During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.I was enthralled by the wildflowers.I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.Happy Trails!
Mountain Gentian, also known as Blue Gentian, Pleated Gentian, Parry Gentian, Bottle Gentian, and Puff Gentian, is one member of the…you guessed it, the Gentian Family.
The Mountain Gentian’s flowers are barrel-shaped, to 2” long.The flowers have 5 petals fused together which make up the “barrel” or “bottle,” which splits into 5 pointed, reflexed lobes and 5 smaller lobes or “pleats.” Color can vary from azure blue to purple.
To find the Mountain Gentian, look in the Montane and Subalpine zones in Colorado.The Montane Zone starts at 8,000 feet and the Subalpine Zone tops out at 11,500 feet .They prefer moist meadows, stream banks, bogs, willow thickets and forest borders.
The best time of year to see these in Colorado’s high country is July through September.So pick a hike, mark your calendar and keep your eyes open.They are a subtle but beautiful flower.
Trail magic is a wonderful occurrence that, if you are lucky, happens to you while you are hiking.It could happen when you are out for a day hike or a many thousand mile thru-hike.Trail magic is an unanticipated kindness bestowed upon you while hiking.It can be bestowed by a total stranger or a known party.These kind souls, all of them, are typically called Trail Angels.
I have been fortunate to have had much trail magic bestowed upon me during my hiking trips.It is amazing to be a part of these random acts of kindness.It really restores my faith in humanity and reminds me that there are wonderful people out there, and in a time where the news is filled with stories of atrocities that people inflict on other people, these acts of kindness rejuvenate the spirit and mend the heart.
I want to take a moment to reflect on an amazing Trail Magic bestowed upon me on the Continental Divide Trail.I want to share this story with you because I hope that it will remind you of how great people are.I hope it will encourage you to be a Trail Angel…or an everyday angel.I want to express my gratitude about my Steamboat Springs Trail Angel.Although, I am writing about one specific experience, one moment in time, there have been many Angels, in life and on the trail, to whom I am grateful.I hope they read this and know how much they meant to me and how much they still mean to me.
And the Story Begins…
I was about thirty miles north of Rabbit Ears Pass, where I would leave the trail for a quick jaunt into Steamboat Springs to resupply.I came to a cross roads, literally.There was a mass of dirt and gravel roads, some leading to a group campsite, some to various other places that I chose not to explore on foot, literally a cross roads.I wasn’t sure where the trail went so I decided to go into the group camp and see if anyone had any ideas.I came across an eclectic, enthusiastic, kind group of people on a work retreat.They were cleaning up from their camp out and I struck up a conversation with some of the members.
They were all very nice and friendly and pointed me towards a man who had been to this site a few times.He offered me directions to where he thought the trail was, in addition to pleasant conversation.There rest of the group chatted with me, asking me the usual questions.They packaged up some bread pudding for me to take with me for later and I asked them the usual questions, where are you from, what do you do for work, the usual.
They said they were from Steamboat Springs.I told them that I was going to visit Steamboat and asked if they could recommend an affordable but nice and clean place to stay.One woman, Julia, said “I’d stay at my house.”
I laughed thinking “duh Anitra, of course they’d stay at their own houses,” but, at that moment, Julia, made me an incredible offer that touched my heart, and put a spring in my step.She said, “Why don’t you stay at my house.”I told her that was very nice of her to offer but that I was going to be in town tomorrow afternoon and that might be short notice.
She said it was no problem, she would be out of town but she would leave the sliding glass door unlocked and I could go in and make myself at home with only two stipulations…don’t drink the wine and don’t go downstairs to the basement level.No problem.
She gave me her address and phone number, the name of the townhouse complex she lived in and the name of street on which the bus stop was located (Steamboat has a great, free bus system).I would call the next day from town to confirm that the plan was still on.
I got to town the next day and after doing a few errands with Old Bay and Corvid, called her to see if she had changed her mind or if she still felt ok about having a total stranger staying in her home while she was away.Luckily for me, she was still game to have me stay over and she even said that Old Bay and Corvid, whom she had never met, could join me.
