Last Saturday morning was simply perfect for a hike up Western Colorado's Mt. Garfield. Upon reaching the top, it was obvious something was amiss.

Last Saturday, March 3, was the busiest I've ever seen the trails on Mt. Garfield. Aside from a strong wind, the weather was perfect. It seems as though most hikers were making their maiden voyage up Mt. Garfield.

You can imagine my surprise when I reached the summit and discovered Mt. Garfield's newest landmark missing. What could it have been?

About a year ago, a dedicated team of people raised a tall flagpole near the summit. I don't know precisely how tall it is, but I'm guessing it's the better part of 25 feet. A flag was raised shortly thereafter.

Over the course of the last year, the flag has been replaced several times. Sometime last October I joined the crew to help raise a new flag. That particular flag lasted about two months before Mother Nature ripped it to shreds. Keep in mind, we're talking about a high quality, roughly $500 flag.

Since then, another flag has been raised in its place. That flag is no longer there.

FLAG ON MT GARFIELD MARCH 3 2018 D
Waylon Jordan
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Don't panic! It just so happens the flag is safe and sound. On the way up, I passed the leader of the group responsible for putting up the flagpole. He was on the way down the mountain with the flag safe and secure. It had taken a severe beating and was in need of repair.

Rest assured the flag will be back up shortly, assuming it isn't already back. The person in question, whose identity will remain anonymous, climbs Mt. Garfield frequently.

The flag will fly high again before you know it. Again, this is assuming it isn't flying high already. Make a point to take this hike. You'll get a kick out of what you see at the top.

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