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.
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| Ed gives the pre-hike safety briefing. |
Most HCH core members have been hiking regularly throughout the hiking season for a number of years. The majority are retired from the workforce, married, enjoy being grandparents, and live in Aurora.
What do these always-on-the-go seniors have in common? They pride themselves in staying fit as they age. They enjoy the outdoors. Who wouldn't want to walk among the countless beautiful landscapes located throughout the front range and mountains of Colorado.
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| Mountain spring flows across trail. |
If asked for the primary reason members continue to register for weekly day hikes, many would say it's because of the people themselves. Regardless if one participates in a single hike or is on the bus every week, this group of mostly seniors is of that special breed of person called "Boomers."
No other demographic in the history of this country has redefined a generation more than boomers have. No other generation has lived through the good (1st man on the moon), the bad (assination of MLK, JFK, and RFK) and the ugly (Viet Nam) and survived to gain the respect of millions around the globe for their accomplishments.
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| Indian Paintbrush |
OK, I'll get off my soapbox now and get on with the story.
We had little delay leaving the city, arriving at the TH about 9 a.m. The TH is located just west of the Henderson Mine, off CO. Rt. 40. Turnoff to the TH is just before the big bend (hair-pin) turn leading to Berthoud Pass.
One vehicle is parked in the parking area when we arrive. It is the bus from Malley Rec. Center in Englewood. That group is already on trail. If we are able to catch up, we might see some more fellow-hikers.
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| Looking back from where we started this morning. |
We are on trail quickly with no other hikers in sight. The first 1.3 miles we follow the Henderson Spur trail to a junction with Mt. Nystrom trail. The spur trail is well-worn, with a substantial canopy as it climbs over 800' to a junction with the Nystrom trail. The namesake of this trail is actually a handful of miles west from this spot.
In this span numerous wildflowers blanket the slopes including coneflower, pink pussytoes, whooly activella, columbine, scarlet paintbrush, sun loving aster, purple fringe, harebells, and tall penstemon.
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| A hiker takes time in the open meadow (center) to enjoy sights and solitude of the day. |
Over our left shoulder lies Vasquez Peak (12,947'). At about one o'clock is Stanley Mtn. (12,521'), and farther east is Berthoud Peak (11,315'), where Rt. 40 crosses over the divide into Winter Park.
A handful of mountain springs belch up water across trail as we climb, the sound of rushing water always therapeutic for ones stress.
As we traverse along the slope, the landscape opens into a vast alpine meadow. Looking to the horizon, I spot Vasquez Pass ahead at 11,740' el. After crossing a small stream at the bottom of the gulch, trail almost fades into the slope. Time after time, I am forced to simply stop on trail, turn around and view my surroundings.
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| A small depression protects hikers from the wind. |
Sure, I'll be coming back this way again today but it's never exactly the same even from the samp spot later in the day. One should never lose an opportunity to enjoy ones journey.
Some in the group have made it to the pass and are clamoring for a spot away from the stiff cold gusts of wind rushing through the pass.
When I arrive, my fellow-hikers are clustered together in a rock-lined depression at the rim of the pass.
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| The real three Japanese mystic apes; Iwazaru, Mizaru, and Kikazaru |
I join them and break out pieces of a lunch that must be wolfed down. Why? Although it's early afternoon, dark clouds are forming overhead. We know not to question mother nature when she gives an obvious signal to depart.
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| The three Doo Doo Birds; Ed, Gary2 and Gary1 plus Albert |
Our descent goes smoothly. On the way down, we meet some women out for a hike together. One tells me they simply go hiking someplace every Tuesday and Wednesday. We piggy back a few times during the descent.
Close to the bottom, we hear the loud whirrrr of huge fans at Henderson Mine below. The fans are used to draw stale and gaseous fumes from mine shafts deep in the mountain. It is the one annoying sound always when doing this trail.
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| Unnamed mushroom. |
After reaching the spur trail again, we encounter something not seen often on trail. Only once, did I see a full elk carcass in the tall grass off trail. Today, it was the leg of a young deer...hide intact. The animal was likely taken down by a mountain lion.
As we get closer to the bus, rain begins to fall. Seconds later I feel a ping on my forearms...pea-size hail. Light at first, it intensifies briefly before dissipating altogether. It was enough, however to cause many still on trail to stop and don rain gear for the remainder of the trek.
On the bus our clothes, packs and skin is wet but our spirits are flying high.
A stop in the village of Empire capped the day. There was a choice of Dairy King or the Hard Rock both on Main Street.
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| Seated (L to R): Marci Smith, Al Akel, Luisa Sandoval, Penny Geise, and Nancy Bralic. Back Row (L to R): Albert Barritios, Driver/Leader Ed Blum, Judy Shaw, and Jonell Bidwell. Not shown Gary Merical, and Gary Alleman. |
Total Miles Completed = 6.0
NEXT POST COMING SOON: Hike to Blue Lake in Indian Peaks Wilderness. Distance will again be 6 miles, with elevation gain of about 950'.
NOTE: If you don't have a group patch, please contact the writer or see me on your next hike. They are $9.00 each and can be applied to your day pack, windbreaker or fleece or all three if you choose. It designates you as a core member of the High Country Hikers group. It may be the best advertisement you as a member can make to promote the group to others you come in contact with.
Finally: It's only July but start thinking about the annual HCH Gathering. It will be held in early November after the hiking season is over. There will be food, beverages, games, door prizes, and a recap of some of the exceptional places the group has been throughout the 2014 hiking season. A date, time, and location will be announced soon. If you are interested in being part of the planning committee, see the writer
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