Hello! My name is Jon Jay and I am a 4th year International Studies student here at the University of Denver.
You're probably wondering by now, "jeez, Jon, you sure do go on a lot of those Alpine Club trips!" Well, you are correct! I am actually the President of the Alpine Club, and I have been on every trip they have done since the last weekend of winter quarter in 2009.
But, of all the trips I have been on, this Fall has been one of the coolest Fall line-ups since my freshman year. Take, for instance, the fact that three of the trips we have done this fall (14er, Independence Pass, and Backpacking) have not been done since I was a freshman (if you must know, that was in the Fall of 2006). But, this past weekend backpacking was really cool for other reasons.
The best reason, without a doubt, was the fact that we woke up to a sub-30 degree day in Denver with snow and wind howling early in the morning. The plans to go backpacking in Lost Creek Wilderness made my stomach sink quite a bit considering the ground was fairly well covered with white and the temps were far from enjoyable. But, after picking up the crew and driving, we discovered that the snow line was below 8000 feet, and that all the area near Bailey, Colorado, was quite dry and much warmer (which is relative this time of year...)
Frost, but no snow!
We hit up the Payne Creek trail system, which stays north of the Colorado Trail. The crew was super rad, and despite the brisk temperatures, made the best of the short hike in. Once we cleared the pass, the clouds toyed with us, visually frosting the trees before our very eyes.
Playing with B&W
We made camp quickly, and because no fire is allowed in Wilderness areas, we packed a bunch of people into a tent to stay warm and play some cards and reflect about our best experiences over the past 4 years (there were mostly seniors in the tent). The next morning, the sun popped, and made for a beautiful, but windy, hike out.
Some of the Crew warming up in the morning
The overnight wind had completely stripped the aspens, meaning the Fall color season is officially over (let the whiteness come, and be deep!)
One of the crew enjoying a seat, notice no color in the trees!
The rest of the hike out was quick and painless, but still far from "warm," as it would have been defined a month ago.
One frosty, peaceful creek
We were out in no time, and ready to go down to the Boardwalk in Bailey, Colorado. This is, without a doubt, the best picture I have taken this year.