Beyond The Horizon: A Guide To Snowshoeing Historic Sites in Northern Colorado
By James Hess
()
About this ebook
One of the fastest growing outdoor sports, snowshoeing appeals to the young and the old, the beginner and the seasoned physical fitness advocate alike who want to get into shape or stay in shape during the seemingly inactive winter months. Add historical information about the places visited, and the experience takes on a dimension almost without equal, resulting in memories certain to last a long time. To ensure success in the pursuit information about the fundamentals of snowshoeing along are also included in a concise volume.
James Hess
James C. Hess graduated from the University of Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with additional studies in Editorial Journalism and Cinema Studies. He divides his time between his home in Colorado and all points west.https://www.instagram.com/j.c.hess/
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Beyond The Horizon - James Hess
Beyond The Horizon:
A Guide to Snowshoeing
Historic Sites in Northern Colorado
By
James C. Hess
SMASHWORDS EDITION
*****
PUBLISHED BY:
James C. Hess on SMASHWORDS
Beyond The Horizon:
A Guide to Snowshoeing
Historic Sites in Northern Colorado
Copyright 2014 James C. Hess
All Rights Reserved
*****
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This eBook is licensed for your personal use only, and may not be re-sold or given away. If you would like to share this book, please purchase a copy. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to Smashwords.com and purchase a copy. Thank you for respecting the work of the writer.
*****
Table of Contents
Introduction
A History of Snowshoeing
The Basics
Equipment
The Snowshoe
The Design and Function
The Size
The Strap Systems/Bindings
Maintenance and Use
Poles
Clothing
How to dress in layers
Goggles, gloves, socks, boots, and gaiters
The Pack
Technique
Taking the first steps
Going the distance
The Physical Requirement
Altitude
Dehydration
Sun Protection
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Avalanche Awareness
Trail Etiquette
How to use the Guide
Historic Snowshoeing Trips
A few words on historic snowshoeing trips
The Snow-Shoe Itinerant
Historic Sites
Roosevelt National Forest, Lady Moon Trail
Roosevelt National Forest, Greyrock Meadows Trail
Roosevelt National Forest/City of Loveland, Foothills Nature Trail
Roosevelt National Forest, Crosier Mountain, Garden Gate Trail
Roosevelt National Forest, Homestead Meadows via Lion Gulch Trail
Roosevelt National Forest, Coulson Gulch
Colorado State Parks, Lory State Park, West Valley Trail
Colorado State Parks, Lory State Park, Shoreline Trail
Colorado State Parks, Lory State Park, Kimmons Trail
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Mill Creek Trail
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Horsetooth Rock Trail
City of Fort Collins, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Valley Loop Trail
City of Fort Collins, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, D.R. Trail
City of Fort Collins, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Power Line Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, North Fork Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Hidden Valley
Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road
Rocky Mountain National Park, Hollowell Park/Mill Creek Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake Trails
Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Cone
Rocky Mountain National Park, Wild Basin Trails
Rocky Mountain National Park, McGraw Ranch, Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Comanche Peak Wilderness Area, B-17 Bomber Crash Site
Notes
Snowshoe Manufacturers
Resources
References
Acknowledgements
Biography
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For my father and mother,
Daniel and Jane
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Beyond The Horizon:
A Guide to Snowshoeing
Historic Sites in Northern Colorado
*****
Introduction
One of the first hikes I participated in involved a small pack and my father’s strong back. I was about two years old, and trying to keep up with his long legs was not a realistic option, so he carried me in the pack on his back, each step bouncing and jiggling me with delight.
The first hike I personally undertook was a few years later, and over the years the hikes pursued have totaled thousands of miles.
Several years ago, after years of hiking often alternated off-season with cross-county skiing, I took to offsetting hiking with snowshoeing. Like hiking, the number of miles logged on snowshoes shows no sign of diminishing or ending soon because I intend to remain part of it for as long as possible.
Over the years these outings have resulted in memorable moments and unforgettable experiences that, when recalled for others, instigate many comments and responses, including the familiar exclamation: I wish I could do that!
Because everyone lives busy lives, trying to organize a snowshoeing event that would accommodate everyone is not always realistic. Regardless, the opportunity to take advantage of what Nature offers through beauty and splendor is not something to forgo. Hopefully, the excursions and historical information included provide the encouragement needed to do so.
The trips included range from easy to challenging. They should appeal to the beginner and the experienced snowshoe alike. Each found inspiration and motivation from the Snowshoe Itinerant Preacher, Father Dyer
, whose historic trips took him from one end of Colorado to the other, and back again.
On the subject of history, all the trips included share at least one thing: Each not only offers specifics about the outing but also information about relevant historical fact. Snowshoeing provides for a good physical workout. Knowing about the place where snowshoeing takes place provides for an intellectual workout. Together they make memories that last forever.
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A History of Snowshoeing
The snowshoe boasts a long history and interesting pedigree. According to some a version dates to more than 12,000 years ago, with origins reportedly in Asia. Over time it underwent evolution in form and functionality when human migration across the Bering Land Bridge took place, and a means of travel, specifically in winter, was needed. In Alaska and Canada, where simplicity in design was embraced, it underwent a change in configuration - the result of which was considered to be almost perfect.
