Vasquez Pass Hike

Another hot week is expected for the Denver Metro area.  For 12 members of the High Country Hiker group, it was ssseeeeeeeeee ya! we're heading for the mountains where it's cooler.  This would be the last hike of the year with a scheduled leave time of 7:30.  Next week, and for the remainder of the season, the van will leave Aurora Center for Active Adults at 7:00 a.m. sharp.

Ed covers safety and back country ethics principles at the TH.

A brief pit stop at the Conoco Plaza on I-70, prepared everyone for a day on the slopes of the Arapaho National Forest, and Vasquez Peak Wilderness.  We arrive at the TH (10,434'), and cinch into our day packs.  Ed provided instructions on the importance of remaining within a reasonable distance to the hiker in front.  Hikers were also reminded to be sure to inform Ed when taking 'separation' time.

Henderson Mine, North Americas largest producer: 40 mm lbs./year and value of $1.1 billion..

Living With Parkinson Disease - A Series

A candid look inside my life with PD.

PART 1 of 3 PARTS:  INTRODUCTION

Upon receiving confirmation (October, 2004) from a third source of a diagnosis, I was faced with a condition I knew nothing about or what issues I would be facing.  Soon after I made a decision.  That decision helped to curb thoughts of despair, and the feeling that all was lost.  I had always been a positive thinking person.  Reserved socially, but always willing to take reasonable risks.  I decided to accept the diagnosis, learn about PD, and develop a strategy to fight it.

With former co-workers at AMP Incorporated, later Tyco Electronics.

It was a period for those around me...work associates, close family...of utter shock when they learned I had been diagnosed with PD.  Early symptoms were not evident to them.  I was at the peak of a 30-year career at one firm.  Something I never expected.

A year passed before I began considering retirement.  In my late 50's, I felt I had many years of high level productivity remaining.  My wife, always the cautious one, suggested I consider retiring soon.

Nana and Papa enjoy a bike hike wih grandsons, Dylan and Connor.

Preview - Vasquez Peak Hike

High Country Hikers
Tuesday, August, 27, 2013
Bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 sharp

This hike is the second of two trips to 'Big Bend,'  the hair pin turn on CO. Rt. 40 at the base of Berthoud Pass.  Just beyond the 'Bend,' the West Fork of Clear Creek follows a dirt road past the Henderson Mine.  There, the Henderson Spur TH (10,434') is located.

We will encounter some lazy switchbacks on the spur trail in the 1.5 mi. to a junction with Mt. Nystrom Trail.  This trail (also the Continental Divide Trail for another 1.2 mi.), will take us to Vasquez Pass (11,750').  There will be two stream crossings, on the upper leg of this hike.

Our climb on this well defined trail to the Pass will be just over 1,200' elevation gain in 2 mi.  Expect trail to be loaded with exposed and loose rocks.  Hikers should focus on placing each step on stable ground.  If unsure about a rock being unstable, step between rocks, on an adjacent rock, or over the entire rock itself.  Remember, is a rock or log is wet, never step directly on it.  You are wise to stop, take time to do a quick survey before deciding on the path you choose.

There will be 360 degree views from the Pass, providing we have a clear day.  Expect to experience some of the best views of the hiking season

Check your pack to insure the following staple items are inside:  Lunch, water (32+ oz.), pack cover, rain gear, personal meds, and camera.

Grizzly Gulch Hike

Temperatures in and around Denver this week soared well into the 90's, setting all-time records.  Not a concern for 11 members of the High Country Hiker group, who found the temperature quite comfortable as they departed the Aurora city fleet van on Stevens Gulch Road, outside Bakerville, Colorado.  Officially, the U.S. Weather Service forecast a high for the entire week in Bakerville (9,787'), of 67 degrees.

