Snow, Ice Greet Hikers on Last Outing of the Year

Once through the non-bustling and no-traffic-light town of Jamestown, we were soon at the Ceran St. Vrain T.H.  Before describing this hike, I found it interesting to learn about the man whose name this trail carries.

Ceran St. Vrain was a descendant of French aristocrats who came to the U.S. during the French Revolution.  Born may 5, 1802, near St. Louis, his full name was Ceran de Hault de St. Vrain.

Footing was not the best due to ice and snow.  Photo by Bob Seckman.

He traded furs near Taos, New Mexico, and trapped near the North Platte River in Colorado.  He and his partner William Bent, established the trading post of Bent's Fort.  Located on the old Santa Fe Trail, the Fort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After crossing the creek on a long wooden foot bridge, trail follows a section of the South St. Vrain Creek for about two miles.  The origin of the creek lies with Isabelle Glacier atop the Continental Divide over two miles away.

One of those candidates for framing. Photo by Barbara Peck

Snow and ice continued throughout the hike, causing some of the nine hearty hikers to take added precaution in terms of footing.  Areas of dense pine kept snow from reaching the ground in places.  Trail ups and downs did provide hikers without a pair of Rax Trax (mini spikes) a bit more concern.

View of the creek from the bridge. Photo by Bob Seckman

Improve Self-Confidence

Soon after this blog went live on July 18, 2011, a ten part column titled "Ten ways to improve ones quality of life," was posted.  The intent was to define in some detail one of the three goals of this blog, i.e., promote a healthy lifestyle, improve quality of life (especially for those with Parkinson's) and raise funds for PAR (Parkinson's association of the Rockies).

This is the final element of the column.  If you found something in this series that influended you to make a change in your life for the better, we want to hear from you.

You can either comment directly to the author at the end of any article (see comment window), or email your comments to thecohiker2011@gmail.com

Item #10:
Increase Self-confidence:  It begins with your ability to recognize broken thoughts or actions...things you do during the course of the day that you don't finish, but you accept it because you find a way to justify it.

Example: While in line at the grocery store, you find an interesting article in a magazine but have no time to read it.  Don't put it back on the rack, instead put it on the checkout line, take it with you.  When you get home read it.  It may change something in your life.  It may make you think differently about something.  It may revive a dormant ambition you once had to take a class, learn a second language, or reconnect with an old friend, or even do something bold.

Regaining/increasing self-confidence does not happen over night.  Be patient. Learn to be a person with a purpose.  Find your passion. Regain the basic principles that made you who you are.  They are a big part of who you are.

Set achievable goals as you build confidence.  As you achieve, set additional goals.  Always focus on finishing not on how long it takes you to reach a goal.  Focus on solutions to problems, not on the problem itself.

Above all, SMILE! 

The Spice of Sports...Competition

Nothing beats watching our two grandsons do what they love...sports.  It begins with organized activities, i.e. wrestling, baseball, lacrosse, hockey, and soccer.  Other team/group activities at school include track, and choir. They also enjoy time with friends at birthday parties, bowling, movies, and attending various professional sports venues in the Denver metro area.

There is a long list of memorable experiences with these boys.  My favorites include ziplining across the Colorado River at Glenwood Canyon, camping four days in the Weminuche Wilderness, skydiving, whitewater rafting, climbing a 14er. (Democrat), hiking Eldorado Canyon, being lost in the Flatirons, exploring the Collegiate Peaks on horse back, and a trip to PA., to visit historic Philadelphia and reunite with family.  
 
My wife and me are grateful for the opportunities we have had to watch our grandsons compete.  At twelve and ten, they have played more games, ran more laps, competed in more gyms, and stadiums, and seen more of this country than their parents and grandparents combined.

Taunting the catcher.

Dylan always goes hard to first.

I wouldn't change anything.

It was not as frantic a pace with their parents, and certainly not the generations before that.

Examples:  Their father played soccer, basketball, and baseball.  An avid skier since childhood in Ipswich, Mass., it is downhill that remains his passion.

Their mother (our oldest daughter) played softball, field hockey, and soccer. She also competed in track and field events, i.e. 300m hurdles, high jump, 1600m relay, and shot put.  Both are competitive in life as they are in sports.

Where is Reynolds Park???

