The Colorado Trail Foundation Fall Newsletter 1998

What? The South Platte Bridge Is Gone? President's Big Deal! Let's Just Replace It! by Stan Ward Corner As the old saying goes, there’s good news and bad news. But first by Gudy Gaskill you’ve got to hear this story! In early 1996, a devastating forest fire occurred in the Our last Tread Lines was a Buffalo Creek area of the South Platte River basin just short eight pages long but west of the Denver metro area. The Colorado Trail was packed with interesting upcom- burned in places. That was bad enough, but then torrential rains ing events. The problem with a followed, and the water poured off the denuded ground into the North summer Tread Lines is that we and South Forks of the River. who write the articles are all Continued on page 5 out “In the Field.” Our volun- teer editor, Susan Junkin, is self-employed, and because her contracts have time deadlines, she needs to set her priorities. The rest of us need to plan a bit ahead so as not to be out in camp without an electrical plug to recharge the batteries in our laptops. Fat chance! We’re out there to get away from all of the toys. Of course, George Miller and I found that the work and mail just accumulate and await our return. Tonight, as the full moon is rising over Don't forget to get your tickets for the John Fielder/Julie the city lights, the desktop Davis medley, which will be held on Saturday, October 24, at looks clean, thanks to a bulging 7:30 p.m. at the American Mountaineering Center, in Golden, CO. See page 4 for further details. Continued on page 2

Tread Lines Fall 1998 1 Tread Lines Continued from page 1 and deserved R & R so missed trash can. What paper masses is the internal newsletter of The Colorado the “Great Placement.” Lori, Trail Foundation. It is published quarterly we accumulate! you are indispensable. Read all and distributed to the Friends of The about the bridge in Stan’s Colorado Trail.® The Bridge Is in Place! The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile- article, which begins on page 1. long, high-mountain educational and Trail adopters Bill Lewis and recreational hiking trail that meanders I pulled together all the Carey Jones from LaFayette through some of the most beautiful terrain updates that board of direc- in the state. It stretches from Denver to built and welded the horse Durango with many intermediate access tors member Stan Ward and barriers. (They also rebuilt the points. volunteer engineer Morris utility trailer that George The Colorado Trail Foundation, a Borene sent out to keep the nonprofit corporation, is governed by Miller uses on the supported public agencies and private-sector board abreast of the progress treks.) Paul Newendorp will representatives. The Foundation recruits on the bridge, and the file be building and routing the and trains volunteers for trail construction soon became over an inch crews, coordinates the Adopt-A-Trail signs in time for our dedication maintenance program, and distributes thick. Kudos to Morris and on National Trails Day, June 6, information on The Colorado Trail Stan for a thankless job well 1999. We still need to raise activities, trail crews, and publications. done. The bridge placement Donations to the CTF are tax deductible. nearly $100,000 to pay off the Serving on the Board of Directors was within a quarter of an bridge. The proceeds from the are Darla S. DeRuiter, Gudy Gaskill, Steve inch of being perfect. Some- Michael Martin Murphey Gladbach, Jon Greeneisen, Sam Guyton, one told me that Morris and Sarah J. Knight, Ted LaMay, Stuart concert that was held in early Macdonald, Ken Marshall, George Miller, Stan are looking for another July will help reduce part of the Pat Nagorka, Tom L. Thompson, Stan bridge to replace since they outstanding debt. The John Ward, Ernie G. Werren, and Paul Wilbert. have all of the data and have Fielder/Julie Davis medley The business address is worked through all of the benefit will also nibble away at agencies and their require- The Colorado Trail Foundation ments, put together all of the Contents page 710 10th St., Suite 210 bidding contracts, and over- Golden, CO 80401-1022 saw each minute detail. With Fielder/Davis medley 4 (303) 384-3729 ext. 113 Bridge story 5 (24-hour voice mail) two such good men, the job Fax: (303) 384-3743 was flawless. We need to Trail ride/Concert/Auction 8 E-mail: [email protected] mention Lori Malcomb of Auction donators 9 Website: www.coloradotrail.org the South Platte Ranger New office report 10 Office hours M–F, District. She wrote all of the Diane Parker’s gifts 11 People’s Fair/Trails Day 11 9–5, Mountain Standard Time contracts between the various Food Committee report 12 Pres.: Gudy Gaskill agencies, smoothed out Adopt-A-Trail report 14 (303) 526-0809 ruffled feathers, and met with Moments with Merle 16 V.P.: George Miller the homeowner’s association, Crew 3 report 21 (719) 685-1278 Denver Water Board, Corps Crew 4 report 22 Sec.: Stan Ward of Engineers, Jefferson Crew 5 report 23 (303) 770-4382 Crew 6 report 24 Treas.: Sarah J. Knight County planners, Douglas Crew 7 report 26 (303) 733-1502 County inspectors, Jefferson Staff: Denise Wright, County Sheriff’s officers, Crew 9 report 27 Administrator, Volunteer Coordinator Department of Natural Re- Crew 12 report 28 sources, Division of Wildlife, Watercolor class 29 This edition of Tread Lines was Treks 29 as well as the engineers from compiled and edited by Susan Junkin, Completion awards 30 George and Lila Miller, the Regional Office. Lori took EMS Club Day 30 and Denise Wright. off for some much-needed Store Page 31

2 Tread Lines Fall 1998 our balance due. It was our the merchandise that she has in biggest financial undertaking her home and lets me know Volunteers Needed ever, one that we have no plans when it’s time to reorder T- to do a repeat on. Don’t forget, shirts or pins or books before We are in need of several June 6 is also the date for our we run out and then have to volunteers to help us make 25th anniversary celebration. back order. Peggy makes life displays for the 25th anniver- That’s bound to be extremely much simpler for us—because sary celebration. We need a exciting with all our dedicated of her up-to-date recording of couple of chiefs with great volunteers of 25 years. the inventory, there is no more imaginations and others who ordering and delivering at the are willing to put the ideas into CTF Volunteers at Work last minute. a visual image. Be part of the For those of you who innovative team! We will try to Lois and Tracy Cochran are have asked, Merle McDonald meet in a central location for our newest volunteers to do the is in the peak of health again. the hands-on projects; in mailings, including sorting out He joined two trail crews at the addition, there are projects that the zip codes. Glenn Kepler tail-end of summer and has can be done in your own home. passed the roll of stamps to agreed to edit Tread Lines This is the time to bloom and Lois and Tracy after the in- again. Our fortunes are looking polish up your hidden talents. struction session. I’m sure that up. Your good news is good We also need volunteers to they could use help anytime. news to all of us. plan food, entertainment, and Pat Nagorka did a And Charlotte Briber programs. Call Gudy Gaskill bang-up job again with her is out hiking again after her (303) 526-2721 or Charlotte food committee. The menus, second hip replacement. She Briber (303) 526-0809. the inventory of food in the attended the 10-year celebra- boxes, the shopping list of fresh tion reunion, hiking on Sunday, items to buy, and the list of as well as taking part in the quantities of staples to use for historic hike, and hiking the six each meal takes all the chal- miles to Camp Hale. My three- Mt. Kilimanjaro lenge out of cooking for the year-old grandson even made and Wildlife Safari hungry crews. It’s a great way the hike. (It took us three hours to know that the crew is well longer than the slowest of the fed if the directions are fol- group.) Nora Jacquez had tasty Stan Ward is organizing a lowed. Even the dumbest of us food waiting for us when we group of Friends of the CT for can put out a bountiful meal arrived at Camp Hale. It was a a professionally guided climb with Pat’s customized direc- beautiful day for hiking. With of Mt. Kilimanjaro followed by tions and instructions. The all of the rain lately, there were a safari in the Ngorongoro happy volunteer camping crew thousands of mushrooms to crater—the proverbial Garden members thank you. admire and pick. Two thru- of Eden. The trip is scheduled Have I mentioned hikers joined us for a while. for January 18–30, 1999. Peggy Brackett? She does all They hope to get off the trail in Please contact him promptly at of the filling of merchandise mid-October. With any luck, (303) 770-4382 for more orders and mails them at the the weather will hold up for information. post office. She and her hus- them, although that is not the band live in Boulder and often norm. The air is already brisk, work on trail crews in the the grass is beginning to turn summer. Well organized, she brown, the aspen leaves are keeps a running inventory on turning gold and red, and snow is appearing on the mountains. Tread Lines Fall 1998 3 “The Colorado Trail,” A Medley of Sight & Sound

