The RMNP Backpacking Trip - Part 1

After a year of planning, we finally did our backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. Leading up to the trip I was a bit nervous (re: the hike, altitude, being cool and fitting in - ha ha). I had only done one backpacking trip prior which was our 2-day trip to Blue Ridge Reservoir here in AZ with Telle and Kristin. Not quite the same as 6 days with a group of 10 in RMNP.

The original plan was to rent a couple of bear canisters up in Denver for our food, since they are now required. I was a little hesitant for a couple of reasons - I wanted to make sure the food we were bringing was going to fit into 2 canisters and also, if we're going to be backpacking frequently, perhaps we should just buy a couple. With that thought in mind, Devin didn't reserve our rental canisters. The day before we're flying to Denver, we run to REI to get the canisters. Only problem, they're sold out. They call the Denver REIs - they to are sold out and no rentals available. This is where procrastination really irritates me!





Our food for 6 days...

Starting to panic a bit, we both start calling every possible sporting goods store in the Phoenix area and are told over and over that they are sold out. I finally hit the jackpot at Sports Chalet. A quick stop, and with 2 bear canisters in hand, we finish up our shopping, focusing on food. At home, we planned our meals, laid out everything, and I made a batch of homemade granola bars (YUMMY!). The plan was to cook one dinner for ourselves and two dinners for us and Telle and Kristin. They would cook on the opposite nights. So here was the first challenge - create delicious dinners, not out of a package.

Devin decided on rice, velveeta, bacon bits, spices, Taco Bell fire sauce, packaged chicken, all wrapped in a tortilla. I went a little more ethnic with a recipe for chicken curry. Our first night meal, I used rice, powdered spaghetti sauce mix, velveeta cheese and chicken.... do you see a theme emerging? We decided to go easy on breakfast with oatmeal, and lunches of either snack mixes or Ramen with tuna. All laid out, we packed the canisters and were impressed that it all fit perfectly.

To complicate our preparation, we also needed to pack for our Chicago trip to Brooke's graduation, as we were going to simply touch down in Phoenix long enough to switch out our bags before getting on another flight.

With backpacks all set and everything packed into two hockey bags and our Chicago bags all situated, we were on our way. The flight to Denver was unremarkable although the landing was a bit scary as we bounced wing to wing. Somehow the pilot managed to land on the wheels first. Mike picked us up at the airport and we headed over to his cousin Reuben's house where we were going to meet up with the rest of the group and spend the night. We rendezvoused with Kristin, Telle, Pat, and Kristen at Sports Authority, grabbed fishing poles and a fishing license, and then did a practice run with our tents in Reuben's backyard. Pizza, beer, and some light rain made the night perfect.

The next morning everyone packed up their gear, filled their nalgenes, loaded up packs into Mike's truck and we were off. The ride up to RMNP was beautiful and Mike filled us in on local information, what the roads were like during a snowstorm, etc. We stopped at a spot close to the park, in Grand Lake, to have breakfast at the Bear Cafe. Incredibly local and non-commercialized, the waitress took our order with her baby on her hip. The portions were generous and the food was good. Satisfied, we continued on our journey to the RMNP visitor's center to pick up the permits.

At the trailhead, everyone took their time situating their gear, played a little hackey-sack, took some pictures and then we were ready. The first day we were to hike to Big Meadows. Although only a 1.8 mile hike, we would be adjusting to 50+ pound packs, a significant gain in altitude, and a pretty steep climb.

I decided to start out in my boots, hoping for better luck than I had at Blue Ridge, but probably 1/3 of the way in, I realized it was a no-go and switched over to my sandals. Unfortunately, not quick enough to prevent a loss of 3 toenails and some pretty gnarly blisters. At first the altitude got me. I had a hard time filling my lungs and was disappointed in my ability to keep a quick pace. But after awhile my body started to adjust and I welcomed the burn in my legs, the sweat, and the increased heart rate (must have been my endorphin rush!). The path was beautiful and the air smelled so good. (one of the things I miss most about Maine is that smell....).

After a few hours of pretty strenuous hiking, we arrived at the site which was surprisingly in a big meadow... (hmmmmm wonder why it's called Big Meadow). The actual group campsite was an island of pine trees plopped in the middle of the meadow. A creek that was alive with fish, snaked it's way through the meadow and was a perfect source for water filtering. After pitching camp, we filtered water, did some fishing, and then enjoyed an evening of good food, company, and the famous hooch. Life was good!

My first fish caught at Big Meadows