Fall/Winter 2001

By Greg Mebel and Steve Skadron

En route to the Margy's Hut, the views and surroundings are epic; rolling singletrack, jeep road climbs, and distant fourteeners. It's comforting to be enclosed by them- that is if you don't get lost. Unfortunately, for Greg Mebel and Steve Skadron, two hut trippers on a summer outing, that soon became the case on a recent journey. Following is their tale of near misfortune en route from Aspen to Margy's on mountain bikes.

Having worked most of the day, Greg and Steve were the last of their party to depart for the hut. They agreed to head out from Smuggler trailhead that August afternoon no later than 3 p.m. As a means of self-assurance, they even formulated a contingency plan if they got off schedule. They agreed if they couldn't leave by the intended hour, they would drive to Lenado to begin their bike ride from a much closer trailhead.

Not surprisingly, on the day of departure, a series of work-related events delayed the original meeting time. The back-up plan was re-visited, re-evaluated, and ultimately, rejected. Rushing out the door, the two grabbed their essentials. They filled Camelbacks with water, shoved energy bars into pockets, stuffed windbreakers and a 10th Mountain topo map into bike bags, and grabbed every shade of Slider sunglass lenses. Expecting to be at the hut before nightfall, they decided against bringing headlamps.

At 5:30 p.m., the bikers set off, feeling strong, determined, and ready to ride the longer route. They justified their decision to leave late with good weather, strong riding ability, and stubborn wills.

They started up Smuggler Mountain, biking on to Four Corners, and then down into Lenado, all on long jeep roads. The terrain was challenging, yet they rode swiftly. When they reached the midway mark to the hut, they took note of a storm brewing overhead, encouraging them to pedal even faster. From Lenado, they resumed the climb up Forest Road 103. After several miles of ascending the windy road, it veered back to the East. They hit level terrain mixed with more uphill, riding the rim around the canyon until there was another intersection. With a cursory glance at the map, it appeared the remainder of their ride was flat, a welcome reprieve, both mentally and physically. The hut was less than a mile away, perched on a hillside and tucked in the trees. With an estimated time of arrival of 8:30 p.m., they were going to be on target.

Unfortunately, as the riders soon learned, they had misread the map at the last intersection. The thick dotted line, which they had perceived to be the road, was actually a hiking trail. According to their impression, the hut should have been on the north side of the road, off to the left.

They continued biking up FR 526 looking for the hut. When they came to another intersection with a turnoff to FR 526 1A, they cast quizzical glances at one another, and then took the fork heading west. The climb only got steeper; it must have been more than a mile by now. Though they didn't understand where they could have gotten off course, they knew it had to have happened. They still pushed on and up. The sun had set, leaving them in complete darkness. With no headlamps or flashlights, the road was difficult to distinguish. Suddenly, they reached a dead-end.

According to a rereading of the map by aid of a weak lighter, they could not figure out where they'd gone wrong. Though they could easily have begun to panic, they felt a sense of calm and relaxation. They knew they would make the situation work out. Both still felt energetic and their food and water supply was not yet depleted. The storm that had threatened in the sky earlier had long since passed and the temperature was now unseasonably mild. With further attention to the map and what they could make out of their surroundings, they determined that they must be at the end of the road and on top of Mt. Porphyry at an elevation of 11,556 feet.

They calmly shared ideas and possible scenarios. Together they devised a plan that might get them to the hut.

"Show me the hut! Show me the hut!" They yelled half-joking and half-hoping that someone might hear them, offering assistance on which way to go. They turned back down the road from which they had just come, attempting to retrace their path and find the proper turnoff. Now walking their bikes, a man and woman camping near the road startled them. Neither party had noticed the other before when they had passed by. At this point it was 10 p.m. "You guys are out biking? Can you even see anything?" the man inquired. The campers invited Greg and Steve over to warm themselves by the fire. Both parties compared maps. The campers had a much bigger yet less specific map, but alas there were some differences. It was now apparent the bikers had misread their own map. They realized what they had perceived to be the road was apparently a hiking trail. This placed the hut on the south side of the road. Everything was coming together now. They smiled and then heard the best news of all. The woman recalled she'd seen a sign down the road that said "Hut Property Boundary". The boys' spirits were instantly lifted and their resolve was bolstered. They set off a final time in search of the hut. Helping light the riders' way, the campers followed from behind in their truck, headlights beaming. Now able to see, Greg and Steve could actually ride down the hill as opposed to walking their bikes. Sure enough, where the woman had remembered it to be, the sign marked the spot.

