Sunshine Peak and Moab

I climbed Sunshine Peak (Mt. Shimer) above Aspen with my friend’s Matt and Joel earlier this week for some fun spring turns in the high country. We departed from the Difficult gate at the bottom of Independence Pass at 5:00 am in the dark. It was a cold night so the snow was firm on the way up. It was a long haul to the top, but worth it for the view and the fun turns down. All the hiking is getting me back in shape and ready for surf season after all the ice cream and snacking this winter on the road. Time to shed the winter layer and get back to fight weight for surfing later this spring. More mountains to climb first, though! We have so much snow left-over from the epic winter we had; the spring mountaineering season should be long and fun. I’m planning to do a lot of climbing and riding around Aspen the next month. I’m excited to head out to N. Cal in mid May to climb and ride Mt. Shasta as well. Should be fun!

Missy and I escaped to Moab last week for a few day of riding in the desert. I’m white as a ghost after a winter in snowboard clothes. I had to cake on the sunscreen. Spring finally arrived here in Aspen last week – bring it on! This weekend is closing weekend at Aspen Highlands. It’s hard to believe with still so much snow on the slopes. There isn’t even dirt showing on the bottom of Buttermilk Mtn yet. I’m excited to head up Sunday for a fun end of the season celebration on Highlands. Gotta earn your turns from here on out. Loving the off-season in Aspen. Hope you’re enjoying spring. Talk to ya soon,

CK

Alpenglo atop Sunshine Peak outside Aspen, CO, April 2008

View from the Top of Sunshine Peak

CK & Joel Celebrating on Top of Sunshine Peak Aspen, CO

Heading Past Weller Lake on the Way Up

K-tal and CK Hanging in the Utah Desert