20 replies to this topic

[mathguy]

zzcoop, on 26 June 2011 - 02:26 PM, said:

Well, thanks to this year's Snowmageddon, I had to rejigger my "To-Hike" list more or less on the fly this time around in order to keep myself on trails with conditions I was familiar with. A few of them were probably doable, while a few others (like Mills and beyond) were completely impossible, according to the trail condition reports. So rather than take any chances, I opted to just stay "low" and tackle trails I knew would be relatively dry and snow-free.

[pause for Ed's derisive laughter]

Now in a way, this was advantageous because it would allow me to see and do some things that I wouldn't ordinarily have chosen as readily as some of the more "obvious" hikes on my list. So after a bit of research, I determined that Steep Mountain would be a perfect candidate. And to add a bit of flavor, I decided that because of our cabin's location, I would simply start out from there. Basically, the route I chose was to hike into the park via a short stroll down highway 66 and into Moraine Park, where I could hook up with the Tuxedo-Hollowell trail and make my way from there. Worked out great. Not necessarily the most grand or scenic hike I've ever been on, but it was definitely an enjoyable one.

What great pics and a great report! John had better not get overconfident because I think your blocking skills are
developing very nicely.

I also did a "walk-in hike" (that is, no car) last year when I did the Odessa Loop and it is fun, except perhaps at the end of the hike
when you say "Geez, now I gotta walk back!"

Thanks for letting us look in on your hike.

[bjhime]

Great stuff!

[foxfire]

Nice report / pix! - Thanks!

Fox

Ya! Sure! Sheep? ? ? Where?

[zzcoop]

Thanks, everyone!

Another thing I forgot to add was that this year, I decided to invest in a hydration bladder for my backpack. What a difference that makes. Even on a relatively low-impact hike like this one. I (try to) drink a lot of water when I hike, so I went with a 100 oz CamelBak 'Antidote' bladder. Some would probably consider this overkill, and truth be told, I didn't come anywhere near drinking it dry this first time out. However, a little later in the week, well… that's a whole other story.

I didn't quite "get it" when I first heard about these, but after just one hike, I was completely sold. Sure, it adds a little weight when it's full, but nothing that even my scrawny flatland butt can't handle.

Edited by zzcoop, 27 June 2011 - 05:43 PM.

[Jeannette]

zzcoop, on 26 June 2011 - 07:28 PM, said:

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if I can do it, then an old lady can do it in half the time.

Well I was pretty convinced by your pics to try this hike at the beginning of your post, but this one nails it for me. In September I'll be going STEEP!

[HighPlainsMedic]

That was a ton of fun to read.. thank you!