Carpenter Peak-Roxborough State Park

Three consecutive weeks an April storm dumped enough snow on area trails to cancel hikes.  Three cancelled hikes in a row is unprecedented.  The nine High Country Hikers (HCH) on trail today were excited to be outside enjoying the beauty of Colorado.

The frustration of not being able to be on trail evaporated quickly.  Trail conditions were ideal considering what this blog posted just five days ago.  Today's route was scouted last Thursday.  A scouting preview was posted telling hikers there would be snow, ice, slush, and lots of mud.  After five days of more seasonal temperatures, none of those conditions remained today.

Eleven HCH members made the trip down C 470 to Roxborough State Park.  The group was on trail shortly after arrival.  The trail bed was surprisingly firm and relatively dry.  No mud until we reached Powerline trail at higher elevation.

On Carpenter Peak Trail, Gary1 is dwarfed by a red sandstone formation.

Visitors to the park are treated to a series of 300 million-year-old red sandstone formations, much like the more popular formations in Garden of the Gods outside of Colorado Springs.  The park is a National Natural Landmark, a state historic site, plus it has numerous archaeological sites, making it one of the most popular locations close to Denver to hike. 

Scrub Oak covers much of the parks slopes and drainage areas.  Ponderosa Pine and Lodge pole can be found dotting the landscape throughout the park.

Hikers (L - R) Gloria, Gary1, Robert, Linda, and Monica, climb through acres of scrub oak, on their way to Carpenter Peak.

We made our way past the South Rim Trail junction, to the junction of Elk Valley Trail.  We followed trail around the backside of the ridge and through Elk Valley to a junction with the Powerline Trail.  This section of trail is actually a grass-covered jeep road.  Some parts have severe erosion caused by ATV's and heavy duty equipment brought in by Xcel Energy to service the power line.

At the junction of Powerline Trail and peak spur trail, hikers made a rest stop.

A heart throbbing, moderate-sized up brought us to a junction with a spur trail that would take us another .5 mi. to a junction with Carpenter Peak Trail.  There we were within .1 mi. of the peak.  That final climb to the top at 7,160' el., would cause hikers to negotiate a series of natural stone steps through a number of rock formations.

On top, we enjoyed a virtual 360 degree view of the front range, the city of Denver in the distance, to the northeast, the park grounds and Sharptail Ridge below, and parts of Pike National Forest to the west.

As for other hikers, there was one solo trail runner that blew past us on her way down, and a solo day hiker who arrived at the peak during lunch.  Plus two mountain bikers passed the group on the Powerline Trail.

Front row (L - R) Hike leader Ed Blum, Luisa Sandoval, and Marcia McBurnett.  Back row (L - R) Gary Merical, Linda and Robert Saiz, Mary k. Ryan, Monica Richard, and Penny Geise. 

Cloudy skies raised questions throughout the morning.  Would it rain?  Would comfortable light breezes grow into gusts that would make an otherwise good day for hiking into one of being chilled to the bone.  Would yet another storm blanket the area with a late spring dump of white powder?  The rain held off till we were on our way down the mountain.  A light drizzle chased hikers under some tall pine trees where everybody searched their packs for rain gear.  Minutes later we were back on trail but the showers never materialized. Light A.M. winds subsided for the return.  As for another big snowfall...not today.  BUT there is something in the forecast for later in the week. 

A lonely Pasque flower had just enough sunlight to begin opening it's beautiful petals.

A stop at Highlands Ranch Commons for coffee at Tattered Cover or ice creme at Cold Stone Creamery ended a great day.

The Carpenter Peak/Powerline/Elk Valley Loop total mileage = 8.0 mi.

Total elevation gain on the day = 1,078'

Next Tuesday: Lion Gulch Trail.  Between Lyons and Estes Park.  Check back on Friday for a preview of this hike...unless another snow storm changes/cancels it. 

           

Preview: Carpenter Peak (Roxborough S.P.)

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, April 30th.,
Bus leaves ACAA at 8:00 a.m. sharp

The Park offers visitors a remodeled visitor center including a variety of exhibits, a gift shop, and comfortable rest rooms.  The trailhead (TH), at 5,900' el., is at the edge of the parking lot.  Trail bed throughout the park is a fine loamy type soil.  Trail difficulty is rated as moderately strenuous, although most members of this group not find it that difficult.  We will trek over more strenuous miles of trail than this later in the season.

