Beyond The Horizon: A Guide to Snowshoeing Historic Sites in Northern Colorado, Third Edition

Introduction to Third Edition

There is a school of thought that believes doing something for at least 10,000 hours will yield an expert.

Respectfully, that is not true.

Do something for at least 10,000 hours, and demonstrate dedication, determination, and discipline, which will result in experience and expertise. But such a commitment does not make for an expert.

After more than 10,000 hours on snowshoes the claim of expert could be made on my part without challenge, but experience and expertise prove otherwise, because each outing has been unique, and the uniqueness of each negates the claim of all-encompassing expert.

The year after starting snowshoeing, muscles were used in a different manner in the off-season, and when snowshoeing was resumed an unpleasant discovery was made: Off-season living does not ensure fitness for the snowshoeing season and muscles not used in the off-season had gone soft and physical stamina had decreased - the second season of snowshoeing started with a less-than satisfactory adventure. To ensure that this was not repeated a change was immediately pursued to ensure the next snowshoeing season was not as unpleasant.

Something an expert would not know. Something only experience provides.

A routine involving diet and exercise focused on snowshoeing was implemented, ensuring success for the next season of snowshoeing. My enthusiasm inspired others, but they reported that their experiences had not been as satisfactory, and I realized the reason was because they had not pursued the same routine. When this was pointed out several snowshoe advocates suggested that a new edition of BEYOND THE HORIZON should include specifics on how to achieve this in order to make the most of the snowshoeing season.

Because diet and exercise are an individual concern, always consult with your physician before making changes. Information provided is based on personal programs and regiments, and should only serve as guidance.

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Introduction to Second Edition

My inaugural snowshoeing outing was not a graceful undertaking: I misjudged the spacing of my feet after donning snowshoes, and put one snowshoe on top of the other. The resulting imbalance caused me to react in an awkward manner and I fell, tangling my feet and lower legs, and smacking my backside with one snowshoe before I came to a resting position at the bottom of a small, icy incline.

The second attempt at snowshoeing was slightly more successful where grace and elegance were concerned: I only fell once, and did so in such a manner that other snowshoers interpreted my faux pas as an attempt to make a snow angel.

My third sojourn into snowshoeing - less-than lithe - involved a shallow creek bed I assumed was dry. The assumption was incorrect: The snow I stood on turned out to be snow-covered ice.

It was thin ice - which I plummeted through, soaking my boots, socks, and pants in a few inches of very cold water before I wadded out of the mishap.

Despite my less-than stellar entrance into snowshoeing and mishaps that might have been a reason for discouragement, I became and remain a supporter of the pursuit, and advocate the sport.

The enthusiasm and passion for snowshoeing provided reason to write about the subject, but when the decision was made to do so I also decided that I needed to write about it from a perspective that would contribute to the existing canon of work.

More than a few expressed genuine surprised when I made my intention known - snowshoeing and history. Some actually asked how I intended to bring the two seemingly dissimilar topics together.

Some expressed explicit approval for the resulting book. Others remained initially unimpressed, but their curiosity won them over to my side.

Although I was pleased in the interest expressed in in my writing, I found myself wondering - often while snowshoeing - if there was more, I could offer by way of my perspective.

When the opportunity was presented to update my literary effort, I knew how to do so.

Experiencing the outdoors in any season is a wonderful thing. Adding to it with knowledge of the place you are visiting makes it more so, but when you put yourself in harm’s way the only thing that matters is your safety and well-being.

Information added to this edition emphasizes safety and well-being, but it also includes an additional focus on the historical aspect of the locales provided.

May your days on the snow, in the seemingly infinite whiteness of winter be joyous ones and may your experiences into history be memorable.

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Introduction

One of the first hikes I participated in involved a small pack and my father’s strong back. I was about two years old, and trying to keep up with his long legs was not a realistic option, so he carried me in the pack on his back, each step bouncing and jiggling me with delight.

