Q: What was your first fourteener, and when did you climb it?

My first 14er ascent was a bike ride up Mt. Evans on July 12, 1997. It was a great to be atop a 14er, but at the time climbing was not of great interest to me. My first actual climb of a 14er was Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron, and Bross on August 15, 1998. I certainly enjoyed the day, but I was much more interested in biking and triathlons at the time and had only remote interest in further mountaineering.

Q: At what point did you commit to finishing them all?

Ridiculous as it might sound, among the things that motivated me to begin climbing more 14ers was a Roger Edrinn 14er poster that I have had at my office desk for 10 years. People would come to my desk and ask me about which ones I had climbed. Initially, the answer was very few. As of 2000 I had climbed but 6 14ers when I moved to Ireland with my wife Laura and newborn son Trey. Ireland was an amazing experience, but during thepersistent rainy days I had that poster at my desk and would gaze at poster with its beautiful mountains thinking “once I get back to Colorado I will never again take sunshine and the mountains for granted.” Upon moving back to Colorado I took the Colorado Mountain Club’s WTS under Marilyn Choske and then BMS under Frank Moore. Those inspiring teachers gave me the knowledge and confidence which brought me to the point where I knew that over time I would be able to complete Colorado’s 14ers.

Q: What is your favorite fourteener route?

Instead of routes I think of favorite days on the mountains. Far and away I think of two days above all others – Capitol and Pyramid. Two of the most challenging fourteeners became my two most favorite because on both days I had outstanding partners and weather. As I am sure that many of you will agree the more challenging a mountain is the more rewarding it can become.

Q: What was your most delightful moment on a 14er?

This is the easiest question. My wife Laura has been a tremendous supporter of my goal of finishing the 14ers. We have two young children Trey (5) and Charlie (3) which she devotes her life to. July 18, 2005 Laura and I went up Mt. Bierstadt together for her first 14er. Laura is a much better athlete than I and to see her excel on this hike made my heart sing. I know that many more such family hikes are in our future!

Q: What was your most terrifying moment on a 14er?

I was just beginning to climb 14ers when I ascended Grays and Torreys on July 7, 2001. I was with my most consistent hiking partner who I feel obligated to mention. Rocky, our springer spaniel, has summitted 30 14ers with me. After Rocky and I completed both peaks we were at the saddle descending when a fast moving storm came in. Shortly, hail began to fall. Lightning was everwhere! Then, 2000 feet below us in Steven’s Gulch a cloud to ground strike hit on what appeared to the trail where we were heading. People everywhere were huddled in fear but, Rocky and I continued down not knowing what else to do. Eventually, the weather cleared. But, two hours later a Flight for Life Helicopter flew over on its way to Grizzly Gulch where the storm had been even more intense. That day put an innate fear of lightning into me. As many of my climbing partners know I always prefer an alpine start and that day is why!

Q: Do you have any plans for future mountain lists?

I leave shortly for a vacation to Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. No climbing plans there, but it should be a great time as the trip centers around a family reunion in Slovenia! After that the truth is I intend to turn my focus to being a better husband and father. My wife has been very supportive of my climbing goals, but I look forward to spending more time with my wonderful family. Fortunately, my boys love the mountains, camping, and hiking. So, I look forward to lots of gentle family hikes. This fall I am an instructor in the CMC Backpacking School. This fall I also plan to climb Flatiron routes on Seal Rock and the First Flatiron. Then, next summer I hope to be able to climb to the climb the Tetons and attempt a couple of the 4 great Colorado traverses. Eventually, I’d like to climb Mt. Rainer, live in Europe again, and climb the Alps.

Q: What is the single most important piece of advice that you would give to someone just starting out?