Today was day one of off-season training…a fifteen-mile, seven-and-a-half hour hike up to the Arapahoe Peaks (~13500 ft).

After a late night airport run Frank had to drag me out of bed this morning.  Actually, I got up on my own but only about three minutes before Frank came to pick me up…sorry Frank but hey I need my beauty rest.

Anyway, here are some pictures from the hike.

 Not that this is related but be careful going down stairs after getting out of the hot tub!

 The start of the hike in the trees.

 Frank “The Navigator” Pipp leading the way.

 Above the tree line with the Arapahoe Glacier and Arapahoe Peaks in the background.

 An Alpine Tundra DoDo Snow bird…okay I have no clue what kind of bird it is but they did look like they would taste good!

 The climb was rather technical but not if you have skills…I had to help Frank most of the way!

 Frank eating an apple with Arapahoe Glacier in the background.

 Arapahoe Glacier and North Arapahoe Peak.

 Frank “The Navigator” Pipp on top of the 13,384 ft South Arapahoe Peak.

 En-Route to North Arapahoe Peak.  The attempt fell short however, due to the lack of a ladder…it was a technical route and we were scared of falling off the mountain…or at least Frank was!

 Some random dude who also got denied from the top of North Arapahoe Peak.  Also where I broke my camera making it impossible to take pictures on the way down.

Today was a great hike but my legs are absolutely wrecked and I hate to admit this but Frank was the stronger of the two of us today…yes write that down because I will never say it again!

Time to go eat handfuls of Ibuprofen…

later, g.