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Mount Gunnison was calling as we three 13 year old boys laid our plans and set out on our next Colorado back country adventure. We had studied our Forest Service map and convinced our parents that we knew what we were doing. It seemed fairly straightforward. We would follow the Forest Service trail about a mile toward Minnesota Pass from Beaver Reservoir up the East Fork of Minnesota Creek. To get there you headed southeast from Paonia, Colorado following Minnesota Creek along road 710. Paonia, Colorado, was a quiet little town about 25 miles up in the mountains from Delta, Colorado following highway 92 and 133. Growing up in the area I saw Paonia valley as a Shangri-La. The mountain ringed valley provided a glorious abundance of apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears, and the 4th of July was a community celebration called “Cherry Days”.

Completing the Shangri-La illusion, southeast of Paonia, Mount Lamborn and Landsend Peak form an amazingly close mountainous backdrop for the town. East of Lamborn, above Minnesota Creek, Mount Gunnison stands tall, remote and seemingly inaccessible. We three boys meant to change that perspective, taking on the peak, or at least taking a good shot at it. Ron, Larry and I laid out our provisions across the living room floor, checking our lists and divying up the loads accordingly. Larry with his weight training had the dubious honor of the heaviest pack load. Ron and I split the remaining supplies.

Our adventure forty some years ago was outfitted in a pre-modern camping gear era – at least in our lives. My Boy Scout backpack was an open bag into which everything was piled, our tent a piece of tarp strung between two trees. And my bedding – a couple of wool blankets that Mom thought couldn’t get too badly damaged. Interesting the way the world and our expectations change over time.

My folks dropped us off up at the Beaver Reservoir dam, and the adventure began. We excitedly covered the first mile of the trail quickly. Around a mile, a side trail turns sharp left leading around the side of Mount Gunnison, over to Coal Creek on the other side. That was not for us though. It appeared on the map that you could head directly east at that juncture, following HooDoo Creek as it led up a draw toward the summit of Mount Gunnison. You could see the beginnings of a trail heading up that direction – the trail we chose to follow.

The excitement of exploration drove us onward, upward through aspen groves on the lower flanks of Mount Gunnison. Always keeping HooDoo Creek within sight to our left, we followed that narrow, windy trail through the increasingly dense brush. It became apparent that the “trail” we were following was probably a game trail going nowhere in particular. Hitting multiple forks on the path, within an hour of leaving the main Minnesota Pass Trail our trail disappeared completely. Undeterred, we struggled onward and upward through dense brush for another hour or so. The relatively open aspen grove transitioned into dense pine forest, the trek becoming even more challenging as dissension arose within the ranks. It was unclear that there was any easy route through the timber, or which way to go, and some were questioning if we were – lost.

Lost? How could we possibly be lost? Three 13 year old boys way off trail, bumbling around in dense forests on the flanks of Mount Gunnison in the West Elk Wilderness Area – lost – it’s possible. Ron climbed a taller pine in the forest to see if he could make out where we were. It was obvious where we were – in the middle of a deep pine forest somewhere on the side of the mountain.

We seldom apply – lost – to our adventures. Afterall, we spent days and days out exploring the mountains, creeks and draws throughout the whole Paonia valley. As long as we could hear HooDoo Creek cascading down the draw to our north, we hadn’t strayed far from it. We knew we could follow it down to the East Fork of Minnesota Creek and our main trail out.

But the upward trek toward the summit of Mount Gunnison was questionable. The journey became bushwhacking, and the day was waning. So, we halted our upward struggle, worked our way across to HooDoo Creek, and found a wonderful spot on the creek bank under the tall pines to pitch camp.

The tarp strung between trees, the three of us jockeyed for which rock we were going to be sleeping on underneath it. With a fire in the fire ring, we whipped up standard gourmet camp fare – Lipton chicken noodle soup – accompanied by excellent shoestring potatoes and home made cookies. Following rousing camping songs, where we learned that Larry had a budding career in the bluegrass industry, we settled in for a memorable night in the woods.

The following morning dawned cold and rainy. Yes, a little rain into the “tent” during the night, soaked the three of us to the skin. We struck camp early and waded through dripping wet brush, plodding back down from the lower ridges of Mount Gunnison, continuing singing those same great tunes we shared around the campfire. Maybe we understood why there was no trail straight
up next to HooDoo Creek, leading to the top of Mount Gunnison. “Wouldn’t it be great if there were a trail up there?” we laughed, enjoying the view of the peak as we waited at Beaver Reservoir for our ride.

Reflecting back forty-some years on that wonderful adventure, I probably wouldn’t change a thing, except for the gear. And now that I’ve found that I can begin and end that journey in the comfort of nearby motel accommodations in either Cedaredge or Delta found at: http://www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-co.html I am excited to re-explore that wonderful area.

The true reason behind any adventure summer camps is to send the children somewhere where they will not only have a great time but will learn and grow as a person. The adventure summer camp programs that you are searching, should offer a wide range of adventurous activities to choose from. If the summer camp is a special type camp, then their summer camp programs must focus on the specialty areas. An example is that an adventure summer camp programs especially for a ‘baseball camp’ should include things like batting, catching, defense, running bases, etc. Make sure that the programs offered by the camp organizer will make the child have a good and challenging time.

Why You May Ask?

Well! Students will benefit from a broad ranging and ‘all-inclusive’ summer camp activities program. You may start with an exhilarating selection of outdoor activities, day trips, evening entertainments and the exclusive Highland Adventure, that guarantees the summer of a lifetime, not to be missed. On the other hand, teen’s summer camps focus on things that are important to teens like growing up and learning about real life and gaining a sense of independence. The key to any adventure summer camp grilling is to be safe. Do not attempt to grill indoors under any circumstances.

Programs without clear features, meanings or definitions use phrases like outdoor behavior programs, boot camps, wilderness camps, wilderness programs or ‘wilderness boot camps’. ‘Behavior Outdoor Intervention’ curricula have been mounting in ‘popularity and variety’ enormously for the past few years. Programs are essentially free to call themselves whatever they want. Parents’ understanding of these programs is becoming imprecise and uncertain. So don’t go with these catchy words, know in detail what they actually offer before you make any payment.

Parents searching for an ‘unrealistic quick fix’ to their youngsters behaviors, particularly over the ‘summer months’, generally prefer and hunt for what are known as troubled kid’s summer camps. Whether you go for boot camps or wilderness camps, make sure that the summer camp activities are clearly displayed and you understand them properly to choose the best one form the options.

An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Up, Up, and Away

After consuming a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trailhead. It’s close to our conveniently located inn, so we take a leisurely stroll – greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.

We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you, “Look, marmots!”. We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface – so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.

We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station – now peaceful, this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.

Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes

Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses – serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.

A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine, now cloaked in a splendid green, to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.

We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake – others lay back and enjoy the serenity.

Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks

Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield – its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.

We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance – a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.

Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse

As we settle ourselves on a rustic, sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse, a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare – plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden, crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) – served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional, powdery-blue farmer’s smock.

We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.

Stunning Views

Well sated, we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside – affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley, its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.

Slowly dropping down a gentle path, we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We’re greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it’s a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of the lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek – its frostiness refreshes the air around us.

Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay

We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge – its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures, local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting, sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.

Off to the Konditorei

The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful, lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day – is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte, the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream, or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.

We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today’s experiences.

Relaxing Back at the Inn

We amble back to our welcoming inn – a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn, some members catch up on reading in the inn’s glorious wood-paneled library – others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.

Later, we’ll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.

Tomorrow, we set off on another lovely adventure.