Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Boulder Tuesday-Hikers COPY-RH PDF 7july-No Cover
Boulder Tuesday-Hikers COPY-RH PDF 7july-No Cover
Boulder Tuesday-Hikers COPY-RH PDF 7july-No Cover
Tuesday
Hikers
Boulder,
Colorado,
19592013
a
history
through
stories
Created
and
compiled
in
2013
by
Betsy
Hunt,
Hans
Schreuder
and
Richard
Holmes
Credits
Book
layout
design
and
copy
editing:
Mary
Headley
of
Information
Engineering
Company
Cover
art
(Lake
Isabelle
in
Indian
Peaks
Wilderness)
and
photo
editing:
Richard
Holmes
Computer
support:
Ellen
Champion,
Ian
Schreuder
and
Tymen
Schreuder
Editorial
reviews:
Kate
Secrest,
Sally
Scheetz
and
Jean
Zambrano
Photographs:
Contributed
by
various
members
of
the
Tuesday
Hikers
Tuesday
Hikers
on
Switzerland
Park
hike,
June
2010
ii
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
iii
iv
by Jody Adleman .............................................................................................................. 36 A Memorable Hike ............................................................................................................ 37 by Richard Holmes ........................................................................................................... 37 Getting Lost ...................................................................................................................... 37 by Paul Korda ................................................................................................................... 37 A Love Story ..................................................................................................................... 38 by Jim McConnell and Kate Secrest .................................................................................. 38 Memorable Hikes ............................................................................................................. 39 by Hans Schreuder ........................................................................................................... 39 Gold Hill Potlucks .............................................................................................................. 40 by Carole Arnold ............................................................................................................... 40 Getting Lost at a Gold Hill Potluck ..................................................................................... 42 by Rita Reasoner .............................................................................................................. 42 Switzerland Park Hikes and Picnics ................................................................................... 42 by Betsy Hunt and Bill Campbell ...................................................................................... 42 Halloween Parties ............................................................................................................ 44 by Dorothy Coltrin ............................................................................................................ 44 The Photographer, Richard Holmes .................................................................................. 45 by Betsy Hunt ................................................................................................................... 45 Popular Scenic Destinations .............................................................................................. 46
by Phyllis Schwartz ........................................................................................................... 55 by Richard Holmes ........................................................................................................... 56 by Elaine Taylor ................................................................................................................ 57 by Maryann Balassa ......................................................................................................... 57 by Sally Sheetz .................................................................................................................. 58 by Hermann Meng ........................................................................................................... 58 by Hans Schreuder ........................................................................................................... 59 by Holly Clark ................................................................................................................... 59 by Donna Seaman ............................................................................................................ 60
Poems
............................................................................................................
61
Happy
People
...................................................................................................................
61
by
Sandy
McCoy
...............................................................................................................
61
Tuesday
Hikers
.................................................................................................................
61
by
Kathleen
Flynn
.............................................................................................................
61
Aspen
in
Autumn
..............................................................................................................
63
by
John
Rapoza
................................................................................................................
63
Haiku
................................................................................................................................
64
by
Mary
Headley
..............................................................................................................
64
A
Meditation
....................................................................................................................
65
by
Madeline
Goldhawk
....................................................................................................
65
vi
Introduction
This
is
the
narrative
of
the
Tuesday
Hikers,
a
living
history
as
told
through
stories.
Vibrant,
rich
in
detail,
these
stories
come
from
the
fertile
minds
of
our
many
hikers.
There
has
never
been
a
written
record
of
the
group
and,
because
of
its
longevity
and
the
aging
of
its
members,
this
is
the
time
to
do
it.
Fifty-four
years
of
hiking
provides
a
wealth
of
knowledge
to
draw
from.
Probing
into
the
origins
of
the
Tuesday
Hikers,
the
first
section
is
about
early
history
as
it
evolved
from
a
1959
YWCA
walking
group.
Memories
from
the
earliest
members
provide
personal
accounts
essential
to
the
foundation
of
this
history,
and
stories
about
memorable
hikers
of
the
past
who
are
not
with
us
anymore
are
emphasized.
Recollections
from
both
long-time
and
recent
members
continue
the
narrative.
Next
is
an
array
of
personal
hiking
stories,
dynamic
and
lucid
accounts
of
a
variety
of
hiking
experiences.
The
main
focus
is
on
these
individual
stories
happy,
funny,
scary,
eventful
and
thought-provoking.
They
provide
a
perspective
not
possible
by
the
writings
of
just
a
few
people.
And,
finally,
we
ask
ourselves
why
we
hike.
How
do
we
benefit?
How
are
we
fulfilled?
What
pleasures
do
we
derive?
What
do
we
learn
from
the
outdoors,
the
wilderness?
What
do
we
learn
about
ourselves?
Personal
and
philosophical
answers
are
provided
in
the
section
called
Why
Do
We
Hike?
Some
are
humorous.
And
some
reveal
innermost
feelings
of
people
we
thought
we
knew.
In
addition
to
stories
about
the
people
and
the
hikes,
there
are
photographs,
poems
and
an
appendix
listing
Tuesday
Hikers
from
various
lists
over
the
years.
Although
there
are
many
photographs
in
the
book,
it
is
not
possible
to
include
a
picture
of
every
member.
The
persons
singled
out
are
those
from
long
ago
or
who
held
a
special
significance
to
the
group
as
a
whole.
Other
photographs
are
mostly
selected
at
random
to
include
a
variety
of
people.
The 4th of July Trail to Arapaho Pass continues to amaze, though weve seen it many times before, July 2008
Blue Lake it doesnt get any better than this, July 2010
C H A P T E R 1
Early History
n June 1959, the YWCA sponsored a hiking group. The original purpose of the group was for fellowship and to acquaint people with hikes near Boulder. The group hiked until noon and then had lunch. Most of the hikes were close to town, including Mt. Sanitas, Gregory Canyon and the Mesa Trail. A YWCA program from the summer of 1959, shown below left, billed the Tuesday Hikers as offering An opportunity for mom and the kids and visitors too to get acquainted with the natural beauty near Boulder. The first identified hike was on June 9, 1959, to the Natural Theatre on Flagstaff, starting at 9 a.m. at Baseline and Flagstaff Road, as shown in the announcement below right.
Article
reprinted
courtesy
of
the
Daily
Camera
By 1961 the hikers began meeting at North Boulder Park, and ventured further into such areas as Camp Dick and Eldora. Meeting times were generally 9 a.m., but sometimes varied according to location. Mrs. Wyndham and Mrs. George W. (Marion) Unger were the coordinators. Initially, participation on the hikes was limited to women, children and guests; men were allowed to join the group in the early 1980s. An early photo of the Tuesday Hikers on an unidentified trail is shown on the next page.
Earliest known photo of the Tuesday Hikers, available from YWCA archives, circa 1960
Newspaper announcements of the hikes began appearing in the Daily Camera during the summer of 1960; for some reason the hikers were referred to as a walking group. Some of these early clippings are shown below.
Article
reprinted
courtesy
of
the
Daily
Camera
In 1964, Suzan Plummer was in charge, at least through 1966. She was referred to as the group coordinator. By 1966, a distinction was already encouraged between slow and fast hikers.
Early
Memories
The
earliest
memories
by
Tuesday
Hikers,
including
those
from
long-time
members
Nancy
Kraushaar
and
Betty
Sherritt,
are
recorded
below.
related
by
Nancy
Kraushaar
Nancy
remembers
starting
to
hike
with
the
group
in
1961
when
Eleanor
Bartlett
told
her
about
it.
She
said
there
were
about
10
women
then
with
destinations
such
as
the
Mesa
Trail
and
Jamestown.
When
they
returned
from
the
hike,
the
driver
was
paid
for
gas
on
a
mileage
basis
to
take
the
burden
off
the
drivers.
Nancy
recalled
that
the
Y
was
leery
of
continuing
to
sponsor
the
hikes
because
of
possible
liability
problems.
Nancy
hiked
with
the
group
for
40
years.
by Betty Sherritt I attended my first Tuesday hike after it was mentioned in the YWCA sheet of activities in about 1966. I had recently started my youngest in school, which freed me midday for an interval. I longed to do a brisk pace. The rest started, too, at a somewhat slower walk. The one person I clearly remember was Nancy Kraushaar, not by her name, but by her distinctive hair and face. I was impressed with how fast this sprightly group got beyond the rest of us. Also at one of these beginning hikes, they announced a party, which I attended in the downstairs of someones home. Im sorry, these are but sketchy memories. I went occasionally when I wanted more than anything to get into those marvelous mountains on a wonderful day. But soon I had found tennis connections and dropped in when I could. Note: Betty hiked regularly again in the 1990s. by Betsy Hunt In the early 1970s I was on the program committee at the Boulder YWCA. I noticed a group in the brochure called Y Hikers. I was told it was a group of women who met on Tuesdays in the North Boulder Park parking lot and walked different places. The Y no longer had anything to do with it, but retained it in its brochure. In 1973 a friend of mine, Anna Marie Robb, asked if I would like to join her and her hiking group. I was surprised when she took me to the Park to find a group of very active women who ventured far into the mountains weekly. I was hooked! As the mother of young children who was not working at that time, I found this outlet saved my sanity and took me into mountain areas I had not yet discovered. I hiked every Tuesday for those first two years, rain, snow, wind or shine. The group at that time was only women, about 20 or so, and some were much older than I was. They inspired me to see that as I aged I could continue to enjoy hiking in the high Rockies. Now in my 70s I am gratefully continuing to hike. The reason that this group has continued for so many years is because we are intentionally unorganized. There are no officers, no committees, no costs (except helping pay for gas for the driver), and you dont have to let anyone know you are coming. Most of these women were strongly independent, and there were two of them whom I especially remember for their accomplishments. One was Betty Lane, known as The Flower Lady. She knew the names of every wildflower actually all three names of each one! I learned so much from her. She also was one of the founders of Boulder Hospice and the Mary Sandoe House. The other woman was Mary Galey, who had come to Chautauqua from Oklahoma as a child. She raised her family in the cottage directly behind the auditorium. When Chautauquas 20-year lease with the City of Boulder expired in the 1970s, the city 6
