Longs Peak

First climbed Longs when I was 14. It was a tremendous experience that remained fresh in my mind every year after. I was living in Sask., Canada in 1996 when I decided to take a 2 week camping trip through the States with my wife. We took a hike up Longs after spending a night in Estes Park. Since it was June and we weren't technical climbers, we couldn't get past the Keyhole due to ice. We both had a great time, though. I was a military flight instructor during the mid-late 1990's and I had the opportunity to take the plane anywhere in Canada or the US 4 times a year. So, in September of 1997, I flew in to Greeley, rented a car and drove to Estes Park once again. I took a student pilot up to the top the next day and was then stuck with the task of getting him back down while he was reeling with the effects of altitude sickness. I returned again in September of 1998 after landing at Buckley AFB in Denver, renting another car and making the familiar drive to Estes once again. Made the climb to the top without a partner this time as he bailed out just prior to the keyhole. I'd have to say that 3 summits just isn't enough for me. I plan on returning as often as I can and look forward to doing the hike with my son when he's up to it (he's only 2 1/2 right now!). Congrats to all the lucky people who have had the chance to experience this trip for themselves.