The Trail Foundation Fall Newsletter 1999

An Event to Be Remembered! President’s by Corner The 25th Anniversary Celebration at Mount Vernon Country Club was a gala event, packed with old acquaintances in their by George Miller best bib and tucker, with happy faces and great anticipation for seeing items on display that have never before been viewed by Summer Trail Crews the public, for learning unknown facts about the CT, and for revisiting the historic years that saw The to its With signs of fall in the air and fruition. There were new videos, a host of panel displays, walls the changing of the aspens, we covered with honors and awards, and photo displays of times, can look back with appreciation crews, and famous faces. The whole Colorado Trail was shown on the accomplishments of the on a colorful series of maps, with a paneled and descriptive summer trail season. We had a legend. The CT was even traced on a relief map, winding its total of 13 crews in the field way over mountain passes and along valley floors. It was truly a doing maintenance and rerout- historic display. Neither these displays nor the anniversary ing. One of our important celebration could have been possible without the help of a great accomplishments was to elimi- many enthusiastic and talented volunteers. Kudos to the follow- nate walking on about six miles Continued on page 3 of four-wheel-drive road in the area between Spring Creek Pass and Carson Saddle. The other projects along the trail continue to improve and keep our trail the premier long-distance hike in Colorado. We owe a large vote of thanks to the leaders and volunteers who continue to devote their time and efforts to this undertaking each summer. Continued on page 2 Cutting of the cake at the 25th Anniversary Celebration in Golden

Tread Lines Fall 1999 1 Tread Lines Continued from page 1 Host Program is the internal newsletter of The Colorado Trail Foundation. It is published quarterly 25th Anniversary This summer we again had Trail and distributed to the Friends of The Hosts in residence at Spring Creek Colorado Trail.® The other major undertaking of Pass. This location was covered The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile- the year was the celebration of all summer and into September. long, high-mountain educational and This has been a very successful recreational hiking trail that meanders 25 years of The Colorado Trail. through some of the most beautiful terrain This year marked that milestone program and has gathered much in the state. It stretches from to in the history of the CT, its information on the use of the trail Durango with many intermediate access inception being in 1974. The and problems that hikers have points. encountered. See Jim Miller’s The Colorado Trail Foundation, a celebrations in Golden, nonprofit corporation, is governed by Gunnison, and Durango honored report on page 33. public agencies and private-sector Gudy Gaskill for her labor of representatives. The Foundation recruits love and her devotion to the CT and trains volunteers for trail construction crews, supplies and supports the crews, and the volunteers who have conducts fully supported week-long treks made it all possible. Without on the trail, teaches accredited classes, Gudy, it is very likely The maintains the trail through its Adopt-A- Colorado Trail would not exist. Contents Page Trail program, and distributes information Thanks are also due the many on The Colorado Trail activities, trail Gunnison Celebration 4 crews, and publications. Donations to the volunteers who helped make the Thank You from Gudy 4 CTF are tax deductible. celebrations a reality. A list of Sponsors list 5 Serving on the Board of Directors those who worked on the various “The Dreamers and the Doers” 5 are Melanie Barvitski, Tracy Esslinger, Jill parties appears on page 3 and a Durango Celebration 6 Gilpin, Jon Greeneisen, Randy Jacobs, Ted “Anticipation” 8 La May, Chuck Leary, Stuart Macdonald, list of sponsors on page 5. Thank You to Forest Service 8 Ken Marshall, Merle McDonald, George Crew #1 Report 9 Miller, Pat Nagorka, Tom L. Thompson, Resignations Crew #2 Report 10 Stan Ward, Ernie G. Werren, and Paul Crew Leaders Honored 10 Wilbert. Crew #12 Report 11 Denise Wright has resigned Crew #4 Report 12 from the position of Administra- Crew #6 Report 14 The business address is tor/Volunteer Coordinator. “Escape the Heat” 16 Denise was the first person to Reflections on Crew #6 16 The Colorado Trail Foundation Crew #9 Report 17 710 10th St., Suite 210 hold this position and did an Crew #8 Report 18 Golden, CO 80401-1022 excellent job of establishing the Food Packing 20 (303) 384-3729 ext. 113 office and setting the direction Food Donators 21 (24-hour voice mail) for its operation. We are sorry to Reunion 22 Fax: (303) 384-3743 lose her expertise but wish her Menu Talk 22 E-mail: [email protected] Education Center 22 well in her own business, which Treks Report 23 Website: www.coloradotrail.org is growing and needs her full- “Listen to the Rain” 23 Office hours: Varied hours M–F, time attention. Sarah Knight, Classes Report 24 9–5, Mountain Standard Time the CTF Treasurer, and Darla Mutual Admiration Story 25 DeRuiter have resigned from MMM Benefit Concert 25 Pres.: George Miller, (719) 685-1278 Tributes 26 their positions on the board of Sec.: Stan Ward, (303) 770-4382 Office Report 27 Vice Pres.: Jon Greeneisen, directors. Their volunteer Webmaster Notes 27 GIS Project 28 (303) 221-5620 assistance has also fallen victim to the demands of work in the Data Book 30 Treas.: [to be announced] “Hiker on Horseback—Ow!” 31 Staff: Suzanne Reed, Administrator, real world. We wish to thank Sawyer Certification 32 Volunteer Coordinator Denise, Sarah, and Darla for Spring Creek Pass Hosts 33 their contributions to the CT and Kelly Heaney’s Through-Hike 34 This edition of Tread Lines was extend our heartfelt best wishes Completion Awards 35 compiled and edited by Susan Junkin, for their future success. CT Run and Thank You 36 and Merle and Uta McDonald. Cookbook 38 Store Page 39

2 Tread Lines Fall 1999 G.P.S. Survey Continued from page 1 ground cut into a mountainous panorama. Stan Ward created the Another important achievement ing volunteers for a job SO WELL excellent South Platte Bridge this summer was the G.P.S. survey DONE! You made it a success. display, which included construc- of the trail. This information will Thanks to Ken Marshall, tion photos, while Denise Wright be included in our new guidebook, who was the overall mastermind and Suzanne Reed were in charge which will be published sometime and recruiter. He was responsible of publicity and registrations. in the near future. A complete for personally making the cherry Tracy Esslinger put the awards report of the survey begins on wood bases for the ceramic logos; display together, both on tables, page 28. he chose and designed the com- walls, and panels, with Jon memorative poster, designed and Greeneisen helping set up the Data Book printed the programs, helped Ted program. Gudy Gaskill and Ken La May with the Durango celebra- were in charge of setting up the For those of you who like to know tion, and wielded a heavy stick arrangements, menu, etc., at the the detailed information about from his home town of Durango. country club, as well as hand mileages, elevations, etc., and have Melanie Barvitski took over for making all of the ceramic logos, it in a very concise and compact Ken when he was out of town at a ordering and designing pins, form, we now have a data book, critical time, coordinated building making all the VIP and speaker which was written by Michael displays, and coordinated the connections, obtaining door prizes, Hibbard and is available through display locations with the available hand making the special 25th year the office or by mail order. See space. Paul Berteau was in awards, and other stuff. Thanks article on page 30. charge of designing and ordering also to Dominic Graber for the Forest Service plaques, Peggy designing and building the beauti- Web Page Bracket arranged inventory of ful porch chairs, and to Pat items for sale, Lois Cochran Nagorka for being in charge of Finally, I want to bring your composed lyrics for a new song check-in, sale items, and name attention to our web page, which is for the 25th Anniversary celebra- tags. Thanks to Phil Smith for so well crafted and always has the tion (“The Dreamers and the printing the name tags on his latest information on many aspects Doers”—see page 5), and Rick computer, and to Sharon Free- of the Trail and the activities of the Tronvig and Dave Good were the man for contacting our major Foundation. A big thank you to official photographers for the benefactors. Thanks to Andy our webmaster, Richard Nolde, event, with two outstanding photo DeNaray for the use of his slide for his hard work to bring this albums for the archives. Dave also for the poster and to both Lois and valuable resource to all of us. put together a new video about the Tracy Cochran (and their help- CT. Liz Truitt and Shirley ers) for mailing the invitations out. Thank you Martin mounted two historic Thanks to Darla DeRuiter for photo displays on wooden panels. doing such a great job at the In closing, I would like to again The displays were professionally Gunnison celebration. And lastly thank all the volunteers who have done. Richard Nolde updated the we would like to thank both Carol made this such a successful year website to include the celebration Johnson and Julie Davis for and to wish all of you a wonderful and helped with deliveries and entertaining us with their stories and happy fall and winter season. cleanup. George Miller and and songs. Wish there had been Merle McDonald created the more time to hear more! outstanding relief map display. We are all indebted to the Merle also constructed a couple of above volunteers for the good time panels. Tom Hettler created the we had. VOLUNTEERS MAKE full-length map and picture display IT HAPPEN! out of plywood, with the back-

Tread Lines Fall 1999 3 Gunnison Spur Celebration a Smash! by Darla S. DeRuiter On Saturday, June 12, revelers Emory Dennis had owned the to join The Colorado Trail where it gathered above Gunnison to Ridgeline land since the early comes off Hope Pass near celebrate the 25th Anniversary of 1920s, when he put a mining claim Winfield along Clear Creek in the The Colorado Trail and the on it. Dennis’s daughter, Carol Arkansas River Drainage. Work dedication of the Ridgeline Open Hoagland of Fruita, attended the began on the Spur in 1988 and Space and Trail System. Nearly ceremony. She and her siblings took 10 summers and nearly 40 100 people joined in the festivities waited for the Gunnison County trail crews to complete. During throughout the day. Trails Commission to raise the ceremony, CTF President The event kicked off with $92,000 to purchase the property, George Miller commented on the a leisurely hike from The CT Spur an important connection for The efforts of the trail crews and others Trailhead near campus, to the top Colorado Trail Spur, rather than who made the Spur a reality. of the ridge where a ribbon-cutting sell out to developers. Following the ribbon- ceremony was held for the The Gunnison Spur cutting ceremony, the crowd made Ridgeline Trail. Local author stretches 65 miles from Gunnison their way downhill to refreshments Mary Anne Tarr welcomed and a raffle. A highlight of the the crowd and provided the day was when John Sowell, background and history of the former CTF board member, Ridgeline Open Space and won a beautiful framed water- Trail System, which was color print, painted and gener- recently purchased from ously donated by Gudy! As a private owners through finale, a sign was unveiled for pledges of local users, regional the Ridgeline Open Space and entities, and a Great Outdoors Trail. Much thanks goes to all Colorado Emergency Grant. event sponsors and those who The family of Warren attended!

Thanks from Gudy! Words cannot express my feelings half-dozen times each night and flipped over. Thanks everyone! of happiness and thankfulness to watching the stars move overhead, But the best comes at the last. all of the supporters of The but it is a good trade-off! The Dominic Graber presented Dave Colorado Trail for my timely gifts second gift was a suitcase/back- and me with two wonderful hand- at the 25th Anniversary celebra- pack on wheels. Someone had just crafted wooden lawn chairs that tion. I’m sure that many of you told me about the “newest” in Dominic had designed and built. who were there wondered what travel comfort. Instead of trying to We had just the spot for them on could I possibly use at my old age. roll the suitcase over cobblestones our deck. The chairs are so placed Well, to break the suspense and to and up and down stairwells to that we overlook the city lights of thank the person or persons that catch another train or subway, one Denver and the foothills in the came up with the ideas, the gifts just hoists the suitcase on your foreground. As spectacular as the were perfect. First of all, there was back, after unzipping the pocket lights are, we feel blessed to live a THICK full-length Therm-A- that holds the shoulder straps, and away from them in a mountain Rest on which to rest weary bones BINGO! it becomes a backpack. It setting, and to only look at them. at the close of a full day. What a must have been invented by A friend made easy pillows for the joy that gift has been! I used it for someone who traveled through the back. Do come and try out the five solid weeks, and each night it same cobblestone streets in chairs for size and comfort. was like sleeping on a cloud or a Helsinki that I did, when the You’re a whiz, Dominic! featherbed. I did miss waking up a wheels were constantly hung up or

4 Tread Lines Fall 1999 A Huge Thank You to Our 25th Anniversary Sponsors! The following is a list of the sponsors of the various CTF 25th Anniversary celebrations. Join us in thanking them for their tremendous support!

