Rock N Roll

Wow this month has really rocked and I have made some decent mileage this month. The weather has been a little cold but I still got my ass out the door. So this month I managed to rack up 120.04/Miles.

Well two months left to go and I only need 151.03/Miles to reach my goal of 1095/Miles in a 12-Month period.

I have a few new goals that I am working on for next year and will add them to the blog tomorrow as we start the first of the year. Added lots of new photo’s from the Holidays and from some of the hikes this month.

You can check them out at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to a great 2009!

Palmer Loop Trail

Well this month is turning out to be pretty decent as far as miles. As of today I now have 111.32/Miles in for the month of December. Couple of days left to rack up a few more. I received a new camera for Christmas and have included a couple of pic’s below from the Palmer Loop Trail hike that I did today.
http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/20081229?authkey=3dmGxy9lXOg#

Just Cold

Well this last seven days have been cold here in lovely Colorado. I didn’t get any good pics this week or any real distance hikes. Pretty much back and forth to work and on the treadmill. I had to drive most of this week to get the youngest one to school.

To date this brings me up to 78.2/Miles for the month, 902.25/Miles since March 1st 2008. So now I just need another 182.85/Miles to hit my mark of 1095/Miles within 12-month period.

End of Week Update

Well here we are at the end of the week again. Overall considering the weather I was able to get a few walks in. For this week I walked 16.34/Miles and bringing the monthly total up to 47.94/Miles.

I didn’t get any distance in this weekend. Had to work around the house and today was snowing and cold. I am going to try to walk to work everyday this week! As have now I only need 223.13/Miles to reach my goal.

Peaks above Skyway

I headed out of the house about 6:45 am this morning. The temperature was about 19 degrees. I had the camera with me today as I was looking to try to capture a picture of the coyotes in Bear Creek Park. I didn't come across the coyotes, but I did see their tracks.

I took a picture looking back to the west after leaving the house. This picture was taken at about 7:15 am between 21st street and 8th street. I have been curious as to the names of the peaks in the picture, so came home and dug out a map that I have. I think I have them correct.

STABILicers

I had mentioned the other day that I was using my STABILicers when doing Stove Mountian. There a several type of traction footwear options available. These are all I have used and you can run on ice with them. From a 1 to 10, I rate them at a 10.

http://www.rei.com/product/760283DescriptionSTABILicers snow and ice traction cleats by 32north, Inc. (also known as Stableicers and Stable Icers) are relied upon by hundreds of thousands of postal letter carriers, police and rescue crews, hikers, dog walkers, and many others who need traction and stability in snow, ice and slick surfaces.STABILicers help provide non-slip traction to keep you mobile in icy and snowy conditions. Long lasting soles with case-hardened steel cleats bite into the slickest ice and snow. You can even use them for stream fishing on slippery moss covered rocks! STABILicers make a great alternative to felt soles - easily attach to waders, too.STABILicers are more comfortable than creepers or crampons, more traction than older style grippers or spikes, and longer lasting than grit boots, STABILicers are your answer for winter mobility.

Also known as Stabilicer, Stableicer, Stable Icer and Stabilizer.

Winter Wonderland

The walk home from work tonight was fun. It started snowing here around 3:30pm today. The whole office was a buzz with comments like: I may be late tomorrow, Hope it doesn’t snow too much, Looks like I will be working from home tomorrow. All things I would say myself, but was beaten to the punch!

By 4:30pm it was snowing hard and sticking. I decided to shut it down for the day and get dressed for the walk back home. I usually carry a rain poncho with, because you never now. Luckily I had it with me today as it came in very handy.

I had checked the weather report and kind of new that we should get snow this afternoon. I had packed my black & white checker vans last night. I try to take an extra pair of shoes with me so I can change and not track mud into the office. I loaded up the backpack and got my boots back on. A couple of folks from the office offered me a ride, but I wasn’t going to have any of that. I don’t know how to explain it but it is actually very peaceful walking in the snow.

Headed out of the office and started down 8th street. I had one of my favorite playlist going on the IPod and had a stride in my walk. The kindness of people always surprises me. On the way home two strangers offered me a ride. I respectfully declined, but was surprised that they had even offered.

Made it to the lower Bear Creek Park, I think that is the name. It is located between 8th Street and 21st. It’s behind the Penrose Stadium. There had been no one on the trail since it had started snowing. There was probably a half in on the ground. Made my way through the park and down the trail, on the lookout for Coyotes. I see them in this area but have not been able to get a good picture.

After the Park, it was pretty much a straight shot home. I am looking forward to tomorrow mornings walk to work.

My dream day for tomorrow would be to blow off work and head up to the Gold Camp Trail head. If a person would get out early enough I imagine that up past St. Mary’s Falls it would be some good snow shoeing! Maybe I can make it early afternoon!

End of the week

So the first week of December has started off well. As of today I am already up to 31.6/Miles. I guess that works out to about 4.5/Miles a day on average for the month. Today was a beautiful day, one of the many reasons I love Colorado.

Since my travel schedule is on hold until after the holidays, I should be able to get some mileage in this month. I plan on trying to get the incline done at least three times this month. Wish me luck!

Stove Mountain

Stove Mountain Hike Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/20081206?authkey=OBgnGy0NOQ4

I got a later start than I would have liked this morning. In the truck and on the road by 8:30 reaching the Gold Camp parking lot around 8:45. Turned on the GPS and reset it to zero and waited for satellite reception. Hung the pack on my back and selected a play list from the IPod. I was ready to roll.

