After having such a great time last year in Margy's Hut, Lisa and I (and 13 others) decided to trek up to Harry Gates Hut - another hut in the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association series of huts. 13 of us snowshoed in, and two skied the 6.4 mile, 2000 vertical foot climb. There was plenty of food and alcohol to go around once we were there, and we all had a great time. Of course, when you're surrounded with such astonishing natural beauty, it's hard not to have fun.
Jen and Elizabeth in the car
Lisa and her filthy car
Lisa, Brian, Tami, and Tory
Jen, Elizabeth (Snort), Tami, and Kris (Mad Dog, Little Spoon, Tablespoon, Captain Spatula) People quickly garnered nicknames on this trip - partially because there were three Chris"s and two Brian"s...
Harry Gates Hut Trip
Brian
Mary Kate
Hiking along the trail
Carlos in his high-styling snowshoeing capri pants
Trailblazer Roy
Brian
Chris (Tinkle)
Taking a shortcut by a powerline
"Billy Goat" Hill
Harry Gates Hut
Harry Gates Hut Trip
Everyone relaxing by the fire
Mt. Yeckel in the distance
Avalanche Peak at sunset
Brian and Carlos
A cloudy morning
Brian and MK - somehow remarkably color coordinated with their respective bedding
Avalanche Peak
The previous hut residence left us a snowman
Andy snaps some morning photos
Andy and Lisa at breakfast
Kris (Mad dog, etc...)
Carlos takes in some sun
Looking west towards the hut
Harry Gates Hut Trip
Andy and Brian
Brian
Andy
Lime Creek Canyon
Roy, Brian, Chris, and Kris
Brian
Andy
Kevin
Chris, Carlos, Kris
Roy
Chris returns from a hike
Cigars on the deck
Chris listens to some of the superbowl on the radio
There was lots of laughing...
...while some relaxed
Carlos, enjoying a prototype of the Roy-jito
Tami and Tory
Elizabeth and Tami
Roy
Lisa knits
Tory and Carlos pick up Kris as punishment for the lime-aid fiasco (of car 5)
Andy - looking ready to face adventure
Arm wrestling
MK in the snow
Tami, Mary Kate, and Jen
Clark Peak (left) and Mount Daly (right) flank Capitol Peak (center)
Mount Sopris
The entire group From top left, clockwise: Andy, Brian, Chris, Kevin, Elizabeth, Jen, Mary Kate, Chris, Lisa, Carlos, Kris, Tami, Tory, Roy, Brian
Brian and Lisa
Elizabeth, Kris, and Brian
Lisa's ready to go
Tory
Leaving the hut
Carlos, sporting the latest in winter fashion
The hike out
Tami and Elizabeth on our descent
Lisa
Brian, after recovering one of other Brian's lost cross-country skis