Colorado Trail Foundation Fall Newsletter 1996

Yurt Trip in February 1995 President's by Barbara Wasser Corner Two summers ago, I worked for one week outside Durango on the Sliderock portion of The Colorado Trail, near Kennebec Pass. My by Gudy Gaskill crew leader was Merle McDonald. Merle sent out letters the following November to individu- Winter has finally come with als who would be interested in backcountry skiing in the beautiful snow in the high mountains. wilderness country of Hinsdale County, outside the small town of I’m sure that the ski areas were Lake City, Colorado. There would be two groups, seven individu- getting concerned with the late als each. Our trip plan was to visit the John Wilson Yurt, the snows. The rest of us were Rambouillet Yurt, and The Colorado Trail Foundation’s Yurt. I glowing in the wonderful lazy signed up immediately and began planning for my excursion in fall weather. Our family took a February. quick bike ride out of Waterton The day arrived, and we were all set to go. Arthur Canyon to enjoy a bit of The Rankin, Elke Arbitol, Merle McDonald, and my son, Clint, Colorado Trail before the snow Continued on page 4 came in the following day. Now the trail has been put to bed for the winter. Cross-country skiers will be enjoying many parts of the trail as the snow gets deeper. One of the favorites for the Metro crowd is skiing from Kenosha west to Deadman’s Gulch. Other favorites are Searle Pass from Cooper Mountain to Janet's Cabin, as well as Tennessee Pass south to Weir Gulch. Our friends, the Ken Marshalls and the Frank The Rambouillet Yurt Continued on page 2

Tread Lines Fall 1996 1 Continued from page 1 recommendation was accepted by the Tread Lines Kleins like to ski on Molas Pass committee members. is the internal newsletter of the around the lake and west. Years ago Colorado Trail Foundation. It we had four hardy skiers that skied Trail Workshop is published quarterly and The Colorado Trail before the distributed to the Friends of complete route had been selected. Plans are now under way for a trail workshop in late spring in the vicinity The Colorado Trail. They cached food in trees before the snows came. Of the four, two of Marshall Pass. Jeff Hyatt from the The Colorado Trail is a completed the whole trail. We need Salida District is recruiting staff to 500-mile-long, high-mountain to print excerpts from their log . . . help with the instruction. This educational and recreational and the challenge through the Elk workshop will be open to all CT hiking trail that meanders Mountains. I remember one of the Adopters and leaders. Some very through some of the most comments that they made was the basic reviews on maintenance appreciation of the CT layout, problems will be covered. Included beautiful terrain in the state. It keeping the trail away from known will be boggy areas and drainages, stretches from Denver to avalanche paths. Such a trip is only slough, and deep troughing and Durango with many intermedi- for the very few. braiding. Hopefully there will be time ate access points. for raised treads and water dips versus The Colorado Trail Trail Surveys water bars. The announcement will be in the Spring issue of Tread Lines, and Foundation, an all-volunteer, The volunteer hosts of The Colo- it is hoped that many of you can nonprofit corporation, is gov- rado Trail survey met with Gudy attend. The CTF will host a barbeque erned by public agencies and and husband Dave as well as Board afterward. private sector representatives. of Directors member Sam Guyton The Foundation recruits and recently for an evening of food and Weekend Trail Crew good conversation about the goals trains volunteers for trail and future plans on the CT. Julie EMS sponsored Joe Slack's weekend construction crews, coordinates Mesdag volunteered to review the trail crew in the Buffalo Creek area the Adopt-A-Trail mainte- surveys and pull the numbers nance program, and distributes together. A report by each of the information on Colorado Trail hosts and the result of some of the basics in the survey are reported Contents Page activities, trail crews, and elsewhere in Tread Lines. See pages publications. Donations to the 24 through 28. The results will help Soggy Day 6 Donations 6 CTF are tax deductible. with future problem areas and the Food Committee Thank you 7 design of the trail. Crew #4 Report 8 The business address is Crew #8 Report 9 Trail Development in Durango Crew #7 Report 10 Colorado Trail Foundation Crews #10 and #12 Reports 12 P.O. Box 260876 Executive Committee members DC Oakes Crew Report 14 Lakewood, CO 80226-0876 Merle McDonald, Denise Wright, Crew #15 Report 16 Chris Abston, Gudy Gaskill, and Crew #17 Report 17 Board member Bob Moore met Boy Scout Troop 471 18 Pres. Gudy Gaskill Forest Service Letter 19 with independent landscape (303) 526-0809 New Friend 19 architect Paul Wilbert from Bicycling the CT 20 V.P. Merle McDonald Durango to review Durango’s plans Llama Packing 21 (719) 599-4258 to build a trail from downtown Food Committee Letter 22 Sec. Denise Wright Durango out to the CT. The city is Going Home 23 Bolam Pass Survey 24 (303) 973-7461 including this connection as part of the overall plan for trail develop- Chalk Creek Survey 24 Treas. Chris Abston Marshall Pass Survey 25 ment in and around Durango. They (303) 628-4329 Jefferson Creek Survey 26 hope to get a GOCO Legacy fund Spring Creek Pass Survey 27 grant to support this plan. Bob Survey Summaries 28 This edition of Tread Lines was suggested that we accept the trail as Educational Facility 30 compiled by Susan Junkin and a connector but retain the trailhead CT Store 31 Merle McDonald. in the San Juan National Forest. The

2 Tread Lines Fall 1996 last June. As a result of the relocation Gaskills at the top of the hill. (Actu- duplex in Silverthorne. Ernie has of the work area made necessary by ally, follow the CT signs from the spent a great deal of time this fall with the Buffalo Creek fire, the EMS staff gate.) Hope you can join the festivi- CT reconnaissance between the that came out with the goodies were ties! Waterton Canyon and the Mt. unable to find the Camp! (The EMS Princeton reroutes. We are planning T-shirts were distributed later.) Joe’s Looking in on Our Leaders on completing the Waterton Canyon/ crew did such a fine job that they HiLine Canal project this coming received a letter of praise from We have such an interesting group of summer and hope to have the Mt. District Ranger Pam DeVore. See leaders. For those of you who have Princeton reroute finalized in 1998. page 19. Congratulations crew! Such inquired about Bruce Armstrong’s Gudy’s friends got tired of hearing good Teamwork! Thanks EMS. quadruple bypass, it is great to report her moan about her aching toe, so she that he’s doing fine, and Bruce and had it shortened and should be back Event for Long-Term Supporters daughter Marta were a couple of the on skis by early December. Larry hiker/skiers on Kenosha Pass last O’Donnell has had a great trip to For all of the supporters of The weekend. George and Lila Miller just Turkey, hiking in the Eastern Moun- Colorado Trail with a longevity of returned from a much-needed vacation tains and visiting the fabulous Roman three years or more (that is, as in Utah. They explored some of the and Greek ruins. The rest of the time supporters), we are planning a special narrow canyons and basked in the Larry spends volunteering his time for week-long event for you. This is our warm sun. Jon Greeneisen has just the Alexander Foundation. Phil and way of saying thanks to you for returned from a working trip to the Mae Smith have been busy with continuing to support our work. We Ukraine, working for the State church work and keeping the school need you and appreciate your loyalty. Department’s Agency for International bus route going. A unique trip is What comes around, goes around. As Development. Just before his crew in planned for 1997. soon as the trek dates are set, and the August, Jon had been twice to China, availability of the van and pickup are working with the farmers on produc- Future Events known, you’ll be sent a special ing and marketing. Jon has some first- invitation. It will be your chance to be hand stories to tell of conditions and Watch the December Backpacker on part of The Colorado Trail for a corruption. Lynn Mattingly has magazine for an article on hiking great vacation, fun, and a little purchased a B&B in Peonia. It’s seniors. Areas in Colorado are education on the side. called Manor House Farm and is a mentioned, including The Colorado century- old historic farmhouse. Her Trail. Holiday Open House phone number is (970) 527-4414 if Dates for the annual eight- Saturday, December 7, 1996, you are thinking of a charming day back-country ski trip are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. getaway. For those of you who February 15th to 23rd. This trip is weren’t on one of Merle McDonald's limited to six participants and the Our annual Holiday Open House date trail crews, Merle succeeded in leader. Call Gudy to reserve a spot or has been set. It’s not too early to mark climbing Mt. McKinley (20,323 ft) phone the CTF at (303) 526-0809. your calendar and plan on visiting via the traverse route of up the west Complete details will be in the with new and old friends. We will try buttress, over the top, and down the Christmas newsletter. to set up our new multimedia slide classic Muldrow glacier route and show (if we can find a room dark across the tundra to Wonder Lake. enough). Gudy and Dave Gaskill’s The month-long trek included home on Lookout Mountain is the hundred-pound backpacks, where Editors' Note: place. Topic: bring a gift of NATURE sheer icefalls and below zero tempera- for exchange. It’s a good time to tures were the norm. Arthur Rankin purchase your shirts, books, caps, and has expanded his shirt and hat As an all-volunteer organization, patches for Christmas gifts. To get to business to all types of clothing and the CTF divides the administrative the Gaskill perch, take I-70 west to accessories, personalized to your workload among many volunteers exit 254 (Buffalo overlook); turn perfection. Joe Slack has been on at several different locations. north and go under the Mt. Vernon another Ports-of-Call trip to Switzer- Sometimes things get lost in Country Club gate. Turn left (west) at land. A couple of weeks ago, Joe came transit. If you need to have some the first split in the road. Follow the back empty-handed from hunting in administrative business with the road around the hairpin turn to the the Vail area when he was caught in CTF tracked down, please contact bottom of the hill. Pine Song Trail is the snowstorm and incredible road the CTF vice president, Merle the road to the left of a large group of conditions. Ernie Werren and McDonald, at (719) 599-4258. He mailboxes. Follow the road to the Barbara have moved into their will be glad to help.

