Shrine Mountain Trail

Hike Leader, Ed Blum has a string of great hikes to his credit in the last few weeks.  In the month of August, consider Boulder Lake, Burning Bear Creek, Mohawk Lakes – Continental Falls, Butler Gulch, and today, Shrine Mountain Trail.

Tucked neatly within the White River National Forest, this gem of a trail is easy to navigate and with its difficulty rating as moderate, it ranks up there with the best to date.

Hikers from ACAA on trail.

Highlights…there are many.  Look North and see inspiring views of the Gore Range. 

Not far from the TH, this becomes the norm.

Look South, to find The Ten Mile Range.  Look Southwest to find The Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross.  The Flat Top Mountains are to the West.

Elevation increases rapidly at times.

Although there are many inspiring spots maybe the one most remembered is the 360 degree view at the summit (11,089’). 

Threatening clouds don't stop these veteran hikers.

Known to be the last one off the mountain on many hikes, today, I had to pry my feet from the high perch and start down to the TH. 

Penny is thinking...'It doesn't get any better than this.'

No, it was not a 14er.  But up there, one gets the feeling that you are in fact that high.

Tough climb behind them, hikers make their way across the saddle.

The numbers on the day go like this.  The OAB hike totaled 5.3 miles and 1,231’ of total elevation gain.  The book may rate it as moderate but a few hikers found it a challenge. 

The summit is nothing short of inspiring.

Good thing is today they all got to the top to enjoy the view.  If you were one of those on the mountain today, start counting the visuals forever etched in your memory.         

Today's Hike - Shrine Mtn. Trail

"The Hiker expects to have the journal entry for this hike posted by 10 p.m. tonight.

Back to Burning Bear.

My wife and me had a day to enjoy the outdoors together so it was a no-brainer.  We would go to "The Bear" again.  Two weeks ago, I hiked it with my friends from ACAA.  My wife had not hiked there before. Plus with temperatures forcast in the high 90's for the city,  Burning Bear seemed to be the place to be today.  We parked at the TH among a small herd of black angus cattle.  Yes, I said cattle.  Most of them were lying in the tall grass, chewing their cud as we changed into boots and extended our poles.  We did some skipping and hopping in order to miss all the cow pies.  A first for me and I'm a farm boy.

We had 80 to 90% canopy which helped reduce the temperature even more.  Temp. may have reached the upper 60's by mid-morning.  The ground was soggy, and trail in many sections muddy with more super fresh cow pies.  A mile plus up trail, we came upon the rest of the herd.  Yep, bedded down in a stand of spruce.  Yep chewing their cud.  Nope, they could not have cared less that two hikers were walking down the middle of their cozy outdoor pad.   

Shrine Mountain Trail/TH

“The Hiker” will travel to the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest, Tuesday, for a short but scenic hike located a few miles West of Vail Pass.  The 4.5 mi. OAB jaunt is rated moderate, with total elevation gain of 855’.  Expect to enjoy “Fabulous” views of Uneva Peak, Ptarmigan Pass, and Mount of the Holy Cross from the summit at 11,888’.  Happy Trails everyone.

World's Best Compete in Denver.

The last of six stages of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge was held today. 

Riders averaged an incredible 35 mph through the streets of downtown Denver.

Last chance for riders to compete against the best in their sport.  Riders completed over 500 miles over 7 days in Colorado towns from Steamboat Springs to Mt. Crested Butte.  

All eyes were fixed on this large pack of riders as they rounded the turn at 13th and Grant Sts.

 The race ended in style at the Capitol as huge crowds looked on.  Over 140 riders competed but only one could win.

Calf muscles tense up...gloved hands squeeze the handle bars for the last sprint to the finish.

 In the end, Levi Leipheimer of Team Radio Shack would wear the yellow jersey.

The crowd goes crazy as riders pass for the last time.

Thanks to the competitors, members of their support team, and race organizers, for making today one of the most exciting in recent years.  Thanks to Lance Armstrong for taking that 100-mile training ride in 2009, from his home in Aspen.  Armstrong was left with the question, why is Colorado not the home to a pro bike race? 

Best choice of wheels in downtown Denver...your bike.

