Spotlight on Layne Bracy!
Congratulations
to one of our latest Grand Slam finisher
Layne Bracy! We had the opportunity of
asking Layne a few quick questions.Q: What was your first fourteener, and when did you climb it?
My first 14er was Rainier on June 29, 2000, when my two sisters, six friends and I were part of a guided RMI trip. My first Colorado 14ers were Grays and Torreys, with a large church group on July 20, 2002.
Q: At what point did you commit to finishing them all?
I think I was committed on some level before I arrived in Colorado. By the end of 2002 I had summitted fourteen but was unsure about the class four peaks. After Amy and I climbed Pyramid, my 29th, on July 25, 2003, I believed I could finish them.
Q: What is your favorite fourteener route?
I grew attached to Longs’ Keyhole route during four attempts in May and June, 2003. All of those were stopped by snow and ice conditions, making it extra rewarding when I had success on the fifth try.
Q: What was your most delightful moment on a 14er?
On August 23, 2003, Amy and I climbed Mount of the Holy Cross. We had a few minutes alone on the summit. I surprised her by asking her to marry me. She said, “Yes”!
Q: What was your most terrifying moment on a 14er?
Minutes from the summit of El Diente on June 26, 2004, Amy and I were slowly making our way along the ridge. Suddenly the rocks were crackling. It took several minutes to reach safer ground, during which time lightning appeared to flash between us and Amy felt her head buzzing.
Q: Do you have any plans for future mountain lists?
There are ten Colorado county highpoints remaining for me, and Amy has Snowmass and the Wilsons to complete her 14ers. After that, I have a lot of peaks in mind but hope to stay away from list completion for awhile.
Q: What is the single most important piece of advice that you would give to someone just starting out?
Lightning is real! If you don’t have a good reason for not starting your hike earlier, then start it earlier!