The pack probably weighed about 15 pounds today. I had the snow shoes with me and my 9mm. Starting out the trail had a light snow covering, maybe and inch. The first part of this trails see quite a bit of action so the snow was packed. As I begin gaining elevation the snow got deeper. The St. Mary’s Falls trail had more snow and icy spots. That’s when I stopped and put on my stableicers. They go over you shoe and keep you from slipping on the ice and snow.

Once I reached the top of falls and continued into Buffalo Canyon, the snow was about 5 to 6 inches deep and I could have worn the snow shoes. But I didn’t want to hassle with pulling the back off and getting them on.

Today I took a side trail that I had not been on before. This trail takes you up to Stove Mountain. No one else had been on the trail since the snow, so the snow was fresh. That’s the way I like it! Today’s hike was 12.5/miles round trip.

Picket Wire Canyonlands

Well I finally made the hike through the Picket Wire Canyon Lands. My route was 10.4/Miles. I took a short cut, up and over the hills. Not advised if you do not have a GPS, as it is easy to get lost once you get of the trail.

The trail follows the Purgatory River and I was surprised by the amount of water flowing. Especially when I had to cross it, to get to the dinosaur tracks.

I started out at about 9:30am from the Withers Canyon Trail Head. It was 35 degrees when I started but once walking I warmed up pretty quickly. I had a head wind most of the way and ended up with a nice wind rash on my face when done for the day. I was back at my truck at 1:30pm.

The dinosaur tracksite was pretty cool. You had to cross the river which was a bit of a challenge. This is actually the largest dinosaur tracksite in North America.

I also came across the Dolores Mission and Cemetery. There you will find the remains of an old church and Cemetery.

If you get the chance this hike is one to add to your list. If you stay on the main trail the hike is fairly level and easy to do. As you return from the dinosaur tracksite and reach the Cemetery, head to the north and work you way up and around the steep butte and you can shave at least two miles off the hike. This route is very difficult and again, make sure you have a GPS as you will get lost.

End of Month

Well here we are starting out a new month. The month of November was not one of my best months, nor was it my worst. Was traveling for business and had been sick for two + weeks.

So here is where we ended up.

Miles for the month: 46.58
Miles to date: 823.93
Miles to go by end of Feb: 271.07

Feeling pretty lame!

So this month has just not worked out like I had planned. Got Sick the first part of the month for two + weeks and then had to travel to NJ for work. So as of today I only have 22.8/miles in for the month. I still have a few days left and hope to get that number up as much as I can.

I guess the only good thing is that as of today I did pass the 800/mile mark. I now have a total of 800.25/miles in. I did see a nice sized fox today. This one had a real brilliant reddish / orange coat. I snapped up pick, but haven’t had a chance to load the photos yet. It wasn’t that good, or I would have taken the time to post it.

Finally

OK, well I walked to work and back today. Finally after being down with this crappy cold for 12 days. So back the grind and should be able to break 800/miles this month. I have to travel to NY/NJ next week so this may slow me down just a tad.

Falling Down

So here we are at day six of me having this virus in my head and chest. It feels like the same thing I had in April of this year. In April I carried the bug around for a month before going to the doctor. Well not this time! I am starting to feel better after starting the antibiotics, eye drops and now cough syrup.

CLARITHROMYCIN – 500MG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarithromycin

ERYTHROMYCIN OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/1,3915,6309%7CErythromycin%2BOphthalmic%2BOintment%7C77,00.html#uses

CHERATUSSIN AC SYRUP
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/1,3915,6130%7CCheratussin%2BAC%2BExpectorant%2BCough%2BSuppressant%7C476,00.html

So this stuff should knock this out. I am ready to hit the trails and get to walking to work again. All the Rocky movies have been playing this week; I think I am watching III now. It’s the one where he fights the Russian.

Nothing like a good old underdog fight to get you fired up!!!!

October Update

I have been out of town for 7 days and managed to pick up the flu the day I was coming home. All the good stuff sore throat, aches and pains. Back home for a week or so and have a heavy work load on the plate for this week and next. On Monday I will be back to walking to work and am hopeful I will be feeling better by then. If not maybe the distance will get me feeling better.

So here is the update for October, a decent walking month. I managed to get 101.93/Miles in, bringing my total since March to 777.35/Miles. I only have 317.65/Miles to make my goal for the year. As we move into winter, I actually enjoy hiking in the cold and snow. Looking forward to having the chance to wear the snow shoes out a couple times. It’s also a chance to get some good pictures and do a little animal tracking.

Hiking with Mable

After work tonight I headed out to get a few miles in. I decided to Mable with me again. I think she had a good time, who wouldn’t if you can ride half the way. We only did 5/miles tonight. The weather is starting to turn cold, which is actually my favorite, ready for some snow so we can break out the snow-shoes.

Monthly total is now 83.93/miles…

I also included picture from a large buck that was walking down the street on Saturday. This was taken about 7:30am.

Sunday Morning Hike

Headed out of the house at about 9am. I took the little dog with me today, Mable. I stuffed her in my backpack and started walking. About a mile and half in, I pulled her out and let her walk the trail with me. She did damn well! She was always in front of me and didn’t get to far ahead.

She made it about 4/miles when I loaded her back up. The weather was great and we were able to 7/miles in for the day. This brings the monthly total up to 78.93/miles.

Milage Update

Sorry for not keeping things updated. Busy with work and around the house. I didn’t give an update for my September miles yet. Well it was a pretty decent month and I managed to get 111.84/miles in for the month. This brought my total miles for the 7 month period up to 675.62/miles.

