Longs has taught me a lot over the years, whether in fine-tuning scrambling skills, route finding, or high alpine running. Funnily enough I haven't done the standard keyhole route since my first encounter with her back in 2018, when I was a wide eyed new runner and mountain athlete. Seven years later, and it feels full circle to come back to a mountain that scared me straight and really give it a good effort and find a flow state.
A busy labor day morning, with some mild traffic after the keyhole, but was navigable for the most part. I was worried about afternoon storms but must have beat them because the weather was pretty near perfect, just a little toasty towards the end. Fully unsupported, carried gels and one filter bottle which I filled twice at the boulder field on my way out and then back.
Ascent 2:13, Descent 1:21
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