I had the benefit of receiving a pair of Sunski Treeline sunglasses to sample. From July 6th last year, the day they arrived at my house, I have worn them every single day. I keep wearing these lenses! Whether I’m hiking, driving, backpacking or even riding my scooter. They have become my go-to pair.
If you don’t know anything about Sunski, they are an independent sunglass company based in San Francisco. They are designed in California and backed by a forever warranty. All their frames are made from super light recycled plastic, a material the company developed themselves. Although the recycled glasses feel like they are cheap, they are far from that. The packaging is 100% recyclable and free from single-use plastic. The company is a proud member of 1% for the Planet. (Learn more about 1% here.) There is even a little note on the inside of the box which says “Thanks for joining the Sunski family. Now, recycle me and go find some sunshine.”
the author sporting Sunski Treeline glasses atop Mt. Huron
The lenses are polarized. On the exterior they look very dark but once peering through the glasses they are actually very clear. Giving the landscape view a nice soft look. This particular style has side covers. At first, I was completely unsure of the side covers. I thought, like the glasses themselves they were a bit flimsy. However, the lack of dirt and light that actually hit my eyes on a regular basis quickly altered my mind. The little side covers are removable if one prefers not to use them. There have been times when they have clipped off accidentally in my backpack, which is probably the only draw back I can take away.
Overall, I have enjoyed wearing the Sunski Treeline and will continue to do so!
When my alarm went off at 5am, the last thing I wanted was to get out of bed. As I lay there debating whether to get up the thought about canceling the trip kept swirling in my head. I thought of the expense it would cost me to take this short three-day adventure. More importantly, I thought of the lost income by not working while I was away. In the end, those thoughts didn’t win, and I got out of bed.
This would be the first solo backpacking trip since my excursion ten years ago that left me swearing I would never backpack solo again. I love hiking with others. For me, it’s one of the parts I cherish most about backpacking trips. Enjoying the experience with other people. But I had no one to join me this time. Either no one was interested, or wanted to go, or had the time or was injured. I had several guide trips cancel at the last minute, so I decided to head out alone. I had never been to this area before. I knew there were several mountains because I had seen them the last time I was in Cheyenne. I did some basic research, set some time in my schedule, and ‘booked’ the trip.
Lost Lake
I left a half hour later then I intended. Then I had to stop for gas along the way. Plus, there was road construction so the drive to Fort Collins was slower than expected. I knew where I was going until I got to Laramie when I stopped to use the bathroom. At that time, I should have turned on my gps but didn’t and I drove past the road I needed. The turn was so subtle I never even saw it. My hope was I would find a road sign or something to point me in the right direction, but nothing turned up. Eventually I stopped and looked at the Forest Service map. I still could not get any service. I felt I was going the wrong way and a few minutes later I saw a worker in the road. He confirmed my suspicions. I had gone 20 miles out of my way. Now I had to backtrack to Laramie and find the right road. It was pretty obvious to me once I figured it out. But it meant not getting to the trailhead until close to 11:30am. My original goal was 9am. By the time I got all my stuff together and started hiking it was almost noon. Despite being late, I still made it to Lost Lake, my first campsite, before 2:30pm a total of 5.8 miles.
I passed a lot of day hikers but no backpackers. When I arrived at Lost Lake there were two women taking a break but as I set up my camp they left. My goal was to get to the campsite before the rain and I did succeed. Clouds were definitely rolling in during the afternoon. I found a kitchen away from my tent. This campsite even had a rope set up to hang my food. I spent the remainder of the afternoon by myself at camp with all the mosquitos just sitting and writing, waiting for dinner time or the rains to start, unsure which would be first.
I made it through day two without any problems. Overall, the trail is pretty easy to follow. Lots and lots of water! Though most of the trail was in boggy sections or wet – literally streams running through them. Possibly because the snow melt was late that year. There still was a ton of snow everywhere. Hence the massive amount of run off. I love it in one sense because I don’t have to worry about carrying a lot of water. But in the other sense there are so many mosquitos I can’t even sit outside my tent and enjoy the sun. I couldn’t avoid getting bit even with bug spray. I had so many welts, all over my body, because of them.
I saw a few people day hiking but not a lot maybe ten total. This is a pretty isolated loop but very accessible. There are campgrounds and trailheads not too far from the trail. Yet being out here makes me feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere. I haven’t seen any animals either. A few marmots and some birds maybe one pika but nothing big. All the scat I have seen is old as well. That’s probably a good thing because outside of the first night, none of the other sites had bear hangs.
