Mike Versus the Leftovers

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I went for a blog worthy hike on Saturday. I hiked to the Pancake Rocks. The trailhead for the Pancake Rocks is north of Cripple Creek. The trail was a gradual climb through woods to an elevation of about 11,000 feet. The trail drops below 11,000 feet before reaching the final destination. I hung out at the Pancake Rocks for about 50 minutes. I ate a turkey sandwich while I enjoyed the view. Here are the pictures.

Me on a Pancake Rock

Me by a Pancake Rock

Looking south at the highway split for Cripple Creek and Victor

Pancake Rocks

Me and the Pancake Rocks

Zoom View

A touch of snow on the rocks

Feeding Frenzy

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I enjoyed the day by going for hike, eating a lot of turkey, playing some games, and probably by eating some more turkey after I finish this post. My hike took me to the top of Fremont Peak at an elevation of 7,233 feet. Fremont Peak is in Royal Gorge Park. The hike starts in the campground/picnic area at the park. I hiked up an access road that leads to some radio and cell towers. From there I followed feral hiking path to the top of Fremont Peak. It is a short hike. The only steep part was the last bit. The trail is not maintained so it just goes straight up at that point. Fremont Peak has a nice 360 degree view at the top. Today was the coldest day that I have gone hiking so far this season. It was only really cold when the wind blew. It certainly doesn’t come close to the wind last Thanksgiving on top of Mt. Sniktau. Anyway, here are the pictures as always.



View from the Top






Me on top






Royal Gorge Bridge






Looking towards Pikes Peak






Looking towards Cañon City






The top and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains





Happy Thanksgiving,

-MM

We Are The Champions

The Rapids are the Champions of the MLS!!! While I did not make it to Toronto to see the big game, I did make it down to the Celtic in downtown Denver on Sunday for the biggest viewing party in the Rapids 15 year history. There was lots of great singing, chanting, and celebrating. It was a special night and a magical season. Being a part of a supporters group this season made it that much better. I have had greater connection to other fans and the players this year. I look forward to next season when the Rapids repeat!!!

Here is a video of the final whistle. It is quite dark and shaky. I was celebrating and filming at the same time. It’s all about the moment.

On the day before the big game, I went for a hike at Dome Rock State Wildlife Area. It is located west of Pikes Peak and just south of Mueller State Park. I did a loop hike that took me around Dome Rock. It was a beautiful hike as most hikes are in Colorado. There are quite a few trails there. I’m sure I’ll go back there. I definitely need to go back during the fall color to hike the southern portion of the loop again. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the hike.




Me in front of a icy beaver pond.





A view along the Dome Rock Trail







Dome Rock








Note: Dogs are prohibited in Dome Rock State Wildlife Area. Also several trails are closed from December 1 through July 15th. This is due to the area being a prime calving ground for bighorn sheep.

Rapids Wonderland

On Saturday Night, I attended the Eastern Conference Finals between Colorado and San Jose. The temperatures were probably in the upper 20’s by the end of the game. It didn’t matter. We were warm from cheering, and we’re thrilled with the Rapids victory. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera to capture some of the moments. Here is a photo I got off the Pid Army Facebook Page that has Pablo Mastroeni, the Rapids Captain, singing and drumming with the Pid Army.












The Rapids face FC Dallas in Toronto for the MLS Cup on Sunday, November 21st. I would go, but I don’t have a passport. Ugh! I didn’t realize the final was in Canada until it was too late. I guess I’ll watch at one of the viewing parties. That should be fun too.




Go Rapids!

Raspberry Beret

No raspberries or berets were used in the making of this post; however, Raspberry Mountain (10,605 ft.) was hiked, and the song Raspberry Beret popped into my head on the way up. Ugh! The hike was great though. Raspberry Mountain is northwest of Pikes Peak and is near Mueller State Park. Go here for directions and more detailed information about this hike. That’s what I did. The trail follows an old road most of the way up. There is a rock outcrop on top that has a magnificent 360 view. The weather would have been perfect if it was not for the wind. I had to take shelter behind some rocks to eat my lunch. Here are some pictures from the summit.

Me with a view of Pikes Peak.

Me on top of Raspberry Mtn

North Catamount Reservoir behind me

Looking back on Raspberry Mtn.






On the way down, I had the song “Rapids Burgundy” going through my head. It is set to the tune of “Yellow Submarine”. I got the Rapids on the mind. The Rapids get to host the Eastern Conference Championship next Saturday despite being a Western Conference team. Crazy MLS playoff system, but I’ll take it. It is going to be fun.

I hope I didn't scare you too much with this picture. I meant to put it up last week, but I forgot.


-MM