Well, 2021 was supposed to be the summer for getting back to my 50 state highpointing quest with only 4 more to go to include Gannett Peak in Wyoming. It did not turn out the best as I joined with random people on social media since my climbing partner was unable to go. Being Grizzly country, I did not feel comfortable soloing. We started from the Green River Lakes Trailhead outside Pinedale planning to meet the night before heading off the next morning. I should have taken this as a red flag as the other 4 did not arrive at the actual trailhead until the next morning not leaving until after 9AM. I am an alpine climber loving to start as early as possible to avoid afternoon storms and plus the heat of the day. We arrived at camp 1 by late afternoon and was already starting to not feel the best even though the altitude was only 8500 feet. I am used to climbing 14ers, so was unsure what was going on but planned to keep gutting it through. After a very restless night, I finally got out of the tent to pack up at 7AM (still late for me) with the others still snoring away. It was at this point I bailed on the remainder of the climb with how I was feeling and the other people's red flags.

None the less, I hiked the 12 miles back to the trailhead and spent the next 2 days exploring the remainder of Wyoming since had the time cutting a couple days off the climb. I saw Thermopolis, Legend Rock, Cody, Buffalo, Hell's Half Acre, Independence Rock, and Split Rock.

With a couple extra days to go before having to make it home to southwest Kansas, I decided to hit some 14ers on the way with Mt. of the Holy Cross my main goal to begin with. This was my last for the Sawatch Range after getting many of them the previous summer when I did 12 total. The road was worse last summer to Holy Cross and the reason I did not even attempt in my 2 wheel drive pickup. The road was better this summer, so in the same truck, made it to the trailhead. After a 330AM start after a night in the bed of the truck, I reached the summit shortly after 8AM before making it back around noon with some trail running mixed in. I was anxious about the climb after seeing how my body reacted on Gannett Peak but for some reason, I did just fine with no issues as I have many other 14ers I have made the peak to. The attempt on Gannett was my 4th attempt, so it may be just that mountain has my number for some reason.

My next thought was to push to Aspen with some cell service and see which ones of the Elks I could go for, which ended up being Castle and Conundrum. I went up and over the passes of Tennessee and Independence as I have the previous 2 summers being a nice drive. This time I stopped to see the ghost towns of Ashcroft and Independence on my way to the trailhead. Aspen was crazy busy, and I hate the traffic and too many people, so I stopped for lunch by the airport and visited around Snowmass Village.

After being woke up by a loud jeep around 230AM, I decided to get going leaving around 300AM from the 2WD trailhead. The same jeep ended up passing me a mile or so into the hike leaving nothing but flying rocks towards me as it barreled by. It ended up being a couple females who I ended up catching back up to a few minutes behind them as they got back to their jeep leaving before I could hitch a ride. Oh well, doesn't count unless it is hiked anyway (just my opinion). I made the summit of Castle around 730AM or so being sore still from Holy Cross the previous day. Even though Conundrum is not considered a true 14er, I went for it anyway since I was there and it was there. Not much snow was left and looked to be a scree fest from the saddle to the lake. So after 45 minutes to reach its summit I made my way back up Castle and down the way I came. After seeing the aforementioned jeep drive away I stopped for a good bit to eat some snacks and take in the views seeing this was all I was going to be able to do with my legs taking a beating this trip starting with the backpacking up Gannett. I passed a few people going up not to summit along with a forest ranger and 14er initiative leader who were doing some surveying for a new project, was nice to talk to them.

I was back to the trailhead shortly after noon before making my way back over Independence Pass. All the times I have been through Leadville, I never stopped at the legendary saloon for a quick bite of lamb and a few beers before heading my way towards New Mexico and Philmont Scout Ranch. I stayed the night at the state line in the bed of my truck before driving through Red River and Eagle Nest before reaching Cimarron. I always end my climbing trips with a short visit to the Ranch where it all began for me way back in 2000 falling in love with the mountains and the serenity it brings to your soul. After spending the morning reminiscing, I started the drive back towards home getting there before supper time just to go back to the "real" world of work the following day. Until we meet again next summer, it is time to go into hibernation before starting the training regiment for whatever comes before me next year. Take care and thank you for the read, God Bless!