Trail begins by snaking around and over a series of ridges before it starts climbing.  There are areas of running water from melting snow on trail, standing water and mud.  From TH to Carpenter Peak it is a 3.2 mi. hike, with an estimated 1,000' el.g. over that span.  The park is covered with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Cottonwood, and Gambel Oak, and is considered a place where the prairie meets the mountains.

Wet and muddy areas are common.

After the first 1/4 mi. trail begins to climb by a number of gradual switchbacks before leveling off.  Be prepared to maneuver stretches of wood  plank steps in this section.  Trail is littered throughout with exposed rock and all kinds of twisted roots and pesky tree stumps.  Count of catching your toe more than once.  The final push to the summit involves negotiating various rock outcroppings.  The views and satisfaction of meeting the challenge is worth the effort.

Red Sandstone formations at Roxboro S. P.

A bit too early for wildlife sightings, but if we are lucky, there are black bear, coyote, mule deer, elk, prairie dog, rabbit, and many bird species in the park.

There will be a number of areas with 300 million-year-old red sandstone rock formations in full view.  Some people refer to the park as a mini Garden of the Gods.

We will climb to Carpenter Peak at 7,160' el., where the views of the front range and Denver are good.  You are on your own to find a spot among the granite formations to relax for lunch.

Weather should be a plus.  High temperature of 74 degrees, under partly cloudy skies.  Light winds, but as we climb, that will change. Rain, 20% chance.  So dress in layers for the morning, wicking next to skin, then light fleece for insulation, and thin outer later for weather protection. 

If you have not visited Roxborough S. P. before, you are in for an early season treat.  It is close to Denver, which means we will be on trail early in the day.  Dress for the morning chill...remember to layer...wicking layer next to the skin, then a light fleece (vest) for insulation, and a thin outer shell for weather protection.

A group of early Sandlily.

Sturdy boots are recommended because you can count on trail having areas of standing water or mud.  If temperatures remain in the 30's and 40's, there may be lingering snow/ice/slush.  So if you have a pair of Yax Trax, put them in your pack.  They can be the difference between slippin' and slidin' your way up trail compared to a safe and enjoyable day.

See you on the bus.   

Vitality Walk - June 2nd.

 WALK TO FIGHT PARKINSON'S

Mark your calendar for the first Sunday in June.  Put on your favorite walking attire and join me and my friends and family at Washington Park in Denver.  The annual event is sponsored by the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies (PAR).  The goal this year is to have 1,200 walkers participate while promoting community awareness about Parkinson's disease and raise over $100,000 to support programs and services of PAR.

As one who had lived with PD since diagnosed in 2004, I am constantly reminded of the vital role PAR plays in my daily activities.  I attend a free yoga class one day each week.  Participants and the instructor have all been diagnosed.  The class is led by Paul Zeiger Ph.D., who encourages maintaining a healthy diet, good sleep habits, exercise, recreation and continuous learning in the fight against PD.  www.parkinsonsyoga.org

I invite you to support the efforts of PAR by donating, then join me on the walk June 2nd.  Click on the link below to take you to the home page of the "Exercise to Fight PD" home page.    http://parkinsonrockies.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1064887&lis=1&kntae1064887=405B34AFA8E04DC181C0434BD4E97F2B

I look forward to seeing you at Washington Park, June 2nd.

Inspiring Profile

Make this blog a "Favorite" and check it often.  I am in the final stages of editing the text of the third in a series of life stories.  The woman whose story is to be posted soon, is one of dedication, perserverence, and ongoing mental and physical challenges.  You may find yourself inspired by one or more parts of her interesting life.

Until this story is posted, check out the other stories in this series.  On October 22, 2011, you will find the story of Helen Giossi.  The second post in this series was on February 20, 2012.

On the home page, look at the far right side under "Blog Archive."  click first on the year, the on the month desired.  It will give you all the titles posted in that month.   

Parkinson's Awareness - Part III

This is the third of a three-part article on living with Parkinson's.  In part one, posted on April 10th., I talked about the ability to process information.  Part two, posted April 16th., dealt with the situations that upset me revealing some of the symptoms of PD.  The series ends with a discussion on how I am doing physically.

