Who will be the next Inspiring Profile?

If you have been following this blog, you may remember some of the featured pieces we have done.  The feature entitled "Inspiring Profiles" has been posted twice.  The first, posted last October, featured a woman who has inspired not only the author but many fellow-outdoor enthusiasts as well.

Her story is one that will keep pulling you along as it describes a person who has retained a certain level of respect for her physical abilities, and at the age of 80, has remained physically fit.

The woman we featured in February, has had a life-long love affair with yoga.  It is but one of many endeavors she has been successful at.  This renaissance woman has had multiple careers, received multiple awards, and is proud to be a grandma multiple times.

Take time to check out both of these facinating stories on this blog.  On the home page, go to "Blog Archives" at far right and click on "2011" then click on "October," to find the Helen Giossi story.

The second feature is in February, 2012.  This one will leave you thinking...how does she do all those things?

After reading about these two incredible women, give us your thoughts.  We are looking for the next "Inspiring Profile."  If you know someone who has been a role model, a mentor, a person with exceptional talents, skills, and energy.  If you know that person, contact the author at:  thecohiker2011@gmail.com

    

Deep in the Wilderness

Record setting temperatures, devastating wildfires, and rush-hour traffic, are all part of life in colorado.  What does one do to get away?

Go to the mountains, of course. 

While cinching into our packs, it was apparent, there was a major drop in air temperature compared to that back in Aurora.  Plus a steady breeze helped.

For ten members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group based at ACAA, a two-hour drive would find them entering Arapaho National Forest, then continue deep into the Mt Evans Wilderness.



A cairn directs hikers deep inside Mt. Evans Wilderness. 


The access road to Camp Rock trailhead (TH) (9,040') could have been THE ONE used in one of those magazine promos for Subaru.


Two back country shelters nestled below a rock formation along Beaver Meadows Trail. 


On Beaver Meadows trail just after 10 a.m., these seasoned trail geeks would face challenges all day, including ups totalling over 1,500'.  The trek to Beaver Meadows kept hikers focused on their feet.  Loose rock, exposed roots, and sections of modrate soil erosion would keep eyes at ones feet.  The 3.5 mile initial leg, would sap not only body fluids, it would challenge ones physical and mental strength to accomplish grade after grade after steep grade.



Penny and Clietta in the middle of one of many switchbacks on this hike.


Dozens of blowdowns across trail forced hikers to go over, under, or bushwack around the massive timber.  Some chose the straddle method.  Some did a sit and spin maneuver.  While others simply used a bend over, lean into, or crouch position to get on the other side.


A large fir tree exploded on impact.


  We were hiking thru a "ghost forest" of sorts.  Mountin sides once lush with spruce and fir trees were stripped of all their natural beauty.  The result of the 1962 Resthouse fire that devastated 1,000 acres in the area.  There are signs of recovery from the devastation, however.


Bridges are often in the path of a blowdown.


As we continued on Cub Creek and later Shelter House Spur trail, there were many spots where a trail maintenance crew had cleared downed trees, clearing the way for hikers.


Lehman enjoys the landscape 


A nice spot just off trail was found for lunch.  Gary 2 prepared a pot of cool strawberry chocolate pudding with crunchy topping for the group before starting the return hike.


Jo Murphy takes a short break before mastering more switchbacks.




An area on the mend since the 1962 Resthouse fire.

 The ruins at Resthouse Meadows would not be found today.  According to the map, we were close when we decided to turn back due to a massive blowdown across trail. 

Numerous patches of Elk scat was noticed on trail today...no Elk, or any other wildlife for that matter.  Hopefully that will change next week when we go to RMNP.

Total miles:  7.4

Total Elevation gauin: 1,543'

Ten ways to a Healthy Lifestyle

#10 - Nourish your friendships, past and present.  How?

• Pick up the phone and initiate conversation.
• Need a phone #...check whitepages.com  (I surprised myself, I found a bunch)
• Get your Christmas card address list.  The number may still be the same.
• If you have the address, pick up a pen and paper and write a letter.  The friend will be in awe of your willingness to take time to do it.  (I am writing a best friend for the first time.  He lives over 1,600 miles away and has no idea a letter will be coming.  I called him last week to get caught up but there was so much we didn't talk about.  Watch this blog for a follow-up.)
• If a friend lives within a reasonable distance, go visit them.  Catch up over coffee or lunch.
• You do any one of the things mentioned above, my bet is you will hear from the friend soon.

