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Mini Backpack Day 2: after a lot of discussion, two Scouts are unable to continue and have to turn back with one of the adults. The remaining dozen of us continue along the Lowline past the mysterious “the pie”, and into the South Castle Creek valley. Spectacular views of the Anthracite Range and, finally, the Castle.

Afternoon climb up the first 500’ of ascent into Castle Creek and camp at the great Twin Lakes complete with resident cows. Not yet quite in the wilderness, but soon!

A serene lake is surrounded by greenery and tall trees, with a grassy shoreline. In the foreground, a person walks along the water's edge. A rocky hill rises in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A group of hikers traverses a grassy terrain with rolling hills and scattered trees, set against a backdrop of dramatic rock formations and a partly cloudy sky.

A serene forest scene featuring tall pine trees, a grassy meadow, and a rocky mountain in the background. A dark shape, possibly a bear, is seen wandering through the grassy area. The sky is partly cloudy.

A group of hikers carrying backpacks ascends a grassy slope, surrounded by dense evergreen trees and mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, indicating a beautiful day for outdoor exploration.

T. J. Bombadil

@c_dan4th@mstdn.social replied · 2 months ago

Afternoon climb up the first 500’ of ascent into Castle Creek and camp at the great Twin Lakes complete with resident cows. Not yet quite in the wilderness, but soon!

T. J. Bombadil

@c_dan4th@mstdn.social replied · 2 months 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

A sunset scene with white clouds against a tall blue sky. Alpenglow frames a mountain range toward the bottom of the image. Silhouettes of evergreen trees frame the shot.

Several colorful tents crammed into a small space amidst large spruce trees. Part of an expansive view can be seen in the distance.

Two backpackers hiking up a rough trail into a partly forested high-alpine valley. The sky is partly cloudy.

A group of backpackers hiking away from the viewer through a meadow on the edge of an evergreen forest. There is a small lake in the middle distance and huge rock cliffs and towers against a blue sky in the back.

T. J. Bombadil

@c_dan4th@mstdn.social replied · 2 months 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 panoramic view of a forested valley surrounded by towering rock formations and mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Several hikers can be seen in the distance amid various trees, including healthy green foliage and some dead trees.

A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with hikers ascending a rocky slope. Lush green valleys and distinct rock formations are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

A scenic mountain view at dawn, featuring silhouetted peaks against a gradient sky of blue, pink, and orange hues. A few stars are visible in the twilight sky.

T. J. Bombadil

@c_dan4th@mstdn.social replied · 2 months 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.

A black and white cow stands in a grassy meadow surrounded by mountains and trees under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape features rugged cliffs in the background and another cow can be seen grazing at a distance.

A rocky mountain range with sharp peaks is visible in the background, surrounded by lush green forests and a grassy foreground. The sky is partly cloudy.

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape featuring towering cliffs and lush green forests, under a partly cloudy sky with diffused sunlight illuminating the horizon.

A group of hikers is ascending a rocky trail through a mountainous landscape, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. The sky is partly cloudy, and the scene captures a sense of adventure in nature.

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