The Climb to the Summit

I arrived in Colorado from my previous tour in Berlin, Germany. I was stationed there from 1988 through 1992 and after my tour, I was transferred to Colorado. I wasn't able to begin work immediately once I arrived in the metro Denver area, so I puttered around for almost 8 weeks.

I received a call from my commander, Major Kimmel, and he told me we were going to meet some of the troops. I asked when and where and what else I might need. He stated about seven of them were camped out at the head trail to Longs Peak and that I should wear light clothes, bring a daypack, and lots of water. It was 8 July 1992.

We arrived at the camp around 6 AM. I met each of the soldiers, and then the Major told me we were going to climb 'The Peak.' I was in minor shock. I had no idea how high the mountain was, how long it would take or what the weather was like in July. All I knew is that we were going to climb the mountain.

We signed the book at the trail head and started out. The weather was perfect starting out and just got better and better. The sky was blue with just a hint of clouds now and then. Walking through the woods at the initial start point was quite pleasant and I figured I was in for a long walk. The woods gave way to the openness of the trail that had been created through years of walks. I was now introduced to what a 'switchback' was and it then made since that to walk straight up the mountain simply would not work.

The trek wasn't too bad and we all took breaks from time to time as we continued up the mountain. I decided not to take too many breaks and to simply keep my pace and stride in order to maintain a good level of endurance. I reached a point when I turned around and didn't see quite as many of the 'troops' as started out. It seemed they were beginning to string out along the trail. I finally reached the 'keyhole' and took a break there and waited for some of the others. While I was sitting in the stone hut at the keyhole, I looked across the boulder field and saw two small figures that were getting bigger and bigger. I realized after just a few moments that these two individuals were running the mountain. I was shocked. I was taking a break trying to get my breath and they were running the mountain. The two women stopped just before going through the keyhole and put on a thin, lightweight nylon pullover and then they were gone! The wind was blasting on the other side of the boulder field and I took it kinda slow as I walked along what I thought was the Northern side of the trail. The trail was thin but solid and I watched each step. Then I reached the point where I seemed to go straight up. I knew I was real close to the summit but the climb became harder and harder. I would summon up a burst of speed and climb maybe ten steps. Then I would rest for 10-15 minutes, summon up a burst of energy and climb another 10 steps. It was brutal.

As I was taking one of my many breaks, the women came down the mountain passing me along the way; I just kept climbing. I finally reached the summit and found the metal box that held the book where you could sign in. The surveyor's landmark was there in the stone and marked the altitude - 14,255 ft. I had made it. I was so tired I just walked the top for a brief time and found a spot where I could lay down. The rocks I laid on seemed to fill each spot on my back that was aching. I fell asleep at 14,255 ft for about an hour. When I woke up I was disoriented and red as a beet. I didn't know which way I had come to the top and for a brief second wondered "How in the world do I get down?" Then I saw others sitting on the mountain and realized I could do the manly thing, the noble thing…I could ask directions! It also dawned on me that I was the only one from the crew that was on the mountain. I did not see any of the others I started with.

My thighs were screaming as I began the trek down. Then the thighs were fine and the balls of my feet and knees were aching. I was trying to find a way I could climb down, pay attention to what I was doing, and control the aches at the same time. I reached to keyhole again, took a short break and then began hopping boulders as I crossed the field. I had run out of water and was thirsty. I found a stream meandering through the boulder field and filled my water bottle. The water was clear and cold and tasted great.
I caught up with the first two members of the crew on the trail down just off the field and as we continued off the mountain we picked one of two others. By the time I made it to the edge of the wood line, the clouds were coming in and it started to rain. I was more afraid of lightning until I hit the woods and then figured I was safe. We all made it back to the trailhead, signed the book and took off to a cottage for some liquid refreshment. Altogether it took about 10 hours for the trek.

I was a bit apprehensive at the start but by the time I finished the hike, I was glad I didn't quit. I had never been challenged quite like that before and the feeling of accomplishment was very satisfying.

Regards,

J. Mitchell