Lapham Peak - Fall Colors and a Great Hike

Time to get ready for the big climb.  Though still 6 months off - it's never too early to start training.  And what better time to start training than in the fall.

Day 1 of training was an unexpected hike with the dogs at Lapham Peak in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.  Saturday turned out to be a beautiful fall day and after taking Jasmine to the vet in the morning and getting some housework done, I couldn't take it any longer.  I needed to get out.  I decided to take the dogs out and do the 7 mile advanced black loop at Lapham Peak.  I'm not quite sure why it's "advanced", but maybe it's just me and my non-stop hiking and visits to as many mountains as possible that makes the hills on this trail seem fairly easy.

What started off as being a typical walk with the dogs in the woods and their normal 20 minute or so miles (they always seem to need to pee, poop or sniff something) turned out to be a brisk walk through the woods.  With the cooler temps, the dogs decided to move quick - even Wailea with her hip dysplasia and repaired knee.  What typically would have taken us about 2 1/2 hours or so ended up taking us just 2 hours.  Wow - those girls moved.

With that there only a few occasional breaks to enjoy some of the fall colors that were left.  What a perfect day, the remainder of the colors were bright and strikingly orange and red colors.  And what a perfect way to start training for the climb up Mt Whitney.  Based upon this, I'm hoping the rest of my training days go just as well.

Fall colors at Lapham Peak, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Climbing the Tower

After finishing the 7 mile hike in 2 hours, I let the dogs take a break while I took a quick run up the tower at the park to get an overhead view of the fall colors in the Delafield area.  Wow - it always amazes me, no matter what time of the year at how this area looks from above.

Fall colors from the tower at Lapham Peak, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Fall colors from the tower at Lapham Peak, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest

I think the best part of running to the top of the tower was the trip down.  As I was walking down the stairs of the tower I saw a group of kids running to get to the stairs to climb up.  And one of the kids exclaimed - "this is a high tower, but this isn't no Eiffel Tower".  No kid, you're right, it's not the Eiffel Tower, but it is a view into the heartland of Wisconsin in fall.  

Here's to hoping fall, winter and spring bring just as many beautiful days for training.  Because if so, training is going to be a blast.

To find out more about my bid to climb Mt Whitney with Summit for Someone and Backpacker Magazine - read some of the following:

• Climber Story
• Backpacker Magazine Makes Its Selections
• I Want to Climb Mt Whitney

Climbing Mt Whitney

Backpacker Magazine Makes It Selections

And yes, I was one of the lucky ones selected to join them for the summit attempt on Mt. Whitney.

First off, a big special thanks to everyone who made a comment on my blog post "I Want to Climb Mt Whitney" when I was pleading for them to select me.  All your comments helped.

And for those of you who don't know - Mt Whitney is the highest peak in the continental 48 states (find out more).  And it is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains which is on my bucket list of places to get to.

Big City Mountaineers

Why climb Mt Whitney?  Well - in response there two reasons.

1. Because as mentioned earlier - this area is on my bucket list and climbing Mt Whitney would be the best part of experiencing it.
2. Because it's going to help raise funds for a great cause - Big City Mountaineers

One of the greatest reasons I wanted to do this was because it's part of Summit For Someone.  They provide great opportunities for individuals to summit incredible mountains around the world all while raising funds for Big City Mountaineers.  This is something I've been wanting to do for years.  

Big City Mountaineers is a great cause and helps under resourced and at risk teens to gain valuable life skills through wilderness mentoring expeditions.  Some facts about the youth involved in the programs:

• 100% are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs
• 83% are from families that report an average household income of $15,000 or less
• 71% are from single parent or guardian-led households

After participating with Big City Mountaineers, 100% of the youth report significant improvements in:

• Commitment to Learning
• Positive Values
• Social Competencies
• Positive Identity

 (source: BigCityMountaineers.org)

So twofold for me.  We are able to help out youth who may never get to experience what the wilderness is like and provide positive influences through mentoring.  And (personal hope) that these youth gain an appreciation for our natural places and share that with their community of influence.

How Can You Help?

My climb is part of the fund raising program for Big City Mountaineers, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  As part of  my climb, I'm required to raise a minimum of $4,000 that will be used to help teens overcome a lifetime of challenges.

My Challenge To You

Help Me get there and help these youth get the opportunity to participate in this wonderful mentoring opportunity.

Donating is both easy and tax deductible.  

• Go to my Summit For Someone Climber Page
• Donate $100 or any amount you can give 
• Get a big thank you from me!!

Really - if you do donate, I want to thank you in advance.  Your donation and generosity will be greatly appreciated by those who are able to experience the Big City Mountaineers program.

Donate Now