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Post by gumby05 on Jul 13, 2019 6:22:03 GMT -8
Good morning all
I've been lurking for several months now and finally decided to create an account. A quick bio. I am originally from Florida. I was turned on to backpacking in 2003 when I did my first trip at a Boy Scout camp in Colorado. I spent three summers working at another Boy Scout camp as a backcountry guide in the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico from 2004-2006 and at a camp in Washington in 2007. Life got in the way, I got married, settled into a career, and moved several times. I haven't strapped on a pack in close to 10 years now, and am looking to get back into it. I currently live in Colorado Springs and work as an air traffic controller and want to escape the stresses of the job for a weekend every now and then. Thanks for listening and I look forward to interacting with everyone.
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 6:26:59 GMT -8
Post by trinity on Jul 13, 2019 6:26:59 GMT -8
Welcome, and good luck with getting back out on the trail. Since you're in Colorado Springs, you have no excuse!
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 6:30:09 GMT -8
Post by gumby05 on Jul 13, 2019 6:30:09 GMT -8
You're right. I don't. The sad thing is, I've lived in CO for 5 years now and haven't been out. Mostly work kept me from going (Lots of OT. Only gave me one day off a week and my one day I was too tired to move off the couch). I'm finally in a position though that I can do it. Any suggestions for a quick 2-3 day trip to get back into it?
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 6:46:46 GMT -8
Post by autumnmist on Jul 13, 2019 6:46:46 GMT -8
Welcome from Michigan. I think there's a special reward in resurrecting an activity you've done in the past, and that's there's new meaning and enjoyment in doing so.
I'm sure others will be able to offer good suggestions for a quick trip; I've never been that far West (not yet).
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 7:14:26 GMT -8
Post by trinity on Jul 13, 2019 7:14:26 GMT -8
I'm not very familiar with that area, but others will chime in. My wife and I spent some time camping and dayhiking near Leadville a few weeks back, I was very impressed with the area. Plenty of great overnight options in the area, I particularly enjoyed the Mount Massive Wilderness. You're a short drive from the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which by all accounts is one of the best in CO. Another option that would require a little more driving--it's not that far to your old stomping grounds in the Pecos. Might be good reacquainting yourself with backpacking in familiar territory.
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,666
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 8:41:16 GMT -8
Post by rebeccad on Jul 13, 2019 8:41:16 GMT -8
Welcome! Exhausted air traffic controllers... hmm. What could go wrong?
As for hiking, there are so many options a half-day or less from you.
I’m not sure where things are at this point in terms of melt-out; last I heard things were still pretty snowy high up. So... Lost Creek Wilderness is relatively low and might be a good place to start (also has east-side THs not far at all from CoSprings). Also look at hikes out of the Westcliff area into the Sangres. When we used to spend summers in Boulder, we always did our first shake-downs hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Golden. It’s in the aspen zone elevation-wise, and you can do a night or two with very moderate mileage, and never all that far from the road if you discover that you forgot something vital :D
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 17:37:03 GMT -8
Post by starwalker on Jul 13, 2019 17:37:03 GMT -8
Welcome from a fellow BSA summer camp worker-Kansas (Wichita council), Oklahoma (Muskogee-now part of Tulsa Council and Oklahoma City) and New Mexico (Philmont).
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Hello
Jul 13, 2019 19:22:41 GMT -8
Post by hikerjer on Jul 13, 2019 19:22:41 GMT -8
Welcome from your Rocky Mountain neighbor to the north - Big Sky country (Montana)
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Hello
Jul 18, 2019 9:20:15 GMT -8
Post by plaidman on Jul 18, 2019 9:20:15 GMT -8
"You have to let go," and there's no better way than backpacking. (Sorry, I'm a fan of Pushing Tin (at 2:05).) Seriously, as a born again backpacker myself, welcome. Your family with thank you for it, too. So much better than video games and little screens.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,952
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Hello
Jul 18, 2019 11:29:20 GMT -8
Post by Westy on Jul 18, 2019 11:29:20 GMT -8
For starters I suggest Pike's Peak. There are multiple routes, perhaps an overnighter via Barr Trail. The Spanish Peaks to the south is a great day hike and might be a nice overnighter at a nearby campground. The transition from great plains to mountains is impressive. The Springs has terrific access to the Mosquito Range, Buena Vista, Salida, the Crestones. Heck you have a lifetime of hikes. Recommend a trip to REI and stock up on local hiking guides and Nat Geo maps. Study up, pick something you feel comfortable with. Good Luck! Spanish Peaks
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Hello
Jul 18, 2019 11:53:01 GMT -8
Post by cweston on Jul 18, 2019 11:53:01 GMT -8
Welcome! Good luck making time for some time in the mountains.
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crawford
Trail Wise!
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
Posts: 1,775
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Hello
Jul 22, 2019 18:17:11 GMT -8
Post by crawford on Jul 22, 2019 18:17:11 GMT -8
First, welcome. Second, glad you are rediscovering a "first love." Third, I think this place is taking it too easy on you...you've not been examined, where the heck are the beets, pam v. butter, kilts, okra questions? Is everyone so quick to role out the welcome mat just because he's from Colorado Springs (a really amazing place with beautiful scenery)? A guy works a Philmont for a few summers and suddenly his opinion on beer or Scotch is no longer gauged.
This place is really falling apart. It is almost like just anyone can join! Oh yeah, really glad you found the place.
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,666
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Hello
Jul 22, 2019 18:51:35 GMT -8
Post by rebeccad on Jul 22, 2019 18:51:35 GMT -8
Aw, crawford, I’m just too hot and tired to ask the questions. But since you bring it up, gumby05, we do require you to share you feelings about Beer Bacon Beets Brussel’s sprouts Kilts Okra Whiskey And... vegemite behind the ears
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