Little-known parks and Open Space(s) are all over the Denver Metro area.  One of the more popular offerings is the Jefferson County Open Space system.  There are 210 miles of trails and 52,000 acres over 28 parks and properties, offered to the public.

As we headed out of the city on Highway 285, I was reminded this would be the last time any of us would visit the area this hiking season.  After next week, the season is over.

Today, our trail experience would be in Reynolds Park, a 1,984 acre gem Southeast of Conifer.  The site offers hikers 7 miles of easy/moderate rated hiking trails.  As we learned by stepping over or around numerous deposits on trail, the park is open to both hikers and equestrians. 


Ed turned off on Foxton Road, and traveled 5.5 miles to a parking lot under renovation.  It was actually cordoned off.  So we continued a short distance to another lot.  The Chickadee TH (7,141'), is where we began the hike.

Chickadee Trail, mid-morning.

A brief trek (.2 mi.) on Chickadee, brought us to a junction with Hummingbird Trail.  Over the next 1/2 mi., we would experience much of the 1,200' el. gain on the day.  Trail to this point was dry, solid, and well trodden.

Gaining elevation on Hummingbird Trail.

As we gained altitude, a number of views were provided along the way.  Nothing close to what we saw the past two weeks in RMNP, but worth a click of the shutter a few times for sure.

Views like this were worth stopping for.

The final .3 mi. of Hummingbird is down.  Certainly, it was a welcome feeling for two first-timers with us.  Monica and Debbie surprised themselves today.  Not knowing what to expect, they both proved with a bit of determination and a large portion of guts, a challenge like this feels good when you finish.

Bridal Veil Falls, Ya Gotta Love it!

This small yet captivating falls in RMNP is one of my all-time favorite hikes.  Get there early - any day of the week because this one is popular - to get a parking spot along the dirt access road.  Hikers will find the falls an invigorating payoff after negotiating some knarly boulders and steep jagged rock steps. 

The ACAA van was ahead of my friend Curt and me as we approached the end of McGraw Ranch Road and the TH at 7,808' el..  I say ahead because Curt and me were in my vehicle so two other hikers could ride the van.  In all, a record number 16 hikers set foot on trail today.

The TH is home to the McGraw Ranch Research Facility.  The ranch, also known as Indian Head Ranch, was established in 1884 when Peter J. Pauley Jr. built a barn on the site.  The Pauley family kept 2,500 head of cattle on 160 acres at the time.

Marker at junction of Bridal Veil Falls Trail and Black Canyon Trail.

After the National Park Service bought the ranch, thanks to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the ranch underwent a $2 million rehabilitation (the parks largest project) completed in 2003.

Today, research conducted on site includes elk studies, a butterfly inventory, rare plant studies, fire history, and glacier monitoring.  Buildings are not open to the public.

Hikers enter through a gate at the main building, and pass by a number of small cabins used to house researchers.

Hikers on the way to the falls.

After passing a privy, trail follows a west and northwest direction for just over three miles to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, tallest in the park at 8,865' el..

Trail parallels Cow Creek for the first mile, then crosses the stream a few times.  Most crossings are by log.

Luisa crosses one of a number of log bridges.

Soon trail enters a more dense forest and begins a gentle climb to the falls.  Closer to the falls, trail becomes rocky. The last few tenths of a mile, hikers must negotiate a series of steep rock steps, some natural, others made by trail crews.

One of many photo ops along trail.

If you enjoy a bit of a challenge on trail, this is the one for you.  Not only are you required to negotiate a number of smooth boulders, some hand over foot climbing is required in order to get to the falls.

Chipmunks want to be your best buddy.

A Stellar Jay stalks hikers looking for food.

Once at the base of the falls, the payoff is the setting.  The immediate area around the falls is populated by dense forest.  The continuous mist from the falls provides a cooling effect in warm weather and a no less beautiful natural spot for pics any time of year.

Carried the wrong lens...so it's a three image group pic.

If you are the adventurous type - many HCH members were - you can climb the exposed roots and rocks beside the falls to the top.  Or stop at a number of spots along the way to pick a rock, sit and enjoy lunch or simply enjoy the setting.

Total miles = 6.4

Total elevation gain = 1,057'

Only two more hikes in the official hiking season.  Next week we hike in Reynolds Park, outside Conifer.

The final week (Oct. 30th.), we hike the Cerain - St. Vrain Trail, close to Jamestown.

