2004 Trip

Year 2004 called for the bi-annual David Jr. trip to the Colorado Mountains to hike some 14'ers.  However, this year, Cole was tired of his Dad's 14'er chest thumping and demanded to go and hike mountains with Dad..  Of course, I said he could go...  he just needed to make sure that he was up to the challenge of a long hike.  So I set up a "training" program for Cole to get him prepared to go hiking in Colorado, and weather permitting, hike a 14'er.   (See Tips page for kids)

With Cole wanting to go - (and it was okay timing for him to start this interest) - the goal of the trip was no longer just hiking 4-5 14'ers in 4 days like in the past, but instead combining kid-friendly-fun activities in and around the more strenuous 14'er summit goals.

After completing training hikes around town over 3 months and finishing with a 11 mile continuous hike in 85+ degree temps, we felt like we were both prepared for Colorado - at least the distance of the hikes we were considering.

The trip itinerary was designed to give altitude acclimation at a gradual pace, to do overnight camping and a hike to 12,500 ft, then a day or two of rest for the legs, and then a final day to hike a 14'er.

Check out the following links for a description and pics from each day of the trip.

Day 1-2:  Denver Run-around

Day 3-4:  Hiking Horn Fork Basin

Day    5:  Peak 8 Fun & Choo Choos

Day    6:  Rock Climbing!

Day    7:  Cole's 1st  14'er - Mt. Democrat