High Adventure 2024
Rusty here. Gemini turned my journal entry into quite the exciting high adventure trip report:
Embarking on the Holy Cross Wilderness: A Backpacking Odyssey
Anticipation crackled in the air that Wednesday evening as we meticulously checked our packs, ensuring every essential item was accounted for. X and Y’s tardiness added a touch of unexpectedness to the pre-trip bustle. The weight of food supplies further burdened our already overflowing backpacks, leaving us wondering how we would possibly accommodate anything else. Yet, as is often the case with backpacking adventures, we somehow managed to squeeze in those last-minute additions. With the Lightning packed to the brim, we headed home, our minds racing with excitement for the journey that lay ahead. Sleep evaded me that night, a testament to the overwhelming anticipation that had taken hold.
Wednesday morning arrived, and we gathered at Colliers Hill, each of us seeking to incorporate one final item into our packs. After a brief delay caused by a misplaced water bottle, we embarked on the drive to Silverthorne. There, I anxiously tested the Tesla charger, my heart pounding with each unsuccessful attempt. The fear of being stranded at an Electrify America station loomed large. Finally, after a nerve-wracking ordeal, the charger sprang to life, and I watched with relief as the battery percentage soared from 60% to 80% in a mere 15 minutes.
At the trailhead, we divided into two groups: the upperclassmen and the lowerclassmen. Fate placed me at the rear of the lowerclassmen group, alongside X and Y. A mere quarter-mile into the hike, X’s face turned pale, and he declared his inability to continue. His pack, improperly adjusted and resembling a cumbersome pyramid, clearly contributed to his distress. I delved into its depths, and I gathered the 20 pounds of superfluous equipment and sprinted back to the car, my mind reeling with the importance of attending practice hikes.
Upon my return, X’s next revelation left me dumbfounded – he had no water. With a sigh of resignation, I shared my own supply throughout the arduous ascent to Constantine Lake. Y, thankfully, fared better but frequently expressed the desire to rest. The journey to the lake felt interminable, testing our patience and endurance.
Finally reaching our destination, we were relieved to discover a suitable campsite, albeit a bit too close to the lake for comfort. Fortunately, the absence of rangers allowed us to remain undisturbed. Our camp was organized into three distinct levels: the teachers occupied the lakeside, the priests claimed the second tier, and the advisors perched on the highest level. The setting was breathtaking, a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by majestic peaks. However, the relentless mosquitoes served as a constant reminder of the challenges inherent in wilderness living. Despite the minor inconveniences, the evening unfolded beautifully. We prepared a simple meal, shared a brief devotional, and retired to our tents as a sudden hailstorm descended upon us.
The following morning, we awoke early, eager to tackle the 14er. I was filled with pride as 11 of the young men joined us on this ambitious endeavor. The hike past the Tahure Lakes was nothing short of spectacular. Our intended route involved venturing off-trail to summit Holy Cross Mountain. For four and a half hours, we navigated the challenging terrain, marveling at the beauty of the lower and upper lakes. However, as we prepared to leave the trail and circumnavigate the lake, the path became increasingly treacherous. Massive boulders obstructed our progress, slowing us to a crawl and causing several ankle injuries. The thickening clouds obscured our view, leaving us uncertain about the weather ahead. A sense of unease settled upon me, prompting the difficult decision to turn back. After an hour of retracing our steps, we reached the lower lake and rejoined the other group. Together, we descended the mountain, our spirits still high despite the unfulfilled summit attempt.
The afternoon afforded us ample time to relax, recharge, and engage in meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ youth. A simple dinner of creamy mac and cheese (a reminder to opt for rice-based dishes in the future) preceded a heartfelt devotional where we exchanged questions with the 18-year-olds and the youth. The question about qualities sought in a future spouse resonated deeply with them.
X departed with Y that day, leaving us with a slightly smaller group. The next morning, we tackled the laborious task of breaking camp. Josh’s concerns about his tickets added a layer of urgency to our preparations. Sam’s departure, accompanied by X and Y, brought mixed emotions. X persistent cough and Y general malaise had been a cause for concern. Their absence, while bittersweet, alleviated some of the worry. With renewed energy, we set off on the final leg of our journey, ascending the challenging pass. The climb was demanding, but the breathtaking scenery made it all worthwhile. Wildflowers painted the landscape in vibrant hues, and expansive grassy meadows adorned the summit. The weather cooperated perfectly, casting a golden glow on our surroundings.
Descending the other side of the pass, we passed the picturesque Seven Sisters Lakes. Fatigue began to set in as we reached the treeline and arrived at Hunky Dory Lake. Unfortunately, the lake was already occupied, forcing us to continue on to Holy Cross City, an abandoned mining town. At first glance, the site appeared unremarkable. However, hidden behind the remnants of the town lay a beautiful meadow, albeit slightly swampy, that offered ample space for our group. We gratefully established camp in this idyllic location, relieved to have avoided the less desirable alternative. The evening that followed was truly magical. We engaged in a spirited game of frisbee, gathered around a crackling fire, shared stories and laughter, and enjoyed a memorable fireside chat. The camaraderie and sense of connection were palpable. However, the night proved to be exceptionally cold, leaving me concerned for Josh’s well-being. It was a long and tiring night, but the shared experience forged bonds that would last a lifetime.
Saturday morning dawned, marking the final day of our adventure. A sense of eagerness filled the air as we prepared to hit the trail one last time. A short hike led us to the stunning Fancy Lake, its pristine waters beckoning us to take a refreshing plunge. Blake and Josh bravely jumped in first, their enthusiasm inspiring others to follow suit. It was a truly exhilarating moment.
With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to the group and embarked on the descent with Josh and Kiyoshi. Reaching the bottom, we were met with an unexpected delay as John was nowhere to be found. The 45-minute wait tested our patience, but I managed to find a grassy spot by the river where the youth could relax and unwind. John eventually arrived, his cautious driving prolonging the return to the trailhead. Once there, I swiftly retrieved the rest of the group, and we made a beeline for Silverthorne. A quick meal at Wendy’s and a 15-minute charge fueled our final push home. Arriving around 7:30 PM, we were exhausted but filled with a profound sense of accomplishment. The memories forged on this backpacking odyssey would forever hold a special place in our hearts.
