Now and again when a free moment presents itself I seek to learn something new. Maybe even something I can share with some interested, or feigning interest, client hiking in the backcountry.

On this particular day I sought to study the geological realm of one of the areas where we guide backpacking adventures. Luckily, I stumbled upon some easily digestible examinations of the pinon pine tree instead! More interesting, and written in a simplified manner that I could understand, I became unregrettably sidetracked from the sedimentary layer, overlying deposits and environments of deposition research.

Hooked, I thought it important to share a few factoids about the pinon tree and will save the environments of deposition research findings for another time!

A native species to the southwest region of the United States, the pinon tree is most often recognized in the Upper Sonoran and tends to share a woodland zone with juniper trees. For years I have walked amongst these trees always noting their piney scent in the dry air of a sandy land. Scanning the readings, there were a few additional tidbits to learn. Including a new finding for me – the bluish-green needles of the tree can live to be six years old.

Able to grow to a height of 45-feet, the trunk and branches are often crooked and the crown regularly grows wider than the tree is tall. The rough bark has reddish irregular furrows, and, the tree itself takes 180 years to produce a trunk of one foot in diameter. Amazingly, the pinon tree has a lifespan of approximately 400 to 500 years.

The tree is best known for its seeds. The largest and most nutritious of all pine seeds, the seeds collected can be eaten raw, ground or roasted. The protein quality of the pinon nut is only surpassed by the cashew and can yield 3,000-calories per pound. An adaption, the pinon is known to have seed production cycles only once every five or six years.

Still scanning I suddenly learned that the largest living pinon pine on record is located a mere three hours from the Pagosa Springs basecamp … three hours! I think another road trip is on the horizon! Who is ready for a backpacking trip to find the pinon pine?

As the snow slips away from the highest mountain peaks the lower elevations have small stalks of greening grasses slipping above the clumps of dirt that lay smashed over the coldest months. As the floor of the forest transforms away from muted colors into a blanket of colorful décor, colonies of greenish-white barked trees with following eyes begin a transformation of their own.

Quietly, aspen trees (members of the Willow family) gently sway in the cooling winds of the winter months. As warmer temperatures begin to warm the branches, the male and female flowers emerge (on their own separate trees) with a cotton-like dangle (catkins) from the smallest limbs. These puffs of catkins are home to tiny seeds tipped with soft, white hairs and are dispersed with the upcoming winds. This is a sure signal that spring will soon transition to summer and the bright green of the aspen leaves will slowly stretch and form into the clattering coin sound so many are accustomed.

An unusual tree, you won’t see just one. Stands tend to be of the same age and development having matured from shoots of the same root system. Not a long living species, aspen trees begin to die, mostly from the inside out, at about 80 years old.

These slender, tall trees have a sweet inner bark that is edible in the spring and in earlier days was scraped off in long strings and eaten raw. The bitter leaf buds and young catkins are edible and rich in Vitamin C.

Days are passing one by one and the hillsides are shimmering in silver. Days from now little specs of fluorescent green will show through and then transition to a darker green that hides the trunks of this clump of trees. As you walk through the stand look for the signs of animal habitat and then take a short rest of your own beneath the branches to touch and feel and observe from the stand of aspen.

We have a job to do in the backcountry. Of course, we already do it much of the time. Being on the lookout for something spectacular that maybe we’ve never seen before.

A seasonal meeting with the United States Forest Service revealed that we may have something flying overhead. Something unusual. Something exciting. Something not often seen.

The Northern Goshawk, a sensitive species with conservation concerns prefers a mixed coniferous forests and that makes our ponderosa pine an ideal habitat for this largest of the accipiter genus (aka hawks). Females are larger than the males and still weigh less than 2.6-pounds with a wingspan that may extend to 50-inches.

Highly sensitive to disturbances, the Northern Goshawk can be extremely aggressive particularly during breeding season, which in our area tends to be mid-March to the end of July. Their nest are stick created and lined with twigs and leaves and sits high beneath the crown of the largest tree in a clump of trees. Their vocal call begins as a ke-ke-ke and the hawk is often described as highly vocal.

Unique to the Northern Goshawk are the dark red eyes and a white eye stripe. Not that I desire an up close look at the eye of this rapture!

We won’t sneak up on this bird (that can reach a speed of 38 mph) that is by nature a secretive forest bird. Nonetheless, I will be on the look-out, just in case.

The photo from this blog was borrowed from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Goshawk.

This past weekend we taught Backpacking 101 and 102 to a group of enthusiastic gals from Arizona. And, the question asked pertained to specific considerations and practices when hiking in the desert. Well, here are a few thoughts for you to consider.

