After a very busy summer I finally got away to tackle another 14er: Quandary Peak!

Here are a few notes on my hike:

Quandary Peak is located near Breckenridge Co, and other than Barr Trail on Pikes Peak it was the most crowded 14er trail that I have experienced. We got to the trail head at 7:30 and it was already almost too crowded to park. We followed\passed people the entire hike. This is not the summit for anyone seeking solitude.

The wildflowers were beautiful, and we saw lots of friendly pikas and mountain goats! The views from the summit are great as well.

This was my fourth 14er, but it was the first summit for my little hedgehog puppet, “Cupcake.” She rode in the top of my pack most of the way and just waved to the other hikers.

We stayed at the Bivvi Hostel in Breckenridge the night before the hike and it was awesome! It was a really fun and affordable place to stay near Breckenridge. Perfect blend of, casual and luxurious. Did I mention they have a hot tub? and really comfy bunk beds!

Maybe I have been reading too much, or thinking too much but hiking Quandary was a very thought provoking experience. Seeing all those hikers made me really wonder about the motivations of those seeking the summit. Why were they there? Why was I there? What makes some of us seek the mountains? I am not particularly athletic, so for me it is pure determination and love of hiking that gets me to the top.

My rule is, you can eat whatever you want within 24 hours of a 14er hike! I was distressed by the fact that I forgot to bring any chocolate though! Luckily, my hiking partner brought Justin’s chocolate peanut butter packets for the summit! Then my mom, who was our driver picked us up at the trail head with chocolate coffee crunch, mint chocolate cookies, and chocolate almond milk! Thanks mom!

After getting home from the hike I will admit I was a bit down, just because the fun and adventure was over. I suppose that is a good reason to start planning the next hike!