Project 24 is complete! To be honest, I didn’t see myself traversing any ridges or mountain peaks after my mom’s unexpected death in March. It just threw my whole world in a tailspin. Grief is funny like that. But all is good, and I found myself chasing down the 24 new-to-me peaks this year.
Most of my adventures this year were solo because I needed the solitude to think and to find myself again. Not a crazy list this year. A few easy traverses and “peaks” were thrown in for easy wins. As I look back at adventures, I am happy that I managed to reach my 24 new-to-peaks with two months to spare.
Once again, rather than listing all 24 new-to-me mountains, I’d like to share six particularly memorable mountain adventures with you. Each of these experiences was memorable for one reason or another.
1. Most Scenic Views – Mount Jimmy Simpson
Mount Jimmy Simpson left me absolutely awestruck. It’s the kind of place that redefines “wow” with every glance. (Admittedly I also think about the concern/confusion in MK’s eyes as I barely manage to crawl up a nerve-wracking, sketchy bowl section.) As I wrote in my post, this trail had everything you could ask for in a day in the mountains. Nature truly knows how to steal the show. Read here.
2. Unexpected gem – Opal North
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this recommendation from MK. I love Opal South so I knew this had to be a good one too. The star of this day was the ridge as opposed to the summit.
3. Most rewarding solo triumph – Baldy traverse
I have wanted to do the Mount Baldy Traverse for some time now. Scheduling issues always made it challenging to find a scrambling buddy. So one day I decided just to go for it on my own. What was the worst that could happen?
4. Long overdue – Cascade mountain and Pharaoh Peak
Cascade and Pharaoh are two classic summits that I have joyfully crossed off my list. Each climb came with its own challenges, making my sense of accomplishment even better when I crossed these two peaks off my list. Read about Cascade here and Pharaoh here. (Bonus: I finally ran the Alpine Circuit route at Lake O’Hara.)
5. Most chaotic – Tiara-Boundary-Belmore Browne traverse
Lots of lessons learned on this one – mostly to trust my own instincts. This was definitely a chaotic day but it is those kind of days that you will always remember. (I have a long list and growing of chaotic days.)
Project 24 complete list: Ship’s Prowl (true summit), Windtower, Mount Quirk, Mount Ware, Little Ware, Mount Ward, Pharaoh Peak, Cascade Mountain, Baldy West, Turtle Mountain, Guinn’s Peak, Wasootch Peak, Tiara Peak, Boundary Ridge, Belmore Browne, Lipalian Mountain, Purple Peak, Green Mountain, Mount Hoffman, Mustang Hills (north and south), North Crowfoot Peak, Mount Jimmy Simpson, Opal North, Lipsett Mountain, Bald Eagle Peak.
What do you think of my Project 24 list? Adding any to your list next year? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.