Plan Ahead and Prepare.
It can’t be said often enough; research your route at home so you know what to expect once you reach the trailhead. And, leave a plan with someone who will worry about you if you don’t return at a prescribed time. Include in your plan: directions to the trailhead, map of the route, time expected home and strategy if you don’t return home on time.

Clothing Choices.
Think loose fitting shirts and pants.

• Light weight. Clothing that is light weight will allow your skin to breathe and sweat.
• Light colored. Clothing that is light colored better reflects the sunlight.
• Long sleeved. Clothing with long sleeves reduces exposure to the environmental elements of sun and wind exposure. This includes long pants.

Big Brim Hats – Big brim hats are a necessity in the desert. This additional cover will keep your ears and neck from over exposure to the sun.

Sunglasses - Sunglasses assist in protecting your eyes from the glare of the sand. Sunglasses are also helpful if windy conditions cause sand movement.

Shoe Considerations – Take a gander at the shoes you are planning to wear. Some have a thicker hide than others and this may be a consideration when spiny and pokey protrusions are a real concern.

Gaiters – Gaiters will reduce the amount of sand and grit in your hiking shoes. Additionally, they protect your lower legs from scratches and scrapes.

Drink Up.
Plan to drink at least one gallon of water a day when hiking in the desert. SIP regularly; guzzling not necessary and monitor the color of your urine.

One rule of thumb is that if you drink half of the water you are carrying turn around – this is your safety NON-decision.

As a precaution, carry an extra gallon of water in your vehicle for re-supply at the end of your hike.

All About Snacking.
Pack more snacks than you think you will need and keep a variety of sweet and salty to fit your momentary cravings. A handful of snacks hourly is a good way to maintain a balanced caloric intake. Think high-energy snacks (like peanut butter).

Hike Early.
Plan your hike to be in the coolest part of the day – early morning and evening. If you are planning an all day hike afternoon siestas are an opportunity to get out of the heat. A small tarp will allow you to construct a shade shelter for these restful respites.

Look Around – Critter Alert.
Never put your hands or feet where you can’t see. That means, peer around rocks, tap the ground of low lying bushes and really look around before you sit!

Spiders, scorpions and rattlesnakes may hide under rocks or shrubs. Larger mammals may be using boulder areas as safety zones. Whatever you see, leave it alone!

First Aid Kit.
Double check your kit before you go and ensure that included is a set of tweezers and a blister kit.

Sunscreen of a high protection factor is extremely important; a light sunburn can impact your skin’s natural defenses. Re-apply frequently on any exposed skin, including the tops of your hands.

Know the signs/symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. If you get nauseous, dizzy or have a headache sit down out of the sun, sip water and wet down your clothes with water to lower your body temperature.

Flash Flooding.
When a thunderstorm occurs over the mountains and deserts of the southwest, runoff from the rains cascades into the steep desert canyons in a matter of minutes.

Walls of water can easily reach ten feet tall and will swirl through the canyons and arroyos, picking up mud, boulders, trees and other debris. The cause for this onslaught of water is the landscape itself which tends to be compacted soil which forces any accumulation of moisture to quickly run-off and fill drainages and washes.

It is imperative to seek high ground immediately if rain begins to fall and to be aware that the movement of water will be quick and extremely forceful often accompanied by a loud rushing noise moments before the water reaches your view.

One of the best signs I have seen in a long time was at the trailhead of Tower Arch in the Klondike Bluffs of Utah. Little black crustations with wide eyes screaming, running and covering their heads left an immediate impression. The trail sign was not vandalized or mistreated but instead respected with both its humor and educational fortitude.

From a Leave No Trace perspective we speak of leaving only footprints. And, even then only if necessary being always cognizant of where you walk and the impact left with each foot step. We hike on designated trails, avoid cutting switchbacks and walk on surfaces that reduce impact such as rocky outcrops, sand, gravel and snow. But desert walking is different.

In the desert each foot step can have a deadly consequence for living organisms. Fragile environments, the crust of the soil is home to nearly invisible, tightly bound soil particles that prevent soil erosion, absorb and hold water, and provide nutrients to plants. Composed of living organisms – bacteria, algae, fungi, mosses and lichens – one errant footstep can kill hundreds of years of growth!

These soil crusts are commonly found in semi-arid and arid environments (they are found in nearly all deserts of the southwest) but are often only noticed in the later development when the soil appears lumpy and black. And, while well adapted to harsh living conditions, compressed by an errant foot step is direct and will often take hundreds of years to gain its productivity.

