T. J. Bombadil
@c_dan4th@mstdn.social  ·  activity timestamp 3 weeks ago

The five-day “Mini” Backpack is something we do with our 7th and 8th-grade Scouts every two years. This year, we had an eleventh-hour destination change from #colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness to the much less fire-hazardous West Elks Wilderness near Durango.

Day 1: Trailhead to Middle Creek along the Lowline. Lots of cows and a forest fire scar. Water scarcity and everyone getting used to heavy backpacks and steep climbs. Crew working to come together.
#wilderness #backpacking#ScoutsBSA

A group of four children is sitting around a campsite with tents in the background. They are engaged in a cooking activity near a small fire pit, surrounded by grass and trees. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the children wearing outdoor clothing and hats.
A group of four children is sitting around a campsite with tents in the background. They are engaged in a cooking activity near a small fire pit, surrounded by grass and trees. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the children wearing outdoor clothing and hats.
A group of four children is sitting around a campsite with tents in the background. They are engaged in a cooking activity near a small fire pit, surrounded by grass and trees. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the children wearing outdoor clothing and hats.
T. J. Bombadil
@c_dan4th@mstdn.social  ·  activity timestamp 2 weeks ago
#backpacking Day 4: Motivated Scouts up and out early and up the climb from 11,300 to 12,450 at Storm Pass. Views keep getting better. Lounging on the summit and then the long descent into Mill Creek.

Unfortunately, I’d spent less time researching the southern valley. The map showed the trail next to the creek for most of the way, but it was usually 100’ above the creek which was in a deep gorge. Finally found another cramped campsite and gratefully set up camp after a long, mighty day.

A group of hikers stands on a mountain trail, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and valleys. They are wearing blue shirts and various hats, with some posing playfully. Several backpacks and gear are scattered on the ground around them. The sky is blue.
A group of hikers stands on a mountain trail, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and valleys. They are wearing blue shirts and various hats, with some posing playfully. Several backpacks and gear are scattered on the ground around them. The sky is blue.
A group of hikers stands on a mountain trail, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and valleys. They are wearing blue shirts and various hats, with some posing playfully. Several backpacks and gear are scattered on the ground around them. The sky is blue.
T. J. Bombadil
@c_dan4th@mstdn.social replied  ·  activity timestamp 2 weeks ago
#backpacking Day 5/5: a pre-dawn reappearance of Steve, our missing adult set the tone for the day: reintegration with the rest of the world and a glorious downhill hike through spectacular rock towers in the ever-gentler Mill Creek Valley. Scouts set a ferocious pace over the last five miles and gratefully reached the cars in time for a short drive to an early lunch in Gunnison.

I’m so proud of these kids. They became strong, motivated, and self-reliant. No complaining, lots of drive.
T. J. Bombadil
@c_dan4th@mstdn.social  ·  activity timestamp 2 weeks ago

Day 3: finally into the West Elks #Wilderness as we climbed the very steep trail beside South Castle Creek. Breccia towers all over the place and steep, overgrown slopes. It was startling how few people make it up here given the relative ease of access and spectacular scenery.

Set up camp in the only level spot; a campsite designed for about two tents, but we crammed in 8. Dinner amongst the flowers down at the creek and an amazing sunset.

Preparations for a big day tomorrow.

#FootpathFriday
T. J. Bombadil
@c_dan4th@mstdn.social replied  ·  activity timestamp 2 weeks ago
#backpacking Day 4: Motivated Scouts up and out early and up the climb from 11,300 to 12,450 at Storm Pass. Views keep getting better. Lounging on the summit and then the long descent into Mill Creek.

Unfortunately, I’d spent less time researching the southern valley. The map showed the trail next to the creek for most of the way, but it was usually 100’ above the creek which was in a deep gorge. Finally found another cramped campsite and gratefully set up camp after a long, mighty day.

A group of hikers stands on a mountain trail, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and valleys. They are wearing blue shirts and various hats, with some posing playfully. Several backpacks and gear are scattered on the ground around them. The sky is blue.
A group of hikers stands on a mountain trail, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and valleys. They are wearing blue shirts and various hats, with some posing playfully. Several backpacks and gear are scattered on the ground around them. The sky is blue.
A group of hikers stands on a mountain trail, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and valleys. They are wearing blue shirts and various hats, with some posing playfully. Several backpacks and gear are scattered on the ground around them. The sky is blue.
T. J. Bombadil
@c_dan4th@mstdn.social  ·  activity timestamp 3 weeks ago

The five-day “Mini” Backpack is something we do with our 7th and 8th-grade Scouts every two years. This year, we had an eleventh-hour destination change from #colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness to the much less fire-hazardous West Elks Wilderness near Durango.

Day 1: Trailhead to Middle Creek along the Lowline. Lots of cows and a forest fire scar. Water scarcity and everyone getting used to heavy backpacks and steep climbs. Crew working to come together.
#wilderness #backpacking#ScoutsBSA

A group of four children is sitting around a campsite with tents in the background. They are engaged in a cooking activity near a small fire pit, surrounded by grass and trees. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the children wearing outdoor clothing and hats.
A group of four children is sitting around a campsite with tents in the background. They are engaged in a cooking activity near a small fire pit, surrounded by grass and trees. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the children wearing outdoor clothing and hats.
A group of four children is sitting around a campsite with tents in the background. They are engaged in a cooking activity near a small fire pit, surrounded by grass and trees. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the children wearing outdoor clothing and hats.