No, it's not an obscenely high bowling score. It's the obscenely high elevation I hiked to this morning. I went on a solo backpacking trip for the last two days and this morning it culminated with my summiting Humboldt Peak. At 14,064', it is wholly 904' higher than the highest mountain I had hiked before today (Wheeler Peak, 13,161', the highest point in New Mexico).

This is the first "14er" I have climbed sucessfully. Robin and I tried to climb this same peak last year and the weather ate us alive. I have also tried to climb Blanca Peak (14,345') twice before but both attempts were unsucessful due to medical problems of one sort or another (hypothermia, hairline foot fracture).

As Colorado 14ers go, this one is about as easy and boring as you can get. It is the 37th highest out of 54, has no technical requirements, and has a very short hike (both horizontally and vertically) if you start from the South Colony Lakes. It does, however, offer tremendous views of Crestone Peak (14,294') and Crestone Needle (14,197') which are two of the best-looking 14ers, in my humble opinion. At any rate, it was a good peak to start with. I parked my truck along the South Colony Lakes access road at about 9850', leaving a total overall gain to the summit of 4200'. I split this gain in half by camping at the lakes. There was no one else in the area due to the still-present snow. I had the whole valley to myself. It was wonderful. Pictures coming soon.