The best plan is to stay on designated trails but for those backcountry routes where no trails exist … watch your step.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that stopping to pee with a backpack could be a frustration in futility. And, where do you put that wad of toilet paper that was used? And, what about the unstrapping hip belts, squatting near poison ivy and bearing a pale white butt to anyone that passes nearby?

There is one important factor to remember with regard to peeing … everyone does it! Some just do it differently than others!

Knowing that, here are a few thoughts to consider as hiking season approaches.

• Trim before you go – really, no need for a bushy bush in the bush.
• Step off the trail – find a tree, a bush, a log and pee. If someone comes along that you weren’t expecting the chances of them stopping to stare is really not a chance at all. Often hikers will stop and turn their backs giving you a moment of privacy and others will simply pass along. This is the one time when you don’t have to wave or say “hello” to a fellow hiker.
• Move away from the toilet paper – there are so many options other than figuring out where you want to put the wadded up, shredding to pieces private parts dryer. Cut a bandana in half and make that your pee rag. If you confuse this once with your snot rag it will not be confused again. Use a panty liner. A dab will do it when you pull your shorts back up. There is the air dry method but really this isn’t a method at all because your shorts act as the catcher and that will make for stinky shorts.
• About pee rags – wash frequently. Pee rags can develop a scent rapidly; particularly if you are dehydrated. Urine is sterile but you will want to develop a routine with regard to usage of the pee rag. For instance, dry yourself with only one end of the rag so your fingers don’t touch the urine. You can either stuff the rag in the side pocket of your backpack or stash it through a strap to dry.
• Don’t want to bear your behind – learn to pee standing up. This will often cause a surprised look on your male and female counterparts when you are caught in the act.
• The device – there are several devices available for women. The Shewee is one option. Here is the link – http://www.shewee.com/pages/How-to-Shewee.html. Go-Girl is another option. Here is the link – http://www.go-girl.com.
• Au natural – you are equipped with all the devices needed but you will need practice. Couple of hints include wearing your gaiters to avoid the sock coated splashback. Know you will pee all down your leg at least once while you are teaching yourself. Never pee standing up if you don’t really have to go as a steady stream is invaluable. No steady steam is merely a dribble accident that will wetten your socks!
• Suggestions for peeing standing up – it’s okay, you don’t have to admit you are going to try this in the shower several times. Ponder your attire, wide legged shorts and hiking skirts are wonderful. Pull the leg of your shorts or hiking skirt to the side. Make a “V” with your first and second finger and spread the inside of your labia minora. Bend your knees slightly and keep your feet shoulder width apart. Tilt your pelvis outward and pee happily.

Ahh, so much to learn in just one little blog! Happy peeing!

Spring is in the air and that means backpacks are being pulled out of storage, spokes of mountain bikes are being checked and saddles for horses are being oiled. Many of the places we hike are multi-use recreation areas. Simply, this means there may be hikers, bikers and horse riders on any section of trail you are planning to hike. Being conscious and aware of those sharing the trail with you and knowing what to do when you encounter others reduces shared trail friction. Be prepared to yield.

Yielding on the trail is much like yielding when driving a vehicle. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Proceed only when you can do so safely.

There is etiquette with regard to shared trail usage. The question being, when on a trail who yields? Essentially, it comes down to the faster yield to the slower. Which means (take a gander at the photo above) …

• Hikers/walkers headed downhill yield to hikers/walkers headed uphill
• Bikers yield to hikers/walkers
• Bikers yield to horse riders
• Everyone yields to horse riders

When encountering horse riders it is best to get off the trail on the downhill side. You will look smaller to a horse and less dangerous. Talk to the horse rider in a quiet voice; they will provide you additional instruction if necessary. And, stand quietly with no abrupt movement while the horse and rider pass.

Although hikers/walkers have the right of way; it is often less hazardous to let a biker pass. Say a quick “Howdy” and if you are stepping off the trail a bicycle rider will often take that as a sign to pass quickly.

And, etiquette says that groups should yield to a single hiker or a pair of hikers. But, the reality is that it is more difficult for a group to get off the trail (and probably more damaging) therefore it is agreeable to let the group have the right of way.

Quick conversation is all that is necessary to ensure the safety and quality experience of all trail users. Your keeping a smile and being aware to yield will make for a better day of hiking.

The following is shared as a reminder that moving simply requires one step at a time. It may be a maddening motivation but it is an act of mechanics that propels the movement. Your mind can help or hinder … that is your choice to make.

Emotional tension flowed down my cheeks at the same time I fingered each safety pin attaching the number to my leggings. Head bowed, I waited for the moment to pass, wiped away the salty stream made the final pull on my running pack to ensure its tightness to my back and looked up only when the start was called and from the back we shuffled passed the start line into a graying sky.