Durango Steve Parker George Larsen Burns National Bank Environmental Management B.J. Boucher, Exec. Director Lockheed Martin Astronautics Ass’n Kirk Singer Backcountry Experience Pam Makowski Richard Ellis, President Colorado Trading and Clothing Gardenswartz Sporting Goods Edward Zink Company Mountain Bike Specialists Robert Lieb Golden Durango Threadworks Colorado Springs Jeffrey W. Keller Bill Manning Dan Foster Asphalt Paving Company Trails 2000 Mountain Chalet Gunnison John Marvel Denver First National Bank Kelland T. Davis, O.D. Tracy S. Esslinger Mel Mattis Development Solutions, Inc. Dr. Joan Rubino Pine Needle Mountaineering

Dr. Eugenia Miller

“The Dreamers and the Doers” A Ballad of The Colorado Trail by Lois Cochran Refrain: (repeat after each of 2 verses)

When I’m out upon The Colorado Trail I know that I am not alone somehow. I feel the presence of the dreamers and the doers Who made this trail reality And who walk along beside me even now.

It started with some dreamers in nineteen seventy-three: A vision of a trail through Colorado’s high country Through majestic mountain scenery from Denver south and west All the way down to Durango, along this country’s crest. Then the doers started working as they picked up on the dream: Recruiting help and planning routes, they soon become a team.

Continued on page 7

Tread Lines Fall 1999 5 Durango Celebration by Ken Marshall

Saturday, June 19, more than 100 George Miller, President ment. Ted La May introduced Colorado Trail enthusiasts cel- of The Colorado Trail Foundation, CTF board members past and ebrated the 25th Anniversary of gave a brief history of The Colo- present, including Earl Barker, the development of The Colorado rado Trail and described Gudy’s owner of the Strater Hotel, who Trail and honored Gudy Gaskill, driving force behind its develop- was on the first trail board; the “Mother of the Trail.” George Miller, current The event began with a hike president of the board; Paul up the trail to Gudy’s Rest Wilbert; and Ken and back to the Junction Marshall. Creek Campground for a Randy Houtz, Columbine picnic supper. More than 25 District Trail Coordinator, hikers eagerly joined Gudy USFS, presented Gudy with for the eight-mile hike. a recognition plaque of The program at the appreciation from the United picnic started with a record- States Forest Service. B. J. ing “The Colorado Trail,” by Boucher, San Juan Moun- Carol Johnson, followed tains Association Executive by welcoming remarks by Director, made a special Ted La May, CTF board presentation to Gudy for her member. Durango City undying commitment to the Councilman John Gamble, building of The Colorado nephew of longtime sup- Trail. porter of The Colorado Trail Gudy then described the Claire Gamble, on behalf steps in the planning, build- of the Durango City Coun- ing, and maintenance of The cil, proclaimed June 19, Colorado Trail, a 25-year 1999, “Colorado Trail Day effort unequaled in trails in Durango.” John then City Councilman John Gamble presenting history in Colorado. presented Gudy with a Durango Parks and Recreation Department Following the picnic award to Gudy Gaskill plaque prepared by the supper, Gudy presided over Durango Parks and the cutting of the Recreation Depart- cake provided by ment honoring her Bill Manning, achievements in Director of Trails bringing The 2000, a group Colorado Trail to committed to trail Durango. building in the Durango area.

Left to right: Dave Gaskill, Earl Barker (on first Colorado Trail Board), and George Miller (current CTF Board President)

6 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Continued from page 5 But alas the project foundered when funding began to fail. Would the dream become reality? Would there ever be this trail? Both a dreamer and a doer, there was one who wouldn’t quit Recruiting crews of workers, Gudy Gaskill did her bit. She kept on building trails, refusing to let it fail Year by year, mile by mile, slowly building The Colorado Trail. It was called the “Trail to Nowhere” by Empire magazine. By then ten years had passed and small progress was seen. Governor Lamm read the story and offered his support And helped devise a two-year plan to complete this great effort. With Gudy as their leader, fourteen hundred volunteers Built nearly sixty miles of trail in the summers of two years. This mighty push provided links to make the trail complete From Denver to Durango—it was an enormous feat. Volunteers came from every state and many foreign lands To build a dream, each crew a team, they supplied the many hands Required to build a trail so far: a trail of which they’re proud B. J. Boucher, San Juan Mt. Association Executive Director, Their tools: Pulaskis, shovels, boots, rock bars, and McCleod. presenting award to Gudy Gaskill during celebration in Durango From many occupations, from eighties to pre-teens, All had in common a great love for Colorado scenes. They liked being part of something greater than us all. They felt the joy of giving and had good reason to walk tall. So in nineteen eighty-seven, the dream finally came true, But though the trail went all the way, there was still much work to do. So the crews keep right on coming. They love the work they do, The friends they make, the camping out, the lovely vistas too. Now each year the trail attracts a flurry of excited hikers, Scores of horseback riders and a whir of mountain bikers. Its existence is a tribute to the many volunteers: The dreamers and the doers who worked for all those years. The dreamers keep on dreaming, even to this day Of loops and spurs and special treks, and huts along the way The doers keep on working, maintaining when it’s due, Rerouting and improving, still making dreams come true.

Final refrain after regular refrain the last time: I also feel the presence of a higher power Who guided them and now is guiding me To appreciate the work they did to make the dream come true Former Governor Dick Lamm, Master of And I’m thankful for the beauty that I see. Ceremonies at 25th Anniversary Celebration

This incorporates some (but not all) of the changes Julie Davis made when she sang the song for the 25th anniversary celebra- tion. Most were minor to make it flow better to the music, but I want to give her credit for “a flurry of excited” hikers and a “whir” of mountain bikers. It has more pizzazz than “innumerable” and “many.” She didn’t use two of the verses, probably in the interest of time, and didn’t use the final refrain. The tune she used was “Old Rosin the Beau,” also known as “Acres of Clams.”

Tread Lines Fall 1999 7 “Anticipation” by Jim McIntosh

The letter from Ted La May with scheduled for preventive and home. My definition: home is final instructions for the July 24 maintenance. where you are comfortable and crew came last night. FINALLY, I am speed walking about welcome as you are and for what it is almost time. After six crews in four miles with ankle weights you are. That is THE five years, I missed last year. three to four times a week on city COLORADO TRAIL. Something about a jaw broken in streets. Would like to do several Not needed—a map. West two places that was wired shut of the many trails along the on I-70 to Oakley, US 40 to most of the summer of ’98. Really Missouri River, but new outbreak Cheyenne Wells, South to US 50, missed the trail and the people. of a tick disease, every-other-day west to La Junta, southwest to Anticipation—Inventoried my thunderstorms, and several weeks Walsenberg on CO 10, and then gear; filled shower bag and left it of 90 degrees and high humidity west on US 160 to the ranger in the sink overnight to check for are discouraging. station in Durango. Nearing leaks; valve works and no leaks; Anticipation—July 22, Walsenberg, the mountains come fresh coat of water-proofing on after P.M. on my truck, clean out in view— almost home. I looked the old boots; rain gear checked work tools and softball equipment at the roster, old friends, and new for leaks. Sleeping bag is back except for game equipment friends I have not yet met. It has from the cleaners, eating utensil needed that night. Load except been a long time. cleaned, two new pairs of quick- for en route cooler; be sure to put dry pants ready, tent seams in cassette tapes. Early morning resealed, and clothing-equipment July 23, head west out of the land piling up on bedroom floor so I of high temperatures, high do not forget anything. Truck is humidity and to the land of friends

Thank You to Forest Service Personnel from Phil and Mae Smith Since this year is quite special, being the CTF’s 25th anniver- sary, I wanted to express thanks to the several U.S. Forest Service personnel with whom we’ve worked for several years. So my wife and I took a day and met with Jim Jaminet, Sid Hall, and Pete Garcia in Saguache ( National Forest) and Loretta McEllhiney in Leadville (San Isabel National Forest), and gave them each a CTF book- mark, poster, window decal, anniversary T-shirt, and 25th Anniversary lapel pin. Pictured from the left: Pete Garcia, Sid Hall, Mae Smith, Jim Jaminet

8 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Trail Crew #1 Report June 19–26, 1999 by Phil Smith, Crew Leader

Location: San Isabel National flow straight across the trail. Next Ballou, Stan Barnes, Charles Forest, at the base of Mt. Elbert, year, two culverts, one large and Lawson, J.J. Long, Neal near Leadville one small, need to be installed and Luchtenburg, Jim Parr, Ted a turnpike over them. I’m working Rohweder, Storme Rose, Mae This crew began working with the ranger there to schedule Smith, Amy Young, and me. We where our crew there last year left another full week of trail work had additional help that week, too: off. We dug ditches on the One seasonal Forest upper side of the trail to catch Service employee and 1 the seepage. The ditches are volunteer, plus 5 teens on about 8" wide and up to 8" Thursday. Three of them deep. We were glad that it was were from the Job Training scheduled early in the summer, Partnership Act (State because there was still funded through the Upper considerable seepage along the Arkansas Council of trail and we were able to see Governments), and two what needed to be done. One were with the Youth small stream that crossed the Conservation Corps trail was worked on to make it (funded by the Federal flow quickly across the trail, and government). the rocks below the trail and the We camped in a one in the trail were pulled out. different spot than last year, An unobstructed channel was so we had to shuffle the created. The approaches to the crew up the hill each day. It stream were fixed so that bikes was so nice to have a and horses could cross, and “resident cook” so that bikers wouldn’t have a tough when we returned to camp time stepping over the stream. each day, there was a A larger stream crossed snack waiting for us, and and flooded the trail. About 15 the aroma of a tasty dinner! yards of trail were a problem One morning, as the for hikers. The team waded in crew was ready to head up and removed rock from the to the trail, fog developed stream, below the trail and in between our campsite and the trail. The rocks were then Mt. Elbert and Mt. used to fill in the low spot on the Teen volunteers from Job Training Partnership Massive, and we thought Act and Youth Conservation Corps (Leadville) north side of the stream. The for sure we were in for a extra dirt we had saved from the next year, as there is still plenty rainy day. But as we watched the reconstructed trail was used to that can be done to improve this fog move, we saw a rainbow, then cover the rocks (a type of French section. a double rainbow against that bank drain). The stream’s main channel We had a great “team” of fog as it came closer and closer was reduced to about 3' wide and with whom to work! Our ages to us. But, lo and behold, the fog was made about a foot deeper. At averaged 62, but we sure got a lot soon disappeared and we had a the south edge, there was a lot of of work done. Those participating nice day after all! seepage which was channeled to were Bruce Armstrong, Bob

Tread Lines Fall 1999 9 Crew Leaders Honored Trail Crew #2 Report by Gudy Gaskill July 3–10, 1999 by Phil Smith, Crew Leader Phil and Mae Smith (Phil as the Location: Rio Grande National before, and eventually will link crew leader, Mae as the crew Forest—near Saguache up with the trail being cook) were honored this summer reconstructed coming from by the Saguache Ranger District. This crew, like #1, was a Lujan Pass. We started where Jim Jaminet, Recreational great crew with whom to work last year’s crew stopped. The Ranger for the district, awarded and fellowship. We were small crew was able to reconstruct Phil and Mae with a beautiful in number, but we were about 1,425 feet of trail. The clock plaque to honor their mighty! Those participating trail was across a saddle and longtime commitment to the were Bob Ballou, Stan started up a bad hill (steep, Saguache Ranger District. With Barnes, Rebecca Brachmann, with seven switchbacks). They the clockface on the left side and Clinton Brift, Brad Hayes, reconstructed one switchback the inscription “Thanks for your Mike Kephart, Charles before time ran out on Friday. I volunteer work on The Colorado Miller, Ruth VanDeWitt, went back three weeks later Trail” on the right, the clock was Mae Smith, and me. (when I worked with Crew #12 presented to the Smiths at the We have been working in up that way) to check out this ceremony at the close of their this same area for seven years, switchback. It was found to be second week of trail crews. It is this year’s location being wearing in the wrong spots due signed by the Saguache Ranger identified as Cochetopa Hills— to the rains and motor bikers. District, Rio Grande National and there’s still more to be One of the other adults and I Forest. Congratulations, Phil and done. As always, it is pleasure went back and fixed the Mae, for a job well done over the to work with the Saguache problem areas (we hope). The years with your many trail crews Ranger District, and with Jim remainder of the trail was in the Saguache District. Jaminet in particular. moving water off like it was We just continue on from designed to do. where we left off the year

