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Ft Laramie & Oregon Trail Ruts

Published April 5, 2014

Woke early, dropped the dogs at Windstar Kennel & drove I-25 North for an ‘Oregon Trail revisited’ road trip.

First stop, the Wyoming state border where Ash & Tom recorded their first Wyoming geocache.

Quick junk food fix in Cheyenne, then back on I-25 to Oregon Trail Ruts near Guernsey. AMAZING these wagon wheel ruts left behind from frontier pioneers still exist. Tucked away in rural Wyoming, most folks would never know. Lotta sunshine, beautiful rock landscape. Highly recommended!

Next stop – our initial trip destination – Fort Laramie. This frontier fort built just an hour west of Nebraska originated to protect travelers from Native American attacks on the prairie. After the Visitors Center, explored the fort – visiting the barracks, officers quarters, arsenal & hospital ruins. LOVED it!

Viewed the general store, a near replica of the store used in our Oregon Trail PC game – a family fave for me & Ashton (and today’s road trip inspiration). Problem? Yeah, completely ran outta time. If you love history (which I do), you’ll be back.

Still one more stop on today’s Oregon Trail itinerary – Scotts Bluff in Western Nebraska.

: Ash & Tom’s 1st Wyoming geocache

: the Oregon Trail

: land of many, many, many trains

: built to protect settlers from American Natives

: Fort Laramie Barracks

: village life inside the Fort

: Hospital ruins – $1/day stay

: window to the West

: contemplating life, liberty & the Oregon Trail

: check out that sky, those clouds – WOW!

: Unknown Soldier – Indian Wars

: Wyoming’s Bucking Horse & Rider

Lake Haiyaha snowshoe trek

Published March 30, 2014

After a few days of temps in the 60’s, how best to celebrate the end of March? How ‘bout an 8 hour snowshoe trek in Rocky Mountain National Park? LOL>

Purchased a Groupon a few months back, intending to snowshoe in early February. Little did I know this package was so popular, their first opening was March 30^th.

My friend M & I met up with 2 Apex Ex guides & 8 other shoers at Beaver Meadows Visitors Center in RMNP. 20 minute drive to Glacier Gorge Trailhead, shoes & poles doled out – and we were on our way.

Aside from the spectacular winter landscape, what I liked most? Backcountry hiking. In winter you’re no longer restricted to trails in the park as you are in summer months – because trails are covered by 8-12 feet of snow 🙂

Stopped for a photo opp at Dream Lake, nestled under towering Hallett Peak – then fondue at Lake Haiyaha.

Cheese fondue & apples after snowshoeing in the Rockies. Bucket list ‘must do’ — seriously. FAAAANNNNTASTIC!

FULL Colorado weekend. 10 mile pre-dawn run on Saturday, hiked 8,100ft Green Mountain in Boulder, then shoed 5 miles in the snow-blanketed Rockies on Sunday.

Lovin’ life. Trading with no one – crazy happy with the hand I’ve been dealt.

: 5 mile snowshoe hike in RMNP

: stunning Hallett Peak

: check out that backdrop — snow blowing off the high peaks above Dream Lake…W-O-W!

: We’re here!

: cheese fondue & apples at 10,220ft

: fondue & snowshoeing in the Rockies — SPECTACULAR!

Posted in RMNP | Tagged snowshoe | Leave a comment

hike #71: Green Mountain, Boulder

Published March 29, 2014

6 days after the Georgia marathon, time to refuel mentally and get my Colorado hike on.

Decided on a local Boulder hike since I already had Sunday plans snow-shoeing 8 hours in RMNP. I previously attempted Green Mountain in December 2012 but took a wrong turn & finished Flagstaff that day.

2014, no excuses. Trekking with Ash & Tom means hiking’s been upgraded to GPS 🙂

Hiked UP a mile before being sign-restricted from continuing Green Mountain — $1,000 fine? Well that’s no good. Most of our local trail system was destroyed in September’s historic Boulder Canyon flood. I had not first-hand witnessed the damage & naively assumed everything was now back to normal. NOT!

Just beyond the trail closure, witnessed a huge gorge created by last fall’s destruction. Bushwhacked UP thru fallen trees & rock, across snow & ice fields, until miraculously we reached Greenman Trail – which empties onto Green Mountain summit.

Next restriction? No dogs allowed. Guessing this is a new law since my guide book specifically states ‘dogs allowed’. ARGH!

Beautiful day for me and my dog this day. One older guy grumbled – but Ro & Marty were soon greeted by 3 other canine hikers. Warmed in the sun and enjoyed a black bean burger before return hiking down.

As luck would have it, Gregory Canyon trail was also destroyed so met up with Flagstaff trail, adding an extra ½ mile to our adventure (but no crazy bushwhacking climb DOWN the canyon – whew).

Not a fan of random Republic of Boulder ordinances, but today’s summit view – FAAAANNNNNTASTIC!