[at-l] Carousing on the CDT (a trip report)

[pmags@yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

Much to my surprise, there were no car troubles this
weekend. Actually got in a hike!

Now, hiking in late September in Colorado can always
be interesting. On one hand -crisp Fall days, less
people, beautiful views.  On the other hand? The
possibility of snow, cold weather, fierce winds.

Guess what? Had both facets of hiking this weekend!

The theme of this weekend (as dubbed by the person who
orgaznied this trip) was "REALLY BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO
EAT CHOCOLATE".  I figure a hiker we know from Kansas
may appreciate this theme...

The trip took place in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A
gorgeous area that the Continental Divide goes
through. Started at Berthoud Pass (fueled with a 50
cent cup of java..oh yeah!) and saw a rare sight: a
CDT marker!  I always get a bit excited when I see a
trail marker for a long distance trail. Knowing I can
go to Mexico if I head south, or Canada if I head
north, following this suggested route that is poorly
marked..er trail, I can see some awsome places. 

So the five of us hiked up to the divide...when it
promptly clouded over.   No problem. Just typical
weather in Colorado...it will pass.  Ha!  To make a
long story short, hiked along the divide all day in
this overcast weather.  Did some side trails to hike
to the summit of a few peaks, saw some nice views. The
real fun came when we pitched camp.  We were on the
divide at just under 13000'. Then in the wind whipped
up.....then it started to snow.  We also got to melt
snow for our water from the patches lying around.  The
bonus of this snow melt water was the small bugs in
the snow. Mmmm...extra protein.

Managed to cook dinner..resigned ourselves to a snowy
evening. But then the wind died down, the snow
stopped.  The skies became blue just in time for a
gorgeous sunset looking west to the Gore Range.  The
moon was almost full last night, so when the sun set
and the moon rose, a silvery light was everywhere. 
Truly was beautiful place to eat chocolate.  Slept
under the stars and had very restful night. (If a bit
cold when I had to get out of my bag to tend to what
is the natural result of drinking too much hot tea!)

Woke up a to sunrise that surpassed the sunset...

Today, hiked to a peak that is the highest in the
Indian Peaks (and depending which guide book you
consult, the highest on the CDT).  It was sunny and
warm, and spent much time on the summit. Alas, the
name of the peak escapes me right now, I am sure it
will come back to me tommorow morning when I should be
concetrating on other things...   

We hiked off the divide and hiked to the top of James
Peak, took some pictures. Then the skies again clouded
over and it started to thunder. Needless to say, we
boogied down the mountain.  To make things really
interesting, it started to snow, too.

Made it to just above  tree line, and walked to St.
Mary's Glacier. Looked like a dirty snowfield full of
mud to me, but I guess it technically qualifies as a
glacier. 

Below tree line, it was merely sprinkling.  Made it
back to one of the two cars (we parked a car at both
ends of the ridge walk). Then we headed back to
Boulder.

So got to do approx 6000' elevation gain, sleep at
just under 13000', summited quite a few peaks, walked
a bit on the divide, and at some dark chocolate on a
night with a nearly full moon. All in all, not a bad
weekend.

This Tuesday is a full moon. Plan on getting a night
hike. Better bring the long underwear.

And Friday? I'll be in New Hampshire.. :)



=====
************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Listen to your Yahoo! Mail messages from any phone.
http://phone.yahoo.com