SiTera 14er Climb

SiTera 14er Climb - 1999

On Saturday, August 28, 1999, a bold party from SiTera set out to climb 14,148ft. Mt. Democrat, in central Colorado.

The climbers:

Cindy Lindsay (3 year 14'er veteran)
Brad Seago (3 year 14'er veteran)
Randy Spalding (3 year 14'er veteran)
Dave Houlton
Alan Hofwolt
Indy (Alan's dog)
Howard Landman
John Meadows
John's son, Justin
Your's truly (Greg Carr)

Click on photos for 1024x728 view.

After camping the night before above timberline at Kite Lake, we made an early morning start up the mountain. Although there had been lots of rain the night before, and the morning was still cloudy, we had high hopes that the sun would soon shine.

Several of the trekkers: Brad Seago, Dave Houlton, Cindy Lindsay, John Meadows, John's son Justin, Alan Hofwolt, his dog Indy

Alan on his way up

Justin on his way up (Kite lake in the background)

Randy on his way up

Cindy on her way up

We quickly gain a lot of altitude, taking a climbing break near some mining ruins. (How did the miners get all of this wood up here above timberline??!!!)

Rest break

Randy checks out old mining remains

Soon, we are back on the trail, headed to our destination: Mt. Democrat.

Mt. Democrat (old and new lodging in the foreground)

The sun never shines. The rain starts getting heavy...

Taking a break at the "saddle"

Howard Landman grabs a snack

After hours of plodding, the summit gets closer...

Speedsters Dave and Brad return from the summit; Alan, Indy, and the rest of us proceed upward.

Howard nears the top! (Another 14er, Mt. Lincoln in backgound)

The rain and fog thicken as we approach the summit, so there are no great views from the top. We quickly grab a bite to eat, and then head back down. Because of the bad weather, we cancel our plans to summit other peaks in the area.

Howard on the wet summit, with a BIG sandwich

Heading back down

A slight break in the clouds allows a view into the valley below (please excuse the rain drop smudges on the lens!)

Howard makes it back down to the grassy tundra

Yes, there's lots of water up here!

As we get back down off of the rocky slopes, the rain stops and the clouds thin. Maybe we should have tried to do the other peaks???

Randy, Justin, and John coming down

Alan and Cindy making their way down

Celebration!

We didn't make our goal of doing three 14ers, but given the weather, one was quite an accomplishment. Brad plans to go back later this year to do the peaks we missed!