Weight has not been a concern for me.  My weight has not varied more than 8 - 10 lbs since graduating high school.  At the time-1964-my weight was within a few lbs. of 165.  Today, I weigh a robust 167.  Although weight is not an issue, other routine physical tasks have taken  more time and effort to complete. 

I am having some difficulty being comfortable while sleeping.  Retired now for six years, I am anything but a couch potato.  Most days of the week I have two or more things to do.  So I am usually physically tired and ready for bed between 9 and 10.  The issue is, if I don't drop off to sleep quickly, I may be awake most of the night.

The nights I fall asleep soon after my head hits the pillow, I am assured of between 4 to 6 hrs. of restful sleep. If I am awakened during the night, I may not get back to sleep.  If that happens, there is a good chance I will be fighting to keep my toes from curling uncontrollably, and painful cramps in my calves.

Next Hike for 'High Country Hiker' Group

Approaching four weeks into the new hiking season and only one hike completed to date.  Not an exciting start.  For those reading this from outside Colorado, allow me to explain.

Mother Nature has had a lock on her ability to push a winter snow storm out of the Rockies and onto the front range and the Denver metropolitan area, two weeks in a row.  Major storms on two consecutive weeks, have killed chances for members of this dedicated group to get outside.

Ruins of the Walker Mansion atop Mt. Falcon.

Certainly, I am not the only one having a bout of cabin fever.  I've heard from the hike leader, who is equally annoyed with the fact that back to back hikes had to be cancelled.  He and I have been out show shoeing a number of times this winter to take the edge off that fever.  But for those who are passionate about being in the back country, it doesn't take long to find yourself in the early stages of hiker withdrawal.

For me, there are just so many hiking blogs I can read, or gear sites to check out the latest, lightest, and lowest cost item on the market.  I need to know that I will be getting outdoors, and soon, or I may have a hiking fantasy that is so real, I'll never come back.

If you are a member of the High Country Hiker (HCH) group and you have been following this blog from time to time, you have read about a new feature this year.  In addition to the regular posting - journal entry - explaining the current hike, there will be a brief description of the upcoming hike as well.

One of a number of views from the ridge line.

Designed for new and less experienced hikers, we hope to inform those registered for the next hike about what they can expect.  Things like:

• Trailhead (TH) location, and elevation.
• Restroom facilities available (or not)
• Trail bed materials and conditions
• Expected features, i.e. rock formation, old ruins, overlooks
• Potential wildlife sightings
• If trail is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians
• Reminders what to pack

If weather conditions improve, we will hike at Mount Falcon Park, outside the town of Morrison.

Tuesday, April 23rd.

Beginning at the east parking lot, this hike in terms of difficulty is rated 'Easy.'  The day will begin on the 'Hiker Only' Turkey Trot trail.  Trail bed will be a combination of cinder, gravel, and dirt.  Trails in the park are well worn.  Be prepared for lingering snow, ice, slush, and that good old stuff you loved to jump in as a kid...MUD!!!  For that reason, it is suggested you have mid-length or high waterproof boots.  If not, be prepared to walk on the edges of trail throughout the day.

Don't be surprised if we encounter snow, ice, and mud.

Beyond the Turkey Trot, trail the balance of the day will be multi-use.  That means we are likely to encounter bikers, other hikers, runners, dog walkers, or equestrians.  Trail width in the park varies from a single lane jeep type road to a traditional single file path.  There are a few moderately steep ups, nothing to blow you away.  When on top of ridges, views of the city are good if we have a clear day.  We will visit the ruins of John Walker's dream house, and the site where Walker planned a presidential retreat for heads of state.

This is the same place students from the 2013 'Hiking, the Basics' class took their graduation hike.  Pit toilets are located a short distance from the TH.  Don't expect to see much wildlife this early in the season.  Rabbits, chipmunks and numerous species of birds, are the only likely sightings.
 
Dress warm...wicking layer, insulation layer, and weather protection layer.  Wear a cap and gloves.

See you on trail.
 

April - Parkinson's Awareness Month

Part II of III:

The first part in this series, I addressed how my ability to process information is faring.  It was posted on April 10th.  This, the second part will focus on the situations, words, and conditions that tend to get the symptoms of PD, i.e.rigid extremities, shuffling of the feet, poor balance, and tremors to surface, making it difficult to function.

