Rockies Ruck 2009! March 6th - 8th

[Mags]

It is that time of the year again...time for the Rockies low key get
together!

There have always been Gatherings, Rucks, Kick Offs and Trail Days
on the East and West coasts.... many of us here in Rockies felt it
was time to do one in our neck of the mountains. For the past few
years, we did!


The Ruck is a low key get together for those who enjoy the long
trails. Does not matter if you are thru-hiker, a section hiker, day
hiker or a dreamer...you just need to love the outdoors and the long
trails!

More info on what a Ruck is all about:
http://web.archive.org/web/200401111...ntry.net/ruck/

This year, we are again having the Ruck at the Leadville Hostel
(http://www.leadvillehostel.com) in Leadville, CO on March 6th - 8th.


It is the first weekend in March.


Some of you CDTers/CTers and American Discovery Trail folks probably
know Wild Bill and Cathy from your stay at the hostel. They are
continuing to be one of the most friendly hostels owners on ANY trail.


As with previous years, the cost will be ~$60 for a bunk, shower, four
meals (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts). We'll do a potluck lunch on
Saturday). There are LIMITED amounts of private/couple rooms, so if
you prefer a room to a bunk, I suggest reserving early.

All reservations can be done at:
www.leadvillehostel.com

You can also make reservations at:
(719) 486-9334

Tell Bill that it is for the ROCKIES RUCK. The hostel can accommodate
vegetarian needs. Pets are allowed. "Adult drinks" are allowed for
those who behave like adults. (Which means, I can drink my wine! )

The hostel itself has a HUGE TV for the slide shows, plenty of space
downstairs for gear stuff. If you are doing a trail, there are AT,
PCT, CDT and other trail veterans happy to answer any questions.

In the past, we've gone through people's packs, made stoves, have done
a sewing demo and we are outdoor people..so we play!

During the day, plenty of skiing/snowshoeing opportunities abound.

We've been know to backcontry ski, do some boarding at Copper or enjoy
a peaceful snowshoe.

There is even a shop in Leadville that rents the equipment, too. For
anyone who enjoys alpine skiing, Ski Cooper is nearby at Tennesee
Pass. If you need supplies, Leadville has a Safeway.

Photos from previous years at http://snipurl.com/rockies_ruck


Any more questions? Please e-mail me at pmags AT yahoo.com
(replace the AT with an @)

Also suggest going to the Yahoo Group set up for the ruck at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rockies_ruck/

[Cuffs]

I know I tried to go last year and didnt make it, but since Im attempting Rainier next summer, this might make a good excuse for a training trip!

[Mags]

Just a reminder for the Ruck in March.

[Sly]

Mags, you picking people up at the airport?

[Mags]

Mags, you picking people up at the airport?

I am not organizing anything personally, but I may be persuaded to pick up a person or two as it gets closer. You may have good luck posting on the yahoo group, too.

[Sly]

I am not organizing anything personally, but I may be persuaded to pick up a person or two as it gets closer. You may have good luck posting on the yahoo group, too.

I probably wouldn't only come out for the Ruck, but if I get my act together to try again on the GET

[Mags]

Just a reminder..it is coming soon.

[Lotus08]

I wish I was there....but perhaps I will be.
Just completed my AT hike this year and was introduced to the SORUCK at the NOC next week by Chair. Wish I could make it to that one, but I cant manage it. A Ruck out in CO would be a great excuse to get me out there in March, if I dont have a job out there by that time and am back to living in the beautiful state.
Mags- you may remember me...Beth from CHAOS. Crazy Horse's friend and such. I have thought of you guys often and look forward to returning to CO one day soon- come a job- and joining you guys for a CHAOS adventure. If you hear any word about jobs in the area of recreation, parks, wellness- let me know.
Much Peace All Ya'll,
Lotus

[Sly]

Mags- you may remember me...Beth from CHAOS. Crazy Horse's friend and such.

I remember you. I dropped Crazy Horse off at your house in '07!

[Mags]

Mags- you may remember me...Beth from CHAOS. Crazy Horse's friend and such. I have thought of you guys often and look forward to returning to CO one day soon- come a job- and joining you guys for a CHAOS adventure. If you hear any word about jobs in the area of recreation, parks, wellness- let me know.
Much Peace All Ya'll,
Lotus

Of course I remember you!

That was a wonderful backpacking trip back in June of '07 wasn't it? Wine, a campfire, some great music and good company.