wanted to take over the property for development. Mary was outraged and turned her anger into a wonderful book on the history of Chautauqua, The Grand Assembly. Mary is also credited with saving Chautauqua by having it landmarked locally, decades before it became a National Historic Landmark. During the late 1970s a group of families decided to go on a camping trip together. Some were Anna Marie and Joe Robb, Nancy Allen, Mary Galey, Betty Sherritt, and myself, my husband, Buzz, and all our children. The first year we went to Middle St. Vrain, hiking up the road with all our equipment, and we had to portage across the river with a rope. The second trip was to the Gore Range. In the 1980s as more and more couples retired in Boulder, men started to appear with their wives. In fact my parents, Bob and Connie Fernie, who moved here after retirement, joined the hiking group in 1982. The group swelled and eventually became so large that we had to split up to go to various trails. This also allowed for faster and slower groups to form. In the 1990s a group started going in the winter to Snow Mountain Ranch, the YMCA camp near Fraser. We rented two cabins for two nights for about 15-25 people. Food duties were planned ahead for breakfast and dinner. We did cross- country skiing and snowshoeing during the day, and each evening we had happy hour and dinner together in one of the cabins. One year we might have gotten lost in a blizzard, our first afternoon out, if Ellen Champion had not been familiar with the trails and led us along a fence to the Nordic Center. Another memorable event at Snow Mountain Ranch was the morning that Hanne Williams, German born, was cooking French toast for our breakfast. She pulled the sheet containing all the toasts out of the oven and promptly dumped them on the floor. Oh my, she was sure there would be no breakfast now. But John Rapoza quietly leaned over, picked them all up, put them on the pan, and we ate every one of them. She couldnt believe that we Americans would eat something off the floor! For four years around 2005, we rented a big reunion cabin at the ranch so we could all be together. It was great fun and luxurious in its grand living/dining room and double kitchen, but then the prices went up, and we found it was more economical to rent two smaller cabins. As experienced as most of the hikers are, we have in the past experienced some dangerous hikes in the mountains. In the 1990s six carloads of us went up to the Moffat Tunnel to hike up to Heart Lake. It was a very hot June day. New hikers, Sandy and Arthur Bierman from New York, had joined us, and we were happily hiking along in the trees for a long way. Most people decided not to continue up to the Lake as they were not sure of the weather. Hanne Williams and I and a couple of men wanted to risk it. We got to the lake, sat enjoying our lunches, then looked back and saw the blackest clouds we
could imagine. Realizing there was no cover above timberline, we started quickly down the mountain. Hail came down upon us, such as wed never seen. When we finally caught up with the others, we all were slipping and sliding in the hail with it continually pounding us, and peoples ponchos were getting torn off their bodies. We got lost a couple of times because the hail had piled up so high we couldnt see the trail. Sandy and Arthur were struggling down the trail with only their light summer clothes on. Most of us got a bit of hypothermia and were getting shaky, as the temperature had dropped precipitously. When we finally arrived gratefully at the cars, we found some people, especially Arthur, were really in bad shape. We made him strip off his wet clothes and wrapped him in a quilt. He and a couple of other men were ill from that hike. We all learned the necessity of bringing more clothes than you ever think you will need! by Nancy Allen Here are my memories of Tuesday Hikers in 1970. Two elderly ladies who had both been missionaries in China were an important part of the group in summer. We have to see the columbine again they exclaimed. We will picnic near them, dont worry about us. You proceed on your way. These members of the Tuesday Hikers were able to walk with us into their 90s. Ruth Howard was another who loved joining us into her late 80s. Such inspiring ladies to those of us younger ones. Charles Yeomans, Mary Jean Willis, Betty Lane, Nancy Kraushaar and Jean Anstine were regulars in the 1970s and I always looked forward to visiting with them. Black Lake, Glacier View, Mills, Blue Lake, Isabelle and Niwot Ridge, Middle St. Vrain Mountain with alpine forget-me-nots, Fern and Odessa Lakes were favorites for those of us in our 40s and 50s. One day heading for Sawtooth Mountain, Mary Galey drove some of us and our kids in her jeep over rough roads to begin our hike on an overnight backpacking trip that was great fun. We got as far as Red Deer Lake and camped with the kids, who were mostly in elementary school. In attendance at the site were Anne Marie Robb, her husband, Joe and their golden retriever, Judy and Connie Travers, Nancy and Scott Allen, Betsy Hunt, Mary Galey and son John and a few others. It was an unforgettable experience for us and the kids! by Ellen Champion Tuesday Hikers are active all year, no matter what the weather. Sometimes up to 30 hikers, sometimes only two or three. Summers we went into the foothills and Front Range mountains. Winters we hiked many Boulder County Open Space trails. When there was snow, many took the Ski Bus to Eldora Ski Area, where we had a 8
choice of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Our choices each week were partly dependent on reports from participants who had recently hiked some trails, and reported about snow and wet conditions, or flowers viewed. I started hiking with the Tuesday Hikers in 1974 with Jean Anstine. We were in many activities together, including spinning, knitting, weaving and training Girl Scout leaders how to prepare their troops for camping trips. Nothing was better than hiking together for many years. I have always loved wildflowers, and hiking with Betty Lane was a challenge for me to remember all the names of the flowers. Betty had moved here from the East Coast to retire. She had not learned about the wildflowers until she came here. I carried a small flower book, and had to relearn the names each summer. I took Betty on hikes after she could no longer go with the group, and the slower we walked, the more tiny flowers we would find along the way. by Hope Leighton I was so excited to learn that you were writing a history of the Tuesday Hikers. I started hiking with the group when I retired from NOAA in 1977 and went regularly for several years. I remember that the YWCA was still sponsoring the group at that time. Some of the primary movers were Florence Ross, Mary Galey, Jean Anstine and Nancy Kraushaar. I was going very little even before I moved to Wichita in 2007. Those were good times. I enjoyed so much getting out with people and exploring the Colorado mountains. Miss them. In addition to the daily hikes we did some extended trips. My favorite was the trip to Arizona to hike across the Grand Canyon from north to south. That takes planning. And spending a day at Phantom Ranch was great. I do a lot of reminiscing about the good ole days, especially about Colorado, but am content in Wichita, too. Im doing well for a 92-year-old. Ill be looking forward to seeing your history. If you are aware of anyone else who might remember me, tell them hello.
Wildflowers along Crater Lake above the Moffat Tunnel, July 2007
10
C H A P T E R 2
11
12
Yardley retired from the Bureau of Standards in 1979. From trips with his wife to England and Scotland, he became interested in an archaeological site on the Isle of Man, and the former physics professor began work on a degree in British history at CU in 1983. Two years later, he participated in a dig on that island. Through the years, hiking continued to play a role in Yardleys life. The Beers had a cabin near the Ceran St. Vrain Trail area, and sometime along the way, Yardley became involved with the Tuesday Hikers. by Jo Anne Smallwood One summer day, a small group of Tuesday Hikers were out on a trail. As it approached lunchtime, Yardley mentioned that his cabin was nearby and we could go there to eat lunch. What an interesting place his cabin was. It was truly a get- away, pleasant but rustic. It amazed me that it was lit with strings of tiny lights, like those we use on Christmas trees. It served the purpose and certainly did not use much energy.
13
14
Peaceful Valley parking lot along with a group of horseback riders. I was talking with one of the riders, and we were standing at the head of the horse. Imma had taken off her hiking shoes and put on her nice street shoes. She came towards us, and I dont remember if she even asked permission, but she said, Its been a long time since Ive been on a horse and there she was. We were all startled, even the horse. She had vaulted onto the horse. At the Arnolds picnics, she would always get Dirk to put her on a horse. She was hoping she could ride again when she moved back to Italy. Imma was also a very good cross-country skier. She would go up to Eldora on the senior bus and manage to ski most of the cross-country trails by the time the bus was ready to leave.
16
hesitation he replied, Its never too early for lunch. I knew then I was going to like Chris. He was one of the most mild-mannered, thoughtful and enthusiastic persons Ive ever met. I think it was his ready smile, his pleasant demeanor, that struck me upon our first encounter. We hiked many miles together before he had to drop out of the group to care for his wife, Beth, whose diabetic condition continued to worsen. Misfortune struck again when Chris was diagnosed with cancer. He died in 2010, but his memory lives with me as a real friend.
each about our own years of wonderful times in the mountains. I learned that Sandy had had some vivid climbing adventures in his youth. Sadly, Sandy became very ill and was no longer able to hike with us. Over his final months, he kept in touch by email. One day I told him of meeting three people near James Peak who were on a trek along the Continental Divide Trail. They had started in Mexico and were moving north with strength and speed. The idea of hiking the Continental Divide excited me. Sandys reply was that he was remembering when we were young and the Continental Divide was our playground. I love thinking of our younger days in the mountains in that way. by Sharon Howrey My favorite story of Sandy Jacobs is when we were snowshoeing, some of us going uphill and strong. Sandy said, Oh, youre just a bunch of tigers! When it came time to name the new SOB (Seniors on Bikes) group of bicycle riders, we went with his thought and called ourselves the Tigers. This group really epitomizes the name! I miss Sandy and all of his helpful comments. by Linda Bailey I cant remember any funny stories but I will always remember Sandys great appreciation for the beauty of nature. He always said, It doesnt get any better than this. Somehow that still resonates with me today. Sandy was a gentleman and an intellectual, albeit a modest man. by Hans Schreuder Even smart people need to be saved sometime. Sandy went snowshoeing once with us in Rocky Mountain National Park. After about five miles, nine of us stopped for lunch. We were close to a snow overhang just waiting to become an avalanche. Sandy, with his usual excessive energy, saw that area as a challenge that he wanted to meet, so he decided he was going to climb up. Fortunately, Jutta Schmidt challenged him by taking his hiking poles and warning him that he was planning to do something crazy. The three other ladies (Judy Gunkler, Maddy Goldhawk and Kate Secrest) in his car supported Jutta, and they finally talked him into not doing the foolish climb. I applauded him for finally listening to his four wives. He laughed about that. On another snowshoe hike, there was deep snow along the creek trail at East Portal. Sandy was leading the trip on the way back along the creek (not the normal trail). Suddenly he went down to his butt in the snow. We tried to get him to go back to the main trail but he refused. Ultimately he managed to plow on and continued making a trail along the creek. We followed, totally in awe of his persistence. It resulted in a truly lovely snow trip along the creek. We will have to do it again some time in memory of Sandy. 18
by Sara Michl On our Tuesday hikes, Sandy was invariably full of good humor and good ideas about where to hike. He was relaxed and interested in everything, often amused by conversations around him. He was fully engaged in life, always learning. And he was wonderfully supportive of his fellow Tuesday Hikers. by Kate Secrest Sandy Jacobs Last Hike: He was in the throes of receiving chemo treatment for his lung cancer and sidelined from hiking because of it. After many months of absence, Sandy showed up on a February morning to snowshoe with us. It was glorious to finally see Sandy, as his illness had kept him from socializing. We all fawned over him, as he declared that he was out of shape and very weak from the chemo. We vowed to go his speed and insisted he accompany the group to Peaceful Valley. Sandy was partially into the snowshoe trip when he became too tired to continue. After much fussing from his harem of admirers and at his insistence, we left him in an open area close to the campground and continued on our way. He insisted that he simply wanted to enjoy the peace and solitude of that lovely winter day. When we returned, he was glowing from his experience: He was renewed by his commune with nature and had seen a mountain lion while waiting for us to return. That was to be Sandys last time in his beloved mountains.
Back
row:
Terry
Hardie,
Stuart
Williams,
Abigail
Sperry,
Kate
Secrest,
Maddy
Goldhawk,
Judy
Gunkler,
Ted
Smith,
Ginny
Hackney,
Jim
Eastman,
Jutta
Schmidt,
Hans
Schreuder,
Chuck
&
Ellen
Winkelman,
Bill
Rawsky,
Pat
Wallace,
Bob
Stulac.
Front
row:
Steve
Clasen,
Gwen
Brodsky
with
one
of
the
twins,
Sara
Michl,
Andrew
Jacobs
with
the
other
twin
and
Charlene
Coutre.
Gwen
and
Andrew
are
Sandy's
children
and
the
twins
are
Sandys
grandchildren
by
Gwen.
19
20
C H A P T E R 3
group.
he stories in this chapter are by, or about, current members. Their inclusion is to provide perspective, humor and a personal view on hiking with the
Memories
by
Ed
Gauss
I
began
hiking
with
the
group
in
1992.
Jean
Anstine
was
the
informal
leader.
The
group
was
much
smaller
then,
and
we
all
went
to
the
same
place.
But
other
than
that,
the
format
was
pretty
much
as
it
is
today.
Hanne
Williams
was
our
strongest
hiker
in
those
years,
and
few
could
keep
up
with
her.
My
youngest
daughter,
Emily,
adopted
Hanne
and
hiked
with
her
when
her
school
was
out
in
the
summer.
Betty
Lane
was
our
wildflower
expert,
and
my
other
daughter
Elizabeth
hiked
with
her
and
learned
about
wild
flowers.
Occasionally,
a
few
of
us
explored
off-trail,
such
as
a
traverse
over
the
ridge
between
Blue
Lake
and
Isabelle
Lake.
I
was
the
instigator
of
such
adventures.
Regulars
in
that
explorer
group
were
Hanne,
Carolyn
Cohen,
Imma
Stanton,
occasionally
Betty
Lane,
Charles
Yeomans
and
I
forget
who
else.
We
also
bagged
a
few
14ers.
We
did
Bierstadt
one
October
day,
leaving
Boulder
at
5:00
a.m.
and
were
on
top
by
10:00
a.m.,
whereupon
it
began
to
snow.
We
were
back
at
Guanella
Pass
at
noon,
and
by
then
there
were
four
inches
of
snow
on
the
ground.
This
was
before
a
boardwalk
was
built
through
the
dreaded
willows.
The
mud
there
was
frozen
on
our
way
in,
so
we
just
walked
across
it,
but
it
was
ankle- deep
on
the
way
out.
We
also
did
another
ascent
of
Bierstadt
in
better
weather
and
after
the
boardwalk
had
been
built.
On
another
trip
we
bagged
Quandary
Peak;
on
that
hike
were
Monty
and
Doris
Montgomery,
Imma,
Hanne
and
myself,
as
well
as
a
fellow
who
came
out
from
the
East.