In terms of my overall disposition, those who know me best would likely say that I am reserved, laid back, or easy going.  Some may interpret that as being aloof, anti-social, or in the early stages of depression.  I don't subscribe to any of those.

Exercise of any kind is critical to maintaining good balance and posture.

Let me start with the first three terms.  I totally agree that I am reserved in my approach to people in public.  I would offer that I am actually shy when it comes to introducing myself to somebody for the first time.  It's difficult for me to initiate conversation, especially since being diagnosed with PD.  The past year, I have noticed a definite decline in my willingness to initiate conversation.  When in a conversation, I find I am reluctant to offer long explanations on a given topic.

The fear is that I will not be able to find all the words to speak well.  There have been occasions when I am talking to a friend and in the middle of a thought, I can't find a word to continue a thought or finish a sentence.

People have told me that I have a laid back, easy going personality.  That translates into virtually every aspect of my existence.  If I am driving in bumper to bumper traffic, in the height of rush hour, I don't feel uptight or a sense of anxiety.  In the doctor or dentist office waiting room, I can honestly say I am always calm, not concerned about what I might be told.

Symptoms of PD are always there waiting to show themselves.  Physical exercise can override those symptoms.          

I am not one to go crazy at a party...there was one exception when I was in my late twenties.  The firm I worked for held an annual holiday party.  At the time - late 1970's - the engineering offices I worked in was the headquarters of a global electronics company.  It was common for bosses to announce, 'Let the party begin.'  That was noon on the Friday before the Christmas holiday.  They knew little 'work' would get done otherwise.  People had liquor or wine or both in a desk drawer, ready to be opened.

The engineering staff was in full party mode within minutes after the announcement.  It was common for the business unit senior executives to come out of their offices and join in the activities.  It's what might be considered the 'Good old days.'  I can remember spending extra time in the mens' washroom until normal feeling returned to all of my extremities...including my head.

What upsets me today?

• Feeling cornered for words in a conversation..
• Being in front of a group of people with expectations to answer questions.
• Finding my memory a total blank when asked a question about my past.
• When writing handwritten letters to friends, forgetting details of the topic I am writing about.
• Leaving the house for an appointment, meeting, or planned event and forgetting a staple item, i.e. wallet, meds for the day. 
• Sitting in a room of people and hear the speaker say, 'I want everybody to introduce themselves and tell the group something about yourself.' 

What lies ahead that I must learn to accept?

•  An inability to control anxiety.

• Drooling unknowingly.
• Digestive issues.
• Deteriorating quality of life.
• Loss of the ability to do automatic movements...blinking.
• Seeing a person with a more advanced condition and seeing myself.

Check back on this blog for part III, soon.

Eldorado Canyon - Tuesday, April 16th.

A new feature on this blog began with the first scheduled weekly day hike-two weeks ago- for members of the High Country Hiker group.  What is new, you ask?

As you know, a journal entry-hike overview, with images-is posted after each hike of the year.  This year, each post will be followed by a "Preview" of what hikers can expect on the next weeks hike. 

Last week, the hike was cancelled due to snow.  So there was no posting.  What follows is a "Preview" of the hike next Tuesday.  Only those hikers registered for each weeks hike will receive an email reminding them of the "heads up" information.

Preview of the hike in Eldorado Canyon.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The bus will park at the Eldorado Canyon State Park Visitor Center for the day.  The Trailhead (TH) for Eldorado Canyon Trail, is at the side of the building, only a handful of steps from the bus. 

TH elevation = 7,287.'

Trail difficulty rating = Moderate

Trail begins moderately steep for the first half mile.  No less than 800' of the 1,000+' total elevation gain for the day will be realized in the first thirty to forty-five minutes.

One of a number of switchbacks.

Trail may be wet with sections of mud resulting from melting snow.  During the initial up, hikers will negotiate a series of moderate to high man-made stone steps.  Trail in the early morning will be a series of moderate to long meandering switchbacks to take hikers to the top of the canyon.

View from trail atop the canyon, looking to it's mouth.

When trail starts to level off, it continues to roll and snake across the top of the canyon for about 3.5 mi.  There, hikers will see the junction with Walker Ranch Loop Trail.  We will choose to either hike clockwise or counter clockwise for the next few miles, bringing us back to the same junction after lunch for the final stretch to the TH.