Crew #2

10 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Trail Crew #12 Report July 31–August 7, 1999 by Phil Smith, Crew Leader Location: Rio Grande National rain itself. We completed only Smith (cook), Amber Tamayo, Forest; Lujan Pass area 1401 feet of trail this week. We and me. We had four backpackers have already planned with Ranger stay for dinner, overnight, This was the fifth year for the high Jim Jaminet for another two breakfast, and lunch; and four for schoolers from the Douglas weeks of crew in this District next whom we provided lunch (boy! County Alternative High Schools year. There is still much to be were they happy to have bread to participate in trail work! It was done. Those participating on this instead of crackers, etc., they had the third year for one of the crew were Bob Ballou (cook’s been eating!). We were glad that students and the second year for helper), Steve Brockmeyer we had plenty of food to share two others. We even had two (teacher), Chris Caffey, Ryan with these dedicated hikers. This alumni register to come with crew worked a half the group, plus another day on Wednesday. alumnus now living in Then we took them Gunnison who came up for up on Sargent’s a day and a half! When we Mesa to see the arrived at the campsite on Soldierstone. The Saturday, it was raining. It teachers prepared had rained enough several the crew for this days before that the place unusual war where we usually put up the memorial prior to the kitchen tent was a big trip. From where the puddle. The rain finally quit vehicles park, there long enough to erect base is about a quarter camp. On Sunday, we Crew #12 mile of meadow loaded tools and the crew through which to into three vehicles and walk, and everyone headed up a forest road. found the We were taking the tools to wildflowers to be the work site and then going spectacular, even to have safety instruction though at this high and trail-building instruction. altitude, they are Then we worked for a very short-stemmed. couple of hours to put into Once again the food practice what was taught. was excellent, though On the way up the road, we this being Mae’s and had to cut about eight trees my third crew this that had fallen across the year, the menu gets a road in order to make the little old—and as road passable. Needless to Crew #12 hard at work most of you know, it say, we did only about one doesn’t vary much hour’s worth of work on the trail Cassell, Eva Cavaliere, from year to year either. that day! Progress was slow this Marcus Clark, Keely Corey, However, Mae does a great job of year, due to the extremely rainy Ben Daniels, Lindsay Holland, putting as much variety as possible weather. It was necessary to quit Ben Levin, Nikki Henry, into the menus. early on two days because the trail Jessie Pattison, Kurt Sheffield, was too wet to work on, plus the Greg Simons (teacher), Mae

Tread Lines Fall 1999 11 Trail Crew #4 Report Indian Trail Ridge July 17–24, 1999 by Suzanne Reed

“Perils in the mud” was suggested Springs joined Richard Conger Roy McCanne from Pueblo as the name for our week in the from Texas to become our “Paul added more to the week than San Juan Mountains. The perils Bunyans”—they cut up a slew of their hard work. Roy’s demon- were few, but the mud was fallen trees and also teamed up in stration of his flashlight inventions EVERYWHERE! Good spirits the cook tent to produce some of and their spectacular video of the and hard work prevailed thanks our best meals. Bob Fulton from Sangre de Christo Mountains to a great group of people who Westcliffe and Tom Peck from (yes, Roy brought along a small came from far and wide to spend Evergreen arrived a little late and VCR!) entertained and educated a week constructing new water left a little early and accomplished us one evening. Once the rains bars, de- stopped, Laurie’s berming and expertise in the cutting new field with wild- trail, and flower and bird clipping back identification came overgrown in handy. Lynda willows and Weldon obstructing Hyde joined us the trail. Our from Fredonia, work was Kansas, with lots made even volunteer stories to more interest- share. Weldon ing by the high has a reputation of elevation and tackling ANY job, exposure to even latrine duty, weather. and was seen Crew leader, digging water bars Ken Pictured left to right: John Wilson, Tom Peck, Weldon Hyde, around and IN the Marshall, had Ken Marshall, Rusty Dowling social tent follow- us on our way ing a particularly up to the work site everyday by 7 a great deal on the water bar heavy downpour! Sarah Knight AM to ensure we would be off crew. Both equestrians who have of Denver, Kayla Hefner from the ridge by the early afternoon ridden most of the CT, their Texas, Lynda Morris from thunderstorms. Not a problem stories educated the rest of us on Durango, and Tom Urquhart of until you were on the breakfast horse lore and multiuse trail Green Bay, Wisconsin, added crew and found yourself heading etiquette. Bob’s never-ending their talents and stories to the to the cook tent at 5:30 AM! supply of jokes and stories helped group. The San Juan “mon- fill up some of our long, damp Once the rains eased up soons” were in full force for our evenings, and hiking alongside him and we made it up to the ridge week, and we all got to know up (and I mean UP) to our work with our McCleods, Pulaskis, and each other well while waiting out site each morning made the time rock bars (an accomplishment in the rains. Larry Mack and his and elevation gain pass effort- itself —a three- to four-mile hike canine pal Roxie from Colorado lessly (well, almost). Laurie and up to 12,000 feet), Ted La May

12 Tread Lines Fall 1999 and our Forest Service ranger, Service poetry read aloud, and Gary Mason, patiently instructed laughing about the group who got us all in water bar construction. lost (no names will be men- “The water bar crew” became tioned!) on the way back to quite proud of their efforts and camp. vowed to return another year to Thanks to Ken and check on the durability of their everyone for a memorable work. Rounding out the crew monsoon week in the San Juans. were Jill Ozaki of Golden, Suzanne Reed of Littleton, John Wilson of Dallas, and Rusty Dowling all the way from Vir- ginia, along with Shirley and Winn Wolvington of Golden, with their many years of CT trail experience. Trudging up and down the Grindstone trail (our access to the CT) each day, we soon realized we were on a multiuse trail — nothing like sharing a muddy track with a herd of free- range cattle! Our daily treks up to the ridge were rewarded with panoramic views across the mountain ranges and down the valleys to herds of grazing elk. As the trail repair progressed, Left to right: Laurie McCanne, Roy McCanne, Larry Mack Ken Marshall formed the “clipper crew,” who moved up the ridge to cut back the thick willows which had all but obstructed parts of the trail. After several hours of clipping with their heads buried in the bushes, Lynda, Weldon, Roy, Laurie, Jill, Suzanne, and Richard sat amongst the brilliant fields of wildflowers and watched the high peaks and river valleys emerge as the clouds parted. Of course the week’s memories are not just made up of work accomplished but of seeing a rainbow against the gray evening sky, listening to Gary Mason take us back to the Gold Rush days in Alaska with Robert Left to right: Laurie McCanne, Jill Ozaki, Suzanne Reed, Lynda Hyde

Tread Lines Fall 1999 13 Trail Crew #6 Report by Tom Brooksher We gathered on Saturday, July 17, pleted both the Appalachian Trail and Tuesday we built about half at the Dillon Ranger Station in and The Colorado Trail. In addi- the water bars and did quite a bit Silverthorne and four-wheeled to a tion to Stan, our crew featured of rock clearing, and we finished turnaround on Miners Creek road. several very active CT Foundation the tear down and rebuilding of a Our leader, Stan Ward, had made and crew veterans, including Rolly 22-foot-long log bridge. the decision earlier to move the Rogers, Jill Gilpin, Sue Palmer, By Tuesday Marge campsite from the location origi- Marge Burgess, Bob Hunter, Burgess had earned the title “The nally intended (which was higher Corinne Kock, and Frank Pulaski Queen,” which was up a very steep and rocky offshoot Szvetecz, and first-timers Tom formally bestowed on her at the of the four-wheel road) for fear and Andy Brooksher. Paul Friday night awards ceremony by that few vehicles could make the Wicks from England joined us for Grey Owl, because of her deft use climb. The trade-off was a lower his second crew of three this of a Pulaski, as well as her obvious campsite that was much more summer. Paul did several crews on attachment to the hoe-and-ax tool. accessible, but with fewer level a stateside trip in 1993. We lost After a little kidding, Marge tent spots and a much longer hike Gary Coats to sickness on admitted that after being on a crew to our workplace. After the crew Monday. Gary’s smile and easy- in 1998, she found the tool so hiked the steep road to the work going style was missed. The group much to her liking that she bought area, all agreed that the revised ranged in age from 15-year-old one to use in her garden. plan was a wise one. high school sophomore Andy, to The weather held for us Our 19-member crew of 9 Rolly, a 71-year-old retired early in the week with pleasant women and 10 men included a geologist and expert mountaineer. temperatures and a soothing cloud contingent from Arkansas (Betty Our assignments involved cover, and by the end of the day and Mike Brown, Virginia and renovating and/or replacing four Tuesday we had completed all of Dwight Buras, LaQuita Can- bridges, building about 65 to 70 the work marked for us by the non, and Sally Stone), who are water bars, digging out 6.52 Forest Service. Stan pretended not very active with the Ozark High- million rocks and stumps, reestab- to hear the crew’s suggestions that lands Trail, and the legendary lishing and widening the tread for we play the rest of the week and “Grey Owl” (Joe Barrett) of what seemed like 95 miles, and quickly devised about three weeks' Pryor, Oklahoma, who has com- clearing downed trees. On Monday worth of challenges for us to

14 Tread Lines Fall 1999 complete in the remaining two bonded in special ways. Non-work the hike to Peak 5, he also workdays. So, after most of the highlights included: tried to attract the pikas and crew participated in an invigorat- Wonderful food, including an marmots with a bouncing ing hike to Peak 5 on Wednesday elegant hors d’oeuvre presen- rendition of “Oh Susanna” (during which she demonstrated tation Thursday afternoon, which he claimed “always why she’s known as “Long Gone provided by our mess supervi- works.” It didn’t. Virginia” Buras), it was back to sor (well, she says “Food The disclosure by LaQuita the tread on Thursday morning. Manager”) Sue Palmer. While Cannon that she got her name After Thursday evening’s down- Sue was charmed in the cook from a character in a True pour we were anxious to see how tent, her luck was dubious in Stories magazine! our rolling dips held up: they were the automotive department. Betty Brown’s several close magnificent! Her car overheated on the way calls during the week as she About half the crew to Silverthorne and had to be tried to go cold turkey to break continued to build rolling water taken to a local garage for her vicious addiction to the bars, dig out rocks, reestablish the repair. When Jill took her in to stock market. A couple of tread, and generally spruce up the pick it up later in the week, smuggled Business sections, a trail. The other half took up the Sue’s luck spread and the hot penny stock tip picked up task of working on three bridges. brakes went out on Jill’s car by Paul, Andy, and Tom in We tore out and replaced a 24-foot ,resulting in a trip to the shop Breckenridge on Wednesday, corduroy bridge with logs, did for her car and a long walk and the mere knowledge that major work on a second, including back to camp for both. Jill was working on the US extending it almost 20 feet, and The fun on Friday night of West/Qwest merger kept her repaired a small corduroy. The giving each other “awards” stable. bridge work became a real team- based on personal actions and The realization that the trail building exercise as we pooled our revelations during the week. work was child’s play com- talents and experiences to over- Campfires every night, with pared to the intensity of the come the challenges of working people reluctant to go to bed card games that went on most with the limited tools at hand. because of the interesting nights after dark. Jill, Betty, Cutting the tread on one became a discussions and new friends. Dwight, and Sally taught Andy great father-son experience for A fascinating blend of dialects to play bridge the first night. Andy and Tom. (Tom had an and accents. On any given And with a little coaching unexpected bath when he slipped night around the campfire you from Sally, he took all 13 on a support into the cold, cold could hear a slow Arkansas tricks in a 7 no trump bid with water.) The crew also benefited twang mixed with Grey Owl’s the first hand dealt. To return greatly when the Forest Service rich backwoods Oklahoma the favor, Andy taught all provided a chain saw on Friday drawl, peppered with Louisi- comers to play “Kings and afternoon after learning that ana-born Dwight’s unique Gravel Suckers,” which he Dwight Buras was chain-saw blend of Cajun seasoned by 30 also won his share of times, certified. Without it we could not years of living in Texas, all in earning him the “Colorado have completed the bridge and sharp contrast to Paul’s Trail Card Shark” award from cleared many downed timbers version of the Queen’s En- Jill. before having to leave on Friday. glish. It was a great time with lots of In addition to being very able with Paul’s, Gary’s, Andy’s, and laughs, hard work, and new friends the chain saw, Dwight demon- Tom’s valiant attempts to — the last being perhaps the best strated a tremendous capacity for entertain the crew by guitar at memory we will all treasure. We hard work, earning him the various points over the week, take pride in the fact that our part “Whistle While You Work” despite the fact that none of of the CT from Gold Hill to the Award presented Friday night by their repertoires included top of the Ten Mile Range is much friend and fellow Arkansan, Mike campfire songs. Grey Owl improved as a result of Crew #6’s Brown. rescued the foursome with efforts. Off the trail, the crew several rousing tunes on the harmonica. On Wednesday, on

