Huron

Got my first, not last, climb in for this summer of 2011. Joined a group of eight others, six new fun faces, to scale up Huron Peak. There were no technical challenges, but it was a good physical effort. According to my book, we ascended 3,400 feet in about two miles, which is a pretty good angle. But, this day was clear and visibility was forever it seemed. One gentleman, an experienced climber, pointed out all Colorado ranges from the peak, except the Sangre de Cristo, which view was blocked from higher ridges between them and our perch. This included the San Juan range, which surrounds Pagosa. Since my mileage from Pagosa to the campsite was just over 200 miles, that would indicate a pretty good distance to scan the skyline. Our climb began to the side of a beautiful creek meadow, with pond perfectly still and reflecting a mountain background. At several points one could see the “three apostles”, so named for three challenging mountains linked together. These were ones only the extremest of the extreme climbers would attempt. Scary. It certainly was a busy route, I assume partly due to the glorious Colorado weekend. Many people, and dogs, were along the way and on the top. Following the climb a few more, including me, continued on with another, under 14,000, adjacent to Huron. Called Brown, it was a bit more involved with hand and foot contact, but still yielded beautiful views of the area surrounding. Unlike many parts of the country suffering drought and heat, this area still has quite a bit of snow left from the winter fall. Accordingly, grass was green, wildflowers in bloom, and brooks and waterfalls, were gurgling and tumbling in fervor. All in all a very good weekend, and a great escape.