Enjoying Indian Summer

(Last Updated On: October 25, 2015)

When you live in a ski town, it’s likely that you live a life of extremes. Work-load often relies on the seasons and tourists. That means I indulge myself in ski-related pleasures in spring, but buckle down to full-force workload all summer long.

And then, sometime in mid-September I reared my head toward the sky and realized the leaves were changing. Summer was over, and I barely did anything to “play”. I mean, sure, I went for the couple-hour-bike-ride on a regular basis. But, I didn’t have many of those all-day-long adventures that you come home from so tired that you can’t even think about cooking food.

Light bursts through the clouds on a stormy evening in Crested Butte.
Light bursts through the clouds on a stormy evening in Crested Butte.

Well, Indian Summer came to my rescue. In many years past, we’ve been skiing by now. Some years, like in 2013, early skiing has been epic. But, this year, snow has been practically non-existent. Even our high peaks remain barren. Yet, somehow I don’t seem to mind. I’ve been taking advantage of the weather to get my little jolt of summer.

The Indian Summer has been spectacular. Warmer than July or August, adventures in the alpine have not only been possible, they’ve been enjoyable. So, here’s a collection of photos from a few of our Indian Summer adventures.

Climbing at Harmel’s in Taylor Canyon

Later, my friend Natalie came to visit, on fall break from massage school in Delta. We decided to hit the rock – a multi-pitch trad route on the First Buttress. Natalie took the lead.
Climbing at Harmel's in Taylor Canyon

Climbing at Harmel's in Taylor Canyon

Climbing at Harmel's in Taylor Canyon.

Me on top of the route – we climbed to the right, and then were able to descend down a gully to the left.
Climbing at Harmel's in Taylor Canyon.

Mount Owen

After a long ridge hike and climb of Unnamed 13,130′ (report to come later), Natalie topped off her time in Crested Butte with a climb of Mount Owen.

Ruby on the left.
Ruby Peak near Crested Butte.

Green Lake in the still morning air.
Green Lake by Ruby Peak near Crested Butte.

Natalie making her way on the ridge to the summit of Mount Owen.
Hiking Mount Owen in Crested Butte.

Climbing Mount Owen near Crested Butte.

Climbing Mount Owen near Crested Butte.

And then the summit.
Summit of Mount Owen near Crested Butte.

Summit of Mount Owen near Crested Butte.

Natalie soaking in a different view of the Elks.
Views from the summit of Mount Owen near Crested Butte.

Views from the summit of Mount Owen.

If it’s not gonna snow, it might as well be Indian Summer 🙂 Here’s to alpine adventures in the fall!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Enjoying Indian Summer
Article Name
Enjoying Indian Summer
Description
With unseasonably warm weather & lack of snow, we've been able to head into the alpine for many adventures. We've certainly been enjoying Indian Summer!
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Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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