Milestone Hike Update...

To those who will join "The Hiker" tomorrow to Sand Beach Lake:  Meet at ACAA, 7:30 a.m.; leave Wild Basin TH by 9:00 a.m.  Weather: Morning likely to be sunny.  P.M., 40% chance of rain/snow with hi of 46 degrees. Pack lunch, water, hooded shell, extra layer fleece, gloves, knit hat, extra socks.

Hiking Group Adopts "High Country Hikers"

Although the hiking season is officially over for a group of Aurora seniors, there was one more outing planned.  American Legion Post 1992 was the site of the groups' first pot luck luncheon.  A dozen core group members attended, plus a few spouses.  A social hour was followed by a review of all the hikes completed this year.  The review was done in the form of a power point/photo album presentation produced by Jason Hayes, hayesfoto.com  It was the final day for those who hiked with the group, to vote for a name.  "High Couontry Hikers" gathered the most votes.

Indian paintbrush, on trail to Mohawk Lakes/Continental Falls.

Group accomplishments for 2011 include: Total miles = 135.6; total elevation gain = 16,945'; Highest elevation reached = 12,280'

Congratulations to all those who came out with the High Country Hikers this year.  We look forward to seeing you next hiking season.  Until then, don't let the body get rusty just because it's cold outside.  Adopt a daily exercise program that meets your capability and challenges you to do a bit more.  So you will be ready to signup for that first hike next Spring, and see sights like these and more.

Loch Vale Trail (RMNP)

 Watch this blog for other hikes/snowshoe trips between now and next April.  

Milestone Hike - Tuesday, Nov. 1

This day hike in RMNP will start at the Wild Basin Entrance Station parking lot.  We will first meet at ACAA in Aurora for anyone who wants to carpool.  Be there on time, we will leave at 7: 30 sharp for the TH.  Planned time for arrival at Wild Basin is 8:45 a.m.  We expect to be on trail by 9.  The plan is to hike to Sand Beach Lake and back. Be prepared for snow!  Watch this blog for updates.  

CMC/AMC Members hike Green Mountain

First light over Boulder.

As I entered Highway 36 to take me into Boulder, the rising sun cast a pinkish purple glow on the flatirons in front of me and the perfectly clear sky rose up above me. It was the ideal day for a hike.

I've worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) for over 3 years and after moving to Colorado this summer, I have been able to keep my position at the club, even though our work is focused in the Northeast. One of my favorite aspects of the job was getting out on the trail so I thought I'd check out the depth of the AMC membership in Colorado and see if I couldn't pull together a hike.

The group was well informed by CMC hike leader/Geologist, Peter Laux.

Turns out, there are quite a few of us! And quite a few were interested in going on a hike with me! Being so new to the area, I solicited the help of David Weinstein from the Outdoor Industry Association; a Boulder native. We went back and forth on dates and routes and decided on a fall hike to Green Mountain in Boulder Mountain Park, a 6 mile round trip trek with stunning views of the plains to the east and the Rockies to the west.

We made a number of stops during the climb so Peter could point out various landscape features .

I arrived at the trail head early and was surprised to see that three participants were already there, ready to go. By 8:00 AM nearly everyone had arrived so we then went around and introduced ourselves and talked about our connection to AMC. It was fun discover that some people had connections from many years ago.

We were also joined by Peter Laux of the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) as our group was large enough to require another certified leader. Unfortunately we had a few people that couldn't make it at the last minute, but with a total of ten, we started out on the Gregory Canyon trail.

Views like this were common all day.

The trail quickly climbs as it ascends through the canyon. The first part of the hike the sun was at our backs and after a chilly start, it felt great. We chatted about our time on the east coast, what brought us west, and what our favorite trails are. As the trail continues, views of the plains are visible through the trees and as you get even higher, the snow covered peaks of the Rockies become visible.

Snow-capped peaks of the Rockies.

Peter has great knowledge of the geology of the area and shared with us many interesting facts about the rock under our feet. We meandered through a wooded area for awhile before turning onto the Ranger Trail. The last part of the Ranger Trail is a climb with many switchbacks and large boulders.