Tread Lines Fall 1996 3 Continued from page 1 miles, and we were there in first night. Wonderful Chinese headed out to Lake City at 6:45 about an hour. Our first impres- food from Alfalfa’s. What a on the 16th of February. We sion was, “it’s so big.” Actually treat. (The standard fare for arrived in Lake City and visited the size of the yurt is about 14 x breakfast was oatmeal, coffee, John Wilson who is from 16 feet. It is composed of and usually an excellent bread Dallas, Texas, and who owns a heavy-duty plastic, 2 x 4s and with jam.) Once we finished beautiful log home and cabin in plexiglass dome, and clear our meal and cleaned up, we sat Lake City. John was involved plastic at the front of the yurt. up and talked until about 8:00. with the other group. Their Inside we found a wood- Everyone made their itinerary was to ski in to his burning stove, gas range, sink, last trip to the “out yurt” and cabin located in the American two bunkbeds, and several cots. discovered the dark evening Basin area. (The ski-in was 5½ The yurt could house six bursting with beautiful stars. miles on a jeep road.) John’s people. Our first duties were to That was our treat every

A CTF ski-touring group on the Continental Divide between the Rambouillet and CTF Yurts. group would spend two eve- get water for cooking and to evening—star gazing—it was nings in his cabin, ski out, clean stoke the stove. We lucked out spectacular. Once we were up at his house, then head for because there was a stream tucked in, the yurt was quite the yurts. close by, so I grabbed a bucket, magical at night. You could see We had lunch in Lake put my skis on, and headed all the beautiful stars and the City, then headed to the down to the creek. With the moon. It was a full moon on trailhead of the first yurt, the help of Clint, we retrieved our this trip, and one time during John Wilson Yurt. (No relation water supply and put a pot on the night I woke up and gazed to John Wilson from Texas.) for boiling to purify the water. at the dome in the yurt and saw This John Wilson was from We all took turns preparing the moon was dead center in Lake City and was killed in an meals. We were each scheduled the middle, as if it was a spot- accident 15 years ago. The for a breakfast and one dinner. light shining down upon us. mileage to the first yurt was 1.8 Art brought in the meal for the Gorgeous.

4 Tread Lines Fall 1996 The fire was stoked relaxed after a vigorous day and it was cozy. There were through the night, and when coming in. This yurt was platforms with mattresses and a morning arrived it was a tad constructed of poles, bark loft upstairs for additional chilly but so warm and snug in removed, set in a tepee manner. sleeping. The porch was beauti- the sleeping bag. We all got up Same construction, only differ- ful. We faced a gorgeous and enjoyed a leisurely break- ent carpet! Each yurt had a mountain, with fast, and the yurt White Cross was warmed Mountain to the within half an southwest and hour. We packed American Basin to up and headed to the west. We all our second yurt, congregated on the the Rambouillet. porch and had a We set out in the contest trying to dense forest and guess the tempera- had an elevation ture that afternoon. gain of about 93 degrees!! There 800 feet. Clint was a spring 50 had snowshoes yards away that and broke trail was a dream; the for us through gurgling was four feet of mesmerizing and snow. Thank American Basin in winter. tranquil and the goodness for water, wonderful. skins! We arrived We skied to at the top of the incline, and we porch on the front, so we American Basin the next were still in dense forest. We basked in the sun and enjoyed morning; it was spectacular. headed north and saw orange the beauty surrounding us. The Then we skied back and packed marker flags on the tree and third yurt, the CTF Yurt, was up. We all headed out, and continued to follow the trail not complete, so we spent two because Clint did not have skis, when Jerry Grey appeared. nights in the Rambouillet. We it was slow moving for him (He is the builder of the yurts toured the next day toward the downhill. He rode on the back and maintains a section of The CTF Yurt, had lunch, then of my skis a few times—what a Colorado Trail by Lake City.) headed up the lookout point kick. It was a staggering glide, We followed him out of the and had a spectacular view of stop and start; either I would be forest as he staked the trail for the San Juans. Our last day, we out of control or Clint would the second group. We arrived at skied out and headed back to jump off because it was such a the mesa, had lunch, and John Wilson’s home for much- spasmodic ride. We made it continued our skiing to the needed showers. It felt so good. down to the car and had a lot of Rambouillet Yurt (about 4.5 No more greasy hair. We stayed laughs skiing out from the miles from the John Wilson at John’s home that night and cabin. Clint and I had a great Yurt). It was a gorgeous day, headed for his cabin the next time, along with all of our other and we had spectacular views. morning (Monday), 5½ miles companions. It was a trip I will The mesa seemed to go on for in. The cabin was nestled in the never forget. Check with Gudy miles, expanses of land that forest and was so great. John for information on this year's went on forever. We arrived at had installed a wood-burning yurt trip. the Rambouillet, settled in, and stove with a catalytic converter,

Tread Lines Fall 1996 5 Soggy Day, Soggy Food, Soggy Packers by Pat Nagorka, CTF Food Chairperson

It was not a pretty all this stuff before it could go organizational skills. picture. Packing day and the in another box. I threw the The mountain of soggy clouds were low with a cool soggy boxes down the base- boxes eventually dried out, and breeze (cold wind?), but it ment stairs, kept a steady most went to be recycled. I really looked as if it would burn stream of towels going to and think George should return his off. I had three calls asking if from the dryer, and mopped the fancy, expensive raincoat that we would still be packing, and, floor when it became danger- soaked him all the way through. “Oh, by the way, it is raining ously wet. In cleaning up, I found a rain- here,” I was told. We tried putting boxes coat, two large pieces of, I “It won’t rain, and of foods that had no inner bag think, waterbed liner? sack? but we’re going for it,” was my —Minute Rice, to name one— it made great cover, plus an- standard reply. in the oven to see whether they other tarp. They are here wait- And they came. And we would dry out. As you may ing to be claimed. started. We had a good start; in know, it did not work very well. THANKS AGAIN fact, some people were packing I’m sure someone on kitchen EVERYONE. the boxes. AND IT RAINED, duty had to scrape the rice off and rained and rained. the sides of the box. The really It started as a steady wet ones were replaced; fortu- Donations rain, not heavy, but not some nately, there were a few extras. light, fuzzy drizzle either. Boy! All in all, it was quite a Thanks to our friends who These people can move fast day, quite an experience, but have answered the call for when the situation calls for it. such teamwork has to be donations of hard-to-find Raincoats and slickers appeared acknowledged. The crew did a equipment. Jenny Kent has out of nowhere. We terrific job despite the weather. donated a stove-top oven HUSTLED, slitting big orange Only a video camera could and a hand-crank ice cream highway bags, throwing them have caught the true hilarity freezer; Sally Snyder found over the piles of food, stacking and pathos of the day. Of a stove-top oven for the boxes, throwing bags over course, it finally stopped Educational Facility; and them, trying to waterproof raining 20 minutes after the last Kathy Howard has sent a everything as much as could be person left. hand-crank ice cream freezer done. It was the largest crew from her home in Arizona. We ate lunch, had a ever to pack food—15 people! Things still needed are good time, and discussed our Sorry we didn’t get a group folding tables and chairs. A options. GO FOR IT won out. picture afterward, but you wood-heating stove and a We would have three packing understand. propane-burning apartment- centers—living room, hall, and THANKS TO Bruce sized cooking stove are family room. No sense in Armstrong, Lois and Tracy needed for The Colorado everybody getting wet, so Cochran, Marilyn and Rick Trail Foundation Yurt. Also, Denise, George, Rick, and Eisele, Nancy and Roger some very large cooking Roger did most of the retriev- Gomas, Lila and George pots (20 quarts) with lids ing of the now very soggy Miller, Harriet Patton, Arthur would be appreciated. If you boxes and food piles. Rankin, Phil and Mae Smith, have any of these items to I cleaned out my towel and Denise Wright. A special donate, please contact Gudy shelf as now we had to dry off thanks to Denise for her great at (303) 526-0809.

6 Tread Lines Fall 1996 THANK YOU TO THESE COMPANIES THAT VERY GENEROUSLY DONATED FOOD FOR THE COLORADO TRAIL CREWS

ALAMO DISTRIBUTORS—RON HAMILTON CHIPS

ARCHWAY COOKIES—DAVID SULKOWSKI COOKIES

EARLY BIRD FOODS—JOHN ROITSCH GRANOLA

H J HEINZ CO.—GARY ALLISON, MIKE HELEGSON KETCHUP, MUSTARD, RELISH

KING SOOPERS—DON GALLEGOS/RUTH RICCIO GIFT CERTIFICATES

*KRUSTEAZ—CONTINENTAL MILLS IN KENT, WA PANCAKE MIX

KUNER EMPSON CO.—BOB SIEFERT CORN ‘N PEPPERS, DICED CARROTS

NESTLES FOOD CO.—KAREN OLSON CANDY BARS, HOT CHOCOLATE, BREAKFAST BARS

*ORIGINAL NUT HOUSE (HOODY’S)—CHUCK SMITH IN LOS ANGELES, CA PEANUTS IN THE SHELL, TRAIL MIX

*MRS SUTLER’S SNACKS—DAVE GREENHOUSE TRAIL MIX

STOKES/ELLIS FOODS—PAT BAYHOUSE CHILI WITHOUT BEANS, CARROTS, KIDNEY BEANS, GREEN BEANS

The Colorado Trail Foundation, the Food Committee, and—most of all—the Trail Crews appreciate the generous donations from these 11 companies. All of us associated with the trail can show our appreciation by buying products from these companies, and I hope you will do so. I also want to thank Scott Pierce at Colorado Closeouts for his price cuts and ‘deals’. MANY THANKS to all these companies for the help and cooperation I get when I call for donations. *These Companies are new this year. Food chair, Pat Nagorka

