August
19
2010
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August
12
2010
“Do what you love. Know your own bone; gnaw at it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw it still.” -Thoreau
August
11
2010
Backpacking gives us a chance to find peace and solitude among nature’s greatest treasures. Leaving behind the long lines at Starbucks, morning rush hour traffic and all the stresses of everyday life, there is nothing more easing on the soul than walking away from the car and strapping the essentials for survival in the backcountry upon your back. Mother Nature provides the entertainment when you are far from civilization, in a High Definition picture that even the most expensive flat screen TV could never emulate. While I continue to stand as an advocate for keeping the backcountry wild, on a recent two day backpacking trip with friends the age-old debate of bringing music into mix of a serene backpacking came to surface.
Sounds of musical instruments deep within a thick forest is nothing new, for years backcountry travelers carried harmonicas, mandolins, guitars and other melodic instruments that served as evening entertainment often around a campfire under a blanket of stars after a long day on the trail. Today carrying awkward and fragile instruments is not seen as often, but with the invent of personal MP3 players and speakers that pack down to the size of your palm you can still often catch the sound of music foreign to nature even 15 miles in from the nearest trailhead.
While many hardcore solitude seekers may consider this noise pollution, others consider the addition of music comforting (especially when traveling for several days alone). In the end our group was split on the issue. While some considered the addition of man made sounds a step away from the true meaning of backpacking, others felt the sound of a pickin’ guitar or melodious harmonica added to the soundtrack of our adventure.
Personally, this quote sums up my feelings on the subject.
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent”
-Victor Hugo
I am curious as to where other avid backpackers weigh in on this debate?
August
2
2010
As the morning sun crested over the nearby mountains, I watched visitors filter in and out of the several jeep tour establishments that line 7th Avenue in downtown Ouray, Colo. In minutes I felt well-traveled, hearing German, French and Spanish fill the morning air. Read more…
July
16
2010
I have been scheming my plan of attack now that backpacking season is in full swing high within the Rocky Mountains. I have two large trips and several smaller trips on the itinerary within Colorado, New Mexico and possibly Wyoming. Trip reports and posts have been few and far between, but expect to see some new material starting next week.
Until then, shut down your computer and get outside!
July
14
2010
“Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir
July
14
2010
News and information via the Access Fund website:
The White House AGO (America’s Great Outdoors) initiative is taking their show (and cause) on the road, offering public listening sessions across the country through July and Aug. This marks a great opportunity for climbers to share the often overlooked value of climbing and to share examples of successes and challenges to protecting and enjoying our public lands. The Access Fund and our Outdoor Alliance partners are working with the Obama Administration to turn out leaders from the active outdoor recreation community to these public meetings.
The Obama Administration is seeking the public’s advice on how the federal government can better connect Americans with the outdoors and better protect natural landscapes.
You can also post answers and comments online. As part of its effort to gain public input about conservation and outdoor recreation, the Department of Interior created the AGO “Idea Jam” website where the public can share their suggestions.
The Access Fund is strongly encouraging climbers to attend the public listening sessions, speak from experience, and seek to represent all of us that spend time on our public lands. You can obtain further information by visiting www.accessfund.org/ago.
And if you are lingering around the Western Slope area of Colorado consider attending a session being held in Grand Junction at the Two Rivers Convention Center from 9 am to Noon on Friday July 16th. Further details listed below:
July 16th
When: 9am-Noon
Where: Grand Junction, CO: Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., 81501. Map.
Details: These Colorado listening sessions offer an opportunity for us to engage in a conversation about the solutions you and your community have created to address the challenges and opportunities facing land and water conservation; for engaging people in outdoor activities (especially those in urban areas), including through recreation; and in restoring and conserving our vital natural and cultural resources.