 Front row (L to R) Chia, Megan, David, and Laura; Back row (L to R) Paul, Curt, Peter, Chris, and Jeff

But the group was chatty and spirits were high. The final ascent is .2 miles straight up the Green Mountain West Ridge trail to the summit at 8,144 feet. The summit happily appeared fairly quickly and we all took off our packs and took in the sunshine and the views. What a great reward to a nearly 2,500 foot climb! After some rest, some snacks, and a group photo, we headed back down, opting to go the same way that we came up.

Return to the trail head.

Over all, I think the group had a really great time and the hike was a complete success. I will definitely plan more AMC/CO events in the future and in the meantime, I hope the participants reach out to each other and plan their own hikes. It's always neat to connect with people that you share passions and ideas with and I think everyone found that to be true on this day.

Introducing “Inspiring Profiles”

The stories in this series are of ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things in life.  We hope readers of “The Hiker” blog find these personal accounts to be enjoyable and in some way inspirational.

The first “Inspiring Profile” is of a woman who at a young age, had an adventurous spirit.  At the core of her life, as a spouse, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, has been a love of the outdoors.  That love has rubbed off on members of her family and many who have enjoyed the outdoors with her. 

Meet Helen (Velas) Giossi:

She was too young to remember the first time she camped out overnight, or climbed a mountain with her family, but one thing is certain, Helen loved being in the Allegheny mountains of Pennsylvania.  Dozens of hikes, many nights in a tent, numerous mountain tops, and decades later, she tells her story.

“I went hiking with my Father a lot as a child.  People ask how can you walk so fast?  The reason is my Father walked fast.  I had to walk fast or run to keep up with him.  My father was a walker.  He walked every single day.  That helped keep him well until the very end.  I was (laughing) born into an active family.  If anyone should get the credit it would be my Father.”

Helen Velas was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1931.  The third oldest of five girls and two boys, Helen remembers the difficulties her family experienced in the Great Depression. 

She was three months old when her parents decided her Mother and siblings would return to Czechoslovakia, where the family still owned a farm.  They lived there seven years while her Father remained in the U. S.

Helen (middle) crossing a stream, at 10,850' el., White River Natl. Forest

 The family lived close to the Allegheny mountains,” Helen recalled.  “In Fall, the trees were so beautiful.  I was very young but I would go up there and just walk.”  It was the beginning of a life long attraction to the outdoors, for her.

The Velas family was “quite poor, and my parents were not educated,” Helen told me.  “When I was young, not many people had cars.  The majority of people walked.  In grade school and high school we would hike over the mountains to the next town.  We did that many times on Saturday.”

Helen (far right) enjoys miles of climbing in a day.

 To Helen, time in the mountains was time to dream, time to reflect and be grateful.  “I could go to the mountains and say my prayers, like it was my time in church.  When I would go there, it would remind me to say ‘Thank You’ for everything.” 

She was 24 when she married Martin Giossi, in 1955.  He had a career in the Army.  That assured the couple would be living in more than one city.  They first lived in Petersburg, Virginia, (Ft. Lee) for eight years.  “The state is beautiful, despite the fact it has rain and humidity.  The trees are beautiful there,” she recalled.  They also lived in Williamsburg, while Martin was stationed at Ft. Eustis.

Ptarmigan Trail, Silverthorne, with hiking buddy Louisa.

  El Paso, Texas (Ft. Bliss), was home for fourteen years. “I never heard of hiking there.  I don’t remember many trees, and there were no mountains.  Instead we would go rock climbing.  Our children were very young at the time.  I would take them hiking and fishing.  In Texas, the weather was good.  We would go camping every weekend.  We would go to lakes to fish, and usually go for the weekend and walk around the lakes.”

Helen and Martin had three sons and one daughter, since passed.  Helen has five Grandchildren and two Great-Grandchildren, all except one live in Texas.  A Ganddaughter lives and works for a tour company, leading hikes throughout Guatemala.  “Two years ago, she came to Colorado for a month.  I took her to Utah and we hiked for ten days in Utah National Park.  So she is a hiker too,” Helen said with a smile.

When asked if she had any embarrassing moments while on trail, she said, without hesitating, “One time, I was taking two of my sons fishing at a lake we had not been to.  We got up very early that day, and I wasn’t looking at my feet.  At the time, I wasn’t using hiking shoes.  I just had a pair of tennis shoes.