John Fielder and Julie Davis the best people in their profes- are available only through the will present “The Colorado Trail,” sions give you a gift of a most office or mail when purchased A Medley of Sight & memorable evening. This rare by cash or check (sorry, credit Sound, a benefit for The Colo- performance (their 1998 perfor- card purchases not yet available). rado Trail Foundation, on mance at the Rocky Mountain Doors open 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 Storytelling Festival was sold out) seating is unassigned so will be p.m. The event will be held in The shouldn’t be missed! Their filled on a first come basis. (See American Mountaineering Center, program will tickle your imagina- map below for directions to the Foss Auditorium. Fielder, a tion of far-off vistas, deep cool AMC.) If not sold out, tickets will renown landscape photographer, forests, rushing mountain streams, be sold at the door. All concert will show his beautiful pictures of and azure skies. John and Julie proceeds will help fund the almost The Colorado Trail, while Davis, will both be available to auto- $100,000 balance from the new nationally known storyteller and graph $250,000 South Platte River musician, narrates the story of her their Colorado Trail books and Bridge installed August 1998. 1996 hike along The Colorado tapes. Trail. Two of Tickets are $12.00 and

Gaskill Open House

Oct. 24, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Relax before the show! Meet old friends. Have a bite to eat, something to drink, and meet the friends that you have been reading about in Tread Lines. This get-together will be informal. Call Charlotte at (303) 526-0809 if you are planning to come. To get to the house, follow I-70 west to exit 254. Turn north and drive under the Mt. Vernon Country Club sign (1/3 mile). Take the next road on the left and follow the signs. Parking is limited, so you may have to park at the playground area and walk up the hill. Dave and Gudy Gaskill are looking forward to Directions to The American Mountaineering Center, Golden, CO seeing you there!

4 Tread Lines Fall 1998 1996 The water raced down the North Fork and wiped out the century old, 20' bridge at the old town of South Platte just upstream of its confluence with the South Fork. With the bridge gone, wading was the only way to cross the river without a 15-mile detour. But it was a dangerous undertaking. Instances of near drown- ing were reported, and many complaints were directed at the Foundation simply because the public believed that we were solely responsible for the lack of a safe crossing. This bridge crossed the first water hazard on The Trail. And, as many of you know, walking and bicycling across it had become ever more dangerous as the wood deck rotted and holes opened up. Attempts to get the owner, the Denver Water Department, to repair it were futile. We were not permitted to repair it.

1997 Gudy, the USFS, the Denver Water people, and other CTFers met many times to figure out how and where to replace the bridge. The first meeting with the USFS staff to set criteria was held in February. It was really starting from scratch: for example, the CTF had to find out how high the water got historically (1926) at all possible alternative sites because Denver Water would not allow it to be rebuilt in the same place, let alone on any of their property. In early 1997, an application for a matching grant of GOCO (Colorado Lottery and State Trails) money was made in the hope that the bridge could be built that year. However, the level of detail and informa- tion required by the State could not be satisfied that quickly, and no grant was awarded. So, it was back to the drawing board and the emergence of other extenuating circumstances. As the owner of the bridge, Denver Water had been responsible for any problems, such as accidents and even fatalities, and the disappearance of the bridge fortuitously made those responsibilities vanish. They were not about to accept rebuilding in the same place, but they would allow The Trail to be rerouted across their property. Progress? Yes. But to make this possible, a multipage, very fine-print lease had to be negotiated and agreed to by the USFS and Denver Water. We’re talking months and months folks! As of this date, it still is not executed. But we go on!

1998 It was time to again prepare an application to the State for a grant. Late in 1997, we found and got approval for a location on USFS land that is directly across from the existing trailhead. Talk about “silver linings”: no longer would users have to trek a half-mile along a dusty County road to cross the river! The USFS and Denver Water agreed to provide in-kind (that is, no cash to us) work and materials. The USFS said they would rebuild the parking lot at the trailhead and build a toilet and two horse trailer spaces. They also provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of the grant application and in acquiring permits from the United States Corps of Engineers and Jefferson and Douglas Counties so we can work in the stream corridor. Denver Water agreed to provide the materials for fencing along the river where The Trail crosses their land. Why? Well, a neighbor objected because he thought he would have to see fishermen on the riverbank across from his property! The Foundation’s responsibilities included

1. arranging for the payment of the total cost of the bridge and the trail improvements, 2. the joint application with the USFS and the presentation of the grant request to GOCO (we asked for $95,000), 3. locating and initially surveying the site, 4. providing all cost estimates and design considerations, 5. finding bridge manufacturers, getting bids, and negotiating the purchase of the bridge, 6. supervising the engineering of the foundation structures (they are massive—over 18' high), 7. securing the approval of the USFS every step along the way, and 8. bidding, contracting, and managing the construction of the bridge and the trails. This would have simply

Tread Lines Fall 1998 5 been impossible without the expertise and many, many hours given by our volunteers and the donation of engineering services. The application for $95,000 in grant funds was made in early 1998. We made good progress. We had an approved site. We located bridge fabricators, secured bids, and awarded the contract to Continental Bridge of Minnesota. We got soils engineering advice, determined that the Douglas County bridge at the confluence of the two forks could hold the crane needed to lift the bridge in place, started the foundation engineering, firmed up our estimates, and looked forward to a construction start in May. In April we were awarded $76,000. Hooray! Let’s go.

April But . . . it was really a no go. Based on the USFS advice to us that horses would not be allowed to use the bridge, the bridge was designed for a live load of 65 pounds per square foot. The horse people were not happy with that decision, and the award was pulled back until and unless we could demonstrate that the bridge would permit horses. We did, however, reach common agreement that the bridge was to be 6' wide, and Mother Nature dictated that it had to be 144' long to span the river. Using the nationally accepted design factor of 65 psf, the bridge weighed in at 26 tons. We then learned that there is only one crane in the entire region that is large enough to pick up 26 tons, swing it out over the river, and place it on the foundations. But if we used the USFS “horse” requirement of 100 psf, the bridge would weigh over 32 tons and the cost would jump another $18,000 to $20,000! No crane could lift that. What could we do? Well, we demonstrated that the bridge could hold 25 horses and their riders, if you could somehow crowd them each into a space of less than 5.5 feet. Fortunately, that logic was enough to justify a waiver of the higher design factor. Then another major problem popped up. The specified bearings, the “plates” on which the bridge sits on the foundations, were deemed to be insufficient. Instead, bearings used in highway bridges were now specified! The cost: another $10,000 to $12,000! But thanks to the tremendous assistance of our bridge builder’s engineers, we finally surmounted that hurdle. Want to hear more? Nah. Suffice it to say that the approval process was long and drawn out. By the time approval was finally received, we were about three months behind our original schedule to have the bridge ready for use on July 4th.

June We authorized the start of the bridge fabrication at the end of April. On June 15th, all the foundation and bridge design and fabrication drawings were finally approved by the USFS! In the meantime, we had prepared all the contract documents, so . . . on June 16th we were ready to begin the bidding process. But yet another oops popped up! We learned the same day that (the infamous “404” permit) approval of the United States Corps of Engineers to cross the river with construction equipment and personnel and to build a ramp down to the water level had not been received by the USFS. Back to zero? We thought so for a while, but more weeks of delay occurred before the approval was acknowledged.

6 Tread Lines Fall 1998 July However, we plunged onward, and on July 1st we received bids from five contractors for the turnkey construction of the foundations and the placing of the bridge. The low bidder was Ward Construction of Englewood, Colorado. However, because of the river crossing approval delay, the contract could not be signed until July 21st. Nevertheless, construction started on July 23rd! The contractor expected to complete the work by September 1st. However, the first problem quickly (un)surfaced. It became necessary to over-excavate the width and depth of the foundation holes on both sides of the river and to reengineer the footings because of unknowable water and soil conditions. A massive concrete pumping machine was needed to span the river, and the concrete was placed underwater in the holes.

August But then everything went right! The 18'-high piers were formed and finished before the prefabri- cated bridge arrived on August 19th from Minnesota after a three-day journey. And the bridge was lifted into place at 1:50 p.m. on Monday, August 24th—a week ahead of schedule thanks to the careful planning and supervision of the contractor. We invited the media to the “lifting event.” Imagine the bridge as being almost half a football field long and only six footballs wide and you can guess how nervous the crane operator and contractor were! But it fit perfectly, and we received press coverage from two TV stations and both major Denver-based newspapers. During the last week of August, trail crew volunteers led by Gene Cash installed a layer of wood “running” planks to absorb the punishment of horseshoes and built a motorized-vehicle barrier. We accepted the work as “Substantially Completed” from the contractor as of August 25th and, when the one-year warranty period expires in 1999, we will “deed” it to the public at no cost.

