I had spent hours and hours planning this trip.  Before Jess and I had begun dating I would sit for hours in Grand Canyon Villages Maswik Lodge.  Looking at maps, researching Wilderness Areas, and planning backpacking trips.  Not to say I do this no longer as I certainly do; it is as simple as the responsibility of being a Husband superseding Mountainous playtime.  At this time, I was charting my route to Estes Park, Colorado,, and Rocky Mountain National Park. I had taken a new position with the National Park Service and would. Be leaving my current position with Xanterra Travel Collection at Bright Angel Lodge.  I discovered a Wilderness area named Lost Creek Wilderness within Pike-San Isabel National Forest.  Not too far from Denver and Boulder Colorado.  On my way to Estes Park, my now wife Jessica and I decided to date and had a blast with snow sleds in White Sand National Monument in Alamogordo New Mexico.  From here I drove to Denver.  Camping at Cherry Creek State Park within the City Limits so I could do laundry.  I had tried to backpack in Lost Creek Wilderness around this time as well but decided to turn it into a day hike as the thunderheads were a little prominent for camping above the tree line.  I would come back with better weather in a month or so.  After beginning my new job and booking a plane ticket to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit Jessica, I set my sights on when I would come back to McCurdy Mountain and Bison Peak.  Two summits I wanted to stand atop that fall within the boundaries of Lost Creek Wilderness. 

I had managed to catch Cvoid19 and had a bit of a cough but the Mountains were calling.  The next week I was flying to see Jessica.  It was time to head into the Wilderness.  One work was over for me I headed back to the Lost Creek Wilderness but to a different Trailhead.  This time my approach would be from the Twin Eagles Trail Head.  The night before camping in my Jeep next to Tarryall Creek.  Enjoying the peacefulness of the area.  Once awake the next morning I packed my Hyperlite Backpack and started my walk into the woods.

I walked up the trail to an alpine plateau, where the rock formations stood out like small wilderness castles.  I climbed Bison Peak and took in views of the surrounding landscape.  The trail behind me is thin and narrow, running off the alpine shelf in the distance below me.  A group of hikers off in the distance is about to drop down out of view.  The moment was significantly beautiful.  Once I was done with Bison Peak I continued my walk to McCurdy Mountain.  I walked around shrubs and rock formations until it was time to head off of the trail.  McCurdy Mountain could be seen above me… A labyrinth of boulders sitting ahead.  Walking forward I took a quick nap in the shade of a Shrub or tree before making my way to my home for the night.  Soon I found a spot under the Summit to pitch my tent and thank the Land Lord and Architect “Jesus” for such a beautiful place to experience!  After a Mountain House meal and some rest,, I was ready to stand atop the true summit and photograph the sunset!  For the next couple of hours,, I spent climbing around the boulders of McCurdy Mountain.  Finding the highest point and deciding what my photography composition will be this evening.  I saw a Marmot enjoying the peaceful landscape alongside myself and listened to a quiet night in the Alpine Zone.  The views of the distant Mountain Ranges are grasping me like a memory I can’t let go of.  I awoke the next morning to the peaceful song of wildlife and mountain silence.  It was time to head back to responsibility.  On the flip side, I will be seeing my partner next weekend in Arizona, a woman who would become so special to me that I would marry within the next few years!

-Sky