You know what I did…on my left foot, I had a shoe from one pair.  On the right foot, I had a shoe from another pair.  I met some people that day and they kept looking at me like there was something wrong.”

Helen (left) on Burning Bear Trail, Pike National Forest

 The Giossis’ moved to Colorado in 1976, when Martin retired.  He went back to school and later found a job in the GAO (General Accounting Office) in Denver.  Soon after, “I joined the CMC (Colorado Mountain Club), and I remember they were very strict about what you wore. You could not wear jeans (too heavy, and cold when wet).  Today, you  have shirts that wick the wetness away from your skin, and they are really light weight.”

One might think a woman with a passion for hiking would have a touch of “14er fever.”  Not in this case.  “I have hiked many miles in the state but never climbed a 14er,” she said.”

“When I was in my early 70’s I hiked in Patagonia, Chili.  I have also hiked in the Dolomite mountains of Italy, and a number of hikes in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies about twenty years ago.”

Helen has hiked in the area around Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The highest tides in the world can be found at the Bay of Fundy, which separates New Brunswick from Nova Scotia.  “In the morning, you can walk down steps to the ocean floor where high jagged cliffs are exposed.  At high tide, the difference from low tide can be 53 feet or more – taller than a three-story building,” according to Helen. 

Ed and Helen on Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes, Breckenridge

 We asked Helen if she had any close encounters with wildlife.  “I had one tense encounter with a bear.  I was coming back by myself in a State Park Resort, in Kentucky.  There were quite a few people out that day but I would only occasionally look up.”

“As I am hiking, I see a young bear was on my path looking directly at me.  He was only about ten yards in front of me.  There was no where I could go.  The path was very rocky behind me so I couldn’t run.  I didn’t know what to do.”

“I decided to just stand there.  He looked at me (it seemed like half an hour), of course it was only a minute or two before he went into the brush.  Then I was afraid he would come back.  I decided to stay where I was.  A few minutes later, he came back, and looked at me again, then walked off into the brush for good this time.”

“All I remember, he wasn’t full grown, a young bear.  I kept thinking, where is his mother?  Luckily, (laughing) he did not make a move toward me, and everything turned out ok.”

Hiked 6.8 mi. and 1,750' el. gain on the way to Continental Falls

 In terms of her position on the state of the environment, the increasing use of our national parks and wilderness areas and the lack of respect some people have for nature, Helen said, “I believe in taking care of our land.  I believe in not throwing trash around.  I have actually picked up trash at times on trail.  It really irritates me.  My parents did not throw trash around.”

“To this day, that bothers me when I see people emptying their ash trays out of the car into the street.  If we don’t start doing different things (like recycling) we can hurt the fish and the animals.  You need to think of your fellow-man, of nature, and the animals.”

Helen and fellow-hiker carefully maneuver trail laced with sharp granite at 11,350' el.

 Helen has been hiking all but a few of her 80 years.  It is maybe the primary reason her overall health has been good.  Certainly age has not been a factor in her active lifestyle.  Helen has not slowed down in terms of her hiking schedule or in life.  “I like swimming and I have done water aerobics, and I am thinking of trying yoga.  I like to try something new, something different.”

“Hiking has helped me quite a bit.  It is part of the reason I only take one medicine, which is very good.  When I buy aspirin, I buy the smallest package. Then I usually throw some away because the shelf life date is too old.  My husband would tell me, if everybody was like me, the Pharmacy would go out of business.”

On the use of hiking poles, Helen said, “One year, I took a hike in Olympic National Park.  Those were hard hikes and one in particular was very difficult.  That’s when a fellow hiker recommended I use two poles.  Especially when you are coming down, if the path is wet, they come in handy.  I have been using poles ever since.”

“I went on a five-day camping trip in the back country of Escalante (National Park), Utah.  It was to be a hike but we did more rock climbing, which I didn’t expect.  That I found difficult.  I was 78 at the time.  “A group of four women from California were on the trip.  The second day at camp, one of the women said, you know I shouldn’t but I’m gonna ask you, how old are you?  I told her.  She said, wow, now I know how many years I can hike.”  

“I go to the theatre a lot, I like opera, I like symphony.  I like reading, especially when the weather is bad, it doesn’t bother me, because I can just sit at home with a cup of tea and a book.  It’s ok.”