I heard from an old friend of mine named Joey M that you bumped into near Shenandoah! Small world. Nahum is in Blacksburg now if you want to pay a social call. He and Patricia are due to have a little girl next month!

I'll keep my eyes pealed for a job!

[Sly]

I probably wouldn't only come out for the Ruck, but if I get my act together to try again on the GET

Looks like this is the plan for early spring (or is it late winter?). Driving out...

[Mags]

Hi all, one last e-mail for now.

Here is all the info flying around in one concise spot!

The low-key get together in the Rockies is getting bigger it seems.
( See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rockies_ruck/message/197 for overall Ruck info)

I had Bill set aside 25 spots based on previous years, looks like it is getting full. Bill *MAY* be able to set aside some more spots.

Renting out space at a nearby cabin/hotel may not be a bad idea if people want to go in one one.
http://www.leadville.com/lodging.htm

Not quite the same as being at the hostel, but people can at least eat/hang there and then go to their lodgings at night.

I apologize for the inconvenience. I had Bill set aside 25 spots based on previous years. Next year, I'll ask for more spots.

Other info:

MEALS
The meals are ala carte. You can pay for a Friday dinner - Sunday breakfast, or just a few of the meals.
Naturally, we eat together group style.

DAY USE?
Sure..come down just for the day! Saturday is the "big" day where the most activity happens.


SCHEDULE
This is the loosely organized, flexible and informal hiker gathering. Just like the CDT.

FRI NIGHT: Meet and greet. Probably watch a hiker DVD

SAT:
Breakfast ~8am

During the day: Many of us ski or snowshoe. In the past there have been stove and sewing demos, going over someone's pack,
impromptu workshops on trails, etc. Rather than a set schedule, working it organically seems to work. Bring your questions, bring
your maps...and one of the many CDT/AT/PCT/XYZ trail veterans will help you out!

Dinner: ~6pm

Sat evening: I plan on showing Scarlet and Wildflower's CDT video

SUN:
Breakfast
More snow play!


FINAL NOTE: Most of the coordination is being done at the Yahoo group site. Even if you don't join the group,
you can read the announcements: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rockies_ruck/

Strider (ADZPCTKO Grand Poombah) warned me a few years ago how these low key gatherings can get bigger.

Any questions? Please let me know.

Paul Mags

[RockStar]

I want to come really realy bad, but with online classes I HAVE to post 2 of those days and in both classes. :/ Next year Ill be done with school!

[Mags]

When I organized the Rockies Ruck five years ago, I wanted a weekend to reflect the trail that it was situated near: loose, informal and fun.

Five years later, those who attend the Ruck have helped achieve that goal.

The tribe gathers. We eat. We play outside. We reminiscence about our journeys. We again enjoy and appreciate the deep camaraderie shown among hikers and those who love the trails.

On March 6th-8th, we again had our gathering at the Leadville Hostel.

Bill and Cathy continue to be gracious hosts. They made the announcement that this is their last year..and are retiring! Though we will miss them, we wish them luck in their new journey. The hostel will now be managed by long-time employee Adam. I know the great tradition of the Leadville Hostel will continue!

As always, as hikers rolled in, greetings and hugs were exchanged. Stories told and the general good vibe was felt whenever our little tribe gathers.

To start off the weekend, I did a quick slide show of my recent Benton MacKaye Trail hike. As always, my closer friends provided colorful comments to go with my presentation.

The following morning, we enjoyed a great breakfast that fueled our chosen activity for the day: A seven mile ski/snowshoe at Tennessee Pass.

One of the highlights for the weekend for me is all the outdoor activities we can do in the area. Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, resort skiing , snowboarding, etc. We are outdoor people...and we love to play all year round. Part of the reason why we chose the hostel was all the access to the winter fun in a gorgeous area!

We all arrived back from our chosen winter fun. We took a nap, read or talked more trail. We even watched a pre-dinner Appalachian Trail slideshow.

After a delicious dinner of home made jambalalya, we settled into watching some CDT presentations. The scenery brought back some great memories for many of us.

Alas, all good things must temporarily end. The following morning, we again had breakfast, said our farewells and went off to play or just head home.

One last look down the road told me why we are again coming back to Leadville next year...

Until Feb 26th-28th, 2010!

ALL THE PHOTOS

[grizzlyadam]

looks like a fun time! maybe i can make it next year