The first hike I personally undertook was a few years later, and over the years the hikes pursued have totaled thousands of miles.

Several years ago, after years of hiking often alternated off-season with cross-county skiing, I took to offsetting hiking with snowshoeing. Like hiking, the number of miles logged on snowshoes shows no sign of diminishing or ending soon because I intend to remain part of it for as long as possible.

Over the years these outings have resulted in memorable moments and unforgettable experiences that, when recalled for others, instigate many comments and responses, including the familiar exclamation: I wish I could do that!

Because everyone lives busy lives, trying to organize a snowshoeing event that would accommodate everyone is not always realistic. Regardless, the opportunity to take advantage of what Nature offers through beauty and splendor is not something to forgo. Hopefully, the excursions and historical information included provide the encouragement needed to do so.

The trips included range from easy to challenging. They should appeal to the beginner and the experienced snowshoe alike. Each found inspiration and motivation from the Snowshoe Itinerant Preacher, Father Dyer, whose historic trips took him from one end of Colorado to the other, and back again.

On the subject of history, all the trips included share at least one thing: Each not only offers specifics about the outing but also information about relevant historical fact. Snowshoeing provides for a good physical workout. Knowing about the place where snowshoeing takes place provides for an intellectual workout. Together they make memories that last forever.

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A History of Snowshoeing

The snowshoe boasts a long history and interesting pedigree. According to some a version of the known snowshoe dates to more than 12,000 years ago, with origins reportedly in Asia. Over time it underwent evolution in form and functionality when human migration across the Bering Land Bridge took place, and a means of travel, specifically in winter, was needed to traverse snowpack that proved not only challenging but dangerous. In Alaska and Canada, where simplicity in design was embraced, it underwent a change in configuration - the result of which was considered to be almost perfect.

Despite changes in design, the basic function of the snowshoeing remained constant: The need to explore new places and to learn about the world beyond the immediate when the cold and whiteness of winter may reveal the secrets of Nature.

The first snowshoes were relatively big, clumsy, and unwieldy, and proved problematic for long-distance travel. Thankfully, design improvements continued, and the popularity of what is now a growing sport continues to increase, owing much to this evolution. The desire to know about the world beyond remains as well. Curiosity and the desire to travel, then, contribute to the adventure called snowshoeing.

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The Basics

Snowshoeing is relatively simple to accomplish: Put one foot in front of the other, and you are snowshoeing. Continue this particular form of locomotion for just a few minutes, and you can legitimately claim that you are an experienced snowshoer. Add an incline, fresh or packed snow, and varying terrain and the next step is to break trail through the whiteness that defines so much of winter.

But before setting out into the great white unknown seemingly infinite there are things to know about when it comes to snowshoeing. Specifically: Equipment, clothing, the pack, technique, the physical requirement, and trail etiquette.

Note: [DE] Because the sites included in BEYOND THE HORIZON, Third Edition are located above sea level it is suggested that a slow and easy start be followed to ensure acclimation to the elevation. A simple method to do so involves a counting game some might recall from childhood: After donning snowshoes, take one step and pause. Then take two steps, and pause. Follow that with four steps, and pause. Eight steps, and pause comes next. Then sixteen steps, and a pause. Continue to double the number of steps taken before a pause until physical exertion becomes apparent. When physical exertion - heavy breathing - occurs stop for a few moments, and then resume the exercise, beginning again with one step, then two, then four, etc. Over time the number of steps taken will increase because of improved physical well-being.

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Equipment

The Snowshoe

Some decide to undertake snowshoeing by investing in a pair of snowshoes, a set of poles, and an outfit dedicated to the purpose.

Others approach the sport of snowshoeing more pragmatically: They research snowshoeing, locate the nearest business that offers snowshoe rentals, and rent a pair, while wearing clothing better suited for other outdoor activities or sports.

