20 replies to this topic

[BukElgle]

Great report - thanks for sharing. Nothing wrong with going with the day hikes.
I backpacked in the late '70's and had fun, but when the knees went south, we
started day hiking 5 to 12 miles. Glad I did, because now at 57 we can
still do the day hikes - especially with lightweight packs and hiking poles.
You can still reach some amazing places in the back country by day hiking.

John at the Warming House is great, bought a second set of hiking poles from
him a couple of years ago. (Janine and I each have our own now). Phoebe and
David (owners) are great too - everyone is always willing to go out of their way
to help.

All in all, it sounds like you enjoyed the trip... You gotta go back again!


Rick

[mwilson]

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip inspite of the weather. Thanks for sharing your report and pictures!

Marsha

[Rhonda]

I'm so glad you had such a good time in spite of the weather and that your report was positive. That's the spirit!

One thing I've learned through the years, you might as well just adapt to the weather and make the best of it while in the Rockies because it can always surprise you and it's a shame to let it completely ruin your plans. You just have to roll with the punches, and sometimes the "worst" weather has made some of my best memories. It sounds like you did just that, and you have an excellent reason now to return and finally SEE those beautiful mountains.

And I agree with you about the hiking poles, I couldn't hike without them now!

I also agree about dayhiking, since that's all I've done. I think I would like to do it the way you mentioned, a night or two in the backcountry but the rest of the time in a regular campsite (or cabin or hotel) and doing dayhikes. I have a hard enough time hiking at high elevation with just a daypack that I really don't think I could handle a real backpack with a tent and provisions, so unless I someday tag along with someone else, I will probably never do any backcountry camping.

Thanks for sharing a great trip report and beautiful pictures.

Rhonda

[foxfire]

Thanks for sharing the great report and pix! Fox

[John]

Johnky: dude, this is a fantastic report! You pretty much described the pain I felt on my first backpacking outing. We did 14 miles in Arkansas. Although it nearly killed me, I got hooked. Since then I've learned TONS that have cut down on the misery factor. I wear my pack while I'm on the ski machine at home for about 3 weeks before my hike, which really helps my body be ready. And I've cut my pack weight by 15 pounds. This is one of the best backpacking reports I've read on this forum. Thanks so much!

[becky]

One thing I've learned through the years, you might as well just adapt to the weather and make the best of it while in the Rockies because it can always surprise you and it's a shame to let it completely ruin your plans.  You just have to roll with the punches, and sometimes the "worst" weather has made some of my best memories.  It sounds like you did just that, and you have an excellent reason now to return and finally SEE those beautiful mountains. 

Rhonda

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is a great way of putting it, Rhonda! We had to do just that ourselves this year, and although it was disappointing to have to change our plans, we were able to enjoy it anyway.

Johnky, congrats on your adventure, all you did and all you learned! It was fun hearing about your trip. I'm impressed that you backpacked at all in October, way to go!

Becky