Tread Lines Fall 1996 7 Trail Crew #4 Report by Phil Smith, Crew Leader

A great team of 12 met at the could almost walk on it bare- I asked the crew to jot Saguache Ranger Station of the foot! The trail work was done some impressions about this Rio Grande National Forest on primarily through rock in this week, and here are some July 6, ready and willing to area. responses: “This is not easy make a difference on The On Wednesday, Josh work—but roasting miniature Colorado Trail. We jumped into Logan didn’t take his day off, marshmallows over an outdoor our vehicles and played follow but worked the entire day for fire is well worth the effort.” the leader 30 miles to our extra community service hours! “My hands will hardly hold the campsite. Fortunately, this year All but 5 of us went to pen.” “The mosquitoes are the road was dry and we had no Gunnison on the day off, where aggressive.” “Trails have taken problems en route. they shopped, bathed, and had a on a different meaning.” “It's The crew consisted of massage. (I wonder why!) Our only the first day!” “Tuesday: I Bob Ballou, Pueblo; Anne now appre- Biddle, Grand ciate a well- Junction; maintained Susan Deady, trail; how- Brenda ever, I’ve McCord, never seen Linda 36" of baby Parker, Miss butt trail Jo Standley, before.” and Alison “This sure Walker, all tells you from the what is Dallas area; really Crew #4 Josh Logan, important— Colorado thanks to one of the crew a nice, dry bed, good food, and Springs; Charlie Sloan, Jr., members who brought back to friends to laugh (and complain) Vienna, VA; Phil and Mae the cook tent a gift of pot with.” Smith, Castle Rock; and later holders and dishtowels! Five of We had it easy on in the week, Theresa Badylak, us went to a newly erected going-home Saturday in that we also from Dallas. monument on Sargent’s Mesa, were able to leave the potty Realizing that numbers which is dedicated to the tent, the shower stall, and both aren’t always a primary indica- nations that fought in the wars large tents and stoves and other tor of what is accomplished, of Southeast Asia. It is a most equipment in place because nevertheless it gives some unusual memorial, and every- another crew was going to use perspective. On Monday, the one was glad they went. Inci- them in this location in two newly-inducted crew completed dentally, it’s just a stone’s weeks. Everyone appreciated 672 feet of trail; Tuesday, 732 throw away from where The that—except my wife who had feet, Thursday, only 459 (they Colorado Trail crosses that to see that all the food was were worn out from a “day off,” area. It is hoped that the Forest packed in the back of my truck I guess); and 936 feet on Fri- Service will soon publish a to take home! day—a total of 2799 feet And brochure about this. this is “baby bottom soft”—you

8 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Cumberland Basin #1, Crew #8 Report by Joe Slack, Crew Leader Leader: Joe Slack foliage, stones, and brush, and about the good work done by Coleader: Herschel Smith making smooth tread, etc. In a this hardworking crew. USFS Coordinators: Larry few hours, only touch-up On day 3, Elfriede, Johnson and Gary Mason advice was needed. In the Mike, and Herschel did the meantime, Larry Mack began final “polish” work on the Project: Build new tread; repair demolishing a couple red finished tread while also keep- the old; install water bars and sandstone ledges in our tread’s ing an eye on our campsite so diversions; install and relocate way. passing hikers wouldn’t be vehicle barriers; install and During lunch break on tempted to loot. The rest of the relocate posts with trail mark- day two, Mike Johnson, crew, with all tools, hiked ers. Work area from Columbine District Ranger, approximately 3 1/2 miles Cumberland Basin parking area visited the crew. He praised the round-trip to near Taylor Lake eastward to, to repair on at least, old, badly Kennebec eroded Pass. tread by pulling in Crew edges, members: removing Richard brush, Byrd, installing Cassia and water bars, Steve and re- Cearley, Front (left to right): Elfriede Shoemaker, Linda Rowe, Mike Robinson, Cassia Cearley, building Lois and Tracy Cochran, Jim McIntosh, Richard Byrd, Chris Fulenwider, Lois Cochran. Back Row: switchbacks. Tracy Larry Mack, Herschel Smith, Sean Tangeman, Lee Umscheid, Kitty and Steve Cruser, Electa Marney Jewell, Matt Heider, LaVern Nelson, Jason Crews, Rolly Rogers. Not shown: Steve Cochran, Cearley and Joe Slack (photographer). Draper, The Jason Durango Crews, Steve and Kitty crew on the length and excel- Herald Managing Editor, and a Cruser, Chris Fulenwider, lent tread that had been made in photographer arrived here for a Matt Heider, Marney Jewell, such a short time. By the end of visit. Both commented about Larry Mack, Jim McIntosh, day two, 3/10 mile of new tread the heavy labor. Many photos LaVern Nelson, Mike was completed except for a were taken, and several mem- Robinson, Rolly Rogers, couple small spots needing bers interviewed. Joe escorted Linda Rowe, Elfriede Shoe- touch-up. them so Electa could hike on maker, Joe Slack, Herschel Joe accompanied Mr. our newly built tread, view our Smith, Sean Tangeman, and Johnson on a visit through our campsite, then go to her car. A Lee Umscheid. wonderful campsite, then over color photo of Kitty Cruser Starting at the parking Kennebec Pass and onto an old wielding a pulaski highlighted lot to build new tread, the crew mine road where he could view, the very nice, informative, and was quite widely spaced. Tracy, across the valley, the Sliderock crew-pleasing front-page article Rolly, and Steve Cruser helped Trail that was completely of the newspaper’s July 26, Herschel and Joe instruct new rebuilt by three crews in 1994. 1996, edition. crew members in removing Several times he commented Continued on page 11

Tread Lines Fall 1996 9 Trail Crew #7 Report by Betty Taylor and edited by Phil Smith, Crew Leader

Saturday July 20, we drove by returned to camp and fully appre- War, both friend and foe. In that caravan from Saguache Ranger ciated what it meant to have a mountain meadow, scattered out in Station to our section of the CT. camp cook (something I’d not all directions from the monument- Our drive through the rocky open seen in the four other crews I’d like shrapnel, were marble mark- spaces of the San Luis Valley was been on). While we tried to rinse ers honoring the troops from every dry and brown but with beautiful away the dust and grit, Mae country in their own language. far-off vistas of the craggy Sangre prepared a feast of chicken, rice, This high meadow, the wildflow- de Cristos. We wound our way up and stir-fry veggies. Around the ers, the wind in the pines, the a rough mountain road to a clear- campfire, personalities began to distant lowing of cattle, and the cut area near the Continental emerge to go with the names and mountain vistas to the north and Divide, just east of Razor Park. faces of our small crew. Slowly east. How far we were from the Large piles of dead lodgepole we transformed from a “group” to battleground—yet how close. On pines littered our base campsite. a “team.” the way back to camp, Ohio Jim, Years ago they had been cut and Tuesday, roots slowed us Marilyn, my son Paul, and I left by loggers, as an eyesore and down, and we completed only a discussed our memories of war embarrassment to the Forest little over 300 feet of trail. We times. It seems every generation Service. However, around the swung the ax heads of our grows up with one. That night as campsite the lodgepoles grew so Pulaskis at the stubborn boot- Texas Jim and Clint washed the dense and so tall, the only ground grabbers. Texas Jim (one of two dishes, they begged us not to tell cover was in the clear-cut area— Jims) decided roots were the bane their wives that they had such a so the wildlife came here to feed. of trail building. Clint, the opti- skill—but we have the pictures! We set up camp, and our small mist, said something about using Thursday was a very crew of nine enjoyed a perfect our “weak minds and strong backs tough day. We picked our way view of the new moon and a sky to overcome,” and to “do or die,” through only 200 feet of rock and full of stars. and even “it just doesn’t get any trail dust. Texas Jim decided that Sunday afternoon we got better than this”! We admired his day that rock was definitely the initiation into what it meant to be optimism even when we doubted worst part of trail building. At the a member of a CT crew. Phil it. That night from our campfire, campfire, Clint brought out Smith led us up to the ridge to we watched a brilliant lightning popcorn to share and told us how teach us how to safely use show flashing down on the wonderful all of this work was and Pulaskis, McLeods, picks, and prairies to the east. how we just didn’t have to use our rock bars. We worked two hours in Wednesday is usually a minds at all! Eating Mae’s ice the heat of a very hot day—even day off. But our eager group cream for an incredible second at 11,500 feet! We kicked up a lot worked part of the morning (Phil time in one week, we wholeheart- of dust and just couldn’t seem to bribed us with promises of a edly agreed with him! (Remember get the knack of it. One of our shower at the ranger station—a the air is very thin up there.) We crew even “jumped ship.” We luxury afforded because we were hit just about every topic at those became a crew of eight. But that so small and shortened workdays campfires—religion, politics, evening, Mae Smith’s barbecued all week). As we left the trail, economics, regional jokes, flower brisket and ice cream and the having completed 150 feet, Texas and fauna identification, and, all camaraderie around the campfire Jim was wondering if roots were being veteran trail builders, we lifted our spirits. (We had been really the bane of trail building, or shared the stories of past crews. given special, written permission could it be the rocks? Having hit Phil, Ohio Jim, and Marilyn had to have evening campfires!) rock on the trail that day caused probably hiked the most miles, Monday, we worked hard some indecision. We spent the rest and not just in Colorado. Marilyn and ate more trail dust—some 600 of the day on Sargent’s Mesa, has trekked the world, and was an feet of it! We were beginning to exploring a tall marble monument inspiration to all of us. catch on. Tired and dirty, we to all who fought in the Vietnam

10 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Friday, we completed 492 surely try to make the best of it. it was! feet of trail, a real feat for our Saturday, we worked fast This great crew was made little team. We felt satisfied, and hard to dismantle everything up of Clint Britt, Houston, TX; proud, strong, tired, and sad/glad and leave the campsite looking Paul Marchand, Fort Collins, CO; it was over! Sad to be saying like we’d never been there. Then Jim Reder, Keller, TX; Marilyn good-bye to our Robinson, new friends, and Golden, CO; Jim glad to be Sprague, Parma, returning to hot OH; Betty showers and Taylor, Fort being able to Collins, CO; and stand up straight Phil and Mae when we pulled Smith, Castle on our pants in Rock, CO. the morning. We were all happy about this except for Clint. His usual optimism dissipated as he wondered how we were sup- posed to go back Day off—Visiting the memorial on Sargent's Mesa to to a bed and those who fought in the Vietnam War. clean sheets after all this. He quickly recovered, we went our separate ways, however, promising that he’d thinking about what a great week

