Rain, rain go away

Had a nice breakfast at the Twin Lakes Inn. If you're ever in the area, I would highly recommend it. Good food at the restaurant and a quaint little inn. 

Started on the trail and came to this sign

On this segment of the trail, there are two options through the Collegiate Peaks. The West is the newest and has higher elevations. We opted for the traditional route (east) It is late in the season and although the weather is never totally predictable, we just felt like it was the better option.  We had two big climbs today. Not as steep as Elbert, but plenty of elevation gain. And we got to walk through lots of Aspen trees.

The Collegiates are incredible. A photo of Mount Harvard...

As we were about 1/2 mile from the top of our last climb, the sky got dark and the thunder started up. The top is not where you want to be in a thunderstorm!! We scurried over as fast as our lungs would allow and started down the other side. We were low on water too, so we knew we were going to have to stop for water and then quickly find a flat spot for our tents. Came to a stream and as we were filtering our water, the rain started. We were up above 11,000 feet so it was getting chilly fast. Threw our packs back on and hustled down. Came to a flat spot and quickly began to throw up our tents. Funny how hands don't work as well when they are cold and wet!! Got our tents up (although they were a little cock-eyed. Big Agnes would not be proud)

Literally threw everything inside and dove in after.  Needless to say, it was a little damp inside.  Blew up my air mattress and used it as an island to keep all my dry stuff dry. Thank goodness for Dry sacks! Clothes and sleeping bag were fine. Quickly changed and burrowed into my bag to get warm. It's still raining now, but I am warm and dry-ish. 

Thunder started up around 8 which was a little unsettling. As we were dozing off, we heard several groups heading up to the top with their headlamps in the dark. What??? Walking up above tree line at night in a thunderstorm? HYOH definitely applies i guess. Hike Your Own Hike.

I can't say that I love setting up my tent in the pouring rain, but it definitely makes for a memorable day!

This ones for you Dad!