[at-l] Spring Flings...

[kdpo at pacbell.net (Ken Powers)]

Here I am helping my son put in a patio in 95 degree heat (sunny California,
you know) and you are hiking in the snow capped peaks. I am really jealous!
...GottaWalk
Ken
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Magnanti" <pmags@yahoo.com>
To: <at-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 8:47 AM
Subject: [at-l] Spring Flings...


> (no....not romantic liaisons. Those get me into too
> much trouble. ;-D)
>
> At the base of the Rockies, Spring is coming. As I
> look out the window here in the office, I am looking
> at 8300' (or so) Bear Peak that has just a little bit
> of snow left from a Spring storm this weekend.  Down
> below the peak, the cotton woods are starting to have
> the light green leaves of Spring. The flowers in
> downtown are a riot of colors. On the local trails the
> wildflowers are starting to bloom. In the early
> morning hours the birds are singing an early Spring
> chorus.
>
> It really is one of my two favorite times of the year.
> At this time of the year life seems to hold so much
> promise. After winter, life beings anew! Is it any
> wonder that various religious faith have a major
> holiday at this time of the year? It is a time to
> celebrate and give thanks that the winter is over and
> life is indeed starting again.
>
> This rambling prologue was to say that Spring hiking
> season is starting for me. This past weekend was in
> Estes Park  for my outdoor group's 10th Anniversary
> celebration.  Organized a snowshoe to Deer Mtn in
> RMNP. One of my favorite hikes, it has a great "view
> to effort" ratio. At the summit Ypsislon, Longs and
> other high peaks can be seen. Nearby Estes Park is
> below.
>
> It was a glorious warm, sunny day. We needed snowshoes
> in the AM for sure. We arrived at the summit and
> soaked in the view. As usual for day hikes I organize
> packed in a mini-feast to share: Thermos full of chai,
> pumpkin spice cake, carrot sticks, bag of Fritos (salt
> is KEY on hikes).  A couple nearby saw me pulling all
> this food out and wondered if I cater. :-)
> I mentioned out loud how this is one of my favorite
> hikes. Marni said "Mags, you say that about all your
> hikes!" :-)  Indeed, I do. It is like children, how do
> you choose your favorite?  Some of us made Ms. Frosty
> on the summit. Curvy is the best way to describe this
> snow creation.
>
> Made our way back down and it was more of a hike. The
> snow was melting rapidly and Spring is even making its
> way to the high country!
>
> Great day. Partook in various festivities (slide show,
> mock award ceremony, etc..etc.) and the following day
> did a training trailrun. Tell you want, running at 8k
> feet makes a difference vs. running at 5k feet.
> Somehow  four of us thought running up a windy dirt
> road gaining  nearly 800 feet would be fun. It was in
> a out of breath, heart pounding, sweaty, lung aching
> kinda-way. :-0  Seriously, it was fun. Group training
> runs somehow seem more motivating. As usual Marni and
> I kept the same pace. Josh The snow was starting to
> come down in spurts and was the heavy spring snow of
> Colorado. Went back down the hill and along a trail
> into nearby RMNP. Though we only did 7-8 miles the
> hill climbs made it feel like more!
>
> After the run drove back to Boulder in sunny skies.
>
> All in all a great weekend. Looking forward to more
> outdoor fun this Spring and Summer!
>
> Pics of the snowshoe/hike at:
> http://gallery.backcountry.net/co04?&page=2
>
> =====
> ************************************************************
> The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a
portion of the rainbow I have clutched
> --Thoreau
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