What Do Readers Like? (UPDATE)

The question had been raised earlier this year.  After months feeling apathetic about it, my curiosity actually increased,  to the point where I felt the need to take a look.  A comprehensive review of all published articles was begun.

Since this blog went live in August, 2011, over 400 articles have been posted.  Among the topics are articles on how a healthy lifestyle can be maintained.  There is a series on the basics of snowshoeing.  Another series called 'Inspiring Profiles' brings stories of people who have been an inspiration to the writer, to this blog.

Blue Lake - IPW

Regardless of the time of year, the exceptional sights, sounds, and memories are etched in ones mind after visiting Indian Peaks Wilderness.  When this area is on the list of ACAA hikes, I'm there.  This wilderness totals 75,000 acres, 35% of it above tree line.  It is one of the most popular and heavily used wilderness areas in the country.  There are 7 peaks over 13,000' in elevation within the wilderness boundary.

Alpine Sunflower

Bear Peak

This post was missed amid a busy summer schedule.

The last time I hiked to Bear Peak, the day ended with a never-to-be-forgotten experience ( see details below).  That hike began at the Mesa TH on Eldorado Springs Drive.  This time we would begin on the northwest side off Flagstaff Road.  Elevation there is 7,242'.

Ed maneuvers through a section of rocks on trail.

Vasquez Pass

Some welcome cooler air this morning as 11 members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group gathered at ACAA, at 6th. and Del Mar, in Aurora.

It would mark yet another week of at least one new (1st time) member in the group.  Proof that word of this group of close-knit active men and women is getting out into the community.

Ed gives the pre-hike safety briefing.

A Day in the Park - ended in epic fashion

My body clock had not failed.  As my eyes focused on the LED on the nightstand, it read 4:49 a.m.  Adequate time to fill a water bladder and secure my multi-day pack in the truck.  All essential gear, and food for a five-day trip had been packed in advance of today.  The day would serve as a preparation hike for our upcoming annual week-long trek later this month.


Larkspur Creek, one of a number of short break spots on during the climb up Mills Moraine.

Looking For 2 Experienced Backpackers

A five-day backpack trip is planned for July 30th through August 5th.  The trip will be in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado, beginning at the Platoro Reservoir trailhead.  Average day mileage is 5.  Elevation gain on day one, 1,280'; day two, 320; day three 400; day four 800; day five, -2,080.

Total miles = 26.3
Continental Divide Trail Miles = 15.6

Only those experienced in high country terrain and conditions and have  all necessary backcountry gear and essentials should respond.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact the writer at  thecohiker2011@gmail.com
or respond in the comment section below this article.

Little Craggy - CO. Trail (CT)

The early morning air even at the TH, felt considerably warmer than recent weekly outings.  It was not until I returned home, and heard the local weather report...the temperature reached 100 degrees at DIA today...that I realized it was a near record (102 degrees) day.

The Loch (Loch Vale) - RMNP

It has been gratifying to walk into ACAA week after week, and be greeted by one or more new smiling faces.  So it has been this hiking season.  More and more people are learning about the High Country Hikers (HCH) group from Aurora.  No less than 13 people have been first-timers already this hiking season.

John Tedrick and Joe Jackson leave the TH for the Loch.