The U. S. Pro Cycling Challenge comes to Denver today.  The last of six stages begins in Golden at 10:45 and ends at the Capitol complex.  Riders will ride 73.8 miles today.  Levi Leipheimer, a member of USA Team RadioShack is leading this world class event.  Riders will have covered a total of 502.3 miles, including Cottonwood Pass, the highest point of the race at 12,126' elevation. The leg today begins at 10:45.  The winner will cross the finish line about 1:30.  I will be there.

Don’t let Physical Limitations Isolate you.

This, the third in a series of ten ways “The Hiker” found helpful to living a healthy lifestyle.  PD causes pain, tightness, weakness in muscles and joints.  My Neurologist reminded me that swimming or any kind of water resistance builds strength.  Walking in the pool is an excellent exercise.  Tremors may actually diminish while in the water.  Waste deep water is best.  You can also practice breathing and the arm stroke for swimming.  Ask a buddy to assist you if needed.

13 Days Until 1st Milestone Hike.

A reminder to all readers who are available on Friday, September 9th.  "The Hiker" will take up to 10 readers on a 7-mile RT hike on the Eldorado Canyon Trail that day.  Trail begins strenuous and moderates as it reaches the mid-point on the OAB hike  Most of the 800'+ elevation gain is at the beginning.  Readers must either pledge or donate to PAR to be eligible for this hike.  Any amount will qualify you.  Become eligible today.     

OH! OH! Moment #1

The first “100 Mile Challenge” hike had one of those moments when you realize you forgot to pack something you need.  As your eyes close, a bit embarrassed, you say, “OH! OH!"

I was on trail to Boulder Lake, anxious to have lunch.  A handful of miles on the day already behind me.  In need of hydration, and hungry, I began looking for a flat rock to sit on and a clear spot for my stove.

The shaded area at a bend in trail would be fine.  Minutes later, water was boiling.  Drop in the freeze dried chicken breast then powdered mashed taters.

OK, utensils?  A quick check in my pack…OH! OH!, I forgot the freakin utensils.  As I look for anything within arms length that would serve as a scoop, I spot a 6” piece of tree bark.  After peeling away two layers of growth, what remained was shaped like a long mini scoop.  It would be the tool I needed to stir mashed taters until they are firm.  It would also serve as my fork (less the prongs) to stabilize the chicken breast as I cut it with my pocket knife.

Chicken breast and taters in the backcountry, Yummmy!

Tell me about your OH! OH! Moment.  I'm sure there are plenty out there.

Improve Quality of Life - Do things you enjoy.

It's about making better use of time and reducing stress.  How often do you look at your watch, ask someone for the time, or loose track of time and become stressed.  Think of ways to get the most out of your day and simplify your life.  Don't get caught up in the "I must have everything" mentality.  You don't need the latest iPhone, ultra fast internet service, or bluetooth handsfree device.  Start a small garden instead.  Tending it will force you to be outside, away from all those "devices."  Harvesting veggies will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  Donate them to a local food bank.  Learn how to make things yourself.  Have a garage sale, get rid of clutter.  Again, what is not sold, donate.  Take vacations closer to home.  Don't use a credit card for everything.  Cut out things that have little or no value to you and focus on things you enjoy doing.  Changes like this will eliminate things that added to your level of stress and replace them with things you want to do.  You will sleep better.      

Comments - Feedback - Recommendations:

Asking readers to give me their comments on what they have seen or read on this blog.  Have the topics been interesting?  Have the stories been informative and educational?  Has this blog provided information that resulted in solving a problem?  What topics do you expect to see on this blog?  Take a few minutes to write your thoughts down.  Start a dialogue, here on the blog.     

Butler Gulch - Not for Sissies!

I had this one pegged totally wrong.  Before the hike I said, "I expect it to be easy."  To some in the group from ACAA today, it may have been moderate at best in terms of difficulty.  For others, it was strenuous.  We were not far from the TH this morning before the elevation started to accumulate.

Stream crossings are part of the diversity this hike provides.

Louisa stands  beside a lazy waterfall...here trail changes from old mine road to single track. 

