La Plata or Bust

Before the pain started

Dylan and his girlfriend, Jenny, went with Tammy and I to attempt an ascent up La Plata.  We left the house at 3:30am and headed to the peak.  We arrived at the trailhead parking lot at around 5:45 and parked in the next to the last space.  The air was nice and cool, and the group was very excited to get started.

And the trail just goes up and up …..

While this was an exceptionally beautiful hike, it was very brutal.  Elevation gain was the buzzword.  In a little over five miles, we gained over 4000’.  

But once we made the summit, all was forgiven.

Finally we’re at 14,343’