Installment Nine - June 22, 2003

[At Arches National Park: The "W" van: BRG] Wake up to the sight we see; of mountains and rock formed from millions of years. Warmer than usual to our pleasure. Breakfast was cold; it was bagels and doughnuts with orange juice. Sand in our shoes, we head out for a hike at Fiery Furnace with our guide Steve, who was very nice. We walked through several arches, with one named Walk-Through Arch [the scouts and Mr. Mat also passed through Crawl-Through Arch]. The scenery was amazing, and walking through the canyons was a worthwhile experience. The names of the arches were very literal, and apparently if you find a new one you can name it. After the hike, which took a few hours, we set out for Cutthroat Bay. It was a long 6 hour drive. This included shortcuts, cell phones, and many other electronics. It was like changing habitats, from desert to forest; from dry to moist; and from hot to cool. Between the camps [around Grand Junction, CO] we stopped for lunch and dropped off Mr. Mo and Robbie for their "adventure" home. The trip went on after lunch, and continued up the Colorado River. Fifty-seven miles or twenty-five miles -- we had to choose. Obviously, we choose the shorter route through the mountains. From the James Bond tournament to the new Harry Potter book [Grand Junction, CO had bookstores and an REI for last-minute necessities, such as a new hat for Scott M], the drive to Cutthroat Bay was interesting. We finally ended up at Cutthroat Bay, and had a dinner of Grilled Cheese and Diablo Chili. After dinner, while almost all of the scouts played ultimate on a huge field, the rest either read, played hackie sack, or just relaxed. That night, most of the scouts decided to sleep under the pavilion, either on tables or on the ground. The lucky ones got the tables. Day eight was interesting just like all the others. [Another's thoughts: The "S" van: RCS] The majority of scouts spent the night sleeping out on the rocks. Surprisingly, we did not require sleeping pads or pillows; although, many scouts still used them. Mr. L and Mr. P were the only adults willing to give up their tents to sleep on the rocks with the scouts. We had an early wake up call at 6:30. Following a swift tear-down of our fly shelter, breakfast was served. Donuts and bagels are good. We all jumped into our cars and headed off to the Fiery Furnace. The hike took just over 2 hours through winding trails in 83 degree weather. Numerous rock formations and other points of interest (including the rare canyon biscuitroot plant) greeted us on the trail. We learned that many arches are named with little imagination involved: Walk-Through Arch, Crawl-Through Arch, Twin Arch (two arches that also form a skull if you look right), and Surprise Arch. Surprise Arch was named that because it was a surprise to the rangers that found it recently. There was also one arch with a creative name -- Kissing Turtle Arch. That arch was named for the rock formation in the shape of a turtle. The rest of our day consisted of seemingly endless driving (and we aren't even to the last day yet!). Upon reaching camp, Crew 1 (with help from Mr. S) cooked an amazing dinner of grilled cheese and chili. Minimal tents were raised as most scouts preferred to camp out on the picnic tables and read their recently acquired Harry Potter books. Even with all this reading, the scouts found time for a highly competitive ultimate game. Granted the field was about half a mile away, across a lake, but still it was a good game. Memorable Quotes  So you're just 'illin' and the wind hits ya, and then you're really 'illin' - Denver Hey Alex [or possibly a nickname], no talking - Mr. L (captain of the Titanic) You make it sound like I've been playing horribly - Alex Hey, there's a really great ultimate field, and it's close by too! - Kanard I have to put stuff away. Need sleep bad - Brian	Sunrise over a very firm bed (J. Moore photo) More scouts sleeping on a rock at Arches Lined up for Crawl-Through Arch in the Fiery Furnace area   Crawling through, of course (J. Moore photo)   Working through tight places (J. Moore photo) Photo for scouters only!
Ranger Steve explains Arches geology & botany	Steve is invited to pose with the trek flag
Why is this one nicknamed Skull Arch?	Deluxe dinner at Cutthroat Bay

The trek caravan proceeds now north from Lake Granby, CO, into Rocky Mountain National Park, pausing for stops at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center to finalize trail & campground reservations, at Never Summer Ranch for a trek church service (where Denver played trumpet to lead God Bless the USA), at Fall River Pass for trailer lunch, and at the Tundra Trail, for a brisk hike at altitude into 60 mph winds that nearly removed us from the castle-like rock peak.

See the Park Map to follow our clockwise travels almost all around the park.

After a final packing and sleep at Glacier Basin campground in the park, the crews will depart for their separate trailhead destinations early in the morning. The excitement is palpable.