Graduation Hike

"School's out forever

School's out for summer

School's out with fever

School's out completely"

Lyrics written by Alice Cooper was released in June of 1972.  You can still hear it on the radio when school lets out in spring.

For those students who completed classes on the basics of hiking earlier this week, it was great to actually be outdoors.  Some had new boots and socks to try out,  Plus a new pack was tested as well.

Four of the seven registered students joined co-instructors Ed and Gary, for the day.  We arrived at Mt. Falcon Park outside of Morrison just after ten.  A few minutes later, everybody was cinched into their packs and on trail.

Trailhead marker.

The remains of a recent storm were evident as we found trail snow covered.  It would continue for much of the day.  A quick pit stop at the junction of Castle Trail and Parmalee Trail before heading out.

Elevation gain was minimal today...estimated to be under 100'.  The main concern was the snow and mud.  Areas not snow covered were extremely wet leaving standing water.  If not water, it was mud...deep enough to cover the lower few inches of our boots.

(L to R) Don Storm, Ed Blum, Gloria Pittman, and Melva Storm enjoy the day.

Taking the Walker's Dream Trail, we soon approached the ruins of the dream mansion of John Walker.  Asked by the U. S. Government to investigate agriculture in the west, Walker purchased 4,000 acres north of Denver. 

Walker lived in the elaborate stone house for a brief period.  All that remains toady are some of the stone walls and the main fireplace which stood two stories high inside the once majestic mansion.  The structure burned to the ground in 1918, only two years after completion.   The view from the courtyard of Mt. Evans is worth the hike.

On to the next feature.  That of what was known as the Western White House.  Located on a ridge east of his home, Walker's dream was to provide then president Woodrow Wilson all the comforts of a castle-like residence atop Mt. Falcon.  It was to be modeled after the castle built by King Ludwig of Bavaria.  Walker's dream was never realized.  The structure never proceeded beyond the laying of the foundation.  WWI and the loss of Walker's fortune ended the project.

On snow covered  Walker's Dream Trail.

Although trail was covered with snow, and skies were cloudy, the temperature rose to the mid 60's. 

Spirits remained high as lunch time approached.  Ed found a rock outcropping just off trail for a break. 

A number of spots on trail provided great views of the surrounding landscape, including red rocks,  snow covered Mt. Evans, and the town of Morrison.
 
Note:  Check out the previous article about the end of classes.

(L to R) Don and Melva Storm, Gloria Pittman, Co-Instructor, Ed Blum and Vicki Eveland.  Not shown, co-instructor, Gary Alleman

Total; mileage = 3.2

Total elevation gain = 86'

   
 

Class is Out...Lets Go Hiking

You've done little to no hiking in the past but now you are ready to try it.  You can learn the basics of a sport that provides the kind of full body workout no gym or fitness club can duplicate, i.e. surrounding landscapes, smells, wildlife sightings, or potential for lasting friendships.

Regardless if you are a newbe to the sport or a seasoned trekker, you are likely to learn something new about this growing adult activity.  I trust the men and women who attended one or more of the seven classes offered by the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA) recently did get their $8/class worth of tips and information.

This is the second year ACAA has offered area residents hiking classes.  Topics range from first aid; back country safety, ethics; clothing; gear; packs; poles; trip planning; map reading; and GPS.  Classes began in early March and continue to the week before the spring hiking season begins in April.

Students are able to actually see the type of clothing, boots, packs, poles, and other essentials for a day hike. Co-instructors Ed and Gary have collaborated with REI to provide a full array of top quality hiking products taken direct from store stock.  

Students (L-R) Gloria Pittman, Melva and Don Storm and Vicki Eveland.   Absent - Jamie Bennett, Randy Savoren, and Joyce Kenley,

Students learn about the different fabric when buying hiking clothes.  They get tips on what they should know before they shop for boots and socks.  Tips on features on packs, poles, and much more.  Also what to look for in an 'Expert' vs a BS salesperson. 