July
9
2010
While backpacking with a partner or within a group is obviously the safe and most recommended choice, the appeal of complete solitude among a beautiful area can be inviting as well. For me, I have grown to love the best of both worlds. When I want to become immersed into my surroundings and travel on my own agenda, I find myself traveling alone on the trail, well almost alone. Sienna accompanies me to most areas that welcome dogs. On the other hand, if I am planning a trip that involves a few close friends I look forward to the inventive meals and laughter at camp after a long day of hiking.
For the past week I have been planning a six day trip that will carry be into the far reaches of the San Juan Mountains and thus far I have been arranging to go at it alone. Friends and family alike have asked why I am a choosing to go alone, and for me the answer is simple. The challenge and the chance to reconnect my soul with nature and this is the only way I know how. While I do not suggest that new backpackers taking off on a prolonged trip alone, I do feel that even an occasional overnighter alone opens a whole new world. As with any trip, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind and because a solo backpacker faces more danger than those who go in group trips, it’s doubly important to practice proper safety precautions to make sure that the whole trip is safe and enjoyable.
If you are looking to hit the trail alone, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Stick to a familiar route and one that sees a fair amount of traffic.
- Inform family or friends about your backpacking plans, your whereabouts and the time they should expect you to return. If possible, leave a copy of the map with the route you are intending to travel. Many wilderness areas require permits or have trail registers, definitely utilize them. These will let rangers know where you are headed in case of an emergency.
- Bring a map, compass and your knowledge on how to use both these tools. A GPS is wonderful but there is nothing like the old reliable map and compass to show your way around, and they will not run out of battery life. Consider bringing along a fully charged cell phone, just in case.
- Know standard ways of signaling, such as using a mirror, lighting a fire, or using the color orange. In the event of an actual emergency, do not panic. Just because you are not sure of your exact location does not mean you are lost. If you are on a trail, it is a simple matter to backtrack. If not, it is a matter of using, not losing, your head.
- Don’t forget to pack all the necessary backpacking gear and check the weather before taking off. Going solo means you don’t have anybody to rely on but yourself and if you forget something there’s no one you can borrow from so it’s important that you make sure you have all the essentials with you like your first aid kit, backpacking cookware, food and water, clothing and sleeping items.
Solo backpacking is definitely not for everyone. However, if you do decide to give it a shot, with a little experience, the right gear for the environmental conditions and some common sense it can be an eye opening and truely rewarding experience.
June
30
2010
“Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit.” -Edward Abbey
June
17
2010
As I pack up my gear and pull out my topo maps for a weekend of backpacking in current backyard of the San Juan Mountains, my day is only brightened by triumphant news. Yesterday, June 16th, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources approved the San Juan Wilderness Act but it one step closer to becoming a law.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Salazar and provides permanent protection for some of Colorado’s most distinguishable peaks, including Mount Sneffels and Wilson Peak. This legislation includes protection for 61,682 acres of public land on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison and San Juan National Forests along with the San Juan Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Area. It also expands the existing Mt. Sneffels and Lizard Head Wilderness areas as well as establishes the McKenna Peak Wilderness. Passage of this bill would also prohibit oil and gas development in Naturita Canyon.
“The San Juan Mountains are one of Colorado’s most treasured landscapes, a land of soaring peaks, beautiful forests and crystal clear water. This bill will ensure that these areas remain a place of beauty and wonder for our children and grandchildren to enjoy,” Salazar declared.
Considered one of the most geographically diverse ranges in the world, the San Juan Mountains are home to a number of threatened species including Canada lynx, Colorado River cutthroat and the Gunnison sage grouse.
Though the Wilderness Act, HR 3914, has traveled a long road from its beginnings in 2007, the hearing still marks a relatively early step in its journey to the House floor for consideration. The subcommittee still has to hold a final vote on it before it makes its way through the House process, and its advocates are hoping to have it heard in the Senate soon.
That said I am even more excited to get out into the backcountry and enjoy the amazing summer weather; and as I slip into my sleeping bag for the evening I will sleep even more peacefully knowing that this magnificent area is one-step closer to protection for the enjoyment of generations to come.
You can learn more about the San Juan Wilderness Act at Salazar’s homepage.