Tread Lines Fall 1999 15 Escape the Heat! (Work on The Colorado Trail) by LaQuita Cannon, Sally Stone, Virginia and Dwight Buras, Mike and Betty Brown, and Joe (½ Arkansan) Barrett

As you might imagine, the Owl since he hiked the Appala- Shortly after our workweek, trails in Arkansas receive little chian Trail) and, although he we backpacked from Camp use in the summer because in lives in Oklahoma, he spends a Hale to Half Moon Creek on 100-degree weather, you just lot of time hiking in Arkansas The Colorado Trail. We met want to stay in air-conditioned with the rest of us, so he’s an another volunteer work crew spaces. However for die-hard honorary ½ Arkansan. just a couple of days out and hikers like us, we have found a The guys worked on the we complimented them on their way to be on a trail and be bridges while the women built hard work. Needless to say, we cool! We go to Colorado! And a lot of water bars and removed were very proud to tell them we work on the trail too. Is tons of rocks from the tread. that we had just finished work- there a better way to know We surprised everyone by ing on the trail too! It sure feels what trails to hike, than to work getting the flagged areas done great to be a giver as well as a on them? so quickly that we had to move taker. Six and ½ Arkansans uphill on Thursday. We have many trails in worked on Section 8 of The Besides getting a lot of Arkansas, and we hope that Colorado Trail around Miners work done, we also met new when your trails are covered in Creek in Summit County this people and had a great time. snow, you will consider trying summer. The one-half, by the And what a way to get in shape ours. way, is Joe Barrett (a.k.a. Grey for a backpacking trip too! Thanks for a great week!

Reflections on Crew #6 Continued from page 17 This crew’s special Editor’s Note: Stan Ward “From my perspective, I left on distinction came on Thursday. passed along the following the crew thinking it was about Every crew has rocks—not every quotation from a letter he got being in the wilderness, giving one has a body. Sharon, Toni, and from Tom Brooksher, one of something back and working up Tut came upon a frightening sight the members of Crew 6. As a sweat. But I came home while hiking on Wednesday. At the bottom of an abandoned mining Stan points out, “Tom found realizing that it wasn’t about hole was a form like a human body those things at all. The crew the words to get to the heart of wrapped in white cloth. After the the experience and feelings of experience is all about commu- story was shared, everyone was most, if not all, of us who have nity—meeting 18 other people convinced that it was a real body. been on a crew. It is especially and growing from strangers to Even the Ranger, Loretta, went relevant because his 15-year- family in a week with the help to check it out. The discovery that old son felt the same way.” of some hard work and a it was just a bundle of ground campfire. On the way home I cover cloth was welcome news, Thank you, Tom and Andy. asked my son Andy what he although many had lost sleep over enjoyed most about the week. the matter the night before. Without hesitation and with Friday night the crew song great zeal he said, ‘the people was sung by its writers Mark and Sam. It was a great ending to a on the crew.’ He got it too.” very eventful week on The Colorado Trail.

16 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Trail Crew #9 Report: “The Body Crew” Porcupine Gulch, July 24–31, 1999 by Alison Boyer “We have a story to tell you, about Kansas we had Alison and time before and after supper by a CT crew. Listen while we tell Renee Boyer, and Weldon and singing to Sam House’s guitar and you, a little story or two.” So Linda Hyde. Don Brewington working on the “brainteasers.” began the Crew 0999 song, 26 and Sam House hailed from Between the 20 brains in the room, verses in all, describing our week Texas, Gene Cash from Ne- we managed to get fewer than 10 in beautiful Porcupine Gulch near braska with his grandson, David “correct” answers to the cross- Leadville. The week began with a Hughes, soon to be from the word puzzle. After some discus- meeting at the Leadville Ranger Ukraine, Molly Day from Illinois, sion, it was unanimously decided Station on Saturday. From there and Kerry Lubeski and Mark that there was more than one we proceeded to the campsite and Santa-Maria from Michigan. possible answer to a crossword; set up the community tents and the Learning all of the names was a this significantly raised our score. latrine. Our camp was beside a hill challenge for some. Especially We did accomplish some on the edge of trail work in a beautiful our seven meadow. days. The Looking South day’s work from camp, we began with a enjoyed an mile hike up amazing view and over a of the Sawatch small pass. At Range. The the top an latrine built on alpine Saturday was meadow the usual provided a inadequate tarp stunning view and bucket, but of the Arkan- by week’s end, sas River we were Valley to the equipped with a East. This luxurious, low- pass and the to-the-ground Crew #9: “The Body Crew” switchbacks contraption down the courtesy of Don, and the crew Ethel’s nickname, Tut, which is other side were the main focus of leader, Gene. Saturday was a day supposed to rhyme with “put.” our work. Numerous water bars for getting to know each other On Sunday, most of the and check dams were put in. The better. We were all fascinated by crew did some hiking on the CT. biggest project of the week was the various accents present. We Gene and several others scouted improving one badly eroded had quite a menagerie with out the trail we would be working switchback. Some members of the members Toni Robert and Ethel on. The rest headed the opposite crew felt compelled to move Troyanek from Alabama, and direction to Bear Lake and Galena mountain-sized boulders and build Paul Wicks all the way from Mountain. That evening it rained a retaining wall on this switchback. England. Others were Sharon (guess what . . . it rained every Some crew members, like Leanna, Benson, Ann Schmechel and evening!), and all 20 of us headed chose to show off their strength by Jim Tate, plus two father- for the community tent. We were lifting huge rocks with a single daughter duos from Colorado, entertained by a very difficult rock bar or carrying numerous Bart and Leanna Berger, and crossword puzzle and several tools back and forth down the trail. Ken and Katie Walker. From pages of number riddles through- Continued on page 16 out the week. We tried to pass the

Tread Lines Fall 1999 17 Building Cairns to Point the Way Trail Crew #8 Report Jarosa Mesa by Jon Greeneisen, Crew Leader Crew 8’s assignment was to line by midday just ahead of the on the Foundation and an- move the CT off four miles of storms. swered the group’s many Forest Service road onto a CT veterans Dan Coulter, questions. stock driveway that winds Bev Gherardini, Roger But most important, we through the willows and across Gomas, Marylin Greeneisen, were able to improve the Trail Jarosa Mesa. This section of Allen Kallenbach, Larry for all who come along in the Trail is three miles west of Mack, Bill Maltby, Grady future years to cross Jarosa Spring Creek Pass. The change Monk, Sandy and Paul Njaa, Mesa. They’ll find a line of not only gets hikers out of Sue Palmer, Rolly Rogers, hefty cairns erected by Crew muddy ruts but also takes them and Ken Swierenga were 0899 to clearly point the way. up over Buck Mountain for joined by Dewey Hill, Jim great views of the San Juans— Kerr, Bill Preston, Tom Uncompahgre, Red Cloud, Standley, and Don Van Wyke. Photos on page 19 (left to right, top Sunshine, Handies, etc.—and We organized into three to bottom): shortcuts the journey by more teams—Blue, Green, and Red. than a mile. Roger Gomas was Blue Team Photo #1: Volunteers on Jarosa Mesa For a number of reasons leader, Ken Swierenga was Crew #0899 gathered at their camp west of Spring Creek Pass (e.g., distance of the reroute, Green Team leader, and Sue rocky terrain, tundra), Ernie Palmer was known in camp as Photo #2: Crew 0899’s Green Team Werren, Merle McDonald, “Red Leader.” Roger, Grady, builds a post cairn on the east side of and the Forest Service agreed Larry, and Roxy rose before Buck Mountain. we would not attempt to cut a sunup each morning to put on Photo #3: Volunteer Dewey Hill tops new tread. Rather, our task the coffee and make breakfast. a post cairn with orange paint to was to build 31 large cairns We had a good time up help hikers find the way across holding 6-foot posts to guide there at our high-mountain Jarosa Mesa. CT users across the new route. camp. Fishermen in the group All but 5 of our 19 crew brought back a mess of fish on Photo #4: Crew 0899’s Red Team after building a post cairn on Jarosa members were experienced in Wednesday and treated us to Mesa. CT trail building, and the grilled fish hors d’oeuvres. volunteers tackled the work Sandy and Paul celebrated their Photo #5: Members of the Jarosa with enthusiasm. As with other 40th wedding anniversary, and Mesa crew show off one of their post crews this summer, our biggest we feted “Sue P” on her birth- cairns on the eastern approach to Buck Mountain. obstacle was incessant rain. day with cake, balloons, and While early mornings were singing accompanied by horse- Photo 6: Another example of the clear, dark clouds rolled in by man Dan’s ukulele. There crew’s beautiful handiwork. late morning, and storms with were enthusiastic, if somewhat both rain and hail came boom- wet, games of “99,” and Tom’s Photo 7: Volunteer Larry Mack stands outside the Jarosa Mesa crew ing through the big sky by accommodations were the hit cook tent after cooking the crew’s noon. So to accomplish the of “Open Tent” night. One breakfast. work, we started early and then evening CTF President George headed down to camp at tree Miller gave an informative talk

18 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Tread Lines Fall 1999 19 Food Packing Sets a Record by Pat Nagorka

Beautiful day, perfect timing, and what a crew! A crew of 15 can pack a lot of food in a short amount of time, as proven by the packers last May. They even gave up a day of the Memorial Day weekend to abuse their muscles and sweat in the sun. But that is what Colorado Trail people are all about, isn’t it? Colorado Springs and the surrounding area are send- ing more than their share of the people, with 7 out of the 15: Left to right, back row: Rick Eisle, Jon Greeneisen, Art Rankin, President of the CTF, George Roger Gomas, George Miller, Grady Monk Miller, and his wife Lila Middle row: Marilyn Eisle, Marylin Greeneisen (in the hat), Denise Wright, Nancy Gomas (plaid shirt), Lila Miller, Miller, Roger and Nancy Shirley Monk, Susan Junkin Gomas, who brought Grady Laid out!: Phil Smith and Shirley Monk, longtime trail workers but first-time food packers, and another first-time food packer, Susan Junkin, who joined the fun after some poor directions got her off track. From Castle Rock came Phil Smith without Mae, whom we missed. Lone Tree gave us the Eisles, Rick and Marilyn. From Denver was our team driver, Denise Wright; Jon and Marylin Greeneisen, CTF registrars; Art Rankin, producer of our T-shirts and hats; and me.