DEDICATION A formal opening will be held next June as a part of the Foundation's 25th Anniversary celebration. The setting is magnificent and very photogenic. Nestled against giant cottonwood trees on the east bank, the bridge soars 17' above the roiling waters of the South Platte River to a granite outcrop on the west bank immediately below a sheer cliff covered with evergreens. Bring lots of film!

COST Our current estimate of the total cost of just the bridge and trail improvements is $250,000. The CTF volun- teers are contributing $62,000 in labor and expertise (assuming very nominal hourly rates), the initial GOCO cash grant and a supplement will provide $95,000, leaving a balance of approximately $93,000 that the Foundation will need to pay from Friends’ donations, benefits, and sales of books and clothing.

Tread Lines Fall 1998 7 Summer Benefits for The Colorado Trail

It was a beautiful week of Gaskill, Pat Nagorka, and years. It was such a magical surprises and new experiences Glenn Kepler evening, basking in the appre- born from the wonder of The sent to CT Friends and Colo- ciation and support of so many Colorado Trail! rado Mountain Club members, new friends “high” on The the WestFest eight-page, full- Colorado Trail. Trail Ride color insert was distributed throughout the state and Den- For five days Michael Martin ver papers. Here, Michael Silent Auction Murphey and his trail/outfitter prominently described his partner Willard Forman (with support for The Colorado Trail, But that’s not all! Over 50 additional horse and logistic encouraging the public to also businesses contributed items support from Claire Gamble) show their support and attend and services for a silent auc- hosted a special trail ride to the concert—Wow! Michael tion, with all proceeds benefit- benefit The Colorado Trail. said, “Our longer, special trail ing The Colorado Trail. Addi- Riders came from the west ride this year benefits one tionally, that night many coast, east coast, north and of the greatest projects in the WestFest concessionaires south to ride from Waterton to world, The Colorado Trail. generously came forward, Kenosha Pass, in the first of Twenty-five years ago, a adding even more items for five years in Michael’s plan to visionary woman named Gudy auction. The auction continued ride the entire 500-mile trail. Gaskill brought into reality a through Friday and Saturday 471-mile trail over the Rockies with volunteer staff support Benefit Concert for all to enjoy. The Colorado from Dan Cheezum, Gudy Trail has never taken a penny Gaskill, Gail Leary, Denise Then, at the end of the fifth day of government funding and is Wright, and Dan and Debra on the night of July 2, maintained by public dona- LaClair (and two young trail riders and over 150 other tions. We at WestFest are women who helped on Friday supporters attended the first awestruck by the people who morning—we’ll let you know Michael Martin Murphey have given us the gift of their names in the next issue of Colorado Trail benefit concert. The Colorado Trail.” Tread Lines). The generosity of It was a special evening! But Gudy too was soon dozens of businesses helped This year’s concert awestruck. Michael presented raise over $7,000 for The participants were delightfully a special gift to Gudy that Colorado Trail Foundation! See entertained and especially night. To honor her monumen- Silent Auction Donators List. enjoyed the close, intimate tal achievement over the past This is just the first seating just a few short feet 24 years, a special fund, born year, folks, so stay tuned for away from performers Lyle out of support from this year's Michael’s pre-WestFest Lovett, the R. Carlos Nakai trail riders, was being devel- Colorado Trail benefit ride and Quartet, and of course oped to ensure The Colorado concert next summer! 1999 Michael. Tickets for the night Trail will be sustained for years celebrates The Colorado Trail’s sold at $35.00/person. Final and years to come. Thousands 25-year anniversary, and this results are still being deter- of dollars had already been event, preceding July 4th, mined. pledged, and riders were promises to be one of the Besides the 8,000 committed to helping this fund highlights. You won’t want to special invitations Gudy grow significantly over the miss it!

8 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Silent Auction Donators List—1998

Donator* Item Description

Aurora Music (Aurora, CO) Acoustic Guitar, Oscar Schmidt by Washburn Anaconda Printing (Denver, CO) Gift Certificate, New Printing Arvada Army-Navy Surplus (Arvada, CO) Camptrails Night Song Backpack Australian Outback Collection Outlet Store (Evergreen, CO) Australian Outback Oilskin Jacket Buckhorn Exchange (Denver, CO) Gift Certificate, Meal John Burgess (Lakewood, CO) Banjo Bonnie Brae Liquormart (Denver, CO) Premium White Wine Case Brighton Feed & Saddlery (Brighton, CO) Show Halter, Hand-Tooled Leather Cyclo Manufacturing Co. (Denver, CO) Polisher, for Automotive Detailing The Colorado Trail Foundation (Golden, CO) One-Week Trek on The Colorado Trail The Colorado Trail Foundation (Golden, CO) Mountain Cabin Lodging, 3-Night Stay Copper Mountain Stables (Copper Mountain, CO) Dinner Sleigh Ride & Live Entertainment Julie Davis (Nederland, CO) “Journey To The Fluted Mountain” Tapes Eastern Mountain Sports (Englewood, CO) Daypack, EMS 2500 SP Men’s Frame It For Less (Aurora, CO) Gift Certificate, Framing Gudy Gaskill (Golden, CO) Colorado Trail Mugs, Super Size Gudy Gaskill (Golden, CO) Colorado Trail Twilight Mugs Gudy Gaskill (Golden, CO) Acrylic Painting, The Colorado Trail in Saguache Park Gudy Gaskill (Golden, CO) Watercolor, White Cross Mountain Nora Jacquez (Lakewood, CO) Spanish Classes for Travelers King Mountain Ranch (Granby, CO) 1-Week Stay for Family of 5 Lancasters Western Wear (Aurora, CO) Gift Certificate Mountain Smith (Golden, CO) Daypack Fanny Pack Mountain Smith (Golden, CO) Knockabout Fanny Pack Mt. Vernon Country Club (Golden, CO) Social Membership, 1st Quarter Pat Nagorka (Parker, CO) Micro Brewed Beer Lynn W. Paul (Staten Island, CO) 3 Night at Copper Mountain Resort, ’98–’99 Ski Season REI (Denver, CO) REI Switchback Goretex Parka REI (Denver, CO) REI Thermo Pod +15 Degree Sleeping Bag REI (Denver, CO) REI Full Skinny Fanny Pack REI (Denver, CO) REI Trail First Aid Kit Sears Contract Sales (Lakewood, CO) Gift Certificate Gail Schoettler (Denver, CO) Ute Indian Bowl Stockyards Ranch Supply (Commerce City, CO) Saddle Pad by Navage (Heavy Duty) Totally Outdoors, Ltd. (Denver, CO) Women’s Windbloc Fleece Vest By Girls Love Dirt Trails Illustrated (Evergreen, CO) The Colorado Trail Posters Continued on page 10

Tread Lines Fall 1998 9 Reaching Out at the People's Fair–National Trails Day

With assistance from seven CT to talk about the importance of larger crowd and were helped volunteers, REI (who provided trails throughout Colorado. On by long-time trail crew member display fixturing), and the Saturday, board member and 1988 trail-a-bration hiker Colorado Mountain Club (who George Miller, staff member Tracy Cochran, board mem- shared one-half of their booth Denise Wright, and trail crew ber and Trail Crew Food space with us), the CTF had the leader Art Rankin talked with Coordinator Pat Nagorka, opportunity to share the special many new people about the board members Stan Ward beauty of The Colorado Trail trail, upcoming trail crews, and Sam Guyton, and trail with the metro community at classes, treks, and supporting crew volunteer and trek staff the People's Fair, which was The Colorado Trail Foundation. member Marilyn Eisele. These held on National Trails Day Art (what a great salesperson!) special volunteers were the key weekend, June 6–7, 1998. was able to sell 13 copies of to our success. Thanks for Numerous trail groups, outdoor our old third edition guidebook giving your time to share The organizations, and governmen- for the special fair price of just Colorado Trail with others! tal agencies gathered together $5! Sunday we saw even a

Diane Has Done It Again!

Diane Parker has once again volunteered by the employee. cases—Diane’s generous presented The Colorado Trail For the first time ever, Diane donation of time and effort, and Foundation with a gift—this also was presented with a US WEST's generous funding. time, two checks totaling check for $500 by a US WEST Once again, thanks, Diane. $1,100. Six hundred dollars CEO for her outstanding were given to Diane by US performance in having given WEST through their matching more than 250 volunteer hours Note: Diane is also the adopter gift program. The corporation in one year to an organization. of Section 10.1 of The CT, matches funds with hours The CTF is the winner in both which begins at Georgia Pass.

