Nice day at 12,000ft.

[rginn]

Went down to look over the country around Independence Pass today. I thought it would thin out some now, but still lots of tourists and ridiculous traffic here in the high country. You can spot the flatlanders on these high passes pretty easy. You can tell they're having a hard time breathing and look a little dizzy, but they do seem thrilled by the views.

 

[Old Dude]

I enjoy the views you provide for us. I am certain I would suffer the breathing and dizziness for them in person too!

 

[BosnMate]

Love the pictures. High country never bothered when I was younger, but my heart won't tolerate in now.

 

[rginn]

Most people from lower elevations may feel some discomfort, but they can tolerate it if they don't jump right in to a bunch of strenuous exercise. That's where you will find out real quick if you have some sort of heart problem. And every year we have some people drop dead from that type of thing, usually while skiing. There's less oxygen here, and my oxygen level stays at about 90% and I feel fine, but normal is 95% to 100%. I've been here 12 years and am somewhat acclimated, but I get up above 12,000 and I can feel it. The most aggravating thing to me is that above about 11,500 you can't really build a respectable camp fire.

 

[tamrock]

I just got to Montrose an hour ago. I took Cottonwood and there was hardly anyone today. It thinned out a bunch from the last time I went over it.