| Colorado Trail Log (2007-07-12--> 2007-07-29)
Leaders: Emily Martinat, Wilson Robinson
Students: Matthew Anthony, Philip Apelles, Wills Brooks, Travis Christenberry, Ryland Close, Luke DeNuccio, Jessica DiOrio, Lauren Holt, Virginia Irby, Jimbo Izlar, Will McMahan, Gates Weaver
July 12
On the Arkansas River and should get an update by Sunday. Stay tuned!
After everyone in the group arrived at the Denver airport, we gathered up our belongings, filled our Nalgene’s, and headed towards our first campsite at Hecla Junction. Our group quickly bonded after Journey screamed through the speakers and the rest of us belted out the words. Needless to say, it has become the most requested band on the I-POD thus far.
Pulling into Hecla Junction right as it began to sprinkle, we quickly explained how to set up a tent. Despite the weather and the brief demonstration, each tent group perfectly assembled their tents in no time. Satisfied knowing that we not only had a model campsite, but also the most beautiful view with the Arkansas River just below us, we met up with the other two Colorado Trail groups for a welcoming cookout extravaganza. Wilson and Brad grilled to perfection and made quite a spread of food consisting of hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, salad, and potato salad. Alex, a leader from the other group, gave us a free concert as we finished our dinner around the campfire. Shortly after we cleaned all of our dishes, each group went their separate ways, and we had our first Moon-up beneath a star-filled sky. It was a wonderful way to end our first day.
The next morning we woke up early to meet our guides for the next two days at River Runners. Splitting up into two rafts, Erica and Fred navigated us down the river as Jessica and Jimbo got us off to a great start as our first leaders of the day. Working together, we barreled down the rapids, successfully completing the “Miracle Mile”. We got off the river early that evening, played a couple rounds of manhunt and sniper, and finished up with a Moon-Up around a campfire. We had a great day, some hardships in between, but finished strong regardless.
The next morning, our leaders of the day, Lauren and Ryland, set a good tone for the group as everyone got up, got their bags together, and ate breakfast. Travis made a delicious breakfast burrito for Emmie and Wilson had no trouble getting down another burrito... this would change as the day progressed. We got on the river by mid-morning and began our last day of rafting. Virginia had the time of her life in the Toilet Bowl rapid, William in Zoom Floom, Philip in Pinball, Gates in Twin Falls, and Matthew as he floated down the rapids. Before completing our rafting trip, we pulled over for a change of pace, and hiked to see America’s oldest standing fence. Shortly after, we pulled over again to show off our gymnastic skills by jumping off a rock into the river. Conquering each rapid with style and grace, we made it to the end of our first section. That night we camped, once again, at Hecla Junction next to the river and beneath a starry sky.
Once we were all able to get a good night’s rest, we were geared up to have a 24 hour birthday celebration for Philip’s fourteenth. Luke showed off his cooking skills, preparing a wonderful pancake breakfast. Before piling into the van, we took one last swim in the river, where Wills, despite his recovering elbow, showed the current who’s boss and made it to the rock in the center of the river. After we rejuvenated ourselves and were refreshed, we left for our next campsite.
Stopping in Gunnison for lunch, and a special popsicle birthday treat, we stretched our legs before our last long haul to the campsite. We arrived at Ridgeway State Park early that evening, prepared one of the most delicious meals thus far with Travis’s help, and ended by eating and making birthday cake mustaches.
It has been a great trip, and we truly have a wonderful group, each one unique. We’re off to our next section of backpacking in the San Juan Mountains. The weather has been beautiful, and we cannot wait to get out there! Until next time...
We have heard from Wilson and Emily. Backpacking and climbing went extremely well and all of the kids are having a blast. They are currently looking for an Internet site so they can send an upate to the office. Stay tuned!
July 28th update
We're sorry about the delay in this update, but we were unable to find an internet site. Hope you enjoy this, we sure have!!
Amidst the rain and the challenging terrain, our group produced nothing but positive attitudes, helpful hands, and encouragement day in and day out. With no rest for the weary, our group stayed strong until the very end... they were all truly incredible.
We began our journey at the Rymen Creek Trailhead, camping in a small grassy meadow near the creek. The kids learned how to use the backcountry MSR stoves and prepared a delicious first meal of spaghetti with red sauce, sausage, and onions. Shortly after dinner and clean-up, we headed to bed in order to get some rest for a tough next day.
The following morning we woke up early, broke down camp and began hiking under sunny skies. Unfortunately, these skies were quickly replaced with a long stretches of rainfall. Colorado has been in a serious drought for several years, so though we took on the brunt of this weather, we are also glad that they are getting rehydrated! In addition to the inconvenient weather, we had to get onto the Colorado Trail, which meant our trail was only going uphill for the majority of the day. Even though it was a rough way to begin backpacking, our group wasn't phased by it in the slightest, and continued to help one another out. Jimbo and Wills' humor kept spirits high, especially Wills' dance moves and Jimbo's jokes. Despite their struggles, Luke and Lauren never stopped pushing themselves, all the while continuing to help others.
After hiking all day, we finally reached a stopping point and set up camp. Wilson, Jimbo, and Wills took one for the team and descended 1000 feet with everyone's empty Nalgenes to get water for the group, yet staying positive, enjoying Wilson's beautiful music he made with each step, and never once complaining. While they were getting water, Travis entertained the rest of us with his newly found noisemaking skills and the effects he could produce when adding heat. Although it was a difficult day, it ended well, and the group's morale didn't alter.