One
year
we
did
Grays
and
Torreys,
camping
out
the
night
before
on
the
Guanella
Pass
road
above
Georgetown
so
we
could
get
an
early
start.
This
was
the
4th
of
July
weekend.
We
were
the
third
car
at
the
trailhead,
but
I
counted
150
cars
there
when
we
returned.
Other
14ers
we
bagged
were
Sherman
and
the
trio
of
Lincoln,
Bross
and
Democrat.
The
screeing
down
the
side
of
Bross
proved
a
bit
of
a
challenge
to
those
of
us
who
were
not
skiers.
When
Hanne
was
still
hiking,
I
led
a
small
group
off-trail
from
near
Loch
Vale
to
a
small,
unnamed
lake
to
the
north.
We
then
bushwhacked
to
the
back
trail
21
descending from Lake Haiyaha. Route finding is not the easiest on that traverse, and troubling us that day was an ice layer that had formed on a rock slab we had to descend. Hanne was having trouble with her balance. So Elaine Taylor went ahead and found a safe route while I stayed with Hanne. There may have been just the three of us on that off-trail adventure. I once found a different way to Miller Rock for the group going up from the north, using an old forest road from the village of Raymond. Another time I led the group to a small lake, off-trail, north and downhill from Diamond Lake. Yardley Beers always talked about an off-trail climb of The Ironclads, so I researched that route and led the group up that a few times. As the new century began, I developed a fluttery heart valve, and while my cardiologist assured me I would not drop dead on the trail, it did cause me to become the slowest regular hiker in the group currently. In defiance of that flutter, I joined another climb of Bierstadt and was one hour behind the leaders in getting to the top. I still do off-trail adventures, but it is hard to show others the route when my pace is the slowest. I turn 80 this year, and I believe I am second only to John Rapoza as being the oldest regular male hiker. I now pick my hikes most carefully and avoid any that have much uphill on the way out. I am known to comment that when other men are pondering Playboy centerfolds, I look at maps looking for new places and new adventures.
22
Another time he started somewhere off Trail Ridge Road. Connecting with the Ute Trail, then hiking off onto another path, Ed takes us around a ravine, loops a rock outcrop, pushes an elk off the trail, reaches another path and crosses more tundra. A big horn sheep threatens, then decides to make a run for it. Somehow we rejoin a trail that met another trail that takes us across more tundra and back toward the road. Ed kicks a marmot out of the way and strides up to the highway. I think Eds many years of flying as a bush pilot in Alaska have sharpened his navigating skills. How does he find these ventures? Ive often felt he sneaked around these places years ago when no one was looking, maybe even in the dark, and just memorized them. So that is why I like to hike with Ed Gauss there will be a surprise on each outing.
Memories
by
George
Thompson
Harry
and
Jean
Nachman
told
me
about
the
Tuesday
group
back
in
1992.
My
first
hike
was
with
them
going
up
to
Arapahoe
Pass.
That
hooked
me,
as
I
had
never
hiked
before.
Harry
was
one
of
my
favorite
people.
I
remember
Yardley
Beers,
who,
it
was
said,
was
90
at
the
time.
He
stopped
halfway
up
Lake
Isabelle
trail
and
said,
This
is
a
beautiful
spot.
Im
going
to
stay
here
and
take
a
nap.
You
can
catch
me
on
the
way
back.
And
he
did!
Betty
Lane
spotted
wood
lilies
on
the
way
up
to
Cub
Lake
and
said,
They
only
bloom
every
seven
years.
She
didnt
have
her
camera
with
her,
but
because
they
are
so
special,
she
decided
to
come
back
up
with
her
husband
later
to
take
pictures
of
them.
Betty,
also
in
her
early
80s,
passed
out
from
heat
on
the
way
up
to
Mills
Lake.
This
scared
everyone.
We
got
her
back
up,
and
she
was
determined
to
go
on
without
the
help
that
I
offered.
I
said
I
would
carry
her
pack.
She
said,
No,
you
are
NOT
going
to
carry
my
pack.
The
day
I
cant
carry
my
pack
is
the
day
they
carry
me
out!
23
In about 2004, a lady, Joyce Bogard, whom few of us knew, fell against a rock three miles above the Camp Dick Trail to Buchanan Pass. We didnt know it at the time, but she had broken her kneecap. She refused to walk, so I tried my cell phone, to no avail. I jogged back to the campground manager, who said no phones work there, but there was an emergency phone a half-mile up the road. I called and we ended up with 10-12 volunteers. The first crew diagnosed and stabilized her. Then more help came with a rolling stretcher, which is on a balloon tire with four ropes extending. A man was on each rope and they pulled her out, bouncing down the trail. About four to five years ago in the summer, a group of about 12 Thursday hikers went up to Rocky Mountain National Park, parked at the Glacier Basin park-and- ride, took the trail out of the parking lot to Bierstadt Lake, then on to Bear Lake for lunch, a distance of about three and a half to four miles one way. Our plan was to hike a big loop, returning from Bear Lake by way of Glacier Gorge and the Glacier Creek Trail, on to Sprague Lake and on back to our car. Our plan failed. One of our female hikers, who shall remain nameless, had lunch with all of us sitting around Bear Lake. It started to rain, and everyone scrambled to put on rain gear and head toward the Bear Lake parking lot, with the intent of going on to Glacier Gorge and to finish our loop. Fortunately, we counted heads and realized one person was missing, and who it was. After much looking around and calling out, we decided that in the middle of the rain gear scramble, she must have taken the trail back that we had come up that morning. We had to assume she did not realize the rest of us were planning to do the big loop. We sent two fast hikers, Bruce Johnson and Jerry Bebernes, chasing after her and the rest of us boarded a bus back to our cars. If we were right about what she did (and of course we were not sure) and the trail she was on, we decided there were two places she could come out, either on the road at Bierstadt trailhead or on down to where we had started at the Glacier Basin park-and-ride. We had agreed that if we could not find her within about three hours, we would have to notify the park rangers. I took my car and sat at the Bierstadt trailhead for about one and a half hours, watching for her; sure enough, here she came, and about ten minutes later, Bruce and Jerry showed up, as they had never caught up with her. She had no idea we considered her lost and were looking for her, as she said she thought we were all in front of her the whole time, and she was just racing to catch up! She apparently decided to stop hiking with us, as we did not see anymore of her after that.
24
Random
Memories
by
Elaine
Taylor
Were
not
DISorganized;
were
UNorganized,
quoting
Jean
Anstine.
Why
was
Hanne
always
up
near
the
front?
(paraphrasing)
I
feel
like
Im
being
pulled
upward.
(balloon,
from
head?).
I
think
she
mentioned
feeling
light,
so
it
was
easy
for
her
to
go
forward.
I
enjoyed
the
Italianess
of
Imma.
She
called
me
Elena.
I
was
late
to
arrive
at
Chasm
Lake
one
Tuesday.
I
was
facing
the
final
scramble,
when
I
met
her
descending,
already
having
lunched.
Others
have
probably
mentioned
Yardleys
Ironclads.
A
trip
to
Beers
cabin
and
Sig
falling
into
the
creek.
As
he
got
older,
Yardley
would
time
himself
on
the
trail,
lunch
at
a
certain
time,
then
nap,
there
or
at
the
trailhead.
Charles
Yeomans
was
always
ready
to
demonstrate
the
approved
way
to
use
hiking
sticks.
Willy
Unsoeld
said,
I
miss
his
readiness
to
tackle
bigger
hikes
in
a
moderate
way,
like
Estes
Cone
and
Twin
Sisters.
The
only
constant
is
change.
Ive
been
with
Tuesday
Hikers
15
plus
years.
Ive
watched
the
once-vigorous
change
their
choice
of
destination,
later
followed
by
regretted
absence.
Ive
seen
a
change
in
myself;
hikes
that
originally
oppressed
now
seem
like
an
outing;
my
feet
are
tougher.
25
their producing many gourd birdhouses and selling them at the Boulder Farmers Market. Maria passed away in 2000, and, in his grief, Hermann took over the painting of the gourds. One day he decided to cut down a small aspen and paint it for a walking stick. He was walking with the City of Boulder group at that time, and a man walking behind him asked, Where did you get that stick? Asked if he would sell the stick, Hermann declined the offer, but that gave him an idea. He made another and sold it and the rest is history. He has been selling them to friends and at McGuckins store for the past eight years. He has an inventory of almost 300 at his home right now. The birdhouse gourds are also taking over his home and garage!
Hermann Meng displays some of his hand-painted walking sticks and gourds, March 2013
Producing these works of art has been an evolving education for Hermann. With no artistic training, he has become an amazing artist! To get the sticks, he scours the aspen groves around his home. After cutting them, he peels off the bark in the spring, dries them, paints stripes with acrylics every six inches down and then does his magic. Wildflowers, birds, intricate designs, and bird and animal pictures he has cut out and glued on decorate the sticks. The tops are decorated with beads, jewels or feathers. While in Iowa a few years ago, Hermann and a friend were visiting a man who, Hermann noticed, had one of his gourds in his kitchen. The gourd had been a gift from someone, and imagine the mans surprise when he found that Hermann was the artist! The man was so impressed that he told Hermann he could have all the gourds he wanted, as he grew gourds on his farm. Now, after two trips there, and bags full of gourds, Hermann has more than he can paint. 26
Being an early riser, Hermann gets up at 4:00 a.m., makes his coffee, and then sits down in his kitchen and paints. As he watches the sun rise behind his sliding glass doors overlooking Gross Reservoir, he is on his way to finishing another walking stick. It takes about two days to finish one. He charges $25 for them. Quite a bargain!
We all have bad days, make mistakes and inconvenience other hikers, but most memories are of beautiful country and friendship, so we get past the embarrassments and they become something to joke about.
28
now. However, I still have fond recollections of the hikes. I occasionally think about spending summers in Boulder and hiking with the group again.
29
Hiking
Memories
by
Sharon
Foster
Howrey
Id
just
like
to
say
that
my
husband,
Phil
Howrey,
and
I
were
introduced
to
the
Tuesday
hiking
group
via
Janet
Freeman.
Those
were
the
days
of
6-mile
or
more
hikes,
complete
with
Sandy
Jacobs
acting
as
sweep.
I
always
got
hungry
before
the
group
stopped
for
lunch,
so
I
would
eat
my
food
l-o-n-g
before
the
group
did.
(And
that
didnt
include
snacks
along
the
way!)
What
a
great
way
to
safely
explore
the
mountains
as
newbies.
We
were
introduced
to
Indian
Peaks
and
James
Peak
Wildernesses,
not
to
mention
Rocky
Mountain
National
Park
and
local
favorites
like
Walker
Ranch
and
Heil
Ranch.
If
we
werent
riding
bikes,
we
were
out
on
the
trails.
My
favorite
folks
to
hike
with
besides
Janet
included
Maddy
Goldhawk,
because
she
knows
flowers;
Hans
Schreuder,
because
he
hiked
at
my
rate;
and
Judy
Gunkler,
because
she
knows
a
lot
about
EVERYTHING!
Actually,
I
dont
think
I
hiked
twice
with
the
same
group
of
folks
and
there
were
always
such
interesting
conversations.
A
lot
has
changed
in
the
group.
Phil
is
no
longer
with
us,
and
Im
hiking
with
friends,
but
not
necessarily
on
Tuesdays.
However,
the
mountains,
the
smell
of
the
pine
trees,
the
beautiful
waterfalls,
the
color
of
the
aspens,
the
multicolored
stones
is
the
same
whether
its
Tuesday,
Wednesday
and
even
on
the
weekends!
And
we
have
those
wonderful
snowshoes
with
George
Thompson
on
Thursdays
to
look
forward
to
this
winter.
Thanks
for
allowing
me
to
share
my
thoughts.
I
hope
to
join
the
group
on
a
hike
again
soon.
From
Australia
by
Christine
Holland
I
moved
to
Boulder
in
December
2004
from
Australia,
but
didnt
think
of
hiking
until
the
spring,
and
think
I
first
went
out
with
Tuesday
Hikers
in
May
2005.
I
read
about
it
in
the
Daily
Camera.
At
that
time,
all
Tuesday
Hikers
met
together
at
North
Boulder
Park
and
Rita
Reasoner
would
first
ask
the
long
hikers
to
go
off,
then
the
rest
would
break
into
carloads.