October started out well but I have slipped a bit. The weather turn cold and I didn’t want to walk to work, so I have been in the Gym lifting and doing the tread-mill. To date I have 66.63/miles in.

Heading out to Vegas later this month so I have seven days to pound some pavement and get over 100 before I leave. Will definitely be doing some walking in Vegas for this convention.

There is this dumb-ass T.V. show called “Hole in the Wall”. A wall moves towards you with some type of hole in it. Like a Star, Body Outline, Circle. It’s stupid, about like watching the presidential debates.

Fishing

On Sunday I headed up to Phantom Canyon to do a little fishing and take Max for a Hike. We had a pretty good time and got a few nice pics.

http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/20081012#

Cut Short due to Rain

Well after several weeks of planning and getting ready. I ended up only getting 30 Miles of my 70 Mile hike in. I had checked the weather and new that it could rain, but took the chance as this was really the last weekend in the year to get this done before it is to cold.

I was dropped off at Highway 50 and Phantom Canyon Drive. Started out at about 8am and was able to make 20 miles for the day and actually made really good time. I was at my first camp spot by 4:30pm.

Most of the day was overcast so it wasn’t terribly hot. For the 20 Miles hiked I drank a litter of water and ate a handful of beef jerky. Once I got to the camp spot I had scoped out and setup camp, collected fire wood, built a fire and had Red Beans and Rice for dinner.

Got into the tent around 6:30pm and tried to get to sleep. I was pretty tired but still wound up and always worried about some critters coming to visit me. Woke up around 9pm and then threw a little more wood on the fire.

I didn’t really sleep very well as being by yourself you are always on guard. At about 4am it started to rain and rained pretty hard for about an hour and half. It was cold and I didn’t have great coverage for myself. I crawled out of the tent about 6am and started to sort things out and break down camp.

Unfortunately my pack, tent, sleeping bag had gotten pretty wet. I started cramming my stuff back into their bags. It was tough as my hands were cold and even when the tent, sleeping bag, air mattress are dry they are hard to get packed away.

It took me about two hours to get everything put away and get the pack re-loaded to head out.

I was back on the trail by 8am and had 10 miles to get in to reach Victor, Co which was my halfway point for the day. I noticed very quickly that the wet gear really added to the weight of the pack. It was windy, cold and cloudy but I kept pushing through.

At about 5 miles I started to think about the night and how I was going to deal with a wet tent and sleeping bag. Also the wet weight started to wear on me as well. I stopped at about 5.5 Miles and took my cell phone out of the plastic bag and checked to see if I had any signal.

No signal so I left the phone in my pocket and kept checking about every quarter mile. Once I got signal I called home and talked with the wife. She said that I should come home and get everything dried out and that she would meet me in Victor. It took me an hour and 20 minutes to reach Victor from the time we spoke. Both of us reach Victor about the same time.
I did get some great pics and the Aspen trees were in full color with bright yellows, oranges and reds.

http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/HikeToVictor#

So my next plan is to regroup and then hike from Victor back to Colorado Springs. I need to finish out the remaining 40 miles.

Pack and Re-Pack

So I kinda got off my training routine, that seems to happen some weekends. Needed to get caught up around the house on with a few to do's.

I did reload the pack. I have decided just to take the tent and leave the hammock behind. Also downsized on a few other items. I have a pocket knife that has a spoon, fork, cork screw and knife blade. Leaving it behind and taking a long plastic spoon.

I took the pack out today and did 5/miles. I think I am ready for next weekend. Need to check the weather to see what I can expect. I can deal with most of it (Cold, heat, etc.), just don't need a lot of rain. A little rain is ok.

Will have the mileage update on the 30th, but to date I have already broken a 105/miles for the month.

Training - Day 4

5.8 Miles - Section 16

Breakfast - Coffee
Lunch - Two Gatoraids
Dinner - Sushi, Water

Training - Day 3

18 Holes of Golf

Breakfast - Coffee
Lunch - Water
Dinner - 3 Beers, 1 glass of wine, 3 slices pizza

Evening wieght - 214

Training - Day 2

2.8 Miles to work with Full Pack
2.8 Miles to home with Full Pack

Breakfast - 4 cups coffee
Lunch - Small bag of chips
Dinner - 1 bagle, 1 bowl of cereal, 1 piece bread with penut butter

Evening wieght - 215

Training - Day 1

3.1 Miles to work with full hiking pack.
3.1 Miles to home with full hiking pack.
4 Miles up and back to Gold Camp Road – No Pack

Breakfast – 4 cups coffee
Lunch – Egg Salad Sandwich on White Bread
Dinner – One Bowl of Cereal

Evening Weight – 215

Training Days

OK – Made it back the Sharkey Clark Memorial Golf Tournament, as always had an awesome time.

I managed to get some miles in but not as many as I would of if I was at home. In addition I smoked and drank way too much. I did mange to take 5th though and got a snazzy little trophy.

If you would like to view my pic’s they can be found at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/SharkeyClarkGolfOuting#

For the next couple of weeks I will be wearing the big pack to and from work to get used to carrying the extra weight. I have it pretty much packed with everything I will take, less the water. I will have my work pack strapped on as well so it should even out.

So far for this month I have gotten 78.56/miles in. This brings the total up to 642.34/miles since I started tracking. I should be able to step in up the next 9 days and will get a couple of distance trips in before I go.

Making A List

So I have started working on my list of what I need to take with me for the hike in October. I am getting so jazzed about this. I think most people think I am a nut for doing this and I can't explain what the attraction is. Mostly to see if I can, but secondly it is just about the only way I can find to really un-plug from this wired world we live in.