Each class provides students multiple handouts of information including tips from well known authors to personal tips provided by co-instructors Ed Blum and Gary Alleman.  These guys are both avid outdoorsmen.  They hike and backpack together in the summer.  In winter, they can be found on many of the same trails on snowshoes.

Ed demonstrates the proper method of securing a day pack for a hike.

The final class for 2013 was this week.  That means students are ready to graduate.  For this class, graduation is pure fun.  They get to hike (see article).

Some students have acquired new socks and boots, or a day pack since classes began.  They have been anxious to try out their new gear.

The 'graduation hike' is planned close to Denver with minimal elevation gain and low mileage.  The idea is to encourage more people to try hiking, not to intimidate them.

Thanks to all students who registered for the 2013 "Hiking, the Basics" classes.  We trust you are now better prepared to hit the trail and enjoy time in the Colorado back country.  Planned hikes begin Tuesday, April 2 so call today and get a seat on the bus.

Call the Aurora Center 

for Active Adults (303) 739-7950.

      

Take Small Steps Getting BACK in Shape

I've heard it again and again...I was in pretty good shape twenty years ago, but over the years, I gained weight, and didn't watch my diet.  Now I'm retired and I want to get back to feeling good about myself.  Sound familiar?

Becoming fit does not happen quickly, especially if you are over...say 50, and you have not been careful about your diet and exercise like you did when you were, whatever age. 

It begins by setting reasonable goals.  Think back to when you were 20 or 30, always on the go with a career, shuttling the kids to their activities, keeping the house organized, plus 1,001 unexpected things that pop up in the course of ones life.

For me the transformation occurred when I enlisted in the Army.  I was 19, not particularly concerned about my health, and not aware of what physical and mental challenges were ahead of me.  The Army taught me discipline, respect for authority, and above all challenged me to become physically fit.  I took it seriously every day while on active duty.  I found it important to adopt the 'can do' approach to any challenge the drill instructors threw at me, i.e. running 5 miles in the sand, in uniform, boots, rifle, backpack,and steel helmet before breakfast.    

So regardless if you have started an exercise program or diet plan time and time again and for whatever reason lost focus, don't be discouraged.  Take an honest look at yourself.  Decide what it is you want to accomplish.   Then make a decision to stick with your plan and start.  Do not procrastinate this time!

Starting slow, making steady progress, and focusing on meeting your goals along the way is what it's all about.  My motto has been, "It's all about the journey."  That applies regardless if your passion is golfing, running, biking, fishing or hiking.  Whatever your plan is, enjoy doing it.  Your reward will be a fit body.

Members of the 78 million strong baby boomer generation are living longer than their parents - but studies have shown an alarming statistic.  According to one study, 29% of pre-boomers are obese compared to 39% of boomers, an increase of 10%.  Another statistic showed that 50% of pre-boomers exercised regularly vs 35% of boomers, a 15% reduction.  These are stats nobody should be happy with.

Going from little or no exercise every day to doing some exercise routinely takes a major shift in ones attitude.  You need to tweak your lifestyle by adding small changes that fit.  Starting with a short daily walk with a spouse or friend can get you on the path to becoming the person you want to be.  Don't say, 'Ill start next week or next month or when the weather warms up.  Start now!

If you have been inactive for a period of time, or you have been recovering from an injury, it's recommended you get advice from your physician.

Next, set a goal.  Keep it realistic, keep it doable.  Remember, success breeds success.  Don't say you want to lose 50 lbs. by summer, it may not be realistic considering your lifestyle.  Start slow with a 20-minute workout three times a week for four weeks.  Adjust the plan as you progress week to week.

Next, make easy adjustments to your diet.  Bob Harper, the "Biggest Loser" coach suggests drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.  Within the first hour of waking up, eat a healthy breakfast.  Both things will kick-start your metabolism.

Create a schedule.  Get one of those big block calendars the auto parts stores offer their customers.  Or buy one at the dollar store.  Mark down what you will do and when you will do it each day.  That will hold you accountable and encourage you to stick to the plan.  If you need to, keep data results showing that you did do what the plan called for.  Looking back where you started compared to where you are can be an exciting thing and give you added encouragement.