Hot Day in Golden Gate State Park

We give weather forcasters a hard time for hedging on the forecast.  We expect them to use all that technology at their finger tips to get it right.  If it were possible to somehow moderate the temperature for a given day in a certain area, there are a dozen Aurora-based hikers who would jump at the oportunity.


High Country Hikers are exposed to hot sun all day.


The group of High Country Hikers, based at ACAA (6th and Del Mar), arrived at the Nott Creek TH just after ten a.m.  Their challenge, hike the Mountain Lion loop trail.  After a short pit stop at the visitor center, the group started out counter clockwise on the 6.7 mile trek.

Core hiker, Luisa Sandoval faced an OH NOOOO! moment of the day.  Sandoval had previously gone hiking with her Grandbabies.  In the process of packing for this hike, she neglected to verify that she had all required gear.   The fact is, she only had one hiking boot with her.



The morning provided little to no canopy.




Hike leader and Naturalist, Ed Blum, maintains a steady pace. 



(Front L to R) Deanna, Dorothy, and Nancy; (Rear L to R) Luisa and Marilynn

 First, she tried on the sandals of Gary 2.  They were a bit too big.  Next, she tried the low-cut hikers of hike leader, Ed Blum.  Not a perfect fit, but Sandoval was not about to sit under a shade tree all day waiting for the rest of her hiking friends to return.  A borrowed pair of hikers would do.


(L to R) Elizabeth, Nancy, Luisa, and Marilynn





Yohanna and Penny remain upbeat despite the sweltering heat.



Orange and red Indian Paint Brush dotted the landscape all day.

 The sun provided no break throughout the day.  Hikers felt little if any drop in temperature as they transitioned from partial or full canopy to sections of open trail across meadows. A hiker for decades, I have not experienced a day on trail as hot and dry as this.



Somewhat rare, a stalk of Miners Candle was just off trail.

 Water could have become an issue for some in the group as it was learned a number carried a limited supply.  In order to avert any dehydration issues, hike leader, Ed Blum, took more short breaks than normal.

At Deer Creek Shelter, everyone felt some relief once inside.  The three-sided backcountry structure is typical of those used on long trails i.e. Vermont's Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, spanning Maine to Georgia.


Inside Deer Creek Shelter, Elizabeth, Kathy, and Dorothy rehydrate


On a day like this, both ones energy level and physical stamina are tested.  Everyone, however, found a way to remain focused.


Elizabeth and Nancy catch their breath before facing the next up.


Before noon, a number of hikers felt their energy level and physical ability had been close to max.  Everyone was able to refocus and continue.

A bee scurrys across the petals of a flower.



The group proceeded to a spot with full shade for lunch.  A good thing, because the difficult switchbacks that would take us to within 200' of the summit of Windy Peak were ahead.

Lunch renewed our energy and provided another opportunity to refocus on the task ahead.  Everyone made steady progress thru the switchbacks.  First-time hiker, Elizabeth Exline, paced herself and finished strong.



People on the front porch were waving at me.

 On the back side of the loop, is the site of Tallman Ranch.  In 1870, Swedish immigrant Anders Tallman moved a one-room schoolhouse to the site, and added a kitchen to make it home for his family. 



Luisa and Nancy found the porch delightful.

 The remote location became known as Forgotton Valley.  A milkhouse, barn and stable were later added.  Nott creek was diverted and ran over the milk house flooor keeping dairy products cool.  The homestead became part of the Colorado State Park system in 1970.

 A few of the group today, including Nancy, Luisa, Ed, and Gary 2, took time to venture off trail for a bit of history and R and R.  Two wooden swings have been recently added to the front porch.  One could only imagine how perfect a spot this was in the late 1800's.  Photos only tell part of the story.



One cannot deny the simple beauty of Tallman Ranch today.  How idyllic it must have been in the 1800's.

 How did Luisa make out hiking all day in someone elses shoes?  Fine, she had no blisters or hot spots.  Above all, she remained in great spirits.

One more note regarding this park...the twelve trails are named for an animal native to the area.  Trail markers indicate the anumals footprints.

Golden GateCanyon State Park offers many opportunities to experience the beauty of nature up close.

Best Experience for Women, Says Jo Murphy

There are many types of getaways...some for couples, some for newly weds, and some for singles.  Sorry guys, this one is for women only.

For one week, your will walk every where you go.  You will be challenged like you have never been challenged before.  And you will love every minute of it.  So says Jo Murphy, a long time yoga instructor in the Denver Metro area.

For those of you who have frequented this blog, you may have read her story.  Posted on february 29th, 2012, the inspiring profile of Joanne Meints Murphy is nothing short of incredible.  I won't reveal any more about her.  Go to "Blog Archives" at far right and click on [february] to bring up her story.