I look at the younger generation and they text away to each other. Sometimes I think it would be easier just to call and speak with the person. But that's just me. I can only imagine what the future will hold for my children and theirs.

So here is the list, it is still a work in progress. I will take a picture of everything before I load the pack, I will also get the weight so I know how much I am carrying. The heaviest items are going to be the 5 liters of water.

600 Miles

Well today I have managed to cross the 600/mile mark. I was able to get some good distance this weekend. On Saturday I headed out the door at 7:10am and headed down the street to catch the bear creek trail head. I have included an outline below of the route that I took. Out and back, were a total of 16.89/miles. It took me 5 hours and 56 minutes walking time and 48 minutes stopping time. I was gone for 6 hours and 44 minutes. Pretty un-eventful and didn’t cross anyone until I got on to trail 667. I took my cooker and some food but never got to it. I drank water from my camel bag and just kept moving. Came across dear, squirrels, and lots of birds.

Today I left the house around 11am and did 6.81/miles. So all in all it was a good weekend to catch up. The monthly average so far is 5.5 for the month and a monthly total of 38.51/miles. This is good because I am going to be on business and vacation for a couple of days and it is going to tough to get the miles in that I would if I were at home.

Edison NJ

I have been in Edison NJ for the last couple of days. Didn’t get the miles I should have gotten in. Tough when on the road and you get away from the normal routine. I did manger to rack up 7/miles. Looks like I am going to have step it up this weekend when I get back home.

There is a nice park by the office with a loop trail that circles a small lake. Two laps equal a mile. They have a very nice 9/11 memorial in this park as well. Being that I was in NY/NJ the day it happened, it means more to me than probably most that are outside of the NY/NJ area.

I normally eat at this little Chinese restaurant when I am in NJ. It is directly across from the hotel. Next door to the restaurant there is a flower shop. The flower shop has a watch cat. Like a watch dog, just a cat. He has been their since I can remember traveling to NJ. Friendly feline!

Colorado Springs Balloon Luanch - 2008-0831

Here are my pics from the Balloon Launch this morning. I got there at about 7am and walked around for about an hour or more.

http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/BalloonLaunch20080831

End of Month Update

Well here we are at the end of month six. And I have to say so far so good. I could do better and I should, but I am on track. For the month of August I got 129.92/miles in and this brings my total to 563.78/miles. So for the six-month period I am on track as I have six months to go and 531.22/miles to reach the 1095 Goal.

Tomorrow starts a new month and a very hectic travel schedule that takes me to NJ for a week and then to Austin for two weeks. I started laying out my cloths and have laid out a couple days of work-out clothes.

I will take the camera and try to get some pics in. Here is the latest chart for tracking purposes.

Incline #2

Well for the second week in a row I have gotten the incline into the schedule. Today two of us from the office went. We managed to get it done in 46/minutes which for me is pretty quick. If we can keep this up on a weekly basis I am pretty sure I can get that time down.

The Route

Well I am starting to get serious about my hike in Oct. This last weekend I drove down to Canyon City and caught Phantom Canyon Rd (PCR). I had the GPS with me and marked waypoints at every mile. On Saturday when I start I will have a full 21/Miles to get completed. I found a decent campsite, hope it is available when I get up their. If not I will find another, there a few around. Not as many as there are back at miles 5-10. I came across about 8 or 9 campsites that people were in. Being this late in the year when I leave I hope it isn’t to busy.

On day two, I have to get in about 23 miles to get to the next campsite. From the first campsite it is 10/Miles to Victor. Looked like their might be a restaurant or two that I can hit. Be a good place to clean up and get a small bite to eat. Don’t want to get to full. Once in Victor I will have to walk on the Highway 81 for about 3.5/Miles until I catch Gold Camp Rd (GCR). Once on GCR it is about 10/miles to get to Seven Lakes Rd (SLR) aka 376. At the junction there are several campsites. If I can get up SLR there is plenty of camping spots.

Day three starts out my tracking of miles for the remainder of the hike. Off of SLR I will be catching trail 379. This is new territory for me as I have not been to this area before and it is hiking only. My plan is to hike trail 379 and catch 379a, which will take me up to the Stratton Reservoir. From here I will be catching another foot trail, which looks like it goes up to the summit of the Almagre Mountain. From my map it looks like it is 12,367ft. Then I will come back down and find a place to camp on the back side of the reservoir. The only problem may be is that according to the map 379a may closed off with no access/trespassing signs. I am going to go for it.

Day four, I will be working my way home. I will head back down trail 379a and catch a foot trail that will shave off about 2/miles and I will catch 379 again. I then have a couple of options. I come to an intersection of trails 672, 701, 668. I think at this point it is going to depend on what shape I am now that’s it’s day 4. Guessing it is going to be about 20 to 23 miles for the day.

I need to start making my list of what I am taking with me. Tomorrow night I plan on setting up the hammock and sleeping out in the backyard. I have been trying to decide if I should go with the tent the hammock or both.

Pikes Peak Incline

On Tuesday the 19th, me a couple of guys from the office went and did the Pike Peak Incline. Four of us started out and all four of us made it to the top. This was the seventh time I have done it, but it had been several months since I did it last. It took me about 50 minutes and I know I can get that down if I get into a routine of doing it weekly.

Of course I didn’t get any pic’s, I was traveling light, didn’t even take water, wallet or a phone. Will make sure I get pic’s next time as we are looking at doing it again next Tuesday. It is definitely a work-out and very challenging. One of my faves.

