Mt. Lady Washington and Storm Peak 1.5.19

 

Mt. Lady Washington and Storm Peak Wander 1/5/19

Government shut down closed our beloved Park, forcing us to choose an alternate wander.  The Long’s Peak trail head offers a wild landscape to explore.  Katie and I meet mid-morning and take the last two parking places in a busy parking lot.  We are not the only misplaced hikers looking for a refuge of solitude on this gorgeous winter morning.  We have set our ambitions on scaling Mt. Lady Washington and Storm Peak today.

Moving Slow

My body moves slow under a heavy pack.  The rigors of testing and procedures in the month of December prevented my usual wanders thus reducing my level of fitness.  Frustration with my body permeate my thoughts.  A moment of realization to stop and take in the beauty of this place melts the aggravation and creates space for gratitude. 

Snow blankets the ground and trees.  Bright blue skies peek through the canopy, warm temperatures reduce the layers of clothes needed and within a short time we are replacing heavy layers with lighter layers.  Snow crunches beneath our feet, skiers and hikers move along the trail chatting and enjoying the warm weather. 

Above Treeline 

The trail opens to a wide bowl filled with boulders and windswept trees.  Stumpy trees and shrubs have managed to adapt to this fragile environment and offer touches of green in an otherwise brown and snow-covered bowl.  Longs Peak towers in the distance, a snowy peak against a deep blue sky.  Next to Longs, Meeker stands out as a hulking mound of rocks.  While less famous than its neighbor, a climb to the peak is invigorating and a challenge.  A wistful wish to climb Meeker and Longs on a winter day fill the mind with longing and anticipation.   But, not for today.

Change in Focus

The ambitious goal for today is to climb both Mt. Lady Washington and Storm Peak.  We come prepared for a long day of big elevation gains.  As we climb to the base of Mt. Lady Washington it becomes clear that I am not moving as quickly as I need in order to accomplish this lofty itinerary.  Slowly, I let go of the desire to climb both peaks and settle on just one.

We take a break to refuel and enjoy the sun-drenched horse corral before tackling the ascent of Mt. Lady Washington.  As I rest, I decide that my body is done for the day.  Katie agrees and we decide to take a slow meander back to the trailhead.

Things to See

The change in focus from an ambitious climb to a slow meander allow us to stop and investigate rocks, trees, foot prints and other things that catch our eye.  Trees in every shape and size and in various stages of life invite inspection.  Snow has crept into small crevices and cracks; old pine needles and cones rest gently inside.  Weather works the wood, creating variations in color, texture and shapes.

Snow is a canvas of communication that tells who has been out and about.  Much of the snow is unbroken and untrodden.  Along the edges of the trail are rabbit, deer and mouse tracks.  Tree limbs shed plops of snow, making indentations in the canvas.  Late afternoon sun casts fanciful shadows, enhancing the depth and profile against the snowy canvas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Tree

As we enter the Goblin Forest, I look for my favorite tree.  It stands strongly against a bright sky.  I plow through deep snow to explore the circumference of the tree.  The bare tree has branches and limbs that remind me of The Bodhisattva’s Thousand Arms, representing the characteristics of wisdom and compassion.  Curvy trunks, waving arms stretch out in a welcoming pose, greeting those who find her.

Reset

A shift in focus releases the tension of ambitious goals and always for a playful afternoon of wandering.  The eye and mind explore the landscape and a lively conversation interspersed with long silence.  We stop to enjoy the sound of water flowing over rocks and under the snow.  The sights and sounds of the forest offer contentment and solace. 

There will be other days to push hard and attain ambitious goals.  Today’s wander was a lesson in listening to the body, creating space for aimless wanders and exploration of the wonders of this forest.

 

WanderJill