Spring has sprung!!

The sky was desolate of clouds and the warm sun beckoned me outdoors. So I took Benjamin and we headed to Liberty Cap for a bit of exercise......

First, some pre-hike carb loading. Mmmmm.

Benjamin in the parking lot inspecting our gear for proper operation.
The z-poles seem to be in good working order.

Heading out from the lot. Sunny and perfect temps.
Ben is perfecting his Spiderman eyeware.

Must have been a real smooth ride going up.

View from the top.
He wakes up just as I'm about to head down, so we hang
around a while and enjoy the day on top. He's pointing to the "big rock"
known as Liberty Cap (actually a really old weathered sandstone formation).

Good thing I remembered the mid-hike cookies!!!

Checking out a small 'cave'. Ben was afraid there were spiders, but was ok when I
got in with him.

I've run this route several times prior, but usually take the slightly longer but less steep Corkcrew trail. I also don't have 30 extra pounds of kid on my back. Needless to say I was sweating and breathing heavy almost instantly upon starting up the steeper sections. This was a good workout for strengthening my legs, especially on the steeper sections which I'll need for Hardrock. The downhill was tough too as I had to keep Ben happy with less bouncing of the pack.
I'd like to make this a more routing visit in my training, since I forgot how extremely beautiful it is to quickly gain elevation and partake in the beauty of the mountains. It's a shame Pickles cannot visit with me.