Jo Murphy is a retired public school teacher plus she has been teaching yoga for decades.  Her experience and friendly approach to yoga has secured her a spot on the staff of a wonderful week-long experience for women.

Hosted by the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch, this retreat is not to be missed.  The setting is awesome.  The friendships cannot be beat.  The memories will last a lifetime.

The Women's Fitness Camp will offer Tai Chi,mountain biking, yoga, hiking, dance, and recommendations on healthy eating, plus lots more.

YMCA member = $410

Non-member = $430

Senior (65+) = $385

August 17 - 22, 2012

Reserve a spot today by calling 888-743-1990

 

Lost Creek Wilderness

There were a bakers dozen energetic members of the High Country Hikers group on board Tuesday.  The van left the ACAA parking lot, and headed for the Payne trailhead (TH), outside the town of Bailey.  History buffs will be interested to learn the town was first settled by William Bailey in 1864.  Mr. Bailey carved out a ranch, built a stage station, and later a hotel in the town with his namesake.

Lela and Nancy maintain a steady pace as they gain elevation. 

Today, Bailey is best known for the Coney Island Hot Dog stand.  The eatery shaped like a hot dog was moved from Aspen Park in 2006.


Kathy and Johanna check out the map.


Lost Creek Wilderness is a 119,720 acre gem located in Pike National Forest.  The creek from which the area gets its name, appears and disappears numerous times before it joins Goose Creek.  Farther downstream, it empties into the South Platte River at Cheesman Reservoir.  There are 130 miles of trails in this remote wilderness of rocky spires and domes, flowery meadows,and box canyons.


Hike leader, Ed (white top) sets the pace.


Ed made a brief pit stop at the Conoco in downtown Bailey, before moving on to the TH.

The author faced an Oh NO! moment before he got off the bus.  Minutes before we arrived, my boots were in full view between the driver and co-pilot.  Now they were gone.  Someone had picked them up in error, right.


Cynthia and Barbara on trail transition from meadow to Aspen grove. 


In the parking lot, I visually checked each of my fellow-hikers, all of whom were in the process of preparing for their day on trail.  About half way around the circle of hikers, I noticed Deanna looking down at a pair of boots.  Noticing a sock was stuffed into each boot, she slowly pulled one out. 


Johanna enjoying some back country solitude.


I walked closer when she said, "These are not my boots.  They sure look like mine."  Mystery closed.


Greetings from the wild!!!


Ed gathered everybody at the TH marker to point out a handwritten note.  It is the first time in a few years that a note of a bear sighting has been posted.  Ed then proceeded to explain the do's and dont's when in close proximity to a bear

Renaissance woman, Jo Murphy.  Her story (Inspiring Profile) is featured on this blog.  See Blog Archive: Click on "February" at far right to bring up her story.

On trail, we were soon challenged with some of the 700+ elevation gain on the day.  Moderate size switchbacks helped to make the early ups easier.  Overall trail condition was dry with spots of loose rock and little exposed root growth.

Hey Nancy, there's a skeleton hanging from the tree behind you.

Canopy on the day was 50% at best.  Cover consisted mostly of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir.  Vistas, overlooks, and snowcapped mountains were not part of the landscape for hikers today.  It was straight out hiking for about seven miles.  The out and back hike provided us the opportunity to experience two trails, the Brookside and the McCurdy.



High Country Hikers

 
With the challenging part of the day behind us, it was treat time.  There is not much happening on the streets of Bailey.  The happening crowd hangs out inside the Knottry Pine. 



One of the best ice creme stops of the year.

 A group of local men were talking about whatever topic one of them offered up.  When I asked the group if trapping animals is still legal in Colorado, one guy looked up and said, "No, not any more."
Meanwhile, the hikers were focused on a cone or dish of soft serve ice creme.
Total miles = 7.2

Total elevation gain = 776'

Indian Creek - Pike National Forest

For eleven members of the high country hiker (HCH) group, expectations of a day hike are nothing less than to have a good experience with friends in the Colorado back country.


Kathy makes her way across a creek on two logs.

 A last minute cancellation opened the door for another person to share in the experience.  For Luisa Sandoval, it was not the first time she received an early morning phone call from the ACAA front desk.  Sandoval arrived still sleepy, but smiling and happy to be part of the group.


John and Kathy on the other side.


Two remaining seats on the van were taken by new-comers to HCH.  John and Kathy Tedrick, from Aurora, have enjoyed hiking before.  They decided to register for a number of hikes with ACAA.  We look forward to seeing them on trail many times.

