First the rain and fogs, then the blustery winds with snow flurries, and finally the blue skies and sun. That was how the weekend unfolded from this past Friday night to Sunday morning along the Zimmerman South to Brackenbury trails and back. Not only was the weather uncooperative, it discouraged hikers and backpackers alike from braving the unpredictable Colorado weather. Not a single person was seen in the entire 3-day weekend backpack patrol along Zimmerman South, Flowers, Beaver Creek and Brackenbury trails! PWV Ranger Mike and Jeanne felt like the only people left on this planet. That was until they encountered a land mine of bear scats along the Brackenbury trail about three-fourth of a mile from the Brackenbury cabin. And it was so recent that PWV Ranger Mike accidentally stepped in one and didn’t realize it at that moment. That’s when they both agreed that it didn’t feel safe to continue as the trail cuts through numerous low-lying shrubs that made it felt like an ambush was waiting to happen. Fortunately for them, no bears were sighted, but they did see several Bull Moose along Zimmerman South trail. On the way back about half a mile from the trail head, they encountered, yet again, another fresh bear scat on the trail but no bear sighting. But PWV Ranger Jeanne heard large twig-breaking noises in the near distance. Whew! Thank goodness for the bear bells and bear pepper spray that wasn’t needed. It’s best to be attuned to your surroundings. Regardless of the weather and heighten sense of awareness, it was still a great weekend just being one with nature.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 04:54:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015