Attitude/Altitude Adjustment

Hiking is hard!

It's true, especially coming from Florida. However, with lots of practice and patience, hiking becomes a whole lot easier. The Anderson family wasted no time getting acclimated to Colorado and it was a little painful at first. We all needed a little attitude adjustment to go along with our altitude adjustment. :)

We started "small" I guess you could say. However, in this family, small is pretty significant!

Eagles Peak is located on the USAFA and a hike Daddy used to run up and down in less than an hour. There was no running with the crew, our motto was "slow and steady wins the race!" I don't think Daddy agreed but he quickly realized that we needed practice. Getting to the top is a huge confidence booster. The tough part about being on the top is, you are only halfway done. Going down is usually faster but it can be slippery in these parts. We had to practice the slip and slide technique with the boys explaining that being a little out of control is okay.

Just about to the summit.

Eagle Peak summit photo with Pikes Peak in the background. I'm sure we will soon have a photo from the top of Pikes Peak!

Estes Cone was on our list too. This trail starts out flat for some time then finishes strong up the cone. The boys were excited to hike by an old mine and Mommy made sure there was gold to find. The real gold was finding wild iris flowers!!

Gold! We stuck GOLD!!!

Purple gold!

 Estes Cone starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead. This means you get a great view when you reach the summit. Again, I'm sure one day we will have a photo with the cone in the back ground when we summit Long's Peak!

Lucas, hold on!!! Don't fall off the cliff!!

Everyone is smiling. We distracted to boys by talking about their favorite video game while hiking the steep section. All smiles!

Here's the beautiful meadow where the Wild Iris' live.

The meadow reveals a beautiful view of the cone too.

They did it!! We are getting better!!

 One morning Daddy decided to take a solo hike in the Indian Peaks. It was good for his soul to get out early and go as fast as his feet would allow. He was greeted by some mountain sheep and incredible views. The boys and I had a mellow day with Grandma & Grandpa J.

Furry flowers...so cool!!

You don't get views like this in Florida!

A marmot, a fat one!

 The boys really did great with all our practice hikes. It is hard work but everyone was getting stronger and faster. When we weren't hiking, we were climbing or resting. Grandma and Grandpa J helped out a whole bunch taking the boys while Mom and Dad headed out for early morning climbs. The boys were very thankful not to be woken up at 5am. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Taking a walk with Grandpa J

Grandma J getting ready for an airstream trip!

 

 This is where Mom and Dad would spend our mornings climbing. Wizard Gate is located just South of Estes Park. It's a steep hike but beautiful and all ours!

Daddy resting and soaking up the gorgeous views.

The base of the cliff is on a big slab.

Looking down from the slab to a cool camping spot. This is where the boys hang out when we drag them up there.

 

Team Anderson was getting in shape and starting to love the mountains all over again!