Bakerville History:  The first claim for land in the area was made by the towns namesake, John Baker in 1865.  The town would thrive over the next few decades due to the areas rich silver deposits.  In addition. the areas economy was boosted as a result of the railroad extension as far as Georgetown.  Later, as Denver continued to grow through the end of the 1800's, Bakerville became the terminus of a train route from Denver.  Today, the town is listed on a list of over 1,500 ghost towns in Colorado.  None of the original structures have survived.  One image shown below was found on the web.  Today, we saw two structures that appeared to be private residences.  Plus early in the day, we passed an upscale log cabin beside trail.  A cord of freshly cut firewood indicated the place was being used. 

Log farm house and out buildings at Quayle Creek, Circa 1867.

In addition to the historical elements of the area, this O & B hike would have some significance to hikers today.  Beginning at the exit from I-70, the old jeep access road into the Gulch is also the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT), for a short distance.  Ed parked the van at a small pull-off from the jeep road (10,270'), where we prepped for the day.  The group would walk the jeep road/CDT for a short distance before turning off to ford Quayle Creek on foot.

Preview of Grizzly Gulch Hike

High Country HIkers Group
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Hike Grizzly Gulch
The bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 a.m. sharp.

This 6 mi., O&B hike will gain about 900' elevation.  The TH is located at 10,450'.  Trail from there follows a crude 4WD road into the Gulch.  Trail tops out at about 11,300'.

The day will provide unique sights, including Greys (14,278') and Torreys (14,267') Peak.  These peaks are the two highest peaks on the Continental Divide.

Entrance to an abandon mine in Grizzly Gulch.

The gulch is dotted with both working and abandon mines, once the source of vast amounts of minerals to those who would stake a claim.

Most famous of the mines in the gulch, is the Josephine Mine, on the left at the head of the gulch.  Up till 1900, this mine was known to hold a diverse amount of minerals, including Quartz and Pyrite.


Although this is not a demanding or physical hike, be smart, pack rain gear, adequate amount of water...32 oz. or more...and lunch.

See you on trail!

Hike to Mt. Sniktau

 Authors Note:  The name Sniktau refers to the pen name of Edwin H. N. Patterson, a journalist in the Clear Creek County area during the 1860's.  Patterson was a close friend of the famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe.

A cool August morning would not faze 11 members of the High Country Hikers group who boarded the van for Loveland Pass (11,990'), and the TH for this above treeline day hike. The word to best describe this hike is...exposed.

Nancy walks along the ridge.

In fact, hikers would be exposed to the elements Mother Nature planned to send over the course of the day.  In terms of weather, it was active to say the least. 

In the morning, it was overcast although not dark.

We start up slope, gaining 1,000' el,, in the first mile.  Hooded parkas are on from the onset, as the sharp cold wind cuts into us.  This is summer?

Soon, a small grainy snow begins falling.  Not all that uncommon at this elevation.

Unparalelled Adventure

TRIP BACKGROUND:
A trip of this magnitude requires planning...trail and weather conditions, transportation, required gear, pre and post trip lodging, and developing a plan "B" in the event the initial plan must be abandoned.  In this case, all of the above occurred.

Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of doing day hikes with a good friend, who is also a member of this four-man team.  His son joined us recently for an overnight hike to test gear and hone back country skills.  The fourth member of the team would fly in from Naperville (Chicago), Illinois,  to Denver making it a well experienced team.

This would be a seven-day trip...two travel days, and five days in the wilderness.  The trip was planned by Ed Blum, one of two senior members.  A long time hiker and backpacker, Ed had a brief hiking experience in the same area of this trip over 20 years ago.  His passion for the sport of backpacking and his desire to explore this area of inspiring back country, were the motivating factors behind this trip.

Return to the Weminuche

One of the most remote, rugged and beautiful places to backpack is the Weminuche Wilderness in southern Colorado. My first experience was a five day trip exploring Chicago Basin.  That was July, 2010.

Three years later, I had a second opportunity to explore another part of this gigantic landscape. The full story of this adventure will be posted soon.  Keep checking for updates as the posting date approaches.

Early morning scene at West Ute Lake...Camp #2.