On my left forearm embroiled in permanent marker was the mileage notations for the aid stations. Cut-off times were not my concern. A training race, the goal was to finish this new distance challenge to determine later adjustments.

The strongest athletes were at the front, legs pumping and heads high. At the back a small group of 15 settled into a rhythm; names exchanged amongst a few as the pace was affixed with the first few flutterings of snow falling from the sky. Two miles. Still early; the mind games had yet to begin as the trail turned for the first set of uphill Tenderfoot switchbacks. Up ahead some bogged down, passing challenging at best and the paced slowed to a walk – too early for the stop and start. Flagging tape hooked by clothes pins and little survey flags dotted the pathway that turned to single track and slid past the first aid station.

Edge of the hillside. A meandering and undulating up and down scraping the edge of gi-normous sandstone structures. Elevation gaining. Breathing settling. Body warming. Waggling. Hips adjusting. Feet, knowing their job, placing and moving with confidence. Precipitation intensifying and the ground becomes covered in white.

Aid station. “Hey, are we worried about the cut-off time.” “Nope, we are fine.” Wide gravel road. “Why are we walking?” Everyone within view is walking. “50 paces … go.” Eyelashes are freezing. Snow is accumulating on my arms and shoulders and chest. Head tucked into my shirt with views limited by both the tuck and the snowfall. “Aim ahead; tie a rope.” Trudge along cutting the road angles. Imploring each hamstring to loosen. “Why are you walking, you know how to bully your way on hills like these?” It is still early in this long running day. Barely on the edge of warm. “Are we going to make the cut-off?” “I’m not worried about the cut-off.” “50 paces … go again … another 25 paces … go.” “You can pass them at the next count … go.”

“I hear voices.” The course had been quiet but everyone within sight was playing the mental game. Visibly, a few were struggling – limping, stretching, shivering, backpacks being pulled off and on.

Aid station; crewed in snowsuits and a trailer where racers were sitting to recover. Encouraging words and smiles. “It is just a bit further.” An up and back. The walking continued. “Wimp.” “Don’t start.” Snow deeping. Contemplate quitting; too much walking. “Why are we walking?”

“Thank you for volunteering.” Round the orange cone and advise we are running – time to get it together. Half-way point. Quads tight. Back to single track but I can’t decipher the trail tread from the edges and rely only on the footprints from those in front. Meadows open; sky is still falling. Slurp down another Gu.

“Why aren’t you using your platy?” “Frozen line.” “Frustating?” “No, expected. That is why we have a hand-held.” “Then why wear a platy?” “Practice. Preparing for the season transition.” “Seems stupid.” “Self-sufficient.”

Trail markers are covered with tuffs of snow. Alternating run and walk. Hear a bird. Moving onward.

“Why are we doing this? Are we aiming for any goal? Why aren’t you pushing yourself? We’ve walked more miles than we’ve run? You don’t do this when you are running 20’s at home. Shouldn’t the next aid station be close?”

It has been over an hour since we’d seen another racer. Quiet. Solitude. “Your right foot is wet.” “I know.” A grey mist hangs tightly to the elevation. Picture perfect, the pinon pine needles are holding clumps of snow. Desert jumping cactus grow greener with the precipitation.

“I need to pee.” “Wait.” “Why?” “I hear someone behind.” “What? 20-miles into this race and now you are going to be competitive?” “Shut-up. We are doing this. There are a lot of people who can’t or won’t willingly experience a challenge like this. Why can’t you simply enjoy the experience?” “Because you can run this. You don’t want it bad enough do you?” “Really? Knock it off.” “I’m hungry. Steak?” “You do understand there are only about 10 racers behind you. You are at the back of the pack.” “Doesn’t matter. WE are doing this.” “Don’t you think we should have reached the aid station by now? It has been a long time.” “Maybe. The trail is slick. Underlying many places are ice with the glaze of snow. Hiding. “Do you want to get up now?” “Probably should.”

It is time to dance. I don’t know where this trail route has come out at. I can’t tell you east from west. But, I know this spot in the trail and from here I can dance. At the aid station we lolly-gag. Savor a couple of salty potato chips and on a whim dump away my hand-held and poor in three ounces of diet coke. “Thank you.” Off with a cheer in my step.