Trail conditions were ideal.  Solid footing all day, except for a few areas where a mountain spring ran across trail or runoff from higher elevations came charging across our path, creating a brief area of mud.  Loose rock, not a big issue, even on steep areas.  Trail surges up, up, and more up to 11,360 ft.,  We now find ourselves above treeline.  The instant my eyes caught the endless color and countless shades of green, as far as I could see, I was in some other world.  Breathless, some might say.  Others, no sound, simply gulp!, or Holy S__t that is just awesome.  The mountainsides, alpine meadows, mini basins, and drainage areas were all displaying their finest example of what we call nature. 

Mountain Daisy, Larkspur, Indian Paintbrush, Blue Columbine, everywhere.

Indian paintbrush stands tall and proud among it's colorful flora.

Mountain Daisy and Black-eyed Susan as far as one can see.

It becomes difficult to put it into words...start with awesome.

Hike leader, Ed Blum, forgot his camera.  When he came to a spot of particular beauty, he called out, "Need a camera here."  Between Jason and me, there will be lots of choices.  On the return trek to the TH, one hiker decided to do her rendition of "The hills are alive..." to Mother Nature.  Hopefully Mom appreciated it.

According to my buddy, Jason, who brought his Garmin and his camera, we topped out at 11,640'.  We ate lunch in the shadow of an abandoned mine shaft.  The thought of brave men and women laboring here in terrible conditions sent a chill up my spine.

Abandon mine shaft at 11,640'

A group photo, then one last look up at the 13,000 ft. continental divide reminded me how lucky we are to be able to hike to these remote spots within a two-hour drive from home.

Likely THE most active group of ACAA men and women.

 

According to Garmin, we did 9.7 mi. today and accumulated somewhere around 2,000' elevation gain.  I am not one to back down from a challenge.  I would do this trail again simply because of the scenery, canopy in the early stages, and solitude it offers.  I recommend that it remain on the list for future hikes.  My advice to ACAA is make note (a dot beside the elevation gain) of hikes such as this.  People appreciate knowing in advance that extraordinary measures may be required.

This hike has all the elements of a great hike, causing a major shuffle in the top 10.  It shoots to #3 on this weeks top 10 list.  Check it out on the right.
         

Butler Gulch Trail

Today, "The Hiker" travels West to the Henderson Mine where he will hike with a group from ACAA.  The 5.2 mile trek is expected to be easy compared to recent outings.  Look for his journal entry tonight as he captures the day for readers.

Remember to donate or pledge to PAR and become eligible to hike on the first Milestone Hike of the year.

First 10 to Pledge/Donate will Hike!

Be one of the first ten readers to either pledge or donate to PAR by September 2nd.  You will qualify to spend a day in Eldorado Canyon S. P., with "The Hiker."  Those who qualify will meet at the Visitor Center at 7:45 a.m. ready to hike.  The OAB hike is 7 mi. RT.  Trail is rated moderate to strenuous, the latter being at the beginning. When you are qualified, please email me at thecohiker2011@gmail.com to confirm your place on the hike.    

First Milestone HIke: Scouting Report

After reading accounts of the Eldorado Canyon Trail, and talking with park Naturalist, Constance Roth, I chose it as the first in a series of milestone hikes.  First, I had to experience it myself.

It was the Friday before school started, and the last opportunity to share a day with one of my Grandsons.  Dylan, who turned nine two weeks ago, (and a veteran hiker/backpacker) agreed to be my buddy for the day.  We will walk trail, making mental notes, and later I will post details on the blog to inform readers.

First hot meal on trail Dylan prepared himself.

I will qualify veteran by saying, Dylan was one of six to endure a multi-day backpack trip into the Weminuche Wilderness, last August.  He was also the youngest. 

One who rides a steam locomotive 15 miles up the Animas River Gorge, hikes seven miles (all up), with a full pack, in the rain, on unstable footing, on trail under 12 inches wide at places, with no forgiveness, to find a spot for and set up base camp, qualifies as a veteran.  

TRAIL NOTES:  Begin at the visitor center where a hiker is immediately  challenged.  Most of the 800’ elevation gain in this hike is at the beginning.  The climb is eased only by solid rock and tie steps.  The other feature helping hikers is a series of switchbacks. 

On trail, two miles from TH.

As we gain elevation on this OAB hike, we experience the canyons’ red sandstone cliffs jutting eight hundred feet above South Boulder Creek.  Many of the rock faces are loaded with colorful lichen.

