Troop 205 Calendar of Events

Troop 205 Alumni News and Trip Reports

Troop 205 Alumni Mountain Assault 2007

It was another successful climbing venture. Winging their way in from across the nation were T-205 alumni Colonel William Kelly, and Tim, J., and Ryan Mejeur. We were also joined at the trailhead by Bruce and Brian Rahn, who are now Lt. Colonels in the U.S. Army, stationed in Colorado Springs. We were missing alumni from the 1990's, but all other generations ...from the 1960's onward... were in attendance.

Our objective this summer was the summit of Mt. Yale ...standing at 14,196 feet. We departed THE SUMMIT in THE LIBERTY at 5 a.m. this morning (June 28), arrived at the trailhead at 7 a.m., and were back down at 4 p.m. Truly, it was a full day. We just finished a fine celebratory dinner at the Blue Spruce in Frisco, and here are a few comments from those who took part in this summer's mountain assault:

JOURNAL ENTRY: COL KELLY

No better host in Summit County, perhaps anywhere in Colorado, RUTZ pushed all members of the group to their physical and intellectual limits.

At dinner the previous night RUTZ told us he would not be having a cocktail because it would "jinx" the expedition. I laughed and ordered a beer. While not apocalyptic in its consequences that single beer apparently did bring on rain, hail, dense fog, leg cramps, thin oxygen, and untimely resulted in one team member failing to reach the summit. We won't mention any names so as not to embarrass anyone.

Still, an excellent climb and company.

up next:

JOURNAL ENTRY: Ryan M.

The trip here to the summit consisted of two main events: the Assault of Mount Yale and the leisurely trip to Keystone.

The trip to Keystone started with a beautiful view of the "glory hole" and then progressed with a ride over the "dam road." The trip progressed towards Keystone with one wrinkle; the Col. decided to socialize with the local citizens at the Farmers Market. Unfortunately this activity was not planned and caused the Col. to be left at the market. Eventually the entire party made it to Keystone, and as luck would have it, the Col. showed up shortly after the arrival. The ride back to the "Summit" and "Wildernest" was quite uneventful, but very enjoyable.

The assault was a very enjoyable experience that will not be repeated in the near future. After a "not so bad" climb to the top of Mount Yale, the party was forced to make a quick descent do to rain and sleet. The trip closed for me with a celebratory Coors Light, "Rocky Mountain Fresh." I strongly recommend the "Summit" and the surrounding area of Buffalo Mt. to any individual that enjoys the great outdoors!

Next up: Jonathan M.

Arriving at the Summit, I had to get to know the Guide-Lines (as this is my first time at the Summit) very well. Having delicious Buffalo burgers for the first time, we hit the sacks. The next day we decided to do a "light" 30-plus mile bike ride. This was designed so that we could "get used to the altitude," but had another effect. After recovering, we prepared for the Assault. The morning of the Assault did not begin well for me. First a water bottle leak. Then a slight headache that only grew as we ascended. While this could have been a

wet blanket on the Assault, it was rather an awesome trip. Until next

time...

Next up: Tim M.

The assault was great. Marshall had everything planned and all went well. We left the summit at 5:00 sharp and arrived early to attack the mountain. Even though I tried to prepare physically, the lack of oxygen caused me to stop. But with the encouragement of others, I am able to claim my first 14teener. It was a great experience and would recommend that everyone try at least one.