Hikers are reminded that the loop trail is open to mountain bikers, equestrian, leashed dogs, and trail runners, as well as hikers.  Be listening for the leader and/or sweeper to call out, "biker or runner or dogs."  Hikers should step off trail and allow them to pass the group before continuing.

There may be some trail realignment due to a recent effort by BP&OS to upgrade trails in the area.

Tall rock canyon walls are a climbers (red shirt) dream challenge.

Walker Ranch landscape provides commanding views, especially during the initial climb out of the canyon, open rolling hills, numerous interesting rock formations, and diverse wildlife.   

Total miles = 7.5 +/-

Total elevation gain = 1,000'+

April - Parkinson's Awareness Month

 Part I of III,

How can I address the topic of 'Parkinson's Awareness' this year?

I decided to talk about where I am in terms of my ability to process information, what upsets me, and how my physical side is faring.  So this is the first of a three-part article to inform readers of this blog about the disease that an estimated one million people live with in this country, ten million worldwide.  Plus there are 60,000 people diagnosed each year. 

Processing Information:

During the last six-month visit, my Neurologist suggested I have an adaptive driving evaluation.  So I made an appointment with Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, in Aurora. 

There were two parts over a two-week period to the process.  Part one includes a series of tests including identifying a building at varying distances as it relates to other structures, identify muted numbers within a multi-colored space, and identify various other shapes and images.

Next, I was given a laminated page with images showing 12 different road signs.  I was to study them for one minute, then return the page and recall as many of the signs as I could.  Next was a device called the brake reaction simulator.  I was to place my right foot on a throttle type pedal while waiting for a green light to turn red.  When the light changed, the device measured my reaction time to go from the throttle to the brake.

In addition, this part of the evaluation had a sizeable Q & A phase where I was placed at a monitor and used a mouse to click through a series of timed exercises.  The focus here was to identify shapes, numbers, and colors from memory.  Plus a part where I was given specific instructions, then timed for an answer.

Result:

• Brake reaction score was 9% faster than the norm.  The evaluation specialist told me, "Mr. Alleman, you have a reaction time similar to that of a high school kid."  OK, I'll take that.

• Recall identification of road signs;  Recalled 12 of 12 correctly.  On a roll.

Inspiring Profile Coming Soon

The third in a series of stories about people you may or may not know will be posted later this month.  It is the story of a woman who has excelled at numerous sports, earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees, raised a family, was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and completed a 40-year teaching career.  If you think she has slowed down in retirement...think again!

Writing her story has been an inspiration for me.  I trust readers of this blog will find it inspiring as well. 

The first profile was posted October 22, 2011.  The second profile was posted February 20, 2012.

Check them out.

Lake Ladora - First Hike of 2013

The official hiking season kicked off at a site the High Country Hikers group had not visited before.  Lake Ladora is located on the grounds of The Rocky Mountain Arsenal, in Adams County.  This 17,000 acre wildlife refuge is home to many species including Bald Eagles and Swainsons Hawks.  The refuge offers 90 miles of nature trails for public use.

Built in 1942, the lake is the result of Ladora Dam, and is used for irrigation, drinking water and fish and wildlife protection purposes.  The lake is a popular fishing site for large and small mouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Catfish, Sunfish, Perch, and Lake Trout.

Lake Mary located next to Lake Ladora is connected via a trail system including Legacy, Lake Mary and Lake Ladora Loop trails.  The trailhead is at 5,233' elevation, with minimal elevation gain throughout the system.  The refuge is bordered on the east by Pena Blvd., on the south by 56th Avenue, on the north by 96th Avenue and on the west by Route 2 - an extension of Colorado Blvd.

The weather forcast for today is a 40% chance of rain/snow showers, with a high of 48 degrees.  Not sure if it reached 48 but maybe the low 40's.  The rain?  Well, it held off till we were on the back end of the day.

RMA Visitor Center Marker.

No surprise that all the seats (13) on the van were full for the first outing of the year.  Four were students from the 2013 "Hiking, The Basics" class, plus two first-timers.  The rest were old-timers but we don't like using the word 'old', so we'll call them 'regulars'.  We hope to see all of them on trail again soon.

We arrived at the Visitor Center and were on trail by 8:40.  Overcast skies and a cool breeze kicked at our heels as we began the day on Legacy Trail which would take us one mile to Lake Ladora.