I
went
with
the
short
groups
for
three
weeks,
but
after
getting
home
without
having
even
managed
a
sweat,
I
decided
to
try
whether
I
could
manage
the
long
hike.
The
first
time
I
went
to
join
them,
someone,
I
think
Terry
Hardy,
warned
me
it
would
be
13
miles,
which
I
considered
doable.
It
was
a
month
or
so
later,
when
we
got
home
from
Lawn
Lake
and
Crystal
Lake
at
7:00
p.m.
that
the
Early
Tuesday
Hikers
started
to
go
earlier
than
the
rest.
30
I had only been going a couple of weeks when someone suggested King Lake. After a couple of miles, we got into deep snow, and after another couple of miles of post-holing (and putting my foot through into the creek), my driver, Pat Wallace (it was terrible to hear what happened to her), sensibly decided to turn back, but some others kept going. I heard later that no one actually got to King Lake. I thought then that I had gotten into a group of crazies. Other memorable days include the hike to Diamond Lake and Corona Pass. The group got very separated to the extent that some people were waiting at the cars more than an hour before the drivers, Ted Smith and Sandy Jacobs, who were busy taking photos of flowers. I think I was the third last back, as I went up to Corona Pass as everyone else was coming down. As I crossed the meadow near the end, a thunderstorm arrived and lightning struck just ahead of me. Meanwhile, one of the drivers had returned early and left with only one passenger, leaving 12 people for two cars, a very uncomfortable trip down Boulder Canyon. I do remember our hike up Audubon. There was only one car with five people. The storm arrived very suddenly, we hadnt even seen it from the peak. The strong hikers, one of whom hadnt been up to the peak anyway, took off. That section above the tree line never seemed longer. I have two very different memories of Homestead Meadows. The first was of hiking with Jim McConnell on Susan Harriss birthday. After we ate our sandwiches, Jim produced ice cream. Jim also manages to produce some good meals from his little stove. The second memory was less good, as we lost two people on the way back to the cars (Ive almost gone the wrong way, too). Fortunately they realized they were wrong after a while and turned back. That was when we discovered that the whistles we all carry are actually useless after a fairly short distance. As we got towards the next winter, I was amazed to hear that we just kept going on snowshoes. I discovered that it wasnt difficult, but never liked deep soft snow. Im sure there are lots of other things I enjoyed, like sitting in a meadow just covered in all sorts of flowers or by some of the beautiful lakes. We dont have many lakes here in Australia, as it was never glacial.
Coffee!
by
Hans
Schreuder
All
of
the
hikers
in
the
Tuesday
Hiking
group
are
committed
to
long
hikes
or
snowshoe
trips.
Many
of
us
think
we
deserve
a
reward
on
the
way
home
by
going
to
Kind
Coffee
in
Estes
Park,
The
Stone
Cup
in
Lyons,
the
Caboose
in
Nederland,
Vics
or
Breadworks
in
Boulder
or
Noa
Noa
in
Golden,
depending
on
where
the
hike
has
taken
us.
Especially
dedicated
to
this
noble
effort
are
the
three
authors
of
this
history,
along
with
Bruce
Johnson,
George
Thompson,
Paul
Korda,
Carolyn
Ingalls,
31
Hermann Meng, Dorothy Coltrin, Maddy Goldhawk, Jody Adleman, Kate Secrest, Larry Kane, Libby Rosenzweig and others. Weighty topics are discussed at this time, such as the presidential election, the magic of yoga, who has had or needs a knee or hip replacement, and what the best diet is lately, with special emphasis on gluten- free foods. Especially the latter has performed magic on some of the hikers. After a certain amount of hugging, we reluctantly part company until the next sojourn.
On one of the coffee breaks, we actually managed to arrange what appears to us now to be a successful relationship between two people who are not even part of the hiking group. We met a younger lady in her late 40s who, at some point in time, injected herself into our conversation and mentioned that she had a best male friend looking for a girlfriend. I mentioned that I had a female friend who had just moved to Boulder and who was looking for a boyfriend. Phone numbers were exchanged, and the male friend did call the female friend; they have been dating now for two and a half years. Needless to say, I am monitoring this relationship carefully to make sure it keeps going in the right direction.
earned the right to stop somewhere for liquid sustenance, relaxation and unhurried conversation. Besides, our sack lunches just take us so far. For example, how could we not stop at Kind Coffee in Estes after a long trudge in the Park on a hot summer day? Ever since our discovery of the Kind Shake, a vanilla shake kicked up a notch with espresso and chocolate, most of us have been programmed to grind to a stop at their front door. Only an insensitive, uncaring, caffeine-intolerant carpool driver would pass this place by. In Lyons awaits The Stone Cup for our post-hiking potations. If the penalty for speeding in Lyons is incarceration for an hour at The Stone Cup, then its probably well worth irritating the local gendarmes. And the caboose up in Nederland. This old railroad car converted into a coffee house is an imperative stop for returning Caribou Ranch hikers. In addition to its unusual setting, its cloistered interior shuts out the din and clatter found in most other coffee grottos. Then there is that strangely named coffee shop in Golden, the Noa Noa. It snares those thirsty hikers returning from Table Mountain, White Ranch Park or some such, offering not only mochas and Bhakti Chai, but also a decadent espresso-laden shake. Finally, we have Vics and the Breadworks. Being near North Boulder Park, these are a catchall for stray hikers and a repository for the confused. When we cant think of any place else to go, we end up there. And the passengers of the callous drivers who wouldnt stop on the way back can find respite at this pair of coffee houses. Vics has a great outdoor seating area. The Breadworks, as a bakery, can fulfill pastry needs, as well as Chai cravings, mocha moods, decaf coffee for the timid and Ovaltine for the undecided.
33
Reflections
by
Peter
Divine
I
first
heard
of
the
Tuesday
Hikers
soon
after
I
moved
to
Boulder
in
1980.
I
took
square
dancing
lessons
and
joined
the
Swinging
Singles
Square
Dance
Club,
where
I
met
Florence
Ross.
Florence
told
me
how
she
hiked
every
Tuesday
with
the
group
that
met
at
North
Boulder
Park.
Of
course,
I
was
a
working
person,
so
I
couldnt
hike
on
Tuesdays,
but
I
wished
that
I
had
a
group
to
hike
with
regularly.
Florence
lived
right
there
on
the
corner
of
9th
and
Dellwood.
Betsy
says
that
Florence
was
the
leader
of
the
group,
but
Florence
must
have
been
too
modest
to
say
so.
Florence
died
within
a
year
or
two
after
I
met
her.
Years
later,
her
house
was
razed
and
a
new
one
built
on
the
lot.
More
than
20
years
passed
before
I
first
joined
the
Tuesday
Hikers
on
January
21,
2003.
Brenda
Hutchinson
had
reminded
me
about
the
group
while
we
were
trekking
in
Nepal
in
the
fall
of
2002,
but
it
was
January
before
I
was
able
to
make
it
on
a
Tuesday.
On
my
first
Tuesday,
there
were
two
of
us
who
were
brand
new.
The
other
one
was
a
guy
named
Hermann
(Meng)
and
he
was
a
maker
of
walking
sticks.
Now,
ten
years
later,
I
still
dont
know
his
last
name.
The
leader
of
the
group
was
Rita
Reasoner
(but
for
many
months,
I
thought
her
name
was
Rita
Neil
because
of
her
email
address).
That
day,
I
ended
up
climbing
Deer
Mountain
with
Brenda,
Imma
and
Allen
Gerard.
There
was
a
lot
of
ice
on
the
trail,
and,
of
course,
Yaktrax
had
not
yet
been
invented.
So
it
was
a
very
treacherous
hike,
but
everybody
was
a
good
sport.
Imma
had
just
turned
80
and
was
an
incredibly
strong
hiker.
34
Again, we discussed turning back and then we heard children laughing. Ahhh, someone must be around this ranch. We snaked around the gate, and Janet and I sought some protection from the steady rain under the roof of a shed while Steve and Hans walked toward the sound of voices. Several minutes passed. I was able to remove my poncho and add a layer of clothing under it to ward off the chill that the rain and wind forced on us. Janet spotted Hans across the corral area beckoning us to come. We hurried through the rain until we reached Hans and Steve, who told us that the camp counselor had given them directions to the trailhead via Oberon Road. I had lost my confidence several miles back regarding both the wisdom of continuing on an unknown path and following my companions, so I verified the camp counselors directions both with Steve and the driver of a pickup who was entering the camp as we were exiting. We made our way through several groups of playing children, and walked down a well-graded camp road to Oberon. The rain had quit, leaving puddles we hopped away from whenever a car passed by. Janet and I stepped up the pace, and made it back to the car quickly where we found, to our surprise, Jim, Beulah and their group just loading up their gear. We regaled them with the story of our estimated nine-mile hike, while we removed some very wet ponchos and muddy, sandy boots. A good time was had by all.
36
Post note: Two weeks later, I was running errands in Boulder. When I got home my right hearing aid was gone! I couldnt believe it. So I backtracked to all the places I had been. The last place was a Chinese restaurant. The staff and I searched the place up and down, but to no avail. Totally depressed, I headed back home. I was crossing Broadway near the university, and I swear to GOD, there the darn thing was in the middle of the road, unscathed!! For real! Another miracle. In my head I heard the theme to The Twilight Zone.
A
Memorable
Hike
by
Richard
Holmes
Can
you
imagine
the
hiking
group
spending
nearly
two
hours
for
lunch?
It
happened.
In
August
2006,
18
of
us,
mostly
the
early
group,
carted
a
veritable
feast
up
to
Blue
Lake
bringing
wine,
assorted
pastries,
a
cake,
cheeses,
crackers,
and
veggies
and
dip.
This
was
in
addition
to
our
usual
sack
lunches.
As
we
sprawled
out
on
a
grassy
area
overlooking
the
lake,
people
just
continued
pulling
things
from
their
packs.
I
was
stunned
at
the
quantity
and
variety
of
foodstuffs
spread
out
on
the
ground.
Each
person
seemed
to
have
brought
a
special
treat
to
share.
But
it
was
the
watermelon
that
dumbfounded
me.
Who
would
haul
one
of
those
up
there?
So
we
ate
and
talked
and
sipped
wine
and
explored
cheeses
and
sampled
sweets
and
goodies
and
dipped
our
veggies
and
talked
and
ate
some
more.
A
grand
repast.
A
serendipitous
event.
Many
pictures
taken.
Many
memories
retained.
I
can
still
see
Rich
Blanchette
cutting
the
watermelon,
Maddy
Goldhawk
studying
the
wine
bottles,
Linda
Bailey
lying
flat
looking
up
at
the
sky,
Bob
Stulac
looking
concerned,
someone
reaching
for
cheese,
and,
with
an
inscrutable
smile,
Kate
Secrest
calmly
surveying
the
situation.
No
one
was
in
a
hurry
to
leave.
We
just
enjoyed
the
moment,
never
knowing
we
would
remain
that
long.
With
the
beautiful,
windless
weather
it
was
just
magic.
Were
we
supposed
to
be
in
Indian
Peaks
with
a
group
that
large?
Probably
not.
Were
we
supposed
to
haul
wine
bottles
up
to
Blue
Lake?
Probably
not.
Were
we
harming
or
disturbing
anything?
Probably
not.
Sometimes
wonderful
events
are
just
waiting
to
happen.
Let
them
unfold.
Getting
Lost
by
Paul
Korda
Ever
gotten
lost
on
the
trail?
I
have
and
heres
my
tale.
A
group
of
around
eight
of
us
Tuesday
Hikers
went
to
Button
Rock
Reservoir
on
a
beautiful
summer
day
in
2010.
We
were
a
pretty
hardy
bunch
and
managed
to
stay
together
for
most
of
the
trip.
Most
of
the
trip
wasnt
enough
for
me,
though.
Somewhere
near
the
summit
of
37
the hike, I got lost. There were people in front of me and people behind me. So how could this have happened? It happened because I took my eyes off of the trail momentarily. Before I knew it, I was somewhere off the trail. I kept going in the general direction I thought the trail was taking. After about a half an hour of bushwhacking I found the trail but no sight of my hiking buddies. I kept marching forward in the hope of finding them, eating lunch perhaps. No such luck. I kept walking towards what I thought was the parking lot and eventually made it there. Still no sign of my hiking partners. I headed back on the path and around a half mile later, I met up with my group. While they were happy to see me, they also were frustrated, as they had been looking for me for a couple of hours. My advice: Stay within sight or sound of those youre hiking with.
