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'