High Country Hikers Open 2012

Regardless if it was your first time on trail this year or not, a bright, sunny day greeted us as the bus pulled into the parking lot of Mesa TH, outside Eldorado Springs.  We were a small (8) but anxious bunch of trekkers.  Judy, Jo, and Betty are fresh out of hiking school.  The three attended classes hosted by the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA). Jo was actually trying out a new trekking pole acquired since attending class.

The Flatirons peek out from early morning clouds.

 Had this hike been done yesterday, as scheduled, there may well have been some disgruntled hikers.  The decision to push the hike back a day was the right one.  On trail, it didn't take long for smells of spring to once again be registered.  The only way to experience those smells of spring is to get outside.

Betty and Sharon on the spur trail leading to Mesa Tail.

 The snowfall yesterday was all but gone from open areas.  Sections of trail were snow covered although we were not the first to make footprints.  Sections of trail where snow had melted, were covered in shallow mud or standing water.

Lots of tracks, most of them of the human kind.

 Walking under areas with any degree of canopy, one might think it was raining.  Not with the sun shining brightly overhead, right.  Snow still hanging onto branches from last night, was slowly melting.  The only difference from real rain,  these droplets were COLD!

Trail makes a short up and into dense trees.   

 Lunch today was taken at a nondescript spot just off trail.  Again, a rock formation providing minimal protection from the sun, made the choice an easy one.

Conversation and landscapes are about as good as it gets.

 Traces of vegetation peeked from behind rock formations all day.  The ever present lichens, showed us a wide range of colors and textures on virtually every rock formation we passed.  There were sightings of holly grape, spear wort, and wild rose. 

Experimenting with the time delay feature captures this group image.

 Later in the day, a healthy looking pasque flower, stood solo beside trail.  One area was a photographers delight.  Acres of wild plum bushes in full bloom.

Wild plum flowers at their peak.

 Crossing the bridge over South Boulder Creek, marked the end of a wonderful first hike of the year.  Yes, this morning, we were an anxious bunch. 

A scene to close out a wonderful opening day. 

Chatter at the end of the day centered on the many reasons members of the High Country Hikers group enjoy time on trail together.

From the bridge, looking up stream is Eldorado Springs.

Mesa Trail is a good choice to initiate hikers of all skill levels.  Snow, mud, nor elevation was a negative today.  The experience was an adequate challenge for those who may not have been as active over the winter as some.  For those who were able to get into the back country year round, the day was one more memory, one more journal entry, one more enjoyable piece to life's journey.  

Total miles = 5.2
Total elevation gain = 837'
  

 

 

Don't Assume Your Meds are packed.

Check, recheck, and check again:

When my wife and I moved to Colorado five years ago, our two grandsons, ages 4 and 7, were too young to understand much about my diagnosis.  Of course, they only saw me when I was "on."  That was the case until July, 2010.  I had made detailed plans for a family backpack trip.  It would be a week-long adventure into the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan mountains.of Colorado.

We spent a day riding the Durango & Silverton RR into the Animas River Gorge to the Needleton drop-off.  There, we said goodby to the train and would not see it again for four days.  Thirty minutes after crossing the river, we entered the Weminuch.  Then, thunder, lightening, and yes, rain...pouring rain.  We had 7 miles of rugged terrain to negotiate - all up - and it rained, and rained, and rained.

D & S RR chugs along the Animas River.

 Hours later six exhausted, wet backpackers made it to base camp at 10,500 elev.  Still "on" at that time, I was certain I checked that I had all the meds needed for a few days in the back country.  I WAS WRONG!!

I came to the frightening realization of not having enough meds early on day two.  There was no calling for delivery of meds because there was no cell phone reception.  So I made the best of the situation as possible.  I taught the boys how to prepare a hot meal.  How to dry gear and clothes on rocks and branches.  All the things that would make them "veterans."

Daughter and grandsons playing cards in the meadow outside base camp.

 On day five, we broke camp and were on trail early.  We could not miss the train.  The first thirty minutes went well.  Then it hit me.  What few traces of dopamine were left in my body after hiking, doing normal camp chores, and photographing some of the most awesome back country in Colorado, had since dissipated.

Mt. Kennedy, the scene from inside my tent for three straight days.

 My left knee started to freeze.  I was forced to stop cold every few minutes.  We had over seven miles to hike over trails that were anything but wide, dry, and free of obstacles.

Everyone was patient with Papa, but I felt embarrassed to say the least.  My son-in-law went ahead to the pick-up point and learned the train would be delayed.  Back at my side, both he and my daughter insisted I lean on them and they would carry me out of the Weminuche.

Over thirty of these beautiful high mountain creatures wandered thru base camp.

 So picture a man cinched into an expedition-size backpack, being virtually carried down the mountain like an injured football player coming to the sideline.

Son-in-law, daughter and grandsons in the Weminuche Wilderness.

 We approached the bridge to cross the Animas as we heard the train whistle.  Thirty minutes later, the family and Papa were on board, thinking and smelling that huge meal we would order in Durango.

Do I want to go back to the Weminuche?...you bet I do.       

Improving Ones Quality of Life - Series

#8 Recognize What Makes You Happy:

Many people use the new year resolution as a turning point for making their lives better, happier.  We know how that turns out virtually every time don't we.   

If you consider that happiness is a choice not a (New Year's) gift, that may be THE stumbling block to get over.  We all know someone who has everything (money, status, material things) a person could want and yet they are miserable.  We also know a person who has none of those things, and they are always happy.  How can that be?

Emotions can control you if you let them.  Emotions must be controlled.  Regardless of the situation, your emotions must be kept in check. Use optimistic words like; "I am annoyed at her." rather than "I'm so angry at her." 

Exercise: Studies have shown people who exercise regularly are generally happier.  Aerobics can be excellent for improving mood.

Retrieve a dream, an interest, a reason to get up every day.  Sure you are tired at the end of the day.  Push yourself to call a friend, or family member. You won't regret it.

Cultivate relationships with those who care about you.  We all make promises to keep in touch...then we don't.

Take reasonable risks.  Take a class.  Give a class in something you have a passion about.  When was the last time you said, 'I have always wanted to...?'  Then never make a plan and do what you want to do.  If it takes a class, take it.  Remember the old saying, you are never too old to learn.
 
People who are always unhappy set themselves up to be that way.  They set the bar for happiness so high there is no way they can ever really meet their own standard.  Make rules achievable.  Happiness will be yours much quicker.

If happiness is a choice, then think about the things that make you happy.  That's where happiness starts, in the mind.  You have the capacity to choose what you are going to dwell on so choose to think about happy things.

Being Outside - a prescription for health

What better view to have than one of the Rocky Mountains.  The Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, now gives patients opportunities to view the mountains, even those patients who are restricted to their bed.  Across town, the McKee Medical Center built a labyrinth by its Wellness Walk.  Both of these added features are designed to encourage patients and their families to feel they are close to nature.

According to one study, health care providers like the two in  Loveland, and many across the country are getting the message.  Many are actually prescribing outdoor physical activity to either prevent or treat health problems resulting from inactivity and poor diet.

Good advice...get outside.  Our journey through life should include, walks with nature.  

40 Days and Counting

What's Coming Up?

Over the next 40 days, we will be telling readers all about Parkinson's.  There will be personal stories, and stories how people are coping with PD, how does it affect the caregiver.  With the help of our readers, we will bring these and other stories to you here on this blog.

You may be a member of the PAR staff, a social worker, attorney, or trauma center nurse.  Everyone knows someone with PD.  Contact them, tell them about this blog.  Then ask them to submit an idea, a topic, or a full story to be posted here over the next 40 days.