Trek: Solar Eclipses and Rock Climbing

Written by: Franklin and Lilah

Hello from Rifle Colorado, where we have been base camping for the last week. Over the past week, we have delved into the world of stewardship, engaging in stimulating discussions about our role as humans in nature, debating different nature ethics, and volunteering with local organizations. We started off the week by setting up camp at Rifle Gap State Park where we were surrounded RV campers whom we got to know closely in the following week. (One such camper being a 13 year old girl set to hunt her first elk!) We had a blast working alongside Highwater Farm located in Silt, planting 140 pounds of garlic and learning about the conflict surrounding water supply from the Colorado River.

One particular day was a little rainy so after we got back from our farm day, the Instructor team surprised us with a trip to the bowling alley! Unfortunately the rain continued the following day, when we planned on going rock climbing with HMI Gap’s very own Chris Barlow. Despite the cold weather, we had a good time learning about belaying techniques and challenging ourselves to push our limits. Eventually the weather let up and we were greeted with constant sunshine and warmth the rest of the week. Our favorite day was when we participated in a volunteer event hosted by Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers where we planted 400 trees along the Silt River Preserve. This was such an engaging and fun event because we got to practice our stewardship to this land and work alongside locals who shared the same values.

We also got to experience a solar eclipse in the midst of it, an awe inspiring incredible moment we shared with the community. Thank you RFOV for an incredible opportunity! The next day we continued to master our climbing skills and joined the Fall Rock semester at Rifle Mountain Park where we embarked on a day of experiencing different climbing grades and supporting each other by offering beta (information to help climbers on where to go next) and constant pep talks. We went back to the Silt River Preserve the following day to continue our work and planted 125 more trees amongst the twelve of us! The heat was pretty intense but we persisted through it and indulged in some local ice  ream as a treat afterward. (Shoutout Moma’s). We now set off on our adventure to the Canyons in Utah where we will continue to practice beings stewards to this land and grow as a community through all the ups and downs. Signing off for two weeks!

-Lilah Kirby

Part Two:

If there’s anything this 2nd EXPED in Rifle Gap State Park introduced me to, it had to be the term “glamping”. No longer did we have to pack our entire campsite into our 100 liter backpacks every morning to find a new home. We were camped in a single spot with luxurious bathrooms (they were heated, had huge mirrors, and showers) for 8 days but the trip to the restroom cost you nearly 5 minutes. I viewed this drastic change as a moment to relax before our next 15 day adventure to the canyons of Utah. Trips into town allowed us to bowl, play at a park like little kids again, and enjoy the treats of a locally owned Mexican ice cream shop.

Alongside these activities, we also had many “firsts”. Nearly 520 trees were planted; cottonwoods, willows, sage, and twin-berry, to be more specific. Whilst witnessing the solar eclipse on the 14th, we threw a selfie party as the the proper sun glasses to view the event were cool to wear. Garlic planting and rock climbing proved to be more enjoyable than I thought.

Though they both had annoying beginnings. The trip closed with a key member, an instructor, leaving our group for good. This member cared about all our needs so deeply. Always being the first to pop a blister, (and getting the liquid on her face), to sew together a belt, to pick up our forgotten trash, and to discuss her blue heeler nicknamed “The Dude”. Waiting in Albuquerque, New Mexico “The Dude” will be the next to shower her with all the love and affection she deserves. 

-Franklin Mazariegos