Rush hour traffic on I-225 kept the pace slow at first.  On C-470, lost time was quickly made up.

At the TH, everyone knew the drill.  Some slipped into their boots, some made a pit stop, while others walked directly to the TH.

Ed asked Gary 2 to be the designated communication link in the rear because he is always the sweeper.  We left the TH at 9:50.  Trail is in moderate to good conition.  A few sloped areas had deep erosion, and exposed root and rock.

Stream crossings are nice, nothing scarey or unsafe.  Two crossings are on two parallel logs with options to rough it by getting ones boots wet.  How awful is that?


A quick break before beginning another up.


A number of steep ascents today, none are difficult.  The men and women in HCH have experienced more difficult days than this.


Time to check gear, hydrate, and relax.

The meandering Indian Creek trail is one that can surprise a hiker.  Beyond any bend in trail, one may be confronted by a deer, or surprised by an oncoming cyclist or trail runner.  Hikers must always be aware of their surroundings.

Ed is about ready to move out.


A straight section ends as we enter a section that takes us by old Ponderosa Pine and Engfleman Spruce, then across an open meadow, up a short gulch and across a saddle to a vista.  All of this back counmtry is special in terms of what nature has put here.

An abundance of flora, matched with the experience of a Naturalist, can be an absolute treasure trove of information and the best learning experience.  Hike leader, Ed Blum, is on top of his game in this environment.  A Naturalist with The Wildlife Experience, in Parker, Ed knows his stuff.  In fact, Ed knows a lot of stuff. 


Prarie Trumpet, a rarity for this group to see.



Colorado blue columbine.


A sample of the flora the group saw includes a coulter daisy, white dutch clover, canadian violet, prickly pear cactus, common mullin, wild rose, queens crown, pennycress, yarrow, dogbane, alpine and tall pussytoes, yucca, bistort, stone crop, and cinquefoil.


Prickley Pear Cactus

We met no other hikers today although we did encounter a few cyclists decked out in their competitive-looking body tights.  Considering the ups and downs of trail today, my choice is to remain a hiker.

Make way for cyclists pedaling uphill.




Luisa with Strontia Reservoir in background.

 At a point atop a ridge, we stopped to catch a clear view of the Strontia Reservoir.  Located on the South Platte above Waterton Canyon, it is part of the Denver Water Boards water supply system.



Trail crosses a meadow before going back into the forest.

 About 11:30, members of the group began thinking about lunch.  Ed had the day fully planned out.  At four miles from the TH, there was an open area with shade and logs to rest and have a comfortable lunch.

After eating, everyone seemed upbeat and positive.  That would soon change, however.  A group of seven moved on ahead, and out of sight.  The remaining seven started the return trek at a slower pace.

After hiking four miles, ones mind must recalculate what is expected of ones body.  There are four more miles to the TH.  I know those miles are the same as the miles I did this morning.  Although I am tired, I need to pace myself to insure I make it to the TH without causing injury to myself.  I must remain hydrated and if there is any indication of a problem, I will stop and ask for help.


Hikers on a sharp bend in trail.


All of those thoughts are among the things one considers when in the back country.  A hiker must listen to their bod
y.  The focus meter must be set on high.  The human body is an incredible machine.  It must be primed, cared for, and when needed, it must provide an incredible amount of strength and stamina.

This hike is an example of what can occur.  Today, one hiker slipped on trail, went down, without causing inury to herself.  Another hiker tripped on trail, went down skinning her knee.  Her camera took a sizeable hit.  Lets say the housing looked more like it was last used on the "Dirty Jobs" TV show.


Penny and Deanna enjoying the solitude.

 This O&B, eight-mile round trip hike, was many things.  It was colorful on terms of the wide range of flora.  It was challenging in terms of doing the same ups and downs twice in one day.

Total Miles = 8

Total elevation gain = 700+




Front Row (L to R) Kathy, Mary K, Linda, Marsha, Luisa, and Kathy
Back Row (L to R) Penny, Judy, John, Deanna, Ed, Dorothy, and Marilynn



More than a race..BolderBoulder is a community event!

Last year the entire family, minus one, ran the race.  Well, somebody had to cover the day in photos.

This year, my son-in-law, Darren and grandsons, Connor and Dylan pinned an official number to their jersey in order to run the race.

To eliminate the pre-race hassel, we decided to get a hotel room in town, the night before the race.  That provided time to stroll down the Pearl Street Mall, have a meal and pick up race packets.

Runners check out their packets.

Race day.  Runner #465 is on his way to the START.

