Happy Trails...an essay in the Pueblo Chieftain!

This year, I've taken more time out on the trail to write and journal...this was somewhat by design, as last year I missed some things in my push for miles. And, waiting out afternoon stormy skies created space for writing as well. I am pleased that the Pueblo Chieftain published an essay I wrote during this summer's first stretch on the trail. You can read it by clicking here!

A couple more weeks and I'll be back on the trail!

It's been October since I hiked down into Marshall Pass and completed 2010's Colorado Trail miles. My feet are itching to get back out there, and it looks like the itch will soon be relieved. My plan is to get dropped off at Marshall Pass (which is southwest of Salida) after a dinner in Salida on Thursday, June 23 and get in a few miles. Then, over the next six days, hike to Spring Creek Pass, 91 miles from my dropoff. A couple of issues I anticipate are few reliable water sources over the first 50 miles or so, and then potentially deep snow towards the latter part. As for water, this will require being very careful about where and how far the next creek or spring is. I am hoping the above average winter of snow will help with this issue. Speaking of snowfall...the Colorado high country overall has received 249% of average snowfall this past winter. I've been trying to find out snowpack conditions along this section of trail, as I do not want to deal with long stretches of six feet deep, wet snow. I still have two+ weeks before I am out there, and it is warming up as summer weather takes hold. So I believe I will be ok, but I will continue to find out what I can as my plan is to average around 15 miles each day...deep sloppy wet snow will make that very difficult, and maybe not possible. More on all of this soon...

The Colorado Trail is Calling My Name

As spring begins to hint of its arrival, I am beginning to feel a growing itch to get back out there on the trail. Of course, right now the CT is covered in many feet of snow. But spring brings warmer temps, and when that snow finally melts, my feet will be trekking the final 218 miles of the trail, from Marshall Pass to Durango. As I've been preparing for this Friday's evening presentation of my CT program in slides and song at MPEC, I am remembering some of last year's details and glad to know I have some good backpacking waiting for me this summer. Also, I am presenting this program in Golden, Colorado on April 16 ... if you are in the Denver area, please come by ... email me at mpec@hikeandlearn.org for details. ~ Happy Trails!

Done for the year!

I excitedly started this fund-raising hike on Sections 1, 2 and 3 last May, with snowy signs of winter lingering along the trail. Many summer and autumn miles have since been hiked until this past Monday, October 11, when I hiked Section 15 to Marshall Pass. This was the last section of the Colorado Trail that I will hike in 2010. And winter is already quickly arriving to the CT with snow along the higher parts of the section's 14.3 miles. I am most pleased to have hiked 267.6 miles for Nature education this year, well past the CT's halfway point and my goal for 2010. This leaves 218.2 miles for next year - piece of cake!

Here are a few photos from Section 15 (1. first snow along the trail; 2. on the Continental Divide; 3. looking back; 4. the distant San Juan Mountains, where the trail is heading) - the scenery was gorgeous on a cool but gentle day. It's wonderful what can be accomplished, simply by putting one foot in front of the other. I am already looking forward to next year's miles along the Colorado Trail. Thank you so very much to all who have supported this hike for Nature education!