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| Hikers traverse one of a number of ridges among this Open Space. |
A good turnout of 12 seniors ignored overcast skies, gusty winds, and the question 'Is my body ready for this?' to begin the 2014 hiking season. Eight of the twelve hikers were core members...those who have participated in the HCH group a number of years. The remaining four were first timers, all of whom were welcomed by core members.
As core members strolled into ACAA, one said, "Good Morning," another said "Hey, good to see you, I haven't seen you since last year," while bear hugs were exchanged. Newbies introduced themselves to the group while we waited for the shuttle bus to arrive.
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| The group spreads out as trail snakes down slope. |
Minutes later, it was there. As always, there was no hesitation to board, take a seat and be on our way. For this hiker, there was a good feeling to be starting a new hiking season. Now through October, every Tuesday will hopefully find every seat taken by a person who enjoys the outdoors.
About an hour after leaving ACAA, we arrived at the parking lot leading to the TH. Located in Douglas County, Ridgeline Open Space (RLOS) is 370 acres of rolling hills, many loaded with dozens of small drainages, most of which are littered with pockets of scrub oak. The site borders the Castle Rock sub-division called The Meadows.
The last time this hiker did Ridgeline O. S. was the day after Christmas. It was the first time in decades of hiking, that I hiked both the day before and after the holiday. Check out the story and images from that hike: First click on '2013' then click on 'December.' The story was posted 12-28-13.
At the TH, Ed circled all hikers then asked each one to introduce themselves.
The RLOS trail system consists of a natural dirt trail bed. Trails snake up, down, along, and over the ridges in an unorthodox web of wide and easy-to-maneuver trails. Once on trail, hikers realize it no sooner disappears behind a ridge, than it reappears while skirting near a row of newly constructed single family residences.
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| Trail is carved our of the ridge. |
I am certainly not the only one who would prefer trails lead to more rugged backcountry terrain rather than an ever-expanding suburbia as far as the eye can see. Such is the nature of a fast growing Denver Metro area.
We stopped a number of times for short rest/hydration breaks. At one such stop, Ed pointed out a Pasque flower growing beside trail. It was trying its best to open its colorful petals. My guess is it never did, due to the lack of sun.
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| High Country Hiker core members, Penny and Marsha enjoy the day. |
At another break, two huge ravens glided overhead while they stared down at us.
By mid-morning, the two layers beneath my thin external shell were doing their job. Quick bursts of wind were replaced by short bursts of the sun, temporarily raising ones body temperature, although not long enough to cause any shedding.
Driver/Leader, Ed, was at his best today, interacting with group members, relating humorous stories from past hikes and maintaining a light and lively exchange. It appeared newbies were comfortable and blended in well with the group.
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| Lunch stop on Main Street in Old Town Parker. |
The pace today was moderate. The degree of difficulty was easy. Only one trail runner passed the group today.
Total miles completed = 5.1
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