Despite my aloneness I never felt scared. It rained most of the first night. I was hoping the second night would be more of the same. This would be a great trip if it weren’t for the mosquitos. The place is beautiful though. I love all the alpine lakes. It was such a big snow year that even in July there is still a ton of snow settled everywhere on the peaks. Tons of wildflowers as well, another result of the late season snow. Typically, none of them would be around at this point. The snow made some portions of the trail very wet. The water that accumulated came almost to my knees at some points. Other times the snow had covered portions of the trail in temporary lakes leaving me to either climb over it or around it. The area is popular but only with day hikers that meant many of these portions hadn’t seen a lot of people.
Old Man of the Mountain, shining towards the sun
As I started out on my last day, I almost didn’t want to leave. It’s like that in the backcounty. Even something as close to civilization as this place. The small bit of solitude rejuvenates me in ways nothing can compare. Medicine Bow Peak sits in this small parcel of paradise. The peak is the highest in southern Wyoming sitting at 12,014′. (The highest peak in the state is Gannett Peak at 13,809′.) I had the option as I hiked out to summit the peak, which I decided to. It was early in the day when I came to the junction. I had plenty of time to summit and then head back to Denver. The trail was steep and most of it was snow covered. Slick in the late morning sun. But as most summits are, the top was glorious! I stayed for a bit before heading down the meandering trail on the other side. As I was descending, I realized how much happier I was hiking the loop the way I did and leaving the summit to the end.
I arrived back at my car, safe and sound, early afternoon. As I loaded my car up, changed my shoes and began the drive back home I couldn’t help but smile. I had thought three days ago I wouldn’t do this hike. I was nervous about going alone. I was late and got lost but I did it anyway and enjoyed myself thoroughly. “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” True words Mr. Gretzky.
I have not classified myself as a beginner hiker in such a long time, I almost forget how difficult it can be to start. I was reminded of this fact by a guest on a recent trip.
One of my clients was not only new to backpacking but hiking in general. It wasn’t the fact that she didn’t know how to adjust her backpack because many hikers who are just starting to backpack do not have solid knowledge of their backpack. It wasn’t the fact that she didn’t know how to use her trekking poles. Many experienced backpackers have trouble with poles when they first start using them. What turned me on to how much of a novice she was simply came down to the fact that she didn’t know how to walk in the woods.
Not knowing how to walk in the woods? That’s funny, right? How can someone not know how to walk in the woods? Isn’t it similar to walking on pavement? Actually, sometimes no. Its not. In essence the concept is the same. You merely put one foot in front of the other. However, there are tree roots and rocks and slippery leaves. For a novice, each one of these can appear (and potentially feel) like an obstacle.
In this particular instance where we were hiking the trail was relatively flat and extremely well maintained. In most spots there was no technicality involved which means it was groomed level with little to no rocks and roots in the path. However, my client would stop every couple of feet to look down or at the next few feet she had to walk ensuring she would not fall. Additionally, she would stop to drink water through the reservoir hose in her backpack instead of drinking and walking at the same time. She would stop to readjust her pack pretty regularly, because of its weight it would slide a bit below her hips. She would stop to readjust her hat, or put on bug spray, or simply catch her breath even though the trail was flat. However, the moment when her lack of experience really became apparent was when she asked me what we do when it rains. “do we just stay in our tents?”
This level of novice would annoy and frustrate many people, even some other guides I know. Surprisingly it doesn’t bother me all that much. I laugh at the questions because they are so innocent. I admire the courage of someone trying something for the first time. And I receive great joy in seeing someone relish in their achievement of doing something she didn’t think she could do.
I often forget what it is like to be a new hiker. Though I have come to relive my experiences through the eyes of those ‘newbies’ I meet and work with. They bring my back to the years I didn’t know how to adjust my own pack or pitch a tent or light a stove. They remind me to be patient and that learning is a life long process.
I laid down for a comfy night’s sleep under the stars but you let me down.
I slept on the ground. It was cold and uninviting.
We traveled the country together. From Arizona to Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Through Yellowstone, Yosemite, along the Colorado, Florida, and Superior Trails.
Why did you fail me during my trip to Bear’s Ears?
