Words about science and hiking
Long hikes are all very well, but there is a lot to be said for quick trips to your local mountains. Wild Basin comprises the southern portion of Rocky Mountain National Park on the east side of the divide. Bounded by Long’s Peak on the north and St. Vrain Mountain on the south, it is Read More …
Gore Creek to Silverthorne and the Bustang home After the exposure and bad weather of the last few camps, my sheltered and secluded campsite felt cozy and secure, a bit of a sanctuary in the woods. Tall Engelmann Spruce hovered over me, the rocks and river surrounded me, the soft duff underneath cradled me as Read More …
Two Elk Creek to Gore Creek Big mistake last night in campsite choice. It was open and meadowy and the dew covered everything as soon as the sun set. My quilt was soaked before the stars came out. Actually it was not the campsite choice that was bad so much as the choice not to pitch Read More …
Missouri Lakes to Two Elk Creek The rain stopped about 9 last night but the skies did not clear. So I was up and over Missouri Pass early, intending to make up for the miles I missed yesterday. Skies looked bluer to the east and I was intent on outwalking the clouds before they could mass Read More …
Carter Lake to Missouri Lakes The rain mercifully let up last night. I wouldn’t have to pack up in the rain, although I’m not sure it mattered. My hiking clothes were still well soaked, and I would start the day wet no matter the current weather. Getting out of a warm dry sleeping bag, taking Read More …
Fryingpan River to Carter Lake A new candidate for most miserable day of hiking. The day started off ok with a 3-mile walk down the Fryingpan road to the Montgomery Flats trailhead that leads up into the Holy Cross Wilderness. A camper that I chatted with the morning picked me up for the last mile. Read More …
Capitol Lake to Aspen to Glenwood Springs to the Fryingpan River Not much of note on the walk from Capitol Lake to Snowmass. Most folks left the campground at 3-4 am to go summit, so it was pretty quiet when I got up at six. In fact, I don’t think there was another soul in the Read More …
Lost Creek to Capitol Lake After a bit of light rain in the evening the skies cleared for a full moon. The light reflected off the towers above, warm yet aloof, like so much of the natural world. Clouds were back in the morning but quickly dissipated as the sun asserted itself. The morning climb Read More …
Another installment in my series on freeze-drying food at home. Read it here on BackpackingLight.
Anthracite Basin to Marble to N Fork Lost Trail Creek Has it really been only three days? Took a beating again going up the barely existing trail to Anthracite Pass, losing it and having to backtrack or cut over to find it. Recent floods added to the degree of difficulty, with debris flow covering the trail Read More …