9.24.02

Came up from the Black Cloud Trailhead to the south. Did South Elbert first then hiked along the ridge to Elbert's summit. This route is best described in Gerry Roach's 14ers guidebook.

One interesting thing: On my way down to the Elbert/S Elbert saddle, two helicopters showed up. One kept continually buzzing by the saddle maybe 100 ft over my head. On two occasions he actually landed for a short time. Closest I've ever came to getting flown off a mountain. I'm guessing they were performing training exercises for the upcoming ski rescue season in nearby Aspen.