A
Love
Story
by
Jim
McConnell
and
Kate
Secrest
Jims
version:
I
was
part
of
the
group
that
broke
away
from
the
Tuesday
Hikers
to
form
the
Early
Tuesday
Hikers.
We
wanted
to
go
higher
and
longer
on
our
hikes.
In
September
2005,
Kate
Secrest
retired
and
joined
the
Early
Tuesday
Hikers.
As
we
gathered
in
the
circle
at
the
North
Boulder
Park
parking
lot
to
decide
our
hike
destination,
I
thought
she
was
very
attractive.
She
ended
up
riding
in
the
back
seat
of
my
car
to
and
from
the
trailhead.
We
hiked
together
and
talked
a
lot
during
that
hike.
She
was
in
a
relationship
at
the
time,
so
it
was
just
friends.
Kate
agreed
to
host
the
St.
Patricks
Day
party
the
following
March,
so
that
caused
us
to
stay
in
touch.
By
that
time,
we
were
getting
closer.
By
the
next
month
we
moved
in
together.
Something
about
hiking
I
guess.
There
you
have
it.
Kates
version:
I
had
met
Jim
on
one
of
my
first
Tuesday
hikes
but
didnt
give
it
any
further
thought.
In
fact,
I
have
no
memory
of
riding
in
his
car
that
first
hike;
I
must
have
been
too
busy
babbling
to
my
buddies
in
the
back.
Then
Judy
Gunkler
asked
me
if
I
was
dating
anyone,
and
I
responded
simply
yes,
not
wanting
to
fill
in
the
blanks
about
how
his
days
were
numbered.
Judy
just
had
to
tell
me
why
she
had
asked:
Jim
had
called
her
to
find
out
more
about
me.
Hmm,
now
my
attention
was
turned
toward
Jim.
Who
was
this
man?
I
needed
to
get
to
know
him.
So
little
did
Jim
know
that
our
friendship
was
premeditated.
I
purposely
hiked
at
the
end
of
the
queue,
as
Jim
was
always
sweep.
I
remember
one
winter
day,
we
arrived
perhaps
10
minutes
after
the
rest
of
the
group
to
the
lunch
spot
because
we
had
stopped
so
many
times
on
the
trail
to
just
talk.
Apparently
Jim
and
I
cant
walk
and
talk
at
the
same
time;
multitasking
is
for
those
who
are
not
courting.
The
St.
Patricks
Day
Party:
Lets
just
38
say that altruism in offering my home for the party was a secondary goal. I needed an excuse to stay in touch with Jim when he was hired away from Tuesday hiking. The rest is history. Now Jim and I give hiker parties throughout the year, and it is always with a fond memory of that first party.
Memorable
Hikes
by
Hans
Schreuder
On
an
Early
Tuesday
hike,
one
of
my
first
hikes
with
the
group,
it
seemed
the
others
were
eager
on
the
way
down
to
set
a
new
record.
Coming
originally
from
Europe,
I
like
breaks.
Hence
I
suggested
we
stop
for
a
break
at
a
scenic
place.
One
of
the
ladies
turned
to
me
and
said,
We
never
stop
on
the
way
down.
Fortunately
we
broke
with
precedent
and
stopped
for
a
rest.
We
had
a
lovely
political
discussion
(six
democrats,
two
republicans
and
one
person
who
was
either
a
libertarian,
a
Whig
or
a
Tory).
Jim
McConnell
is
the
social
chair
of
the
Early
Tuesday
group.
He
showed
his
sociability
by
the
following:
One
day
we
were
snowshoeing
at
Jenny
Creek
and
becoming
very
hungry
and
cold
at
lunchtime.
Jim
whipped
out
his
trusty
little
hot
stove
and
cooked
us
a
nice
little
meal
of
beans
and
ham.
Needless
to
say
he
was
loved
by
all
of
us.
I
met
a
lady
who,
on
the
very
first
hike,
indicated
a
need
to
talk
to
a
man
about
a
situation
with
her
husband.
It
turned
out
that
she
needed
the
advice
from
a
caring
lawyer,
and
we
had
a
lawyer
who
fit
that
description
perfectly
in
the
hiking
group.
About
a
month
later,
she
and
the
lawyer
were
together
at
the
end
of
the
hike.
It
turned
out
that
we
had
a
two-hour
wait
before
some
of
the
other
hikers
showed
up.
She
wound
up
getting
good
advice
from
the
lawyer
while
waiting
for
the
others.
One
day
in
the
summer
of
2012,
five
of
us
in
a
carpool
went
to
Button
Rock
for
a
hike.
Libby
Rosenzweig
and
Kate
Secrest
were
two
of
the
five.
After
a
good
hike
and
lots
of
camaraderie
on
the
way
back,
Libby
mentioned
that
she
wanted
to
sell
some
gold
jewelry.
She
asked
if
anyone
knew
a
jewelry
store
that
they
would
recommend
to
get
a
fair
price
for
the
gold.
As
usual,
I
opened
my
big
mouth
and
suggested
she
have
Kate
do
it
because
I
thought
she
would
get
better
value
since
she
had
a
more
expensive
presence.
Libby
rather
strongly
disagreed
and
the
topic
was
dropped.
A
couple
of
weeks
later,
about
10
of
us
went
on
a
hike
near
Eldorado
Springs.
At
lunchtime,
the
Libby
story
was
recounted,
and
I
again
thought
I
had
been
right,
that
Kate
might
get
a
better
price.
At
this
point,
Libby
stood
up
and
proudly
proclaimed,
What
makes
you
think
Kate
or
anyone
else
in
this
group
would
be
better
at
obtaining
a
good
price
for
the
jewelry.
Im
the
only
Jewish
one
here.
Its
in
my
blood.
None
of
us
could
top
that
and
we
had
a
good
laugh.
Are
Hans
and
Jutta
Schmidt
related?
This
came
up
in
one
hike.
Jutta
is
very
proud
to
be
from
Prussia.
Hans
is
descended
from
a
Prussian
mother.
He
is
very
interested
39
in his family tree. When he encountered a name of one of his ancestors, he thought he recognized it as being the same as one of Juttas ancestors. This did not make Jutta happy at all, as was very clear. Fortunately, the names were different. Peace was restored. On a snowshoe trip from Peaceful Valley via the Sourdough trail to Beaver Reservoir, it started snowing heavily nice large snowflakes. I could have stayed out snowshoeing in that weather all day! Some of us wanted to spend time there till dusk, but wiser people prevailed. It was easily the most enjoyable trip I ever took with the group.
The
Arnolds
rustic
cabin
near
Gold
Hill,
August
2011
I dont know precisely how many years we have been doing this. It probably began just after we were married in July of 1999. We had been hiking with both the Tuesday and the Thursday Hikers then. We had the Thursday group up for a hike/celebration. It was a great day; we decided to do it again the following year and expanded it to include the Tuesday Hikers. For Dirk, it is a continuation of his lifes pattern of hosting large events on the property that his family has owned for so many years. His parents bought this land for the purpose of recreation and educational use in 1950. We like to think that the Tuesday Hikers do get a little more out of the day with fellowship, hikes, great food and conversation, and Dirks historical anecdotes along the way. Our property is only 25 minutes from Boulder, surrounded by national
40
forest, with views of the great divide and access to hundreds of miles of trails in all directions.
The Arnolds host an annual potluck and hike at their Gold Hill cabin, August 2007
At first we did this in July, but, after Rita Reasoners day of getting lost, we changed the date. It is now held on the second Tuesday of August. I believe the heat added to Ritas decision to come back another route, and it definitely added to the stress of us who were waiting and/or looking for her. I know she is putting her own story about this into this book [see next story below], and I am looking forward to reading that. Our experience of it is probably worth noting. It was the only big thing that has happened at our picnics, ever. At first, when we found her missing, we werent sure how to find her. Dirk took his car, and others did also (cant remember who) and they drove the roads around where they had been hiking. I called the sheriffs office fairly soon to ask, How long do we wait to report a missing hiker? Their response was immediate. Within a very short time, we had the Gold Hill Fire Department and the Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue folks at our cabin some of whom had medical training. I think there were about 15 or more folks to help. While waiting for them to arrive, I brought my horse up and saddled her. I thought it would be good to ride out because I could go to places that cars could not, and it would be faster than trying to hike. My problem was, there was no one else there who could ride a horse to go with me, and I thought it would not be smart to head out alone. (We wouldnt want two search parties going on!) Just about when 41
the emergency personnel had finished questioning the hikers who had been with her and collected all of the information they needed, a car drove up and Rita got out of it! The medical people checked her out and watched over her very thoroughly. We were most grateful and impressed with their service. Many people enjoy and look forward to coming up to the cabin. We have a beautiful setting and several horses. Usually, we have a few guests who want to ride a horse, and we always accommodate them and give instructions when necessary. Over the years, many of us have become unable to hike like we used to, so this has become an opportunity for us to visit with old friends and new hikers, without having to walk more than we want to. Several people enjoy going for shorter walks and, of course, just sitting around and visiting. As said, Dirk and I enjoy hosting this event and always look forward to it. We hope to be doing it for many years to come.
42
In the early 1900s, three men from Dighton, Kansas, took the train to Boulder to find a cool place for their wives and children to spend the summers. A Boulder barber directed them to his 20 acres along the North Boulder Creek, which he wanted to sell. After they sealed the deal, they realized that this was more land than they needed, so they formed a corporation and sold shares to their friends. Our grandparents, from Kansas and Oklahoma, bought shares and built cabins there. There are now 16 cabins, the clubhouse, and a caretakers house and outbuildings. The same families still own the cabins; thus five generations have now spent summers there.
Tuesday Hikers sitting outside the clubhouse at Switzerland Park, June 2010
In early June, we invite everyone in the Tuesday and Thursday hiking groups to join us for a hike or to just to relax and visit in the cool mountain air. There are several destinations for easy or more rigorous hikes, or the clubhouse porch for those who have left their hiking days behind.
43
Tuesday Hikers enjoy lunch at the Switzerland Park clubhouse, June 2010
After the hike of two or three hours, everyone convenes in the clubhouse and pulls out their hiking lunch; we provide brownies and lemonade. The antique Boxball Alley is tempting for many to try, and the more modern ping pong table always has a few takers. The pool table is also there for any who dare. In addition to the chatter of people, one might hear Peter Divine playing lovely tunes on our very old piano.
Halloween
Parties
by
Dorothy
Coltrin
Tuesday
Hikers
are
a
very
busy
group.
Besides
hiking
and
snowshoeing
in
the
winter,
the
group
has
a
variety
of
parties.
My
favorite
is
the
Halloween
Party.
Like
most
parties,
people
bring
potluck
dishes.
So
we
have
a
chance
to
sample
a
variety
of
foods
and
spend
some
time
chatting.
Often
I
get
a
chance
to
see
people
I
might
not
hike
with
on
a
regular
basis.
The
best
part
of
the
party
is
that
everyone
comes
in
costume.
This
is
a
well-
traveled
group.
So
this
year,
someone
came
in
a
burqa
and
another
person
in
an
authentic
kimono.
In
the
past,
we
have
had
a
female
flasher,
Genghis
Khan
and
one
of
his
female
companions,
a
lovely
butterfly
and
the
Obamas.
I
remember
one
year
our
Australian
hosts,
Christine
and
Greg
Holland,
wore
their
homeland
hats
that
had
hanging
moving
balls
that
keep
the
flies
at
bay.
Christine
was
one
of
our
very
44
dedicated hikers in the Early Tuesday Hikers group during the time Greg worked under contract for NCAR for about three years starting about 2007. The list is endless. Sometimes the costume is so good that initially I cant recognize the hiker! In the last hour, Jim McConnell gives out prizes for the best costumes. Of course, everyone gets something because every costume is unique. Thanks for the chapsticks and shopping bags, Jim. And the Halloween questions that most of us try to answer are crazy! We laugh a lot and have a good time.
