Backpacking with my Big Sis' - September 25-26, 2009

I convinced my older sister, Angie, to come out for a backpacking trip in the mountains. I knew it was something she always wanted to do, so I really pushed for her to come out and do it. She came out be herself and said she wanted to go all out. Because of some recent snowfall I changed our plans of traversing Holy Cross Ridge to camping at Snowmass Lake, my favorite place to camp, in the Snowmass/Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Here is a photo of North Maroon Peak. Here is a picture of Angie after we had started the "hard part". Angie was a real trooper about the hike.

Angie and I on the way up to Buckskin Pass.

The path to Buckskin Pass.

A shot of Pyramid Peak while heading up the mountain.

Angie trekking up some of the switchbacks up to Buckskin Pass.

Victory at the top. We started at 9500' and ended up on the pass at 12600'. That is a huge elevation gain, especially for someone from the flatland's of Minnesota.

An awesome picture of Angie at the top of the pass.

On the way down, Angie's favorite part about hiking. That is Snowmass Peak out there; Snowmass Lake is right at the base of that mountain.

Our campsite at Snowmass Lake. Always have to get a picture of the tent.

We brought some hot chocolate and M & M's for desert that night. That is what we are trying to display in this picture.

It was a little chilly that night; we had frost in the morning. This fire felt really good to warm up by.

Reflection of the mountain in the lake the next morning.

A nice bridge crossing that the forest service built for us. Because this is a wilderness area, the bridge had to be built by hand tools only: axe, hand saw, etc.

Heading back up to Buckskin Pass the next day. This was only elevation gain of 2200'.

There is a mountain goat in this picture.

A nice fall picture.

On the way out. Angie said this was the most physically demanding thing she had ever done, so I was glad I could be a part of it. It ended up being a 15 mile out and back hike with a total elevation gain of 5300'.

It was an awesome trip with some great views; I hope she comes out and does again some time.