Four Pass Loop, Aspen, Colorado 2017
Post date: Jun 20, 2016 7:52:11 PM
Trip Report
Summary
The loop was not completed. Four members got a stomach bug! Two started throwing up on the first day; one on the 3rd day, and the 4th on the final day. Due to illness the decision was made to not to continue hiking. We made a base camp on West Maroon Trail at about 10,000 feet. Steve day hiked West Maroon Pass, and Steve and Sabrina day hiked both West Maroon and Frigid Air pass. We endured one major thunderstorm which flooded two tents. We should also note that O'Neil's had major car problems on the trip up. We had lots of problems, but we survived with our health and goodwill!
Photos
Lynna and Rana's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PjCWNNB0GkqhVUyl2
Jill's Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PjCWNNB0GkqhVUyl2
To Do List
Where are we staying?Tri-State Motel 1020 Liberal Street, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States of AmericaRoom AssignmentsRoom ReservationsJob Assignments
Meal planTravel Time
Car PlanMap Schedule:
June 13/ June 20Acclimation Day
Decide on a day to go through safety stuff: June 6Bear/ Ursac Day: June 6Need to buy 2 bear canistersMaroon Bell Videos/ pee rag: June 27thFirst Aid Kit Day! (Ranger Award: section 14 & 9h)
Part 1:
Health and first aid (Can Steve teach?): June 27thPart 2: Talk about first aid kits
Part 3: Everyone bring first aid kit and talk about it
Paperwork
Itinerary
Travel to Aspen
Friday, July 14th
Depart Austin, Texas TIME??
Arrive Dalhart, Texas TIME??
Travel Time:
Lodging: Tri-State Motel 1020 Liberal Street, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States of America
Saturday, July 15th
Depart Dalhart, Texas TIME??
Arrive near Camp Alexander (Lake George, Colorado) TIME??
meet up with Steve and Grant
Transfer Joe, Logan, and Andrew to Steve's car
Say goodbye to Jen
Arrive: Difficult Campground near Aspen, Colorado TIME??
Travel Time:
Lodging: camping at Difficult Campground
Acclimation
Sunday, July 16th (Acclimation Day!)
Travel to trail head BEFORE 8 am to checkout parking and consult with rangers.
Hike
See trekking plan below.
Monday, July 17th
Begin trek - need to arrive at trail head before 8 am!!
Tuesday, July 18th
Wednesday, July 19th
Thursday, July 20th
Friday, July 21st
Hike out!
Stay the night at Difficult Campground
Travel Home
Saturday, July 22nd,
Depart Difficult Campround TIME??
Arrive near Lake George to transfer Joe and Logan to Jen TIME??
Arrive in Dalhart, Texas TIME?
Travel Time:
Lodging: Tri-State Motel 1020 Liberal Street, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States of America
Sunday, July 23rd
Depart Dalhart, Texas TIME?
Arrive, Austin, Texas TIME?
Driving Maps
Trekking Plan
Meal Plan
Cars
Jill's Car
2016 Honda Pilot
Black
Seats 8
Steve's Car
2013 Ford Flex
Black
Seats 7
Joe's Car
20?? Kia
White
Seats 5
To Colorado
From Colorado
Room Assignments
Tri-State Motel 1020 Liberal Street, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States of America (1-806-244-2187)
Note: Reservations made via phone using Jill's USAA credit card. Call to confirm prior to trip to confirm.
To Colorado
Lynna, Rana, Anna
Andrew, Logan
Joseph, Jenn
Jill, Sabrina
From Colorado
Lynna, Anna, Rana
Andrew, Grant
Jill, Steve
Sabrina
Trail Info
Maps/Trail Guides
Colorado Wilderness' Trail Guide - has locations of campsites (note: Crater Lake campsite is closed)
Altitude Hiking Articles
Altitude Hiking - great info for high altitude summer camping in Colorado
Altitude Hiking - From The Hiking Life Blog
Bears
URSACK - bear container
Interagency Grizzly Bear Approved Containers
Hanging Bags
Leave No Trace
Other than the Trail
Notes
Max 10 people per group
Creek Crossing - may need water shoes
Passes may have snow - microspikes recommended
Campsites
Training Hikes
Required Safety Training - Adults
Wilderness First Aid - Jill
Trek Safely - Jill
Weather Hazards - Steve
Crew Assignments
Medic - Anna
Reviews medical records
Tapes blistered feet
Cleans wounds
Applies bandages
Assesses medical condition of crew members
Inspects personal first aid kits
Prepares by review first aid
LNT - Lynna
Ensures camping is on the most durable surfaces
Checks campsites for trash / traces after packing up
Ensures LNT principles are followed
Navigator - Andrew
Finds and follows trail.