The three of us did some more errands, including walking through the drive thru at McDonald’s, bought some supplies for the night and boarded a bus and found her home with no problems.The door was unlocked as she said and we were comfortable in Julia’s home.
The next morning, it was a Saturday, I watched a good bit of college football and decided to hang out until Julia arrived home.She invited us to stay another night and we gratefully took her up on her offer.We chatted and really had an enjoyable time.I also got to watch the highlights of Appalachian State beating Michigan in the Big House.A perfect Saturday!
Leaving Steamboat…
Sunday, Julia drove Old Bay and I up to Rabbit Ears pass and we each continued on our journeys.Both a bit more rested.I felt light as air, as not only my body had rested and healed a bit, but my soul had as well.
Julia, your magic, your generosity, and your trusting, giving nature are not forgotten.I can never possibly pay you back; I can only hope to pay it forward.Luckily, I know that paying it forward would be your preferred method of payment.
Thank you Julia, and all of the other Trail (and life) Angels out there, you make a difference and make my hikes more than hikes; you help to make them journeys.
During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado. I was enthralled by the wildflowers. I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one. The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel. I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers. I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice. If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better. Happy Trails!
The Alpine Sunflower, also known as Old Man of the Mountain, Mountain Sunflower, Alpine Goldflower, Sun God, and Rydbergia is part of the Aster Family.
Flower heads are very large (to 4″ across), single, and nodding, with bright yellow, notched ray flowers, a large, domed disk, and narrow, woolly bracts. The stems of the flower are pretty distinct as they are woolly, as if they have whiskers (making the flower seem a good bit like an old man).
You can find the Old Man of the Mountain in Alpine zone, anywhere between 11,500 and 14,400 feet in Colorado. Secrets to finding him, check on ridges and slopes, among boulders and in meadows. The best time to go on a hike and find the Old Man is July and August.
The Torsolite, made by Bozeman Mountain Works, is a tapered, self inflating pad.It is the most minimal self-inflating sleeping pad that I have seen.I used this pad every night I camped out on my Continental Divide Trail hike (probably about 100 nights). I am a 5 foot 5 inch, woman, side sleeper with, especially toward the end of the trip, the boniest hips ever. This was a great compromise between comfort and weight savings.
This pad held up even in the inflate-a-pad unfriendly desert but I am fairly careful as to where I put it down and always used it inside my bivy sack. The tapered design took a bit of getting used to when using as the support for my frameless Mountain Laurel Designs Zip pack. After a few days of packing it, I got the hang of using it effectively as the support for the pack.
I love this pad!My Dad also really enjoys this pad and wants me to share that he thinks it’s even better when he puts it inside of his sleeping bag.This prevents the pad from shifting out from under him and helps him turn inside his bag instead of turning with the bag (so that when you wake up in the morning the hood isn’t covering your face).
Overall, I would recommend this pad to those looking to keep a bit of comfort but at a weight reduction.
During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado. I was enthralled by the wildflowers. I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one. The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel. I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers. I took the pictures, they don’t do the flowers justice. If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better. Happy Trails!
The Colorado Columbine, also known as the Blue Columbine, Colorado Blue Columbine, and the Rocky Mountain Columbine, is part of the Hellebore Family and is the Colorado state flower.
The flowers are very unique but beautiful.They are 3” across, with 5 spreading, blue to lavender sepals and 5 scoop-shaped, white petals.They also have these, tails…I think they look a little bit like batman’s ears but sticking out the back of the flower.I am sure there is an official name for this structure, but I don’t know what it is.
The Colorado Columbine is consistent in it’s affinity for moist soil but can be found in ravines, rocky slopes, willow tickets, aspen groves and forest clearings.It lives as low at 6,000 feet and can be found high into the Alpine zone which ranges from 11,500-14,400 in Colorado
It flowers from June to August, be sure to keep an eye out for it.It’s a highlight of any hike!