Trail surface is solid ground, minimal erosion, and few areas of exposed root growth and loose rock.  Canopy is minimal so wear a cap and pack rain gear.     

South Boulder Creek memories.

    

The park is a Mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts.  People from around the world come here to scale the canyons’ sheer vertical walls.  Keep an eye on those walls as you enter the park.  You may see climbers hard at play.

Sep. 9th, First Milestone Hike

Eldorado Canyon S. P. will be the site of the first hike for qualified readers of this blog.  Become eligible for this day hike by Pledging or donating to PAR.  Click "Pledge," print the form and fax or mail it to PAR or click "Donate" and follow the on-line form.  The first ten to be qualified will go on this hike.  Details on trail condition, difficulty, etc., will be posted by Saturday.   

Volunteers Harvest Northglenn Community Garden

A few hours of volunteer work, picking tomatoes, was rewarded with a wonderful history lesson this past weekend.

  

Since 2006, volunteers from the community have spent many hours planting, cultivating, weeding, and harvesting a Co-op garden at Stonehocker Western Heritage Park, in Northglenn.  Vegetables from the 3600 sq. ft. plot (largest of 20 such gardens in Adams Co.) already this year have provided over 4,000 servings to Adams County Food Banks.

Tom Rapp picks pole beans from Northglenn Garden.

Garden Co-Op Facilitator, Tom Rapp said, “This garden alone provided over 15,000 servings last year.  We expect to surpass that number in 2011.  We installed a drip system this year to keep the soil moist.”  Seeds and plants are donated each year by local firms.  On this day, the homestead was buzzing with activity because it was Open House.

Ample harvest will serve Adams Co. Food Banks.

Before volunteers left for the day, Rapp called them together to thank them for their support.  Northglenn Mayor, Joyce Downing was attending the Open House and walked over to the group of about 15, to add her sincere appreciation for their support.

Rapp went on to explain, “We applied for a state grant to fund the design and construction of a fully landscaped commemorative 911 memorial between the garden and the farmhouse.  The memorial will be dedicated September 10^th (the day before 911), from Noon to 2 p.m.  It will be followed by the traditional pot luck dinner.

Farmhouse rose garden.

Site History: Clarence Theedy, a carpenter by trade, and his family, originally settled on this site in the 1890’s.  Over the years, the McAllister family, Westesen family, and a Japanese family, lived here.  The Theed family later sold/lost the farm to Walt Stonehocker for unpaid taxes.  Walts’ brother Joe became the first Fire Chief in Northglenn.

The original homestead included the house, a large barn and a chicken coop on the East side of the property.  The farm also had an orchard.  The house had no electricity or water until the 1920’s.  The site was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1999.

1st Milestone Hike: Sept. 9th.

The "100 Mile Challenge" is on.  Three hikes (23.2 mi.) have been recorded in the hikers Journal.  This challenge includes a number of "Milestone hikes" over the next nine months. These added hikes are for blog readers who enjoy the outdoors.  A pledge/donation to PAR makes you eligible for this hike.  The first ten people who pledge/donate will be taken.  After completing the pledge/donation form, email "The Hiker" thecohiker2011@gmail.com to confirm your spot.  If you are not one of the first ten, more milestone hikes are planned.  "The Hiker" is outside year round so there will be snowshoe hikes over Winter.  Details on 1st milestone hike later this week.    

Mohawk Lakes

This hike begins as moderate difficulty and ends strenuous.  For those who were able to get to either Lower or Upper Mohawk Lake today, it was worth every painful step.  The days' tally of elevation gain was just over 1755,' much more than usual.  This trail has lots of exposed root and rock for long stretches.  Those who didn't wear sturdy boots should consider upgrading their footwear if they continue to hike. I always look forward to this hike, not only for the challenge but for the opportunity to walk with friends and catch up with what has been going on in their family.  That happened a number of times.

My inspiration today was Helen.  At 80, she tore up the mountain.  She was light on her feet and I noticed she held her poles firmly while swinging them with her stride.  She later explained, she has been hiking a long time.  She has many stories to tell.

We walked through an awesome display of color.

Continental Falls (hear it long before your see it) roars down the mountain.

