Fragabond

Camping has a sort of sacramental place in the Fraga family. Sacramental like we are protestants, only believe in two, and camping isn’t one of them. Growing up, my father once quipped that – “The Pilgrims camped so I don’t have to.” Katie agrees with this sentiment wholeheartedly and has only, on one occasion, allowed me to drag her into the woods for a night. Let’s not discuss how I blew that opportunity by camping in Tate’s Hell (Apalachicola National Forest). The name does not belie the experience.

Amongst our dearest friends however, camping blood and skill run deep. Deep enough that we were lucky to be loaned a tent and a few sleeping pads for our Western walkabout (Thanks Alex and Kim!). Well, we made use of them this weekend. We received an invitation to an overnight backpacking escapade, which included an early morning wakeup to “hike” a mountain. I was, naturally, very excited, and Katie, after bartering for some extra time in Napa, reluctantly agreed to join.   

Mount Sneffels has an innocent sounding name, like maybe a dragon with a cold lives there. But don’t let the name deceive you – it is one of Colorado’s 14ers. That means it’s over two miles above sea level, its peak reaching far past the tree line. The rocky sides slope aggressively down to lush green fields and crystal blue alpine lakes, but it sits on a ridge of sharply defined peaks that reach menacingly toward the sky. 

Mount Sneffels – Photo Cred: Mo Lyle

This peak was our ultimate target, but we first hiked up about 4 miles, gaining roughly 2,500 feet in elevation, loaded down with only the camping essentials (Jack Daniels weighs less than beer). Our camping guides for the trip, Blake and Mo, brought along the actual camping essentials like stoves, competency and homemade chili (thanks, guys!). We set up a base camp at the stunning lower Blue Lakes (and, yes, slept in tents). 

Given Colorado’s rainy August afternoon weather, we decided to get out early the next morning and hike to the peak starting at 4am. After setting up camp, we had heard some horror stories from other campers of people being caught in afternoon storms on Sneffels. This early start would also put us up on the ridge right as the sun broke on the horizon. So, after approximately 4 hours of restless sleep on the ground, we departed as planned. Weighed down with a few handfuls of pistachios, 2 protein bars, headlamps, hydro packs, and Floridan lungs, we headed for the precipice.

Hiking at 4am with a headlamp is like a bad dream. You remember some images, but mostly it’s just sweaty and dark. As dawn grew closer and we kept climbing, the alpine lakes and luscious meadows turned into scraggly weeds and scree rock. We hiked up 2.5 miles gaining another 2,500 feet, putting us right at 12,900. 

We reached the crest just as the sun was peeking and were gifted with some of the most outrageous and beautiful scenery I have ever witnessed. America is filled with wild and distant places. We were not alone, but it certainly felt like we stumbled on some wondrous place where Amazon Prime doesn’t exist and mountains go on for miles. Some place they imagined when they said “Sea to Shining Sea.” Or perhaps one of those mountainsides where Jesus fled the crowds to pray. 

Blue Lakes Pass – Photo Cred: Blake Lyle

With lungs burning and legs aching, we looked up at the precipice, our final target, and decided to push on. As we gained elevation, our hiking soon turned into rock climbing. It was hard and fairly scary. Did I mention we are from Florida? So after pushing our way up to 13,700 feet, we decided it was best if we turned around and left the serious climbing to the natives. 

Nevertheless, we were witness to a spectacle of unimpeachable grandeur. We were uncomfortable, but that discomfort led to a place of appreciation and humility. Perhaps not everyone needs to sleep on the ground to appreciate the bed in their home, but for me it’s helpful. I am full of gratitude this August evening, grateful to have the ridiculous opportunity to take this trip, grateful for a hot shower, grateful for good friends, and grateful to God who has hidden beauty in places that are hard to reach.

-Zack