I climbed my first Fourteener! Of course, Daniel has climbed several, on obscure technical routes with ropes and fancy gear and such. This was my first and since I'm clearly not about to harness up for ice climbing, we chose a beginner 14er close to Denver: Mt. Bierstadt (14,060 ft).
There are 53 Fourteeners in Colorado. As we discovered, Bierstadt is extremely popular. So much for solitude and wilderness! While I now feel like an official Coloradan since I've "bagged a 14er," I have to say that on the rare future occasions when we're able to get an all-day sitter to go hiking, I will choose 13ers. The 13ers we've hiked have been more varied and beautiful, and way less crowded.
While I was dizzy, wobbly, and panting for breath, Daniel appeared completely unfazed by altitude or exertion. I don't think he even broke a sweat. Sheesh.
We did it! And despite the crowds, it was truly gorgeous at the top.
Success! The summit is up between my hands.