Continued from page 9 Westcliffe Publishers (Englewood, CO) Book, Along The Colorado Trail Westcliffe Publishers (Englewood, CO) Book, Photographing The Landscape Westcliffe Publishers (Englewood, CO) Book, Rocky Mountain National Park Westcliffe Publishers (Englewood, CO) Poster Westcliffe Publishers (Englewood, CO) Book, Along The Continental Divide Trail Whole Body Health Center (Lakewood, CO) Therapeutic Massage Jan Wilkins (Denver, CO) 3 Nights at Mountain Home in Breckenridge

*Some last-minute donations from WestFest participants will be listed in the next issue of Tread Lines.

10 Tread Lines Fall 1998 What's Going On in the New Office? by Denise Wright I've been on the job since early Just call directory assistance, and information phone number (303) April and, with the busy summer you’ll now find The Colorado 526-0809, and besides being a season right around the corner, Trail Foundation listed! And have wealth of information for me, her it’s been nonstop ever since. people been making the connec- kind and knowledgeable assis- As Administrator, Volun- tion! Just for the summer months tance helps dozens and 100s of teer Coordinator, I’m both of June, July, and August, the callers each month! Also, Tom learning and helping the board office received over 400 phone/ Grover still faithfully (for over and volunteer coordinators with fax calls, 340 e-mails (and I’ve five years now) opens an average program administration, of 100 pieces of mail a month marketing and outreach, coming through our Lake- public and media rela- wood P.O. Box (he’s got tions, communications, some great stories!). Tom’s and special projects. planning a six-month sabbati- With the help of the cal to England this Decem- Colorado Mountain Club ber, so I would love to and REI, I furnished our discover some new volun- beautiful new office with teers to help lighten the office furniture, files, phones, load. If you like being “on faxes, and computer, all the inside” and can give a few just for the price of a The American Mountaineering Center hours a week to help serve computer and phone. The our mail customers and Colorado Mountain Club friends, then give me a call! generously provided used What a wonderful way to furniture (REI also helped help those great fellow here) volunteers who make it all and some initial filing happen! supplies in addition to My office hours are 9 office and storage space a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to help us get started. through Friday, so if planning Larry McDonald (yes, a visit, please call first to Merle’s son), with the law ensure I’m not “out to firm of Brownstein, lunch”—eating, that is. Do Denise Wright—Administrator, Volunteer Hyatt, Farber & Coordinator— in the CTF's new office at the AMC. stop in and visit, pick up a Strickland, contributed a Colorado Trail store item, or most excellent HP laser printer sent out over 300), and 100 say “hi” when visiting our other that’s a real workhorse, with no letters (and I’ve sent out over outdoor partners in the American software limitations! 170). Mountaineering Center. I’m looking forward to seeing or The Office is easy to reach: Our dedicated phone and mail hearing from you soon! Many people are now reaching volunteers: Besides contacting our business office via phone (24- the office, you can still reach us hour voice mail), fax, e-mail, the the old way! Charlotte Briber Internet, or just by walking in! answers The Colorado Trail

Tread Lines Fall 1998 11 The Mighty Nine Food Packers by Pat Nagorka

We had a smaller crew packing up crews. Glenn took his crew’s the possibility of more baking this food this year, but boy could they food. Boy, did my storage room year (cook’s choice) because of get things done. It was just the seem empty with only eight piles the nice ovens that equipment right number, because we had only of boxes left. manager George Miller fabri- 13 crews to pack for. The menu stayed unsettled cated last year. Availability, We had two new faces, until the very end. Last-minute expense, and donations sometimes Glenn Kepler’s mom, Mabel, changes took spaghetti off and put dictate what is on the menu. who was visiting from the East tapioca pudding on. There will be Spaghetti will be back next year. Coast, and Collette Menu Lottor, who has changes are been on several of difficult but Merle desired. Everyone McDonald’s has a favorite crews. She came meal, so items down from Fort that are deleted Collins. They both are missed. But did a great job— isn’t it nice to thanks for the extra have a change? hands. I had every So expect intention of calling changes— the “old regulars,” favorites may be but Alzheimer’s has gone one year set in, and I couldn’t and back the find my list of phone next. numbers. A mix of Suggestions are Phil and Mae Smith packing the food for their new faces in with four crews in their “borrowed” truck. always welcome. the experienced Let’s hear some makes a good team. new ideas for Denise Wright, lunches and the real organizer, breakfasts. Give Marilyn and Rick me a call at (303) Eisele, Phil and 841-2777, or write Mae Smith, and I to Pat Nagorka, filled out the 6796 E. Pine “Mighty Nine.” Lane, Parker, CO The 80138. weather was Hope you perfect, and packing had an enjoyable went smoothly. Phil crew and a good took home all the summer. See you boxes for his four next year.

Glenn Kepler packing the last box while his mother, Mabel Kepler, checks off the food items.

12 Tread Lines Fall 1998 THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES VERY GENEROUSLY DONATED FOOD FOR THE COLORADO TRAIL CREWS:

Alamo Distributors—John Amerman Tortilla Chips

Archway Cookies—Robin Roberts Cookies

Early Bird Foods—John Roitsch Granola

H J Heinz Co.—Mike Helegson Tuna

King Soopers—E. John Burgon, Pres. Gift Certificates

Kuner Empson Co.—Bob Siefert Corn ’N Peppers

Madhava (Mountain Gold Honey)—Greg Gerbore Honey Bears

Nestles Food Co.—Karen Olson Candy, Instant Coffees, Creamer, Flavored Teas

Rocky Mountain Foods—Dave Greenhouse Trail Mix, Swedish Fish (Candy)

Peaberry Coffee, Ltd.—Chiquita Felitti Coffee

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

Please show your appreciation by buying products from these companies. They have shown their support for us—we need to show our support of them. It is such a pleasure to work with these people at these various companies. They are always helpful, pleasant, and cooperative when I call for donations. THANK YOU!

Food Chair, Pat Nagorka

Tread Lines Fall 1998 13 Adopt-A-Trail Program by Glenn W. Kepler, Sr. The Adopt-A-Trail Program is one mighty program of The Colorado Trail Foundation, and I am learning that first-hand. I took over as the Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator from Merle McDonald in June and am gradually learning all the work our good friend Merle did as the Adopt-A-Trail Coordi- nator. It has been a challenge to keep up with the program, and I appreciate the patience all you adopters have shown me. Trail Log and Condition Surveys and Colorado Trail End of Season Reports have been coming in right and left from our more than 50 adopters. And informal reports of trail conditions have been coming in all summer from a wide variety of users. It is amazing how much information comes to the Adopt-A-Trail program. Earlier this year Board Member Stan Ward made a great suggestion to get this information out on our Web Site for all to use. I hope to be able to work out the details of this suggestion now that a very busy summer has come to an end. A list of adopters appears on page 15, with names and sections those people or organizations cover. I’d like to say thanks on behalf of The Colorado Trail Foundation to all of you for working so hard to keep The Colorado Trail in such great condition. We continue to have some turnover on sections, which are then available to adopt. At present I am working to fill one section and possibly move some adopters around to other sections. If you are interested in adopting, please contact me through our Golden office, or I can be reached at my e-mail address: [email protected]. Thanks again for the help everyone has provided. I know I can get better at this, and I will with experience.

Tree across The Colorado Trail about 1 1/2 miles south of North Cottonwood Creek in August 1996.

14 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Adopters of Sections of The Colorado Trail

Section First Name Last Name Section First Name Last Name

01 Tom Sanger 24.1 Jon Greeneisen 02 Don Johnson 24.2 Rolly Rogers 03 Darrell/Terri Miller 24.3 Jon/Scheryl Mestdagh 04 Tom Butterfield 25 Gene Rush 05 Ernie Werren 26 Rolly Rogers 06 Harriet Patton 27 Ann Stevens 07 Carol/Bob Drew 28 Mike/Liz Nelson/Harris 08 Andy/Sue Riach 29 Lee Jackson 09 Min Canavan 30 Cheryl/Bob Arndt 09.1 Sally McFarland 31 Stuart Brown 10.1 Diane Parker 32 Bill/Cary Lewis/Jones 10.2 The Fat Tire Society 33 Ken Stagner 10.3 Steve & Sue Enderlin 34 Jerry Gray 11.1 John Fayhee 35 Jerry Gray 11.2 William Brown 36 Frank Klein 12 Neal McKinstry 37 Bill Weber 13 Julie Mesdag 38.1 Kenneth Marshall 14 Dawn Barton Keating 38a Tom Bowser 15 Dawn Barton Keating 38b Larry White 16 D’Ann/Chuck Downing 39 Larry Burch 17 John Wehrle 39.1 Lynn Mattingly 18 Phil Smith 40 Malcom Wentling 19 Wesley N. Gantner 41 Zea Beaver 20 Craig Nelson 42 Lawrence Mack 21 Clare Foote 42.1 Ted LaMay 22 Steve Combs 43.1 Bill Manning 23 Merle & Uta McDonald 43.3 Laurie Gruel

Thanks for all your hard work!

