Blanca Peak August 23rd-24th 2014

[black95]

I have a well built fj cruiser and Cherokee that wanted a heads up if I ever found a group that wanted to do I this run. They have been planning on going for over 2 years and weather has stopped them both times. If you guys think we have to many I will tell them no, but if I you guys are ok with it I would like to tell them they can come. Both are experienced. I won't be butt hurt if I get a no.

I'm ok with a few more rigs.

 

[karas]

Cool. I figured you wouldn't mind having another jeep along.

 

[Bret]

If more folks want to go it is OK by me too. I am just along for the ride. Moose, if you pass through Del Norte your welcome to stop for a beer been pretty nice out today.

 

[MrMoose]

Guessing it'll take about 2 hrs from FT Carson/Fountain on I-25

If more folks want to go it is OK by me too. I am just along for the ride. Moose, if you pass through Del Norte your welcome to stop for a beer been pretty nice out today.

We did indeed go through Del Norte. Wish I would have seen this earlier! Stopped at Pagosa Brewing for lunch and a brew, then continued on our way.

On our way up I-25, 2 snotty boys were harassing my wife with their 4Runner. Slowing down, speeding up. No idea what their issue was, but they definitely deserved a smack upside the head.

 

[Bret]

See a guy grading his driveway with an old tractor leaving Del Norte? Be sure to stop by next time

 

[karas]

2 snotty boys- that's not what you wanted to say. Some people just never got punished as a kid and now have no respect for others.

 

[Goslow]

I'm fine with more coming. I'm in shock right now because Luke said he would get up early to make the trip. Words escape me.........

I've recovered from the shock now. It appears we may have a sizable group. Here are my camping recommendations.
#1 - When arriving at the lake, turn right and take the road across the creek, through the mud, and to a clearing on the right side of the lake. You can see that clearing across the lake when you arrive at the lake. It's a good place for a group.
#2 - Drive around the left side of the lake to the other end. Good campsites are on the right. They are good for groups.
#3 - Take what you can find at the right end of the lake when you first arrive.

 

[Bret]

When we were up there last time space was at a premium, there was a large backpacking group that set up shop all along that side of the lake. Not sure where else to check for traffic up there.

 

[karas]

We are all going up the trip as a group on Saturday morning from what I am reading. The moose and I plan on camping the night before near by the trail head hopefully. Vic can you remember if there is camping by the trail head? What would the best meet up spot in the springs be, and what time are you thinking? Just so I can let the others know and edit the first post.

 

[karas]

I didn't think Luke ever slept. There ain't no time fo sleep.

 

[Bret]

There is a lot of room for camping at the parking area before it gets too rough.

 

[karas]

Thanks Brett. That's probably where we will be then just to make it easy.

 

[MrMoose]

If there's a large enough group, would it possibly be beneficial to run up in a couple, smaller groups?

 

[Bret]

Depending on the final count and how many other tow rigs we find at the trailhead it may help, but everyone may enjoy it a bit more as a gaggle? You end up with more pictures and socializing that way. Just wouldn't want anyone feeling excluded if they couldn't travel in the group they wanted etc. If we go up early in the morning it should be with the flow of traffic and not a real issue? There are a few pull offs we could let faster folks by if needed.

I don't know enough folks to really have a horse in the race so whatever the trail leader feels I will go with.

 

[karas]

Something to keep in mind for sure. You never know exactly what the count will be until the day comes.

 

[MrMoose]

If there's areas to let others pass, a larger group isn't as big of a deal. I don't think we're expecting a dozen rigs, so we should be fine. Just an option if we do have a much larger group than planned and backing everyone else.

 

[Goslow]

We should be fine with whatever our group size is. Sometimes you see other large groups and it always takes a a fair amount of time to get up the trail either due to difficulties or playing. To get a campsite on a Saturday trip, I do suggest we leave early. I'm up for really really early. It helps to get up the trail before it gets blazing hot. The last couple of trips, we met up at the McDonalds at Hwy 50 and I-25 in Pueblo or at the trailhead (in the desert, not up the trail). If it was up to me, I'd be driving through Pueblo by 6:00 AM.

Does everybody have a skid plate on their rig?

 

[MrMoose]

We should be fine with whatever our group size is. Sometimes you see other large groups and it always takes a a fair amount of time to get up the trail either due to difficulties or playing. To get a campsite on a Saturday trip, I do suggest we leave early. I'm up for really really early. It helps to get up the trail before it gets blazing hot. The last couple of trips, we met up at the McDonalds at Hwy 50 and I-25 in Pueblo or at the trailhead (in the desert, not up the trail). If it was up to me, I'd be driving through Pueblo by 6:00 AM.

Does everybody have a skid plate on their rig?

Agree with hitting the trail early.

No skid plates for me, but I have quite a bit of clearance to work with.

 

[karas]

Full skids yes. Less clearance then the moose.

 

[MrMoose]

Looks like I'm going to have to back out on this. I really want to go, but some family issues came up this past week. Wouldn't be an issue, but I had to switch one of my days of duty from the August 15th to August 24th to accommodate.

Wish I didn't have to back out, but atleast you have a good amount of rigs heading up with you still.