A huge THANK YOU “I know I put one on that pile, but where did it go?” says Rick Eisle, to all of you for giving up such scratching his head. a beautiful spring day and for doing such a terrific job.

20 Tread Lines Fall 1999 THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES HAVE GENEROUSLY DONATED FOOD TO YOUR TRAIL CREW, 1999

Alamos Distributors, Inc.—John Amerman Tortilla Chips

Archway Cookies, Inc.—Ray Milner Many Varieties of Cookies

H.J. Heinz Co.—Mike Helgeson and Mike Crouch Tuna, Relish, Mustard

King Soopers—E. John Burgon, President Merchandise Certificates

Kuner Empson Co.—Bob Seifert Corn ’N Peppers, Peas

Nestles Food Co.—Dave Greer Hot Chocolate, Candy Bars, Teas

Rocky Mountain Foods—Dave Greenhouse Trail Mix, Hard Candy

Peaberry Coffee Ltd.—Cathy Nario Coffee

Stokes Ellis Foods—Linda Mathews Corned Beef, Peas, Corn, Green Beans

Please show your appreciation for these generous donations by supporting these companies, many of which have supported us for years. We were sorry to learn that Early Bird Foods have “closed their doors after thirty years.” We will miss their tasty granola. Good luck, John Roitsch, in your retirement. As always, it is a pleasure to work with these companies that support our trail crews.

THANK YOU ALL. Pat Nagorka, Food Committee Chair

Tread Lines Fall 1999 21 1999 Reunion and Potluck Supper Menu Talk by Lois Cochran by Pat Nagorka Fabulous food, fun, and will be working next year. renewel of old friendships were A slide show by Rich- The cries for “Let us have the enjoyed by those who attended ard Nolde, the CTF spaghetti back” were loud and the reunion supper. The food Webmaster, showed some of clear. I hope it was good and included such trail crew the scenery he saw on his hike the garlic bread yummy. An- favorites as brisket and home- on the southern end of the trail other change in the menu was made ice cream. a few years ago. the blueberry pudding dessert. Merle McDonald Many thanks to Uta Tasty yes, but the pans situation reported on this summer’s McDonald, Irene Cazer, and and putting the pudding to- accomplishments and next Charlotte Briber for planning gether proved difficult for year’s plans. Colorado Trail and organizing this year’s some, so look for some revi- crew work is never done, and reunion. sions there. Another new item there are many areas where we that will not return is the cheese crackers. They were just not that great. I heard no comments on the Creamy Stir Fry chicken, so I must assume it was OK. The same with the Tuna ’n Rice dinner. I still have not heard of a good, easy change for the lunch menu. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them, and any other comments, suggestions, and ideas you may CTF Education Center have about the menus, instruc- tions, or recipes. You can The cabin has been closed up contributing members. The contact me at (303) 841-2777, and put under cover for the cabin can be reached by an or 6796 E. Pine Lane, Parker, winter. Dan Wolfe, John ordinary car before the snows CO 80138. Wilson, Polly Gaskill, Dave come or after Memorial Day Hope everyone had a Gaskill, and Gudy painted the when the county plows the good crew, despite the rain this base, repaired the screens, oiled Alpine Scenic Byway. During year. Have a Merry Christmas the logs, brought in the wood the winter, it is accessible by and see you next year. for the winter, caught the pack snowshoe or cross-country skis. rat, drained the water line, and Please contact Gudy Gaskill if took inventory of the food you would like more informa- items left for the upcoming tion on the location and its winter ski trips. A new skylight availability. has been purchased and will be E-mail: [email protected] installed before next season, Phone: (303) 526-2721 bringing the sunlight into the Fax: (303) 526-2721 reading area. The cabin is Mailing address: 548 Pine Song available for use by CTF Trail, Golden, CO 80401

22 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Treks, Summer 1999 by Lila Miller The summer of 1999 was a wet them encouragement and for sanitary reasons and for one for the CT Treks. Al- inspiration to complete the quality control as well as to though every week had rain, the Trail. lighten the load of the cooks. hardy hikers of The Colorado None of the treks would This year there has Trail finished their weeks in be possible without the hard- again been an outstanding good spirits and companion- working crews. The CTF has group helping with the food. ship. The wildflowers were been fortunate to attract dedi- Special thanks goes to Rhonda extra spectacular, and the misty cated people to operate this Weiler for her help in the vistas gave a different look to program. Sincere and heart-felt shopping and sorting of food the trail. The crews and hikers thanks to every staff member and paper goods. Anne had more adverse conditions for their devotion, loyalty, and Craddock helped with cooking than usual, but very few prob- labor. and recipe development. Nicki lems arose. The food preparation Rosa, Gwyneth Shahan, and Six hikers chose to for the treks has changed over Annette Demel helped with complete the CT on a trek this the years. The purchase of the packing the food. George year. Congratulations to food previously was done Miller delivered all of the food completers Betty Goding, mostly by the cooks, and most to the trek camps throughout JoAnne Richard, Kamilla of the preparation was done on the state. Deepest appreciation Macar, Donna Kaufman, the trail. Now the food is to all for their efforts. Dean Simmons, and Erin purchased by the food coordi- The trek office has a Kraemer. They all spent nator and helpers. All of the different e-mail address. It is considerable time and effort to main dishes are cooked and [email protected]. All inquir- reach their goal. Thanks for frozen, and then the final ies, questions, etc., can reach sharing your achievement with preparation is done by the the trek office at this address. your fellow hikers. It will give cooks on the trail. This is done

This poem was written following Colorado Trail crew 0599, during which it rained—a lot. We were lucky to have the yurt instead of a kitchen tent and kept looking for the positive, but it wasn’t easy.

LISTEN TO THE RAIN by Lois Cochran

Listen to the rain - it’s such a restful sound Don’t think about it seeping into your tent and not the ground. Listen to the rain - no need for fire bans - that’s good You can have a campfire every day if you can find dry wood. Listen to the rain - it keeps the mosquitos from flying While around the stove in the yurt, clothes are hanging drying. Listen to the rain - the clouds keep it warm at night But if you want a sunshower, the warmth is pretty slight. Listen to the rain - it makes the trail easy to dig While your boots pick up mud making them feel twice as big. Listen to the rain - think of the good things - don’t be pessimistic But when it just keeps falling all week, it’s hard to stay optimistic.

Tread Lines Fall 1999 23 Report on Summer 1999 Classes by Gudy Gaskill 1999 was the seventh summer that did a wonderful job in keeping all aquatic insects in the afternoon. the CTF offered classes at the of us informed and interested. The We actually caught butterflies Education Center or at Molas level ranged from rank beginner to from each of the five groups and Pass. Take advantage of these advanced botanist. This was a looked at the difference between exciting opportunities next sum- superb summer for wildflowers, moths and butterflies. Martha mer! bringing out an unusual variety of Walton really got into the act with flowers and it was not uncommon her butterfly net. In the afternoon Geology Class for us to identify a hundred or so we walked down to the river and flowers each day. Robin’s enthusi- turned over stones looking for The last two years the geology asm and knowledge were an caddis flies and other larva. class has had to be canceled due to inspiration to us all. Tuesday Gudy taught the class in insufficient registration. This class watercolors, and everyone pro- has been held at Little Molas Lake Rocky Mountain Watercolor duced at least one “masterpiece.” next to Molas Pass in the San Juan Workshop On Wednesday the group went Mountains. The location is a great ridge running, first climbing the spot to view a large variety of Attending the Rocky Mountain peak behind the cabin and then geologic formations spanning Watercolor workshop were following the hairy ridge over millions of years. We have been Kathleen Bowen, Parker, CO; toward Cooper Lake. Light rain fortunate to have Dr. Jack Jack Campbell, Durango, CO; aborted the destination, but a good Campbell, a retired professor of Dave Gaskill, Golden, CO; time was had by all. Dan Wolfe geology from Fort Lewis College, Laurie Forbes, Durango, CO; was our careful leader. On Thurs- as our instructor. The class itself Ruth Shields, Durango, CO; day, Dave Gaskill gave a short presents a fascinating look at Sadie Short, Durango, CO; Kim history on millions of years of geologic history, made doubly so Stevens, Lakewood, CO; Sue geology. In the afternoon we drove by Jack’s intimate knowledge of Reinhardt, Denver, CO; Dan to Lake City and visited the the surrounding areas of Little Wolfe, Albuquerque, NM, and museum as well as driving the tour Molas Lake. Consider signing up Gudy Gaskill, Golden, CO. This of historic houses. We spent for this class while Jack is still is Margaret Barge’s third year in Friday botanizing with Kathy available. You won’t be sorry! instructing and critiquing the high Darrow, author of Wild about Broaden your mind, while appreci- altitude workshop. It’s a fascinat- Wildflowers. Not only did Kathy ating the topography of the San ing class, with views to paint in identify the wildflowers on our Juans. any direction, an inspiration to do hike, but also she gave us many a lot of painting, culminating in an interesting bits about legends, Rocky Mountain Wildflowers art show on the last night. Even if myths, and folklore of the wild- you’ve never painted before, the flowers. The day and week passed The class was held at the Educa- scenery will inspire you, and too quickly. It was a lot to cram tion Center, 22 miles SW of Lake Margaret has a gentle way of into the old mind in one week, but City. Rocky Mountain Wildflow- leading you in the right direction. it opened our eyes to so many ers, filled to capacity, was at- This is an ego pleaser. facets of the wilderness and its tended by Ruth Cannon, Bob inhabitants, how they got there, Davidson, Lila Hansen, Ronald Rocky Mountain Medley and how they have adapted and Hansen, Marie-Jeanne evolved. This class will get better Lombardi, Ruth Mallory, David This year was our first year in with age. Come join us next year Mallory, Laurie McCanne, Roy offering the medley. Next summer in the superb setting of the San McCanne, Bruce Scorsone, Jan it will be called “Rocky Mountain Juans and take a tour into its and Dan Wolfe, and Gudy Sampler,” as a different subject is mysteries. Gaskill. Robin Bingham, our offered each day. This summer, instructor, is a professor at West- the first day we studied butterflies ern State College in Gunnison, and and moths in the morning and

24 Tread Lines Fall 1999 A Mutual Admiration Story Benefit Concert by Julie Mesdag by Gudy Gaskill My guess is that if you get this the entire CT. They will ride into newsletter, you love The Colorado Durango in 2002, and a portion of If you didn’t make it to the Trail. I know I do, and I know that the proceeds from the riders will Michael Martin Murphey Michael Martin Murphey does. benefit the CT. So . . . together concert in Vail in August, you Those of you who are not aware with several members of our missed a show of a lifetime! The of how much the trail means to “Former FBI/NASA Personnel Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and Michael should attend a Westfest and Friends,” section 13 mainte- their versatile conductor captivated over Labor Day weekend each nance crew, we hosted a dinner the hearts of all of the concert year. This year it was in Vail and for the riders as they came goers. And Michael Martin last year at Silver Creek. These through Camp Hale in our section. Murphey gave a tremendous solo two years are significant because The rain surely did not dampen the show that received many standing it was in 1998 that Michael took us incredible atmosphere of the entire ovations. The Ford Amphitheater, under his angel wing and began evening. There was a lot of with its spectacular setting, supporting us in a BIG way. He sharing and storytelling about the incredible acoustics, and intimate has formed the Murphey Trail trail, and musical offerings from feeling, was a perfect showcase Foundation, and on Friday night Michael. Their cooks let us know for Michael’s fine voice and before Westfest kicked off, he and they appreciated a night off too. choice of songs. The feeling of his band, together with the Pueblo Michael, Willard, their crew and love and enchantment was every- Symphony, John McCuen, and riders let us know they appreciate where. After the show everyone R. Carlos Nakai, performed a what we do and vice versa. Happy moved back to the lodge for a benefit concert for The Colorado Trails! wine and cheese party and a Trail, and to help maintain and chance to bid on the silent auction, preserve the public trails of the Note: You can also see Michael with The Colorado Trail being West. In addition to that benefit Murphey in January at the Na- among the beneficiaries. Bob and concert, there was a silent auction tional Western Stock Show. He is Carole Zinn did a tremendous job all weekend in which all items very passionate about this wonder- in securing donations and display- were fully donated for the CT and ful place in which we live called ing the auction items in the lobby trails. Bob and Carole Zinn of the West, including our trail. of the lodge. Edwards, Colorado, put together the auction, and they too are committed and dedicated to our trail. I am sure many of you know someone who might donate a quality item to the auction next year to benefit trails. Think about it and let the CT office or me ([email protected]) know. I also wanted to show Michael and Willard Forman of Summit Trail Adventures how much we adopters appreciate what they are doing for our trail. This August they finished their second of five trail rides to cover

