Today, on board were eleven members of the High Country Hikers group, one a newbie. The normal morning rush hour traffic caused little delay before Ed was able to quicken the pace, moving us to the trailhead (TH) by mid-morning.
After a brief pit stop at the Conoco Plaza, at Downeyville, it was on to Silverthorne, then north on CO. Rt. 9 to Rock Creek Road and TH at 9522' el.
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| Trail briefing before heading out. |
The one lane dirt access road snakes across the White River National Forest landscape for a few miles, while gaining 1122' el. High clearance vehicles are a must on this road. Between the deep pot holes to the many exposed rocks in the roadbed, those seated in the back of the bus had what some might consider a bone-jarring experience.
On approach to the TH, some were surprised to find a number of vehicles already parked, their owners already on trail. There are no facilities here, so we were on trail in minutes after arriving.
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| Waiting to cross one of the streams running across trail. |
The spur trail of .5 miles takes us to the junction with the Gore Range Trail. This path would take us by a few bogs, open meadows, and some stream crossings.
This span will challenge hikers with a few hundred feet drop in elevation before arriving at the junction with Boulder Creek Trail. The source of this stream is runoff from Boulder Lake itself.
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| Slippery Jack mushrooms form in 3 - 7" wide caps in various shades of brown. |
Many avid hikers will agree that going down slope is a challenge, albeit more a mental challenge than a physical one. Why, because as one is going down the brain is saying, 'Don't forget you must climb over these same rocks, roots, master the switchbacks, and duck the tree branches, while maintaining some degree of normal breathing, on your way out.'
It's only a mile from this junction to the lake. Trail here follows a line at 9650' to 9750' el. In terms of trail conditions, it would best be described as a bit of everything...exposed and loose rock, tree roots, erosion, standing and running water, mud and an occasional downed tree across trail. They are among the long list of challenges manufactured by Mother Nature, that avid hikers face every time they set foot on trail.
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| The view from waters edge. I didn't want to leave. |
Core members of this group have experienced these and more extreme conditions many times. Rather than complaining, comments range from, 'We are privileged to be able to do this every week,' to 'The challenges on trail are rewarded by the exceptional landscapes found at the destination.'
At the lake, the first observation is that the water level is down considerably from my initial visit in July, 2011. This is the spot chosen for the banner image of this blog.
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| Taking care of the feet that got him there. |
There is no denying the rugged terrain surrounding Boulder Lake is one to be remembered. It includes a number of unnamed peaks well over 12000' el. To the southwest is the tallest Keller Mountain (13085').
We enjoy our lunch at the lake while absorbing the view as long as possible. Boulder Lake is one of many scenic gems tucked away in the 133,496 acre Eagles Nest Wilderness. In addition, there are 180 miles of awesome trail.
Before starting for the TH, ED took a minute to allow his feet to breathe and stimulate them with a massage.
Considering where we would stop for a treat, nobody on board knew of a coffee shop or ice cream parlor in Silverthorne. The town is known for the obnoxious Outlet Mall, poised at the main crossroads in town, catering to passing tourists.
Georgetown was mentioned. The fact that we have stopped there a few times this year made it the choice of the day. When we arrived, we found Ed's Café closed. A stroll down the street brought some in the group to a new spot in town. Bierstadt Books and Beans Coffee Shop is located on 6th street. Recently opened in February, the shop offers patrons the opportunity to play various board games while enjoying the selection of coffee flavors, teas, and pastries. Others chose the Georgetown Candy Company for a large single portion of ice cream.
The drive back to ACAA was slowed on I-70 by a rear end collision, just ahead of the bus, and before the Peoria exit.
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| Group members (L to R): Ghulam Hussain, Albert Barrientos, Nancy Bralic, Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Kathy and John Tedrick, and Gary Merical. Not shown: Jonelle Bidwell, Sharon Bernstein, Ingrid Knight,, and Marcia McBurnett |
Total Miles Completed = 5.8
NEXT WEEK: A 7-mile O&B hike in Deer Creek Basin. Elevation gain is considerable at 1500', so be prepared. Wear comfortable boots with good ankle support. Pack a lunch, rain gear and a minimum of 32 oz. of water.
REMEMBER to mark your calendar for Saturday, November 15th. It's the annual High Country Hikers group Gathering. The event will be at ACAA from 11 to 3 p.m. Dress is hiker casual. RSVP for group members and a guest by October 31st. This season-ending event offers attendees great food and beverages, door prizes, an opportunity to purchase a group patch, and a review of the best images from the hikes in 2014.
A planning committee will be formed in the next few weeks. If you are interested in helping, contact the writer.
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