Retirement has provided opportunities to do things that during my work career, I had little interest in, i.e. reading, and cooking. Since retiring six years ago, I've lost count, the number of books I've read and the attempts at preparing a cooked meal from scratch. Most of those attempts have been OK at best.
In terms of my new interest in reading, the need to learn more about my heritage was reason enough to begin the process of research. After reading scores of historical documents on line, and in libraries, ten generations are now documented..
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Hidden Mesa Open Space Hike
Although we got a late morning start to the TH, my wife, JoAnn and I were both anxious to get outside on a mild late October Saturday. The drive down state highway #83 proved there was some remaining fall color in he stands of Aspen south of Parker city limits.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Preview - Golden Gate S. P. HIke
Hike planned for: Thursday, October 31st.
The next hike will be in Golden Gate State Park, northwest of Golden. This is not an ACAA sponsored hike. We will meet at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and Parker Road...in the parking lot, between the brown Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station. Meet time is 8:00 a.m.
Those who are interested in joining us should be willing and able to shuttle one or more hikers and their packs to and from the TH. Access to the TH is on a hard road, so a 4WD vehicle is not required.
The hike is considered easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, and will begin at the Bootleg Bottom TH located at the west side of the park. Elevation gain will be 600' +/-. Total mileage about 8.
Weather forecast: Cloudy skies with high temperature in low 50's. Zero chance of rain.
Dress for the weather...insulation layer, warm headgear, gloves, and rain gear. Don't forget a lunch and adequate drinking water. Also pack a pair of Yax Trax (snow/ice spikes) if you have them. Shaded sections of trail may be snow-covered.
This may be your last opportunity to hike before the weather changes for the season. Hope to see other HCH members on Thursday.
The next hike will be in Golden Gate State Park, northwest of Golden. This is not an ACAA sponsored hike. We will meet at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and Parker Road...in the parking lot, between the brown Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station. Meet time is 8:00 a.m.
Those who are interested in joining us should be willing and able to shuttle one or more hikers and their packs to and from the TH. Access to the TH is on a hard road, so a 4WD vehicle is not required.
The hike is considered easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, and will begin at the Bootleg Bottom TH located at the west side of the park. Elevation gain will be 600' +/-. Total mileage about 8.
Weather forecast: Cloudy skies with high temperature in low 50's. Zero chance of rain.
Dress for the weather...insulation layer, warm headgear, gloves, and rain gear. Don't forget a lunch and adequate drinking water. Also pack a pair of Yax Trax (snow/ice spikes) if you have them. Shaded sections of trail may be snow-covered.
This may be your last opportunity to hike before the weather changes for the season. Hope to see other HCH members on Thursday.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Lincoln Mountain Hike
Three members of the High Country Hikers group arrived at the meet site for what would turn out to be a near perfect day for a hike. The ride south on state highway # 83 (Parker Road), had little traffic, compared to previous weeks of fighting through thousands of morning commuters.
At Jones Road (unmarked), we turned off the highway and followed a dirt road about .4 mi. to the Lincoln Mountain Open Space TH.
At Jones Road (unmarked), we turned off the highway and followed a dirt road about .4 mi. to the Lincoln Mountain Open Space TH.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Next Hike, a Tossup
Although official ACAA sponsored hikes are over this year, members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group can still get a few more hikes in before the weather turns. At least two more hikes will be made before boots are exchanged for spikes and snowshoes.
No specific destination has been determined at this writing for next Tuesday - October 22nd - but those HCH members interested in getting outside should read on.
Tuesday, October 22nd.
Meet: Quincy Avenue and Parker Road between the Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station.
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: To be determined
Remember: Pack lunch, water, rain gear, and an extra insulation layer.
NOTE: The forecast is for sunny skies and temps. in the mid 60's. That's in the city, so be prepared for temps of 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the mountains.