Michael Murphey/Summit Adventures trail ride 1999 on the CT. Second of five segments to be completed in 2002. From left to right, top: Willard Forman, Michael Murphey Bottom: Julie Mesdag, Michael Mesdag, Iona Hildebrand, Liz Harris, Margarita Miller, Jim Miller, Dick Maurer

Tread Lines Fall 1999 25 Tributes to Our CT Friends

Ted Berri Jim Ray

Ted died in his home in Denver Jim volunteered for The Colorado whatever else, and he always after a short illness. Born in 1913, Trail project when we had a lot to invited me in. I sat and relaxed Ted led an active life, and after do and really needed leaders. He before taking off, and I looked retirement he and his wife Patti consistently would call and say, forward to those drives to his volunteered many hours with the “What more can I do; what else house. He was somebody I knew Colorado Mountain Club. Patti do you need?” really believed in the Trail and became one of the first contribu- The people he had on his what he was doing. tors to the original Colorado He called one day and Mountain Trail Foundation said he couldn’t be a crew and continued supporting leader anymore because he was and believing in the trail forgetting things so readily. through its succession from Then about four years ago, we Friend of The CT to the had a celebration for pulling present Colorado Trail together a new trail over Tiger Foundation. Ted and Patti Run, which would be Gold Hill were familiar faces at most and Breckenridge (from Georgia of the special events as well Pass). He came out for the day, as the open houses. He will and he had a wonderful time. be missed by his many Two friends brought him friends and remembered as and hiked with him that day so a person who could figure he wouldn’t get lost. He remem- out any type of engineering. bered all the little nicks and He designed tables, shower crannies throughout the hike and stalls, chairs, and a number loved watching for the mush- of kitchen tools to help the rooms. I remember, too, how he trail crews. He was always raved about the colors of the optimistic, loved a good joke, flowers. and always came up with an I thought, “Your mind answer to our problems. might be wandering and forget- God received a great ful, but your senses are alert to handyman. We shall miss all these things.” He hadn’t lost his expertise and good his ability to sense the beauties humor. of the outdoors. trail crews absolutely adored him —Gudy Gaskill because he was gentle, kind, and —Gudy Gaskill never put anyone down. He was always a positive person and Editor’s note: Jim Ray suc- encouraging. That’s a hard trait to cumbed recently to Alzheimer’s come by; trail leaders are not Disease. He was remembered in always like that. Jim had such a an End of the Trail feature in the laid-back, wonderful feeling about September–October, 1999, issue his trail crews. People kept coming of Trail & Timberline, the back year after year because they magazine of the Colorado Moun- felt comfortable. tain Club. This tribute by Gudy will I remember going up to his appear in the next issue of Trail & house a number of times just to Timberline and is used with deliver T-shirts or certificates or permission of the CMC.

26 Tread Lines Fall 1999 A HUGE Thank You to Office Volunteers! by Suzanne Reed New and familiar names make up Mesdag have helped send out the note writer, Bea Slingsby. Bea our current office volunteer crew. many CT cookbooks ordered over has sent out hundreds of notes to Pat Rush sorts through our wide the last couple of months. Julie 25th Anniversary donors as well as variety of mail every week—from also sold cookbooks for us at our many regular CT Friends. requests for CT products to Westfest this year. A “new” face Currently we are in need general information questions, Pat and name amongst our volunteers of someone to design flyers, efficiently responds to each and is Kitty Brown of Littleton. She forms, and certificates. Also, we records the details for our data- is creating a mailing list for our could use additional office help base. Liz Truitt, known to many new brochures. If you have an from someone proficient in CT Friends, continues to tackle the office, store, or other location you Microsoft Office programs. Call mounds of bookkeeping that would like to see feature CT the CT office at (303) 384-3729, accumulate each week. Her years brochures, please let us know in Ext. 113. of experience with the CT and the CT office. Marge Burgess has Do you have a skill or CMC as well as her “never give been following up on new local talent you would like to share with up” attitude have solved many an markets for some of our CT store The Colorado Trail Foundation? accounting problem here in the items. A huge THANK YOU Please call us! office. Jill Ozaki and Julie must go to our longtime thank you Notes from the Webmaster by Richard Nolde Several new items have been and I provided sag-wagon and The spring and fall adopter reports added to the Colorado Trail shuttle support. See the related are particularly valuable and also Foundation website, story on page 28 as well as the show visitors just how much work www.coloradotrail.org, this GIS project portion of the website it takes to maintain the trail. summer. Eva Fisher designed for full details and the current I am currently looking for and maintained a set of pages for status of the project. I would really one or more people to act as The Colorado Trail Run, which appreciate it if trail section adopt- website liaisons to the equestrian raised money for the CTF and let ers and hikers would send me e- and mountain biking users of The the trail-running community know mail or hardcopy reports of trail Colorado Trail. Lacking experi- about the CT. Randy Jacobs conditions during the summer. It is ence in both of these areas, I have supplied updates to a number of particularly important to let not been able to develop content descriptions for trail prospective hikers/bikers/horse for either of these areas of the sections that have been relocated riders know what they will be up website. I would also like to find since the last printing of The against when they are planning a someone to research the Trail: The Official hike. I know that conditions the Colorado Trail Foundation and Guidebook. The updates have change rapidly, but massive blow help me put together a set of pages now been posted on the website downs and serious snow condi- on this topic for the website. I under the Guidebook Updates list tions in the spring can make a would also like to continue my item. The Colorado Trail GIS tremendous difference in the time plans to put current and past issues project received a major boost it takes to do a hike, and it is very of Tread Lines on the website. I when Jerry Brown and Frank helpful to trail users to know about need to find clean, legible copies Floyd recently rode most of the such problems in advance. The of past issues and the photographs non-wilderness portions of the CT trail condition pages are frequently to go with them when possible. I with a professional grade GPS unit visited on the website, but there is have scanners and OCR software that can record the location of the very little information available on that can be used to get the material trail with an accuracy of better them since I cannot personally Continued on page 37 than one meter. Merle McDonald check the entire trail each spring.

Tread Lines Fall 1999 27 Colorado Trail GIS Project by Richard Nolde Editor’s Note: The purpose of has ridden numerous times with only returned to Colorado in the the GIS Project is to produce a Jerry in a variety of places. Frank middle of August. This left only a very accurate digital map of the has ridden sections of the CT on few short weeks to get back in CT. Then anyone with a GPS several occasions, finally complet- shape for the rigors of an extended receiver can accurately locate ing the trail in 1995. Jerry and two-week ride with lots of eleva- any point on the CT. Once the Frank make yearly pilgrimages to tion gain. He and Frank arrived at military security feature is ride in such places as Costa Rica, my apartment in Littleton on removed (about year 2002), the Central America, and Copper August 27 to meet Merle positional error should be less Canyon, Mexico. Both Jerry and McDonald and finalize the than 10 feet. Currently the small Frank are 49 years old. logistical support requirements. hand-held GPS receivers used Jerry describes Bear Our late-night session, including a by hikers can have a positional Creek Survey Service as “a quality last-minute trip to REI to replace a error of up to 200 feet, but it control and software company that worn-out jacket and stock up on usually is less than 100 feet. is incorporated in the State of Cliff bars, ended at 1:00 a.m., but Once the project is completed, Colorado. Bear Creek designed Jerry was raring to go at 5:00 a.m., we will publish a list of key and markets the coordinate and we set out for Waterton points along the CT for use in geometry programs which are Canyon by 6:30 a.m. After all the conjunction with a GPS re- used by the majority of geophysi- gear was loaded and checked out, ceiver. cal exploration surveyors in the the bikers set off at 7:20 a.m. in Richard Nolde, our USA, Mexico, India, and Russia. the early morning light. Merle and webmaster, is spearheading this The company is owned and I provided sag-wagon support and project and has put an untold operated by Jerry Brown, who shuttles around the wilderness number of hours into it as well travels to field camps in such areas, with Merle doing the lion’s as more than $600 dollars of his places as Turkmenestan, Siberia, share of the work since I had to own cash. The following is his the Indian Himalayas, Nepal, and return to work following the first account of the progress made Bolivia to provide technical weekend. Merle’s RV camper this summer. Jerry and Frank assistance and training to geo- made an excellent supply vehicle, are donating all of their time, physical surveyors. Bear Creek is and Frank’s 4x4 Toyota pickup effort, and equipment. not a land surveying company and came in handy a number of times is not involved with boundary when the route to a meeting point The Colorado Trail GIS surveying on a local level.” was too rough for the RV to (Geographic Information System) “The trail mapping project negotiate. Some nights were spent and mapping project moved into is being conducted using a Trimble in campgrounds, others in motels, high gear recently as expert Pathfinder Pro XRS GPS receiver and two at the home of longtime mountain bikers Jerry Brown and which receives differential correc- Colorado Trail supporters, Larry his friend Frank Floyd undertook tions from the Omnistar satellite and Dawn White in Nathrop, and to ride as many of the non- network. It is capable of determin- two more cold and rainy nights wilderness portions of The Colo- ing map positions with an accuracy were spent in Ernie Werren’s rado Trail as possible with a of three feet or better. The warm and dry place in professional grade GPS (Global receiver can collect positions at a Breckenridge. I rejoined the riders Positioning System) unit. Jerry, rate of once per second as Jerry and Merle the following Friday and owner of Bear Creek Survey and Frank ride the trail. The stayed with them until we reached Service in Durango, has ridden resulting track file may be then the last access point before La The Colorado Trail twice before. layered onto a digital map image, Garita Wilderness, just north of the His friend Frank Floyd, a drywall resulting in an extremely accurate Eddiesville trailhead, on September contractor from Fredericksburg, picture of where the trail is.” 8. Jerry and Frank were able to Texas, is a top-10 NORBA Jerry was working in ride the section of the trail from competitor in his home state, and Mississippi earlier this summer and Kennebec Pass to Durango the

