Date: 6/19/2016
Day: 44
Distance: 22 miles
start: 6:40 am
stop: 7:30 pm
Elevation: 12226 ft
Others Here: Linus Cloudbuster, Polar Bear, Tank
Camp: small lake near Cataract Lake ; tenting
I had been talking up the alternate over Hunchback peak but when it came to it, I was feeling very unsure of myself after yesterday’s fall and self arrest. I told Cloudbuster I was going to take the official and lower CDT route. But I could tell he really wanted to do hunchback (which is a 13135 ft peak) but he was willing to go low with me. He said something like “will you ever get this chance again? We can take it slow. ” I decided he was right and agreed to do it. I had hiked this peak last time and it was one of the highlights of the hike. It didn’t disappoint this time either. Amazing views! Even back to the window. Again the hanging lakes on the way down from the peak were magnificent. Something very few people get to see in person; and something I wouldn’t have seen had I gone the low route. I am very thankful that Cloudbuster gently convinced me to go. Otherwise I would have given fear a foothold in myself.
It was a long day and I am very tired. My legs are like jello. At times I wondered if I could possibly make it over the next ridge. Today was all above 12000 ft. But just like yesterday, sometimes you have to just press on and you might be surprised what you can accomplish.
Comments 1
Jim, I have read through most of your posts today in one sitting. What a treat! I will remember to keep reading them and to keep you in prayer. What you are doing is quite an adventure, but it isn’t easy by any means. We admire your courage and tenacity. Thank you for the beautiful photos, so many beautiful views of the world that not many travel off the beaten path to see, so thank you!