Alone Time Hike

On Friday, my lovely family dropped me by the side of the highway and told me to get moving. They said they’d be willing to pick me up down the road in a couple days.

So I shrugged on my backpack (which they generously threw out the car as the tires screeched their get-away), and I started trekking!

From Little Molas Lake, it’s only 16 miles around some hillsides to Coalbank Pass: a pretty lazy 2-night backpack.

I saw a herd of elk in the distance, a marmot in it’s hidey hole, bumble bees returning home, lots of mosquitos and mountain bikers, and pikas galore. Water was plentiful, the scenery outstanding, and the solitude refreshing.

Before I rejoined the familial unit, I decided to try for a summit of Engineer peak. Although not quite a 13er (he tops out at 12,972 ft — so close, big guy), there is an exposed section that chases off casual hikers.

I decided to go until my anxiety level hit 8 and see how far up that got me. Luckily I was passed by some folks, and just eavesdropped on the dad’s words of instruction to his young son. Voila! The summit!

Scrambling down to my awaiting crew, I hoped they’d take me back despite the odor. They did. I sure got lucky! (In so many ways.)