[cdt-l] Raising a Ruckus in the Rockies

[Paul Magnanti]

Rockies Ruck 2007 - Leadville Hostel - Leadville, CO 

The Rockies Ruck is a low-key gathering of people who have
a passion for the long trails. During the weekend we celebrate
the love the long trails: the beauty, the wonder and the
camaraderie among those who have a passion for the trails.

This past year, the Rockies Ruck was again held at the Leadville Hostel
in Leadville, Colorado.

Leadville is aptly suited for a gathering of long distance hikers.
Situated at an elevation of over 10000 feet high, there is a commanding
view of the Continental Divide to the west. Additionally, Leadville
is a trail town for the Continental Divide Trail, the Colorado Trail
and the American Discovery Trail. A perfect location for those who
celebrate their love of the long trails!

The hosts of the Leadville Hostel are Cathy and Bill. Two people
who understand long distance hikers, love our crazy little tribe
and have always been gracious hosts not only for the Rucks but
for many hikers over the years. And Bill's pancakes fill up the
stomach of even the hungriest of hikers! 

Friday night many of us went to a dinner in town. Though the
weather delayed or even kept some people away, the enjoyment
of people gathered to enjoy the company of fellow hikers was infectious.

The Rockies Ruck is quickly becoming the reunion for CDT hikers! 
Over the weekend, there were five people who completed the CDT in 2006,
as well as past and soon-to-be future CDT hikers. Brian Martin, field
operations manager for the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA), even
made an appearance. Many of us enjoyed talking shop with  a person responsible
for helping to make the dream of the CDT a reality.

Friday night Disco (CDT 2006) showed us a sneak preview of his CDT "Walkumentary".
If the finished product is as good as the preview, the CDT will have a DVD that
shows the experience that is the CDT quite well. Continuing the theme of the CDT
Sidewinder (also CDT 2006) showed us his DVD from his flip-flop hike of the trail.

Saturday morning, we all had a thru-hiker worthy breakfast. A few 
people went skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Copper Ski resort.
Others went snowshoeing or cross country skiing. The weather was overcast,
but made for a wonderful way to spend a winter day.

Later that night, more videos were watched. Squatches "Even more Walking" DVD about
the PCT was shown to much laughter. Burnfoot gave us a taste of international trekking
as he showed us his slides from Nepal. Burnfoot is responsible for the cache of soda
in the Cochetopa Hills many CT/CDT hikers have enjoyed.

Sunday morning came. Another huge breakfast was enjoyed. Our final hugs were given.
Some of us continued the weekend by doing a ski tour near Tennessee Pass to enjoy
one last bit of playing in the Colorado mountains.

The Ruck is meant to be low-key; no concrete agenda. Just people
coming together who share a love of the trails. A chance to tell tales,
enjoy each others company and to celebrate what we all love: The trails and

all that goes with a love of the trails. 



And based on that simple criteria, the weekend was a success.


Pictures from the weekend at: http://snipurl.com/ruck2007
 
 
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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.pmags.com