After starting up Kit Carson at 05:00, Drew has officially summitted the last of the Crestones and is currently on his way down Crestone Needle after completing a highly challenging, technical climb that no one in the crew really wanted to think too hard about for fear of bringing on an anxiety attack. If you're counting along, Drew's got 24 14ers down as of now.
The crew is currently on the move to meet Drew at the South Colony trailhead, where they will try to make the world's fastest transition so Drew can get as much sleep as possible on the drive to Pikes Peak.
With the continuous physical demands and very little sleep, Drew is experiencing some fluid on the lungs and some swelling and exhaustion at this point in the journey. But his mettle is just unmatched as he continues to press on through so much adversity. To help address these symptoms, besides working to optimize rest time, they're going to try a dip in a cold mountain stream and ask for some healing power from the universe before they head out.
And with as much as Drew has going on, the crew is starting to feel the pain too. Yesterday ended after 13 hours at Little Bear with an ATV ride down a true road from hell in the middle of the night, then a transition to Kit Carson before dawn. Today consisted of non-stop transitioning, re-planning, staging and some OMG moments including an unplanned detour to swap out a pole, and (of course, because why not) a dead battery which was thankfully resolved with a jumpstart in the field and will be swapped out when they hit Buena Vista tomorrow. The sleep deprivation and stress is getting real.
Thankfully, family and friends are making their journey to Buena Vista today to meet the crew as they roll in tomorrow and are helping provide home cooked meals, places to shower, rest and decompress, and offer as many hugs as the crew can tolerate on their way through town.
As always, we'll continue to keep everyone as updated as we can, and in the meanwhile you know what to do - send your prayers, good vibes and support Drew's way!!
Continued cheers from Door County. Sending Prayers, good weather, and energy your way as you approach and tackle Pikes Peak. Connie Brandt
Cheering hard from afar (Cedarburg, WI). Checking the Garmin all day long, and anytime I wake up during the night. My neighbors now are too. It’s so inspiring to think about what you’re attempting. Congrats and good luck to you and your crew.
You are one hard core awesome human !!! I have been tracking you every day since you started! I have my entire little squad now tracking you and watching your amazing acclomplishents ! Sending all the good vibes for you to acheive your goal!
Hopefully your assent of Pikes Peak went smoother than last year ! Your amazing Drew, if this was easy everyone would attempt it. We could not be prouder of you and your whole team. Lots of prayers and love. Grandma and Gramps W.
Your got this bother!!!