Hips loosen. Knees twist and turn. Ankles swim along rocks. Arms pumping in swinging stride. Everything loosens. Tautness gone. Nimble is the way. Diet coke spews from the hand-held in streams. I giggle. I’m entertained. Single track twisting and turning downhill. Normally moving sandy patches are hard packed with moisture. Rock tops are slick. Mud just enough to provide additional sliding movement but not deep enough to share in the buildup on calves. “Your disappointed aren’t you?” “In what?” “That the mud isn’t wet enough to give a showy presence to your efforts.” “Yes, I am disappointed.” “Hey.” “What?” “Really, you are thriving in two miles of dancing on rocks, along single track. You love this. You are running in a race that is 26-miles in length just so you can dance for two miles.” “Yes.”

“Did you check your watch at the last aid station?” “It doesn’t matter.” “But, we were further along than you thought weren’t we?” “Yes.” “So, why the mood, the maddening motivation, the frustration, the disappointment?” “It is part of a race where I wanted to do better.” “Then why get snotty and self-devaluing.” “One of us has a job to move – that is our feet. The other of us has a job to stay sorted, conscious and aware – that is our head.” “I think both of them need a good talking to.” “Maybe so.

“We are still walking more than we should.” “I know.” The last aid station is just ahead. “We’ve not seen but one racer in the last 2 ½ hours. Do you think this was the race day the others were planning.” “Doesn’t matter. We don’t know their capabilities, desires or goals. What our responsibility is is to do the best we can and to stick to our race strategy.” “But, we didn’t stay to our strategy.” “No, but we are going to finish aren’t we?” “In our goal time?” “No. But, we are going to finish and determine what changes to make for next time.”

24 miles done. Town sits below. Just behind one racer catches me and together we walk and run to the finish. Finishing strong with smiles. We’ve beat the cut-off. We’ve not been disqualified. Nearly all but a straggling few racers remain – all sipping a hot drink, slurping hot soup from a spoon or stretching the quads that had quite the challenging at the end of a long uphill slog in snowy and uncomfortable conditions. But, we had finished. Each of us. Maybe not the day we had hoped for … but then again, what would be the lesson in that?

One decade, thousands of miles and hunger pains have sometimes caused me to put things in my mouth that maybe I ought to have thought twice about. Once, in the Gila National Forest, Boone handed me a little cactus fruit fuzzy with hair which I hesitantly ate. It was delicious, sort of tangy and squirted of yummy nectar. Maybe I should have burned off that fuzzy hair on the outside first. Those fine hairs were fine needles and caused a little irritation. Lesson learned.

As you can suspect, here is the caveat – wild plants are highly variable. And, used improperly can be lethal (think Into the Wild) at worst. But still, with a little skill, thorough investigation and research into identity and toxicity there is an array of editable treats in our natural surroundings.

So, today was one such day when needing a natural fix I headed outside to the nearest blue spruce. Gathered a few needles and a few moments later sat cupping a mug of tea with a tender aromatic sensation that soothed my weary mind and soul.

The recipe.

• Plan to take a few moments for self and wander about seeking a blue spruce with a bough that is within reach;
• Gather a small handful of needles;
• Add the needles to two cups of water and bring to a boil;
• Add a teaspoon of honey or lemon to taste;
• Pour into your favorite mug and sit down to relax – taking time just for self; and
• Enjoy the quiet and calm.

Disclaimer.
Drink blue spruce tea in moderation.

Notes.
A variety of resources were referred – photograph borrowed from MakeTea.org.

Trail Project:
Grab your hard hat, a set of leather gloves, good hiking boots and prepare yourself for a week of pure trail joy. Tucked deep in the Weminuche Wilderness, there is no easy way to reach our trail work destination. But that doesn’t matter, the views will ensure you won’t want to leave anyhow.

Having recently hiked the section of trail this project is working, our efforts will be greatly appreciated. The photo above is a willow section, well overgrown, and our endeavor will clear a pathway that allows hikers to look at the long views instead of the seek and find game of trail tread. It is with tremendous privilege that this year we will be working closely with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado on a six night brush hauling, willow cutting, tread refurbishing, can you believe that view trail project. For anyone who wants to give back this is one way you can.

Go To Project Overview Page:
Click Here

When:
August 10-16, 2013; tentatively we are meeting on August 9th.

What You Should Know:
• The goal is to have 12 volunteers for this trail project;
• This is a six night project;
• There is no cost to you – all in the field meals will be provided, lodging is a tent in the out-of-doors – but donations to VOC are appreciated;
• A 12-mile hike is required to reach basecamp from the trailhead;
• We will be working 6-8 hours a day on a section of the Continental Divide Trail; and
• Daily you will be rewarded for your efforts.

Contact Us:
Want additional information or to register for this project? Call Stacy at 970.946.5001 or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.