It was my first time exploring in a mountain landscape. Driving up into the Rocky Mountains with my wife, two children, and my dad made for an incredible experience as we were in awe of the beauty everywhere we turned. It was early July so only the mountain peaks had snow while the pine forests were green and the tundra alive with flowers everywhere. The sun was shining with puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. In Estes Park where we started it was a nice, warm summer day but as we ascended towards the peaks it became windy and cooler. Only a light jacket was needed still but a noticeable difference. On this, our first full day in Rocky Mountain National Park, we started in the valleys but worked our way up the mountain stopping occasionally to gaze at the grandeur of the sights surrounding us. By lunch time we had arrived at the top of this peak to the Alpine Meadows Visitors center. Strangely breathing had become more labored. Our pace of walking needed to be slowed or it felt like we had run a distance and were now short of breath.

We were now over 11,000 feet in altitude and had never experienced this before. Getting use to it a little it became more intriguing to continuing exploring with this shortness of breath. After looking around in the visitor center and enjoying the views from this location, we grabbed something to eat and then headed for the short climb to the summit at 12, 000 feet. I felt as though I was back in training camp for high school football as each step required more and more effort. On top of this, the clouds seemed to be building and there was a sign warning not to be up there when there’s a threat of lightning and thunderstorms. With more clouds now filling the sky we wanted to make our way up somewhat hurriedly and return to the visitor’s center before any storms arrived. What a great experience and view to share with my family! Who would ever think it would be the beginning of more mountain adventures?