We asked Helen, “What is it about ACAA hikes that you enjoy?  “The hiking program here at ACAA has been good for me because I enjoy being with people.  Plus, I find many times I go on hikes I’ve never heard of.  The most important thing is to be able to hike with people, and enjoy the social aspect.”

“In terms of hiking as a good exercise, I would tell people to walk every day.  I walk every day except Sunday, in the community.  Sometimes I walk two miles, other times, I walk ten miles.  You need to walk every day.  You can’t go hiking once a week, it’s not enough.”

Helen (left) talks to a fellow hiker on Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass

 “Hiking relaxes me.  I enjoy walking next to water, and hearing the water run.  To me, that’s relaxing.  Or even to hear the birds sing, to hear them chirp.  The outdoors is so beautiful.” 

“I look forward to going out hiking all the time.  It is a big motivator for me.  Perhaps, if I have a headache and I go for a walk, it goes away.  So for me, it’s like a medicine.  I guess I was born to love the outdoors.”

Her most recent adventure was mid-October.  One of 17 hardy soles, Helen took an eight-day trip to the remote town of Churchill, on the shore of Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada.  “The flight from Denver to Winnipeg took less time than the 40-hr train ride from Winnipeg to Churchill,” she said.  Called the Muskeg Express, this train is anything but express.  The reason…soft soil caused by subsurface permafrost and Canadian Shield rock formation.

“Accommodations were at the independent, non-profit, Northern Studies Center (NSC), outside Churchill.  The first two days were spent riding across the artic tundra in a Tundra Buggy (similar to a Snow Cat).  We were within 100 yards of three bears the first day.  They are huge animals,” Helen said.

“Did you ever hear of a Wood Frog?  This frogs body can be frozen and still survive,” according to Helen.  It’s true, we looked it up.  In fact these frogs can survive many such freeze/thaw events if up to 65% of their body is frozen.  The thriving town on Hudson Bay will continue to educate and inspire visitors like Helen.        

But remember…there are no billboards, chain restaurants, hotels, stoplights, or freeways in or around this tiny town.  Just quiet nights, clean air, and polar bears.

Helen Giossi, an inspiration to those who know her.

 Authors Note:  A long time hiker myself, I inherently analyze those I hike with.  Helen is no exception.  I have noticed how easily she seems to “glide” across any type of terrain she encounters on trail.  Loose rock, exposed root, eroded trail bed, or steep incline, Helen always takes the right step, in the right place, showing her focus and experience, while maintaining a steady pace.  She is usually one of the first in our group to reach a ridge, top of a mountain, maneuver across a field of scree or talus or traverse a mile-long alpine basin.

Helen “Gets it” when she must step over (not on) a log water bar.  She “Gets it” if there is a blow down across trail and she must bushwhack another mile to reach her destination.  She “Gets it” if runoff has washed out a section of trail and she must find an alternate way to continue.  She would say, ‘been there, done that’.  She does it all without complaint.  Because it’s all part of the journey Helen has come to love.

Her stature is no indicator of her strength, her stamina, or her desire.  She can hike mile after mile at a good 2 to 3 mph pace.  Helen respects nature and the environment.  When she is in the backcountry, she understands it is home to many species of wildlife and she is only a visitor. Helen is a good role model.  We wish her a safe, long, and happy journey.

If you know someone with an inspiring story, email their contact information (Name, email or phone) to “The Hiker” at www.thecohiker2011@gmail.com 

“I dream of hiking into my old age. 

I want to be able even then to pack my load and take off slowly but steadily along the trail.”

___ Marlyn Doan, Hiking Light, 1982

Wanted: A few good hikers!

When this blog went live July 18th, a challenge was established to hike 100 miles between August 2 and next May 12th.  It was a conservative challenge due to the fact that I had a knee replaced in January.  Along the way we told you there would be "Milestone" hikes to celebrate meeting or passing a segment of the goal.  The first milestone hike was cancelled because my truck needed work, although we completed over 45 miles at the time.  The knee was doing well.

