Maddie's First Night in the Backcountry

After realizing about a month ago that we overbooked our summer leaving about 2 weekends during which we could enjoy the splendor of Colorado summer, we were quick to reserve this weekend for a night in the backcountry.  It would be Maddie's first backpacking trip and because of the snowy winter we were a bit limited on choices since almost everything above 10,000 ft. is still snow covered or swampy from the melt.  With a little time spent studying the map, we found a good destination: Lost Lake.  Only 3 miles of hiking to an alpine lake, no permits needed, campfires allowed and a trailhead within an hour of Boulder.

We chose this weekend for backpacking since we had a Friday night Ray LaMontagne concert at Red Rocks which was incredible.  Leaving only Saturday night to camp, a car camping trip requires too much gear so we limited the gear to what we could carry on our backs.  Both Maddie and I had been looking forward to this for several weeks with Em maintaining a healthy apprehension for cold temperatures, Maddie's hiking ability, mountain lions, snakes, bears, snow, weather, etc.  Maddie's not worried.

Already packed and ready to hit the trail, we awoke Saturday morning to sunny skies and cool temps - perfect for a hike into the mountains.  I should mention that the trail, though short (by adult standards) at 2.75 miles climbs just under 1000 ft. in that distance.  Fueled by licorice and trail mix, Maddie made fairly quick work of the climb along rocky doubletrack, trail submerged in snowmelt and late season snowpack.  We arrived at the campsite in good spirits after only a few "are we there yet".

Bridged crossing of Middle Boulder Creek

Every time I pulled another piece of gear out of my backpack, Maddie was enthralled by it's use.  Whether it was the tent, campstove, water filter, shovel for you-know-what or bear bagging rope (used to keep your food out bears' reach), she thought it was awesome.  Not to mention the view and being able to run around the campsite, toss rocks in the lake, play with sticks, build a fire, etc., etc.  She even celebrated the less glamorous side of backpacking with a song titled "Going to the Dookie Hole".

Looking across Lost Lake to the Indian Peaks Wilderness

A few afternoon sprinkles mixed with some unobstructed high altitude sunshine led to a few warm minutes spent inside the tent.  Maddie, always uninhibited, stripped down to stay comfortable in the heat of the tent.

As the afternoon sprinkles ceased, we emerged from the tent to crisp, sunny weather and proceeded with exploring our surroundings, gathering firewood and preparing for dinner.  A nearby snowdrift served wonderfully as a cooler for my solitary beer that I carried along.  Stone Old Guardian Belgo, the most bang for your buck while backpacking at 22oz. of 12% alcohol goodness.

Learning to build the fire

Intently watching the water filtering process

As the sun passed behind the trees and over the lake, the air cooled and we started the fire to keep us warm through a filling dinner.  The rest of the evening was spent next to the fire roasting marshmallows and making s'mores to Maddies unrestrained delight.

The hike out was slightly drizzly and Maddie was a little tired after her hike the day before and a short night's sleep in the tent so we were a little slower.  We made it back to the car without incident and just a little whining so we considered the trip supremely successful.  A perfect Father's Day weekend.