45
46
C H A P T E R 4
47
coming down the 4x4 road on his bike said he had seen her at 11:30, about the same time we last saw her. I was puzzled that we had not seen him there. He said he had gone on to the Red Deer Mountain Lake area and did not see her going there or coming back. About 2:30, Dorothy and Lynn went to Peaceful Valley and called 911. Search and Rescue and the Boulder Sheriffs department people showed up quite promptly and took charge. Pats daughter and grandson flew down to assist in the search, but, as of March 2013, she has not been found nor has any sign of her clothing, water bottles or hiking poles.
Next
Door
by
Kathleen
Hyland
Contrino
(Pats
neighbor)
The
following
commentary,
written
specifically
for
this
book,
is
a
version
of
one
Kathleen
shared
in
an
editorial
to
the
Boulder
Daily
Camera
on
August
1,
2012.
It
hints
at
one
possible
explanation
of
Pats
disappearance,
but
there
can
be
several
others.
Im
ready
to
go,
its
reported
she
said
to
her
hiking
companions
in
the
Tuesday
Hikers
club
on
July
3,
2012,
just
after
lunch.
Ill
take
this
other
route
back
an
easier
one,
she
announced.
According
to
the
news
accounts,
my
74-year-old
next- door
neighbor,
Patricia
Wallace,
an
experienced
world
hiker,
ventured
off
alone
that
afternoon
on
the
Buchannan
Pass
Trail.
Ill
meet
you
at
the
trailhead,
Pat
assured
them.
Pat
never
did
meet
them.
Today
is
July
30th,
and
she
hasnt
been
seen
since.
Not
a
trace.
After
24
hours
missing,
it
became
known
that
Pat
was
in
the
early
stages
of
dementia.
Little
lapses
we
noticed,
said
her
daughter
Katherine
to
the
media,
arriving
from
Pennsylvania
to
assist
with
the
search,
which
was
staged
from
her
moms
home,
next
door
to
mine.
One
day
in
May,
standing
in
my
driveway
with
Pat
and
her
sheltie,
Julie,
I
was
telling
Pat
about
leaving
later
in
the
week
to
visit
my
mom
for
her
89th
birthday.
Is
she
in
good
health?
Pat
asked,
looking
at
me
from
under
her
battleship-grey,
all- weather
cap
with
earflaps.
Yes,
I
said,
shes
hard
to
keep
up
with,
really.
Its
a
blessing.
Holding
Julies
leash
tight
while
she
twirled
and
wagged,
Pat
said
with
a
smile,
Yes,
well,
a
blessing
it
surely
is.
How
wonderful,
Kathleen
time
with
your
mom
is
very
special,
she
said
lovingly,
giving
Julie
pats
and
rubs
with
me.
Pat
went
on
that
day
to
tell
me
about
a
time
when
her
mom
was
suffering
from
Alzheimers,
when
Pat
was
visiting
her
in
the
care
facility,
along
with
brother.
Pat
told
me
shed
started
to
want
to
take
charge
of
things
to
command
her
mom
to
eat
and
do
what
the
doctors
tell
you.
Shortly
after
that
and
near
death,
her
mom
grabbed
Pat,
waving
an
insistent
hand
one
morning,
and
quietly
said,
Patricia
let
me
do
this
my
way.
Pat
seemed
pleased
to
remember
this
in
that
moment.
And
48
well, well that was that, Pat told me, her sunglasses off now, looking right at me through to the bright Colorado mid-day sun beaming behind my back, just over Indian Peaks. Pat wished me a good trip with my mom and reminded me to enjoy every moment. She waved goodbye to me and led Julie back onto the sidewalk to continue their walk. Now, when Im out tending to her beautiful wildflower garden that graces her now-empty home, I think perhaps my dear neighbor, Patricia Wallace, was doing it her way, too, that July 3rd afternoon. Taking an alternate route. Going alone. Choosing an easier trail, westward, through Peaceful Valley upward and across the Divide to her next door.
49
50
C H A P T E R 5
years.
s time passes, an organization evolves, changes occur, people come and go, and fresh thoughts emerge. These are some of the changes noted over the
Leaders
The
first
known
leaders
(known
as
coordinators)
were
Mrs.
Wyndham
and
Mrs.
Marion
Unger
in
1961.
In
1964,
Suzan
Plummer
took
charge.
Florence
Ross
led
the
group
in
the
1970s.
She
lived
on
the
southeast
corner
of
9th
and
Dellwood,
right
across
from
North
Boulder
Park.
When
Florence
died
in
the
early
80s,
Jean
Anstine
took
over
and
led
us
for
many
years,
until
1997,
when
her
health
began
to
fail.
She
chose
Rita
Reasoner
to
succeed
her.
Rita
kept
us
organized,
not
an
easy
task
as
the
group
continued
to
enlarge.
Rita
had
an
excellent
way
of
keeping
us
quiet
by
calling
out
an
offenders
name
when
they
were
interrupting
the
process
of
route
planning.
When
Rita
retired
in
2007,
no
one
was
brave
enough
to
take
it
over,
so
Phyllis
Schwartz,
Marcia
Millikan
and
Betsy
Hunt
divided
up
the
spring,
summer
and
fall
quarters
and
let
the
winter
quarter
take
care
of
itself.
Hermann
Meng
became
our
substitute
leader,
and
he
did
such
a
good
job
that
now
hes
been
promoted
to
full-time
leader
year
around.
Offspring
Groups
The
Early
Tuesday
Hikers
Some
folks
decided
they
wanted
to
hike
earlier,
farther
and
faster,
so
they
formed
the
Early
Tuesday
Hikers
group
in
2001,
as
indicated
in
an
email
from
Mary
Price
to
Trish
Morphew-Lewis,
Barbara
Stiltner,
Madeline
Goldhawk,
Caryl
Matson,
Connie
Holsinger,
John
Buchan,
Judy
Gunkler,
Lynn
Shader,
Mary
Nakashian,
Rita
and
Neil
Reasoner,
and
Steve
Clausen.
This
group
started
yearly
wine
and
cheese
hikes,
usually
led
by
Kate
Secrest.
Social
events,
such
as
a
Halloween
party,
a
pizza
party
(with
pizza
flown
in
especially
from
Chicago),
a
wine
and
cheese
hike
and
a
New
Years
Eve
party
became
regular
items
under
social
chairs
Jim
McConnell
and
Kate
Secrest.
51
The Thursday Hikers George Thompson wanted to hike more often, so in June 2003, he started a Thursday group of stronger hikers, some from the Tuesday group and some who were friends of his. They follow the same format as the Tuesday Hikers, and George emails them, as necessary. This group tends to snowshoe in the winter more often than the Tuesday Hikers. Some people choose to enjoy both Tuesday and Thursday groups. Colorado Trail Volunteers In 2008, Terry Hardie managed to make the Tuesday Hikers officially the adopters of section 14.1 of the Colorado Trail. This section of trail runs from Chalk Creek to Browns Creek and is located on the east side of Mt. Princeton and Mt. Antero, near Buena Vista. Twice each year, a number of volunteers from the Tuesday Hikers have helped maintain our adopted section, which is one of the best maintained in the entire 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Other Offsprings Over the years, several other small groups have formed: Some Tuesday Hikers started a book club, where people meet monthly to discuss a chosen book. Several of the Thursday Hikers have a music group, where people share their talents monthly. A Monday movie group consists of people who love movies, and meet the third Monday of the month for a movie and dinner afterward. A growing number of hikers get together to take hiking, skiing or snowshoeing trips every year. Additionally, there are small groups of people who have become good friends and gather at various times for lunch, hikes and other activities.
52
Most people are retired and, if married, often come without their spouses. Many of the people in all three groups snowshoe in the winter; some ski as well. As we moved into the 1990s and 2000s, more people began showing up, and a greater variety of hiking destinations became available. Around this time, Rita Reasoner put an announcement in the Boulder Daily Camera, giving the details on our meeting time and place, and her phone number to call for more information. This appears in the Get Out section of the paper on Friday, Monday and Tuesday. The starting time varies with the season, being earlier in the summer. As time passed, equipment changed, the CamelBak was introduced and hiking poles became common. What began as ordinary ski poles became high-tech, variable length poles designed just for hiking. More recently, stabilizers for hiking boots were developed to provide better traction on snow and ice. In 2006, we decided that we needed to have an email list of all the members. Jack Zeller graciously agreed to take on this task for the Tuesday Hikers. For the early Tuesday Hikers, Ted Smith was initially in charge of the list, later replaced by Bill Rawsky. George Thompson communicates by email with the Thursday Hikers group. Whenever there is a need to communicate about time changes, special events or other pertinent information, these men send out a notice by email.
53
54
C H A P T E R 6
Why Do We Hike?
n an effort to have as many people as possible contribute to this narrative, we asked our fellow hikers to share their thoughts on why they hike. by Betsy Hunt
I just figured it out! Why do I hike with the Tuesday Hikers? Because for about 1,500 Tuesdays, that is what I have done. Its a habit that I cannot break. Why do I hike? Because that is where Ive met most of the friends with whom I now associate. You know the saying, Birds of a feather . Why do I hike? Because nature is where I feel most fulfilled. The change of seasons, the change of weather, the trees, wild flowers, birds, rivers, all fill my cup. Why do I hike? Because my body has grown to NEED to walk and hike up and down hills and mountains. I believe the health that I enjoy is a direct result of my years of hiking, as it nourishes my body, mind, emotions and spirit. That is why I hike! by Phyllis Schwartz It was the summer of 1992, and I had taken a years leave to decide where I wanted to retire out west. Somehow I knew that I was a western soul trapped on the East Coast my entire life. Id spent most of that year in Sedona, Arizona, which I had pretty much decided would be the place. So much so that I had actually bought land there, even though I had to put three more years into my teaching career in Connecticut before I could retire. By mid-May, it had gotten a little too hot for me in Arizona, so I decided to honor my desire to really LIVE in the Rockies before returning to Connecticut in August. I honestly had not even considered retiring in Colorado, as it had way too harsh a winter with way too much snow, a thought held by many living on the East Coast. I left Sedona with a trusty friend and we made our way to Colorado. We stopped in many towns, each time my companion asking, Is this where youll spend your summer? After ve or six different towns, we made our way to Boulder. When I was asked that question one more time, my answer was a resounding YES. Dont ask me why. I just knew that it felt right. Having made that decision, I went about nding a place to rent for the summer. I found one on Colorado Avenue where CU students live, but it wouldnt be available until June 15. I therefore settled into the campground at Canyon Boulevard and Fourmile Canyon for 10 days.
