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Blog Entry 2 of 2 a morin eye view
Do you ever wonder… Why sheep don’t shrink when it rains? I honestly do. Here you’ll find no rhyme (unless I’m feeling poetic), reason (unless I have one) or consistency (unless I accidentally post the same thing twice) in my cyber contributions. I’ve long ago accepted defeat to my arch-nemesis Punctuality, so expecting postings on a structured basis is discouraged. I do, however, invite you to check in periodically as I write about things that pique my interest while prowling the city. As a photographer this blog may also be frequently used as an outlet for pictorial expression. If you have a thought or two of your own bouncing around the old noggin, I recommend starting up your own blog and giving everyone the no-holds-barred account of life in your corner.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~Kristin

Fourteener worth the butt-ache
Contributed by: Kristin Morin   on 7/3/2008

Well, I didn't die.

That was one of my biggest goals of the weekend. Technically, I suppose it's a goal I strive for every day, but this time I put in that little extra effort. Although I do believe the portal between the living and spiritual worlds is blogging, I'm glad to be coming to you live. (literally.)

I climbed my first fourteener over the weekend. Until last Sunday, my claims to fame were more along the lines of speed bumps, ladders and the occasional grassy knoll. (no, not that one.)

A Saturday late-night drive to a rented condo in Breckenridge, brought me face to face with bunk beds in my sleeping quarters (dibs on top bunk) and the night-long company of my friends' German Shorthaired Pointer and Weim.

A little too early, I was roused from my air-borne slumber and waited in line for my microwaved Jimmy Dean sandwich. Breakfast of champions.

As we drove toward the trail head, my friend Cathy perfectly remarked "We're not going up there, right?" pointing to the top of Quandary Peak, aka Our Destination.

After saddling up our backpacks, my eight companions (nine if you count Drew's dog) and I, took our first vertical steps up the trail.

To tell the truth, I was a little worried when I started breathing heavily and was still within sight of the car. In the hours that followed, we struggled up the rock and snow and finally were all accounted for at the 14,265-foot summit.

Now, I'm not sure if it was the view or my lax attendance at yoga class that was taking my breath away, but I do know that I was floored by the 360 degree mountain panoramic I was seeing as I looked around. Seeing something like that really makes you appreciate the rugged and untouched beauty this place has to offer.

It was time to re-energize and my peanut butter sandwich was divine, better than anything I've ever eaten...with the possible exception of the food at Larimer Square's Osteria Marco. (note - that wasn't a paid shout-out, it's just really that good.)

After the feeding frenzy, it was time for the big finish. Drew took his girlfriend, Kristin, (another Kristin, I haven't transitioned into talking in the third person - yet) and popped the question. You know the one I mean. It was a great addition to the experience, especially since she said yes.

(To read more about Drew and Kristin's engagement, Click here.)

It took us about two-and-a-half hours to descend, just enough time for the ends of my big toes to start throbbing. All in all - despite the inkling of some serious posterior soreness - I felt physically strong and an intense sense of accomplishment. I had conquered a mountain, billy-goat-gruff style. I can see why these hikes are a draw for so many people. We even met one couple that had starting hiking at 3 a.m. just to catch the sunrise at the top. It was an appealing idea to some of my hiking buddies. The Boyfriend seemed especially excited about it and suggested we follow suit before the end of month.

Hmm, sounds good in theory, but how about asking me again when I stop limping...


What fourteeners have you been climbing? and more importantly , where does it hurt the most?


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