The individual who spends a lot of money on equipment and related gear may go snowshoeing once and then store their acquisitions until the following year, when they can be traded or sold.

Those who rent snowshoes may find in doing so they favor a specific type of snowshoe. They may determine that they prefer to snowshoe without using poles. They may learn about the design and functionality of snowshoes and that one style is better for what they want do to over another - inclines, running, or open, level spaces where they can undertake a stroll or test their physical endurance.

Simply, the approach taken to snowshoeing is and should always be a personal one just as snowshoeing is an individual undertaking.

Regardless of preference, give due consideration to the following: Design and function, size, strap systems/bindings, maintenance, and use.

Note: [DE] A snowshoe is not a shoe in the traditional sense because it goes on over a shoe or boot. But like a shoe or boot it should fit properly. My first snowshoeing excursion involved snowshoes that had been researched and field-tested before purchased. Some might not have the good fortune or opportunity to do the same, but several outdoor stores in the northern Colorado area offer snowshoe rentals and will readily assist in determining the best shoe for you. Embrace the opportunity to do to ensure the subsequent outing is successful.

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The Design and Function

With very few exceptions the modern-day snowshoe consists of a sturdy but lightweight frame comprised of a platform, a strap system/binding that secures the foot to the snowshoe, and an anchor-like mechanism around and under the foot that allows the foot to move in a manner suggestive of walking or running with little or no restriction. Additionally, many contemporary snowshoes feature crampons - also known as claws or talons - on the bottom that assist in gaining traction when moving over icy surfaces, up and down steep inclines, or both. When considering a pair of snowshoes through rental or purchase give serious consideration to ensuring the pair selected features crampons - your personal safety and well-being may depend upon it once you undertake the journey.

Note: [DE] Snowshoes with crampons are better than snowshoes without crampons. However, if the snow is not sufficient to snowshoe on, prevent damage to the crampon by using micro spikes because they can reduce wear and tear on snowshoes as well as on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips.

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The Size

When it comes to snowshoes size matters, especially regarding the weight of the individual and the intended function, as previously noted. Increasingly snowshoes are specialized, as expressed in the shape and the size, and these attributes require additional attention given to the intended function.

For example, a smaller snowshoe with a larger person on it will probably sink into powder or light snow while a larger snowshoe on packed snow is too much snowshoe for the basic intended purpose, and will only serve to degrade the subsequent experience.

It might be cause for confusion, so keep the following in mind when determining the size of snowshoe best suited to the purpose: Your body weight, the snow conditions, and the intended use of the snowshoe.

The snowshoe for a child, for example, measures about six inches wide by sixteen or seventeen inches long.

A snowshoe measuring seven or eight inches wide by twenty-one inches long is appropriate for young adults and women with an average physical build.

The snowshoe eight inches wide by twenty-four inches long or nine inches wide by twenty-five inches long, which is considered a medium-sized shoe, is suitable for most adults and works in most conditions - powder, pack, new trail, or established trail.

Finally, a snowshoe measuring nine inches wide by thirty-four inches long or ten inches wide by thirty-six inches long will support a large person wearing a heavy pack.

More specific information on snowshoes is available on manufacturer web sites - a modest introductory list of these companies is provided.

When researching snowshoes keep the following in mind: Look for the snowshoe easiest to get on and off, select the design and model that best suits the intention, and pick the pair that are the most comfortable to walk in.

When it comes to researching snowshoes, a practical approach involves reviewing snowshoe magazines and the vast amount of information available. Many regularly publish information on snowshoes for beginners and experts alike, and may provide information on businesses close to where you live or where you intend to snowshoe that can further assist you. Once the basic information is acquired take time to visit a local business that sells and rents snowshoes. My experience has been that employees of such establishments are more than ready and willing to help you make the best choice for your undertaking. Some will even offer to take you out for an introductory trip to ensure that your experience is positive, and do so for a modest fee.

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The Strap Systems/Bindings