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I have always found inspiration in remote natural places. I guess that is what attracts me to the tall mountains and wilderness areas. On top of a high peak you can really understand the beauty and vastness of the creation. I feel incredibly humbled and yet amazed at the awesome power of natural settings to nourish the sole.

My wife and I recently climbed Mt Missouri with 2 big changes in our lives. She having given birth to twin boys 11 months earlier and I having been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

After reviewing trail maps, topo maps and numerous guide books we decided on Mt Missouri. We have already climbed 8 of Colorado’s 14,000ft+ peaks but this one looked to be the most difficult yet. 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 4450ft. Estimated times are between 8-12 hours. In the past we had always completed our trips in less time than indicated but I was just hoping to complete the trip this time.

The trail head is approx 10 miles from any major road and we had to travel down an old forest service road to reach it. From there the trail was a steady climb up to approx 11,000 ft to just above the tree line. Then we climbed into the valley between Mt Missouri and Mt Belford. The valley has a spectacular view. At 13,000ft we began the switchback climbing to the ridge , at this altitude just breathing becomes difficult and you take it one step at a time. Once we gained the ridge it was just a short hike over to the summit.

At 14,067 ft the views in each direction are amazing…peak after peak with valleys and mountain lakes between ,nothing man made in sight. The climb was hard but the reward was worth it. Time to climb down and head back to Aspen for a soak in the hot tub and a well deserved dinner. By the way we completed the trip in 7.5 hours.

by Ken Cater

Married

Twin 14 month old boys

Electrical Engineer,PE

President CRS Engineering Inc.

Birmingham,Alabama

diagnosed on July 2005 (formally)