Final Pitch...

It was very difficult finding a 14er that wasn't still covered in snow. Our mountains got so much snow over the winter that for many 14er trails, snowshoes and other winter gear are still required.


Fortunately, Mt. Bierstadt was virtually snow-free. There were a few sections that had us trudging through patches of snow, but nothing large until the snow field located on the final pitch to the summit.


On the other 14ers I've climbed, the final pitch has always been the steepest part. At first I was concerned the snow field would be slippery and cause us all sorts of problems. Not so. It was crunchy snow and actually was quite pleasant to walk on.


As one of our two die-hard and loyal college alums, you gotta love Scott representing Texas A&M on our climb! Go Aggies! If you look at the picture from yesterday, you'll notice Shannon's baby blue sunglasses. Yes, he was representing UNC with Tarheels sunglasses!