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We met at Longs Peak Trailhead on Thursday morning and headed up the trail with the gang. Mike is a great storyteller and a lot of fun. Here he is with Hector near the spot where we stopped for lunch.
These two filtered more water than I did at the Boulderfield for the Dayhikers. They have servant's hearts and were a big asset to the Camp Cookie team.
After we filtered water (more than 10 gallons!) we had supper together as the sun was going down. Rick practiced his blocking skills and nearly knocked Staci out of this shot.
The next morning, Staci and Mike headed up toward the Keyhole a little before I did. I got this shot of them celebrating their progress.
When I got to the Keyhole they were waiting. The wind was really blowing which made this spot kind of fun but also a little scary.
Mike was feeling a little dizzy (which is NOT good for the traverse across the Ledges). After spending a little time at the Keyhole, they decided to head down. Six others in our forum family didn't make it to the summit of Longs, but I say what matters is that they tried. Not everyone can handle the altitude and the exposure. Not everyone has the physcial stamina to get all the way to the top. Sometimes we just have an off-day. But the Keyhole is a very worthy destination in itself, and I salute those who gave it their best.
I love these words from Irene Gooter who said: "You can live on bland food so as to avoid an ulcer. You can drink no tea or coffee or other stimulants in the name of health, and go to bed early, and stay away from anything exciting, and avoid all controversial subjects so as not to give offense, mind your own business, and avoid involvement in other people's problems, spend money only on necessities, and save all you can. You can do all of that and still fall and break your neck in the bathtub--AND IT WOULD SERVE YOU RIGHT."
So Mike and Staci, I take my hat off to you for going for it. I'm really glad I got to know you better and that we became closer friends. Or as Napoleon would say, "So, we're pretty much friends by now, right?"
