The Storm that should not have happned
It is 2 Am I look out side not a cloud in sight the stars are glittering and the moon casting a surreal light. Great time to drive over Independence Pass and climb La Plata ( it means The Silver peak in English )
I make it to the trail head on RT 82 at 3 am I notice a few very high thin cloud from yesterdays wild storms., passing rapidly over head I set out with my head lamp on the 4x4 road to the trail I see elk , mule deer and even two bears munching in open areas. Too bad it is to dark to get a good photo.
The excellent CFI trail follows the east bank of a creek to a beautiful hanging valley
The clouds seem to come and go in Co this usually means a good morning with fast building noon and after noon storms it is only 5 am so I move on up the steep 45 degree sloope on switchback . I stop at 12,000 ft to take this photo
http://community.webshots.com/mypho...D=382972685&photoID=387064735&security=tLDBKo
Moving on to the 13,000 ft ridge crest the clouds obscure what is usually a stunning view of Ellingwood Ridge a classic route. Knowing the easy Class 2 ridge well I figure the clouds are just passing and I will have some great early AM views and photos.
Wrong I reach the 14,336 ft. summit in clouds I get a very brief glimpse of the Three Apostles then I se sparks in the air and a tingling sensation . I know what is about to happen. A blinding Flash and deafening boom simultaneously send me to the ground I run back down the ridge hail , snow and grauple Sting my face driven by a wild 50 –60 mph wind making it hard ot even stand u[p as I reach 13,00 ft the whole terrifying storm lets up and the sun is coming though the clouds. I think now that should not have happened!
I have no desire to go back up the easy mile or so to get the views All I want is to get down I see more clouds building up to the South west ( the direction they come from in CO )
At the 11,00ft valley I meet some hikers who are surprised to see me. They are also surprised by the violent storm that should not have happened so early. They look warily at the towering clouds to the Southwest and cautiously climb up the steep slope. I stop to relax listening to the chirping pikas and watch a elk across the river. I take a photo. The sun is shinning now but I know that soon enough the storms will be back.
I head Back to Snowmass for a meal and relaxing I have had enough for the day. A cold beer and a great Mexican meal at Margaritas while watching a storm roll in is rewarding in a way . Know full well what is like up high this is not the first time I have been surprised by a early morning storm above 13,000 hopefully the last though.
Why is it that once you get down the weather clears up after a storm ?