The next milestone hike is planned for Tuesday, November 1st.  We will do the Sandbeach Lake Trail starting at the Wild Basin Entrance Station of RMNP.  Meet time is 9 a.m. at the Entrance Station/Trailhead (TH).  Look up Sandbeach Lake Trail, then go to the protrails.com site for details on this hike and directions to the TH.  Those who live locally around Denver, can meet me at the Aurora Center for Active Adults (6th Ave. and Del Mar Circle) at 7:30 for carpooling.

This is an 8.6 mi., out and back hike, with moderate difficulty.  Pack a lunch, water, gloves, skull cap, rain gear, and a thin extra fleece.  We will do this hike regardless of the weather.  I plan on throwing my snowshoes and Winter clothes in the truck just in case.

"The Hiker" would like to know the names and number of people who plan on joining him.  Please email your name and number of people in your group.  We will take a max. of ten people on this hike.  So the first 10 who contact me will go.  Send information to: thecohiker2011@gmail.com 

The Entrance Station will likely be closed for the season so if you have a Senior Pass bring it but you may not need it.  See you at the Wild Basin TH.

Inspiring Profiles Column Starts Tomorrow:

If you enjoy the outdoors, back country in particular, you may find a new series on this blog to your liking.  Beginning tomorrow, we will post interviews with ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things in life.  Our hope is that our readers will not only relate to the adventurous spirit of those we interview but find an element of inspiration in their story.

You won't want to miss any of these compelling stories as told by the people themselves.  Check this blog often for information on the next exciting adventure.  It all begins tomorrow.

If you know someone who has been an inspiration to others and has experienced life to the fullest, send contact information (name and email or phone number) to: thecohiker2011@gmail.com  

Heil Valley Ranch - J. E.

Without exception, everyone (cyclist, and hiker) Ed and I met on trail today was smiling from ear to ear.  It was a wonderful day to be outside.  An early morning chill had not been replaced by the warmth of the sun as we made our way on an access road to the TH.  There, the Wapiti Trail stretches 2.5 mi. through ponderosa pine forest, as it gradually gains altitude.

Mountain bikers far outnumbered hikers today.  It is the norm for this trail just three miles North of the city of Boulder.  After watching biker after biker rush by, we agreed the best way to do this trail is hiking it.  The sections of loose and stable rock seemed to never stop.  I am grateful to have boots with rubber bumpers covering the entire outside surface of the toe box.

Trails here are well  marked.

By mid-day, the suns rays were still not warm enough to neutralize the cool forest air.  At the first junction, we took the Ponderosa Loop Trail to an overlook, before stopping for lunch.  On the return side of the loop, there were no less amount of rocks but by then we had mastered the art of making good choices where to place each step.  It allowed us to maintain a steady pace. 

It was rare to find a rock-free spot on trail where a full footprint could be seem.

Two more cyclists approached.  Seconds later, we saw and heard what was an expensive mountain bike tire blowing.  A loud sssswwwwoooossshhhhhhh followed by what Ed described as a cloud of dust and air shooting out from the tire.

Beetle kill timber is cut up and stacked.  A cyclist makes her way up trail.

We passed the rider who was getting tools from his mini repair kit.  Down trail later, he would pass us, as he walked his bike down the slope.  A sharp rock had punctured the tire from the side.  We passed  him again before reaching the TH.  He was giving it one more try to remove the tire and install a tube.  He remarked that "A gorilla" had secured the rear hub so tightly he could not loosen it with his tool.

Ed makes his way through Ponderosa pine forests, on the Wapiti Trail

 The hike may not have been the most scenic or the highest elevation this year but it was a good hike.  Good in terms of conversation (it ran the topic meter from past hiking experiences to family geneology).  Good also in terms of unexpected features (old homestead ruins, stacked beetle kill timber waiting to be burned, to snow-capped peaks in the distance) all of which made this hike one to do again.

Our approach back to the TH where the Wapiti Trail meets the access road.

Total miles - 8.6           Total elevation gain - 1,264'            

Hike Cancelled!

The day hike sponsored by ACAA, at Heil Valley Ranch, on Tuesday, October 18th, has been cancelled.  A few of the hikers are planning to hike at the Ranch, despite the cancellation.  If you are interested in hiking on Tuesday, get details of alternate plans at: thecohiker2011@gmail.com

Tip(s) of the Week!

Many trails are considered multi-use trails.  That means mountain bikers, walkers, joggers, hikers, and equestrians, may be authorized to use the same trail.  There are some common sense guidelines to keep in  mind when on a multi-use trail.

