Day 2: 7/26/08: Mount of the Holy Cross: 14,005

Stats

11.5 miles	Standard Route – North Ridge	Company: Jeff Sanders Wildlife: mosquitoes, varmints
5600 feet	Start: 5:20 am Summit: 9:45 am Stop: 2:30 pm	Weather: Clear/cool – 6:00 am Cloud formation – 1:00 am Thunder/rain – 3:00 pm

Waking up several times in the night, trying to time midnight so I could wish Jeff a happy birthday, I had another mediocre-motivation morning. At least the day started with presents! Getting on the trail erases those cobwebs but today would be a day dominated by other creepy critters. God loves all her creatures but the mosquito was likely deposited on Earth as, just like the willows, test to the fortitude of humankind. Halfmoon trail head provides a nourishing Mecca of standing water and uncovered flesh. Winding through the trees up to the pass and into the spectacular valley below – the winged demons followed. They pursued up to and past treeline on the other side of the valley. Just as we start to wobble through the endless boulder field of the north ridge, we think it may be possible to stop without a resident swarm attacking earlobe and knee pit. However, these evolutionary yins to our yangs relentlessly shadow. Everybody’s gotta eat. These mosquitoes seem like an appropriate welcome after last year’s less-than-enthusiastic introduction to Holy Cross.

Although denied only once, Holy Cross’ reputation built in my mind, growing into a nemesis during the past year. As the beauty of her trail unfolds, one comes to realize that mission takes on the feel of Holy Grail rather than retribution. To succeed in this search would be to overcome the mosquitoes and the other challenges thrown in our way. Fighting through the squadrons of winged needle-noses and a mounting stomach ailment, Holy Cross acquiesced – just in time to celebrate Jeff’s birthday! The celebration of 25 years, the celebration of the summit, birthday donuts on top! We lingered not long on the summit as Western Burgers at Rosies in Leadville whispered sweet nothings on the wind. Yum! The way out, as promised, makes for a lot of elevation gain but upon reaching the car, Jeff told me that this was the “best birthday ever”! He spent it climbing Mount of the Holy Cross – with her trials and triumphs, her environment is inspiring, challenging to the senses, and always glorious.