Continued from page 9

Day 4 consisted of rock. This and a hiker’s report removal, USFS latrines were relocating old barriers and of downed trees near timber’s over 1/4 mile away, dishwater placing new ones to control off- edge were given to USFS and disposal holes and shower stall road vehicles. New signposts the next crew leader. had to be off the plateau, and were planted and old ones A USFS Ranger gave a no open fires were allowed. relocated. A number of water splendid talk to the crew con- USFS supplied two two-burner bars and/or diversions were cerning the significance of the and one three-burner stoves made on the west side of new archaeological nature of with propane tanks. Kennebec Pass plus about four our work area. Since camp was As usual, the Colum- down the east slope to near the located in this newly designated bine District’s support was Sliderock area. Joe and Steve site, all food, tools, equipment, superior! Cearley cleared loose rocks off personal gear, etc., must be the tread in the slide area. A hand carried or wheelbarrowed section about 15 feet wide, about 1/4 mile from our ve- which seemed stable, is creep- hicles to camp. Camp routines ing onto the tread and could were changed: all garbage and have a few tons of loose, fine trash was bagged for USFS

Tread Lines Fall 1996 11 Powderhorn Wilderness Area, Crews #10 and #12 Reports by Arthur Rankin, Crew Leader

The original plan for these two kitchen table; Glenn Kepler, Coloradans), we had a mere six crews was to relocate the Roy Kepler, and Brendon but hardy volunteers to show overgrown trail along Middle Egan, “Solar-wind” shower; for the second crew, #12 (Ben Fork Creek, a valuable wildlife Tom “Rockbar” Ferriter, Ramage from New York, the and plant riparian valley, to a Jack Rogers, and John Ross, only one to endure both weeks, less ecological location along the sweetest, steadiest stove one Bostonian, one Texan, and the ridge, leading to our desti- table ever in the Powderhorn; 3 Coloradans. We also had a nation, Hidden Lake, at 11,400- and fireside benches of aspen very wide range of ages on both foot elevation. This task would and volcanic rock constructed crews, from 13 to 65. prove more difficult than by Eric Lubell, Kari Malen, And yes, Arden was Arden Anderson, BLM recre- and Ben Ramage. And organi- able to lay out an easier and ation manager, pathfinder, and zation of the meals and kitchen even more scenic route that cowboy poet could imagine. during all this commotion was utilized approximately half of These were backpack- being done by Virginia Lane our camp trail. This reroute ing crews, and once one real- and Nathan Roth. forked left and traversed the ized he or she had survived that After constructing the ridge through a lovely aspen tortuous climb and finally 1/3 mile section of new trail grove overlooking the creek arrived at our chosen campsite, from Middle Fork Creek, where valley and beaver ponds below. located across a scenic tall the Kepler-Ross crew built It connects with the old trail grass meadow in a beautiful TWIN bridges, to our campsite just below where Arden had quaking aspen stand, one most on the ridge, we came to an initially laid out that god- surely felt they could contend impasse. Because of boulder forsaken, impossible reroute with and overcome any chal- fields between camp and our back to camp! lenges that might lay ahead. destination, Hidden Lake, we Our two retired colo- were unable to continue di- nels, Roger Gomas and Grady Trail Crew #10 rectly up the ridge. We spent Monk, who so graciously Thursday and Friday refurbish- volunteered to cook breakfast And respond they did. Crew 10 ing approximately one mile of each morning, start the camp- arrived to find only a cook tent trail along the upper section of fire, and prepare and set out our provided and soon went to Middle Fork Creek. So, after all lunches for the days’ work work creating, engineering, and their toil and sweat, Crew 10 ahead for Crew #12, also building one of the most re- left without knowing whether managed to find time from spectful camps imaginable, all or not their vigorous and fishing to help build this beauti- without the first nail and beautiful trail work had been in ful section of trail. The fishing hammer, drill, or skill provided. vain. for both cutthroat and brookies Constructing these most admi- was fantastic by the way, which rable facilities were J.J. Trail Crew #12 most certainly can be attested Kleckner and Carole Colletti, by Crew #10’s fishermen Col. “the one-hole-on-the-hill”; Where there were 17 volunteers J.J. Kleckner and Tom Greg Lane, Rand Jenkins, plus Arden and me in the first Ferriter. Jason Carmichael, and Rich- crew (10) (four Floridians, two We also were able to ard Roth, our aspen logged, New Yorkers, one from Penn- complete another approxi- triangular, hold-everything sylvania, and the rest of us mately 1/3 mile reroute around

12 Tread Lines Fall 1996 the muddy riparian creek area at the top section of the Middle Fork, that traversed off to the left through a conifer forest and to our destination, Hidden Lake! We were able to accomplish this because of the hard and diligent work by “first- timers” Julie Chose, Lauri Wardell, and Marie-Jeanne Lombardi along with Ben “Rockman” Ramage. SUCCESS! VIC- TORY! MISSION ACCOM- PLISHED! Whatever!!! Thanks to all you volunteers who so graciously spent Crew 10—Sitting (left to right): Brendon Egan, Rand Jenkins, Kari Malen, Richard Roth, your time and energy to give Glenn Kepler. Standing (left to right): John Roth, Roy Kepler, Nathan Roth, Jamie, Tom something back. And a Ferriter, Pat, Carole Colletti, Greg Lane, Virginia Lane, Arden Anderson, Ben Ramage, Jason Carmichael, Eric Lubell, Jack Rogers, J.J. Kleckner. special thanks to those summer Sherpas: MATT, STEVE, PAT, AND JAMIE—without whose rotating in and out for two weeks with backpacks of food and other provisions, along with building trail, we wouldn’t have eaten or finished our goal. Arden, Ben, and I also helped with these arduous tasks. And a big cheer for Arden for his articulating all his wonderful stories and poems around the campfire each evening, and thank goodness for “99”! Crew 12—Matt, Marie-Jeanne Lombardi, Jamie, Julie Chose, Grady Monk, Lauri Wardell, Roger Gomas.

Tread Lines Fall 1996 13 DC OakesTrail Crew Report by Jeanie Craig and Phil Smith, Crew Leader

It was a privilege to have worked Here are some remarks from the about each other and ourselves, again this year with teens from the crew. and none of us would ever want to Daniel C. Oakes High School here “Fifteen students from the Daniel forget what we’ve learned on this in Douglas County. The crew C. Oakes High School set off on a week of work on The Colorado worked on The Colorado Trail/ trip which none of us will ever Trail.” Continental Divide Trail north- forget. Seven nights and eight days west of Saguache in the Rio on The Colorado Trail was our Michelle Holt Grande Forest. The crew was able destination. This trip taught us all to put in two switchbacks and a little lesson about ourselves, “Daniel C. Oakes High School, complete 2400 feet of tread. The about what we have in us, and a bit under the direction of teacher tread was made three feet wide about life. Every day we worked Greg Simons, is grateful to the because of the slope of the hill. was a struggle in our own minds CTF for instilling the true work This part of the trail reconstruc- and a struggle physically. It would ethic in our students. It’s hard tion was begun last year by have been so much easier to quit, labor, but the students leave the another group of students from the yet so much more meaningful to trail-building week with a true Daniel C. Oakes High School, at succeed. . . .The choice was ours sense of accomplishment, self- Lujuan Pass. After next year’s to make, and we all finished our esteem building and great life-long crew, the trail will be completed to job to the best of our ability. It memories.” the top of the hill, which is about wasn’t an easy task—every two miles of trail. morning seemed a little colder, “As a parent-volunteer chaperone The crew was made up of every day a little longer, and all the and an activist for our school, I am the following: work seemed a little harder. Now truly impressed at what CTF has 15 teens: is our last night and I believe done for our students. Mark Arias, Sean Barden, everyone feels some sadness about Melissa Blanchette, Mike leaving, but very proud of what we Mae and Phil Smith are good role brown, Dustin Clerk, Adams accomplished. We learned a lot models for our teens, and their Craig, Lee love for Harrison, Colorado Michelle shines Holt, Jason through in Korte, Dixie all they do. Manzanares, Their James volunteerism Odette, Eric is a great Trikel, Ryan example to Wells, Cliff us all. Whitetree, Thanks and Amy again CTF, Wright. and Mae and Phil!" 2 sponsors: Jeanie Craig Jeanie Craig, Greg Simons

DC Oakes High School Volunteers in camp at Lujuan Creek 1 cook: Mae Smith

14 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Cascade Creek 1, Trail Crew #14 Report by Kathleen Hicks The Cascade Creek 1 trail crew, the crew had reached camp, began trail. Larry Mack seemed to earn led by Lynn Mattingly from setting up tents and wandering his name as rock man (in my Jamestown, Colorado, was quite about. Not too much was going to book), and I don’t think my father an experienced and diverse crew come out from this first night as, will forget him saying, “If it this year. We ranged in age from already, we had a case of altitude moves, I’ll kill it.” the teens to the 60s. Volunteers on sickness, the flu, and a recovering By Thursday we had this crew managed to work included the our way out of following: the rocks and into John the roots. So, if it Brookman, wasn’t one thing, from Fort it was another, Collins; and right beside Marilyn Eisle us all along were from Littleton; those biting flies! Steven Kin, By the end of the Peter Owen, week, we had and sons Peter managed to and Will rework lots of Crew 14 with the Cascade Creek valley and Grissley Peak in the background. Owen, from Standing left to right: Kathy and Rod Hicks, Marilyn Eisele, Uta McDonald, Steve trail—some new, Midland, Kin. Seated: Ted LaMay, Peter Owen, Lynn Mattingly, Collette Lottor, Will Owen, some old. Michigan; John Brookman, Merle McDonald, Paul Van Beusichen, Larry Mack, Pete Owen. Two Collette unique events Lottor, from Longmont; Paul Van eye injury, among a few of our managed to make this crew's Beusichen, from Denver; Denise volunteers. Sounds like our crew experience in the mountains even Wright, from Morrison; Merle may have been jinxed, but it didn’t more enjoyable. On Tuesday, one and Uta McDonald and Larry stop us from some great trail work of the horse rangers, camping out Mack, from Colorado Springs; and good times throughout the not far from our site, brought in a and two beginners to CT trail week. couple boxes of fresh Colorado work, my father Rod Hicks and This crew’s purpose was peaches. The peaches were me (Kathleen Hicks), from to rework the trail between the end GREAT—they lasted throughout Colorado Springs. During the of 1994 crew work, east of the week and made for a wonder- week we were also joined by Cascade Creek, up to join the trail ful dessert. Many thanks go to the Larry Johnson (of the U.S. work coming down from Rolling rangers whose generosity was very Forest Service) and Ted LaMay. Mountain Pass. We started below appreciated! Later Tuesday We met and shook hands Rolling Mountain Pass, working evening we were greeted with a on Saturday in Durango and soon our way down. Over the course of warm thanks for our trail work after began the drive into the the week, we successfully put in from two through hikers, Emily mountains to prepare for our two new switchbacks, and six and Matt Calspell, from Hono- backpack in to the campsite. The water bars, and hauled out more lulu, Hawaii. The two of them and drive was quite a feat in itself; than enough rocks! Throughout their llamas had been on the trail however, after a rough and bumpy the week, it was quite common to since June 27 and expected to be hour and a half, we made it. After hear “Rock Bar!” every five hiking for another five days. We collecting our pulaskis and hard minutes or so as another rock had a great time photographing hats, we each set off to backpack would need to be hauled out of the and petting their llamas as well as in to our campsite near Rolling ground. Often enough, a team of listening to them talk of their Mountain Pass, roughly 4.5 miles about four volunteers would pull journey. Emily and Matt set up in. Between a total of two hours to together to gut out a boulder that Continued on page 17 four hours of hiking, members of would leave a gaping hole in the

