1st 14er for me today!

[Curtis Stoll]

I am proud to say that I am addicted! I've done lower elevation hikes the last couple years, but never attempted a 14er. Until today!

I did Bierstadt. There isn't an easy 14er I understand, so I attempted one on the lower end of the difficulty scale (I think...) I am a Midwesterner....born and raised in a small country town in Illinois and now live in a St. Louis suburb. The highest elevation around us doesn't even crack 1,000 ft, soooooo I have been coming out to Colorado a couple times a year to climb and get my fix. The hardest thing is the darn air! My legs actually felt great. Yea, they were tired, but it was the good kind of tired, ya know? I wasn't exhausted, but my lungs took a beating that's for sure.

I had nothing to compare to really, so I said screw it. I started at the TH and 4:20 and summited at 7:20. From what I can tell, I was the second one up there that day (had a trail runner blow past up and down.....wow, is all I can say there) and had the peak to myself for probably 10 min. What an awesome feeling! I felt good about it, the weather held for the morning and I met a few new friends. Hung out on top for probably an hour just taking it all in and talking to people. I don't think summiting can ever get old. How can it? Good lord, it was just amazing. Got back to the TH at 10:05.....sure does get crowded doesn't it?

I am in town until Sunday night. I am figuring out which one to tackle Saturday and then another Sunday morning. While I am here, I have to make the most of it!

I also want to say that this website is an amazing thing. I joined a while back and have just been reading, listening and getting input. The tools on here helped me plan an incredible day and soon to be incredible weekend. Thanks to all that participate and have input!

[oldschool]

Well done...

[Cruiser]

Mid-summer on one of the most popular 14ers and you still managed to get some solo summit time? Well done sir! I can see why you're hooked.

[spong0949]

Congrats Curtis! Welcome to the addiction!

[Sean Nunn]

You picked a lot better mountain for your first one than a lot of us probably did. Smart starting at 4:20 also. Wishing you many years of great mountain climbing.

Sean Nunn
Raytown MO

[SolarAlex]

Congrats!

[JChitwood]

Great work. May you have many amazing summits in your future. I also grew up in a small country town in Illinois.

[tjmartn1]

And I too grew up in a small country town in southern Illinois.

[rpdawes]

Congrats!

I summited my first 14er at age of 73. It was Mt. Elbert, my first choice for a reason.

Wish you the best for climbing more mountains.

[KentonB]

Congrats Curtis! And especially for having the summit to yourself. THAT is a rarity on Bierstadt! Only 57 to go... and then the 13ers of course... and 12ers... and... well... you have a long journey ahead of you!

[NotTimid]

Way to go Curtis! It's really an accomplishment to be proud of. And of course, when you climb your first one it's gonna be the hardest one you've ever done, by definition Congrats! You clearly did your homework and did everything right, which tells me this is just the beginning of a successful climbing career for you. Keep us posted!

Also - totally agree with you on the awesomeness of this site. I've gotten nothing but phenomenal support and encouragement from this community - to say nothing of all the useful info!

[summitseeker91]

Congratulations and welcome to the addiction!!