Kathy Kelbel
Bio: I grew up in Michigan. I recently retired after 38 years of service with the federal government. I have two sons and a daughter that I am very proud of.
Age: 56
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I met Branch 4 ½ years ago and we have been hiking together since. A week after my first Branch Whitney hike to GunSight Notch Peak, he led a hike to Terrace Canyon Peak, the Class 4 route. I was hooked! My attitude was, Bring It On! The bonus was when he created the 52 Peak Club. Even though I had hiked all 52 Peaks, I got to hike them again and again and with new people each time. I have always loved the outdoors; my parents exposed me to travel and camping and hiking growing up. I had hiked Half Dome in 2008 and loved the whole experience, the moonlight hike and exposure of the climb and the views from on top were magnificent. I did not realize how much I loved the outdoors until I met Branch. I love rock scrambling and peak bagging, the adventure and how it makes me feel like a kid again. I love the longer harder hikes; I love the challenge. There is no greater feeling than standing on a peak and taking in a view that can take your breath away.
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Nov 5th, 2013 (51st person to become a 53er)
Toughest Peak: I love the long tough scrambling hikes - Mummy Head to Toe has probably been the toughest.
Favorite Hike: I love them all. These eight are all my favorite. Gunsight Notch Peak, up and down the Notch route, White Pinnacle Peak, Wilson via Cleaver Crack, Rainbow Peak without the ledges, Ice Box climb out route, Lost Peak via Graffiti Traverse, and Holiday Peak and Terrace Canyon Peak- the Class 4 routes.
How did you feel once you became a 53er: It is a great feeling!
Advice for new hikers: Read the hike description before signing up. Be on time for the hike. Start with the lower value cards to determine your fitness level. Get into shape. Work on your fitness level on your own – put in the time and effort. You can’t just hike on weekends and expect to get better, stronger, faster. Listen and learn from the hike organizers /leaders – be a team player.
Age: 56
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I met Branch 4 ½ years ago and we have been hiking together since. A week after my first Branch Whitney hike to GunSight Notch Peak, he led a hike to Terrace Canyon Peak, the Class 4 route. I was hooked! My attitude was, Bring It On! The bonus was when he created the 52 Peak Club. Even though I had hiked all 52 Peaks, I got to hike them again and again and with new people each time. I have always loved the outdoors; my parents exposed me to travel and camping and hiking growing up. I had hiked Half Dome in 2008 and loved the whole experience, the moonlight hike and exposure of the climb and the views from on top were magnificent. I did not realize how much I loved the outdoors until I met Branch. I love rock scrambling and peak bagging, the adventure and how it makes me feel like a kid again. I love the longer harder hikes; I love the challenge. There is no greater feeling than standing on a peak and taking in a view that can take your breath away.
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Nov 5th, 2013 (51st person to become a 53er)
Toughest Peak: I love the long tough scrambling hikes - Mummy Head to Toe has probably been the toughest.
Favorite Hike: I love them all. These eight are all my favorite. Gunsight Notch Peak, up and down the Notch route, White Pinnacle Peak, Wilson via Cleaver Crack, Rainbow Peak without the ledges, Ice Box climb out route, Lost Peak via Graffiti Traverse, and Holiday Peak and Terrace Canyon Peak- the Class 4 routes.
How did you feel once you became a 53er: It is a great feeling!
Advice for new hikers: Read the hike description before signing up. Be on time for the hike. Start with the lower value cards to determine your fitness level. Get into shape. Work on your fitness level on your own – put in the time and effort. You can’t just hike on weekends and expect to get better, stronger, faster. Listen and learn from the hike organizers /leaders – be a team player.