Mt. Democrat

On Saturday we were lucky enough to have Adam to get our group together to hike our first 14er!  Steve and I have been wanting to do this for awhile and told ourselves we needed to do it this summer.  So Friday night we headed up to Fairplay to stay the night before the early morning hike to Mt. Democrat.  There were about 20 of us eager to get started and figure out what we were in for.  We had some experienced hikers, some 14er virgins, and 1 dog.  It was a 2 mile hike to the summit, ascending 2,000 feet in elevation.  Boy, was it steep and rocky! 

Our Journey:

Looking back at Kite Lake (where we started at 12,000 feet)

 Getting closer....

 Finally there!  14,148 feet.....whew!

 *I'll have to post the group pic later. 

 Stopping to enjoy the wildflowers on the way down

Our entire group made it to the top and some even went on to hike the nearby 14ers.  We only made one,, fearing our bodies maybe wouldn't hold up.  Next time we'll try 2 in a day for sure!

Hiking a 14er was a much different experience than leisurely hiking through the woods enjoying the scenery.  In the tundra there is little scenery around you.  And you're on a mission to get to that summit, so the enjoyment comes then, rather than throughout the hike.  Overall, it was a great experience and we're already planning on our next one!

After we did this I thought I'd revisit my "goals" or "resolutions" for the year.  Not too bad........

1. Run a 10K race (no walking)



2. Continue to workout at the gym at least 3 times per week    Have done....so far.....


3. Take a class to learn something new - sewing, cake decorating, or photography  Did sewing and cake decorating.  Check!


4. Scrapbook at least monthly! I'm so behind on the girls' scrapbooks -  uh.....oops.  Haven't had a chance to do this even once this year.


5. Buy myself at least 1 article of clothing a month (I know this sounds strange, but I've gotten really bad about spoiling myself)  This one was easy to fulfill!


6. Go on a date night with my sweet hubby at least once a month - We've gotten better, but haven't kept track if our dates are monthly


7. Read more books! (at least 10 this year - 1 done....9 to go) - 4 1/2 done - need to read more to make it!


8. Pursue a business opportunity (don't know what i want to do, but this is the time to try it, right?) We'll be worldwide, right Carrie? - Working on the cake business - Sweet Somethings


9. Find a mommies group nearby to connect with more moms.  Will work on this in the fall and winter


10. Hike a 14er with Steve!  Done!  Check!