28 Tread Lines Fall 1999 following day. Jerry and Frank rode for We learned a 13 days and followed the schedule lot about the limitations below: of the GPS technology in a mountainous Day 1 Waterton to Meadows environment during Campground Jerry’s initial work Day 2 Meadows CG to beginning prior to the actual ride. of ; In areas of heavy other side of Lost Creek forest cover or steep Wilderness to Kenosha canyon walls, the Pass constellation of GPS Day 3 over satellites overhead at any given heard of Warp-Aid before?) and to Gold Hill moment may not be adequate to replenished the food supplies for trailhead near give a differentially corrected each night’s camp. I was amazed Breckenridge three-dimensional position with a at the amount of food these Day 4 Gold Hill trailhead to high degree of confidence. A new fellows put away every night and Copper Mountain over data point was collected every 5 morning. Frank is an excellent Tenmile Range seconds during the ride and all cook and did double duty on the Day 5 Copper Mountain to significant intersections identified portable grill, while Jerry dutifully Marshall Pass over Searle and tagged individually in the data checked and backed up the data to and Kokymo passes files. Jerry has already sent me a one of the two laptop computers Day 6 Hope Pass to Cottonwood CD of data collected on the ride that Merle carried for him in the Creek with a number of post-processing RV. Many stories of hiking, Day 7 Halfmoon Campground to options reflecting different confi- biking, and climbing trips were Twin Lakes; Cottonwood dence levels in the positional recounted over brews Merle and I Creek to Mt. Princeton accuracy. By the time you get this found in the local grocery stores Hot Springs newsletter, I will have begun during the day. The summer rains Day 8 Hot Springs to US Hwy looking at the data and working that soaked Durango did not 50 with our GIS software. beleaguer our riders too badly, and Day 9 US Hwy 50 to Marshall Jerry’s bike with the aspen were already showing color Pass equipment weighed 47 pounds, and at the lower elevations in some of Day 10 Marshall Pass to Sargents his backpack weighed 13 more. the areas from Marshall Pass Mesa Frank did yeomen’s duty as the onward. The riders reported a Day 11 Sargents Mesa to Hwy spare equipment and battery light dusting of snow on some of 114 carrier, with as many as 6 or 8 the Collegiate Peaks during the Day 12 US 114 to La Garita camcorder batteries in the pack on first week and several mornings Wilderness the rear of his bike. Frank said saw a light frost on the grass by Day 13 Sliderock to Durango. that the added weight gave his our tents. bike extra stability The GIS project is solidly coming down the under way thanks to the efforts of steep hills and added Jerry, Frank, Merle, and David to the training effect Sears, but there remains much to of the ride for his do. We will analyze our initial data upcoming racing this winter and work on software season. Merle and I development for producing new met them as fre- maps and the actual database for quently as possible The Colorado Trail. Next sum- with fresh supplies of mer, we will attempt to map the batteries and energy drinks (Has anyone Continued on page 30

Tread Lines Fall 1999 29 Introducing The Colorado Trail Data Book by Michael Hibbard There’s now a lighter way to route. Other sections include proceeds generated by the stay found and know what’s hiker safety and awareness, the book’s sales go toward the beyond the next pass while ten essentials, and lightning continued protection, mainte- traveling along The Colorado concerns. nance, and any further con- Trail. It’s called The Colorado Tailored for long- struction of the trail (i.e., The Trail Data Book. At 4" x 5.5" distance backpackers, though Gudy Gaskill Endowment and weighing less than two also desirable for bikers and Fund). At $5 a copy, the data ounces, this 30-page quick- equestrians, the impetus for the book is available through the reference booklet will fit easily book was to present Colorado Colorado Trail Foundation’s into the smallest of pockets and Trail users with a lighter weight store. compartments and provides at a alternative to lugging around So instead of taking that glance what lies ahead on the The Colorado Trail: The very handsome copy of The trail. Using it along with the Official Guidebook. The data Colorado Trail: The Official appropriate maps is the lightest book is in no way meant to take Guidebook and piecemealing it way to be “in the know” while the place of the larger guide- to be sent to mail drops along on a journey along the trail. book, which is invaluable for the way (a tactic often em- The book’s format is the planning of a trip and ployed by weight-conscious largely based on The Appala- quite appropriate for shorter long-distance backpackers), chian Trail Databook, the one trips along the CT. The guide- pick up a copy of The Colorado resource found in the packs of book also provides a wealth of Trail Data Book and keep the more AT hikers than any other. history and background infor- guidebook intact to add to your It contains distances and mation about the trail. collection of quality reference elevations of water sources, 1997 CT through-hiker books to other natural areas potential campsites, road and author of the data book that enrich your life. crossings, re-supply points, and Michael Hibbard donated other landmarks along the trail his time and efforts in compil- and as a bonus includes eleva- ing the data contained in the tion profiles for the entire data book, requesting that any

Continued from page 29 remaining sections of the trail, that we can continue the project evenings. Anyone with experience including the wilderness areas and from year to year and add addi- using the GRASS GIS or GMT the spurs. We will also need to tional landmarks and points of mapping software packages would remap short sections where we interest to the database. How- be particularly welcome on the detect problems with the data ever, these units are VERY team as well. Full details about collected this year. This will have expensive and the differential the project are posted on the CTF to be coordinated with Jerry’s correction satellite service requires website and will be updated as we schedule and available support an annual fee. If you know of make progress with our data personnel and presents additional anyone who is interested in helping analysis. I am also interested in problems since mountain bikes are underwrite this project or has speaking with individuals who have not allowed in the wilderness experience writing grants, please collected data about sections of areas. I would like to find a way contact me via e-mail at the trail that they might have to purchase a Trimble GPS unit for [email protected] or call measured with a mileage wheel or the Colorado Trail Foundation so me at (720) 283-8752 in the tracked with a GPS unit.

30 Tread Lines Fall 1999 A Hiker on Horseback—Ow! by Lois Cochran

I’ve only ridden horseback a few Then I would have to stand in the crew worker. Now I understand times in my life. It was quite a few stirrups, which made my knees why crews are asked to remove years ago and only for short hurt worse, or get bounced a lot, the duff from the edges of the trail, periods, so when I got the invita- which would have hurt somewhere cut the trees and bushes back tion for a four-day trail ride, I was else. By the third day, I was more away from the trail, and clear a little hesitant. Tracy, on the other comfortable in the saddle and felt overhead branches to 12 feet. The hand, was excited about the idea confident enough to take my feet horses seem to naturally walk on so we said “yes.” out of the stirrups and stretch my the outside edge of the trail, and We rode up on Thursday legs occasionally, which helped the when there is a tree beside the night with Gudy and Dave knees quite a bit. Also, we got off trail, they will walk right up against Gaskill and, because of a misun- and walked now and then (usually it unless steered away from it. I derstanding about where to meet, on downhill stretches), which came home with a bruise on my didn’t find Claire Gamble and his made our legs feel better. leg from a branch that stuck out horses until Friday morning. The The third day gave us the too near the trail, and Gudy others on the ride were Jim best views of the trip as we went showed me one on her arm that Russell and his nine-year-old over the saddle between Silver looked a lot worse than mine. Hat- daughter, Rhianna. Tom Creek and Middle Cottonwood grabbing branches above the trail Butterfield drove the support Creek. After riding in clouds for twice tossed Gudy’s hat onto the truck. ground, and someone had to We got a late start dismount to retrieve it. I (almost noon) and soon think it would be a good idea were all wearing our if every crew leader and ponchos. It was rainy most adopter could have the of Friday and Saturday, opportunity to ride a section but Sunday and Monday of the trail. The Indians the weather was beautiful. used to say you couldn’t The first day took us over understand a person until Hope Pass from Twin you had walked a mile in his Lakes. I thought going up moccasins. In this case, we was bad, but going down understand a horseman was even worse. I’m glad better after riding a day in I wasn’t hiking that steep his saddle. section, but I wasn’t too Overall, the trip was a comfortable riding it either. good experience in spite of Thank goodness for a Trail ride, Twin Lakes to Mt. Princeton, August 1999— the pain and the rain, and I sure-footed horse. Loose Rhianna Russell and Gudy Gaskill thank Claire for providing rock on a steep trail is not much two days, we welcomed a clear the opportunity and Gudy for fun for either walkers or riders. day. The last day took us to the inviting us to join them on this trail Claire took pity on me and road up Mt. Princeton, where we ride. put me on the most gentle horse. met Tom along with Claire and He was also the smallest, so I was Tracy, who didn’t ride that day so able to get on and off fairly easily. that they could bring the other The only problem was that he vehicles down from Twin Lakes. walked slower than the others, This trip was a real then would hurry to catch up. education for a hiker and trail

Tread Lines Fall 1999 31 Sawyer Certification Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator Update by Glenn W. Kepler, Sr. This past June 21–25, 1999, the the classroom and two days in select one Ranger from each of Colorado Trail Foundation the field. Presentations in- the eight Forests represented, to sponsored me to attend the U.S. cluded the following: become a Sawyer Certifier. The Forest Service, Rocky Moun- rest of us would have to be tain Region’s 1st Annual R-2 •Crosscut Certification and satisfied with being certified as Primitive Skills Academy Safety an Intermediate Sawyer. hosted by the Medicine Bow– Therefore, our expecta- Routt National Forest and held •Crosscut Saw Certification: tions were not fully met. While in Steamboat Springs. Our Need and Process I did become certified as an expectation was to have me Intermediate Sawyer, I am not attain instructor status, able to •Primitive Skills Video certified as a Sawyer Certifier certify adopters, trail crew and cannot organize and con- leaders, and other interested •Trail Tools duct certification sessions. If I CTF volunteers in the use of had been certified as a Sawyer crosscut saws. Crosscut Saw •Demonstration—Axe/Pulaski Certifier, the certification certification is a fairly new sessions would have had to requirement of the Forest •Trail Tool Written Test mirror this week of instruction, Service for all personnel or at least 16 to 32 hours of cutting in wilderness areas, •Chain Saw Familiarization classroom study and additional employees and volunteers time in the field. alike. •Properties and Reactions of I am not sure where we This was the Region’s Cutting Wood go from here for our adopters, first offering of a course in the trail crew leaders, and volun- Primitive Skills Program. •Crosscut Saw Fundamentals teers to become certified. A Future courses or workshops possible resolution is to bring are hoped to include •Care and Maintenance of in a Forest Service Ranger who backcountry horsemanship, Crosscut Saws is certified as a Sawyer Certi- chain saw use, trail construc- fier to provide instruction. tion, and the like. This being •Overview of Crosscut Saw However, the time commitment the first offering, the Forest Sharpening is a large one to expect from Service was enlightened as to CTF volunteers. what goals could realistically •Crosscut Felling and Bucking As a postscript: While be met. and Field Testing leading Trail Crew #5—Spring At this offering, the Creek Pass—in July, I had the attendance included about 40 As you can see, we had opportunity to apply many of Forest Service personnel and quite a full schedule—unfortu- the skills I learned in the yours truly. Other volunteer nately too full.In the time course. With the help of a organizations had been invited, permitted in the field and with Forest Service chain saw and and in fact, two other groups the number of students, it an industrious Wes Gantner, had registered but had to quickly became apparent to the we bucked our way through withdraw prior to the start of instructors that not all could be quite a number of trees, clear- the course. Six instructors gave adequately trained and become ing the way for the ambitious presentations over three days in a Sawyer Certifier. The pro- wet crew. gram instructors decided to 32 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Spring Creek Pass Host Program and the CT by Jim Miller Margarita and Jim Miller took turnpike build about a month ago maintenance work on cairns and the shortcut from their home in looks beautiful and has packed in signs along the way; both are a Boulder to Lake City, Colorado, great) where we found some 1,000 little masochistic. Otherwise they via scenic Paonia and the North (at least conservatively) Colorado enjoyed that part of Section 33, Rim of the Black Canyon of the Bow Hunters (CBA) were gath- and especially the huge old cairns Gunnison River. The Blue Mesa ered for their annual reunion and maintained by CT adopter Ken cutoff to Colorado Highway 149 target competitions. We saw they Stagner. would appear preferable to the had placed a sign where the CT We noted, almost without Sapinero (Road 3014) cutoff we crosses Forest Road 726 into exception, the people through- took. Camp Hale, reading “Do Not hiking the trail were college grads! We set up our camp at Spring Enter This Area. Danger Archery Interesting. The one big exception Creek Pass about 17 miles SE of Range.” From that point, for some was the group of 10 recent HS Lake City on the Continental two miles to the East Fork Camp- grads being led by three college Divide at 10,898 feet at 11:30 a.m. ground, they had strung a rope students on a week hike based out Sunday, July 11, 1999, 126 along the east side of 724 with of Wilderness Ranch, Creede, CO. beautiful miles from Paonia. From similar signs. So naturally, Jim Julie took photos of them strung above our camp we could see four drove into the campground, among out coming across Snow Mesa. of Colorado’s 14,000 footers as wall-to-wall pickup trucks and The last night out, Friday, they well as Baldy Cinco just under sought out the head-type hunter. camped just below tree line, and that. Our task was to survey Raul Contreras was instantly each had to seek out their indi- Colorado Trail hikers as the CT cooperative, especially when Jim vidual campsite away from the crosses Colorado Hwy 149 at that changed to Spanish with him, others and do their own supper point. We did have pit toilets and a when he learned of the problem from whatever they had (with no diversion ditch from Cebolla posed for any through-hikers. He prior notice). They all came down Creek across the road, so “almost said he would (and did) go back to Spring Creek about noon but like the Hilton” with a better view up and change the sign to be below didn’t use the pit toilets! They among the Engleman Spruce trees, the trail crossing so CT hikers were a bunch of “buff’ kids from full-bloom Columbine, Indian would not be confused—the CBA Michigan, and Jim used their Paintbrush, Wild Parsley (yellow activities being south and east of cameras to take some 10 indi- bloom, looks like yarrow), Moun- the CT, except for a short section vidual group photos. Nice group, tain Bluebells, Purple Fringe, where they were camped along the as were most all hikers we met up Ballheaded and Rydberg’s Penste- CT south of our new turnpike. It there. An interesting one-time mon, Coyote Mint, and lots of was an interesting sight—mostly experience. The experience was Wild Iris. We also saw small white family groups with different club highlighted by that hike with Julie tundra flowers, Moss Pink, Old areas identified into A, B, and C and the fantastic views from Snow Man of the Mountains (Daisy of sections, each with its own Oh- Mesa. So it rained a bit—well, all the Sunflower family that only boys and Waste Management trash Sunday p.m. and night, otherwise grows high in the mountains) that containers, all well organized. typical Colorado p.m. showers. fittingly Jim wore in his hat! And Just recall if you visit Spring we saw a lot more that we couldn’t Our Maintenance Crew 13 Creek Pass it does get COLD up identify. leader, Julie Mesdag, came to there at night—even in mid-July. We left Spring Creek about Spring Creek Pass and camped The long sleeves and long pants 2:30 on Saturday, July 17, after with us two nights to our delight. rule still applies, unless you are checking out North Creek Falls, She and Jim did a Friday hike young buff HS Grads! about 6 1/2 miles south, well from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. up to worth the 1/2 mile side trip off Snow Mesa at over 12,000 feet, Colo. 149. Drove home via Camp while Mague “manned the store.” Hale (where we determined our Naturally, Julie and Jim did some

