Mountain Climbing in the Honda

So, we decided to go to Pike's Peak on Sunday which ended up being my favorite part of the trip. Angela, on the other hand, vows never to set foot on the mountain again. Why? Well, there are no guard rails the entire way up and most of the road above 9,000 feet is unpaved. During some of the tight turns, she had a death grip on the seat handle and was screaming "They're sick bastards for letting people do this..."

We couldn't quite get to the summit due to an accident. One of the police officers who was present informed us they had a "Thelma and Louise" situation at the summit. Because of this, they were blocking the last few hundred feet of the ascent. We got to about 13,500 feet which is well above the timberline. At this height, Angela wouldn't even get out of the car so I took pictures of the scenery. It was like another planet up there.

One interesting thing about being at that height is that you are only breathing about half the oxygen you are at sea level. I could feel my brain working a bit slower and I felt a very distinct pressure on my head. Angela was a little bit worse off. She was confused and very emotional which are both signs of Hypoxia. Needless to say, we didn't stay near the summit for long but I'm dying to go back the next time we're in Colorado.

Anyhow, here are some pictures that were taken during our trek up the mountain.


We got to see the Aspen trees as we begin our ascent up the mountain.


Here's Angela at 9,000 feet as the effects of Hypoxia are beginning to take grip (notice the giddy smiling).


Above the timberline and in the Alpine Life Zone.


Ascending into the Artic Tundra Habitat... Mmm, that's good Lichen.


Alright, now it's beginning to look like we landed on Mars.


Should.... Have sent... A poet...