In my line of work, this kind of update is important! I have a ton of pictures and stories to post, which I will in time. Suffice to say, the picture you're looking at was taken on one of the last sunny days I had in the mountains--about a month ago! This is my 10/10 difficulty hike, Mount Lead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It seems like a long time ago, and it was. I've gone one to do a bunch more hikes, including 3 full off trail treks at Lone Cone, Hesperus Mountain, and Summit Peak--all three of which I almost got killed upon by fast moving Eastern storms.
I haven't been afraid many times in my life, truly afraid, like the time I thought Coolio was going to kill Weird Al. Eastern storms always invoke that kind of " I hope they spell my name right in the obituary" fear. Out in Colorado, like 98% of storms blow in from the west or the north. They pass predictably, like oversized bullies whose lack of stealth gives you ample time to prepare. But these eastern storms! They are like ninjas, veiling themselves in the stratosphere and attacking without warning, often catching the unwary hiker with his proverbial Gore-Tex pants down. They DO usually give you the courtesy of soaking you with flood rains first, to make you as electrically compatible as possible, as well as to ensure every capillary in your skin will explode should a robust bolt find its way to your soggy body. They are nasty things these eastern storms...
Oh, and by the way-- a HUGE thanks to the folks who've donated in the last few weeks: Uncle John and Aunt Karen+ family, Uncle Tom and Aunt Kim+ family, the Lucians, and Chili Dave! And late breaking e-mail news tells me the Shupanis family (please tell me I spelled your last name right, from someone whose last name is equally confuddling) has sent a cool donation as well. You guys are keeping the hikes rolling and my spirits from sagging! Extra thanks to John Ragozzine for an especially encouraging email. You're all sort of like the wind beneath my wings; more like the vibram beneath my boots!
