September 11, 2010 - Columbia Peak 14,073 ft - I got an early start from
home and had to use my headlamp for the first half hour of the hike through the forest. It took two hours to get to the fork in the
trail - left to Mt. Harvard or right to Columbia. I already did Harvard earlier, so to the right it was.
This hike ended up being the hardest one of the summer for me. The main reason for that is the steepness of the hike. There
were very few flat or even gradual ascents. As soon as I got out of the forest, it was a battle with the steepness, the loose
dirt, all the small rocks and those frustrating larger rocks that many times slid under my feet.
Having replenished myself with a snack and some water, I headed up - - again. I found it best to not look up and see
how steep it was going to be - that made it too discouraging. I focused on the few steps in front of me trying to find
solid footing. That was a major task for this entire hike. Finally, taking another quick break I shot this across the
valley toward Bear Lake.
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