Clear, cold, pristine, Lower Mohawk Lake.

 Ed asked me on the ride home, "How do you compare today to the hike to Bouder Lake?"  My response,  Today will certainly modify my top 10.  I'll be making a blog top 10 modification in the next few days.  This hike should remain on the ACAA list for the coming year.

What is missing is pre-hike information for those (first timers, and novices) who sign up for a hike having no idea what to expect.  With this blog, we hope to better inform hikers on the pros and cons of all hikes.  So spread the word to your friends who hike.  Check this blog out before you go.  We intend to review the last hike plus give some indication of the type of hike to expect next week.    

Indian paint brush always steals the show.

Today was a good day!

Good to live in Aurora

The Summer edition of "Aurora Guide" featured a story about "How Aurora became one of the nation's 100 best communities for kids.  First sentence:  When it comes to ensuring quality of life for its residents, Aurora is hard at work perfecting a recipe for success.  The article talks about all the things this community provides its kids.  To me, it's a winning situation for the entire family.         

Diagnosed, October 2004

To be certain, I had three opinions.  Then, a period of learning to accept it.  Getting educated about the disease became a priority.  When I read the words, "PD is caused by the death of midbrain dopamine neurons from oxidative stress, abnormal protein aggregation, and genetic predisposition," it became a call to duty.  Over the next three years, my medical file had passed through a handful of Neurologists.  Then, in 2009, I read of a PD Symposium given by Dr. Rajeev Kumar, of the Colorado Neurological Institute.  Since that session, my outlook has been positive.  The University of Colorado has since discovered a drug that can stop the progression of PD in mice.  The drug is being tested in people.  So the fight to push back the progression of Parkinson's goes on.  Remember, It's all about the Journey!          

Mohawk Lakes

This hike near Breckenridge on Tuesday begins at Spruce Creek TH, and follows trail of the same name.  The O&B 7 mile RT starts at 10,350' elev. and reaches 12,100.  TH facilities...NONE!  Trail difficulty is moderate to strenuous.  Expect to see awesome views, wildflowers, and the roaring Continental Falls.  Bring bug spray.  It is a steady steep climb the last mile to Lower Mohawk.  Cameras will be busy today.   

No Excuses!

August 1, I posted one way to help you live a Healthy Lifestyle.  “Stay active, both socially and physically.”  This post will focus on one way to improve your Quality of Life.  Does your day go by so slowly, that you find yourself watching the clock?  MAKE A CHANGE, NOW!

Take some of that “Nonproductive time” today to think about what you CAN do.  If you are able to walk, "Develop a daily exercise routine."  Do it today!  If you are not able to walk, develop a routine within the limits of your ability.  Ask a family member, or neighbor to help.  Get advice from your doctor.

Don’t wait. Start now.  Increase the challenge as you gain strength and confidence.

Don’t be a bystander

Don’t be a slacker.

Daily exercise will improve your outlook on life.

Daily exercise will give you confidence.

Daily exercise will increase your stamina.

Start today!

Parting Scene.

Last image of where I spent the day.  Etched in memory!

Challenge Factor goes up.

Images from Burning Bear!

Milestone Hike!

Mark your calendar for September 9, 2011, at Eldorado Canyon S. P.  Additional details on this hike will be posted on this blog.  This is the first of four hikes over the coming year focused on raising funds for PAR.  To be eligible to participate in this hike readers must do one of the following:

• Pledge X $/mile "The Hiker" actually completes by May 12, 2012.

Example: You pledge $1.00/mile.  If the hiker completes 127.0 miles by May 12, 2012, your total amount would be $127.00.

• Donate X $ to PAR

Either method of supporting PAR can be done by clicking on the method (Pledge or Donate) you choose on the home page.  Please note, if you want to make a pledge: You must print out the form, prepare it, and mail it in to PAR  If you click on donate, it will take you directly to the PAR website where you can follow the form.

   

Milestone Hike:

.  Details on the first milestone hike in September will be posted tomorrow. 

Revised Poll

NOTE: "The Hiker" poll options have been revised because the numbers were not close to what the final mileage will be.  I regret, the poll design feature does not allow for a field for readers to enter an "open" mileage number. So make your choice of the four options and vote.  To those two readers who have already voted, please vote again.  

