Midway through the hiking season and tons of jaw-dropping landscapes etched in my memory, one might think there are no more magazine cover caliber images to be captured...think again.
Ten lucky members of the High Country Hiker (HCH) group were treated to yet another outstanding day of hiking in RMNP. It was the fourth trip to the Park this year for the group based at The Aurora Center for Active Adults, in Aurora. It was unfortunate for three members of the group who cancelled. This was one great hike.
The group hiked to Balanced Rock, and Finch Lake, and completed the Pool Loop previously...all in the Park. Each of those outings provided interesting and different landscapes. This hike would not only challenge hikers physically, it would test their emotional resolve as well. Trail today threw every possible challenge (record elevation gain. snow and scree fields, single log bridges, active springs across trail, and a long rocky descent) in the way of hikers.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Preview - Bear Lake TH to Fern Lake TH
High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Bus leaves ACAA at 7:00 a.m. sharp.
This will be a shuttle hike in RMNP. Beginning at the Bear Lake TH, we will be on trail approximately 9 miles. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90's in and around the city. Light breezes and higher elevations will drop to the 80's. Be sure to pack sunblock of at least 30SPF, and wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your neck and face.
This is the longest hike of the summer so do not forget to fill your 70 or 100 oz. bladder to the top. If you use bottled water pack two 32 oz bottles at least for the day. Drink before during and after the hike.
Trail bed will be rocky and dusty. If your feet tend to sweat, pack an extra pair of socks for the drive home. A dry top is also a good idea.
Dress Comfortable. Tops should be made of wicking fabric. Wear sturdy shoes with good tread. Check your shoe strings to insure they are not worn. If so, replace them before you go.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Bus leaves ACAA at 7:00 a.m. sharp.
This will be a shuttle hike in RMNP. Beginning at the Bear Lake TH, we will be on trail approximately 9 miles. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90's in and around the city. Light breezes and higher elevations will drop to the 80's. Be sure to pack sunblock of at least 30SPF, and wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your neck and face.
This is the longest hike of the summer so do not forget to fill your 70 or 100 oz. bladder to the top. If you use bottled water pack two 32 oz bottles at least for the day. Drink before during and after the hike.
Trail bed will be rocky and dusty. If your feet tend to sweat, pack an extra pair of socks for the drive home. A dry top is also a good idea.
Dress Comfortable. Tops should be made of wicking fabric. Wear sturdy shoes with good tread. Check your shoe strings to insure they are not worn. If so, replace them before you go.
Friday, July 5, 2013
How Many Years Remain?
There may be a connection between the fact that my grandfather logged the number of bushels of wheat, oats,and barley harvested each year in his daily journal, and my own fixation on writing in my journal after each hike and recording miles completed. Hiking and multi-day backpack trips have been a part of my life for years. The natural draw to be outdoors goes back to my childhood at Shadeville Farm. I would be outdoors from early morning until I heard Mom call, "Gary, time for supper" from the front porch.
The miles hiked over the years didn't have any particular importance to me until a few years ago I was asked how many miles I had hiked in my life. I had no definitive answer. The question resonated with me for a few months before I decided to compile a detailed account.
It began in 1965 at the age of 19. The first recorded hike in a journal was 5 miles in Colonel Denning State Park, in Pennsylvania. Over the next three decades, hiking was merely a fun thing to do with family and friends.
On summer vacations we hiked with our two daughters. After the kids were grown, my wife and I took many road trips, many with our bikes on the back, and usually found an interesting trail to enjoy. When our oldest daughter settled in Denver with her family, we hiked during visits.
The miles hiked over the years didn't have any particular importance to me until a few years ago I was asked how many miles I had hiked in my life. I had no definitive answer. The question resonated with me for a few months before I decided to compile a detailed account.
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| Folsom Field, campus of CU at Boulder, after running the 2010 BoulderBolder 10K. |
It began in 1965 at the age of 19. The first recorded hike in a journal was 5 miles in Colonel Denning State Park, in Pennsylvania. Over the next three decades, hiking was merely a fun thing to do with family and friends.
On summer vacations we hiked with our two daughters. After the kids were grown, my wife and I took many road trips, many with our bikes on the back, and usually found an interesting trail to enjoy. When our oldest daughter settled in Denver with her family, we hiked during visits.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Jim Creek Hike
For 14 members of the High Country Hiker group, it was a pleasant surprise to step off the bus at near 10 a.m., and feel the coolness of the Colorado mountains. Forecasts were calling for high temperatures of 79 to 84 degrees in Denver. That of course translates up to 20 degrees lower norms in the back country.
A pit stop had been made on the way to the TH (9,177') so that meant hikers would be on trail within minutes after arriving. Trail begins with a lengthy boardwalk leading hikers across an area of wetlands. Trail next becomes a jeep road for a short distance taking us by a campground before narrowing to a traditional mountain path into Arapaho National Forest, and the James Peak Protection Area.
This trail is considered moderate in terms of hiking difficulty. If I were to consider the number of exposed roots, and rocks, mountain springs running across trail, and the number of times I caught a toe or pole on a knarly root or crevice in a rock, I would rate it extremely knarly...otherwise bothersome.
A pit stop had been made on the way to the TH (9,177') so that meant hikers would be on trail within minutes after arriving. Trail begins with a lengthy boardwalk leading hikers across an area of wetlands. Trail next becomes a jeep road for a short distance taking us by a campground before narrowing to a traditional mountain path into Arapaho National Forest, and the James Peak Protection Area.
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| Jim Creek. |
Monday, July 1, 2013
Jim Creek Trail - Winter Park
High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 a.m. sharp.
This O & B hike begins about 10 miles north of Berthoud Pass on CO. Rt. #40. The turnoff is directly across from the main entrance to Winter Park Ski Resort. There are no restrooms at the TH so we will likely stop before leaving I-70.
The first 2+ miles will have substantial canopy for us. Part of the trail is an old jeep road before it reaches a steep section leading to James Peak. Wear sturdy boots/shoes, a cap and sunblock of SPF 30 or better.
Temperatures are expected to be in the high 70's in the city. That means it will be cooler in the mountains so pack a windbreaker. There is no expected rain but again rain gear is always in my pack. This is Colorado remember. Winds will be light throughout the day except for higher elevations.
Trail is relatively straight but keep on the lookout for wildflowers on the slopes. Hikers can expect a light to moderate amount of difficulty on this hike. Bring sufficient water (32 oz. or more) to keep hydrated.
See you on trail
Gary2
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 a.m. sharp.
This O & B hike begins about 10 miles north of Berthoud Pass on CO. Rt. #40. The turnoff is directly across from the main entrance to Winter Park Ski Resort. There are no restrooms at the TH so we will likely stop before leaving I-70.
The first 2+ miles will have substantial canopy for us. Part of the trail is an old jeep road before it reaches a steep section leading to James Peak. Wear sturdy boots/shoes, a cap and sunblock of SPF 30 or better.
Temperatures are expected to be in the high 70's in the city. That means it will be cooler in the mountains so pack a windbreaker. There is no expected rain but again rain gear is always in my pack. This is Colorado remember. Winds will be light throughout the day except for higher elevations.
Trail is relatively straight but keep on the lookout for wildflowers on the slopes. Hikers can expect a light to moderate amount of difficulty on this hike. Bring sufficient water (32 oz. or more) to keep hydrated.
See you on trail
Gary2
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