55
Should anyone remember, that particular June was rainy, not the best weather for camping. I gained an appreciation for the homeless during those 10 days of camping in the rain. I learned that the library was a fantastic place to spend some of each day. Then there was a movie theater at Broadway and Baseline (Baseline Shopping Center) that offered $1 movies, and I saw more movies during that time than the rest of the summer. Lingering over my one meal at a restaurant also was a strategy for getting away from my wet tent. Arriving with a newspaper or a book in hand seemed to give me permission to stay a little longer than normal. However, my best discovery that summer of 1992 was the Tuesday Hikers group. My rst day meeting with the Tuesday Hikers somehow matched me up with Betsy Hunt, and who could ask for a better person for a stranger to meet! As we hiked, we discovered that we both had worked at Camp Shoshoni in Rollinsville as camp counselors, Betsy a year before me. Then we discovered that she, too, had lived in New England. She was also the mother of three sons, and we both had named one of them Peter. Added to all of this, we found that we were members of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority while in college. WOW, it seemed I had met someone to whom I could relate on so many levels. I think it was Betsy, but I could be wrong, who said to me when I was telling about my mission to nd where I wanted to retire out West, that a Colorado winter was nothing compared to a New England winter, where snow stays piled and quickly becomes grey and ugly from late November to March. Of course, being from the East Coast and having been subjected to all the news of how much snow Colorado had and what wonderful skiing it offered, I didnt really believe her. However, it did put a doubt in my mind. The only way to nd out was to actually come and live through a Boulder winter after I had retired. So, I did exactly that and by March of 1997, having moved here in September of 1996, I was a believer and traded in my racy Toyota Supra for a four-wheel drive Jeep and bought my home, which abuts open space in Superior. The Tuesday Hikers has now been a huge part of my life for the last 16 years, and I am SO GLAD that I met Betsy in the summer of 1992. I love the reaction of my East Coast friends, who think Im so hale and hearty for living in snowy Colorado. I still keep the incredible weather in winter a secret. by Richard Holmes Exploring is in my nature. Discovery, revelation, wonder and surprise. Whats around the corner, over the rock or beyond the ridge? Hiking provides these things. I feel most myself when surrounded by an expanse, whether prairie, forest or tundra. But it is mountains that most inspire me. They are special. Mountains hide things. Then they reveal things. Like a waterfall through the trees, a stream in the forest, a lake around the bend. From the mountains come reflections on life, the cosmos and the unimpeded thoughts that flow from solitude. 56
Hiking provides silence. It gives me quietness. When I walk alone, I often pause to sit on a rock outcrop and ponder things. One doesnt think small thoughts while gazing up at the sky through the forest. When hiking with company, visual observations become spoken, the constantly changing surroundings stimulating the conversation. Nothing is ever static while hiking. Something is always changing the view, the trail, the weather. The surroundings seem constantly in motion, and this movement feeds an inquisitive mind. And finally, hiking is exhilarating, but for me, must have some elevation gain. This pumps the blood flow, perks up the mind, gets adrenalin moving. Then, at some point during the hike, a descending calm settles in as I become one with my surroundings. by Elaine Taylor Why did I join Tuesday Hikers? For years wed been subscribing to the Boulder Daily Camera because our two boys were required to read news articles for school. So, for years Id seen the weekly notice about Tuesday Hikers. At that time, the description said, Hike at your own pace. That sounded good to me, so why doesnt hike uphill fast sound good? After son #2 graduated from Fairview High School, Tuesday Hikers was the first (and only!) group that I investigated to fill my former Fairview volunteering time. My first year with Tuesday Hikers, I never repeated a hike, at least not in the same way. I learned about trails Id never known existed. I made new friends (actually, Friends). Hiking trips in Europe were part of the reason; we were living in community together. I totally forgot how valuable the Tuesday Hikers was for me to easily be able to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a downer it was when I turned 62 on a SUNDAY, and had to wait til Monday morning to celebrate, by getting my own Golden Age Pass from the Boulder District Ranger!!!! by Maryann Balassa When my husband, John, and I moved to Boulder in 1994, friends from our Unitarian Fellowship told us about the Tuesday Hikers. We quickly checked it out and were so glad we did. The group has meant so much to me. I learned right away not to plan anything else for Tuesdays, and have seldom missed a Tuesday hike, snowshoe or ski in all those years unless I was ill or injured. The friendships I have formed in the group are very important to me, and I have learned so much about the trails in the area. I treasure the memories of hiking with friends. Note: Maryann is still vigorously hiking at age 86.
57
by Sally Sheetz My remarkable good fortune was to find the Tuesday Hikers group. First of all, I dont even live in Boulder. Westminster people dont hike; they arent obsessed over mountains or canyons or raging rivers. They dont have a clue about wildflowers or faraway vistas; they exercise indoors. And then there are the Tuesday Hikers themselves. A more educated, well- traveled, warm, generous and inclusive group of individuals I have never met. I have found some of my most treasured friends amongst you. I absolutely love the Boulder Tuesday Hikers. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary group. by Hermann Meng I started hiking with the City of Boulder hiking group in 2001. They only hiked two times a month so, when I was invited to join the Tuesday Hikers, I jumped at the chance to hike every week. I was so out of shape and exhausted after the first hike, I thought, this is not for me. I could not keep up with Imma, a petite lady who was always at the head of the pack! Intimidated, I quit for a month. Rita called and wanted to know why I didnt return. Too embarrassed to tell her I could not keep up, I said, I will be there Tuesday, and have returned every Tuesday when possible. I hiked when Rita was the organizer for about six years, until she needed a break. I was asked to take her place, and now the group has grown to about 20 to 40 hikers every Tuesday, ready to split into smaller groups and explore the trails for the day. I cant count or name all the trails we have hiked, and I always look forward to the next hiking adventure. We have seen bears with cubs, coyotes, deer, elk, moose, rattlesnakes, foxes, beavers, weasels, raccoons and many varieties of birds. We have also seen a large variety of mountain flowers, with Richard lying on the ground, taking numerous pictures. Hiking in the fall with the changing aspen colors is my favorite time of year to hike. Many of our group members also organize picnics and parties. It is a reunion for all the hikers who do not hike anymore. At times, 100 people attend, and its an absolute pleasure to see and talk with everyone. We all look forward to these events, and a good time is had by all. We have many talented people in our group. Richard Holmes is a photographer, and he can be seen taking pictures everywhere we go. He then compiles his photos and presents a slide show of his work. This brings back so many wonderful
58
memories of the sights and places we have seen. John Rapoza is the writer of the group, and his poetry and stories are amazing. I make walking sticks and canes some of you have them. I made my first hiking stick after my first hike and have since accumulated a garage full of them, but I still always look for the next perfect stick to work on. I also paint birdhouses made from gourds. The enjoyment I get from hiking in these beautiful mountains and the friendships I have made are a very important part of my life. We are so very fortunate to live in a place where natural beauty surrounds us. If everyone would try hiking just once, we could fill the trails with friends. by Hans Schreuder I have often pondered this question of why I hike, especially when I am climbing a particularly steep hill, trying in some fashion to keep up with some ridiculously strong 74-year-old woman who seems to be going even faster than she did on flat ground. Clearly, the main purpose is to enjoy the beauty of nature all around us, highlighted very occasionally by such events as seeing a porcupine going up a steep snow-covered hill while completely oblivious to the people watching it. But there are other reasons, too. Why are some people obsessed with doing three miles per hour even on the steepest terrain? Are they simply trying to show how macho they still are? Or is it because it is such great exercise that in the evening they can collapse on their sofa, with a beer or glass of wine, totally exhausted, but feeling really good? That was certainly something I looked for in the past, but it is now sometimes offset by some pain in either my foot, my knee or my hip. Or is it the opportunity to talk to friends or acquaintances? Clearly, this must be a reason, as I have seen some people talk constantly during the hike, even at times when I am having a hard time even breathing. Perhaps it is an opportunity to be away from ones spouse, as it seems that a large number of the participants are married, but only one of the two shows up for hikes. Whatever the reasons, we all seem to have a good time and thrive on being with good people. by Holly Clark My reasons to hike with the Tuesday Hikers are as follows: They have discovered the fountain of youth in the Indian Peaks. I hope their zest for living, energy and enthusiasm will rub off on me (a new retiree).
59
Its the best kind of Rocky Mountain high nature, altitude, huffing, puffing and humor with friends. No one is upset if a person decides to sleep in or skip a week. If someone is lost or if there is a trail incident, someone will step up. If you are curious about a far-flung destination around the globe, its guaranteed that one of the Tuesday Hikers has been there and is willing to share the experience. Theres a flexible dress code from the latest REI fashion with bling to been in my closet for 20+ years. I get a chance to see my highway dollars at work on Highway 36 and on Broadway, while practicing self-calming techniques (Im a hiking commuter from Denver). Post-hiking coffee at Breadworks tastes better than the local Starbucks. by Donna Seaman I moved to Boulder in November 2008, when I became semi-retired. In spring of 2009, I saw a small notice on the back of the sports section of the Boulder Daily Camera. It said Tuesday Hikers, meet at the North Boulder Park at 8:00 a.m. I showed up and I became hooked in the best way. The Tuesday Hikers are a group of friendly, welcoming people, and I was immediately welcomed into the group. I have learned about many hiking trails in Chautauqua, Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park. I could never have found all these trails on my own. Most importantly, I have made many new friends. Fresh air, exercise and great people. Thank you Tuesday Hikers for being a great part of my life! P.S. They also hike on Thursdays, and have great parties! ______ If the above descriptions of why we like to hike are not convincing enough, see the photos in this book for the ultimate in persuasion!
60
C H A P T E R 7
Poems
ome Tuesday Hikers chose to submit their feelings about hiking with the group in poetry.
Happy
People
by
Sandy
McCoy
Tuesday
Hikers,
A
gathering
informal,
quite
friendly,
Id
say
Trim,
toned
and
tan,
looking
more
than
OK.
Fair
weather
or
foul,
theyre
off
to
the
mountains,
Scrambling
up
hillside,
sliding
down
boulders.
No
matter,
the
season,
no
matter
the
terrain,
These
intrepid
hikers
rarely
complain.
Then
come
home
smiling,
contented
and
tired,
For
the
generous
mountains
gave
all
they
desired.
Tuesday
Hikers
by
Kathleen
Flynn
Early
on
each
Tuesday
morn
the
Tuesday
Hikers
group
Gathers
together
at
the
park
to
hear
the
weekly
scoop.
Where
do
you
want
to
hike
today?
Is
there
a
group
of
five?
How
long
will
we
be
away?
And
who
wants
to
drive?
After
the
details
we
confirm
that
each
hiker
has
a
pack.
Drivers
direct
their
riders
to
cars
and
load
gear
in
the
back.
61
Off
we
go
to
a
nature
show
Its
beauty
beyond
compare.
We
might
see
deer,
we
might
see
elk
In
spring
we
might
see
bear.
The
trailhead
we
seek
is
now
in
sight
lit
by
a
sky
of
blue.
We
lace
our
boots
and
start
the
route
pairing
up
two
by
two.
We
cross
a
stream
and
within
a
mile
we
see
the
cascade
that
feeds
it.
Photographers
want
a
picture
here
and
ask
us
to
wait
a
bit.
Along
the
trail
are
flowers
in
bloom
Columbine,
Pasque,
and
Fireweed.
At
the
marsh
we
look
for
moose
hoping
there
to
see
them
feed.
The
sun
is
glaring
overhead
and
someone
notes
the
hour.
We
stop
to
eat
and
open
our
packs
our
lunches
to
devour.
We
turn
downhill
late
in
the
day
and
see
to
our
delight
A
herd
of
deer
in
the
clearing
near
their
rumps
a
snowy
white.
Back
at
the
park
were
somewhat
tired
even
though
quite
hale
and
hardy.
After
we
pay
and
go
our
way
some
hikers
want
to
party!
This Tuesday Hikers tale Ive told is common all year round. Its the most joyful way I know of to spend time with friends Ive found.
62
Aspen
in
Autumn
by
John
Rapoza
New
England
born,
I
often
scoffed
At
the
Aspen
fables
Im
told
Where
the
leaves
are
only
one
color
As
they
turn
from
yellow
to
gold.
I remember the oaks and the walnuts And the other hard woods that Ive known Where nature has tinted its dying leaves Into bright reds, yellows and browns Where the trees stretch up to the heavens And the leaves lay a carpet so grand Where they come from all over the world To witness this beautiful land Ive now come to enjoy the real beauty of life Where the aspen are always in sight Where Colorado performs its magic As the leaves flutter toward the light This year Ill not be traveling East Where the leaves are brightest Im told Ill walk along the trails I love Where the leaves turn from yellow to gold
63
Haiku
by
Mary
Headley
I
wrote
these
various
haiku
(Japanese-style
three-line
nature
poems
in
stanzas
of
five,
seven
and
five
syllables)
to
reflect
my
abiding
awe
of
natures
grandeur,
which
I
often
feel
on
outings
with
the
Tuesday
Hikers.
Snow
steeples
skyward,
tall,
hoary
pines
groan
and
pray
Methuselah
reigns.
The
fast-melting
stream
swirls
to
a
yin
yang
circle,
ducks
dotting
the
flow.
A
new-born
spring
day:
robins
bow
and
trumpet
sweet,
make
verdant
blades
salute.
Star-petals
glimmring,
fragrance
throbbing
a
pear
tree
by
the
moon
bewitched!
Independence
day:
poppies
explode,
cherries
chime,
stars
wink
at
the
child.
Leafless
trees
laden
with
plump
partridge
plums:
winters
cornucopia!
Oer
the
crystalline
mountain
tops,
a
blue
jay
drops:
celestial
jewel.
64
A
Meditation
by
Madeline
Goldhawk
The
essence
of
this
poem
came
to
me
while
meditating
with
hiking
friends
in
the
forest
of
the
Ceran
St.
Vrain
Trail.