Tread Lines Fall 1998 15 Golden Moments with Merle McDonald by Larry C. White I appreciate the opportunity to say some real estate figured out. Now, went up on our backs for two days a few things about golden mo- Merle and I will often hike days of serious mosquitoes, bogs, and ments with Merle. I’d like to and not have 30 minutes of river crossings, ole Merle shoul- highlight some of Merle’s hiking conversation—we just seem to dered his 100+-pound pack with and climbing feats. I guess I’ve have this silent communication an acceptance that made everyone been privileged to share more of that suffices. Anyway, that particu- else fall into place and voice not a these miles with him than anyone. lar morning, Merle commented single whimper. Tough. As a result of these many, rather dryly, as he came out of the Last summer, after helping many miles, which included more tent, that “that sure is something Tom Bowser and me on our than a few very difficult times, I one doesn’t see very often.” When adopted trail section, Merle (at can say that in spite of anything I looked up from my oatmeal, I 65), Richard Nolde, and I caught nature could throw at us, Merle asked what that was. Merle kinda the Continental Divide Trail at never missed a beat, never once leaned back and scratched and Wolf Creek, and seven days later whimpered discomfort, never pointed behind me and said: “The we were hiking through Silverton asked for a “time out”—and never sun coming up in the South . . .” I (100 miles), and I can assure you lost his cool. That is to say, hiking guess like Daniel Boone answered the high CT with all the snow was partners don’t come any finer! when questioned if he had ever no easy stroll. Merle doesn’t do One of our memorable been lost, he replied, “No, but I’ve this to set records or gain any “Merle Mile” hikes was the CT been in some strange country for recognition—he is just one of thru hike a few years ago. Merle 2–3 days.” This was us. We were those folks who thrives on adver- and I decided to do the hike in in some strange country. No sity. June so trail-building commit- problem. His hiking uniform and ments could be met. This, of I don’t know if anyone has equipment are always the same in course, meant some serious snow hiked the trail with a full backpack spite of technology. That is, long- in high places. in less time, even after June, but I sleeved poly shirt with a T-shirt The first of June that year believe Merle (then 62 years underneath; long pants; and a found us at the N terminus young) may have the record. large, green Kelty external frame (Waterton Canyon), and noon of In the fall of ’95, I started pack, with two ’biners holding a June 28 found us sharing mounds working on Merle to climb Mt. plastic 1 qt. measuring cup on the of chow in Oscar’s Cafe in down- McKinley (high point in North back—no fancy Gore-tex, just a town Durango. In stomping out an America) with me. We’d done $29.95 green poncho, and oh yes, average of over 19 miles a day, some winter stuff together and had the leather gloves. About three Merle gave up 15 lbs of body a lot of fun, but Merle knew the years ago he finally agreed with weight. (I suffered along with one hourglass was sure getting a lot of me on hiking sticks—he uses two, extra pound of food a day and lost sand in the bottom. When he I still use one. In the hottest trips in 2 lbs.) We would have been in a agreed, I eased him into raising the the Grand Canyon to the high cold day earlier but found ourselves ante—that is, we climb McKinley CT, this is Merle. wrapped up in a severe storm a via the West Buttress, but we’d Well, this past spring we few miles before reaching Snow descend off the north side to were going to start our hike across Mesa and wound up really lost. Wonder Lake in Denali National Arizona (south to north), but When we mutually admitted this Park. This was the way the moun- Nature threw another obstacle in and decided we were no longer on tain was originally climbed. Well, front of Merle, and we have to “glide path,” we quietly foraged we almost pushed the envelope too wait a spell until Merle figures this out a nearly level spot, crawled far. We really got beat up and had one out, too. Merle—I’m ready into our wet tents, and waited for a two days of crevasses and storms when you are . . . better day. neither of us would ever want to The next morning the go through again. When we finally clouds broke up enough to get hit the tundra and sleds plus gear

16 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Merle McDonald (Who’s He?) by Denise Wright It’s the summer of 1988. After leave and the swiftest of foot, than has Merle. leading crews in 1986 and 1987, father and daughter were an In 1989 he adopted the S I’m leading my third trail crew for inspiration to the rest of us, who Cottonwood to Mt. Princeton The Colorado Trail Foundation wished we too were in such top- section of The CT (he still main- above Creede and below San Luis notch condition to climb so rapidly tains that trail today) and began Pass. A couple weeks before the to the top. And, around camp, if leading those wonder trail crews crew gathers I get a call from a something didn’t quite work right, so many of us have enjoyed. He Merle McDonald (who’s he?) Merle would retreat to his faithful also took over as Coordinator of asking questions about the equip- “mobile home” and return with a the Adopt-A-Trail program, a ment I expect to have in position he dedicated himself camp and asking whether I to for nine years. could use a couple more In 1990 he joined the tables (he’d be willing to board and began many years make some!). Well, with actively working with The 50 (the most ever!) crews Colorado Trail’s Master Plan working on The CT the committee besides address- summer before, leaders ing numerous “behind the always entered camp with scenes” operational needs. a hope we’d have some He’s designed and main- basic supplies but be tained our database, mail flexible enough to work logs, and accounting systems. with whatever we re- For years our summer trail ceived. crew projects have been From my first coordinated by Merle. He encounter with Merle and formalized and computerized to this day, I’ve always our crew information packets known Merle as a helper to simplify the entire informa- extraordinaire! Merle and tion distribution and registra- his daughter Anne worked tion process. He’s just been with 18 others that week, an incredible workhorse! and both McDonalds were There is literally no opera- truly a pleasure to be tional area that doesn’t have around. It was great fun Merle’s stamp of excellence. watching him that first Merle and I served the same Saturday afternoon pilot his tenure on the board, and it “well-experienced” VW bus tool or part to solve the problem. has truly been a privilege and confidently through a long stretch What a treat! honor to work with him over the of hubcap deep mud. No matter What first comes to mind years. My job in the office is much where he went with his VW pal when you hear the name Gudy easier because Merle preceded (and they surely seemed insepa- Gaskill (The Colorado Trail!), or me in these important operational rable), I’m confident Merle knew Randy Jacobs (The Colorado areas. His energies and dedication he and his “trusty” bus could Trail!), and Merle McDonald (of will pay dividends to The Colorado conquer any road condition course, The Colorado Trail!)? Trail Foundation for years to crossing their path. There are many, many invaluable come! When working on the trail volunteers who have contributed Merle McDonald, who’s Merle came with this same over the years, but I suspect few he? Well, do you have a few determination and commitment to have been more deeply involved in hours . . . ? giving his all. Always the first to every facet of The Colorado Trail

Tread Lines Fall 1998 17 Taking a Chance on a “Retired Military Man” by Kathy Howard I can’t think of The Colorado Trail the campfire were wonderful. We Trip on the Arizona Trail, Merle without Merle McDonald’s told stories, sang gospel songs, and bailed me out by sending proven image flashing before my eyes. freed ourselves from all the cares recipes and supply lists. CT With trepidation, I enlisted for one of the modern world. We learned delights such as Mexican Buildup of his crews in the late 1980s. a lot about each other. Merle and canned ham appeared magi- Rumor had it that he was a confided that he once had consid- cally in the wilds of Arizona’s “retired military man.” These ered being a Baptist minister. Superstition and Rincon Mountains words evoked a small twinge of Each year new members gravi- to 30-member crews thanks to terror and the mental picture of a tated to the crew. I found myself Merle’s help. stiff-backed, order-barking drill calling Merle prior to publication When Merle’s wife Uta instructor. At this stage of my life, of the Trail Crew Schedule to (see photo page 19) retired, she I had no intention of deferring to ensure a spot on one of his San joined Merle on the trail. She made anyone, on trail or off. However, Juan teams. In such demand, his the crew experience even more at that moment, I was willing to crews were filled even before the delightful. Some summers Ann negotiate anything to get out of the schedules were mailed. and the pups came along, too. My Phoenix heat and into the San When in a weak moment I treks to Colorado seemed more Juans for a week. So I gave agreed to serve as Assistant like a family reunion than a work Merle a chance. Leader for a Sierra Club Service detail. I could count on seeing the It was one of my McDonalds, Shirley and best decisions. Instead of Win Wolvington, Paul and the gruff, order-giving Sandy Njaa, Sue Palmer, martinet I had envisioned, Barb Hill, Laura Farmer, our crew leader turned out Ruth Rose and Laurie to be a kind and gentle McCanne, Art Porter, person, with finely honed Larry Mack, and so many people skills. In fact, these other old friends. It was like skills were so well tuned kids going away to camp. that no one was aware he The campers were only a little or she was being led. more mature, some graying, During our Sunday evening but their glee and sense of orientation, just after the adventure were like that of safety lecture, Merle would teenagers. Merle made the remind us that we were on trail crew experience mean- the trail crew to “enjoy ingful for hundreds of us. We ourselves and build a little have been enriched by his bit of The Colorado Trail. If wisdom, blessed by his you get tired or don’t feel presence, and thanks to well, it is OK to go back to Merle, we managed to “build camp.” Of course, no one a little bit of The Colorado ever did. We didn’t want to Trail,” too. Life offers each of disappoint Merle or lose us many surprises and bless- face with other crew ings. Things are not always members. We all thought the way we suppose. One of hard work was our idea. the best decisions I ever made This was just one example was to take that chance on a of Merle’s masterful skills. “retired military man” and sign Evenings with up for that first Colorado Trail Merle and the crew around crew at Indian Trail Ridge.