In mid-May, I received a message that I was quoted in the article below which is a story that highlights living paycheck to paycheck. I feel fortunate to be included. The article was timely. It was published in the midst of a pandemic, when unemployment had skyrocketed to unforeseen levels since the Great Depression. Although the request for the quote took place weeks before the pandemic caused a major shift in everyone’s lives. My comments were worthy then and even more so now.
Many people have seen their income completely change as a result of COVID. Jobs are gone. Some industries are still struggling. Others may never come back. I love the work I do. I believe it has become more valuable over the last several months as individuals and families have ventured into the outdoors to seek recreation, solace, and mental healing. The fact that my job doesn’t beget a large paycheck is a small downside in world that values economics and the all mighty dollar. Living with a smaller amount of means has enabled me to focus on what is important to purchase or where to spend the money I do earn. It has given me the insight to learn that life is much more then how much we make.
For many people the challenge of living with financial uncertainty provides a level of stress and anxiety they cannot handle. It does have its downsides when an unexpected crisis occurs. Or if you are trying to save for something special. The last several months have displayed that in greater force.
Ultimately, I do believe it is important to present another side of the financial story. There are many people who struggle week to week to be able to afford basic necessities. I believe this article provides a number of different prospectives.
I am allergic to bees (and every other related insect). I have been since I was born. I am also an avid outdoors woman both personally and professionally. The only two times I have been stung by a bee have been in urban environments. First, when I was a very young child which led to the discovery of my allergy. The second time was close to fifteen years ago while crossing a parking lot. That time left me unable to walk for almost ten days until the swelling went down. Does that mean I don’t carry an epi-pen or epinephrine in the backcountry? I’ve never been stung there. I’m extremely aware of my surroundings while outside, especially when I’m far from medical help and when bees are present. Likely, I won’t get stung. However, I still carry an epi-pen. Why? Risk Management.
Risk Management was not something I always practiced. Certainly, I went on numerous hikes where I didn’t bring a rain jacket because it simply wasn’t raining at home and paid the price by getting drenched. Or there have been times when I hiked in the desert with less than a liter of water only to recognize very quickly I needed to turn around. But since I have become a professional outdoor guide and educator I have upped my game when it comes to risk management.
I wear a face covering when I’m recreating outdoors because I am practicing risk management. Do I think I am going to get COVID-19 while hiking, biking or running outside? Honestly, no. I believe being outside is one of the safest places to be at this time. I have not had the virus. I have not had any symptoms of the virus. But do I know for sure that I am not an asymptomatic carrier? No. I have not been tested by a medical professional. And the reality is, neither do you as you pass by me on that single track trail. In the same sense that I don’t know if you are an asymptomatic carrier while you’re passing me.
Yes, I’ve read and continue to read all the CDC guidelines, recommendations and updates about COVID-19. I even read, pretty regularly, the CDPHE policies. I have done what was asked of me by my Governor and Mayor – to stay at home and recreate close. Living in the heart of Denver doesn’t leave much in terms of potential outdoor places outside of a manicured city park. I’ve opted for relatively close state parks instead of my two plus hour backcountry jaunts. Definitely, I feel the pull of needing the mental release the outdoors has afforded me. Cabin fever is real and despite the enjoyment of my apartment it doesn’t always compare to sleeping under the stars. Emotionally not sleeping in my tent has been really challenging – no stars, no fresh air, etc. Now as I begin to get my hiking legs ready for what I hope will still be a successful season I’m changing my routine slightly.
The ten essentials is a suggested list of items that hikers, in particular, should always bring with them when recreating. None of these items are required but the list has been compiled as practical risk management. Recently organizations and outdoor groups, such as the National Park Service, are including face coverings and hand sanitizer to the list. I know wearing a mask doesn’t protect me from you. It protects you from me. However, for some reason, there is a lot of anger about being “required” to wear a mask or face covering. I can empathize but I don’t think its an excuse. Regardless of others opinions, a face covering has been added to my list of required items.
So, if you see me on the trail with my face covered, don’t be alarmed. Its just risk management.
I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity over several months to try out a couple of clothing pieces from Gore Wear. Originally, when I was given these pieces of clothing, I was pretty naive in my knowledge that Gore produced its own line of clothing. However, I have become confident in the products ability as performance pieces. I love the look and feel of each one of these products. I rarely buy clothing online because I genuinely need to touch and see a product in person before purchasing. They will be in my cache of ‘go-to’ clothing for some time.
