Hiking in the Tatra Mountains, A Unique Adventure Trip

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1 June 2013 No. 191 June 18 th Program Linda Ditchkus presents: Poland: Hiking in the Tatra Mountains The CMC s August 2012 Adventure Travel trip, Poland: Hiking in the Tatra Mountains, was based out of Zakopane, Poland, which is the Aspen equivalent of southern Poland. The dramatic peaks of the Tatra mountain range form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland, and comprise the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains. In addition to numerous day hikes, the group summited Poland s highest peak, Mount Rysy at 8,211 feet. They experienced Poland s rich culture, history, and culinary delights through visits to castles, charming folk restaurants, and sites of historic significance. Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Vietnam. In addition to leading Poland: Hiking in the Tatra Mountains, she led Club trips to: hike Scotland s West Highland Way; trek in Transylvania, Romania; follow the Hadrian s Wall Path on the border between England and Scotland; and a winter multi-sport trip to the Provence of Québec, Canada that included a night in the Ice Hotel. Come join us for the Pikes Peak Group s monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 18, where Linda Ditchkus will narrate a slide show about this recent CMC Adventure Travel trip. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church, 730 N. Tejon St. Linda has been a member of the Colorado Mountain Club for more than 16 years and has been leading Adventure Travel trips for the Club since When not enjoying our great state of Colorado, she travels to the mountains and historic sites of foreign countries. She has visited more than 45 countries and has trekked in many of those, including Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Reminder! Each monthly program includes a raffle of two $25 gift cards (one from Mountain Chalet and one from REI) to CMC members. Be there! 1

2 Your PPG Council Chair Earl Jones , Past Chair Rick Keetch , BMS Director Collin Powers , Conservation Tom Mowle Education & Training Eric Hunter , Equipment Manager Grant Wilson , Membership Tony Eichstadt , Newsletter Dave Anderson , Outings Doug Hatfield , Programs Roger Kilcoyne , Publicity Neil Butterfield , Safety & Leadership Paul Schoell , SESI Rick Blount , Sergeant at Arms Frank Chimento , Treasurer Paul Schoell , At Large: Lucy Graff , Christie Lee , Greg Long , Chris Mattingly , Mary Mourar , Tom Mulcahy , Daedra Pierce Interested in serving on the Pikes Peak Group Council? Contact the Chair. CMC Adventure Travel Hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire September 1-9, 2013 Betsy Weitkamp, 1961 S Marion St, Denver CO Contact: , coloradobetsy@yahoo.com Cost per person: $940 Payment schedule: With acceptance of application, $300. Balance due on or before July 15, 2013 Prerequisites: Be able to hike 3,000 feet and 9 miles Difficult B or C classification This trip will take us to the White Mountains, a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire. We will fly into Boston airport and will be greeted by our shuttle to take us to the Highland Center to spend the first night where accommodations are simple, clean, and comfortable. The next day will be the start of our travel to the Appalachian huts, the first being Zealand Falls Hut at 2,700 feet in elevation. The hut holds forty overnight guests and our accommodations will be in co-ed bunk rooms. A popular destination, it is the perfect place to spot a moose and other abundant wildlife. Galehead Hut is our next destination for two nights. It is located on Garfield Pass at 3,800 feet, the most remote hut in the New Hampshire chain with spectacular views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area. In each hut breakfast, and dinner after an active day, are included in the price of the trip. Lunches are not included but can be purchased. The evenings will be social events exchanging stories with other people from all over the world. The next day we will take the cog railway to the top of Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the northeast. Elevations in the White Mountains are certainly not as high as in Colorado, but nevertheless challenging and beautiful. The cog railway carries passengers up a three-mile-long trestle where we will be treated to a spectacular view. Descending from the top of Mount Washington to Lakes of the Clouds hut, we will spend the night in the highest and most popular hut in the chain. Lakes of the Clouds Hut is located on the southern shoulder of Mount Washington. On rare occasions it is possible to see the northern lights from the hut. We will then descend 2,500 feet to our last night before returning to the airport and home. The trip is planned for difficult B or C hikers at a moderate pace. It will be an experience to remember. 2

