Birthday in the Mountains
It’s that time of year again. I’ve added another year to my ever growing age. That’s okay. Wanna see where I am celebrating my 26th birthday?
From this...
Beautiful, isn’t it? I’m here in the Rocky Mountains and on a mission to climb Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, the 2nd and 3rd tallest mountains in the continental United States, respectively. Nobody wanted to come with me so I’m here by myself and it sure is quiet. Quiet in a good way.
The good news is that I haven’t been eaten by any mountain lions or bears. The bad news is that I’m 365 days older than a quarter century. I have entered my upper 20′s and it feels very strange. Everyone I know in their 30′s says that it’s the best time of their life. Maybe they’re being honest. Maybe they’re trying to give me something to look forward to. Or just maybe they know that they can not go back and being delusional about the best times of their life is the safest route to go.
After this, I’m headed back to Los Angeles for almost two weeks. Need to hunker down and get some work done. As much as I regret it, I have not yet retired. Seems like it’s always back to the grind.
... to this.
Comparing Los Angeles to the Rocky Mountains seems almost criminal. This sort of traffic is exactly what I have to look forward to. I can’t say I’m pumped, but it’ll work out. I’ve got two more trips to these same mountains scheduled over the next 3 weeks.
Until then, I’m going to try and keep myself on top of boulders and not under them, stay the predator and not the prey and if at all possible, attain a few notable summits while I’m out here.
Happy birthday to me and maybe 26 won’t be quite as horrible as I envision.
7 Comments
Enjoy this most marvelous birthday. It does get even better, but how would someone as young as you possibly know that?
Happy Birthday. If I’d known I’d have gotten you a sleeping pad… I’m camping in the Pyrenees tomorrow and hope it’s as pretty as that photo… Carlo is now on Utah if you want a camping buddy a little further East. BTW, did you know you’re in the least fat state in the USA?
How was the Pyrenees? Utah has some beautiful areas, hope he had a great time. Least fat state, eh? Always with the fun facts.
Hope you’re doing well.
ya but LA has wurstküche and freeflowing alcohol! happy birthday ma friend, you know, you’ve struck a new tone on your blog and i’m quite impressed
(did i just jinx myself for the next post?)
Hey Jeff!
Happy b’day my friend. Didnt know we are close in birthdates – mine is July 1!!
Listen , it absolutely gets better. I hated my 20′s – all that angst and insecurity gave way in my thirties to self realization and a great career. Also, you never stop learning and trying new things – witness my 54th birthday presents to myself – a complete move to Apple computers! Yep I finally took the plunge and bought both an iPad2 and a 27″ iMac. Oh – and a Prius too to better navigate the LA traffic but that’s a whole other story!
I wish you a beautiful year and look forward to catching up when you’re here.
Hugs,
Jim
Did you summit? How about Long’s, still going to try it? When are you coming back to town?
6 summits actually but didn’t make it up to RMNP. I have a blog article about the 6 summits 3/4 written, just need to add the photos and publish. Hopefully I can wrap it up next week.