After being chased off the peak twice due to poor weather, Lisa and I had finally decided to tackle Princeton for a third time - this time to summit! Unlike our previous two attempts, we were determined to start early (6am - earlier than we'd started in the past) and get to the top. Of course - it's all a function of weather, and thankfully there was not a cloud in the sky most of the morning. We ran into another pair of hikers as we first started off, but quickly out paced them on our ascent, leaving the mountain entirely to us. We spent 45 minutes relaxing on the summit and didn't see another soul until about 11am, as we passed a few people heading towards the summit. Mostly, this hike was an excuse for Brian to play with his new camera but it was a pleasant day on the mountain.
Sunrise from the trailhead
Lisa - ready to hike
Sunrise over the Arkansas River Valley
Sunrise over the Arkansas River Valley
Sunrise over the Arkansas River Valley
Lisa on the trail (with new acquaintances on the trail John and Sue)
Princeton visible in the early morning light
Brian, taking photos
The Sangre de Cristo range across the valley
Lisa
A pika
Lisa spots a short tailed weasel at 13,000ft
The peak looms ahead
The ridgeline down to "Tigger" peak (13,241 ft)
Lisa reaches the summit
Brian - finally after three attempts makes it on top
Lisa with Antero, Shavano, and Tabeguache behind her
Lisa and Brian
Snacking on the summit
The 4WD road we took a few weeks back to go up and over the shoulder of Antero
Antero (left)
Sangre de Cristo range in the hazy distance
Playing with depth of field
Lisa points to where we started (our car is visible in the photo)
The trail meanders down the inside flank of the mountain