New Banner Above!

Today, readers will notice a new banner.  The photo was taken last week at Boulder Lake by Aurora Photographer, Jason Hayes.  Jason followed "The Hiker" for eleven miles capturing the routine of "The Hiker" at the TH, on trail, during lunch, plus many awesome scenes and landscapes.  Images will be featured on this blog in the coming days and weeks.  Stay tuned.  Next post I will provide readers details of the first "Milestone Hike" planned for September...yes September.  Initially, it was planned for August but planning issues and other commitments pushed it out.  Details coming up!

Burning Bear Trail:

Feelin a bit sluggish tonight after only a 5.5 mile hike.  Must be the heat.  It was the first official outing of "The 100 mile challenge" with eleven of my hiking friends at ACAA.  A pit stop at the campground down the road allowed us to park and be on trail quickly.  Trail condition...dry, firm soil, and a few areas of loose rock at the far end.  A stream of mostly higher elevation runoff provided some of the best sounds in the mountains. We passed by a number of beaver ponds early in the day.  Trail then gains most of an estimated 800' elevation before we stopped.  Had lunch just beyond an abandon log cabin on a rise, at 2.6 miles from the TH.  Canopy was better than I expected at 80%.  According to fun Colorado hikes, this trail is considered "One of the most beautiful hikes in the Geneva Creek/Pike National Forest."  I can't argue that. 

Awesome Photos from Boulder Lake hike!

Over 100 pix were taken on my last hike to Boulder Lake.  Hope you find them as descriptive and compelling as I did.  I will share them with you soon.  My camera caught it's frame (breath) and is ready for another day in the back country.  Talk to you later tonight. 

Must Squeeze this in

The second of many hikes in the "100 Mile Challenge."  The hike of 5.5 miles on Burning Bear Trail is expected to be full of exciting scenery in Pile National Forest.  I will catch you all up tonight when I post my JE (journal entry).  Later, I will provide everyone details of the upcoming "Milestone Hike" planned for September.  Hope to see some of my hiking friends and meet a few newbies on that hike.  

Be a part of the Journey...really!

If you have not registered as a reader (follower) of this blog you may want to consider it after you read this post.  An important part of hiking is to enjoy the journey.  It's not about how many miles I walk, rather it's about how much I enjoyed the trip.  The fact that my body is challenged with fighting PD, in addition to the challenge of a hike, makes it important that I enjoy each day, each friendship, each hike to the fullest.  In a few weeks, I expect to be well on my way to completing 100 miles.  On Thursday, August 18th, there will be a "Milestone Hike" at Eldorado Canyon State Park, El Dorado Springs, Colorado. Located just South of Boulder, Colorado, this park is a favorite for hikers and rock climbers.  Ten readers of this blog will be able to join me for that hike.  Details of eligibility for the Milestone Hike are in my next post.   


 

Where are we?

As mentioned in the opening post, when on trail, it's good to STOP, and take notice of your surroundings.  Last Tuesday, I completed the first of many hikes in this 100 mile challenge.  The shear beauty of the Gore Range prompted me to do more miles than planned.  The result was worth it!  Much of that beauty was captured in photos.  The rest is captured in memory. This week, I hope to hear from readers who have visited this blog and those who will join me for the first time.  Give me your thoughts and questions on the hike last week.  Is there a hike you have done that others will enjoy?      

Opinion: Boulder Lake

This hike would be on the top 10 list of most outdoorsmen.  Trail is on stable ground with few exceptions.  The exceptions are a few mountain springs which run across trail and create a short  stretch  of mud.  The difficult part is a (30-40 minute) section, all down and steep.  At the bottom, trail makes a brief up to a split.  Go right and you will approach the lake from the Southeast.  Turn left and walk through a meadow before the approach to the lake.  Soak up all of natures' beauty and ample solitude at the lake.  Because the return trip will test your physical strength and endurance.  Allow added time and be prepared for a much slower pace for this climb.  There are a number of spots where you will look up and think you are close to the top...just another false summit.  This hike is one I would recommend for everyone but first-time hikers.  The reward, after a good workout on trail, is the lake setting.  Picture the front cover of "Outside" magazines award winning Summer Edition.  That is what you will see. Happy Trails! 

