Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Del Norte Peak

There were 19 of us that started to the top of Del Norte Peak and all 19 of us reached the summit of 12,400 feet. We took it slow and we had a nice cool day to hike in, this is the first time in several years that all of us reached the summit that started out; who says we don't improve with age?

We will hike from Lobo overlook to the CDT and take it as far as we can, have our lunch and return to the cars........MEET AT 8 AM, BRING YOUR LUNCH, WATER AND A FRIEND.

We will go for a full moonlight hike on Wednesday, Aug. 5th starting at 7PM. We will have a campfire at Shaw Mesa and if you want to roast wieners or whatever I will have a fire and roasting racks available, also hot water for hot chocolate, cappuccino and whatever.......more details will be sent out after next hike.

Dennis

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Continental Divide Trail iPhotos--RGNF

Alberta Peak called 17 hikers plus several dozen Christian Youth Campers. The trail is cleared, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. No water fell on us, but distant thunder got us into the timber. This hike open vistas of huge scale and beautiful topography. The flowers of blue, white, yellow, pink and deep purple add depth and detail to the views.


Next Tues., we'll get back into alpine flowers on Del Norte Peak, weather permitting. (We'll have an alternative ready.) The group recommended an 8 a.m. start! This will give us time to get off the peak before afternoon storms.

Therefore MEET AT 7:55 AM AT THE SF INTERPRETIVE CENTER.


The temperature will be lower than normal. This is big rock country. Please wear broken-in boots--we aren't eager to carry out anyone. If you can't handle 12,000'+ steep uphill striding, you can stay in the saddle or roam around the trails down at 11,000'. We ask for self-discipline and self-control if you haven't pushed yourself hard at high altitude for at least 4 days before this hike.


Bring rain protection, plenty of water and lunch, but no pets, please.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Continental Divide Trail

We hiked the Bonita Pass trail up to the Continental Divide Trail and then on the CDT to Silver Pass and down to the truck. In the process we cut over 30 trees off of the trail, left 2 on the Bonita Pass trail that were too big for my saw to handle and left about 6 on the CDT when my saw went on the fritz. This is the worst I have seen on these trails, must have been some micro-bursts playing around. I will find a larger saw to use and finish the job in the next few weeks...........

We will hike next Tuesday, meet at the VCPL by 9 AM, bring lunch, water and a friend..........

Dennis

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Wheeler Geological Area, Rio Grande NF

Nine of us headed for Wheeler Geological Area. Nine made it. Nine got home well before dark. Judy, Pat, Wayne, Christy, mighty Linda, Laura Parks, Kathryn & Chris Flanigan (last three from North Carolina). It was Chris' 25th birthday; maybe his first in the high country. He met Michael Martin Murphy at dinner that evening--fun for a young musician and for the rest of us.