• Travel on the right, except to pass
• Give an audible warning when passing
• Always pass on left
• Move off trail when stopped
• Bicyclists yield to all other users
• All users yield to horses
• Pets must be on a leash
• Heed all signs
• Place all trash in receptacles
• Stay on designated trails/paths

Improve Your Quality of Life - #5 - Put Yourself First

It's ok to give yourself priority, take time for you.  First question you may ask...Were am I supposed to find the time?  If you were to talk to a psychologist, he/she may tell you, "I'm busy too,  I have a husband, three children, and a house to take care of.  My family depends on me for many things in their lives."  Bottom line, we are all running somewhere on the perverbial treadmill of life.  So what should you do about it?

Do something, it's the doing, not necessarily the result.  Throw yourself into something with all the energy you have.  That's the success.  You don't need to "get rich" as part of the result.  Consider these difficult but powerful things to make your life better.

1. Start a business
2. Organize a group
3. Volunteer
4. Take an active role in your childs' activities
5. Give of yourself to another person or persons
6. Write a book/legacy letter (more on this soon)
7. Learn an art...play an instrument, take a class, painting lessons
8. Run for office...local HOA, planning youth sports
9. Learn a sport
10. Make an outrageous goal - and do it!

When I look at this list, I can honestly say I have either done or am currently doing eight of them.  Although completing a zip line tour and whitewater rafting the Colorado River may not be outrageous to some, both were a pure adrenaline rush for me.

Mt. Falcon Park - Nice!

Today was one of those "feel good" hikes close to home.  When I say close,  we were on trail by 9:10 this morning - the earliest on record this year.  Although three hikers short due to late cancellations,  those who came out were not disappointed.  Trail was dry, with stable footing all day.  Ups, were not difficult.  The views, good to very good.

Trails are well marked at Mt. Falcon Park

This was a combination of an OAB and a Loop hike.  We covered most trails in the Park today, including: Parmalee, Old Ute, Devils Elbow, Meadow, Two Dog and Tower.  Total miles estimated at 6.7 and elevation gain of just over 1,850'.

One of a number of open meadows.

A good choice for late in the hiking season.  We hope to see more of our friends next Tuesday when we travel to Heil Valley Ranch.

Dorothy finds a snow field, then surprises a fellow-hiker.

  The last scheduled day hike with ACAA is October 25th, at Greenland Open Space.

Penny agrees, "It doesn't get any better than this."

This hiker is almost at the top.  One of a number of climbs today.

 For those who have not been to RMNP, your last chance this year will be Tuesday, November 1st.  "The HIker" will lead this hike on the Sandbeach Lake Trail in Wild Basin.  More on this hike in my next post.  NOTE: This is not an ACAA sponsored hike. 

Mt. Falcon - Morrison

Mt. Falcon tomorrow morning.  This OAB hike starts at 6,020' elevation and gains about 1,800' over the 4 mile 'out leg' of the trip.  Expect to finish the climb in under two hrs.  Temps. are expected in the 70's so we may encounter a number of other hikers on trail.  Pack rain gear just the same.  We will pass the huge stone walls of an elaborate stone house that John Brisben Walker lived in on Mt. Falcon.  The house (some called it a mountain castle) burned down in 1918.  

Wild Basin - Ouzel Falls

Although I don't do many solo hikes these days, yesterday reminded me how good it feels to be in the mountains by yourself.  It happened on a quick decision and it turned out to be a great day.

I arrived at the Wild Basin TH with plans to hike to Sandbeach Lake.  I decided to move on to the Wild Basin TH and hike to Ouzel Falls.  I would hike the morning with the sounds of water thrashing over rocks and boulders in North St. Vrain Creek.  Passing Copeland Falls, and Calypso Cascades on the way to Ouzel would be a bonus.

There is "Nothing" like being alone in the backcountry.  After 46 years of hiking, the mind does still play games when on trail.  The sound of a bear approaching from the rear...of course there is no bear when you look back.  The mountain lion crouched, ready to spring on you from that rock outcropping above you...there is no mountain lion either.  Two chipmunks playing on a log, just off trail...they are real.

