December 22, 2012

Trail Report

Arriving at the Manitou Springs trailhead at around 8:00 PM on the winter solstice, Ramius and I quickly learned that car camping isn't permitted within the parking lot's area - a police cruiser followed us into the lot and hung around until we left. Since we sleeping in the car wasn't an option there, we simply parked in a dark part of Ruxton Avenue and curled up for the night in the back of our 4-door sedan (a mistake I won't make again - it left me with cramps throughout the next two days). 

I finally managed to force myself awake around 4:15 AM after having hit the snooze for the better part of an hour. Why is it that when you have to get up early it is so hard to fall asleep and your best sleep always comes right around the time you're supposed to get up? Anyhow, we drove back up to the trailhead and made a few last minute preparations - checked the batteries in my headlamp, ate a quick breakfast (a meatball sub), and got Ramius into his CloudChaser and Quinzee. I paid the $5 for the day's parking and we began our ascent of Pikes at about 4:45 AM.

The first portion of the trail is characterized by switchbacks and a rather steep grade. I stopped a couple of times to adjust gear and take photos of the Springs' skylines, which were absolutely beautiful in the mostly moonless night. 

More coming soon!