Tread Lines Fall 1996 15 Unslogging the Bog: Lake Ann 1, Trail Crew #15 Report by Jon Greeneisen, Crew Leader

Crew 15 camped a couple of miles rockboxes, and set to work. day cutting and building ¼ mile of east of Ann’s Pass in the Colle- The task called for removal of new trail on up into the forest. We giate Peaks Wilderness to build about 10 inches of willow roots were pleased with what we had another section of the Gunnison and muck to get down to solid accomplished, but we couldn’t Spur. Gene Cash’s Crew 11 the ground, lining the 36-inch trail have done it with such dispatch week before had selected a with boulders to hold it in place, without a strong base camp beautiful site—wildflowers, views laying in at least 6 inches of rocks support crew: Coleader Bob of Huron Peak, a rushing stream, and covering it with at least 6 Hughart, camp engineer, and even a neighborhood moose—and inches of good soil. The job would cook Marylin Greeneisen. organized a great camp setup. have been a whole lot simpler if On Wednesday, Kiah Crew members gathered dump trucks could have brought in “led” Kevin, Ian, Mike, and Philip at the trailhead midday on August many cubic yards of boulders, to the top of Huron Peak, first 10 for the three-mile backpack up rock, and dirt. Not likely in a 14er for all but Mike. Others went to camp. The only problem was wilderness. So in addition to to the hot springs, toured the ghost that Philip Haaf's backpack building the rockboxes, we had to town of Winfield, hiked the ridges, coming with him from Germany find and haul all the materials. or identified wildflowers. had been lost along the way by Crew members soon We had interesting and Delta Airlines. But that afternoon found their calling, and we entertaining evenings around the CT’s Phil Smith and the Forest worked like a well-practiced team. campfire—harmonica serenades, Service’s Steve Sunday saved the Doug Burtard became our Chinese storytelling, jugglers, day by teaming up to get the “boulder supplier,” while Bob stand-up comics, and a special wayward pack from DIA all the Flaws dug in as “dirt pit man.” Jalapeno popcorn that exploded all way to camp. Grey Owl Barrett (OK) was over the camp. Our crew of 17 included “bucket brigade captain,” assisted Most members of the crew people from five states and by “gravel haulers” Angie probably would agree that Crew Germany. Eight were veteran crew Bamberger and Philip Haaf and 15 had a productive, enjoyable members, and nine were first- “dirt hauler” Corrine Kock. Mike week in helping build the timers. Sunday was the day for our Snow and Ian Flaws were our Gunnison Spur. We especially traditional safety orientation, a “stump choppers,” while Kevin wish to thank Loretta hike to inspect our work site, and Harris (MO) was a “Pulaski McEllhiney and her coworkers of a hike on up to Ann’s Pass where operator” and Mark Harmon the U.S. Forest Service’s Leadville we had lunch on the Continental (OR) our “general handyman.” District for their tremendous Divide and a view of the com- Honora Wolfe often functioned as support. pleted trail down the other side “boulder roller,” while Carolyn into Taylor Basin. Burtard used her artistic skills as Crew 15’s assignment was “rock placer.” Dan Wolfe (NM) to build a high, dry trail through a was a standout “muck digger,” and wide, wet, and soggy willow bog Kiah Harris (MO) was No. 1 that is inundated each spring by “boulder wrestler” in making the heavy runoff from snowfields rockbox walls. We had able above. This was a surprise be- assistance through Thursday from cause we thought we were coming four summer Forest Service to work in the higher trees and employees. possibly even above tree line. But With good weather, hard we read the architectural plans work, and a team spirit, we provided by the Forest Service, completed the job by Friday learned about constructing morning and spent the rest of the

16 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Lake Ann 2, Trail Crew #17 Report by Gudy Gaskill, Crew Leader

What a superb location for a Philip Haaf from Germany, moved, another 15 rocks had to be backpack camp! Nestled in a deep spending his second week at the transported to fill into the hole. valley, we overlooked Ice Moun- Lake Ann camps. Dr. Dan Wolfe Work above timberline was slow tain, the three Apostles, and also completed two weeks of trail but rewarding as a trail was Illinois Peak. A cascading water- work in the area. developed in to the rock-covered fall below the cook tent completed The work consisted of mountainside. The last day and a the melodic half were sound of a spent build- wilderness ing incredibly camp. A steep engineered backpack rock cairns heightened by J.J. the number of Kleckner to high altitude great heights. sickness cases From the top so that Dusti of Ann’s Denesha and Pass, the Shannon cairns were Snow left visible into camp by the tree line. Monday. A Members of couple of the crew that others revived engineered and enjoyed Cairn builders Nora Jaquez, Philip Haaf, Ruth Thomas, Lee van the lasting the rest of the Ramshorst, Jerry and Jonelle Roberts, J.J. Kleckner, Jim McIntosh, epitaphs were week. Our Barbara Markwood, and Beverley Gherardini. Photo by Myra Winfield. Myra hats off to Pat Winfield, Carden for executing delicious building trail from where Jon Lee van Ramshorst, Jerry and meals to a hungry group. Our Greeneisen’s group had left off to Jonelle Roberts, Jim McIntosh, international group included Ruth building trail in the scree slopes Barbara Markwood, Nora Thomas from England (who and marking the trail with cairns. Jaquez, Beverley Gherardini, climbed extremely difficult Ice The crew became great rock and Gudy. A memorable week, Mountain on Wednesday) and movers, and for every boulder lasting friendships, a superb crew!

Continued from page 15 camp nearby that evening and joined beautiful. The blend of scenery that been for the pleasant conversation us for supper as well as our pancake we were among and the everyday among fellow workers.The work truly breakfast on Wednesday. I believe responsibilities and hassles of society was rewarding; however, the greater they hiked out Wednesday, sold on the that we were not, made for an experience of the week was being idea of eventually joining a CT experience I will always remember. I among a team of good, interesting, crew—and some of us were sold on found the work to be hard and at times and inspiring people. I think more of the idea of using llamas for a through grueling—at the end of the day I came the people I met that week than the hike. back to my lumpy, uneven tent with trail I helped build and overall I think As a first-time volunteer, I numb toes from poor work boots, sore to myself “I’m doing this again!” am inclined to add a quick synopsis of arms and shoulders, and I discovered Special thanks to the Owen boys for my personal experience on the crew: muscles in my back I never knew I fun times and, of course, to Lynn The piece of Colorado that we worked had. During the day it would have Mattingly for great leadership and a on for a week was indescribable in been easy to forget I was a volunteer great experience! many ways. In a general sense it was and not in a labor camp had it not

Tread Lines Fall 1996 17 Boy Scout Troop 471 by Bill Lewis

Well, the hiking season is coming to an end. The Eddiesville to San Luis Pass section was fortunate this year to have Troop 471 BSA helping maintain section #32. Cary and I went in early in June. Cary got lucky and watched a beaver in the Cochetopa trying to flush this bull moose from its pond. Then in early August, I was headed up from Creede to San Luis Pass to meet 471 and also came across a cow and her calf. Here’s a nice letter and photo of the troop, leaders, and CT.

Thanks, Bill and Cary

On August 5–10, 1996, eight members of Boy Scout Troop 471 from Northglenn, CO, hiked a section of The Colorado Trail from the confluence of Stewart Creek and Cochetopa Creek to the Creede trailhead, and back again. During their six-day backpacking adventure, they worked with contractor Bill Lewis, who is responsible for maintenance of that section of The Colorado Trail. The boys and their adult leaders helped Bill clear the trail of debris, set trail markers, and build stone bridges across the streams. The purpose of their trip was to meet the requirements of the BSA back- packing and camping merit badges, and to offer a service to outdoor enthusiasts who visit the area. One of the highlights of the trip was a short visit to the town of Creede, CO, where the troop saw the mining museum carved into the side of the mountain. They also toured many of the nearby historic mines. Another highlight of the trip was climbing to the summit of San Luis Peak, thereby earning membership in the BSA Fourteener Club. The boys and their leaders felt that their adventure in the La Garita Wilderness was an experience that they will never forget. The scenery was spectacu- lar, the weather was perfect, and their wilderness experience was unsurpassed. Thanks to the Colo- rado Trail Foundation for helping to make their adventure so memorable.

Report submitted by Mike Blick Backpacking Merit Badge Coun- selor Troop 471 BSA

Troop 471 BSA on The Colorado Trail in the La Garita Wilderness, northeast of Creede on August 8, 1996 (left to right): Neal Steffonich, Chris Miranda, Sean Bradley, Dion Steffonich, Mike Blick, Johnny Bates, Sven Nelson. Not shown: Joe Steffonich.

18 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Forest Service Letter of Appreciation August 22, 1996

Joseph J. Slack Colorado Trail Foundation 875 11th St. Boulder, CO 80302-7514

Dear Joe: I would like to sincerely thank you for the work accomplished on The Colorado Trail this past June. The expertise, time, and energy that you donated for the trail work was a tremendous success. The South Platte District is extremely pleased with the amount accomplished and the enthusiasm displayed. Please accept my apologies for the tardiness of this thank-you letter! This rehabilitation and repair was necessary to protect the trail and its surrounding resources. Your group’s hard work will be appreciated by all those using the trail for years to come. The horse riders and hikers will now find their trek a more pleasurable experience thanks to you. I hope that the work was rewarding for you and that you will visit the District for your own pleasure and for other projects. Again, thank you for your assistance. It should be a source of pride and satisfaction.