3 SESI Singles Enjoying Similar Interests SESI Activities are found in the CMC Activity List. Please look for the SESI label to identify activities specifically geared towards the singles group. 20/30 Something The 20/30 Something group is oriented towards members in that age range. Most of our activities are organized through our list serve. For further information, contact Roger Kilcoyne at Program Cancellation Policy If the weather becomes severe, our monthly program may be cancelled. We will cancel a program when the CSPD goes to Severe Weather Accident Reporting. Listen to the radio or television. Classifieds Members: Text: $2 per line, $10 minimum. Ads: ¼-page - $25, ½-page - $50 Non-members: Text: $3 per line, $15 minimum. Ads: ¼-page - $30, ½-page - $60 Upcoming PPG Classes PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Wilderness Backpacking: June 5, 11, 15, 16, 22, 23, 2013 With overnight backpacking, you open yourself up to awesome multi-day trips in Colorado s wilderness areas. This course is one of three you can take towards earning a PPG-CMC BMS Wilderness Trekking Certificate. Pre-Requisites: PPG BMS Colorado Wilderness Fundamentals and Colorado Wilderness Land Navigation. June 5 and 11 are class lectures. Our discussions include finding the right backpack, systems review including sleeping systems, cooking systems, clothing systems, ultra-light techniques, tents, trip planning, team composition, group dynamics, and site selection. We will do a gear check prior to the overnight to make sure you are properly equipped. June is a CMC Rating Trip (overnight) that is designed to reinforce principles and techniques discussed in class. June are weather makeup days. The cost for this class is $38. For more information please contact Collin Powers at powerscollin@yahoo.com. Pikes Peak Intro to Mountain Biking: September 10, 12, 14, 21, 28, 2013 Learn the gear, maintenance, safety and entry level techniques for basic mountain biking. Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the wilderness with a little more skill and finesse, of getting out for a short outing after work, and for building cardio before a big climb. The cost is $35. There are also rental costs if you don t own the gear. The mountain biking classroom dates are 11 and 13 Sep from 6:00p to 9:30p, and the field dates are 15, 22, and 29 Sep all day. A general fitness level to go on a full day bike ride is required for the field sessions. The field sessions will be progressive in nature to build on skills. For class details, please contact Eric Hunter at ehunter67@yahoo.com. Trail Work Opportunity Ice Cave Creek Trail-building Project June 8 This project is sponsored by the Rampart Range Wildlands Project of the Colorado Mountain Club. The project entails a 0.4 mile reroute of a trail in the Ice Cave Creek drainage above Palmer Lake. The existing trail up Ice Cave Creek is hazardous and eroding. It cannot be repaired in place, so we will be realigning the lower portion of the trail so it stays higher on the ridge and joins the Palmer Reservoir trail between the reservoirs. The result will be better access into the Ice Cave Creek drainage and opportunities for loop hikes from Palmer Lake. This project will be completed through a partnership with Town of Palmer Lake, CMC Denver Group, CMC Pikes Peak Group, Friends of the Peak and Friends of Monument Preserve. This is a rare chance to build new trail, and a rare trail opportunity in northern El Paso County. Volunteers will have a short but steep hike up to the work site. Bring work clothes and gloves, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Sign up on the CMC site. If you are a CMC member, it is recommended that you log in to register. 3

