It’s true.  I readily admit it.  I’m a peakbagger.  And I love it.

The past 3 days I’ve been chasing 14ers in Colorado (peaks over 14,000′).  Depending on how one counts them, I’ve either done 3 or 8.  It is pretty incredible territory – and pretty rugged.  The past 3 days the hikes have not been too long (only 8-10 miles) but the average climb has been over 4000′ per day.  The total shows 13,000 vertical feet in the last three days – that’s like climbing the stairs in your house over 1100 times.  Yes…it hurts.  Yes…I’m tired.  Yes…I’m going for more tomorrow.

Today’s climb of Mt. Massive (yes it is big) was particularly fun.  I took a non-standard route that was largely off trail and allowed me to walk the long summit ridge of Massive.  Though only the main summit officially counts as a 14er, Massive has five different summits over 14,000′, of which I managed to do four.  For fun the first couple pictures a good portion of the route.  Take a look: http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenmdunbar/MtMassive

Also, pictures from the other two days:

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenmdunbar/COCastleAndConundrumPeaks

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenmdunbar/COHuronPeak

Also, July stats added.  Somewhere in the Winds I hiked my 1000th mile for 2008.