| Ref: 14ers.com
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It was still dark when I reached
the summit of Tabeguache Peak.
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Scramble:
RT 9.0 (includes Mount Shavano); 45 minutes up from Mount Shavano. The
extension to Tabeguache Peak is straightforward but hikers must
consider weather before proceeding as there aren't any simple ways out
from the ridge. When I engaged on the traverse, it was dark. I knew
the sky was covered because I couldn't see the stars anymore, I needed
my headlamp to negotiate the blocky
terrain along the way. It was windy and cold, I focused on the
immediate ground ahead of me without stopping. After the saddle, I
started to discern the silhouette of Tabeguache, I hurried to the top
to
catch the sunrise. Once dawn was upon me, I realized I wouldn't see the
sunrise this morning. I was a bit
surprised that the cloudcover was already so dark, thunder
was in the forecast for around noon and it wasn't even 6 AM yet. I
suddenly felt at the mercy of mother nature. I quickly took some
pictures and didn't even take
the time to call Tim to let him know I had reached both summits. I
turned on my heels and started backtracking to Mount Shavano. I did
take some pics along the way while hiking at a fast pace; I must admit
that when I glanced at my surroundings, I found the scenery beautiful
and somewhat magical. I was nervous and excited at the same time, like
the irony of feeling alive when one's life is threatened. When I
reached Shavano's summit, the
weather seemed to be
improving. If the mountain had a soul I would be tempted to say it had
played a joke on me! I descended some distance and stopped for a
well-deserved break, I had been
going steady since I left the truck after midnight. It was really nice
to
unwind; I ate, called Tim and sat down for a while. The rest of the
descent was enjoyable, I glissaded all the way to treeline where I
picked up the trail shortly thereafter. On the way down I thought about
how different this outing had been. Hiking in the dark is not typical,
it precipitates a disparate state of mind. I also experienced
strong emotions and saw great views despite the cloudcover and haste.
I won't forget Shavano and Tabegache, I'm really glad I executed this
duo as I did, I enjoyed it and wouldn't change a thing!
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Looking back at Mount Shavano.
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The northern
view with Mount White and massive Mount Antero behind it.
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Western
view.
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Grizzly
Mountain (left) and centennial 13er Cronin Peak (right center).
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Jones Peak
beyond the connecting ridge to Mount Shavano.
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On my way
back to Mount Shavano.
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Easy peasy
but in a hurry!
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Tabeguache
Peak, now that I can see it.
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More of the
connecting ridge.
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Blue holes
in the sky, could the weather be improving instead of worsening?
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View north
again with Jones Peak, Mount White and 14er Mount Antero!
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Slight glow
from the sun as I gain Shavano for the second time today.
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Taylor
Mountain south-west of me.
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Last glimpse
towards Tabeguache Peak.
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Looking
north-east, the sky is breaking up.
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Mount
Shavano's east ridge.
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Check
out Mount Shavano
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