I really don't even know where to start. This was one of the top 5 single day events that I have ever done. It was impossible to take pictures to capture the beauty and ruggedness of the mountains, but I will always have the memories of this day.
Maybe the best way to describe this is in terms of facts.
- 21 miles
- Elevation change of 16,000' (8000 ascent / 8000 descent)
- 8 pounds of gear
- Trail was icy, rocky, muddy and barely runnable in sections
- Every step taken above 5000' (Between 5048' and 6712')
- Four climbs of 1000' or more
- 35 degrees
- 25 mph wind gusts along the upper ridges
- Total time of 5:33:08
