As soon as it is light enuf to see, we set off across Boulder Field and up to the notch called the Keyhole. There is no trail anymore, one scrambles up to theKeyhole any way one sees. The is a little hut built at the Keyhole, after which the trail continues marked now by little colored circles painted on the rock. This part of the trail is a traverse across the side of Long's Peak, difficult going, but not a great deal of elevation change. Today, different sets of muscle will be called into play, the climb is a scramble now.
The traverse ends in a dry wash down the mountain called the Trough. We will climb directly up the Trough, gaining 1600 feet in a quarter mile. Pause, drink, film. Then,begin.
Even with a light pack, this portion of the climb is very strenuous. TylMjk is is great spirits, shouting encouragement to all and sundry. My shoes, while lousy on the grit and gravel of the trail, provide excellent purchase on bare rock.. i am going up the boulders far faster than i should. I begin to remember and execute evolutions forgotten for two decades and a half.The views in every direction are magnificent, as we climb above the surrounding peaks, little lochs gleaming in sun far below, surrounded by green that looks like moss, actually stands of mighty conifers.
Lost in the climb, i realize that i am looking at sky instead of rock.
Up and over.
The top.