On down the road we stopped at Alpine Ridge and hiked up a steep staircased cliff? Mountain? Hill? I don’t know…incline…to find an amazing (I know there’s that word again) view. Casey was suffering from a case of altitude sickness that manifested as cranky. He carried Ellie up in the pack and then when we reached the “almost top” Jerad carried her the rest of the way. I took more than half of these photos with my iPhone.
Daddy smiling, but not actually looking forward to the ascent.
It was as steep and as long as this appears.
About half way up taking a little rest.
It was a little breezy.
The beauty.
A little bit lost on Casey at this point of the hike.
For the record, he relented it was worth it for the top and the family experience.
The top was incredible. A 360 degree view of God’s beauty, creation, and wonder. It literally took my breath away (the oxygen was quite thin up there at 12,000 feet) and made me all emotional thinking about the vast greatness of it all. The boys were just giddy about the entire hike and “summit”. Their conquer poses on the rocks are priceless, ones I know I’ll treasure for years to come.
Here he is getting his happy groove back.
These boys were literally on top of the world about the climb.
Ellie was in need of a nap and just hanging in there.
Uncle Jerad taking a turn with the pack.
A very happy Smith Family.
Elevation 12,005 ft.
A very happy Crotinger Family.
Gabe on top of the mountain.
Bryson on top of the mountain.
Mountain men are too serious to smile.
Me being a weirdo.
I was living in the moment, forgive me.
Barrett requested to take one of me.
Daddy let him and this is what he captured.
Nice legs. LOL
We did the typical touristy thing and purchased souvenirs in the gift store. I selected a Christmas ornament and the boys selected pocket knives with a knife, file, and scissors. Gabe's had his name. Barrett of course didn't have one with his name so we got him one inscribed with #1 Brother. Gabe is still arguing that he is the #1 Brother.
Then, it was a quiet ride back down Trail Ridge road to the west end of RMNP where our camping resort is located.
Here you can see Barrett getting ready to
shank someone with his new knife in his sleep.
Then, it was a quiet ride back down Trail Ridge road to the west end of RMNP where our camping resort is located.
We were all exhausted, but I feel so fulfilled having been able to see and do all that with my family. What an incredible experience to share. I hope we are able to come back when the kids are old enough to remember the trip.
We returned late in the day to our campground and Amy and Jerad had us over to their site for the most delicious smoked pork tenderloin. Mom and Dad had their friends, Dennis and Kim Collinge, out and after visiting for a bit we took all three very dirty kids to the bathhouse and put them to bed. We stayed up a bit later sharing photos with mom and dad and while the boys had a pillow fight in their bed.
An incredibly full day of love and memories.
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