Sincerely,

Pam DeVore District Ranger South Platte Ranger District Morrison, CO Report from a New Friend The following is an excerpt from a letter that was received by the CTF in September.

Enclosed is my check for a donation as a Friend of The Colorado Trail. Since I live in Buena Vista, I am very familiar with The Colorado Trail that runs through our Colle- giate Peaks. Three years ago I started a men's hiking group that hikes each Thursday year ‘round. Our group of 5 to 15 men have frequently covered the entire trail from Half-Moon campground to Route 50 west of Salida. There is also a women's hiking group on Wednesdays that frequents The Colorado Trail. Their number is twice as large as ours. Many of us in Buena Vista direct friends and relatives to The Colorado Trail, and summertime visitors from other states are referred there by our Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Commit- tee. I would like to know more about adopting a section of trail in this area and how we can help with signs as well as publicizing the values of the trail.

Yours truly, Franklin Steiner

The CTF loves to hear from users of The Colorado Trail. Frank, your letter has been sent to the Adopt-A- Trail coordinator for a reply. Keep up the good work, and thanks for your support. A new handout on the CT is being prepared and will be distributed to Chambers of Commerce and Tourist Bureaus as soon as it is ready. Tread Lines Fall 1996 19 Bicycling The Colorado Trail from End to End July 1–7, 1996 by Brian Vorachek

The Colorado Trail as an water and food. Many times it I have experience in adventure trail can be many was a push, pull, drag, carry the long-distance events; for things to many people. Its bike over difficult terrain, steep example, I have bicycled from beauty and strength are that it grades, loose grades, rock Anchorage, Alaska, to Key will challenge you in ways you fields, and snowfields. The key West, Florida, in 100 days; I can’t imagine. was to keep the bike moving backpacked the Pacific Crest My challenge was to and never give up. Trail in five months; and I have ride the CT as fast as I could I did my ride on a been a technical rock climber and in the for 15 years best style. with a For me that background was End-to- of doing End, speed as- Durango to sents of Waterton Alpine and Canyon, big walls in fully unsup- Colorado, ported. I California, planned on and Nevada. riding the The CT was CT in five by far the days with a most de- two-day manding cushion if I physical had prob- adventure lems. The Congratulations, Brian! of my life. trail was a To say little bit harder Cannondale M900, aluminum that I enjoyed the scenery along (well, . . . much harder) than I frame, 23 lbs., 24 speeds. I had the CT would be a misstate- thought it would be. I started no bike problems except for ment. If you asked me what the CT in Durango at 11:00 wearing out two sets of brake part of the trail I remember the a.m. on July 1 and finished in shoes, had no flats, and no bent most, I would tell you about a Waterton Canyon at 2:00 p.m. rims, or broken chains. To have path three-feet wide that had July 7th, which was a day and any major problems or injuries my full attention. I wouldn’t half longer than I had planned. would have meant disaster, so I recommend riding the trail in To ride it as fast as I did, I had was very conservative in the fashion I did; it was physi- to keep my gear to a minimum, cornering, speeds, and keeping cally brutal, and mentally it was have good weather, and be my bike under control. a major test of will, but to physically and mentally ready Everything’s a little harder establish the fastest recorded to put in long days. I rode an when you are carrying the time on a bike was a great thrill average 13 hours a day and weight of gear, food, and water. for me. rarely took breaks except for

20 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Llama Packing on The Colorado Trail Matt Belcher and Emily Calspell from Honolulu, HI, llama packed the CT in 1996 with two rental llamas. They have offered to answer questions from potential llama packers.

Dear Merle and Uta, Thank you so much for well as other endurance type of picnics with gourmet meals. your nice letter, and the won- activities, is so important—not Something to work on. If derful surprise of the comple- a whole lot of attention is anyone would like to get tion certificates . . . really made directed toward it in the sport- information from us about our day. We also enjoyed ing or the psych literature. llama packing on the CT, you reading “Tread Lines”— I really miss the cool can give them our P.O. Box sending in money today to keep alpine air, as we have been 22712, Honolulu, HI 96823 them coming. We have almost having very hot and humid address, and these numbers: adjusted to being completely temperatures. This time be- Matt (808) 988-2944; Emily back, although Matt has only tween September and October (808) 988-4458 (work) or (808) been home for four days, as he is the most uncomfortable— 988-9708 (home). We would be had a job he immediately had to with respect to the weather. On happy to help them out, or at work on the Big Island. Since I Oahu, the volcanic fog is least share experiences. Maybe commute there once a week, we drifting our way, which makes we can submit a little item in can see each other, but it the air smoggy, but the sunsets the newsletter about what it’s doesn’t quite feel like we’re spectacular! like to take llamas on the trail. home yet. I was experiencing We miss the llamas, our Hope all is going well waves of claustrophobia, just “boys”—really want to have on your end. Drop a line when being indoors again. Not that I some space on the Big Island you can. Thanks again for your wanted to set the tent up out- where we can get a couple. support. side, but I find the re-entry There are a few llama owners, aspect very interesting. The although they are primarily pets Emily Calspell psychological and personal or agricultural animals. I know development side of going that we would be packing them long-distance backpacking, as regularly, to include moonlight We are looking forward to your story, Emily!

Completion Awards

Completion Awards

You finally did it! You fulfilled that lifelong dream and completed The Colorado Trail! You’ve celebrated and now you want a memento to commemorate your accomplishment. Customized, dark-walnut completion plaques and 200-mile and 300-mile pins are available to help retain the wonderful memories. Call Paul Berteau at (303) 745-3490 for more information.

Tread Lines Fall 1996 21 Food Committee Letter by Pat Nagorka

Dear Trail Crew Members, Yup, she did it again. year are listed on page 7. Last year my article She found them off in the far Please check it out and sup- started by saying, Ham Is Back! reaches of western Denver, port those companies that One of the reasons I gave for rounded up the 16 I needed, and supported you! taking it off the dinner menu herded them home. I hope you enjoyed your was because I couldn’t find the I made her an honorary crews, and yes, I’m still looking canned hams. Well, I began to member of The Colorado Trail for feedback. I very much wonder if I was going to be Foundation and said I owed her appreciate the honest feedback able to keep that promise. I a sweatshirt. It really did save I did get from several of the found about half of what I me a lot of miles and time. leaders. I haven’t gotten any needed (17 crews need a lot of The other exciting news ideas for different lunches yet. hams), and the “well ran dry.” from the Food Committee is Got any??? The dinner menu The stores order them for the that we received very generous isn’t set yet, so there is time to Christmas season only, and it is donations from three new offer suggestions for that too. now March. If they had any, companies: Krusteaz—30 lbs Hope you had a good summer. they were left from that order. of pancake mix; Hoody’s, now I had not gone into a the Original Nut House—85 Pat Nagorka full search mode yet; I was lbs. of peanuts and 60, 2-oz (303) 841-2777 getting ready for my daughter’s bags of two types of trail mix; visit from Texas. The day she Mrs Sutler’s Snacks—300 P.S. You people must be doing got here, she called from the individual bags of trail mix. a good job of recycling those airport saying she was going to The pancake mix and the lunch bags. I think more came visit in town, was there any- peanuts/trail mix, a combined back than I sent out! Congratu- thing I needed—what a great weight of over 130 pounds, lations for a great job. daughter. were mailed from the west “Well, if you just coast. Now that’s a donation! happen to go to a Sam's, look I hope you enjoyed the for hams. I need 20, and I’m trail mixes and their variety. It getting desperate,” I said, half has been a personal challenge jokingly. to find a company that would Lo and behold, here she donate trail mix. It has taken came home with 20 hams she’d four years; then to get two such found up in Westminister. What donations in one year, well, I a Kid! thought I’d died and gone to Since she’d done so that big trail up in the sky. well with that “assignment,” I Unfortunately, we lost said the King Soopers strike Bankor Nicholls East, which had fouled me up on getting my was most generous in their beef logs as I couldn’t talk to donations of Pet Food products, my contact. I haven’t seen them a line which they no longer in Sam's or Price Club. The carry. We will sorely miss them. stores I’ve called said they All the companies that come in later, for summer. donated or helped out this

22 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Going Home and Home Again by Jim McIntosh

A well-known saying is “You four granddaughters). I had before, another family formed cannot go home again.” Of my day-hiked with her. Marney at home on the trail. Everyone home where I was born and Jewell, whom I met in Austra- helping as needed without lived for 23 years, that is true. lia, is a hiker, and we had day- being asked. Orders were not The area changed. The house hiked there and in Arizona. given—people did what they was blown up in a drug war Matt is a friend of Steve’s, and could when something needed several years ago. My late we had hiked together and on to be done, on trail or in camp. wife’s family home has been an overnight in the Ozarks in Meeting Gudy became only a foundation for years. Yet the winter. We invited him. It more than I expected due to the each summer, I go home. Home seems that on hikes, the discus- sidewall of one of my tires is where one is comfortable and sions lead to where have you blowing on the one-track road. accepted as is. That is a COLO- hiked. That is the opening to There was help from strangers RADO TRAIL CREW. sell people on volunteering for and trail family, but it still took THE COLORADO TRAIL. a long time to change tires because of the angle of the GOING HOME road. After several inquiries in HOME AGAIN Leadville, the service station next to the Leadville Ranger On July 17 as I parked near the Station was the only one with Durango Ranger Station, A notice came that Gudy’s the right size tire. (900 miles on Herschel Smith and grandson crew in late August was short- I-70 is too far without a spare.) Mike were in the next space. handed. I called, I went, for two About 4:00 the dent in the Joe Slack and grandson Sean reasons: (1) I had never met wheel had been straightened parked across the street. Steve Gudy; and (2) a pack-in would and a new tire mounted. Gudy and Kitty had checked in. Lois be a serious challenge. and J.J. were at the ranger Cochran and family were The ranger in Leadville station. I went over to ask about walking up as Rangers Larry said it was a mostly flat hike recommendations for motels and Mark from previous years with a short difficult section at west of Denver. I was tired and came to greet us. It was home the end. Define “Flat.” I was did not want to drive as far as with family that mostly dates about to stop for a long rest Limon. Gudy invited me to her back to the beginning of when Dan Wolfe stepped out home. A pleasant dinner and Sliderock Trail. That night, Joe of the trees to welcome me to evening with her and Dave. A had each person state why they the base camp. He was the only good night’s sleep on the office were there. I said, “I am respon- one I knew from previous floor and an early morning start sible for four besides myself crews. Difficult breathing for east. because when you are proud of everyone as we built trail and, I will be coming HOME your family and home you above tree line, rock cairns of again in 97. invite friends to enter.” Son-in- over six-feet high. According to law Steve was on his second J.J.’s altimeter, we were at crew with us. He brought along 12,400 feet. Definitely above his daughter Cassia (one of my snowfields. By Friday or

