Another fabulous Kate and Guinness adventures in a new drainage of the Uintas. The hike followed the Highline trail through pine forests and then climbed up and over Rocky Sea Pass at 11,300ft then dropped down into our home for 3 days, Rock Creek Basin. The basin was filled with stunning views of alpine cirques, glistening lakes, bubbling streams and pretty meadows. The fear factor over bears and mtn lions this time replaced by lightening.
4 Lakes Basin, Uinta Wilderness
3 days of solitude exploring the beautiful 4 Lakes Basin with Guinness. My first solo backpacking trip in the wilderness was a great experience… stunning scenery, pristine lakes and not another person in 3 days. I was pretty freaked out about bears and mountain lions, but it’s all a matter of mind over emotion, the reality of an encounter being very unlikely.
Cordillera Blanca, Peru
3 weeks in Peru’s majestic Cordillera Blanca mountains. 10 days in the Ishinca Valley summiting Ishinca (18,150 ft), Urus (17,783 ft) and Tocllaraju (19,800 ft). Then an attempt on Chopicalqui (20,850 ft) in the Huascaran National Park showed me that you don’t always get the opportunity to summit. What matters is that everyone that goes up, comes down… and that you have lots of fun along the way!
Imja Tse (Island Peak), Nepal
There are no words to describe how incredible it felt to be on my first mountaineering trip, standing on Island Peak’s 20,300 ft summit, looking around at Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam. It was a very special day that I was lucky enough to share with my guide and friend Geljen.
Khumbu Valley, Nepal
3 inspiring weeks in the Himalayas trekking the Khumbu Valley en route to climb Imja Tse (Island Peak). The classic Khumbu experience: Lukla 9,200ft to Everest Base Camp 17,600ft and back. Massive peaks, beautiful Buddhist culture and the wonderfully addictive lifestyle of walking everyday.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
My first major solo trip, and what a great trip it was! 5 weeks in Nepal and 25 days on the trail trekking the Annapurna Circuit with side trips to Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Range is north-west of Kathmandu and home to 3 of the world’s 8000+ meter peaks. Incredible!