I am frequently asked backpacking and hiking questions.Questions like “where should I go” and “have you been to…” and “what gear do you recommend” and “where can I buy…?”So to help answer those questions I thought I would put together my Top 5 Backpacking and Hiking Resources.I have divided up these resources into a few groups but I am only giving you 10.Here goes…
General Hiking and Backpacking
1.Backpacker Magazine and Backpacker.com :This package deal offers quite a bit of inspiration for me. I find that many of the articles give me great trip ideas and they usually include information on which maps to get, how to get to the trailhead, etc.There are also articles covering environmental issues, gear and outdoor trends.Although these are not the main reason I enjoy reading Backpacker, they are an added plus (even if the gear they usually review is not quite up my alley).
2.REI stores:Every time I have been to an REI store, I come back with trip ideas.Their staff is usually comprised of outdoor enthusiasts and if you chat with them long enough, then you get some great trip ideas.REI also offers programs to the public, sometimes free, other times for a minimal cost.I have learned a bit about GPS from one of their programs and have wanted to attend numerous other programs but my closest REI is an hour each way from my house.
The chain of stores, and their website, offer gear for purchase and an outstanding customer satisfaction guarantee.They also have a used gear sale a few times a year for their members.In addition, if you like other outdoor activities, REI has an array of gear for most outdoor pursuits.Finally, some stores rent gear, invaluable if you are trying to ease into an activity.
Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking (LW and UL Backpacking)
3.Backpacking Light:widely regarded as the go to resource for lightweight and ultralight backpackers.Want to have a base weight of 5 pounds before adding in food, water and fuel?This is the place to come for info.Want to learn about some crazy trips?This is the place to search around.Try some of their podcasts or read some of their articles.Join in and garner new info from the forums.Like to make your own gear…then check out the MYOG forum.You won’t be disappointed.Just a warning, some of their content is for “Members Only”, but non-members can access quite a bit of free content and use the forums (you will have to sign up for an account but it’s free).
4.The Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick-Off Party (ADZPCTKO) and the PCTA’s Trailfest:These are two separate events but they are both the main way that LW and UL backpackers can see and try lightweight gear made by cottage manufacturers.Since most of our LW and UL gear is made by small organizations, they are tough (almost impossible) to find in stores, these events usually have a vendor section and guess who the vendors are…our cottage manufacturers.
Make Your Own Gear
5.Thru-hiker.com:This site is managed by AYCE (pronounced ace).AYCE is a wealth of knowledge about making your own gear.On his site he has info about making your own gear, has material and supplies available for purchase, and offers pre assembled kits that you can buy to make at home.This is a great way to stay involved with hiking and backpacking in the winter months, save money and get a better understanding of how gear is made.Although I haven’t made any of my gear, I have had many friends who have used AYCE’s kits and report them as being easy to follow but if they did have questions, AYCE was quick to respond to requests for help.
So those are my Top 5 Hiking and Backpacking Resources.I hope they help you in your endeavors to get outdoors.Please remember these are just my favorites right now, what are your favorites?
Well, today was my longest zero day yet. I hiked into the Yosemite Valley. Not sure exactly how many miles I hiked, 24ish maybe. Anyhow, I managed to complete the John Muir Trail! Man it’s awesome to have that accomplished. Now it’s really Canada or bust.
So about today…well actually it starts last night at about 11pm when people decided to set up their camp all but in our campsite. I really liked having headlamp flashing into my tent. It made for awesome sleeping. I would have slept just as well if I had been in the middle of a dance club. Let’s leave it at me being, oh I don’t know, livid.
So the morning finally comes around. I woke up on my own (Doodlebug did check up on me) and as I was getting ready Stitch came over to say good morning. At 6:15am I was on the trail…well at least I was walking around the campground looking for the trail. Finally found it.
I had to deal with some snow patches and a ton of mosquitoes…especially in and around the Sunrise Camp area. In fact, if it hadn’t been for my rain gear and head net I absolutely would have jabbed my titanium spork in my eye and then thrown myself off a mountain. The mosquitoes were that bad. They were swarming by the thousands.
I met many people along the way, many JMT hikers who were just starting out. Man did they have a heck of a climb. Many of them were asking about trail conditions. One guy heard that Donohue Pass was impassable as of July 12. We went over it on the 14th. I told him not to worry, it was fine, a little bit of snow for about a mile on each side. He felt better.
