In late April of 1997, I had explored a side road off of US 285 near Kenosha Pass. When I got home, I planed the following trip to Whale Peak
in early May. At an altitue of 13,076 feet I knew there would still be plenty of snow to play around in.
What made this trip so much fun was it had a little bit of everything.
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Backpacking, Mountaineering, Glissading, Sunsets, Solitute.
As a side note the pictures where taken with a disposal panoramic camera.
Here I am at the trail head for Whale Peak.
At this elevation there is no snow, but that will soon change. Hence the snowshoes, ice axe and winter clothing.
As I come out of the trees, I look toward Whale Peak. Whale Peak is my destination for my afternoon hike. At the base of the mountain, I plan on setting up camp.
Now at the base of the mountain, I set up camp, and started my accent up the left side of the peak.
The following two pictures are in route to the top. As you can tell mother nature gave me a wonderful afternoon.
Once on top, I spotted Breckenridge on the next mountain range.
Here is me on Top of the World........
Before I took these photos, I was in desperate need of a nap.
So, I laid down, closed my eyes and let my mind and body drift into a slumber.
After an undisclosed amount of time, I was awoken by a Whoosh..... I sit straight up, and I see a huge golden eagle, coming right for me.
I quickly go for my ice axe, to fend for my life. It does a twitch of its tail, before I really knew what was going on, it was soaring over the next peak.
My guess it thought I was dead meat. Carrion. Or maybe it was the tuna, I had for a snack. After, I shook off the eagle 'attack', I took these dusk photos.
Watching the sun set from the peak was truly inspiring.
