Date: 5/26/2012
Who: Sammy and myself
Length: 12 miles (6 out + 6 back)
Time: 6.7 hours
Weather: 50-80 degrees, sunny, hazy

After research and hemming and hawing for several weeks, I purchased a new backpack–a Osprey Stratos 34 in blue. Plus, a Platypus 3-liter hydration system to go with it. Osprey is a Colorado-based company.

Today was my first opportunity to use the new pack, and it worked out great. I like having a hydration system with a tube that allows me to drink without taking off my pack to access water bottles. The pack has a webbing system that creates an airspace between the pack and my back. It has other features too, like a pair of loops for holding hiking poles, integrated rain cover, and additional pockets. I like it!

Buffalo Grass in Buffalo Canyon

This hike followed the BLUE line to St. Mary’s Falls, then to Mt. Rosa, and back:

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Date: 5/20/2012
Who: Sammy and myself
Length: 4 miles (2 out + 2 back)
Time: 3 hours
Weather: 45-60 degrees, sunny

I chose a short hike today, because my stomach was still not feeling well after returning from a trip to California. I thought a hike would help me get back to feeling normal, but I also wanted to take it easy. Mount Cutler is a very popular hike in Cheyenne Canyon. From the parking lot to the Mt. Cutler summit is about 1 mile and less than 500′ elevation gain. We also added a side-trip to Muscoco Mountain, which added another mile and 1000′ elevation. We took a nice long break on Muscoco to enjoy the view and relax.

Muscoco Mtn. viewed from Mt. Cutler:


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