GORE-TEX Active Hooded Jacket – This jacket is very versatile. I love how lightweight it is. I love how it can work well in the backcountry or downtown in the city. It has many of the same features as most outdoor jackets these days; cinched cuffs at the arms, adjustable hood with drawstrings at the neck and back of head. It does not have pit zips. Although a lot of outdoor rain jackets have this feature. The lightweight and breathability of this jacket doesn’t require them. It is very wind resistant and its overall durability is better than some other jackets I have used. The idea with this jacket is it should fall below the hips and has a drawstring at the waist to cinch adding a very flattering look. But it is designed for women with narrow hips. Given this is not my body type, I should have sized up, so the one I have been using simply stops at my waist. That being said, I wore this on the streets of London and remained dry. Plus, at the top of windy fourteeners without being cold.
GORE WINDSTOPPER Hybrid Pants – What I really like about these pants is their look. They are super sharp. I love the lightweight but soft shell material. I love the padding around the knees. I love the abrasive resistant material by the ankles. All great and wonderful features. The piece that is missing for me are the lack of pockets. I am a pocket girl. With these pants there are only two small front ones and honestly they don’t hold that much. I’m used to back pockets and even some type of slim slide pocket. I need places to hold my map, or lip balm or a snack. The two front pockets just don’t cut it. Additionally, I should have sized up. They fit and they are stretchy enough that I can move in them without much of an issue. However, I feel they are made for women with slim hips. I am not that woman.
Melange Shirt This shirt is fitted without being too tight. As a casual hiking shirt, I never had a problem moving in it. I wore it for multiple days in a row without feeling like it would start walking on its own. Its not an overly female shape but not overtly boxy either. For me, given my height, it sat slightly longer than my natural waist which allowed me to tuck it in without it riding up my back if I was sitting down.
GORE-TEX INFINIUM Soft Lined Long Sleeve Shirt The title of this product says its a shirt. Yes, it can be worn like one but it can also be worn like a mid layer jacket. Originally, I wore this for three days straight when I took my AIARE course over the winter. It performed so well, allowing me to move easily without constricting, that I wore it multiple times skiing. As I mentioned it was my mid-layer piece. I had a base layer next to my skin then this shirt, then a warmer jacket. I was never cold because of the material. Nor was I over heated. It is such a great piece. I’m looking forward to wearing it this summer as I hike fourteeners!
I have always admired Wallace Stegner. His writing is a blend of poetry and realism that creeps into your soul and doesn’t let go until it becomes a part of you. Separating it will destroy your being leaving you never quite the same.
This letter, that Wallace Stegner wrote in 1960 in support of the Wilderness Act, was republished recently online. Reading it reminds me of the challenges the many proponents of the Act faced. Their challenges were not just in convincing Congress to support such a radical measure. But, they were more entrenched in the profound idea that Wilderness should exist at all. With the blessing of hindsight I am grateful these pioneers of idea were able to garner the courage and gather the support they needed to move this idea forward. Without it, I am sure I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
The last two lines of this piece are, in my opinion, the strongest argument and reflect my deepest values for preserving wild country.
Recently I received a comment on my old Montrail hiking boots. “I had them”, this person said. “I love them. I can’t get rid of them,” was my reply.
My Montrail hiking boots have been demoted to doing trailwork only – which I don’t do nearly as much as I used to. However, despite their lack of regular use every time I put them on its like meeting up with an old friend.
These boots were one of my first pair of backpacking boots. They have been with me for the past 15 years. Trampling all through New England – covering the Presidential Traverse twice, atop Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin and many other high summits in the White Mountains.
When I decided the soles were wearing a little too much I instantly bought another pair, not realizing the boot had actually changed. Although they were still called Montrail, the same name and looked the same – they were not the same. Instantly I knew they were different. Although my second pair of Montrails had many exciting adventures at first – they eventually gave in after three weeks of hiking in the Grand Canyon and lots of duct tape.
My first pair though, yes, the soles are worn and somehow I should get them resoled; yes, the heal is wearing away on the inside, but really they still have life left in them. I’ve often wondered, why did they have to change? I was a customer for life. But change they did.
At some point they will wear out to the point of not being usable but until then they’ll still be my favorite pair of boots.
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“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” -Edward Abbey