The month is going well, I have reach 96.55/Miles this month and if I can keep this up I should be able to reach 140/Miles for the month. I need to push as I really would like to get 150/Miles in. I need to push as winter is coming.

Quick update

I wish I would have had my camera with me yesterday. I came across a coyote in Bear Creek Park. I want to get some pictures and will be sure to have it with me next week. Stepped out on the balcony at the office on Thursday and we had a BIG bear walking down the road. I yelled at the guys to come look and only one of them was able to catch a glance before it moved up the hill into the trees.

Mark you calendar. The date for the big hike is back on. Shooting for Oct. 5th, 6th and 7th. I should return on the 7th, and it will be close to 70+ miles. I get back on my 44th Birthday so I am really excited about this.

I will be in heavy training up to the departure date and will start wearing the big pack when I am walking to work to get used to carrying it.

Today I will cross the 500 mile mark. I only need to get 47.5 miles in for the rest of the month and I will be on track. I hope to be able to step it up for the next couple of months as winter is coming on.

Where have you been?

Sorry Folks, I have been busy and traveling as of late. Back home for a few weeks so will be sure to get caught up with everything.

OK so first let’s cover where we are at with our mileage. I did ok in the month of July considering I was on vacation and traveling for business. But this is how it breaks down.

82.33/Miles walked in the month of July bringing my total to 433.86/Miles.

Keep it up

Well even after returning from VC, things have been hectic. Busy at work and had family in town this weekend. On the 17th and 18th I had to make a quick run down to Santa Fe, NM. Beautiful town and is definitely a place that I could live.

I did find time in to get about 6 miles in. On the way down and just before you get to Santa Fe there is the Pecos National Historical Park. Here you will find the remains of Pueblo and Plains Indians village as well as once of the first churches built by the Spanish Franciscans.

Back in the Saddle

Back from vacation and had a great time. I am ashamed to say that I didn’t get as much walking in as I wanted to while out. But, back home for a few days and should be able to step it up.

We had a great time on vacation and had a great house that we had rented with 4 bedrooms, large kitchen, hot tub, pool table, two decks and right on the lake with our own boat dock.

Rode Jet Bikes and a Pontoon Boat and was just able to cool off and work on our tans. Caught fish and saw a family of 5 raccoons, who scared the crap out of me and Clark at about 1am when we were down on the dock doing some cat fishing. We heard a pitter patter on the dock and turned with the flashlight shining and had 5 pairs of eyes looking back at us.

June – End of Month Mileage Update

Closing out a big month with a total of 146.63/miles that I have walked/hiked this month. Total since I began tracking on March 1st, 2008 is 351.33/miles. On average I walked 4.89/miles a day. I hope to be able to continue this type of routine in July.

I do have some travel time planned this month but it’s for pleasure so I should be able to make the time. Most of my outings for the next two weeks will be urban and country walks. I will be sure to keep tracking my miles and update my blog while I am out.

Oil Creek Tunnel

Today’s hike was pretty cool. I got a chance to check out the Oil Creek Tunnel. It was started in the 1890’s to build a route through Pikes Peak in order to be able to get back and forth to Cripple Creek. The best article that I have found to give you some history about the tunnel is: http://www.skyrunner.com/story/oilcreek.htm .

I left the house at 6:20am to be able to be one of the first on the Pikes Peak Toll Way. I arrived at the toll gate, at about 6:40 and was already about the 6th car in line. One of the reasons why I don’t spend more time on the Peak is the number of people and that you can’t get into the park until 7am, which is a little late for me.

The toll charge is normally $10 per person. A little secret let them know your going fishing. You will save your self a few bucks. I passed the toll gate and headed up to the Elk Park Overlook. It’s about 14/miles from the Toll Gate. When I reached the Glen Cove gift shop area, they had the road blocked off. Turns out that were letting race cars use the upper portion for tire testing. Race cars, you ask, well the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is coming up towards the middle of July.

I was the only car up their as no one else had driven up this far yet. I parked and got out and talked with the Ranger. Told him I wanted to get to the Elk Grove Overlook. It was only about another mile up the road. He let me through and said if I went any further they would kick me off the mountain.

Got to the parking lot, loaded up and headed off down the trail. It was windy and cold this morning, glad that I had dressed appropriately. It’s a relative short hike, 5/miles round trip. You start above tree line for this hike. Catch the Elk Park Trail (aka Trail #652). It is a gradual decent and then gets much steeper in sections. So at least with this hike you start it going down with all the work, being on you way back up.

When you catch the Oil Creek Tunnel Trail (aka #652a), you may have the chance to run into some snow still hanging around from winter. Follow the trail the best you can, it’s not very well defined in sections.

I wish today I would have had a buddy with me. The tunnel is 1800ft deep into the mountain. I probably was only in about 250/ft. I had a headlamp on my head and another attached to my breast strap on my backpack. Coming out of the tunnel is running water, actually a pretty decent stream. At least with another adventure seeker I may have made it all the way to the end.

American Goldfinch

I came across the colorful fellow on my way home from work this week as I was going through Bear Creek Park.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Goldfinch

Life Taken

I have to say I have seen some pretty wild shit in my 43 years. And today once again I learned the meaning of survival of the fittest. Ok, so we all have to eat, but it really hits home when you actual see nature in action. This evening at about 5pm the wife and I were out in our front yard. Today was overcast and very cool for June 28th. She was watering the plants (aka Deer Food) and I was on my way to the garage.

