Centennial Cone Park

We arrived at Centennial Cone Park, north side trailhead parking lot, outside Golden, Colorado, just before 11 a.m.  The forecast called for a few inches of new snow today...a welcome addition should it materialize.

The lot is empty when we arrive.  Looking south and west across the landscape, a weather system is in fact moving in. 

North side TH trail marker.

With our packs cinched firmly in place we are on trail in minutes.  Light snow begins falling as we make our way down the slope on the Travois Trail. This path stretches 8.5 miles along the perimeter of this 3,369 acre park.

Moments later we encounter the first of a number of sections of drifted snow.  It is packed firmly into the recesses of trail.  Large chunks of compacted snow break away from our boots as we trudge through the drifts. While planting my poles, I spot the depth so it can be measured later.  Max depth of 12".

Giving Back...in a BIG way!

After a long career in technical education, university administration, software development, consulting, and management of a non-profit organization, Paul Zeiger is doing what he loves, teaching yoga.

For 21 years, Paul has taught the elements of the oldest known exercise routine, 11 of those years specializing in the aging body, and the last 5 years specializing in Parkinson disease.

Paul Zeiger in traditional yoga sitting position.

His wife Carolyn, Ph. D., has over 45 years experience in clinical, organizational, and health psychology.  Ms. Zeiger has held various adjunct faculty positions in the Psychology Departments of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Arizona.

In addition, Carolyn and her sister co-authored Doing it all isn't everything: A Woman's Guide to Harmony and Empowerment.  Plus she is the co-founder of a Parkinson's caregiver support group in Denver and assists Paul in classes.

At age 76, Paul has lived with Parkinson's for more than 7 years.  "My own body provides a laboratory," he tell his students. Zeiger and his colleague, Nikki Reese, conduct weekly yoga classes for those diagnosed with PD.

Seats Still Available

Looking for a great outdoor activity this year, you have found the place for it.  If you want an activity that is easy to do, something that will relieve stress, improve your overall health, help control weight, and meet other people who enjoy the same thing, read on.

The Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA) is offering a series of classes for those who enjoy the outdoors but have not had the opportunity to get out much.  Learn all about the joy of hiking from two experienced local hikers.

Ed Blum (L) and Gary Alleman (R) have hiked and backpacked many trails throughout Colorado.  The two blend their experience and personal adventures into each class.

The series of 7 classes begins next Tuesday, February 12th., at 9:00 a.m.  All classes will be held at ACAA, 6th Avenue and Del Mar. 

It's not too late to register for classes.  Simply call the Aurora Center for Active Adults at (303) 739-7950.
The cost is $8.00/class for Aurora residents, and $10.00/class for non-residents.



Overview of class topics:

Session # 1

• Hiking behavior, Etiquette, and Ethics
• How trails are rated
• Backcountry Safety
• Trail Conditions
• Staying Found
• Physical Conditioning

Session # 2

• Planning a hike
• First aid
• Heat Exhaustion
• Hypothermia
• Protect yourself from Lightening

Session # 3

• Breaking in your boots
• Field Tested Socks
• Pamper Your Feet
• What to know before you buy boots
• Boot care and repair

Session # 4

• What to know before you buy clothing
• Layering System
• Tips about hiking clothing

Session # 5

• What to know before your buy a day pack
• How to measure yourself for the right pack
• Pack capacity and features
• The Loading Process
• Loading tips

Session # 6

• What to know before you buy hiking poles
• Styles of Poles
• Locking mechanisms
• Hand grips and accessories
• Tips on the use of poles

Session # 7

• Developing a checklist for your pack
• Developing a bucket/life list
• Trail Journaling
• Gear Rental
•  Your Business - How to poop in the woods 
• Capturing the Experience (taking better photos)
• Good stuff to know about hiking 

  Call a friend, and attend classes together.  You won't regret it.

Meeting our Goals

This blog was created and went live in July, 2010.  The intent was and is today, three-fold.

• Promote the improvement of quality of life in those with PD
• Promote a healthy lifestyle in those with PD
• Raise funds for Parkinson's Association of the Rockies

Ultimately, it is up to the readers to decide if that has been accomplished.  In the course of the last eighteen months over 250 articles have been posted.  Some might have been less interesting than others.  Overall, it is felt we have covered our original intent.

In terms of an impact month, this past April had 40 articles posted.  Due primarily to the fact that April is Parkinson's awareness month.  We trust readers did get some information they found helpful.

A review of the 250+ topics covered over the young life of this blog found hiking to be the topic most often posted.  There were 156 postings on the topic or 62%.

Miscellaneous topics were next with 46 postings or 18%.  Topics in this category ranged from family, to local sporting events, and series articles like Inspiring Profiles. Note: A third story in this series is being finalized at this writing.  It is a great story of a fellow-baby boomer who has accomplished much in life.  Her zest for life and determination to find ways to fight back the ever growing disease in her body is a must read.

The third most posted topic was regarding Parkinson's Disease...22 postings or 9%.  Other categories included Improvement of Quality of Life at 4%.  Healthy Lifestyle and General Exercise, both garnered 3% of the total number of postings.

Although the home page window tallying number of hits this blog gets is not monitored closely, we did notice a steady increase from month to month.  In fact, this posting is the result of what can be considered a milestone of sorts.  The number of people to check-in with "The Hiker" blog has surpassed 10,000.  That is a good number.

The Hiker on trail in Eldorado Canuon.

To our readers, we say thanks for checking in.  We hope you will keep our address and continue to check back with us.  We will continue to develop interesting, articles that not only inform but educate our readers on many topics.  We ask that you tell others about this blog, especially someone who has been diagnosed with PD.  If you have a topic you want us to write about, send us an email at: thecohiker2011@gmail.com

You can be assured, postings will be full of adventure, upbeat, and most of all, honest.

Remember, it's all about the journey.