Vary your routine.  Everybody gets bored with doing the same thing every day, the same number of reps, walking the same loop in the park, seeing the same buildings day in and day out as you ride your bike.  Develop a plan to work on different areas of your body.

Workout with a friend or family member.  It will be the difference between being inspired after the novelty of starting a fitness program and letting yourself fall back into that same old routine of excuses you gave everybody why you didn't do it the last time.

Stay committed and give yourself a reward.  If you are forced to skip a day of workout, don't lose focus.  Stay committed, work hard, every session.  That way a day off is a reward.  Soon, you will start seeing a slow but continuous change for the better in your body and mind.

Authors Note:  If these common sense suggestions work for you, tell me about it.  Click on the "comments box" at the end of this or any article on this blog.  Let me know the plan you developed, how the plan is working and the results.

      

Snowshoe Echo Lake

This outing became plan B after a predawn phone call.  The phone rang at 5:40 a.m.  It was the day trip coordinator for the Malley Rec. Center, informing me the snowshoe trip to Snow Mountain Resort was cancelled due to expected heavy snowfall.

I knew the next call would come soon and it would be from my good friend Ed because if I got a call from Malley, it was certain he got the same call.  I dressed for a day of snowshoeing and was having breakfast when at 6:10 my cell phone rang.  It was Ed.

We agreed to meet at the regular place in thirty minutes.  I finished breakfast, poured a hot cup of coffee and tossed my snowshoes, poles, and day pack in the truck.

We were heading west before 7 a.m.  Ed had a number of possible options to consider.  We agreed to try Echo Lake.  Roads heading west this morning were dry.  When we arrived at the TH - where the Mt. Evans Road Entrance Station is located, it started to snow.

Echo Lake Trail junction with Chicago Lakes Trail.

We started on the Echo Lake Trail but soon opted to go off trail and bushwhack the balance of the morning.  If you were to follow our tracks, they meandered through the pines around Echo Lake in no particular pattern or plan.

A persistent beggar.

 On a rest break, we had a visit from a grey jay looking for a handout.  Ed tried fooling the bird by tossing snow in the air.  The bird looked at the spot where the snow landed, then looked back at Ed and said, hey man, you can't trick me into thinking that was anything edible.  The bird flew from branch to branch, each time landing closer and closer to us.  Then perched directly above us, it looked down waiting for us to throw out some real food.  Not today!

Echo Lake is frozen and snow covered.

We found a large bolder that would protect us from wind.  Ed surprised me today when he pulled his new MSR Pocket Rocket backpacker stove and fuel canister from his pack.  Our fingers were void of any feeling at this point making it difficult to ignite a flame.  First Ed tried using his mini match.  It would not show a flame.  I tried using a small bic lighter to no avail.  Finding a larger backup hand held lighter in my pocket, it ignited both stoves.

To start, Ed made tea, I had hot chocolate.  The usual 'ready to eat' tuna salad sandwich and a serving of sweet and sour chicken with rice - a meal left from our backpack trip last summer in Never Summer Wilderness.

As we were tearing down the kitchen, we heard voices through the trees.  Soon we learned it was a father and daughter out having some fun.

Heavy snowfall in early afternoon.

We began the slow trek back around Echo Lake to the vehicle.  Snow on the ground varied from 8" to 24."  Many places were drifted to double that depth.  The beauty of walking on snowshoes is they maintain a consistent degree of bouyancy in both packed and light powder.  During the day, I briefly lost both snow baskets.  When I lost the first, the pole immediately felt different when I planted it into snow.  So I backtracked my steps looking in each plant hole in the snow I had made until I found the missing basket.  It happened again later in the day to the other pole.  Again, I was able to retrieve the basket and secure it to my pole.

Returning to the vehicle.

On our return to the vehicle, snow began falling again, this time heavier than this morning. 


Total Miles = 2.2

Total elevation gain = 138'



 

Doudy Draw/Eldorado Mountain

Make a late morning drive to Flatirons Vista TH, on Rt. 93, South of Boulder.  From the traffic light at the intersection of Rt. 170 and Rt. 93, go South on Rt. 93.  Just beyond Rt. 128 on the left, you will see the parking lot and restroom building on the right side. 