Copeland Falls is running fast, a reminder that high elevation snow melt continues.  I can't get enough of the soothing sounds of rushing water to my left.  I lost count of how many times I stopped if only for a few seconds to totally absorb the smells, the sounds, the unique feeling of being alone in nature.

Does this scene beg the question, "Join me in the backcountry" or what?

I don't meet another hiker until close to Calypso Cascades.  A trail maintenance crew is working to build new log steps.  Suppose the pack mule train that got on trail while I was lacing my boots this morning may have brought food and supplies for the work crew.  I have seen 'The Cascades" running much fuller than today.

Trail becomes a bit more twisted as I gain elevation to Ouzel Falls.  The Aspen are at their golden peak today.  I thought I had seen these wonderful specimens in their full coat of gold at Kenosha Pass last week

Groves of golden Aspen welcome hikers at every turn of trail.

 Reach Ouzel Falls at 11 a.m. and take time to capture the constant mist coming off the house size boulders at the bottom of the falls with my camera.  For the next hour, I experience a form of therapy unlike any one might purchase in a salon back in Denver.

Watching water spew from out of nowhere at the crest of the falls, to it hitting the rocks in front of me, there is a kind of cleansing of the mind and sole going on that is difficult to explain.  If you have ever been in that environment, you know what I mean.

You hear the roar before you see the falls.

 A chipmunk determined to steal grapes from my pack and a Mountain Bluebird perched directly overhear waiting for me to drop a morsel of any food, were my guests for lunch.  They stayed for most of the hour I spent at the falls.

Nature at it's best!

 On trail back to the TH, I bid a number of hikers 'a good day.'  One couple from St. Louis, here on vacation, seemed excited to be in RMNP  As they approached, I asked the question, "Where are you guys from?" It usually provides a number of angles the conversation might go.  In minutes, I felt comfortable they were genuine in their love of the outdoors.  Telling them about the blog brought a surprise.  "I think I've seen this blog on line before," the man said.  They continued to Ouzel Falls with my card in his pocket.

Departing image of North St. Vrain Creek

 Not 20 minutes later,  a couple approached.  Again, I posed the same question.  "We are from St. Louis," the man said.  "No way." I responded.  Again, minutes later, they continued on trail with my card in pocket.  No, either couple, did not know the other.  I hope they met later that day.
     
   

Exercise, but know your limits.

As an adult, you should exercise 30 min./day, five days/wk  If you are doing that, great.  If not, start today by first being honest with yourself.  Think about your family history.  Is there heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, or diabetes in your family.  If so, don't be a statistic.  Be pro-active, develop an exercise plan that you will be comfortable with.  A plan that you can expand as you become stronger.

Plus, you have the opportunity to make this the year for real change in your habits and focus on a long and healthy future.

The holidays are coming.  Don't be one who makes the classic excuse...I'll start exercising after the holidays.  That is not what you want to do is it?  If you are serious about your health, you will start doing a better job of taking care of YOU now.  You may be great at making resolutions but not so good at keeping them.

Make some common sense promises to yourself now.   Write them down if that helps. Post them at a place where you will see them daily.  When the holidays arrive, you will be ahead of any resolutions you were intending to keep.

Don't go to a party hungry.
Watch your portion.
Make a conscious choice to limit high fat items.
Try different versions of egg nog.
Drink lots of water.
Try Kahula instead of beer.
Maintain a daily exercise routine.

Don't be a slacker...Take control of your life!





 

Tip of the Week.

My morning bike ride for the Sunday paper is a small part of my week but I look forward to it just the same.  My calendar last week was so full, I didn't get to read the paper.  I caught up today over breakfast.  The USA Weekend feature article was on Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC's Today.  She had come through a mastectomy, and a divorce.  A friend reminded her that she could "Put stuff in your pocket and take it to your grave or you can help somebody.  Don't hog your journey; it's not just for you."  Since that experience Hoda tackles adversity this way.

1. Surround yourself with people who fill you up.  Get rid of the toxic ones.
2. Don't sweat the little stuff - 90% of what you worry about won't happen.
3. If you're still standing after surviving an illness or death of a loved one:  You get four words: You can't scare me.  Use them.
4. Don't hog your  journey; share it to help others.
5. Allow yourself dark days to stay under the covers and do whatever you want.