Today the girls and I went back to the Fourmile Creek/Crags area with the intention of getting some pictures of the route we took last time we were there.  That all went out the window though.  Instead of heading straight toward the Crags, I couldn't help but take a right onto a new trail that climbed steadily towards one of the ridges leading to the summit of Pikes Peak.  The trail I took today wasn't on the map, but I had a general idea where it was going to go.  Crags route is in red, todays route is in blue.

A good bit of the trail just beyond the trailhead is nice and clear.

It got snowy as soon as we turned off onto the other trail.  It was pretty consolidated though, so sneakers were perfect.

Approaching tree line.

Looking West from just below tree line.  The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness can be seen off in the distance.

I figured since I hauled the tripod all this way, I might as well use it.  Sorta made me nervous to set the camera up on the tripod on such a windy day with the dogs romping all around it, so I took one timed shot, and called it good.  

Slightly wider shot looking west from a bit higher up.  

Testing one, two..  So I thought Id see how it would look if I put a topo map on here..  I have some nifty software that allows me to create a topographic map of any location in colorado.  All I have to do now is plan a trip and print the exact maps I will need for each trip.  For example, this is a map of the walk the dogs and I took this morning.  I drew our route in red.  This trailhead is only a few minutes from home.  15 miles by road, though probably only 5 as the crow flies..  The northwest flank of Pikes Peak is in the lower right corner of this map.  This was our first trip to this trail and it was way more fun than I expected.  Naturally I opted not to bring the camera.  When we go back there, I will try to get some decent pictures.  Anyway the trail was icy and snowy in spots, but mostly clear as it followed Fourmile Creek up to a saddle, where the trail ends.  From there we left the trail and climbed up onto the smooth rock of the 'crags' area.  I enjoyed the view while the dogs rolled in snowdrifts and chewed on sticks.  We followed an obvious ridge down to rejoin our trail and headed out from there.  Fun morning.  

Lily.

Snowbird

Lily is probably about 7 weeks old in this picture.

Me, Traeger, Jen, Tanner - Breckenridge

The only existing proof that I've actually played golf.  George, on the other hand, was always dressed and ready for golf.

Little Cloud lift at the bird

High speed roller

Since this is the first time in a long time i've been able to actually unpack, and hook up the scanner, I thought it might be a good time to archive some old pictures.  So here in no particular order, are some old  pictures.  


Northern Terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail

I look pretty good in the morning

Summit of Gannett Peak, Wyoming.  ~13,800'.

Approach to Cirque of the Towers, Wyoming

My expression hasn't changed much

Snowbird

Alaska. Somewhere in the Kenai.  I found this down coat in a throwaway bin in wyoming lol.  I now have a down coat that actually fits.  It did the job though i guess...

Campo.  Southern Terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail.   That shirt has no idea what is about to happen to it.  lol...

Grand Canyon

Ben, Andy, Greg.

Dad never missed a game.

Are you for scuba?

If these two jagaloons had to pose for this picture at our nation's capital again today (~twenty years later), I have absolutely no doubt that they would do the same thing all over again.

We don't ride our bikes, we just fix em.  lol

Days from the Canadian border on the PCT.  I believe this background is looking south from where we came from.

Navigating

Northwest

The Legendary Jonathan Ley

Getting there...

Approaching Washington State.  Bridge of the Gods is Sketchy when theres traffic..

Collapsed bridge found night hiking.

Bottle opener?  Anyone?

Relentless wind along the crest

If you have to be inside, you might as well be in a Yurt

Drying bags while keeping warm in the northwest

Sorry I ruined your scenic brah..

I believe Mt. Shasta is somewhere in that distant blinding light.

Chocolate milk.  An easy way to dump calories into your head.

Getting frosty in the Cascades

Shoveling spoonfuls of peanut butter to fuel the fire after days in the rain.  Another unpleasant, wet night.  Did pushups and situps ALL night to keep warm.  Soaked to the bone.  Learning experience Ill never forget.    

Unexpected Yurt magic in the Cascades

Suuurre..  No snow except on the trail..  Awesome.  We are truckin along in the background...

A day or two from the canadian border

Jonathan, Mike, Me, Manning Park, BC.  Nice to do the last 100 Miles of the PCT with friends.