14ers n Stuff, CO Springs

Take away from this trip, high elevation and thin air does NOT play around. Started the weekend with a quick and easy 6 mile hike but even that was pretty serious going from 9000ft to about 12000ft. Pikes Peak was next and it was a monster, it was 7 miles and 4400ft of elevation gain one way. The summit was at 14115ft and it was a crazy hike. Started the hike around 10 in shorts and a T-shirt, hours later I was bundled up in a coat, pants, and had to strap on the snowshoes. The hike itself was steep and it kicked my butt. I had to use the help at the very end to get up the final push to the summit but I count it as my first 14er even though I needed a bit of assistance. Saw a handful of creek crossings, beautiful peaks a few waterfalls and so much incredible scenery, it was a solid weekend and my calves and lungs hurt equally as much.