December 9th - Hessie Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness
One of the perks of being "gainfully unemployed" is that I have free time to do the really important things in life: hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. :-)
Have been lucky enough to have been out three times on skis this year. Once on a ski tour in Boulder itself one snowy day and twice up by Brainard Lake.
Over the past two years or so, have really enjoyed skiing more and more. Cross country skiing is a great way to see the backcountry in winter. More elegant that snow-shoeing (even with my bad ski skills!), not as adrenalin intenstive as doing the big bowls (ala Tele skiing) or Alpine skiing (never could get into resort skiing!). Something about going for miles at a time in powder, enjoying the views of the mountains and then gliding back to the trailhead reminds me of a playtime as a child during the Rhode Island winters.. The same cold and invigorating feeling, where being outside in the sun was fun and after playing outside for so long, some hot chocolate was just perfect.
I still snowshoe on occasion, though. Snowshoeing is a great for people to have fun in winter...without a steep learning curve. Snowshoes allow people to view winter as fun, not as a time to put away the outdoor gear. Two weeks ago, brought a friend out for some winter fun.
Went on snowshoes.
The destination was Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. A short (five miles R/T) jaunt with a mellow elevation gain. The sight at Mills Lake is quite nice. A frozen lake surrounded by mountains. With the snow gently falling down, made for a nice winter day. The hot chocolate with a dollup of caramel liquer helped, too!
This past Saturday, went back to skis.
Was invited to spend some time with the Zapins. It was Avery's first time out with Marni and Josh. Think it is awesome that my friends are making sure Avery spends time outdoors. Though the trip was a bit slower than I am used to, the time spent together was still fun. The day was sunny and not too windy. Though not much snow, was just enough to ski on. And Avery seemed to enjoying himself as well. Looking around, taking in the sights, being able to spend time outdoors with Mom and Dad (and thier crazy friend!)
Love any time spent outdoors. And spending the time with close friends (and my adopted "nephew") made for an esp. enjoyable day.
ALL THE PHOTOS
Have been lucky enough to have been out three times on skis this year. Once on a ski tour in Boulder itself one snowy day and twice up by Brainard Lake.
Over the past two years or so, have really enjoyed skiing more and more. Cross country skiing is a great way to see the backcountry in winter. More elegant that snow-shoeing (even with my bad ski skills!), not as adrenalin intenstive as doing the big bowls (ala Tele skiing) or Alpine skiing (never could get into resort skiing!). Something about going for miles at a time in powder, enjoying the views of the mountains and then gliding back to the trailhead reminds me of a playtime as a child during the Rhode Island winters.. The same cold and invigorating feeling, where being outside in the sun was fun and after playing outside for so long, some hot chocolate was just perfect.
I still snowshoe on occasion, though. Snowshoeing is a great for people to have fun in winter...without a steep learning curve. Snowshoes allow people to view winter as fun, not as a time to put away the outdoor gear. Two weeks ago, brought a friend out for some winter fun.
Went on snowshoes.
The destination was Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. A short (five miles R/T) jaunt with a mellow elevation gain. The sight at Mills Lake is quite nice. A frozen lake surrounded by mountains. With the snow gently falling down, made for a nice winter day. The hot chocolate with a dollup of caramel liquer helped, too!
This past Saturday, went back to skis.
Was invited to spend some time with the Zapins. It was Avery's first time out with Marni and Josh. Think it is awesome that my friends are making sure Avery spends time outdoors. Though the trip was a bit slower than I am used to, the time spent together was still fun. The day was sunny and not too windy. Though not much snow, was just enough to ski on. And Avery seemed to enjoying himself as well. Looking around, taking in the sights, being able to spend time outdoors with Mom and Dad (and thier crazy friend!)
Love any time spent outdoors. And spending the time with close friends (and my adopted "nephew") made for an esp. enjoyable day.
ALL THE PHOTOS
posted by Paul Mags at 3:23 PM
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