4 June PPG Trips Charles Peak Saturday, 6/1/2013 Moderate B Leader Thomas Mourar, , mtmourar@yahoo.com Trail Mileage 10, Elevation Gain 2700, Driving Distance 140. Location: Wet Mountains about 20 miles southwest of Wetmore, CO. Meeting place: 1920 South Nevada Safeway (at Cheyenne Rd) - rear parking lot area. Directions: Take US 115 south to Florence, then left on Hwy 67, continue to Hwy 165 junction and turn left, then roughly 10 miles to trailhead parking on left. Details: From the northeast valley, we will follow trail through beautiful old-growth forest to the north ridge of St Charles Peak, then continue south to the peak just at timberline. Views of the Sangre de Cristo range from the top of the second highest peak in the Wet Mountain range. Red Rocks Open Space, Section 16 loop Tuesday, 6/4/2013 Moderate B Leader Donna Brockman, , primedonna@comcast.net Trail Mileage 12, Elevation Gain 2,000. Location: We will meet at the main parking lot of the Red Rocks Open Space on Hwy 24 at 8 a.m. Details: This is a 10 mile loop and we might add an extra 2 miles by doing a spur off the trail that is an out and back. Lake Park Peak (11,403 ) - Lost Creek Wilderness Thursday, 6/6/2013 Moderate B Leader Denise Snow, , denisedansnow@q.com Trail Mileage 10, Elevation Gain 3043, Driving Distance 150. Location: Spruce Grove TH at 8:00. Colorado Springs members can make arrangements to carpool. Leader will meet everyone in Divide to proceed to trailhead. Directions: Go to the town of Lake George on US 24. At 1.1 miles northwest of Lake George, turn north (right) on Park County 77 (Tarryall Road) for 13.2 miles to the Spruce Grove TH. Details: From the Spruce Grove TH follow the Lizard Rock trail to the Lost Creek wilderness boundary. Take the Hankins Pass trail to Hankins Pass and then the McCurdy Trail to the 10,900 ft saddle above Lake Park. From here it is an off-trail scamper (Class 2+) to the summit. Once there you can peer down into Lake Park. Manitou Incline Thursday, 6/6/2013 Moderate B Trail Mileage 3.5, Elevation Gain Details: Meet at Barr Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Hike up Manitou Incline and down Barr Trail to trailhead with optional lunch afterwards in Manitou Springs. Crystal Creek Reservoir Friday, 6/7/2013 Moderate B Leader Nancy Altmansberger, Trail Mileage 8, Elevation Gain Details: From Chipita Park we will hike up steep Mt. Esther Trail through the Crowe Gulch meadow and continue on to Crystal Creek Reservoir. We will return the way we came. This is a fun, pretty hike. I drive an SUV. We will need one more SUV. CMC members only. A limited number of well behaved, friendly dogs are welcome. Saturday Night Dinner Saturday, 6/8/2013 Details: We will dine at Biaggi's Restorante Italiano, 1805 Briargate Parkway. Join us for some good food and drink. St. Mary's Falls Saturday, 6/8/2013 Difficult A Leader Gertrud Nuhn, , Hinuhn@comcast.net Trail Mileage 5, Elevation Gain 1500, Driving Distance 12. Details: We will hike from the top of Cheyenne Canon to the trail head on top of tunnel 3, and from there to the base of the falls. To register for any class or trip, go to 4

5 June PPG Trips (continued) Seven Bridges/Buckhorn Loop Sunday, 6/9/2013 Easy B Leader Andy Lyon, , andyslyon@msn.com Trail Mileage 10.5, Elevation Gain 2000, Driving Distance 16. Location: Meet at "the hub" parking area above Helen Hunt Falls in Cheyenne Canyon at 7:30 for a 7:40 start. This is only 8 miles from downtown but the road is winding so it takes about twenty minutes. Directions: goo.gl/maps/o2ige. Details: (Rescheduled from May.) Meet at 7:30 for a 7:40 a.m. start. I prefer an early start for a better chance at seeing wildlife and to avoid the crowds and bikes. Hike up Seven Bridges trail to Jones Park and then down Bear Creek trail to the Buckhorn cutoff; back to trailhead. Optional side trip to Loud's Cabin adds about a mile. Manitou Incline Thursday, 6/13/2013 Moderate B Trail Mileage 3.5, Elevation Gain Details: Meet at Barr Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Hike up Manitou Incline and down Barr Trail to trailhead with optional lunch afterwards in Manitou Springs. Wildflower Hike - Newlin Creek Saturday, 6/15/2013 Moderate A Details: We will hike Newlin Creek Trail, 6 miles and elevation gain 1,460 feet. There are 12 step-across stream crossings. We'll hike up to the old steam engine. Bring a lunch, water, and camera. Spring wildflowers. 