Perhaps once a year, I go camping for the sake of camping with a group of friends.
Unlike other camping trips, this is not “camping with a purpose.” No obscure canyons are being explored, there is no savoring of a diverse area, or seeing the dwellings of ancient people.
We camp. Make an increasingly rare campfire. Cook lots of food on my cast iron griddle. And, I must confess, it is usually my once a year where I indulge in perhaps a wee bit of some whiskey more than I really should. 🙂
Best use of business cards? Kindling.
But it is fun.
A chance to catch up with a group of friends who may not be as interested in the further reaches of the more obscure backcountry. But want to be out for a night or two.
And we go to a quiet campground that is only an hour away.
But we do get a hike in as well.
We did a hike on an obscure peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. No signs are marking this peak. You have to go looking for the trailhead.
The trail is a bit overgrown. And the deeper woods had some snow.
But some unique views of well-known peaks are spotted. And we had it all to ourselves.
A brief half-mile bushwhack done to connect to a higher use trail. But then we found another little-used trail to complete the loop. A wide meadow flush with wildflowers and more impressive views.
A nice little weekend. And proof there are still some obscure areas left in the Front Range Zoo. Areas that don’t have dozens of your closest hiking friends. 🙂