Next morning, the guys had an easy walk to the start line.  It was another near perfect day for a race.  Certainly, boulder has hundreds of near perfect days each year.

Many world class runners train here for the BolderBoulder, other international qualifying races, and the Olympics.






On the way to the finish line in Folsom Field, on the CU campus, family members were being passed by literally thousands of runners with exceptionally low qualifying times.  On race day, the streets of Boulder become a sea of humanity.

The course on Folsom Street, approaching mile 6.

Many runners are wearing a new pair of tights, a white cap, or a new pair of running shoes.  Others are out to jolt onlookers as they jog through the city.  Costumed runners included: Mr. America, teletubbies, three Legos, and Santa.  Farther back in the race, Jesus was seen passing another slower runner.  He looked like he may have actually trained for this race.  But did he finish?

Jesus, running with a friend.

Folsom Field, 9:00 a.m., a steady stream of runners enters the stadium at far right.

Scene from the back of Folsom Field.  Finish line is center.

Inside the almost empty stadium at 8:00 a.m., seats were continually being filled by friends and family of runners.  As they finished, runners too made their way into the stands.  By 10:30, the stadium was filled with charged up people enjoying the event

I wasted no time finding a spot close to the finish line.  My camera is turned on, lens is pre-adjusted, and a firm grip on the housing, I am forced to squint into the bright Boulder sun.  How will I ever spot a glimpse of my son-in-law and grandsons?  Hundreds and hundreds of runners are making the final turn every minute.  Remember, there are over 50,000 runners in this event.

Think blue...Connor is wearing blue.  He will be finishing before his brother and father.  Every boy that looks anything close to twelve and is wearing blue might be him.  My camera is now inches away from my left eye.  It will take less time to raise it to my eye, do a split second fine focus and click...right.

I had no idea how many runners had passed by in the handful of minutes I stood in the shadow of a Dicks Sporting Goods tent, waiting for members of my family to dash by.  Then, there he was,  the gazelle, the deer, my grandson, Connor was sprinting past his peers and adults of all ages.  Would I be able to capture even one image of his accomplishment?

Connor, the boy in blue (right) finished in 50:48, averaging 8:10/mile.  He finished 24th out of 393 in his age group, and 4,866th out of the 50,000+ runners.

Later, in the stands, I scrolled back through the images.  There is was, two frames of him just yards from the finish.

Now, I had to do it again.  This time, find two people, hopefully running together.  If not, how in the world would I ever see them in a continuous sea of humanity?  I kept thinking, I must see them.  Each second seemed like minutes.  Then by some bizarre line of fate, my eyes caught Darren running on the outside of the turn.  Immediately in front of him was Dylan. I did capture two images of them, both of which are shielded by the Dicks Sporting Goods banners lining the perimeter of Folsom Stadium. 

Nine-year-old Dylan (behind the white sponsors banners) finished in 1:0013:35, an average of 9:41/mile.  The kid finished 39th out of 352 in his age group, and 14,228th overall.

Now, the hard part of the day was over.  We left Folsom field to check out vendors row, an area adjacent to the field, where vendors can display and promote their products.  We remembered last year, there was a continuous crown at the ice pop stand.  When we got there, all the free pops were gone.  This time, when we arrived, volunteers were dumping cases of ice pops into a bin.

Back in the stadium, the annual Memorial Day celebration, BolderBoulder style was building.  A number of times, I had goose bumps, listening to stories about men who survived horrific battles of WWII.

Looking to my left, a jammed stadium of onlookers enjoying the event.  There is no place on earth quite like this.  Beyond the stadium, the majestic Flatirons jutting high above the buildings of downtown Boulder.

As many bikes as vehicles, the Flatirons, and clear blue sky...it's Boulder.

Scene from a packed stadium, looking over the top to those magnificent flatirons.

To my right, the entrance to the stadium for all runners.  On the public address system, comes the voice of Frank Shorter.  A member of the U. S. Olympic marathon team that won gold in 1972 and silver in 1976.  This truly is a world class event.  It will be locked in as an annual family tradition to be here.

Main concourse, Folsom Stadium, from the street.

Then, the reason we celebrate Memorial Day comes front and center.  A precision rifle squad makes its way to the middle of the stadium floor.  A 21-gun salute is ordered, followed by taps.  This year taps was played by two WWII veterans.  Once again, goose bumps ran the length of my arms.

Tell me you wouldn't get goose bumps sitting here.

The BolderBoulder is a new tradition for my family.  The atmosphere both outside and inside Folsom Field is electric.  What better way to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.