleared for the moment being. As the sun rose, we started out on the trail heading off into a surprisingly beautiful morning. There had clearly been lots of recent snowfall, but for that morning, perhaps just for us, there was a break. The climb up was steep and challenging in places, but we enjoyed every step of it. We had the privilege of climbing alongside some of the vets at different points, listening to their stories and finding common interests. It was inspiring to be with a group of people who have every reason to live a limited or partial life, but choose not to. Some of these men and women were missing limbs or blind or had sever TBI (traumatic brain injuries), yet they were there alongside us challenging themselves. Most of us have no reason to live a life limited, but often we do of our own choosing. Hearing their stories was a reminder to continue to pursue a life that overcomes challenges, interacts with and learns from others and never settles for less.
Almost exactly as we reached the summit, clouds began to roll in, so the views from the top were limited, but we were excited to have many along the way. We took a moment to relish in being at the top, and then headed back down, just as snow began to fall lightly around us.
It was an amazing day, truly inspirational and exciting. It was a privilege to participate. Thanks to all of those who supported the climb! For more information, check out the article that was on the front page of the Denver Post Sports section this weekend: Read the Denver Post Article.