It's on Halloween.  To those HCH members who are registered for that hike, consider it your one and only chance to dress in costume for a hike.  Nothing restrictive or long flowing capes that may get caught on rocks or branches.  Dress for the weather as a base layer and dress for Halloween as the outer layer.  Face paint can take the place of a mask.  Be creative.  Think about it...the group photo will be a keeper.   It will be a fun day to end the season.


    

Gala Event to Raise $ for PAR

Next week is the 5th Annual Gala held in Denver to benefit the Parkinson Association of the Rockies.  Billed as the Dazzle and Delight event of the year, PAR is counting on those in the community to support this event both with their attendance and their pocket book.

Yes, bids...as in place your bid for items donated by people in the community who live with PD.  You will find everything from autographed baseballs, to jewelry, hand painted items and photography.

All items for bid have been listed on a web site.  A detailed description is given plus a value and minimum bid amount.  Bidding is currently open and will continue online till 9:00 a.m., October 17th.  The event is being held that night at the Ritz-Carlton, Downtown Denver.

Check out all the items up for bid.  Make a selection and submit your bid.

Items can be found at: www.blacktie-colorado.com 

RMNP - A Special Place

It was surprising and unusual to have empty seats on the van headed for one of the premier outdoor environments in Colorado.  For ten HCH members, however, it was a day to remember.

Longs Peak

I will attempt to explain some of the reasons not to EVER miss an opportunity to hike in the park.

Wildlife is one thing you expect to see when in any of our national parks.  In 2012, the High Country Hiker group encountered limited wildlife.  We are talking an occasional chipmunk scooting across trail, and the chatter of a squirrel high above in its nest someplace.  The only other two or four-legged animals included a few white tail deer.

Ed points to features across the meadow.

In terms of winged creature sightings, there were a number Grey Jays.  The birds are notorious for dive bombing a hiker on trail or like chipmunks, they will walk up to your backpack and check it out.  Some might call these members of the crow family ruthless the way in which they sit on a branch watching you.  Some movement - the extension of your arm with food in it I know is one - is an invitation for one to swoop down and try snatching it out of your grasp.  It happened while having lunch at Fern Lake.

Longs Peak, from the traverse on Beaver Mountain.

The only "Wildlife" we saw today was a herd of female elk (Cows) bedded down in a stand of pine trees as we entered Estes Park.  Approaching an intersection on the outskirts of town, a bull elk (Wapiti) was spotted making his way across a grassy area toward his harem.

Lehman and Marilynn hike through a stand of Aspen.

In terms of terrain, the park provides visitors a full range.  We experienced much of it during the hike on Upper Beaver Meadows Loop trail today.

We began at the Beaver Meadows TH, and headed north through a grassy meadow.  Trail soon turned west as it entered an area of dense spruce, and lodge pole pine.  Most of the 500'+ elevation gain on the day would be experienced in the next two miles.

The view during lunch.

That span took us on a traverse along Beaver Mountain reaching a max. of 9,250' el.  Except for a few low volume runoffs, and crossing Beaver Brook at 8,750' el., trail remained dry and solid all day.  Trail difficulty to this point was tame in terms of exposed rock and root growth.  No switchbacks on this loop were needed to reduce the level of difficulty.

Pat, Penny, Ed, and Bob head for the TH.

Alternative to the Gym Exercise Routine

Exercising in a gym - BORING

Exercising in the backcountry - EXHILIRATING

Consider this comparison:

                   GYM                                            BACKCOUNTRY

Overcrowded parking lots                               No lines telling you where to park
Spandex tights and fancy garb                         Comfy convertible pants and wicking tee
Pull those heavy doors open                            No doors - Start hiking
Show ID, Club Card, or Pass                          No ID needed - Start hiking
Start at a less favorite station                            No apparatus - Start hiking
           because
all the treadmills are in use                                 No treadmills - Start hiking                             

That said...Around every bend in trail is a different landscape.  All the sweet smelling fresh air your lungs can handle is at your disposal.  Continuous decision-making, i.e., where to step, where to plant poles, how to negotiate the rock formations ahead, all things to make and help strengthen connections in ones brain.

Look up, see this,then tell me you should be at the gym.

Outdoor exercise can burn up to 20 percent more calories than indoor exercise. Why?  Because the body must continually fight to stay stable on uneven terrain and maintain its temperature in all kinds of weather.