The third morning we woke up early, broke down camp, and hit the trail. We had a beautiful warm and sunny day ahead of us, a nice alternative to the previous day. Once we made it to the junction of the Upper Rymen Trail and the Colorado Trail, we took advantage of the crystal clear views and rested for a while. Once again, water sources were limited, so Gates, William and Emmie headed down from the top of the pass to find water. After descending about forty-five minutes, they came across a drainage, filled the group's Nalgenes, and began their trek back up the mountain. William and Gates finished strong, not a frown in sight. That night we camped near Orphan Butte and made delicious backcountry pizzas with the help of Gates' and Virginia's amazing dough-making skills. We finished the night with a great Moonup beneath the starry skies.
The following morning, before we hit the trail, Wilson, Jimbo and Matthew got water for the group, while the others broke down camp and the three boys' gear together. Once they returned, we began what would be our toughest day yet. Gaining 1500 feet of elevation in a short amount of time and then dropping about the same, covering in total seven miles, the group pushed themselves to the very end. Philip stayed prepared the entire way, making sure his pack cover was secure, ensuring nothing would get wet, as well as setting a good example for the rest of us. It was a grueling day, but we made it, heavy packs and all, to Bear Creek. That night, Wilson and Emmie had a "macaroni and cheese" -off, in which Emmie clearly won, and despite being exhausted, all of the kids helped out and continued to stay positive. The night was filled with laughter.
The next morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast of oatmeal, labor-free water, and a surprise from Ryland of a fresh bag of hot chocolate. Shortly after cleaning up and saying hello to the other Colorado Trail group, we once again cruised down the trail, covering about seven to eight miles in a little under five hours, allowing us to make it to the van early that evening. Jessica had an incredible hiking day and truly showed mental and physical strength as she hiked with one of the largest blisters known to man on her foot, yet a smile on her face.
That night, the kids were rewarded with a meal from town and a good night's rest, as well as a trip to Crested Butte the following afternoon. Needless to say, civilization was much appreciated, and well deserved.
Our group endured a lot throughout our backpacking section, but each of them remained strong and upbeat through and through. We couldn't be prouder of them and look forward to see what the next section will bring.
July 29th Final Update
COLORADO TRAIL 1: Climbing/Sea Kayaking Update
After having a hearty meal the night before of hash browns and baked beans, all thanks to Wilson's incredible cooking abilities, we were ready for an action-packed day of rock climbing. We met our climbing guides, Mike and Dan, early that morning and hiked up to God's Crag in Lake City, where we would be climbing for the next two days. Mike and Dan taught the group all about the helmets, harnesses, and ropes, as well as how to belay. Our group caught on quickly and were soon putting our newly acquired skills to good work.
Our group had an amazing day, each one of them pushing themselves on the climbs and encouraging others to do the same. Gates was the first one to get on one of the hardest climbs, refusing to give up and setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. The three climbs that were set up ranked between 5.7 and 5.10 out of a 5.14 scale... quite unbelievable for the first day! Pushing herself through some very challenging areas on the rock, Jessica was the first one to complete the 5.10 climb. Virginia was soon to follow, scaling the wall and making it to the top in no time, and our world famous spider monkey, Travis, completed it multiple times, challenging himself even further with each additional climb.
Jimbo, after getting to the top of each climb more than once, decided to go above and beyond by blindfolding himself while climbing. Needless to say, he still made it to the top in record time. All in all, we had a fun, exciting, and challenging first day of rock climbing. We finished off the day with a visit to Lake San Cristobal, followed by an intense game of ultimate Frisbee in the park.
The next morning, we woke up early to meet Mike and Dan again for the last time. Once again, we had another challenging and rewarding day. Three new climbs were set up, including a 180-foot rappel with some heart-dropping obstacles. Lauren was the first one to descend, fearlessly completing it with style and grace, as well as setting an example for the rest of the group. Jessica conquered her fear of heights in the afternoon and did an amazing job rappelling. In addition to our rock star rappellers, William finished the rappel and continued to be an avid climber. He tried and completed each climb, as well as encouraged others to do the same. Ryland challenged himself by not only climbing in his tennis shoes, but also climbing with only one arm, as Jimbo was constantly looking for new ways to challenge himself with the climbs. Despite Wills' injured elbow, he completed all of the climbs and the rappel, clearly showing no sign of weakness with his arm. Philip not only encouraged others, whether he was belaying them or not, but he conquered all the climbs and the rappel, as well as climbing some of the wall twice, all the while showing great enthusiasm. Matthew had no trouble with the rappel, and did all of the climbs, without a trace of fear. Luke had a wonderful day, as well. Attempting to overcome his fear of heights, he challenged himself on one of the toughest climbs, never once getting discouraged or giving up. Overall, we had another great day of climbing. Everyone in the group did so well, challenging themselves and others. It was truly a beautiful sight.
The next morning, we headed off to the Blue Mesa Lake, where we would kayak for the next two days. Our guides, Laura and Amy, taught us the ways of the water and how to maneuver our kayaks. We kayaked between two and three miles that day, camping at an old sawmill spot that can only be accessed by the water. We ended the day with an amazing dinner consisting of pesto pasta, parmesan cheese, carrots, and chocolate chip cookies.
The next day we woke up and kayaked back to the van the same way we came the day before. Everyone did great, and it was a nice and relaxing paddle day. Lauren said that this was her "most favorite activity, yet".
All in all, we had a wonderful past couple of days. Between rock climbing and sea kayaking, our group conquered them all with ease. It was so fun to see them all succeed. We're off to raft the Royal Gorge tomorrow, which the kids are incredibly excited for! It's going to be awesome!
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