My RV is now repaired, and departure is imminent! The next leg of my trip will take me around the western states of America, where my next set of goals and challenges are scheduled to take place. As always, the offer is there for anybody that wants to come and join in for any of the activities.
The timetable for the next few weeks is as follows:-
6th to 9th August – drive San Francisco to Wendover, Utah
9th to 12th August – Bonneville Salt Flats – Speed Week
15th August – Bobsleigh Ride – Olympic Park, Salt Lake City
16th August – travel down to Colorado
19th August – flight from Boulder, Colorado to London
22nd and 23rd August – Worthing Birdman Competition, UK
24th August – flight from London back to Denver
25th August – drive down to Colorado Springs
26th August to 1st September – “7 Peaks in 7 Days”
– also includes Whitewater Rafting
This last week of August probably offers the best opportunity to join in, as there are seven days of hill walking/mountain climbing, starting fairly easily at the beginning of the challenge, working up to longer routes with more technical climbing involved. Also, in the middle of the week is the chance to join in for another goal, whitewater rafting. The schedule for the week is as follows:-
Day #1: Pikes Peak
Date: Wednesday August 26, 2009
Start Time: 9am
Start Location: Devils Playground Parking Area on Pikes Peak Hwy
Estimated Summit Time: 11am
Approximate Elevation Gain: 1300’
Approximate Distance: 2.5 miles
Car P/U @ Summit of Pikes Peak – Return to C/S then Drive to Dillon, CO
Early Dinner at Beau Joe’s Pizza in Idaho Springs approx 4:00pm
Wednesday Night: Condo in Dillon
Day #2: Lincoln, Democrat, & Bross
Date: Thursday August 27, 2009
Start Time: 7:00am
Start Location: Kite Lake
Route: Democrat/Lincoln/Cameron/Bross
Estimated Summit Time Democrat: 9am
Estimated Summit Time Lincoln: 11am
Estimated Summit Time Bross: 12pm
Approximate Elevation Gain: 3700’
Approximate Distance: 7.5 miles
Happy Hour @ Arapahoe Cafe Dillon, CO approx 5pm
Thursday Night: Condo in Dillon
Day#3: Drive to Ouray Via Glenwood Sprgs & Black Canyon (6 hr Drive w/ no stops)
Date: Friday August 28, 2009
Leave condo in Dillon 8am
Optional Hike @ Hanging Lake Trail by Glenwood Sprgs (add 2hr)
Optional Detour into N. Rim of Black Canyon (add 2 hr)
Happy Hour in Ouray and/or Dip in Ouray Hot Springs approx 4:00pm
Drive to Campsite in Yankee Boy Basin & set up camp approx 7pm
Friday Night: Tent Camp in Yankee Boy Basin
Day #4: Climb Mount Sneffels
Date: Saturday August 29, 2009
Start Time: 6:30am
Route: Lavender Col from Yankee Boy Basin
Estimated Summit Time: 10:30am
Approximate Elevation Gain: 3430’
Approximate Distance: 4 miles
Happy Hour @ O’Brians Pub in Ouray approx 3pm
Drive to Campsite @ Matterhorn Creek Trailhead & Set up Camp approx 6pm
Saturday Night: Tent Camp @ Matterhorn Creek Trailhead
Note: Grillin/Chillin/Thrillin Music & Brew Fest in Ouray 8/29 12pm – 6pm
Day #5: Climb Wetterhorn Peak
Date: Sunday August 30, 2009
Start Time: 6:30am
Route: Southeast Ridge from Matterhorn Creek
Estimated Summit Time: 11am
Approximate Elevation Gain: 3535’
Approximate Distance: 6.5 miles
Happy Hour @ Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill in Lake City approx 3pm
Drive Lake City to Salida – Approx 2hr 20min drive
Sunday Night: Chalet in Salida
Day #6: Travel to Westcliffe or Weather Contingency Day
Date: Monday August 31, 2009
Leave Lake City or Gunnison: TBD
Royal Gorge Rafting Trip beginning @ 8:30am – (4hr + $60)*
Hike up to Colony Lakes Base Camp: 3pm
Monday Night: Tent Camp @ Colony Lakes
*If interested in raft trip, contact Raven Rafting (800)332-3381 – mention that you are with the 7 summits/7 days group and receive a $5/person discount. We are doing the 1/2 day trip
Day #7: Crestone’s (Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, or Both)
Date: Tuesday September 1, 2009
Start Time: 6am
Route: North Couloir from Colony Lakes
Estimated Summit Crestone Peak: 11am
Estimated Summit Crestone Needle (if attempted): 3pm
Approximate Elevation Gain 4700’ – 5300’
Approximate Distance: 6 miles – 15 miles
Drive back to Colorado Springs
As usual, contact me if you would like to be involved at any point.
Following the week in Colorado, I plan to head to Las Vegas to play some Texas Hold ‘Em, and then make my way to LA to try to score a small part in a Hollywood movie – does anyone have any contacts that might be able to help out there?