Wednesday, December 31, 2008

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!

Monday, December 29, 2008

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#


Sunday, December 21, 2008

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.






Sunday, December 14, 2008

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.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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.



Monday, December 8, 2008

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!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

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!


Saturday, December 6, 2008

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.


Monday, December 1, 2008

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