When out of no where, from across the street a hawk came flying directly at us. As it approached the yard it swooped down and in a cloud of feather snags one of the baby robins that was sitting on the ground, hunkered down in the grass. Neither of us new the baby robin was there. When the hawk hit the baby robin, feathers flew everywhere like a smoke bomb had gone off. As quickly as the hawk had hit the robin, it was on its way back across the street with the baby robin in its talons. On its tail was the mother robin who had realized what had just happened. And in an instant the hawk was gone.

All that remained was a circle of feathers lying on the ground. At first it was very shocking and a little hard to believe what had just happened. We looked around for the other babys or feather piles, but didn't see anything. I have looked the last couple of days and have not seen anyone in the robin nest.

Afterwards we ate a smoked brisket that I had started at 6am this morning. We all have to eat.

New Life

I searched the web to see if I could find the most common month in the year that animals are born. I couldn't’t really find anything or at least not what I was looking for. Not being a subject matter expert, I am going to take a wild ass guess that it is June.

I had written about the robins nest earlier this month and have been checking the nest each morning and night. Well this morning I got my first glimpse of the newly born chicks. From what I can tell their are three of them so far. This is the best photo I could get. This is from this morning and I took several this evening but the lighting I needed was gone. I hadn't looked at the pics from this morning, the sun was in my eyes when I took the shots and didn’t expect them to look all that great. This one actually came out pretty decent and I cropped from the original to get the one shown.

Around the first of the month I was walking to work through Bear Creek Park and I came across two coyotes on the right side of the trail about 30 yards away. And from the left side of the trail, down by a creek, I could here young pups crying. I stopped and watched the coyotes on the right and then they began howling. I guess I was blocking their way back to the pups.

Since seeing the coyotes I started carrying the camera because I wanted to get a picture of one. Well that was about two weeks ago and I haven’t seen any since. The morning that I did see them I had to be to work early and was probably one of the first on the trail. Another reason to leave early and be the first one out!

And finally, on Monday of this week I came across this little guy, which is probably about two weeks old at most. The doe actually had two fauns, but I was only to get a picture of one of them. I had seen them about a week ago in our neighbor’s yard across the street. The neighbor actually feeds the deer and this is about the fourth year in a row that fauns have been born in his yard.

Yeah their really cute when they are young and have spots. Oh so precious, well guess what they need to eat. All of your nice little perennials and annuals are all up for grab on this smorgasbord of colorful vegetation. Money well spent at your local greenhouse so that you could feed these cute little bastards.

St. Mary’s Falls and up to Mt. Rosa

I had set the alarm for 4am as I wanted to be out the door early morning. Two reasons, first I wanted to get done before it rained and secondly I like being the first one on the trail. It’s nice to not run into anyone and you have the best chance of catching wildlife before they get scared off. The only problem with being first is you get a face full of annoying spider web. Spiders string from a tree on one side of the trail to the other. The strand of web is so fine, you don’t see as your walking, you just feel it on you face.

The alarm went off but I didn’t get out of bed until 5:20/am. Got dressed, double checked my pack and hauled ass out the door. I reached the Gold Camp Road parking lot at about 5:50/am and was on the trail by 6:00am. As I had planned, I was the first one up their and no other cars were in the parking lot yet.

When I packed last night I reviewed the map and decided to do the St. Mary’s Falls trail #624 up to Road 301 and then catch trail #672 that leads up to Mt. Rosa. By adding about 1.8/Miles to the trek, you can take the trail off of #672 that leads up to the summit of Mt. Rosa. You will be able to identify the summit trail as rocks outline a T shape intersection. I had passed it before, but this time decided to make the effort and it was definitely worth it. Then planned to finish trail #672 and catch the Pipeline Trail 668 to Seven Bridges and back to Gold Camp Road.

Trail Outlined in Red

According to my map, trails #624 and #672 are flagged as difficult. Hence part of the reason why I chose to go this way. It’s pretty much an up-hill climb and a couple of sections with multiple switch-backs up the mountain. You will definitely work up a sweat and if you don’t then “you the Man or Woman!” I stopped at the base of St. Mary’s Falls and snapped a few photos. As I continued up trail #624 I am pretty sure that I saw a large Elk. It was much larger than any of the Deer that I have come across and it addition the rack on him was much larger. That’s when I stopped and pulled out the camera and just decided to let it hang around my neck so next time I would be ready.

After passing the top of the falls, I found another small trail that lead down to the creek. It was mainly an animal trail but those are the best for exploration. Once down to the stream I found what was once a make-shift shelter that someone had built. No idea how old it was but it was pretty cool. I snapped off a few and headed back to the trail.

From trail #624, I reached Road 301 and turned right. You only need to go about 50 yards and keep looking to your left. You will see a couple different sets of rocks piled upon each other. Usually stacked about three high. Look further up from the piled rocks and you will see the trail sign. As you start up trail #672, you realize what you are in for. The first section is pretty tough and will take your breath.

After trudging up the loose gravel and larger boulders that make up the trail, you come out into an open area that flattens out. You actually have some pretty great views from this area to the west with Pikes Peak being visible and is great photo opportunity. Large dead tree stumps scatter the area, most are white/very light in color. Actually there is lots of dead tree debris up most of the trail. This section has fewer living tree’s, with some wide open space. As you follow the trail you will see to your left a formation of rocks that someone has placed. The rocks are placed in a large circle with rocks running across the north/south east and west. In the center is another smaller circle of rocks. I took two photos; you would have to look at them to get the idea. I have no idea if it was made by Indians, Hippies or some Cult, but it’s pretty slick to come across and wonder.

