10-28-2011, 05:09 PM
I was up on the summit in mid May this year. Wow, what an experience that was. It was a life dream for me to see those telescopes. We got snowed on that day, it very well may have been sleet.
I grew up at altitude, I spent a lot of time hiking and camping up in the 10,000' + zone as a kid. I guess being on the islands at sea level for these last years has ruined me. We stopped to acclimatize at the ranger station ( approx 9,000') for 30-45 minutes. It helped but wasn't enough time. I was gasping for air up there at 13,796' - instant headache. We managed to hike up to the summit and snap some shots. It was cloudy and very windy, the sleet would sting your face.
After all was said and done and we made it back home, I realized how much I miss the cold - I never thought I'd say that having spent 30+ years in snow country, but I do. I'm looking forward to next trip up there.
If you get a chance to go up to the summit, jump on it! I only wish I could experience some of the scenes Tom has captured in photos by way of his work up there - very jealous.
I grew up at altitude, I spent a lot of time hiking and camping up in the 10,000' + zone as a kid. I guess being on the islands at sea level for these last years has ruined me. We stopped to acclimatize at the ranger station ( approx 9,000') for 30-45 minutes. It helped but wasn't enough time. I was gasping for air up there at 13,796' - instant headache. We managed to hike up to the summit and snap some shots. It was cloudy and very windy, the sleet would sting your face.
After all was said and done and we made it back home, I realized how much I miss the cold - I never thought I'd say that having spent 30+ years in snow country, but I do. I'm looking forward to next trip up there.
If you get a chance to go up to the summit, jump on it! I only wish I could experience some of the scenes Tom has captured in photos by way of his work up there - very jealous.