Lost Lake - IPW

The atmosphere on the bus was much like a 50th high school reunion.  People were catching up with a fellow group member since their last hike together.  Although there were only 11 people on board, it sounded like a much larger group.  There was much to talk about as Ed guided the bus out of the ACAA parking lot.  It was as if someone had brought a bunch of debate team members on board, each one trying to out talk the other.  It sounded like a group of buzz-saws on auto-pilot...a sign of a tightly-knit group. 

Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass

Based on the weather forecast, my pack included a few items for the first time this hiking season.  A skull cap, knit cap, and glove liners will protect vital parts of my body if the weather turns ugly.  If the temperature remains as forecast, my upper body will be able to shield off the elements with a Capilene layer, then a LS-cotton tee, and a light fleece.


John stops for a trail map as members of the group make their way through stands of Aspen.

Weekend in San Luis Valley

A cold front had arrived in Denver.  With it came a clear message..."Summer is over." With a chill-blocking outer layer added, we boarded the Englewood (Malley) Recreation Center bus.  Destination, Alamosa, in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado.


Mountains of Rio Grande National Forest peek out of morning clouds as we head south on Rt. 17, to Medano-Zapata Ranch.

Boulder Lake

Since relocating to Colorado seven years ago, this hiker has experienced many trails, penned hundreds of pages of text describing those experiences and captured thousands of images in the back country.  Considering all those outings, this is one of my top three hikes...the others being The Loch (RMNP), and Eldorado Canyon...although a number of other trips remain favorites.

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.

Herman Lake

The Herman Gulch TH is located just off exit 218 of I-70, west of Bakerville.  There is ample parking and pit toilets are provided before starting this popular scenic hike.


Dorothy, Penny, Nancy, and JoAnn prepare for the day.