18 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Sawing Logs—in a Snowstorm? by Barbara Wasser Two years ago, I joined Merle pillow. (Incidentally, his pillow is a a meal during the week in which McDonald along with George wine bladder from a box of wine, we were on the trip. Merle Miller and three other people which he blows up! It is kind of surprised us the night he was in (Vince, Rita, and John) for a squeaky but a great idea.) The charge and opened a can of week-long yurt trip in the area of wind continued to blow, and the smoked oysters for hors Lake City. yurt was a little drafty that night, d’oeuvres. What a treat that was Our first night was but it never collapsed. In the after eating freeze-dried food for a uneventful, but the second night in meantime, John and George were week. They tasted so good!! the Rambouillet yurt, there was a awake, and we all eventually Merle is a great crew fierce snowstorm. The wind was returned to our bunks. Merle never leader, something I can attest to blowing so hard, we didn’t know if woke up the entire evening, and after having been on three of his the yurt would withstand the gales when we talked to him in the crews. And he is a man who lives of wind. We had all bedded down morning, he said that he didn’t for the day. He has a great sense for the night, and the wind came hear a word! of humor, is a hard worker, and is up and awakened Rita, Vince, and The first yurt trip on which the ultimate of what I would me. We climbed out of our sleep- my son, Clint, and I joined Merle describe as a true mountain man. ing bags and sat by the wood- was three years ago. As you all His last climb of McKinley was an burning stove telling stories. We know, we were all responsible for adventure that only he and an elite were having a great few have done. He was time talking, and Merle the oldest man ever to was sawing logs to complete the buttress beat the band. As route of McKinley. He is some of you know, a man with many Merle can go to sleep wonderful characteris- at the drop of a hat. tics, and I look forward He starts snoring in to working with Merle on about two minutes The Colorado Trail next once his head hits his year. Merle and Uta McDonald

Setting an Enduring Example by Sam Junkin

Merle McDonald is the embodi- which some of us are so proud. each member at his/her level of ment of a rare and admirable style He shows us how to stay at it until interest and experience. He of leadership, one which all of us the job we are attempting is far refuses to yield to the tricks or can do well to learn. beyond merely acceptable, a gimmicks that might artificially He doesn’t seek the product we learned to believe make “community” happen, but he limelight, but is content to lead by would stand the test of time. He is quick to pick up on the naturally getting everyone to focus on the has the uncanny ability of seeing a occurring moments that enable the job at hand and on the well-being job that needs to be done on the disparate individuals to say of fellow crew members. He is trail and/or in the camp, and at the end, “look what we accom- always a good example, working simply doing it. He sets a pace that plish!” harder and longer than anyone else can see a task accomplished but He led us to build Colo- and patiently teaching the trail- that never damages the health or rado, community, and personal building tasks while never talking the morale of us lesser mortals. trails, which will last. down to new recruits, nor disdain- He has the desire to know each ing the primer-level techniques of member of the crew—to meet

Tread Lines Fall 1998 19 Memories of My Father and The Colorado Trail by Anne McDonald

I first heard about The Colo- magnificently huge aspen trees couldn’t understand what the rado Trail in an article in the and enormous delphiniums. excitement was about. Little Denver Post, during the spring We’d come home from work did I know. of my junior year in college covered with fine red dust, and My dad and I worked (1987). It sounded like fun to I don’t think anything was quite together on another crew the me, and so I called my dad to as welcome as our daily following summer, down by see if he’d be interested in shower. Creede. Somehow my dad working on a trail crew with From the first day, my dad managed to get that old bus up me that summer. As they say, kept whispering to me about a harrowing logging road that great minds think alike, be- how they’d never do such-and- was ankle deep in mud. That cause he informed me that he’d such in an Army camp; he was crew was full of CTF diehards: already registered for a crew full of ideas from the very Denise Wright (the leader); that summer. So it was a beginning about how every- Helen Newell, Bob Boblette, simple matter for me to arrange thing in camp could be run Harriet Patton, La Veda to be on that crew with him. more efficiently. A future Bermudez, Dick Hackman The crew was to be at crew leader was born. and one of his sons, Mike. Road End Canyon, just seven That week was also the On that crew we had a miles from the southern termi- first time either of us ever saw moment that is, to my mind, nus of the Trail. We headed Gudy Gaskill. Word reached quintessential Merle. I forget down to Durango in my dad’s us that she would be coming in what we were doing for drink- trusty old brown VW bus. Not to camp on Friday to check out ing water, but halfway through exactly the speed mobile. We our work, and everyone was the week, someone discovered had to hike from Junction abuzz with excitement. I’d a small spring 40 or 50 feet Creek campground to Road never even heard of her and above the road that was part of End Canyon, but somehow our camp. I remember every- my dad managed to get one standing on the road below himself elected to help the the spring, and Harriet, I think, Forest Service pack in our commented how convenient it gear in pickup trucks, so he would be if we had a hose that was able to make sure he we could stick into the spring could sneak along a box of and stretch down to the road. wine. I think Charlotte Without a word, my dad disap- Briber was the only person peared back to our bus, only to on that crew who is still return moments later with 50 active with the Foundation, feet of garden hose. I can and I remember being over- honestly say that never whelmed at her knowledge of in a million years would it have botany. It seems like there occurred to me or, I imagine, wasn’t a flower you could most people to bring a garden point out to which she didn’t hose on a crew, but not so my know the name. dad. His early Boy Scout The weather was perfect training has stuck with him for that week, and in our camp all of his adult life, I suppose. we were surrounded by

20 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Trail Crew #3 Report June 26–July 4, 1998 by Phil Smith, Crew Leader The location of this crew was in and accomplished 2,500 feet of were about 2 x 2 x 4 feet each, the Rio Grande Forest, out of the tread in a very rough, rocky area, and most of their bulk was buried. Saguache area. This was a where the trail was almost straight We were able to have continuation of the section of trail downhill. One switchback was evening campfires. But on we’ve been working on for constructed. Two large rocks had Wednesday, when the crew several years. Our camping spot to be removed to make the returned from their day off, a fire wasn’t the one we had planned, switchback work. These rocks ban was put in place, so no more but it was very nice campfires. One nice thing though extremely dry about this camp area was and hot. It meant that that there is a spring the crew had to be within 50 feet of base transported about three camp. This provided miles to the trail every plenty of water for day, but that worked showers. out OK. The weather Our team this this week was the week consisted of Bea hottest we’ve ever Adams, Bob Ballou, experienced on a crew! Lois and Tracy We drank water like it Cochran, John, Sherri, was going out of and Laura DeShano, style—even took two Elsie Dickert, Linda extra five-gallon and Weldon Hyde, containers of it up to Rachel Klauber, Ryan trail. But the evenings Lewis, David Nevin, were mild and most Storme Rose, enjoyable. Marianne Zwosta, plus We had an my wife Mae Smith (the energetic, mostly cook), and me. Crew #3 hard at work on The Colorado Trail. experienced, and companionable crew,

Crew #3, Summer 1998

Tread Lines Fall 1998 21 Trail Crew #4 Report East Fork Trail, Powderhorn Wilderness July 4–11, 1998 by Gudy Gaskill, Crew Leader

The crew met in Gunnison and well as the water source. David needed. Kudos to the following drove to the Powderhorn Wilder- Nevin and Dan Wolfe became people for having put in such long ness boundary to begin their the “water and produce” carriers. hours and having completed so backpack into base camp. The A number of long re- many miles of trail: Sarah, camp had been transported (with routes were completed during the Nathan, and Dianne difficulty, as the horses bolted and week. The ground was fairly easy Christianson, Jonathan Huie, scattered goods everywhere) the to work with, so work pro- Linda and Weldon Hyde, day before, so upon arrival, the gressed very quickly. There were Jackie Keller, Rachel group became busy with setting a number of drainages to be Klauber, Ryan Lewis, Pamela up camp and putting everything repaired and dried out as well as Lurz, David Nevin, Teal back in order. Camp was at an log bridges to construct. It was a Warthan, Dan Wolfe, Adam edge of a meadow overlooking a push to get everything completed Seal and Sarah and Jenny. huge beaver encampment. A during the week and work around Arden Anderson was the BLM small stream uphill from camp the rain. To the very end, it was a coordinator. was the cooler for the week as job well done . . . and much

“Camp” for Crew #4 in the Powderhorn Wilderness, July 1998.