Reminder: The annual HCH 'Gathering' is Saturday, November 16th...four weeks away. If you have not confirmed a seat for you and a guest with $10/person paid in advance, contact the writer.
No specific destination has been determined at this writing for next Tuesday - October 22nd - but those HCH members interested in getting outside should read on.
Meet: Quincy Avenue and Parker Road between the Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station.
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: To be determined
Remember: Pack lunch, water, rain gear, and an extra insulation layer.
NOTE: The forecast is for sunny skies and temps. in the mid 60's. That's in the city, so be prepared for temps of 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the mountains.
Reminder: The annual HCH 'Gathering' is Saturday, November 16th...four weeks away. If you have not confirmed a seat for you and a guest with $10/person paid in advance, contact the writer.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Staunton State Park Hike
Three HCH members met on a chilly October morning to hike at the newest state park in Colorado. Staunton State Park is the legacy of Frances H. Staunton. Her parents homesteaded this site around the turn of the 20th century, established Staunton Ranch, and gradually expanded it from 160 to 1,720 acres.
Before her death in 1989, she donated it to future generations as a state park. Additional expansion over the years brings the total area of the park today to 3,800 acres. Located off U.S. 285, at Shaffers Crossing...about 6 miles west of Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Road and follow 1.5 miles to the main entrance to the park.
There is an entry fee of $7/vehicle for a day pass. Pay the park ranger if on duty. If not, complete the form, place a portion of it in the windshield, deposit the $7 in the pouch provided, and deposit it at the entrance station.
Before her death in 1989, she donated it to future generations as a state park. Additional expansion over the years brings the total area of the park today to 3,800 acres. Located off U.S. 285, at Shaffers Crossing...about 6 miles west of Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Road and follow 1.5 miles to the main entrance to the park.
There is an entry fee of $7/vehicle for a day pass. Pay the park ranger if on duty. If not, complete the form, place a portion of it in the windshield, deposit the $7 in the pouch provided, and deposit it at the entrance station.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Next Hike on Colordo Trail
Thursday, October 17th.
Colorado Trail - East of Bailey
This is not an ACAA sponsored hike. If you are interested in joining us, and are willing to shuttle one or more fellow hikers if necessary, please meet at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and Parker Road - between the brown Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station. We will leave for the TH at 7 a.m. sharp. Allow adequate time to negotiate morning commuter traffic.
Trail is in Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness. We will be hiking on the well traveled Colorado Trail. The TH is at 9,000' el. Depending how far we hike we could reach 10,500'+ over the course of the day.
Pack rain gear, water, lunch, personal meds, and a trail snack. Wear sturdy boots. There will be at least one stream crossing.
See you on Thursday.
Colorado Trail - East of Bailey
This is not an ACAA sponsored hike. If you are interested in joining us, and are willing to shuttle one or more fellow hikers if necessary, please meet at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and Parker Road - between the brown Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station. We will leave for the TH at 7 a.m. sharp. Allow adequate time to negotiate morning commuter traffic.
Trail is in Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness. We will be hiking on the well traveled Colorado Trail. The TH is at 9,000' el. Depending how far we hike we could reach 10,500'+ over the course of the day.
Pack rain gear, water, lunch, personal meds, and a trail snack. Wear sturdy boots. There will be at least one stream crossing.
See you on Thursday.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Boulder Lake Hike
A beautiful sunrise ushered in the day as five hikers met at the designated meet site. Transportation was decided quickly when Joe offered to accommodate everyone in his vehicle. Despite the early morning commuter traffic, we made good progress getting to the west side of Denver and I-70.
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| Mother Nature shows her good side to open the day. |
We made a brief pit stop at the Conoco Service Plaza, north of Idaho Springs, then it was on to Exit #205 at Silverthorne. There, we followed Rt. #9 north 7.7 mi. to Rock Creek Road. This dirt road became more and more crowded with exposed rocks and pot holes as we made our way toward the TH. One large recess in particular extended the width of the road and was a few car lengths long.
