Alpine Backpack through the Weminuche Wilderness in Southwest Colorado

7:00 Up with the sun for a breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit. With a six-mile day on the agenda, a 13,000 ft pass must be crossed before midday. The Pathfinding Coordinators lead a discussion about how to travel safely in an alpine environment, especially across snow pack or a rock field.

8:00 The leader of the day and navigator of the day review the maps and itinerary from the campsite at 11,000 ft, while other members of the group do dishes, pack tarps and backpacks, and purify water.

8:30 A final sweep of camp is made so that nothing is left behind, and off they go. The leader of the day sets the pace for the group, while the Pathfinding Coordinators ensure the group works together.

11:00 Before noon, the group reaches the top of Columbine Pass in time to enjoy the awe-inspiring view and avoid the
possibility of getting caught in a midday storm.

12:00 After a short descent, the group reaches tree line and enjoys a refreshing lunch of summer sausage, cheese, banana bread, and fruit. A few more miles and they have achieved their goal.

4:30 The leader of the day chooses an impacted site to camp at as the other Pathfinders fill water and put up tarps.

6:00 A trail meal of chicken burritos with green chiles is prepared while the leader of the day records the day's events and accomplishments in the group journal.

Dark After chores are finished, an evening vespers is conducted giving each Pathfinder time to share ideas and emotions under a blanket of stars in the San Juan Mountains.

Desert Backpack through Grand Gulch in Utah's Canyon Country

6:30 Up before the sun to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a breakfast of dehydrated fruit, hot oats, and brown sugar.

7:00 Today's leader prepares for the day by looking over the maps and dividing group gear, while the rest of the Pathfinders clean up camp, pack their backpacks and purify water.

7:30 On the trail, all eyes carefully examine the canyon walls hoping to catch a glimpse of an Anasazi ruin, petroglyph, natural arch, or desert oasis.

9:00 During the day's first water break, the Pathfinding Coordinators lead a discussion about the importance of
traveling responsibly in a desert ecosystem. Hiking on durable surfaces to avoid crypto biotic soil, leaving cultural
and natural artifacts for others to enjoy, and properly disposing of human waste are emphasized as the key principles to protecting our backcountry resources.

10:30 The leader of the day finds a cool, shady place for a mid-day siesta. The group enjoys a couple of hours lounging, and most importantly drinking water.

2:00 Rejuvenated, everyone straps on their packs and continues to hike on the slick rock toward a campsite for the evening. A refreshing breeze blows down the canyon bringing with it the fragrant smell of juniper, sage, and piñon pine.

5:00 As the sun begins to set, the sublime canyon walls turn shades of orange and yellow. You set up camp, prepare dinner and enjoy the cool canyon breeze as evening turns to a desert night.

Dark With a full moon overhead, the group ventures out on a short night hike. By moonlight, the canyon comes alive with silhouettes of desert brush cast on canyon walls. While on top of a sandstone cliff, the Coordinators tells the tale of Trickster and Coyote, and how the sun and moon were created in Native American lore.

Rock Climbing in Colorado

8:00 Rise and shine! The leader of the day gets up early and with help from the cooks of the day prepares a breakfast of bacon, pancakes, and canned fruit.

9:00 Climbing gear is divided among all, and packs are packed for the short hike to the climbing area.

9:30 After arriving at the base of the crag, the Rock Climbing Coordinator discusses three topics; how to safely enjoy the technical aspects of top-rope climbing, how to safely enjoy being on the rock, and how to safely enjoy supporting those who are climbing while you are not. The first element includes the importance of communication protocols, general equipment care, helmet requirements, how to tie a figure eight knot and the proper use of a harness, carabiner, and belay device. The second element includes proper climbing commands and instruction about the various rock formations and ways of moving around on the rock. The final element includes choice of location and positive ways to support and challenge the climber from below. Whenever possible, Pathfinders who are experienced in Rock-Climbing help in the teaching process.

10:00 Let the climbing begin! The Climbing Coordinator sets several top rope climbs that vary from 5.3 to 5.10, so a challenge is available for every level climber.

12:30 A shady place is found for lunch, with bagels, peanut butter, cheese, jelly, fruit, and jerky on the menu. The talk of the climbs to come in the afternoon excites everyone.

1:30 A new climbing area is set up for the afternoon routes. Every Pathfinder is given a chance to belay with a back up belay from the Coordinators.

6:00 Everyone helps to pack up the gear and you begin the short hike back to base camp. The "cooks" gather the ingredients for the evening meal, tortilla pizzas. Each camper adds their favorite fillings to suit their tastes.

Dark The Pathfinders enjoy an evening treat, a campfire with costumes and a guitar. Music and laughter fill the air as a
full moon rises over a clear Colorado sky.

COLVIG SILVER CAMPS
9665 Florida Road Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-2564 Fax: (970) 247-2547 E-mail: office@colvigsilvercamps.com
www.colvigsilvercamps.com

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