Tread Lines Fall 1996 23 Bolam Pass Trailhead Survey Chalk Creek byDan and Jan Wolfe Trailhead CT Host Summary First we must comment on Pass or before. One group of by Julie Mesdag some differences we observed two had started in Durango and The following is a summary of compared to Marshall Pass a were going on to Molas Pass. our week near Mt. Princeton at year ago. One was an experienced hiker the Chalk Creek Trailhead. Julie We noted far fewer having done the Pacific Crest Mesdag and Mike Nelson col- lected surveys and talked with bicyclists at Bolam Pass than at Trail over several summers. hikers at the Trailhead and in the Marshall Pass. Those we did Dan hiked most days Boot Leg Campground. I will see in any numbers were with and felt that the trail from divide the summary into 2 areas, commercial cycling groups Cascade Creek to Hotel Draw trail user feedback and host based in Moab, UT. They are was in good shape. He noted feedback. “trekking groups” of from 10 to the lack of signage where the 20 cyclists, together with a sag- CT leaves the Tin Can Basin Trail User Feedback: wagon(s) carrying food, water, Road going toward Cascade shelter/personal dunnage, spare Creek. Borrowing a sign (a ·Coming from the south, Coney parts, and replacement cycles. duplication) he was able to Peak was not marked well Trips had itineraries of five to correct this oversight. Also enough; user wandered a bit to seven days, similar to the CMC worth noting is the difficulty in find the trail. or CT supported treks. We always finding the trail as it talked to the leaders of two of goes from road to trail to road, ·Jacobs book not up to date in the three groups and indeed had etc., on the section from Hotel terms of water sources. Some dinner with one group. They Draw to Orphan Butte, a that hikers were counting on seemed knowledgeable and caution mentioned in the were dry. aware of good trail and camp- guidebook. ing ethics. We did see several Our thanks to you and ·Really enjoyed talking with CT solo or paired cyclists, most out the CTF for asking us to par- hosts. for a day starting at Molas Pass ticipate. A truly great opportu- and going to Purgatory either nity. ·Keep trail marked, yet wilder- via Bolam Pass or Hotel Draw. ness-like (as in hiker traffic One group (four) were to be only). met at Hotel Draw and were then planning to go on to ·Had to “get out of the way” of Durango the following day. out-of-control cyclist coming Secondly, there were a downhill. few day hikers. Generally they started at Celebration Lake and Host Feedback: were going on toward Molas Pass. Dan met a group of four ·Really enjoyed spending time hikers ascending Hermosa Peak with through hikers from the Lake trailhead. We saw two to four ·Great feedback from users backpackers a day, some of about the trail whom had started at Kenosha

24 Tread Lines Fall 1996 ·Need water bars on northern Marshall Pass Survey approach to Hwy 50 July 20 to 27, 1996 by Pat and Bob Ballou ·Confusion as to whether food was to be supplied by CTF Our week-long stay on to Monarch Pass where they Marshall Pass surveying trail started and would stay on The ·Horse outfitters should be users was one of the highlights Colorado Trail to Silver Creek encouraged to clear horse of our summer. We set up where they turned onto the droppings from center of camp on the top of Marshall Rainbow trail and returned to trail—“minimum impact” Pass just south of the main Salida. We had filled ·Llama users seemed our cooler with a very considerate variety of pop, and the folks in terms of hikers seemed to really impact enjoy the change. The hikers always seemed ·Yield directions glad to fill out a survey posted at and generally sit and trailheads—horse/ visit awhile with us. cyclist/hiker right- All the hikers were of-way very happy with the trail and quite inter- ·Adopter signs in all ested in the history of sections, which are the Pass. Bob has been legible (like the one all over the Marshall at Chalk Creek Pass area and its many Trailhead—how do trails over the years. we get these?) One of his first trips into that country the Gudy—of special train was still running note, we saw an owl over the Pass. sitting near the trail, It is a pleasure to and also visited the share time with people regatta site from the who are interested in trail-a-bration. How seeing the trail pre- about down in served and how each Durango at the start/ one of us can contrib- finish trailhead for ute to that cause. Bob next year? The Colorado Trail just north of Chalk Creek and I love the outdoors, and we have spent many hours in the mountains. road so we were right on The We are looking forward to Colorado Trail.We were sur- continuing to help in any way prised at the number of hikers we can. we saw over the week. Most of them were day trippers. They Thanks for the opportunity, had been shuttled from Salida Pat and Bob Balou

Tread Lines Fall 1996 25 Colorado Trail Survey Report: Jefferson Creek by Bob and Margaret Golder Gudy warned us that this would from their pack for a day). and obviously enjoying them- be the busiest place on the This section of the trail selves. Our first backpackers whole trail, but WOW we were is very worn and dusty as it is were a couple in their 60s from overwhelmed. The first day of close enough to Denver that North Carolina taking their the survey (Saturday) , there bicyclers will drive up for the time and planning on doing the were 150 bicycles and 50 day to ride from Kenosha Pass whole trail. There was another hikers!!! We had to put out a to part way up Georgia Pass. young man who was from call to Jim and June Fenton, One woman said that she is North Carolina and had taken who were coming up in a having a ball bicycling, but she the label of “Little John” from couple of days, to buy us some wouldn’t want to be hiking it when he had done the Appala- more cookies and lemonade now with all the bicycle traffic! chian Trail the summer before. mix. The choice of cookies and Some don’t like the He said there was a “Big John” lemonade turned out to be a horsepuckies from the horse- coming along behind him, and good one, as everyone said back riders that enjoying the that there were others hiking lemonade was perfect and trail. Some hikers said they The ColoradoTrail from hikers everyone likes cookies. That would appreciate a warning he had met on the Appalachian. Saturday was by far our busiest from the bicyclers as they While hiking one day day—but we often had three approach. On a whole though, we were amazed at 5 bicyclers clipboards with surveys being everyone was enjoying the trail who were really bombing down filled out at the same time and very friendly and helpful to from the top of Georgia Pass on every weekend. During the each other. Some were very the west side—one would think week we went hiking on “our” interested in joining the Trail they would be thrown from the section of the trail, Kenosha Foundation; some said they bicyclers! Bob was really Pass, Georgia Pass to Gold would like to work on a trail impressed by all the left Hill, with clipboard in hand. crew; and several wanted a trail handers—when he started Some of the people we met this sweatshirt like I wore. taking count, he figured they way were backpackers that had We had the luxury of were 80% of those who filled come through our checkpoint Lodgepole Campground with a out a survey form. the weekend before. Many of well and pump for water, so The mosquitoes and the backpackers would either Bob hauled two jerry cans of flies were really bad. People camp on the trail and take a day water to our checkpoint to who live in that area told us this or two into Breckenridge to resupply water to anyone that was the worst year they could resupply OR take the free needed it, saving them the mile remember. The bugs would shuttle bus that runs by Gold down to the campground from really increase when the sweaty Hill into Breckenridge to spend the trail crossing. We took a bicyclers stopped to fill out our a couple of nights at the motel card table, cover, and ice chest survey and Bob used up 2 cans mentioned in the trail guide to set up our “lemonade stand” of bug spray spraying those book. Some left their packs at checkpoint. I was kept busy who wanted it. the motel, took the shuttle over mixing lemonade powder, ice This was truly an to Copper Mtn., hiked the and water in a pitcher to pour interesting, positive experience. section over the Ten Mile range into disposable cups for re- It is our sincere hope that this back to Gold Hill, and took the freshments. No one turned us survey will be a big help in the shuttle back to the motel for the down on filling out a question- care of The Colorado Trail. night (enjoying the freedom naire. All were very interesting

26 Tread Lines Fall 1996 Colorado Trail User Survey at Spring Creek Pass by Bill and Donna Ripley

Magnificent scenery, perfect rather than west (and thus assumed we had some regula- weather, and friendly and might not pass by our trailer). tory authority over trail usage. cooperative trail users added up The few times we left the Pass Some 4WD vehicles also used to a great week serving as trail area, we left an instructional the western portion of the CT, hosts, and gathering 80 pieces note with the survey packet, along with the sheep ranchers of survey information, at the and, sure enough, trail users checking on their flocks and CT trailhead on Spring Creek stopped by to fill out the sur- herders. They did not respond Pass. We’d like to share some vey. to the survey, though. We had a of our thoughts and observa- The majority of trail few users who were actually tions about this experience. users were backpackers making hiking the Continental Divide The Spring Creek Pass the through trip from Denver to Trail where it overlaps with the trailhead on Highway 149 and Durango, in groups of one to CT at this point. the Continental Divide, located four persons. Users would meet We found the latest between Lake City and Creede, up with other groups along the edition of the official guide- serves as a major factor in CT way and more or less travel book to be handy in answering usage. Through travelers together by the time they hit the questions, along with our typically use this point as a Pass. One user said that she personal experiences in having resupply point and maybe a rest hadn’t foreseen the CT would hiked the CT ourselves in the day, others use it as a start point be such a “social experience.” recent past. Trail signing, or the for the east- or west-bound During the week we seemed to lack of it, provoked a lot of travel. Still others use it for day become an information point— comment, but the general travels either east or west. “Did so-and-so pass through consensus seemed to be “Don’t There is a Forest Ser- yesterday?”, “Please give this make it too easy, let the spirit of vice information kiosk and a message to so-and-so who adventure remain.” We didn’t small campground at the Pass, should hit here by tomorrow or attempt to do any analysis of plus a parking lot for trail users. the next day.” It was fun! the survey forms though. It will The campground made a Women users seemed to be interesting to read about an perfect spot to park our Wilder- outnumber men, with several analysis in the fall issue of ness 5th wheel trailer for the groups of college or post- Tread Lines. week. We made up and posted college groups of gals making The pop (Pepsi) we three additional signs (in the through trip. Users, in handed out as thanks for filling addition to the wooden sign general, appeared to be a well- out the survey seemed to be given us) to inform trail users educated bunch. We had a mostly appreciated by the of the survey, and to direct couple of llama packers and younger generation trail users. them to our trailer, where we one lady who showed us how The older folks would have utilized the picnic table for she had used goats to pack her preferred lemonade (which we survey form completion and gear. We did not see any horse- didn’t have), or an orange (we handout material display. This packers. Day users were mainly handed out a few), or water. By approach worked most of the hikers, but we also had some the way, ages ran from 17 to 71. time, but occasionally we trail bikers and dirt bikers. Only The survey form itself didn’t would venture out, clipboard one day hiker was irate and generate much questioning. A with forms and handouts in refused to fill out a survey. This few wondered what “mode” hand, to interview hikers who was after he apparently had an meant, and “when” had some appeared ready to head east encounter with dirt bikers, and Continued on page 29