Tread Lines Fall 1999 33 The Wanderers by Kelly Heaney When people ask me to sum up smell the same. community of hikers showed my Colorado Trail experience, Despite the rain, the trip me the wanderer in myself. I say this: just when you think grew progressively better. CT Being only 18 years-old, I that it can’t get any worse, it through-hikers know that discovered it early. Now, I does, and just when you think hiking from Denver to Durango look forward to my future that it can’t get any better, it is like eating broccoli before wanderings as I travel to Ire- does. dessert. Dropping into Elk land this fall to study, then to When I thought the sky Creek was the hot fudge Vermont to attend Middlebury could rain no more, it did. sundae of the trail. With its College, and, finally, to tread With a 35-day stretch of daily cliffside lakes, neck-high new trails, perhaps in the East. rain, we were only five days wildflowers, and cascading Even more, I look forward to a short of a Great Flood. My feet falls I thought perhaps I had life of meeting new Wanderers sloshed, my tent leaked, and been struck by lightning, like those produced by The my raingear gave out. I rarely died, and gone to heaven. Colorado Trail. saw the stars. I rarely saw the Although the beauty sun. However, the hours spent and isolation of the trail pro- [Editor’s Note: Kelly Heaney, inside the tent provided extra vided a fine setting for a life- an 18-year-old Arapaho High camp bonding. Our camp changing experience, I learned School 1999 graduate, through- consisted of one two-man tent the most from the people I hiked the CT this past summer. and two bivy sacks, but on call the Wanderers: a 63-year- She completed the trail in 49 particularly rainy old retired Army sergeant days, with 7 days off. How afternoons our bivy buddies named Arnie; Amy, an AT remarkable for someone so joined us in the tent. Imagine veteran from Oklahoma; my young to have the initiative to three men and a little lady hiking partners, Joe, Patrick, complete the trail. We hope to crammed into a two-man tent and Randy; and all of the CT hear again from Kelly as she after nine days without a hikers who can’t seem to hike continues on her life journey.] shower. That tent will never the wandering itch away. This

July 25, 1999—The top of San Luis Peak. From left: Patrick Egan (18), Kelly Heaney (18), Randy Fullington (22), Joe Ball (18). Completed CT on August 8, 1999.

34 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Completion Plaques and Certificates Awarded in 1999

Name City

Applehaus, Nick & Nancy Hudson, CO * Beavis, Len Albuquerque, NM Clarke, Colleen Colorado Springs, CO Flach, Ted Walton, KY Gamble, Rich Tyngsboro, MA Gergen, Teresa Boulder, CO Goding, Betty Denver, CO Grane, Ernesto Miami, FL Hammach, Bryce Portland, OR Heppler, Todd Denver, CO Herrera, Deborah City Unknown Jackson, Cindy Highlandville, MO * Jackson, David Highlandville, MO Kraemer, Erin Evergreen, CO Miller, Mark Denver, CO Rickard, JoAnne Lakewood, CO Royse, Betty Guffey, CO Spaustat, Ryan Englewood, CO Stone, Jacob Nova Scotia, Canada Tyler, David Aurora, CO Vines, Susan Guffey, CO Wright, Anna Ft. Collins, CO Wright, Sarah Ft. Collins, CO

* Completed on horseback. All others hiked.

This is a list of all the completion certificates and plaques handled by Paul Berteau in 1999; so, of course, some of these completed the trail prior to 1999. Please notify him at the phone number or address below if you or someone you know has completed The Colorado Trail. — Paul Berteau E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (303) 745-3490 Fax: (303) 368-9577

Tread Lines Fall 1999 35 Report on The Colorado Trail Run, and Thank You from the Runners by Peter Bakwin

Buzz Burrell and I began our of remote single-track trail (very ran about 180 miles of the trail attempt to break Dale Garland & little road) through some of the with us, including two of the most Co.’s 11-year-old record on the most stunningly beautiful moun- difficult segments (rough terrain CT (17 days) at 5:08 a.m. on July tain lands in the USA. The land- and bad weather) with Buzz near 23 at the Denver end of the trail. scape, wildflowers, and sky were a the end of the trip. We were supported and paced by a constant source of inspiration for After I quit running, Buzz number of people, but the primary us during the run. We also were persevered through some very support crew consisted of my wife much buoyed by meeting many difficult conditions. In the San Stephanie Ehret and her parents through-hikers and others along Juans, the terrain is rough, high, Dick and Cynthia, and the trail. Our run, which was also a and remote. Buzz suffered con- videographer and CT enthusiast fund-raiser and awareness-raiser stantly during the last four days Dave Good. Buzz completed the for the CT, received a fair amount from stomach problems and was trek to Durango in 11 days + of media attention in Colorado, so able to eat very little. The weather 16:13. I was forced to quit running many people had heard of us. The turned sour during the last two after eight days (330 miles) response was overwhelmingly days with steady, cold rain which because of an injury to my left supportive and encouraging. The chilled even those of us who were quad. I then became a member of logistics of supporting a record well fed and rested, and made the the support crew and worked to attempt on the CT are difficult, trail a slippery mess. Buzz was help Buzz get quickly and safely and if Buzz’s record stands for a slowed somewhat by these condi- down the trail. The CT is an long time (I would not be sur- tions but never lost focus or drive. absolutely classic route through prised!), this may be the main He seemed to draw energy from the high mountains of Colorado. reason. Many trailheads are remote the beautiful and majestic sur- The average elevation is roughly even from small mountain towns. roundings; he continued to interest 10,000 feet, and the high point is Access is particularly difficult in himself in the identification of 13,334 feet. According to the the San Juan Mountains of SW flowers, plants, and mushrooms, official guidebook, the trail is Colorado. For the last two days, and to observe the changes in about 475 miles long, and there is we relied entirely on 4WD. The vegetation as he climbed and about 74,000 feet of climbing. The length of the trail (12 days, as descended through climate zones. actual length is subject to debate compared to 5 days for the John He really enjoyed the company of and is probably longer as only part Muir Trail or the Long Trail) friends when they were with him of the trail has been rolled (the rest means that the support crew must on the trail but ran contentedly was measured off a map, notori- make a major time commitment. alone when no pacers were ously short). The actual elevation We were extraordinarily fortunate available. gain is definitely much greater to find absolutely dedicated and Finally, I want to thank our because the small ups and downs capable support for the full trip sponsors: Land Rover of Boulder, are not accounted for by measure- with a small crew. Without this, Patagonia, Wild Oats, Saucony, ment from a contour map. On one the trip would have been impos- Bison Sportslights, and Podium day I recall that Buzz’s altimeter sible. Many others helped us along custom footwear and orthotics. watch registered 6,100 feet of the way. Kurt Blumberg, Bill And I want to especially thank the climb when we were supposed to Perkins, Todd Holmes, Kirk Colorado Trail Foundation for have only 3,700 feet (that was an Apt, Rick Trujillo, Virginia establishing this wonderful “easy” day). These are the statis- Egger, Larry Ridgeway, and resource for everyone to use. tics, but the reality of the trail is so several others paced us along much more! It is nearly 500 miles various segments. Stephanie also

36 Tread Lines Fall 1999 Webmaster, continued from page 27 into digital form and would be happy to have someone come and Pre-Holiday Sale on use them at my apartment while I work on the GIS project software Colorado Trail T-Shirts! on my other computers. Anyone who can assist with these items can call me at (720) 283-8752 or send me e-mail at 25th Anniversary shirts as well as [email protected]. blue, jade green, and brick short-sleeved T-shirts

Important Notice to Friends: on sale for $9!!!

The Denver Public Library Western History Department has At that price, you can buy one requested a complete set of Tread Lines. If you yourself for each member of the family, have one that you wouldn’t for friends and coworkers, mind donating or know of someone who might have a set, as well as for yourself! please contact the CTF Office or just send the newsletters to the office. Even if the set is Order yours today from the CT Store or incomplete in spots, perhaps we pick them up at the CTF Office! could piece together a set. Thank you!

Gudy Gaskill and Lyle Laverty, District Ranger, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, at ribbon cutting, Bridge Dedication, June 6, 1999

Tread Lines Fall 1999 37 38 Tread Lines Fall 1999 The Colorado Trail Store All proceeds provide important support for The Colorado Trail.

Send Orders to The Colorado Trail Foundation 710 10th Street, Suite 210 Golden, CO 80401-1022 website address: http://www.coloradotrail.org e-mail address: [email protected]

The Colorado Trail: The Official Guidebook (2d ed., 5th printing 1994) Text by Randy Jacobs, Color Photographs by John Fielder 22.50 _____

Along The Colorado Trail by John Fielder and M. John Fayhee 100 color photographs, 128 pages, 9” x 12” format Hardcover 35.00 _____ Softcover 25.00 _____ Day Hikes on The Colorado Trail by Jan Robertson 35 color photographs, 48 pages, 4” x 9” format 6.50 _____

“The Colorado Trail,” Recording by Carol Johnson 5.75 _____ Topographic waterproof maps (1996 Revision), 11” x 17” format, 1:50,000 scale Full set: 29 maps, Denver to Durango (Maps 1–29) 20.00 _____ CT Data Book 5.00 _____ 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”) 3.00_____ Official pin 2.50 _____ 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. 10.00 _____ CT Golf Cap Tan genuine pigskin bill, with embroidered logo. 17.00 _____

All prices are listed postpaid. Subtotal: Colorado residents add 4.3% tax Colo. Tax: Please allow 3–4 weeks for delivery. Total:

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Town or City State Zip

Tread Lines Fall 1999 39 40 Tread Lines Fall 1999