Daryl and his sherpas on the summit of Mt Elbert, CO (Daryl in green hat)About 10 days after we finished our 50th Highpoint we met up with a bunch of people in Leadville, Colorado, for our good friend Daryl's attempt to finish his 50th. I.e. Mt Elbert, 14,433 ft, and a hike of about 9 mi round-trip.
There was a crowd of people all staying at the Mountain Peaks motel in Leadville, and in the morning of July 25 we set out with an alpine start leaving Leadville @ 4.30 am, and arrived at the trailhead half an hour later.
Daryl, Caj and Luis on North Mt Elbert Trail
The hike was strenuous with an elevation gain of 4500 ft in 4.5 mi, but after 4 hours and 10 minutes Daryl, and the rest of us, stood atop Mt Elbert, Daryl's 50th highpoint.
The Harmon's on the summit. Maryan unforyunaltely could not join since she broke her leg, she's on the picture and in our minds. (Also below)
There were a lot of hugging and picture taking going on at the summit. Celebrations included the handing over of a golf ball, a USGS summit marker, a bottle of Jim Beam etc. The weather was beautiful and we spend a good hour at the summit.
It took us around 2.5 to 3 hours to get back down. After cleaning up a bit, we all went to dinner for the traditional book signing and some steak (well ... prime rib had to substitute for steak) and a lot of beer.
Coming down from the mountain....., to the left Seth, Earl and Daryl with the first false summit of Elbert in the background
Beer drinking at the historic Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville followed dinner
It was a great day and congratulations to Daryl for completing his quest for the 50 State Highpoints.
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