Shortly after the circle formation and on your left you will come to the T shape rocked outline intersection. Head off to your left and you are on your way to the Mt. Rosa summit. When you reach the top of Mt. Rosa (11,499 ft) you have a great 360% view of Colorado. I have updated the slide show on the blog and commented the pictures that I took. Lying at the top of Mt. Rosa was an 8-inch long tube and about 3-inches in diameter with a cable connected to one end and a screw off cap on the other. The cable was attached to the ground inside a pile of rocks. At first I wasn’t sure what it was, thought it might be a weather measurement tool, to collect temperature, hydrometer or barometric pressure. I had to look, so I picked it up and screwed off the cap and inside found a rolled up logbook and pen. I pulled out the rolled up paper and found the names, dates and residency of folks who had reached the summit before me. So like the others before me I put down my name, date and comment. It was pretty cool!

While at the top I rested for a few minutes, drank some water and pulled my trek poles out to make the hike back down. The gravel is loose and I try to move quick as I come down and they will help you keep your balance when you slip, and you will. Also remember to lift you feet as you are coming down. Rocks and roots stick-up and if you don’t lift your feet, the toe of your boot or shoe will catch and you are in for a header. Another reason the trek poles come in handy as they will stop you.

According to my GPS the entire hike was 15.8/Miles. Total hiking time was 6.5/hours and I had logged about 1/hour of stopped time, for breaks, photos and to catch my breath. The slowest portion was going up trails #624 and #672 as it is a fairly decent incline. The rest of the trails from that point are mainly down hill, so you can move pretty quickly and catch up on lost time.

On my way back down the summit trail to Mt. Rosa I ran into the first other hikers I had seen that morning. I think they were pissed that someone had already beaten them to the top. I shouldn’t say pissed but I am the say way that’s one of the reasons I leave so early. It appeared to be a married couple with their two dogs. I said hello and she said you must have started early this morning. I replied with yeah, I wanted to be the first one at the top.

I didn’t encounter anyone else until I caught the Seven Bridges trail on my way back to Gold Camp Road. I think some of the folks I came across were a little intimidated by me as we passed. I was moving pretty quick and came upon most of them by surprise to them. I had a 15/inch bowie knife strapped on my hip. Wearing an orange beanie with goggles, my hiking boots, hiking pants and a long sleeve spandex shirt with a full pack on.

Firstly the knife was probably a little scary to them and secondly I looked a little creepy like I had just come out of the mountains on a 15.8 mile hike. Most of the folks on the trail are out with their families and probably do two miles in and back. Not only that, I stank from all the sweat. I mean I could smell myself and I am sure as I passed folks that they caught a whiff as well.

Mileage Update

June 20th – 2.83/Miles
June 21st – 2.09/Miles
June 22nd – 15.80/Miles
June 23rd – 5.23/Miles

Total for the Month of June: 119.85/Miles
Total Since March 1st 2008: 324.55/Miles
Total Miles to Go: 770.45

Let's Eat

When hiking on the trail, at least around here. What ever you can do to cut down on extra weight in your pack or your clothing/foot wear definitely makes the hike more fun and a little faster.

I really didn’t have any light weight hiking or camping gear when I started all this about two years ago. So I have slowly purchased over time to replace my six man tent and Coleman cooker for more manageable and light weight equipment.

So let’s talk about cooking and making coffee. I have only done three over nighters, but multiple day trips. When I plan my longer hikes I usually take my cooker and a freeze-dried food with me. For food there are two main brands out there. Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry. Both about the same as far as contents and how to cook. Best advice, stick with food you know. The Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles is decent (http://www.rei.com/product/510134). To cook up these fantastic dinner or lunches all you need is boiling water.

Well guess what, they make just such a cooker to boil water for using with freeze-dried or making that morning cup of coffee. I haven’t used any other cookers but I purchased the Jetboil Personal Cooking System (http://www.rei.com/product/760622). Did a little research on the web and found it to be highly rated with numerous positive reviews. I am very happy with it and it has worked excellent each time I have used it. Easy to operate; light weight, only weighs 15 ounces and

fits very nicely into the bottom of your pack. Be sure to use a level service when heating water as when full it can tip if you not careful. Use your smarts and you should be ok. Mine actually came with a red neoprene cozy. I think it cooler looking than the black that is pictured.

If you have ever used a propane grill at home, the concept is the same just much smaller. The fuel tanks are light weight and will boil 11 liters of water for each 100g fuel used. The fuel tanks come in 225g canisters. That should last you for several outings. With all of the freeze-dried foods, all you have to do is boil 2 cups of water. It only takes a few minutes to get the water boiling, so very quick. Hell of a lot easier than trying to build a fire and having the utensil needed to boil water and not burn yourself.

Once you have the water boiling, just tear you freeze-dried food open as indicated on the bag. Be sure not to tear it down to the Zip Lock. Once open poor in the amount of water per the instructions. Zip Lock and let set for the time required. Plan on 9 to 12 minutes for cooking time. You can eat the food right out of the bag as it is made to stand up. Most of them say they serve two, but I can eat it all myself. Again looking for light weight, they only way any where from 4 to 7.5 ounces. Fold up pretty easy when you are loading your pack. Also the cooking bag comes in handy for small trash items like Kleenex and toilet paper. Remember don’t leave anything behind. Carry out what you carry in.