Shutter was clicking all day!

It's gonna be a good day when you focus the lense of your camera soon after leaving the TH.  Today, mountainsides loaded with Aspen and wildflowers, stunning vistas of the Gore Range to a lake (9,782' elev.) nestled in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, all in one day.  The camera...it captured over 60 images.  

Landscapes and Boulder Lake

We returned on the Rock Creek Trail to the intersection with Gore Range Trail.  The surrounding mountain sides in this area have been hit hard by the Pine Beetle.  Trail remains moderate to 2.8 mi.  There is becomes extremely rocky and steep.  Steep down, that is.  This down lasted no less than 40 minutes.  Trail then skirts a meadow, and a short up before reaching Boulder Lake.  A setting reserved for the cover of "Outdoors" Magazine.  We took advantage of the opportunity.  Although a quick rain shower came through, soon the sun dominated the landscape again.  The beauty of this spot had been captured on a camera chip.  Now, I am anxious to see what I captured.  Next blog will describe photos.

First HIke of the 100 MIle Challenge!

Rock Creek Trail is used heavily.  Wide at first, it continues up a mild grade and meets the Gore Range Trail.  We took the Gore Range Trail for about 3 miles. There, the trail dissipated at an abandon mine site.  Views to the West of the Gore Range,  put me in a trance.  Far below us, a stream was running with reckless abandon, full of high country run-off.  Large snow-fields remain on the higher slopes.  As a result of Spring/Summer rains, the mountain sides are loaded with brightly colored wildflowers.  As we increased in elevation, trail became full of loose rocks.  Footing was not the best in some sections.  About 65% of train had good to total canopy.  Temps remained in the low 70's all day.  Obviously, lots of photos today.  Next post describes landscapes we saw.     

The Gore Range/Boulder Lake

A great hike today, one that will be added to a top ten list for many of our readers.  We started at the Rock Creek TH, 2.8 mi. West of Highway 9, and 7.7 mi. North of Silverthorne.  At the TH by 9:15, we wasted no time getting on trail.  The TH is at 9,443' elev.  We reached 10,195' at one point.  Total elevation gain for the day was 2,923'.  Total mileage today was 10.9.  The hike took 4 hrs. 49 min. to complete at an average speed of 1.68 mph.  My next post will describe trail conditions, scenery, wildlife, and an opinion.

The Challenge is on!

The Hiker begins his challenge today with a 5+ mile hike in Eagles Nest Wilderness.  Follow him on this 12-month-long journey via this blog.  His first journal entry will be posted tonight.  While he is on trail today, begin a dialogue with The Hiker.  Pose a question. Share an experience. Because it is all about the Journey!

Three Elements of this Challenge

The "100 Mile Challenge" is designed to help me maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Number one on my top ten list of ways to live that lifestyle is "Stay Active (Physically and Socially)!  The men and women from ACAA (Aurora Center for Active Adults) have hiked together for a number of years.  This core group motivates me each week to stay active.  To those readers who enjoy the outdoors, "The Hiker" begins his journey tomorrow (Aug. 2nd.) with a 5.7 mile hike to Boulder Lake, in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.  Watch this blog for his journal entry later in the day.                

Conversations with "The Hiker"

Follow "The Hiker" on this blog but if you want to extend the conversation, pick it up at this email address:  thecohiker2011@gmail.com  and "The Hiker" will meet you there.

Thanks to the Staff!

The idea for this blog was presented to and accepted by the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies staff a few weeks ago.  That idea was masterfully transformed into what you see on the screen.  More refinements are sure to come.  The journey begins tomorrow.  We invite readers to join us.  Post your thoughts, your questions, your experiences in the outdoors, and your experience with Parkinson's.  Thanks to Cheryl, Kari, and Lindsay, for their support.     

The Challenge is now!

The planning is over.  Time to focus on what lies ahead. "The Hiker" is ready to begin a year-long journey that will take him to trailheads, enjoy landscapes, and atop summits, he has not experienced before.  At the end of every day he hikes, he will share his journal entry with you, the readers.  Be a part of this journey...sign on to the blog, ask The Hiker what you want to know about his journey.  The journey begins tomorrow.