Hansons Mill

We started our hike at the Hansons Mill end of Trail #798 at an elevation of about 10,800 ft; we went up to the top of the ridge East of Hansons Mill, a distance of about .8 mile and an elevation gain of around 600 ft. (that's steep!). From there we hiked another 1.4 miles to the #610 road and down it about .5 mile to the trail marker for #798. Some folks decided that they needed to go back so they did.

We followed the trail down for about 3 miles and saw some interesting things, one of which was the West Alder Cr. flowing at a good rate and then suddenly not a drop of water! About 300 yards on down it reappeared with more flow than it had upstream! We also saw a lot of old beaver dams and a very tough trail to hike due to the loose rocks, narrow trail and boulders to dodge around.

All agreed that this trail should be rated "Difficult" end-to-end due to the poor footing, steepness and elevation change from 10,200 at the lower end to 11,400 at the top of the ridge overlooking Hansons Mill.

The mountain that looks like a pyramid is named just that "The Pyramid" and is a lonnnggg ways away......

Next week we will hike the Archuleta trail from Big Meadows reservoir, going up to a lunch spot and then returning. This will be a great hike due to the high volume of water coming down, should see a lot of waterfalls and cascades...........meet at the VCPL before 9AM and bring a lunch, water and a friend.

Dennis

Penitente Canyon

The lucky 13 strolled and climbed through Penitente and Witches Canyons on abeautiful spring day. Strange rock formations, trees growing into the rocks, and the balmy weathermade it a special morning. The La Garita "Special" sandwich seemed to satisfy most appetites. They want more, so next Tuesday, we'll try to surmount the taller of the Twin Mountains. That's a relatively short but taxing climb through the forest, then a walkon lava--wear boots; bring stick. Leave the S.F. Visitor Center at 9 a.m.; pick up valley folks at the Tiger's Den (nee Tin Cup) in Del Norte. There's no restaurant on top, so bring lunch. Keep pets at home, please.

Doug

DSC05165.JPG

DSC05167.JPG

DSC05169.JPG

DSC05172.JPG

DSC05178.JPG

DSC05181.JPG

West Alder Trail

We hiked the lower part of West Alder Trail (798) today, starting at the cattle guard about .5 mile below the junction of FDR610 and FDR611, or 6 miles above the Alder Guard Station. The road is very rough, don't take it lightly. We started at 10,250 ft. and hiked down 1.3 miles and 250 ft of elevation to Alder Cr. We followed the trail on the East side of the creek up to Fish Park, crossing the creek about 50 yards below the trail post. We set up a rock cairn for others to use for guidance. Fish Park is a series of old beaver dams, about .5 miles long. We left Fish Park and up the side of the canyon for another .5 miles for lunch and then came back to the trucks. We came back the longggg way, but a lot smoother, stopping at Blue Cr. lodge for pie, curly fries, coffee and other beverages (non-alcoholic) and then back to South Fork.

We will hike the rest of the trail next Tuesday, starting at the junction of FDR610 and this trail and then on to Hanson's Mill.

Almost everyone agreed that this is an Easy rated trail, no steep hills of any length to tackle. We will see what the rest of the trail is like next week............

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

We will have a Moonlight hike next week, details will follow as they are determined..........

Dennis

Alder Bench Trail

Wayne led us up the Alder Bench trail to the saddle on top where we enjoyed our well deserved lunch and relaxation. When we came back to the trucks we left the trail and came across the Alder Bench ( the trail bypasses the bench) then dropped down into Alder Cr. and followed it back to the Guard station and our vehicles. Dawn fell through the "trap" into shallow water, enough to get her feet wet.............ask her about it sometime.

Next week we plan on going up the West Alder trail, our group has never been on this trail, we will find out how far we can follow it..........

Come to the VCPL next Tuesday before 9AM, bring your lunch, water and a friend.
Dennis

Trash Pick-up

Thanks to all who helped with the trash pick-up.Your efforts are appreciated and do make a difference.
Thanks again
Bill Longfellow

Twin Mtn hike

It's amazing what a 20-35º slope can do to a body. Bill thought this gentle mountain had no walls, but he hit one until lunch revived him. Nancy found some loose dead branches that
slipped, inflicting severe ankle pain, but she walked back to the truck, heroically.

Four got to the top of the taller Twin. The other 9 enjoyed a parallel way down.

Thanks to Mrs. Kelton for the parking area and access. Buy pie and baked goods!

Next Tuesday, someone suggested an "easier" hike. 9 a.m. departure from S.F. Visitor Center. (The Twin Mtn. people will be banished to chilly, damp England, to learn about fell running).
--Doug Knudson

Spanish Trail

It was a wonderful day for a 30 mile ride in the Spanish Trail Area. We climbed a hill and went down a hill. We planned to have lunch by the creek, but found it well guarded by the rattling reptile. No one wanted to dine by the creek after the encounter. We finished at the Wagon Tracks. Thanks to all that went.

George.