We
pause
in
our
miles
of
hiking
to
lie
down
quietly
on
the
forest
floor.
I
Lying
still,
we
note
the
gentle
motion
of
the
trees,
tall
and
strong,
yet
yielding
to
the
wind.
Lying
still,
we
watch
the
clouds,
swirling
across
the
sky,
swift
reminders
of
the
passage
of
time.
Lying
still,
we
hear
the
sound
of
wind,
birds,
and
pine
squirrel,
for
we
have
ceased
our
chattering.
Lying
still,
each
alone
and
yet
together.
II
We
lie
small
and
quiet
against
the
earth,
noting
the
towering
strength
of
trees
rising
straight
from
the
ground
to
sky.
Crowns
of
branch
and
needles
in
lovely
patterns
are
arrayed
touching
tree
to
tree
and
tree
to
sky.
At
peace
on
our
piece
of
earth,
we
gaze
at
soaring
beauty
and
muse
beyond,
into
the
blue
of
wonder.
III
Two
pine
trees
rose
separately
from
earth,
grew
tall
and
leaned
together
on
high
to
touch
and
hold
in
woody
embrace.
They
sway
together
in
a
windy
dance
to
the
creaking
of
an
ancient
forest
tune.
IV
When
we
are
very
old,
we
will
hike
into
the
forest
only
a
very
short
way,
and
lie
down
to
meditate,
and
rise
to
chat
and
to
eat
lunch,
and
share
chocolate
and
maybe
some
wine.
Then
lie
down
again
to
meditate.
65
In
Closing
Over
40
people
have
contributed
to
this
history
of
the
Tuesday
Hikers.
Without
these
personal
stories,
this
book
would
not
have
been
complete.
For
it
is
more
than
a
history
it
is
a
narrative
of
individual
experiences,
personal
accounts
that
breathe
life
into
what
could
have
been
a
static
recounting
of
the
past.
We
dont
measure
our
time
with
the
Tuesday
Hikers
in
weeks
or
months.
We
measure
it
in
years,
decades.
And
we
especially
measure
it
in
life
experiences.
With
the
ebb
and
flow
of
members
over
time,
lives
connect,
friendships
form.
After
many
years,
we
realize
we
are
more
than
just
friends
and
acquaintances
we
are
like
family,
a
loosely
connected,
extended
family,
unified
in
the
love
of
being
outdoors.
We
are
an
ongoing
entity,
organic,
vibrant,
flowing
with
time.
Hans Schreuder, Betsy Hunt and Richard Holmes enjoy coffee and relax while working on this book project, January 2012
66
1982
Agnes
Frederick
Angela
Bucholz
Anna
Marie
Robb
Anna
Marie
Sterks
Babs
Hoffman
Betsy
Hunt
Bob
Femie
Charles
Yeomans
Connie
Femie
Dorothy
Johnson
Dorothy
Scovill
Dorothy
Shirley
Elisabeth
De
Jong
Elvie
Proffitt
Erlene
Chrysler
Florence
Hanneken
Florence
Ross
Francine
Houde
Gerda
Martin
Bai
Ginny
(Virginia)
Paddock
Jean
Goddard
Jill
Wedlake
Marie
Raeder
Mary
Galey
Mary
Jean
Willis
Maude
Kane
Mildred
Walto
Nancy
Kraushaar
Neil
Purrett
Ruth
Howard
Susy
Koromsa
1983
Anna
Marie
Robb
Anne
Turner
Betsy
Hunt
Betty
Lane
Beverly
McKinney
Charles
Yeomans
Dorothy
Johnson
Elvie
Proffitt
Frances
McKinnon
Gerald
Krassa
Hope
Leighton
Janet
Budko
Jean
Goddard
Jenny
Walsh
Lucie
Krassa
Marguerite
Blanke
Mary
Galey
Maude
Kane
Miriam
Davidson
Nancy
Kraushaar
Pearl
Hamilton
Ruth
Howard
Shirley
Evans
Sid
Paris
67
1986
Agnes
Fredericks
Barb
Martig
Betty
Lane
Charles
Yeoman
Claudia
Giacoma
Edna
Shibley
Ellen
Champion
Elvie
Proffitt
Florence
Ross
Gertrude
Casey
Ginny
Paddock
Hope
Leighton
Irene
Dean
Jan
Folsom
Jean
Anstine
Jenny
Welch
Joyce
Stockdale
Lee
Johnson
Marian
Brandenberg
Mary
Jean
Willis
Maude
Kane
Nancy
Krauschaar
Nancy
Allen
Pearl
Hamilton
Ruth
Howard
1994
Anna
Marie
Robb
Babs
Hoffman
Bernice
Bender
Betsy
Hayes
Betsy
Hunt
Betty
Lane
Blair
Smallwood
Bob
Fernie
Bob
Foland
Bob
Stulac
Carol
Curran
Carolyn
Cohen
Carolyn
Hansen
Charles
Yeomens
Chris
Marshall
Cindy
McCarthy
Claire
Sidell
DAnn
Kavanaugh
David
Sawyer
Don
Hayes
Don
Willis
Doris
Hiza
Doris
Montgomery
Dorothy
Beers
Dorothy
Rapoza
Ed
Gauss
Ed
Wasmuth
Ellen
Briggs
Ellen
Champion
Ellen
Snyder
Emily
Stulac
Georgia
Muro
Gerry
Wilson
Ginny
Paddock
Ginny
Ward
Hannelore
Williams
Harry
Nachman
Hope
Leighton
Imma
Stanton
Jack
Kraushaar
Jean
Anstine
Jean
Goddard
Jean
Haywood
Jean
Nachman
Joan
Smallwood
Joel
Stein
John
Marks
John
Rapoza
Kathlaleen
Cook
Kathryn
Miller
Keith
Kohen
Libby
Kohnen
Marge Foland Marilyn Kimsey Marilyn Wasmuth Mary Grey Mary Stein Mary Jean Willis Michele Ferrand Monty (Weldon) Montgomery Nancy Harding Nancy Kraushaar Nancy Sawyer Nancy Lee Pate Paul Curley Paul Winston Rita Reasoner Ruth Comerford Steve Dunn Sylvia Ryland Thea Phinney Vickie Ruwitch Vickie Winston Vince Muro Warren Almquist Wilma Hirsch Yardley Beers
68
This
list
contains
the
names
of
people
who
have
hiked
with
us
at
some
point
during
the
past
several
years.
It
does
not
necessarily
mean
they
are
hiking
with
us
now,
and
there
are
undoubtedly
some
omissions.
This
list
also
combines
all
three
hiking
groups.
Many
people
in
the
Thursday
and
Early
Tuesday
groups
have
also
hiked
with
the
main
Tuesday
Group,
and
a
redundancy
of
names
is
avoided
by
combining
the
three
lists.
Abigail
Sperry
Aldona
Schwartz
Allan
Gerard
Anita
Landess
Ann
DiGiano
Ann
Key
Ann
Khan
Ann
Scolnick
Anna
Grinberg
Anne
Mills
Art
Gabriel
Barbara
Brussell
Barbara
Taylor
Barbara
Turner
Bernice
Bender
Betsy
Hunt
Betty
Thacker
Beulah
Caldwell
Bharat
Kaul
Beverly
Baker
Bill
Alexander
Bill
Belew
Bill
Campbell
Bill
Rawsky
Bill
Vander
Minden
Bob
Mozar
Bob
Stulac
Brenda
Hutchinson
Brenda
Tabaka
Bruce
Johnson
Carl
Tinstman
Carla
Abbott
Caren
Barlas
Carey
Sanchez
Carmen
(Mari)
de
Onis
Carol
Gibson
Carol
Hermes
Carol
Smith
Carole
Arnold
Carole
Forgan
Carolyn
Ingalls
Carolyn
Rose
Hart
Caryl
Shields
Charlene
Coutre
Christine
Guzy
Christine
Holland
Christine
O'Toole
Cindy
Jacobson
Claudia
VanWie
Clydda
Stafford
Connie
Eppich
Connie
Esch
Cynthia
Neil
Dale
Picciano
David
Bailey
David
Bray
David
Diener
David
Smith
Deborah
Carlson
Diana
Hoguet
Diana
Munson
Dirk
Arnold
Don
Deana
Donna
Marino
Donna
Seaman
Doris
Montgomery
Dorothy
Coltrin
Doug
Hofmeister
Duffie
Lannin
Eben
Carsey
Ed
Gauss
Eileen
Egloff
Eileen
Koch
Elaine
Taylor
Elinor
Sorenson
Elle
Steinfurth
Ellen
Champion
Ellen
Flannelly
Ellen
Snyder
Ellen
Winkelman
Emily
Stulac
Eric
Moon
Evie
Brau
Evie
Cohen
Fran
DiGiano
Frank
Eddy
Fred
Fewolf
Gabriele
Sattler
Gail
Moyes
Gary
Albrecht
Gary
Baughman
George
Brandon
George
Thompson
George
Oetzel
Ginger
Samuels
Ginny
Hackney
Gloria
Brown
Gwedolyn
Fuehring
Hafez
Hafezzadeh
Hannelore
Eckmann
Hans
Jordan
Hans
Schreuder
Hari
Narahari
Hassie
Taylor
Hazel
Ludwig
Hermann
Meng
Herman
Sievering
Holly
Clark
Jack
Proctor
Jack
Zeller
Jan
Larson
Jane
Price
Jane
Wheeler
Janet
Freeman
Janet
Holdsworth
Jean
Nauenberg
Jeff
Frant
69
Jenny Favell Jerry Bebernes Jim Caldwell Jim Cushing-Murray Jim Eastman Jim Gagen Jim McConnell Jim Rhomberg Jo Anne Smallwood Joanne Estrada Jody Adleman Joe Esch John Austin John Rapoza John H Taylor John Martin Taylor Joseph Staron Joyce Paavola Judy Gunkler Judy Lamaitis Judy Lance Julie Chapin Justin Perkins Jutta Schmidt Karin Campanelli Kate Secrest Kathleen Flynn Kathie Stenberg Kathy Randall Kay Cody Keith Brunell Ken Combs Ken Gossett Larry Hanan Larry Kane Larry Thomas Leni Buhler Leslie Lord Libby Rosenzweig Linda Bailey Linda Batlin Liz Janson Lofton Henderson Lou Crnkovich Loraine Burger Louis Diamond Lynn Kimball M Chasteen Madeline Goldhawk Maggie Cox Marcia Millikan
Margaret Alfonso Margaret White Maria Edwards Marianne Holcomb Marianne Van Pelt Marilyn Newsom Marjorie Maagoe Mark Rosenblum Mark Wenzeil Mary Anderson Mary Beth Mary Mac Ferrin Mary Headley Mary Nakashian Mary Price Mary Tharp Maryann Balassa Maury Kroopnick Michelle Hofmeister Mike Duignan Mike Raudenbush Miyuki Kuroha Monika Rutkowski Mont McAllister Monty Montgomery Muriel Jacobs Nan Judson Nancy Bosch Nancy Hawkins Neil Purrett Nicki Haller Nicole deLorimier Norman Lowery Otto Verdoner Pat Estridge Pat Groening Patricia Oswald Pat Peterson Pat Wallace Patricia ( Pat) Irwin Paul Korda Paul Tabaka Paula Gossett Peggy Mansfield Penny Triggs Peter Divine Peter Gowan Phyllis Schwartz Ralph Vickrey Richard Blanchette Richard Holmes
Rita Reasoner Rita Riis Roger Gridley Ron Schwartz Ronnie Gerard Rosie Piller Sally Scheetz Sam Mells Sandy Carpenter Sandy Corricello Sandy Gagen Sandy Jacobs Sandy McCarthy Sara Michl Scarlett Massine Sharon Belew Sharon Howrey Sharron Chapman Sharon Silva Sheryl Holmes Shirley Jin Shirley Mosburg Sondra McCoy Stephanie Buller Steve Clasen Steve Swan Sue Jackson Suzanne Ginger Suzanne Schuelke Terry Hardie Tetti Kapsinski Ted Smith Tim Triggs Tina Berthelot Tom Hoban Tony Baker Trudy Nickola Valerie Parker Valerie Sterling Virginia Gebhart Virginia Cottingham Virginia Michael Vithal Patel Weiyan Chen Wendy Phillips William Alexander William Prescott
70