Being cautious, Joe stopped to consider a course of action. Images on TV of vehicles stranded in flood water flashed through my mind.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Preview - Boulder Lake Hike
Day Hike Planned for Tuesday, October 8th.
This hike is not sponsored by ACAA. It is open to members of the High Country Hikers group and their guests. If you are interested in joining us, be reminded that you should be willing and able to help shuttle one or more fellow hikers to the TH and back, if needed.
We will meet at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and Parker Road. We will be parking vehicles not required for shuttle in the parking lot on the north west corner of the intersection...between the brown Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station.
Be at the meet site in time to leave for the TH at 7 a.m. sharp. Be reminded this is a busy morning commuter intersection so allow plenty of time to maneuver safely through traffic.
DETAILS:
Rock Creek TH
Total Miles = 5.7
Total Elevation Gain = 1,365'
TH Elevation 9,487'
Difficulty Rating = Moderate
North of Silver Thorne in Eagles Nest Wilderness
White River National Forest
Possible Wildlife: Moose, Elk, and Deer
Great Photo Ops. (bring your camera)
This is a classic Colorado hike that offers great landscapes, wildlife sightings, and at the end a mirror-like lake that...weather providing...reflects the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Gore Range to the west. Remember to pack rain gear, water, lunch and an extra insulation layer.
This hike is not sponsored by ACAA. It is open to members of the High Country Hikers group and their guests. If you are interested in joining us, be reminded that you should be willing and able to help shuttle one or more fellow hikers to the TH and back, if needed.
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| Boulder Lake: One of those hikes where the payoff is worth the effort required to get there. This shot was used for the home page banner of this blog. See above. |
We will meet at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and Parker Road. We will be parking vehicles not required for shuttle in the parking lot on the north west corner of the intersection...between the brown Furniture Row sign and the Shell gas station.
Be at the meet site in time to leave for the TH at 7 a.m. sharp. Be reminded this is a busy morning commuter intersection so allow plenty of time to maneuver safely through traffic.
DETAILS:
Rock Creek TH
Total Miles = 5.7
Total Elevation Gain = 1,365'
TH Elevation 9,487'
Difficulty Rating = Moderate
North of Silver Thorne in Eagles Nest Wilderness
White River National Forest
Possible Wildlife: Moose, Elk, and Deer
Great Photo Ops. (bring your camera)
This is a classic Colorado hike that offers great landscapes, wildlife sightings, and at the end a mirror-like lake that...weather providing...reflects the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Gore Range to the west. Remember to pack rain gear, water, lunch and an extra insulation layer.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Meridian Trail Hike
This hike was made as the result of cancellation of the ACAA sponsored hike to Blue Lake. Ed Blum, Joe Jackson, Luisa Sandoval, and Gary2 Alleman made the drive on Colorado Route # 285 to the turnoff before Crow Hill, and the town of Bailey, then a few miles to the TH (9,070') located at the end of Prospector Road.
We parked in the small dirt parking area surrounded by a cross buck log fence, nestled on the west side of the Elk Creek drainage. There are no facilities at this TH. A Mount Evans Wilderness use permit was completed to provide accurate visitor use data. No fee is charged to hike here.
A few paces from the permit kiosk, trail crosses Elk Creek on a wooden foot bridge. Next an immediate sharp left turn, before trail begins its steady 1.6 mile climb to 9,750.' This stretch of trail follows the Elk Creek drainage.
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| Luisa makes her way up slope. |
We parked in the small dirt parking area surrounded by a cross buck log fence, nestled on the west side of the Elk Creek drainage. There are no facilities at this TH. A Mount Evans Wilderness use permit was completed to provide accurate visitor use data. No fee is charged to hike here.
A few paces from the permit kiosk, trail crosses Elk Creek on a wooden foot bridge. Next an immediate sharp left turn, before trail begins its steady 1.6 mile climb to 9,750.' This stretch of trail follows the Elk Creek drainage.
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