Words about science and hiking
Another quick overnighter at the end of Cathy’s chemo cycle. One of my favorite day hikes in RMNP is Bear Lake to Moraine Park, taking the shuttle to complete the loop back to the car. It is about 10 miles, is net downhill and goes through the spectacular gorge holding Odessa Lake. Once you get Read More …
There was a permit available for Sunday and Monday night at the end of Cathy’s chemo cycle, so I snapped it up and texted my friends. Dan was able to arrange his schedule and we were set to go. Getting to the Hessie trailhead on a weekend is usually a logistical challenge. Especially if you Read More …
I was planning to do another short trip, this time to Woodland Reservoir in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. But the forecast was not great, with snow predicted at higher altitudes (Woodland is at 10,800 feet). A check of recreation.gov showed RMNP backcountry permits available for walk-ups at sites along the North Fork of the Big Read More …
Another quick overnighter at the end of a chemotherapy cycle. I was a bit surprised to find a permit available for Finch Lake, but I jumped on it, as I am always happy to spend some time in Wild Basin. There was also a permit available on one of the Wind RIver sites along the Read More …
Hiking opportunities this summer will be limited by Cathy’s chemotherapy schedule. Every two weeks she gets infused with two drugs (leucovorin and oxaliplatin) at the cancer center, then is sent home with a pump that infuses 5-fluorouracil over 46 hours through a port. She is pretty wiped out by this regimen for about a week, Read More …
The canyon country of western Colorado is greatly underappreciated as a backcountry destination. It has basically the same geology and topography as the red rock country of Utah, but without the Moab-centered crowds of hikers, campers and off-roaders. It’s also a good deal closer to Boulder. I’ve long had Rattlesnake Canyon on my radar. It Read More …
One of the nice things about winter camping is that you really don’t have to go very far to get that wilderness feeling. Even at crowded trailheads most people just go 2-3 miles and then turn back. The Middle Fork of the St Vrain River is one of the loveliest valleys in the Front Range. Read More …
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 …