Tread Lines Fall 1996 27 The Colorado Trail 1996 Survey Summaries

Editors’ Note: The CTF sponsored week-long CT user surveys at Jefferson Creek, Chalk Creek, Bolam Pass, and Spring Creek Pass in July of this year. This is a compilation of the survey results. compiled by Julie Mesdag

User type: (292 respondents) Foot Travel 185~58% Bicycle 120~38% Horse 3~01% Motorized 6~01% There were also six llama groups and one goat-packing group. The majority of foot travel passed through the Spring Creek Pass area. The majority of bicycle traffic passed through the Jefferson Creek area, and the motorcycle use was primarily at Spring Creek.

Number of Through Hikers: 42

Age range: (337 respondents) Under 20 17~5% in their 20s 93~27% in their 30s 106~31% in their 40s 72~21% over 50 48~14% Oldest user 74 years old

Home state: (Sample size 311) Colorado 238~76%. Also represented: NM, IL, CT, VT, CA, TX, GA, MN, HI, MI, AZ, OK, WA, OH, WI, FL, KA, UT, NY, VA, PA, MD, AR, ME, NE, NC, & AL.

To what degree do users you meet on the CT display the following characteristics?

------Seldom Often ------Courtesy 1% 3% 15% 45% 36% Environmental Ethics 6% 14% 26% 36% 19% Outdoor Skills 9% 15% 36% 29% 11% Safety Skills 10% 16% 31% 29% 13%

167 respondents said they had used a guide book. Official/Jacobs 59% Denise 21% Bike Routes 11% Other information sources included CMC, Public Trails, CDT, NFS, CO Atlas, 100 hikes, Fielder, CO Wilderness Trails, Gazetteer, and US Army.

28 Tread Lines Fall 1996 To what degree are the following things needed on the CT? ------Not Needed Needed ------Better access to the trailheads. 33% 17% 24% 14% 11%

A handicapped access segment 22% 14% 16% 14% 17% 16%

Huts 33% 15% 12% 15% 16% 8%

Main Section Nonmotorized 5% 2% 4% 4% 11% 73%

Educational Programs 12% 9% 18% 21% 22% 17%

Information at Trailheads 4% 6% 11% 19% 24% 36%

Comments: There were many comments about the trail, most of them specific to keeping the trail in such a way to benefit the type of user who was completing the survey. The most common comment was the appreciation of the scenery, beauty, wildness, and serenity. This is a multi-use trail, and there are currently areas for all types of users—which is what makes the CT unique. Unfortu- nately for some, the whole trail cannot be used by all types of users. Several users noted that horse users should leave less of an impact (specifically—scat), and clean up after themselves. The motor- ized users requested it be motorized completely. This trail has something for everyone, and finding it is half the fun.

Personal input from Julie Mesdag (reviewer of the surveys): As I sifted through the surveys, it seemed to me that everyone loves the CT, no doubt about it. Rather than add amenities that make it like other trails, keep it the way it is, maintain it, and keep it well marked. There are many hut systems to choose from in this region, and the AT has a long-distance shelter-to-shelter type use. Overwhelmingly users did not want the trail to be motorized. Right-of-way signs, espe- cially at railheads, would be helpful too.

Continued from page 27 users thinking time and others, and had lunch with us one day. We nice-looking bull elk though, and date. We added a message to most took a couple of day hikes our- one evening had a delicious dinner of the forms telling the user to selves—one to Jarosa Mesa to the at Southern Vittles in Lake City. turn to the back side for comple- west and another to Snow Mesa to We met some great, enthusiastic tion. The few we missed didn’t the east. We also got to view the people that were really enjoying turn the page over, so some of the falls on North Clear Creek and the the outdoors and the CT. forms are incomplete. campgrounds there, but did not get All in all it was a wonder- a good look at any of the moose ful experience. Gudy stopped by supposedly in the area. Saw some

Tread Lines Fall 1996 29 Maintenance Week at the Educational Facility by Merle McDonald, Crew Leader

Crew members were Dorothy tools and eager to work. Another five Saturday noon until Tuesday night. By Baker and her granddaughter were unwilling to drive the one-way Wednesday, the area was becoming Jennifer Klutsch, Sue shelf road to get to the cabin. Perhaps livable, so we took the day off to do Blackstock, Dick and Doris my description of the road was a bit some hiking in the very beautiful area. over stated. Most cars should not have Brown, Irene Cazer (Co- The flowers were unbelievable in any problem driving to the cabin, but American Basin and spectacular in Elsie leader and Kitchen Master), one must drive the last six miles quite Grizzly Gulch. The view from the top Dickert, Laura Farmer, Kathy slowly due to the uneven surface and of Handies Peak was breathtaking. Howard, Sharon Kniseley, Uta many sharp curves. When meeting The Cinnamon Pass Road to Silverton and Merle McDonald, Sue another car, one car usually pulls to was open if you had a 4wd. Everyone Palmer, Phyllis and Paul the side and stops while the other car had a great time. Thursday and Friday Skocypiec, Sally Snider, Ken passes. we moved more tons of rock and dirt. The cabin is quite nice with a Stagner, Amy Young. The patio on the east side of the cabin and wood heating stove, a three-burner The Colorado Trail had been leveled enough to be propane cook stove, three small solar comfortable Foundation’s for picnicking, Educational the driveway Facility is a was becoming small log smoother, there cabin (15 X was a place to 15 feet) on a turn your car mining claim around and a few places to 21 miles park. southwest of Sally Lake City, Snyder, CO. It was realizing that purchased steps that I had late last built from the summer, and front porch to this was our the patio with “materials at first opportu- Paul and Ken remove another rock from the Educational Facility driveway. hand” were nity to hazardous maintain it called her rancher/contractor husband when the ground wasn’t covered powered lights, and a vault-type toilet. Chuck Snyder, to bring power in snow. Water is obtained from the creek equipment and materials to build a about 100 yards west of the cabin. A driveway, about 200 yards decent set of steps, which he did. The cabin is planned to be used as a long, was roughed in last summer by a Thanks Chuck! kitchen while everyone sleeps in their bulldozer which was only suitable for Our first class was held in the personal tents around the cabin. Due 4wd vehicles. Also, since most of the Educational Facility the following to the steepness of the terrain around land around the cabin is quite steep, week. It was the Alpine flower course the cabin, some level areas for tents activity outside the cabin was diffi- taught by board member and profes- were constructed. The cabin cannot be cult. Our objective for the week was sor John Sowell while the camp was seen from the road, so special to smooth and improve the looks of managed by Gudy. Unfortunately I instructions are needed to find it the the driveway, construct parking places couldn’t stay for the class, but Sally first time. for vehicles, construct reasonably said it was great. Most of the volunteers were level pads for small tents, and My thanks to all the CT veterans and pitched in immedi- construct a trail to the creek that we hardworking volunteers who help ately to work. It was obvious that use for our water supply. make such things possible! there was much to be done. Everyone Eighteen volunteers showed moved tons of rocks and dirt from up Saturday afternoon with their own

30 Tread Lines Fall 1996 The Colorado Trail Store All proceeds provide important support for The Colorado Trail. Send Orders to The Colorado Trail Foundation P.O. Box 260876 Lakewood, CO 80226-0876

The Colorado Trail: The Official Guidebook (4th ed. 1994) Text by Randy Jacobs, Color Photographs by John Fielder 19.95

Along The Colorado Trail by John Fielder and M. John Fayhee 100 color photographs, 128 pages, 9” x 12” format. Hardcover 33.00 Softcover 22.00

Day Hikes on The Colorado Trail by Jan Robertson 35 color photographs, 48 pages, 4” x 9” format 6.25

Topographic waterproof maps (1996 Revision), 11” x 17” format, 1:50,000 scale Full set: 29 maps, Denver to Durango 20.00 Northeast set: 16 maps, Denver to Marshall Pass 12.00 Southwest set: 13 maps, Marshall Pass to Durango 12.00

CT Note Cards and Envelopes One dozen in 10 assorted designs by Jerry Albright 4.45 CT Completion Patches (embroidered) (“I Completed The Colorado Trail”) 3.60 Official Pin 2.25

CT T-Shirts Short Sleeves: New Design; CT map on front; trail segment descriptions, including length and elevation gain, are printed on the back. 100% cotton. Jade Green L XL 12.00 Sky Blue L XL 12.00 Long Sleeves: Crew neck and embroidered logo. Jade Green L XL 19.50 Sky Blue L XL 19.50 CT Wall Map Poster, 17 x 24 inches, with trail segments marked. 10.50 CT Golf Cap Tan imitation leather, with embroidered logo. 17.50

All prices are listed postpaid. Subtotal: Colorado residents add 4.3% tax Colo. Tax: Total:

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Town or City State Zip

Tread Lines Fall 1996 31 32 Tread Lines Fall 1996