My aunt's cabin, where tillyjane (a/k/a my mom) and I are staying, is at about 9,500 feet of altitude in the Santa Rosita hills south and east of Westcliffe, CO. I live about 200 feet above sea level in Portland, OR. So what did I do my first morning here?

I walked the 2.5 miles of extremely rural Keepsake Loop, with about 400 feet of elevation change. In the 20 degree morning air.

It took me 55 minutes to handle the hike, starting at the high point, walking downhill for the first half, then uphill the second half. I had to stop four times to regain my breath on the climb back to the cabin. By the time I returned, I was utterly wrung out, soaked with sweat, and chilled.

But it sure felt good.

We're off to Monarch Pass in a bit.