14erville: Little Bear Peak Redux Saturday, 6/15/2013 Difficult D Leader Uwe Sartori, , uwesartori@mac.com Trail Mileage 13, Elevation Gain 6,200, Driving Distance 300. Location, directions, and details: Will be ed to registrants. Notes: Participants are vetted for skill sets and experience by the trip leader. Requires strength, stamina, camping skills, scrambling and Class 4 climbing skills, and possible rope work. Crags Area High Points Saturday, 6/15/2013 Moderate B Leader Bill Brown, , bill_brown_cmc@yahoo.com Trail Mileage 6, Elevation Gain 1400, Driving Distance 60. Location: Meet at Red Rock Safeway, 3275 West Colorado, to carpool to the trailhead. Please arrive a few minutes early if you want go into the store for rest room, coffee, snack, etc. We will leave the parking lot immediately after 8. Details: This is a tour of two or three seldom visited high points in the Crags area. Ghost Town Hollow Sunday, 6/16/2013 Difficult A Leader Gary Michels, , GMichels@coloradocollege.edu Trail Mileage 6, Elevation Gain Location: We will hike from the Pikes Peak Hwy at Elk Park Knoll down to Ghost Town Hollow and Oil Creek Tunnel and back. Highway charge might be as much as $10. Manitou Incline Thursday, 6/20/2013 Moderate B Trail Mileage 3.5, Elevation Gain Details: Meet at Barr Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Hike up Manitou Incline and down Barr Trail to trailhead with optional lunch afterwards in Manitou Springs. Raspberry Mountain Friday, 6/21/2013 Moderate B Leader Nancy Altmansberger, Trail Mileage 7, Elevation Gain 1100, Driving Distance 50. Details: Also called the Sleeping Giant. At the top, we will have 360 degree views to see Mt. Pisgah, the west side of Pikes Peak, North Catamount Reservoir and the Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch Mountains. This is a fun hike. The hike will start just south of Divide. There is a short scramble to get to the top. CMC members only. A limited number of well behaved, friendly dogs are welcome. Full Moon Hike Saturday, 6/22/2013 Details: We will hike Red Rock Canyon and do the 6 mile loop. Hiking boots and flashlights required. 5

6 June PPG Trips (continued) Leader's choice: 13ers Saturday, 6/22/2013 Moderate D Trail Mileage 11, Elevation Gain 4300, Driving Distance 125. Details: Meet at Safeway on 30th and Colorado Avenue at 6:30 a.m. Hike leaders choice of one or two thirteeners in Breckenridge area. Return to parking lot by 5:15pm. Manitou Incline Thursday, 6/27/2013 Moderate B Trail Mileage 3.5, Elevation Gain Details: Meet at Barr Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Hike up Manitou Incline and down Barr Trail to trailhead with optional lunch afterwards in Manitou Springs. Pennsylvania Creek Saturday, 6/29/2013 Details: Come join us for this 6 mile hike in Summit County. Great views of the mountains. Sound of Music Tour Saturday, 6/29/2013 Moderate A Leader Bill Brown, , bill_brown_cmc@yahoo.com Trail Mileage 6, Elevation Gain 800, Driving Distance 60. Location: Meet at Red Rock Safeway, 3275 West Colorado, to carpool to the trailhead. Please arrive a few minutes early if you want go into the store for rest room, coffee, snack, etc. We will leave the parking lot immediately after 7:30. Details: We'll drive up the Pikes Peak Highway and hike a tundra ridge to the south-southwest, stopping to admire the alpine wildflowers and granite outcrops. Highway toll of up to $12/person depending on number of people in each car. To register for any class or trip, go to Pikes Pique June 2013 No. 191 Pikes Pique is the monthly newsletter of the Pikes Peak Group of the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC). It is a forum for enhancing skills for backcountry travel in the Colorado mountains and communicating information, news, and upcoming events to members and interested parties. The purpose of the CMC is to unite the energy, interest, and knowledge of the students and lovers of the mountains of Colorado; to collect and disseminate information regarding the Rocky Mountains on behalf of science, literature, art, recreation; to stimulate public interest in our mountain areas; to encourage the preservation of forest, flowers, fauna, and natural scenery; and to render readily accessible the alpine attractions of this region. PIKES PEAK GROUP CONTACT INFORMATION: CMC Pikes Peak Group P.O. Box 2435 Colorado Springs, CO ppg@cmc.org Web: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Have a fun story or trip you want to share? Please submit your articles, along with pictures, to be considered for publication in the next Pikes Pique newsletter. Please send to: David Anderson, editor danderso@uccs.edu Subject: Newsletter Please include your name and a contact phone number with each submission. The deadline for submissions is the 14 th of each month. Use the above contact information for corrections and comments as well. The BMS 2013 Snow field session in Glen Cove. 6