Ranier Raqueno and his team did it: They set records on North America’s highest named lake.
As mentioned in the Sept. 1 Bulletin, the Manitou Springs resident and Air Force officer planned to kayak on
a lake between Quandary and Pacific peaks near Breckenridge.
At his side: “Crazy Bob” Stuka, who set a record for the fast descent of the Manitou Incline; Trevor Becker, founder of the Pikes Peak Trail Crew; and Joe Hashey, founder and owner of Synergy Athletics.
It took them 7.5 hours to trek the 12.9 miles round-trip and 3,031 feet of elevation gain on Saturday, Sept. 10. Bad weather stymied the team’s previous attempt at the feat.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather,” Raqueno said Monday, Sept. 12.
Once he got to the lake and set up his foldable kayak, Raqueno spent about 10 minutes paddling around; he would have spent more time, but wanted to ensure the other team members had their chances, too.
“As I floated aimlessly in an infinity pool into the Rockies at 13,420 feet surrounded by endless meandering skies, I found myself asking how I ever got so lucky to taste this moment. How did I ever get here?” he said.
He also thought about everyone who has ever supported him, especially his father, Esmeraldo “Elmer” Chan. Raqueno carried his late father’s photo with him all the way.
“I couldn’t help but think of the life he chose of toil and sacrifice for the chance for me to have the life I currently have. I hope he will forever be immortalized kayaking the highest named lake in North America with me, even if it was just his picture,” Raqueno said.
Stuka was able to stand-up paddle board for about 10 minutes, making him the first to successfully do that on Pacific Tarn.
“I always like new opportunities and new adventures,” he said. “I like supporting my friends and it’s so much fun if we go as a team.”
Becker was there to support “Rocky” Raqueno, he said, and he’s looking forward to future adventures.
“It was an honor to be there. Words fall short in describing the beauty we got to see,” Hashey said.
Videos will be posted on Youtube.com/trevortrails.