The 10th Mountain Division Hut System is a network of "huts" that folks may snowshoe/cross country ski to in the winter time or hike/mountain bike to in the summer months. See the 10th Mountain Division hut page for details about the history, maps, memberships, and reservations for details!
Every year around this time, my friend Scott Olmer, reserves a hut for the annual Christmas hut trip. Attendees are "required" to bring a dish for Christmas dinner - think a fully cooked turkey, fresh cranberries, potatoes, stuffing, etc brought up by folks with backpacks as well as a "white elephant" gift for the gift exchange. This year Scott reserved "Uncle Bud's" hut - about a 6 mile trip one way from nearby Leadville, CO. The weather was forecasted to be in the low 20's with blowing snow - as it turned out. Our group made the hut anywhere from 3-5 hours based on fitness level, pack weight, etc. and enjoyed excellent hor d'oevres, wine, Christmas dinner and concluded the evening with the boys excusing themselves to the outside porch (temps in the 'teens) for cigars and Scott's homemade bourbon!
Sunday morning came promptly with a 7 AM "sunrise" of sorts and steadily falling snow at 11,380'. The stoves warmed for coffee and modified breakfast burritos minus the burrito shell and eggs (the person responsible for these items failed to show!) Afterwards, I had to leave to return to Denver to catch a 6:38 PM United flight to Redlands, CA for work...which is where I am tonight updating the blog. All in all, a nice birthday!
Next up...Mt. Silverheels possibly this weekend as well as finishing up Christmas shopping! Climb On my friends!
2 comments:
Happy Birthday, Robert! Hope you are able to enjoy many more to come.
Thanks Annett! My plan is for many, many more! Trust all is well for you and the family. Merry Christmas!
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