Not sure who and how many will be there from the Outdoor Mindset organization.  Arrive just before 11:30 a.m. A half dozen vehicles are in the lot.  Most are people walking their dogs.

Flatiron Vista South Trail

On trail at 11:35.  Decide to take the Flatirons Vista Southj Treail (FVST) joing south from the TH.  FV South connects to FV North after 2.4 mi. going counter-clockwise. Three others are on trail today, all OM staffers.

Trail bed has sections of mud and standing water from melting snow.  When it's not mud, it's snow covered or slushy.  Weather is mild for March, with sunny skies and a light breeze.

There is virtually no elevation gain till the final half mile.  Then trail merely dips breifly and climbs no more than 50'

On trail for 1.5 hrs, it.s close to 1 p.m.  The lunch bell is ringing in my head.  I move off trail into a cluster of pine.  Continue behind a short ridge. O spot a large pine tree.  The surrounding area is covered with a thick layer of dry pine needles.  It will be a great spot for lunch.  Off trail, out of sight from other hikers, and views of the flatirons.  What more could I ask for today.

Aurora Announces Spring Hiking Schedule

For those who enjoy spending time in the Colorado back country, the Spring hiking season is here.  Beginning Tuesday, April 2nd, the nine week schedule offers exceptional scenery, and weekly opportunities to meet other people who enjoy the sport.

Hikers on trail in Three Sisters/Alderfer Park, in 2012.

Aurora city residents received the Aurora Recreation Guide earlier this year.  In it, the publication describes the trail/trailhead for each outing, plus mileage and elevation gain.  Spring hikes are somewhat shorter and have less elevation gain (el.g.) than hikes later in the year.

Spring hikes will average 850' el.g. and 6.5 mi.  Hikers can expect a 2.5 to 3.0 mph pace, although terrain and the number of new hikers can combine to determine the pace of the group.

The exciting hiking season kicks off with a trek around Lake Ladora.  Located in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, in North Aurora, this hike will take hikers thru the National Wildlife Refuge.  Elevation gain on this hike is minimal (100') over the 5.3 mile span.

If you are looking for an activity that is good for both your physical and mental health, consider registering for one of these great hikes in the Denver Metro area.

All hikes in Spring leave from the Aurora Center for Active Adults at 6th Avenue and DelMar, at 7:30 a.m.  The van will shuttle hikers directly to the trailhead and return them to the Center.  During  April and May, hikers will experience the beauty of nature in Eldorado Springs, Morrison, Boulder, Lyons, Golden, Roxborough State Park and RMNP.

Spend your Tuesday's with us, you won't regret it.  Register today by calling (303) 739-7950, or view online at auroragov.org/recreation, click on adults 50+.


  

Snowshoe Jim Creek

Ed and I agreed to meet at 7:30.  Once on the highway, we were reminded it is also prime time for all the workforce commuters in Denver.  After battling traffic on the South end of I 225, Ed opted to take Hampden Avenue (Rt. 285) for a faster way out of town.

I 70 was clear and dry, all the way to the exit for Empire/Winter Park (CO Rt. # 40).

We made a quick stop for coffee in Empire before climbing to Berthoud Pass (11,316'), followed by the descent into the Fraser Valley.  Surprisingly, the road on both the ascent and descent was clear and dry.

Neither of us had hiked this trail before so during the drive, we exchanged handwritten notes obtained from various web sources directing us to the TH.  Lets just say, we were left a bit confused.

As we approached the Winter Park Ski Area entrance, we noticed a sign opposite the entrance saying, National Sports Center for the Disabled, Bonfils - Stanton Foundation Outdoor Center.  There was no route number sign as we entered the parking area.  No indication of a trail.

Trail begins to the right of this sign.

At the sign, an area map made some references to our handwritten notes.  Then a physical check of the area next to the sign resulted in location of a snow covered boardwalk.  It was the TH at 9,084' el.