Pop-Tarts and Summits

Written by: Noah and Sarah

After three information packed days on HMIs campus, we were finally ready to ride into the Sawatch Mountains. All 12 of us eagerly and excitedly stuffed our packs, split our food rations, and mentally prepared for the unforeseen adventures to come. Our first day began at Cottonwood Creek and we quickly began to fall into our daily routine.

We would wake up to cook breakfast at 7:30, split into three hiking groups, and leave camp in increments of 15 minutes. That day we hiked up to Kroenke lake where we took our first layover day. The day concluded with our first of many alpine sunsets that we would witness together. 

Following the layover day we traveled up Brownes Pass. Some groups did this in a swift five hours, while it took others about eight. Our hiking group spent time hiking, but also taking multiple breaks to look at the ongoing peaks, planes that flew overhead that Oscar could easily identify, and laughing to the point of tears. 

My (Sarah) favorite memory was on our second layover day at South Texas creek. We had taken the morning to jaunt through the alpine valley. As we were running back towards camp we saw a Bull Moose. We stood as a group taking in this unique moment and appreciating the beauty of the animal. The day got even better when we took a day hike up to a bowl that stood above our campground. We experienced a bit of rain and hail on the way up, but the cold and wetness was quickly forgotten when a double rainbow stressed across the mountains in front of us. We sat there quietly journaling as the rainbow became more vivid. The beauty of both of these moments taught me how much there is to see with patience and being able to step out of your comfort zone. 

Following our layover day, we woke up to a snow covered campground. As a whole group we traveled up a pass to Ptarmigan lake where we were re-rationed. The next few days were met with freezing rain and hail. In the cold and rain, we challenged ourselves as a group to build a fire with wet sticks. We quickly adapted one of our favorite (of many) acronyms ABD – Always Be Debarkin’. Not to be confused with ABM – Always Be Movin’. We debarked sticks and worked for a couple hours building a fire that dried out clothes and provided us with much anticipated warmth.

Throughout these first few days in the backcountry our group grew closer through many meals cooked over the whisper lite stove. Some of our favorites included pancakes, cinnamon rolls, brownies (that took a few rounds of trial and error), pizza, and the many many mac and cheese dinners. We also enjoyed playing games at evening meetings and gaining confidence in our navigational skills as we traveled off trail. During other moments of down time on our expedition we engaged in lessons on our environmental studies readings and strengthened our leadership skills.

My (Noah) favorite moment from this expedition was when we all summited Jones Mountain. On the layover day beside Ptarmigan Lake we were surprised with the opportunity to climb the 13,000 ft peak of Jones Mountain that occupied the background of our campsite. Before we started hiking we were presented with the high-low package – which could only be opened at an absolute high, crying tears of ecstasy, or a devastatingly low moment of the day. Exhilarated by the destination and anxious to open up the package, we swiftly started our hike onward. We started off walking around Ptarmigan Lake, spotting some cutthroat trout darting in the water. We then methodically excelled up the pass hugged between a rocky ridgeline on our left and the snow capped peak of Jones Mountain on the right. To hike up to the top we slowly zigged and zagged on the side of Jones. Gradually, the terrain shifted from grassy green ground to tumultuous tallice fields. With newly acquired technical skills we maneuvered through the rocky field and ascended upwards the peak. Holding hand-in-hand in one big line we walked towards the top– our jaws dropped. The gorgeous panoramic view of the Collegiate Peaks and the sparkling turquoise Ptarmigan Lake sprawled below us. Invigorated by this stunning view we all decided to open up the high-low package at this ultimate high. Clay meticulously peeled apart the mess of duct tape and packaging to reveal… POP TARTS AND CANDY! Some of us that day summited their first peak, but more importantly Piper and Iyah enjoyed their first ever Pop-Tart atop a mountain. Satiated by our sugary snack, we descended the mountain leaving behind our names inscribed on the log. 

Our final night in the Sawatch was a highlight for all. Nestled in the orange and yellow falling aspen leaves we constructed an “amphitheater” (while still leaving “Leave No Trace” ethics in mind) and the first ever “Trek Sawatch Talent Show” was put on. The night started off strong with a parody of “Let it Go” sung by Erin and Sneaky Levini, followed by the Blue Mid Group, parkour, color guard, a dance by Iyah, and a call and response song. As the sun set an intense powdered coconut milk chugging contest took place. Unfortunately none of the contestants were successful, but it was one of the funniest moments we shared. Following the intermission, the instructors put on a four act backcountry circus, Clay sung an original song, and the finale ended with a live remake of Romeo and Juliet preformed by Sam, Kiran, and Jono. 

Although our first expedition is in the past, we are eager to become closer as a group. We will hold onto the challenges, views, memories, and laughs we had in the Sawatch as we embark on the next adventure of our semester!