| Colorado Trail log (2005-06-21 -> 2005-07-08)
Leaders: James Catts and Kyle Jackson
Students: Hunter deButts, Hiter Harris, James Hottensen, Craig Peacock, Ross Pritchard
Saturday, June 25, 2005
As we get ready to enter the San Juan Mountains on the fourth day of our eighteen day journey together, the boys are becoming men and Kyle and I are boys again.
Chef Peacock has found his place in the kitchen, serving up some nearly circular pancakes this morning and his usual specialty - "frambled eggs." And I've never seen anyone talk about how awesome snow is for two hours straight. Hiter hasn't hesitated in giving instructions to his peers, especially in the construction of our nightly dwellings. I've never been asked so many questions in three days, but I can happily see Hiter building his storage of knowledge which he will impart on his future classmates and mentees. Hunter also shows strong leadership skills, though in a more hands - on style. He has been immensely helpful around the campsite - quick to assist with tent set-up or anything else asked of him. After remaining in the front of the raft on the raging Arkansas River, and dominating our first ultimate frisbee match, Hunter has quickly become known as "the animal". Hunter also dominates most of our meals with his barbaric appetite. Ross could be confused with an animal too. His honking to all the geese along the Arkansas was uncanny, though Craig did note its pubescent quality and predicted that Ross won't be able to do it anymore by the time he's sixteen. Both the Birmingham boys show extreme enthusiasm for all the wild places we've been. James, has quickly acquired two of the South's most country nicknames - Jambo and Skeeter. He had his mosquito net around his head before we had even made it to our van in the parking lot of the Denver airport. The rest of the boys said they're we're a little worried about having to listen to all the rap music that our new friend from New York City brought with him to the mountains. They were pleasantly shocked when Skeeter pulled out an Allman Brothers box set. Later, Skeeter confessed to having roots in Alabama.
Everyone is having a great time and is really excited to go see some more snow in the San Juans. Hope all is well back home and sorry ya'll aren't having as much fun as us. Talk to you soon.
July 5, 2005
Greetings and aloha! On this remarkable day in history, we
have chosen one of our favorite historic towns to offer a glimpse into the exciting times of colorado trail I. the day being leader James Catts’birthday....the town being Salida, Colorado.
Fresh out of the showers....ah, i mean, blue mesa reservoir, we've cleanedoff a bit of that dusty dirt. At least, temporarily. However, the group gets another opportunity to splash around in the raging arkansas river tomorrow. In as much as our trip began with navigating the mighty rapids aboard a river worthy raft, I find it fitting that we shall culminate our adventure further down the very same stream. Yet, this time, as one solid, bonded crew of blossoming young lads.
The past two days, including the celebration of our nation's independence, were spent paddling the largest lake in this amazing and rocky state. Daytime temps have been quite desert-esque....hot and dry with little shade. Thus, any chance to submerge into a cool body of water is greatly
appreciated. we all found refuge from the blazing sun in the fresh snow melt. We, also, had the fine fortune of a quick visit from hayes. Looking much like a figure of angelic proportions, white shirt and clean khakis, he graced us for dinner the night of the third, which, by the way, was
coincidentally our best cooked meal to date: asian delight. I promise that was not intentional. but i know the boys will rave about their kitchen masterpiece upon their return. Perhaps you lucky few will even get a taste.
Much to my dismay, my last entry was swiftly and eternally erased just minutes before i could ship it off into cyberspace. Over an hour was used in attempt to convey six days of building confidence, humorous hours and limit-expanding efforts, albeit, all the words vanished. (tears followed shortly after) upon exiting the san juan mountain range, where the guys sherpa'ed heavy packs and huge grins through the lofty peaks and steep valleys of our backcountry section, we grubbed hot, delicious food prepared
by other hands in telluride. despite our own tasty homecooking, the reprieve was welcomed. and no dishes! We then played another grueling game of ultimate frisbee on the soft green grass of telluride high. Oh how we love the frisbee.
James and Kyle are continually impressed with the guys; with how they have come together as an invinsible corp, sharing life moments and stories for long to come. Each guy
has stepped up and out of their comfort zones, frequently collaborating as a team, and getting along famously with all the rest. Because our crew is small, we have really gelled and had the opportunity to really get to know one another. Craig, Ross, Hunter, Hiter and James (j-hot) are such a blast to spend time with. We are certainly going to miss them when our trip comes to a halt.
Well, we have to keep motoring, however, We plan on sending
out the full version of our backcountry expedition in the
near future, as it was one awesome week of adventure. It is
my hope to share the details with you all. Until then, take care and enjoy the days....for they are waiting to be lived.
kyle,james, and the fellows!
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