22 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Trail Crew #5 Report July 11–18, 1998 by Phil Smith, Crew Leader

Once again we worked in the Rio camp after work each day! And Again, this part of The Grande Forest, out of the some even took a long hike Colorado Trail is very rocky, and Saguache District—seems almost toward Baldy Lake on their day almost straight downhill. Slanting like home, since we’ve been off! the trail to make the water run off working in that area and with A total of 2,066 feet of was a tough job. Another portion Ranger Jim Jaminet for about trail were completed this week— of the trail was very flat, and a five years now. We camped in the a job well done, and a hearty large area had to be cleared to same spot as our first crew this thanks to all who helped accom- get the water off the trail. The year, so the crew had to be plish this! crew also had to take out several transported by vehicle stumps. every day to the work Roger Gomas site—or the trail leading and Jim Kleckner to the work site. caught some fish in The crew the beaver ponds, consisted of Bob with Roger catching Ballou, Marge the most. The total Burgess, Carol fish count was 42. Clapp, Richard So one afternoon, Conger, Beverley Roger and Jim Gherardini, Roger wrapped the fish in Gomas, Allen foil along with some Kallenbach, James oranges and spices. Kleckner, Larry Each foil packet Mack, Jill Ozaki, Crew #5 hard at work on The Colorado Trail. contained two or Annemarie Sierks, three fish, depend- Mae Smith (the ing on size. Then cook), and me. Also on they cooked the this crew were three packets over the teens who left on fire. Each of us had Wednesday: Rachel his or her own Klauber, Gerald serving of this Montoya, and Jordan delicacy as the Sherrill. Most of the appetizer that night! adults were experi- Boy, were they enced trail workers good! Thanks, and/or hikers. Some guys! even chose to walk the three miles back to

Crew #5, Summer 1998

Tread Lines Fall 1998 23 Trail Crew #6 Report Swan River Crew July 11–18, 1998 by Ernie Werren, Crew Leader What a lucky crew this was! A consisting of two 30-foot-long, x 6" treated timbers, rebarred and week of perfect weather, a springy logs with a solid planked spiked together. Two average 15- beautiful campsite at 10,000' next bridge for foot and bicycle use. In inch, 30-foot logs comprised the to the river and close to the work addition, we were to repair and bridge stringers. These were site—and a bridge to build! improve the nearby trail by putting moved to the location on long My crew consisted of me rolling dips, french drains, and rollers, using come-alongs and a lot and eight other Summit County, causeways through muddy and of muscle power. Finally the Colorado, residents: Ray and Ruth badly worn areas. bridge was planked with 3" x 12" Bezanson, Ruth and Bill Can- The bridge foundations four-foot treated lumber supplied non, Bill Moller, Karen and were rock-filled cribs built from 6" by the Dillon Ranger District. The Peter Rex, and Dick new bridge is 30 feet long and Rozehnal. Other Coloradans 4 feet wide. Ray, Sam, Dick, were Paul Newendorp, from Holly, and I, and last year’s Estes Park (who makes all of crew member John Taylor the signs for The Colorado returned the following Thurs- Trail); Laura Farmer, from day to plank the bridge because Palisade; and Lynda Morris, the materials had not arrived by from Durango. Out-of-staters the end of the crew week. were Lester Longmire, Ruth C., Ruth B., from Nebraska, and the Karin, Laura, Daphne, Les, Texans, John Wilson, Sam Bill, and Adele had the less and Adele Junkin, and glamorous job of building Kayla Hefner. Daphne french drains, causeways, and Brennan came all the way rolling dips over several from Wellington, New hundred feet of badly deterio- Zealand. She had read about Kayla “advising” leader, Ernie. rated trail. They diligently The Colorado Trail volunteer carried dirt, rocks, and gravel work in a travel magazine and to accomplish their dirty tasks, found the idea so intriguing and did rock work that they that she devoted two weeks could view with great pride. of her first trip to the United Bill Cannon ran a fine States to working on CT trail kitchen and provided excellent crews rather than just visiting cuisine. Since the camp was so the tourist sites. close to the job site, we could We had excellent all return to camp for the lunch support from Holly English that Bill always had laid out for of the Dillon Ranger District the crew. and her crew. They kept us Lynda and Kayla, who well supplied with water, tools proved to have very strong and materials, chain saw hands, raised $115 for the CTF support, advice, and even a giving $5 foot and shoulder picnic table. massages to the weary bridge Our main job was to Karin and Ruth B. laying french drain rock. builders and rock haulers. We replace the existing footbridge had good happy hour each

24 Tread Lines Fall 1998 evening before dinner, and some picked names from a hat early in had the week to think up some hotly-contested horseshoe games. the week for a gift exchange and very creative gifts made from Friday night was nature’s bounties. The awards night, and Paul Friday night party topped Semmer and Holly of off a great week of hard the Forest Service gave work, good fun, and fine patches to all of the companionship for all the crew. Crew members crew.

Crew #6 on bridge stringers.

Peter, Dick, Ray, and Sam building foundation cribbing. Adele, Peter, and Paul at old bridge.

Crew #6 moving log stringers. Ernie, Holly, Ray, Dick, and John Taylor at new bridge.

Tread Lines Fall 1998 25 Trail Crew #7 Report South Platte Crossing 2 July 18–25, 1998 by Glenn W. Kepler, Sr., Crew Leader This crew took over where Joe ity for house lights and an electric was it the other way around? Our Slack’s crew left off. Our main stove, two bedrooms, kitchen good friend Daphne Brennan assignments were to finish build- cabinets, a nice big living room was our specialist on back slopes, ing new trail to hook up with the complete with a stone fireplace, showing all of us the right tech- old route and to shore up the talus and a shady porch with a beautiful nique in between her fun-filled slope along the river. view of the river. Gordon Lacy stories. And daughter Sandra We quickly got to know and Sarah Taylor-Arnold served (Sandie) kept our spirits up on the each other by figuring out exactly as our main chefs, although all of trail and in camp. We all missed how we were to get across the us took turns. Gordon’s brisket on her smiling face when she left swiftly flowing and Wednesday for a high South Platte River. soccer tournament. We Lori Malcomb of the hooked up to the old U.S. Forest Service trail by Tuesday South Platte District afternoon. Office provided us with Wednesday the a raft and life preservers crew was all over the and a pump. We area—shopping for pumped up the raft and more food in Conifer, carried it down to the hiking the CT, tubing riverbank OK. Then we the South Platte, and had to figure out a rope rock climbing by the system to pull us back Crew #7, Summer 1998 Bucksnort (Thanks and forth across the again, Doug.) A dinner river. Fortunately for us all, crew Wednesday night was especially at the Bucksnort was a good way member Doug Donato knows his tasty. to top off the off day. ropes—with carabineers, a pulley, After checking out our Thursday was spent plenty of rope, and an existing work site, Sunday was pretty much shoring up the talus slope by the cable stretched across the river, we a free day for us all. Some of us bridge site and building water set up a ferrying system for both drove over to the Devil’s Head bars. Norm Brooke and Jim equipment and supplies. Nathan Fire Lookout trail and hiked to the Storjohann headed up the shoring Roth braved the cold waters to tower—what a great view from the detail, which included Erik guide us all across safely. top. Others hiked The Colorado Donato, Gordon, Nathan, Now, many of you Trail to check on conditions. Michael, and Dan. They used experienced crew volunteers know Although Monday and some old lumber and fence posts that a campsite in the forest Tuesday were so extremely hot to check the scree. The trail was a seldom offers anything in the way that we had to quit early each day, lot easier to travel when they were of modern conveniences. Well this we still were able to build a great done. That rock isn’t going wasn’t one of those campsites. The durable trail. Michael Roth and anywhere fast now. The rest of the South Platte Trail Crossing Crews Daniel Gargan took out two very crew, including my little sister 1 and 2 had the use of a house large trees the first crew had left Jan, worked on water bars that I purchased by the Denver Water for us. Todd and Carolyn can attest have stood up to the test Board after the old bridge was lost Sherwood, serving on their first of hard rains. to flooding; the third crew at the volunteer crew, looked like pros I’d like to thank the entire site had two houses. Although we turning out some great tread. crew for making my first time as a didn’t trust the water in the house Nephew Brendan Egan taught leader a successful and memorable well and the rest of the plumbing another first-timer, Sarah experience. See you next year. didn’t work, we did have electric- Townsend, all the right moves, or

