My first trip to Southwest Colorado, 20 odd years ago, became a pivotal moment in life.
Many have had a similar experience because you too found this place and decided to call it home. Reasons for staying vary, but it’s probably safe to say, we share an attraction to the splendor of the land and the opportunities to explore, be it by boat, bike or boots.
Anticipation of adventure and the lure of the destination can cause a bit of tunnel vision. The sun is shining, so what more could you need?
The answer to this question is foresight. Which, admittedly, can take a bit of experience to fully develop.
It was midsummer, so even at 2 a.m. when the alarm went off, the weather was cool, but comfortable. Most of us grabbed our packs, put on our headlamps and choked down dry, but energy dense bars, in preparation to climb a peak. The vision was to make it to the top, just before sunrise.
Under the added weight of backpacks, the pace of the group inevitably slows. At the time, this was clearly annoying for the one person who opted to travel light. Like a puppy, he would speed ahead of the group, periodically wait for us to catch up, then bolt again. The pattern carried on for 9 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
During each labored step up the mountain, the pack heavy with layers of clothes, an abundance of water, a rain jacket, a down jacket, a first-aid kit and plenty of food felt like a huge burden. I envied the ease of movement demonstrated by the light hiker, carrying a thin long sleeve shirt and 32-ounce water bottle.
With fatigued legs and bodies moist with sweat, we finally took the last few steps to the top of the peak. The sky was a gradient of indigo hues, and minutes away from a beautiful transition as the sun crept up on the horizon.
Any body heat generated on the way up quickly dissipated in the ever present wind found at 13,000 feet. Needless to say, I made quick use of the extra layers, which moments ago I had questioned their worth.
By now, you may be wondering about our ill-prepared hiking companion. Was he cold? Hungry? Thirsty? To all of the above, yes. But, this wasn’t a life or death situation, so we let him sit with his decision, momentarily, before offering him warm clothes and something to eat.
This is a lesson learned from moderate discomfort. Of course, we’ve heard the stories of much worse situations in the backcountry. We can’t predict everything that could happen when we are joyfully off the grid, without cell service. But, we can certainly do our part to plan for the unexpected. Start by making sure others know where you are going.
Plan for bad weather, no matter what the weather report says. A thunderstorm at elevation can quickly drop the temperature. Plan for minor injuries, and for staying out longer than you expected (including overnight). Aside from extra clothes, food and water (carry a purifier or iodine), have a way to make fire, a compass and map for orientation, and a way to signal rescue personnel if need be.
In all your preparation, you may find your pack weighs a bit more than you’d like. In response, I credit my husband with these words of wisdom, “I’d rather be looking at it, than looking for it.”
Finally, consider a CORSA card (https://dola.colorado.gov/sar/cardPurchase.jsf ) for the low, low cost of $3 a year, you can help cover the cost of rescue efforts should they ever become a need. A fishing or hunting license; Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp; and registration for an OHV, boat or snowmobile automatically includes this fee.
Happy trails! And don’t forget: Leave no trace.
Nicole Clark is the family and consumer science agent for the La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nicole.clark@colostate.edu or 382-6461.
Dining with Diabetes
Colorado State University Extension agents Nicole Clark and Laura Griffin will present the “Dining with Diabetes” webinar series in August.
The series will address what diabetes is; carbohydrate counting; fat, sodium and fiber; and meal planning.
Classes will be held online on Zoom from 5 to 7 p.m. on four Tuesdays: Aug. 10, Aug. 17, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.
The cost is $10 for the series. The registration deadline is Aug. 5 at https://augdwd.eventbrite.com. Space is limited.
For more information, email pauletich@pueblocounty.us or call (719) 583-6566.
The series is being presented by the La Plata County Extension Office and the Pueblo County Extension Office.