Identifies water sources on map & trail
Coordinates with scheduler & weatherperson
Briefs the crew daily on the route (start and end points, water sources, campsites, distance and elevation changes).
Scheduler
Works with crew to determine wake up, departure, meal, and arrival schedule.
Enforces the schedule when appropriate.
Briefs the crew daily schedule (consult with navigator/weatherperson/water person to create schedule).
Water/Food - Rana
Verifies crew members are drinking A LOT of water.
Verify crew members are eating snacks and have enough food.
Create food plan.
Notes and communicates with crew the location of water sources.
Ensures food is stored properly every evening.
Ensures cooking is completed AWAY from out campsite.
Weatherperson - Weather
Carries the weather radio.
Checks weather reports morning, noon, and night.
Read up on NOAA weather: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOAA_Weather_Radio
Take BSA Weather Hazards course (online - it's not long)
Review Snow and Temperature info
Essential Equipment
Personal Equipment
Shared Equipment
Ranger Award Possibilities
5.
Land Navigation.
Using a topographical map for your area or the area you will be navigating in, demonstrate that you know the following map symbols: index contour; vertical control station; hard-surface, heavy-duty road; railroad, single track; power transmission line; building; checked spot elevation; marsh; map scale; intermittent stream; depression; ridge; trail; stream; hard-surface, medium-duty road; bridge; cemetery; campsite; water well or spring; unimproved dirt road.
Explain contour lines. Be able to tell the contour interval for your map and be able to show the difference between a steep and a gentle slope.
Using a map and compass, navigate an orienteering course that has at least six legs covering at least 2.5 miles.
Learn to use a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. Demonstrate that you can find a fixed coordinate or geocache at night using a GPS receiver.
Teach the navigating skills you have learned in 5(a) through 5(d) above to your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout unit, or another group.
6.
Leave No Trace.
Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
Participate in three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrating that you know and use Leave No Trace principles.
Make a tabletop display or presentation on the Leave No Trace principles and how they affect the environment and attitude of campers for your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout unit, or another group, or teach a Leave No Trace Awareness course.
(a)
(b)
(c)
7.
Wilderness Survival. Note: Before you complete Wilderness Survival, you must have completed the Cooking, Land Navigation, and First Aid requirements.
Write a risk management plan for an upcoming crew high-adventure activity such as a whitewater canoeing or rock-climbing trip. The plan should include nutrition, health, first aid, supervision, insurance, safety rules and regulations, proper equipment, maps and compass, in-service training, environmental considerations, emergency and evacuation procedures, and emergency contacts.
9.
Backpacking
Try on three types of backpacks. Learn how to choose the proper size frame for your body size. Learn and then be able to explain to others the difference between a soft pack, an internal frame pack, and an external frame pack. Tell the pros and cons of each type and what kind of trek you would take with each pack.
Explain the different parts of a backpack and their use.
Learn the proper way to lift and wear your backpack.
Describe at least four ways to limit weight and bulk in your backpack without jeopardizing your health and safety.
Learn how you would load an internal frame pack versus one with an external frame.
Pack your backpack with your personal gear, including outdoor essentials, additional gear, and personal extras. Pack as though you were sharing equipment with one other person for a three-day, two-night backpacking trip.
List at least 10 items essential for an overnight backpacking trek and explain why each item is necessary.
Present yourself to an experienced backpacker, unload your pack, have him or her critique your packing, then repack your pack. Have him or her critique your efforts.
i.
ii.
iii.
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ii.
iii.
iv.
i.
ii.
Participate in three different treks of at least three days and two nights each, covering at least 15 miles in distance each.
Plan and lead a backpacking trek (can be one of the treks in (i) above) with at least five people for at least two days. This group can be your crew, another crew, a Boy Scout troop, or another youth group.
Plan the menu for this trek using commercially prepared backpacking foods for at least one meal.
Check for any permits needed and prepare a trip plan to be left with your family. Have an emergency contact number.
Using the map you used to chart your course, brief the crew you are leading on your trip plan.
Lead a shakedown for those you are leading.
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iii.
Learn about trail health considerations and typical backpacking injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, altitude sickness, dehydration, blisters, stings and bites, and sprains and how to avoid and treat these injuries and illnesses.
Because fluid intake is so important to a backpacker, tell how to take care of your water supply on a backpacking trip. Include ways of treating water and why that is important.
Using all the knowledge you have acquired about backpacking, make a display or presentation for your crew, another crew, a Boy Scout troop, or another youth group. Include equipment and clothing selection and use, trip planning, environmental considerations, trail health and safety considerations, food selection and preparation, and backpacking physical preparation.
14.
First Aid
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