Flew by the side trail to Half Dome and ran into a ton of people who had just come down. There was a wait for the cables it was so busy. It might have something to do with the fact that the cables are closed for maintenance, Monday-Thursday from 7am-4pm. It seems like a bad idea to encourage people to hike it so early or late in the day but, I guess, it’s a better idea than not maintaining the cables so people are making due.
Well, the trend continued…people, people everywhere. The park was hopping. I was passing people left and right. As I was waiting for the shuttle bus, I saw a deer and it’s baby bounding down the road…then I saw the bear chasing them. The topper was the tourists chasing the bear. Now I realize that I am not an expert in ursine behavior however I am certain that it is never prudent to run after a bear…to ask it to participate in a photo shoot.
I then hopped on the bus. I went to Curry Village and saw a buck peeing near the bus stop. I cannot believe how close parents let their children get to a peeing buck. If I were that buck and I was urinating, and it happened to be at a bus stop in front of many people’ and they were all staring and pointing and snapping pictures and letting their boogery children get close, I would have turned right around and bit someone. Granted, the Park Service would probably have to kill me but every action has it’s consequences.Right?
So I made it to Camp 4, I was told it’s the best place to hitch. Hitching didn’t go as well as planned. Finally, a nice man by the name of Sam gave me a ride to the 140/120 split. I then got a ride from another lady who was following her friend. At the 120 split, I went in her friend’s car. Rey drove me all the way to the Tuolumne store. It was a great ride and she was very knowledgeable about the area and the PCT. I got to the store about 10 minutes before it closed, got some pasta, talked to Dad and got back to camp at 9pm. Long day. I have finished the JMT!
Welcome and thanks for reading.You have entered the world of “The Woman Gone Wild”.This is one article in a series written about women’s issues by a woman with issues.My issues stem from this deep down desire to be out in the wild, backpacking and hiking and now, I am finally going to put it to good use.Here I offer some of my best (and simplest) tips to help make women more comfortable and enjoy being on the trail.
Let’s get started at the beginning and assess the situation.Most people, when they go for their first backpacking trip, go with someone who has more experience and has been out before.It is also common to borrow or rent gear for ones first outing.That being said, it is important to take into consideration two key women specific issues to facilitate a positive backcountry experience:1) when possible, use women specific gear or at least try it out, and 2) distribute any group gear not by equal weight but by equal percentage of body weight.
Using women specific gear is important for two main reasons.First, it can be a huge weight savings which will make anyone more comfortable carrying their load.Second, it is made to better suit a woman’s specific needs.The best example is when a woman who is 5’6” tall or shorter is using a men’s size regular bag.It’s absolutely crazy to be carrying around an extra 6 inches of sleeping bag.Its extra weight (or weight that could be used for extra insulation) and its extra energy needed to warm that space.Plus, women’s bags are usually stuffed so that there is extra insulation in the foot box, the core and the hood, as women are typically colder in those places.Now you’ve got a cold woman, carrying around extra weight.Not the best way to get someone to come back out for trip number two.Other women specific features to be on the look out for include: extra padding on hip belts, a more “v” shaped hip belt, narrower shoulder straps (although some women are more broad shouldered and might not like that option as much), and smaller (and typically lighter) carrying capacities for packs.
Distributing group gear by percentage of body weight as opposed to equal weight is important as well.Many women are typically smaller and lighter than their male counter parts, which seems to be who women go out with for their first trip.It is silly to think that group gear should be split evenly by weight.Calculations should be made so that everyone carries an equal percentage of their body weight.It’s also important to make novice women backpacker’s feel empowered and by “carrying their own weight” you are making them feel like a capable member of the team.This is a critical point with not just women but will all novice backpackers.
When it comes down to it, with any novice hiker, the main goal is to get them to want to go on another trip.These tips will help them be more comfortable on their feet but it’s the leader’s job to make sure that solid planning and reasonable expectations are set ahead of time to ensure the success of the back country experience.