In addition to Beef Stroganoff with Noodles you can get dishes like Chili Mac, Beef Stew, Bacon & Eggs and many others. You can also find all types of energy bars and such not that is supposed to be good for you. Nothing like chocolate though! You want to snack, take a bag of my favorite Peanut M&M’s or little Hershey Kisses with nuts. Just as good for you in my opinion.

My Jetboil Personal Cooking System actually came equipped to use as a coffee maker. I tried it once and made a hell of a mess. Didn’t really look at the instructions. Currently I have a coffee cup with a rubber lid. I keep coffee pouches in the cup along with packets of sugar and cream. Once you have your water boiling just drop in a coffee pouch and add water. Let is set for a few minutes; discard the bag in your zip lock cooking bag when done. Add you cream and sugar and you are good to go. Discard your sugar and cream trash into you zip lock cooking bag as well.

I think I can, I think I can

Tomorrow should be a big day for me. I am about to break two records. The first is crossing the 300/Mile mark since I started tracking in March. I am at 298.6 as of this evening. The second is if I can get at lease 6.5/Miles in tomorrow then I will have reached a 100/Miles for the month.

Tonight I did 5.4/Miles. I did the Red Rock Canyon area. Not sure why I don’t do this trail more often as it is such a pretty area. Traveled light today as I wanted to move quickly, no pack, water or camera. Should have taken the camera.

Overslept and had an early AM meeting or I would have walked to work today instead. It all worked out.

On Monday I came across this bad boy on the trail to work. It was about 6:40am. This will wake you up, when you come around the bend and run into him.

Slammed

I have been slammed at work this week so I have been short on time. Up to 293.2/Miles, and should be able to break 300 this week. Got a cool picture of a big Buck on Monday but haven’t had time to load it.

Thank You Apple

I am a fan of all types of music, so my IPod has just about everything. Currently I have 4901 songs to choose from, plus movies and television shows I have downloaded. Most of the music came from my CD Collection. It took time to get it all loaded, but I haven’t listened to a CD since I did it. Now everything is on the computer and my IPod. (Don’t forget to back up you files!!)

Walking/Hiking with music sure helps pass the miles away. What is so great about it is the flexibility you have. You can create playlist and add all your favorite songs and head out. You can have fun with the playlist names and create different list based on how you are feeling. Feeling mellow with Easy Listing, guitar thrashing Hard Rock to New Wave and Alternative.

Names of Playlist from my IPod:
- Face Down
- Captain Jacks
- Rock My Ass Off
- Up The Mighty Hill

I guess mainly I am listing to Rock/Hard Rock and Alternative. Fast paced with cool grooves to help me up the mountains. Also great for picking up the pace when coming down the mountain.

Not only is it great for the hikes, but is also great for the camp outs. On the two hikes I did to Cripple Creek over the last year it was great to be able to relax and catch a movie on the IPod once settled into the tent. Also very awesome for business travel as you can at least tune out the engine noise and screaming baby’s.

My Top 25 Most Played:

Everybody’s Screaming – Lostprophets
As I Bleed – Bipolar
Paralyzer – Finger Eleven
Make You Smile - +44
Who’s on your side – Pennywise
Misery Business – Paramore
That’s What the Little Girls Do – The Knack
For the Movies – Buckcherry
A Day to Be Alone – One Less Reason
Crushcrushcrush – Paramore
How Far We’ve Come – Matchbox Twenty
My Disease – Bullets and Octane
A Favor House Atlantic – Coheed and Cambria
Broken – Seether
Everything – Buckcherry
Lawless and Lulu – Buckcherry
Chemical Dream – Bipolar
Where the River Flows – Collective Soul
Face Down – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
I Don’t Wanna Be In Love – Good Charlotte
Life Is Beautiful – SIXX:A.M.
Lit Up – Buckcherry
155 - +44
Afraid – Josh Todd
A Boy Brushed Red…. Living In Black and White – Underoath

Red Robin

I checked on the Robin this evening around 7pm. She was in the nest all tucked in. Today was overcast and cool. This morning when I walked to work it was very nice out. I looked out the window later that morning and we were having light rain showers. This afternoon was cool, damp with light sprinkles. I think the high was 58.

If you would like to learn more about the American Robin the following URL
http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/robin.htm gives a great description.

Only walked to work and had a ride home this evening. I did manage to get 3.36/Miles in today. This brings my total up to 278.04/Miles.

Lazy Days

Well, I didn’t get any walking/hiking in this weekend. Late Friday night we went bowling. Started at 9;30pm and finished up about 11:30pm. Bowled four games total and Saturday morning had a sore back and arm.

On Sunday I was just lazy and decided to work around the house and try to get some jobs I have put off for a while taken care of. Got up at 5:30am and went out for a little vette ride. I did drive up to Gold Camp Road via Cheyenne Road. No traffic and it was a great ride. Then headed over to Starbucks and loaded up on caffeine.

I spent most of Father’s Day replacing sprinkler heads and re-routing pipe. I needed to move some heads around after the fence went in. I dug a 20ft trench and them made the parts list and headed over the Home Depot. Had to re-place a few heads and had a leak and spliced in a new piece of pipe. Anyway that all done so I don’t have that nagging at me.

Friday I did walk and I got 5.09/Miles in. This brings me up to 274.68 since March 1st, 2008. I need to step it up this week after a nice little break. I only need 6.62/Miles and I will have May’s record broken.

I think the Robin has laid her eggs. The male was pretty happy to see me digging. I did come across a few worms and so did he. Every time I headed off to get a tool, when I came back he was picking the worms from the fresh dirt. I caught him taking worms up to feed the female. By the time I got back with the camera he was shy, but the female stayed put.