Those efforts were relatively big, clumsy, and unwieldy. Thankfully, design improvements continued, and the popularity of what is now a sport increases, owing much to this evolution.
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The Basics
Snowshoeing is relatively simple: Put one foot in front of the other, and you are snowshoeing. Continue this particular form of locomotion for just a few minutes, and you can legitimately claim you are an experienced snowshoer. Add an incline, fresh or packed snow, and varying terrain and the next step is to break trail through the whiteness that defines so much of winter.
But before setting out into the great white unknown seemingly infinite there are things to know about when it comes to snowshoeing. Specifically: Equipment, clothing, the pack, technique, the physical requirement, and trail etiquette.
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Equipment
The Snowshoe
Some decide to undertake snowshoeing by investing in a pair of snowshoes, a set of poles, and an outfit dedicated to the purpose.
Others approach the sport of snowshoeing more pragmatically: They research snowshoeing, locate the nearest business that offers snowshoe rentals, and rent a pair, while wearing clothing better suited for other outdoor activities or sports.
The individual who spends a lot of money on equipment and related gear may go snowshoeing once and then store their acquisitions until the following year, when they can be traded or sold.
Those who rent snowshoes may find in doing so they favor a specific type of snowshoe. They may determine that they prefer to snowshoe without using poles. They may learn about the design and functionality of snowshoes and that one style is better for what they want do to over another - inclines, running, or open, level spaces where they can undertake a stroll or test their physical endurance.
Simply, the approach taken to snowshoeing is and should always be a personal one just as snowshoeing is an individual undertaking.
Regardless of preference give due consideration to the following: Design and function, size, strap systems/bindings, maintenance, and use.
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The Design and Function
With very few exceptions the modern-day snowshoe consists of a sturdy but lightweight frame comprised of a platform, a strap system/binding that secures the foot to the snowshoe, and an anchor-like mechanism around and under the foot that allows the foot to move in a manner suggestive of walking or running with little or no restriction. Additionally, many contemporary snowshoes feature crampons - also known as claws or talons - on the bottom that assist in gaining traction when moving over icy surfaces, up and down steep inclines, or both.
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The Size
When it comes to snowshoes size matters, especially regarding the weight of the individual and the intended function as previously noted. Simply put, snowshoes increasingly are specialized, as expressed in the shape and the size, and these attributes require additional attention to the intended function.
For example, a smaller snowshoe with a larger person on it will probably sink into powder or light snow while a larger snowshoe on packed snow is too much snowshoe for the basic intended purpose, and will only serve to degrade the subsequent experience.
It might be cause for confusion, so keep the following in mind when determining the size of snowshoe best suited to the purpose: Your body weight, the snow conditions, and the intended use of the snowshoe.
A snowshoe for a child, for example, measures about six inches wide by sixteen or seventeen inches long.
A snowshoe measuring seven or eight inches wide by twenty-one inches long is appropriate for young adults and women with an average physical build.
A snowshoe eight inches wide by twenty-four inches long or nine inches wide by twenty-five inches long, which is considered a medium-sized shoe, is suitable for most adults and works in most conditions - powder, pack, new trail, or established trail.
Finally, a snowshoe measuring nine inches wide by thirty-four inches long or ten inches wide by thirty-six inches long will support a large person wearing a heavy pack.
More specific information on snowshoes is available on manufacturer web sites - a modest introductory list is provided. When researching snowshoes keep the following in mind: Look for the snowshoe easiest to get on and off, select the design and model that best suits the intention, and pick the pair that are the most comfortable to walk in.
When it comes to researching snowshoes a practical approach involves reviewing snowshoe magazines and the vast amount of information available. Many regularly publish information on snowshoes for beginners and experts alike, and may provide information on businesses close to where you live or where you intend to snowshoe that can further assist you. Once the basic information is acquired take time to visit a local business that sells and rents snowshoes. My experience has been employees of such establishments are more than ready and willing to help you make the best choice for your undertaking.
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The Strap Systems/Bindings
The strap system or binding serves a practical function: To keep the snowshoe attached to the foot. In order for the strap system or binding to succeed in its intended purpose it is important to know how to tighten and loosen the strap or binding.
The ability to do so is critical - especially when the straps or bindings have become coated with ice and packed snow, and gloves are worn, complicating the matter of donning or removing the snowshoes.
Therefore, before attempting to snowshoe always learn how to properly attach and remove the strap system or bindings. When buying or renting a pair it is appropriate to ask for assistance in the manner.
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Maintenance and Use
Many snowshoe manufacturers take understandable pride in the durability and overall toughness of their product for the purpose of snowshoeing. More than a few make the claim that their snowshoes are so tough as to be bullet-proof tough - although the claim is understandably confusing because it is not understood as to why this might be necessary. At the same time it is important to know and understand that a snowshoe is not indestructible. The misuse