Chances are you will get a harder workout in nature because your focus is on the effort, not the screen up on the wall or the LED display on your apparatus.

This versus the treadmill...what are you gonna do?

One study found that outdoor exercise cuts heart disease by boosting levels of vitamin D.

Hiking is a low impact exercise. So it's good for those of us with arthritus. Hiking strengthens lower leg and thigh muscles.  Using poles takes pressure off knee joints.  Plus swinging the arms when using poles provides a virtual full body workout.

Movements associated with hiking help to dilate the arteries, reducing blood pressure taking stress off the heart.  HDL (good cholesterol) levels are increased when hiking.  Plus, when you increase your pace on trail you get an aerobic workout to help tone your heart.

Therapy...I don't need therapy you say.  Well, there is something therapeutic about being outdoors in nature.  Hiking on a sunny day gives you an extra dose of vitamin D.

Gym, what gym, I don't belong to a gym.

So if your gym workout routine seems monotonous, and a bit pricey, choose a different path.  Call a friend, GO HIKING.

Sources: Men's Journal; Healthmad.com/fitness

Watch for the next installment on exercise for those over 50 on this blog.

Exercising in a gym - Boring

Too Much to Comprehend.

Before today, the name Meridian Trail brought no specific notion or vision to mind.  After the experience, this is one trail to keep on the list for 2013.

Traffic caused some delay till the van reached Highway 285.  We made good time from that point all the way to Crow Hill, East of Bailey.

Mother Nature's best effort..

The TH is spacious.  There are no facilities but locating a tree, underbrush, or log is not a problem.

Trail from beginning (9.070') to saddle (10,700'), has all the elements a hiker could ask for.

A few yards beyond the parking lot, we cross the Elk Creek drainage.  The stream will remain on our left for at least the first mile of our ascent.  A continuous moderate grade totaling 1,630' gain over a three-mile stretch may sound like a big deal...It's not.   Trail is well worn yet it feels anything but a popular trail.

Looking down trail, as we gain elevation.

Views are non-stop to the east and south as we climb.  Today, there are no shortages of color or scenery.

This has been an exceptional year for Aspen in Colorado, as shown by the images in this piece.

Overwhelming color.

         







Fewer than five lazy switchbacks made the climb seem less strenuous as we transitioned from a loose assembly of canopy overhead to a more dense cover as we got closer to the saddle.

Is that Harold, or an Aspen on trail?

The day was as close to perfect as one could want for a hike.  Temperatures in the seventies, plus a light breeze made it feel a bit like fall.

The elements of a good weather day were typical for this time of year, as some learned.  Those who began with an extra layer at the trailhead, soon shed it in order to remain comfortable.

Luisa 

      

















Winds mustered enough force to sever millions of leaves high above trail.  At times, it seemed as if the sky had opened and out came a sea of golden droplets.  They tossed and turned and fluttered to the ground where they made a kind of mosaic of colors across the landscape.

It was Luisa, who described the day best.  "The hike today for me was spectacular and beautiful.  Being able to walk is a blessing.  Being able to hike in a perfect weather day with Aspen in fall splendor, and with a great group of people...it was divine." 

Ground cover.

There were sections of trail, where it felt like the leaves provided a natural carpet-like soft cushion, beneath our boots.

I lost count of how many times a stop on trail was made to look up and down trail, across the drainage, or up the slope, to soak up the smells, the sounds, and the beauty of the moment. 

Red Aspen

As for the camera lens, if it could breath, it was totally out of breath today, although I never broke a sweat.

The lucky dozen HCH members who made the trip, were thrilled at what they had experienced. Gary (G1) Merical, was first to respond. My guess is everybody on trail today would agree.  "It doesn't get any better than this," he said.

On the descent, we stopped at a clearing for a group photo.  It would be one of those spots you dream about finding.  The one where you have a 180 degree or better view.  All of it majestic mountains and valleys of Colorado.

The Aspen show in Colorado this year is much like changes  to foliage in the Alleghenies, Adirondacks, Green, Catskills, Poconos, Blue Ridge, White, and Great Smokey's on the East coast offer hikers.  Fall in the east is special in terms of how the mountain pallets of green tones transition to red, orange, yellow, and brown.  But, Colorado is the place to be. 

All eyes are fixed on the expansive view.

 Total miles = 6.6

Total elevation gain = 1,360'

Awesome!