Bearpen in the Fog

Today I decided to run up Big Bearpen - the mountain which Fred told me that I should not admit to enjoying so much.  This was my first ascent since my 10-day layoff, and although I realized that I have lost some fitness, I was curious to see how easy the climb would be. 

One of those temperature inversions for which Highlands is known so well was upon us - the temperatures cool and slightly foggy in Clear Creek, but warming as I traveled up the 1200 feet in elevation to Town.  I passed through thick fog on the way, which turned brighter and brighter, until it suddenly cleared just below the Eastern Continental Divide.  The sky was almost clear overhead, and I thought that from atop Big Bearpen I might have one of those magical experiences that occur here from time to time where blue sky breaks through and fog lies all around below, with area mountains poking up through this bright blanket.  I climbed with increasing enthusiasm and strength!

But alas, that was not the case at all.  Instead the fog grew thicker and thicker, and at the very top where that unusual perspective of Whiteside Mountain never fails to thrill, this was my view: