Backpacking Grey Rock 2014 #1

What a great trip it was. Not only was this my first time backpacking to Grey Rock it was my first time ever backpacking in Colorado. It began at about 1:00 AM the night of Friday the 14th of February, 2014. I was heading back to my dorm stopped by a friend’s room where they were preparing to go on the trip. We got to talking and I asked to go and it was settled I was going along. I rushed back to my room to get my gear together. By 2:00 I was confident I was ready to go; so I set my alarms and tried to get some much needed sleep. 7:30 AM cam far too early, but that is all part of the thrill of getting to go into the great outdoors. Got over to one of the dining halls had a little to eat. I then waited for everyone to get ready which was all done by about 9:00 AM. Then we were off to go get some food; Followed by the 40 minute drive to the trail head. Then everyone pilled on their gear and got together for a group photo; after the photo we set off up the trail. The hike ended up being a near non- stop elevation gain of a hike. It was beautiful the entire way up especially with some winds and storm clouds providing so amazing scenery in motion. Once we reached camp everyone set off to task to get camp prepared, and that was made so easy with 7 people in your party. After all of the camp necessities were accomplished we began to better the campsite adding another bench and a second fire pit (trench); among other things like taking in the great views of Grey Rock. When not obscured by clouds of course. Dinner: had to be the best backpacking meal I have ever had. It included: kabobs, beans, and many other items I had never before considered backpacking food. Fire one of my most enjoyable parts of the outdoor experience. For which we had the one of the most majestic nightfall backdrops; that included a fog that would roll in and be denser than most I have been in previously, and a great view of the moon and a myriad of stars through the tree canopy. Next morning everyone blew off our thoughts of hiking to the top of a nearby ridge. This led to a lazy morning around a campfire. It all got much more interesting when by luck or skill (probably some of both) my friends Luke hit and killed a bird with a sling shot. This led me and him to pluck it and remove the two tiny pieces of breast meat. Leading us to cook them, and boy did the taste surprise; I would say it was a lot like venison with a hint of chicken of course. All was good, but it was time to begin our hike back to civilization. Which began much as all other hikes do with work and the shedding of layers. This hike though would end in an interesting way; once we had crested the main ridge of the hike we were hit by some of the strongest wind I have ever been outdoors in. This made the hike all the more memorable with a crouch when facing the wind and short sprints when going with the wind. All the better had a great time with great friends.  2/15-2/16/2014

Likability 8.5/10 I took the meadow loop on this trip and looking back it was not as much fun but had better views than the Summit trial.