26 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Trail Crew #9 Report Molas Pass—Elderhostel Crew August 1–8, 1998 by Gudy Gaskill, Crew Leader Twenty-three Elderhostlers because they built about 72 Harry Button (Colorado), Bill arrived on Sunday morning to needed water bars above the Lord (Arizona), Austin Rishel begin a full hard week of trail lake, around the lake, and into (New Mexico), Jean Smith maintenance at Molas Pass. Animas Canyon as well as de- (Missouri), Ljim Howlin (Colo- Later, I arrived, after having had bermed several miles of The CT. rado), Bill Caslin (Illinois), Bob two flat ties on the CT pickup There were long days and hard McKinney (Florida), Helene while driving over Cinnamon Pass work carrying all of the treated Schaafer (Colorado), Lois and in the rain. Still later, the Colum- posts to their destinations. The Ken Prestrud (Washington), bine District Ranger, accompa- group had great talent and lots of Harlele Gildon (Michigan), nied by Ted LaMay, arrived fun. The enthusiastic campers Wayne Wagener (Colorado), with the tent and equipment, drove from the east and west Joanne Fuchs (Illinois), Ken having been delayed by a mud/ coasts to help us repair our trail. I Hughes (Colorado), Jane rock slide on their way over from can’t thank the group enough. We Millrt (New Mexico), Janet Joe Slack’s trail crew. The rain enjoyed evening campfires, Sample (Colorado), Sandy and stayed with us for the rest of the meteor showers, dinner wines, Larry Dunlap (Oregon), week. To join an Elderhostel and tales of fabulous lives. Chan- Marjorie Mueller (Colorado), program, one must be at least 55 nel 6 came up and filmed inter- and Jerry Major, Forest Ser- years of age, and the group that views for a “Spirit of Colorado” vice. worked on The CT were a program to be aired next spring. young, hardy, 60- to 80-year-old Participants were Jack Mayer age group. We will call this crew (Ohio), Mary Salmon (Iowa), the “Water Bar” crew

Elderhostel Crew (Crew #9), Summer 1998

Tread Lines Fall 1998 27 Trail Crew #12 Report South Platte River Bridge Project August 22–29, 1998 Gene Cash, Crew Leader by SallyJo McFarland, Crew Member

Crew # 12 was lucky enough to be Laverne Nelson, from Gooding, Russell McFarland and I working when the new bridge was Kansas, is a real pro when it showed up with our camper. We placed across the river August 24, comes to barbed wire fences. I’ll had to cross the river in our 1998, quite a historic occasion. A bet he didn’t know he’d be using vehicles because the bridge was couple of the local TV stations that skill on a trail crew! washed out. It was a real hair- were there, and Gudy did the Sam House, from Texas, raising experience to watch the “ribbon cutting.” was sort of “second in command.” Nissan truck and camper cross the It was awesome to watch He’s also pretty allergic to poison river, water coming up over the that huge crane place the bridge ivy, which, unfortunately, there is hood. It only stalled a couple of across the river, but it also meant a lot of in this section. Gene’s times but thankfully didn’t float; that our work was just begin- grandsons, David and Eric some of the trucks actually floated ning—work we never thought Hughes were with us. They down the river before getting we’d do on a trail crew. When the pounded a lot of metal fence posts across. term “trail crew” is heard, a certain into the ground. Thank goodness Our living conditions were scenario comes to mind. Mostly for earplugs. great. We actually felt a little trail maintenance with shovels, Don Brewington was our guilty because we could stay in Pulaskis, McLeods, and saws. “outspoken” Texan. He’s really houses. Thanks to the Denver Well, that vision did not hold true feisty and kept us on our toes. Water Board for letting us use for Crew #12. Don and Gene never cut each other them. All that we lacked was We ran about 1/4 mile of any slack. It’s easy to tell they’ve running water, but we had plenty new barbed wire fence along the known each other a long time, of solar showers and drinking South Platte River (the reason for because you can only get away water courtesy of the U.S. Forest the fence is a story in itself), cut, with talking to each other like that Service. drilled, and bolted down horse when you’re fond of each other. Shawn and Sam from the planking over the length of the Dave Isenberg came to Forest Service were great. They bridge, laid down seed and erosion work with us right after walking worked as hard as we did, right matting near the bridge, and the entire Colorado Trail, nonstop, along with us. We really appreci- transplanted willow trees. end to end. He’s a “minimalist” ate all that they did for us. This was a wonderful backpacker, so when he split his We did a little hiking crew. We had members from all pants hauling boards, there went during our time off. The trail is so walks of life, all ages, from 13 to half his wardrobe. beautiful! The wildflowers this retired, and from Denver to Japan. Bob Etter came all the year are unbelievable. I gave up Mitsuo Nakadaira came from way from New York for our crew. writing down the different ones at Tokyo to work with us. He should After this trip he can call himself a about 50. They just carpeted the get a real kick out of the pictures “professional post-hole digger ground in many places. of himself stringing barbed wire extraordinaire.” Larry White was This project will surely fence. one of the few locals on the trip, a stand out in our minds. The The food was great, drawback if there’s an emergency unusual tasks, the historic occa- thanks to Ed and Peggy at work and they can find you. He sion, and, most importantly, the Hawkinson. The peaches were missed a little of the excitement wonderful people you always meet great, too, courtesy of Laura but pulled through for us in the on a Colorado Trail Crew! Farmer from Palisade, Colorado. end.

28 Tread Lines Fall 1998 Watercolor Class Production by Gudy Gaskill

The Colorado Trail Foundation New Zealand. Field trips were Gaskill managed the camp, had a very successful watercolor taken to American Basin, Cinna- assisted by Jan and Dan Wolfe. session at the CTF Education mon Pass, and a local waterfall. Friday evening climaxed with a Center above Lake City during Quite a bit of painting had to be mass critique and show. Next the latter part of August. Marga- done under the overhanging eaves year’s class will be held the third ret Barge from Durango was the to avoid the persistent rains. The week in July, so mark your instructor of a group of 15 enthusiastic students painted the calendars now. aspiring artists from Colorado, entire week without taking a New Mexico, New Jersey, and break from their work. Gudy

“Critique” during Watercolor Class, August 1998.

Join Us for Some Trekking in Summer 1999!

Having completed a successful the number of hikers allowed watch for the January issue of summer of trekking for 1998, as a group in wilderness areas, Tread Lines with the complete we are planning the summer of we will not be taking as many schedule of treks for 1999. And 1999 trekking program on The hikers next summer as we have sign up to join us next summer! Colorado Trail. Due to new in the past. Forest Service regulations on Mark your calendars to

Tread Lines Fall 1998 29 The Colorado Trail Completion Awards You finally did it! You ful- filled that lifelong dream, completed The Colorado Trail, and now want a memento to commemorate your accom- plishment. A FREE Comple- tion Certificate is yours for the asking, listing your completion date and whether you hiked, biked, or rode horseback on The Colorado Trail! Or a beautiful Completion Plaque could adorn your wall for just $39.00! You can also purchase the “I Completed The Colorado Trail” completion patch, available through The Colo- rado Trail Store for $2.75. For those who are still working on completing The Colorado Trail, we offer 200-mile club and 300-mile club pins ($2.50 per pin). Retain the memo- ries—contact the CT office about ordering your plaque, pin, or certificate today!

If you are hiking The Colorado Trail or maintaining the trail, we have cards for you to pass out to trail users. We’ll mail you some if you’ll use them. Glenn Kepler, our new Adopt-A-Trail “Chief,” will be mail- ing some to adopters. This would be a service to the CTF to get the word out to the trail users that The Colo- rado Trail is theirs to use through a labor of love.

30 Tread Lines Fall 1998 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

The Colorado Trail: The Official Guidebook (4th ed. 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 33.00 _____ Softcover 22.00 _____ 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 20.00 _____ Northeast set: 16 maps, Denver to Marshall Pass 12.00 _____ Southwest set: 13 maps, Marshall Pass to Durango 12.00 _____ CT Note Cards and Envelopes One dozen in 10 assorted designs by Jerry Albright 4.45 _____ CT Completion Patches (embroidered) (“I Completed The Colorado Trail”) 3.60 _____ Official pin 2.25 _____

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

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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