After thanking the campers, Greg and Steve peeled off toward the hut, giving each other a nod of approval. Pushing their bikes past the gate then to the cabin, they had finally made it!

Astonished friends on the front porch greeted them with relief and surprise. The warmth from hugs and the wood-burning stove were especially appreciated as were leftovers and deep laughs. It took some time to unwind from the journey, but soon enough they were comfortable in sleeping bags and the debacle was behind them.

In situations such as these, when one's forced to stop and analyze the circumstances, several factors come into play. As opposed to panicking or blaming oneself or someone else, it's essential to remain calm and collected. Keeping open lines of communication between partners is also important. The process of making decisions and carrying them out is paramount, and in this case, exciting and rewarding with a positive outcome. "Chances are I'll probably forget something on the next trip or there will be something I could use, but don't have. I might make a mistake with orientation again, too. Either way, I know I'll be equipped with the skills to deal with problems that arise and make it through them," said Greg.

Now a grin between the two is enough to recall fond memories of their adventure. After leaving the trailhead as little more than acquaintances, they arrived at the hut as trusted comrades. With a bit of luck, undying determination, and some troubleshooting, they arrived safely at their intended destination, just a little bit off of schedule. The journey to Margy's was an experience they'll never forget and an adventure they are sure to remember.

Effective August 30, 2001., Jim and Susan Farrell of Avon are thrilled about their new roles as new owners of Vance's Cabin. Formerly river and mountain guides, the Farrells are seasoned hut users and backcountry enthusiasts, (Jim even proposed to Susan at The Hidden Treasure Yurt on a spring ski trip in 1997.)

Originally looking for land to buy, the Farrells had a change of heart when they learned of Vance's Cabin being offered for sale, deeming it a more suitable choice for investing their time and money. Prepared to maintain the hut year-round, they've already spent several weekends this fall on site, getting the hut and its grounds into top shape.

Future projects include a roof replacement after the winter season and the installation of an ornamental copper gutter. Jim and Susan intend to keep the hut within the 10th Mountain system, and anticipate offering even more rewarding experiences to future hut users. Consider booking a trip to Vance's Cabin and see for yourself.

10th Mountain is a strong organization that continues to provide magnificent backcountry opportunities. Wonderful huts exist, connected by challenging and rewarding routes, that enable people to explore the mountains, have fun and perhaps increase their appreciation of the natural environment. 10th Mountain is adjusting its focus to provide even better opportunities. We are renovating our huts to ensure that they remain in first-class condition. We are developing educational programs intended to raise the awareness of proper backcountry and hut use. We continue to strengthen our many partnerships –financial, political and social– to help ensure continued sensible use of the backcountry. And we continue to assess the need for new huts on the criteria of educational potential and hut linkages.

We continue to encourage non-motorized use of the huts during the winter and the summer. There are spectacular non-motorized routes into the huts in the summer, and the inaugural 10th Mountain Benedict Bike 150 (a bike trip that included 5 huts and 6 days) showcased some of these routes. A support vehicle for a large group can make the trip more enjoyable, and this is fine. But we think excessive numbers of motorized vehicles detract from the backcountry experience, and ask that hut visitors try to get into the huts under their own power.

It can be difficult to be a non-motorized traveler on a predominantly motorized route. But we anticipate that future USFS National Forest Management Plans will help. The Management Plan for the White River National Forest is scheduled for release this winter after many years of hard work. We remain convinced that backcountry experiences in the White River National Forest can be improved with an increased emphasis on the protection of a healthy, natural biodiversity. 10th Mountain believes that good stewardship of the land is best promoted with sensible limits intended to ensure a sound natural mountain environment for the long-term.

The purpose of 10th Mountain, simply stated, is to create backcountry opportunities that promote good stewardship of the environment and self-reliance. We are able to accomplish this because of the dedicated involvement of so many people that cherish this same principle. We are extremely grateful for this incredible level of enthusiastic participation. The huts are in great shape. The entire 10th Mountain staff has worked exceptionally hard, and these efforts will allow for even better hut experiences this winter. The backcountry remains an incredibly attractive place to explore, learn and enjoy. I hope you get the chance to visit soon.

Ben Dodge • Executive Director

Money generated from the sale of the CORSAR card goes to the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund, a fund that provides reimbursement for expenses incurred during search and rescue missions in the state. The cost per card is $3.00; $2.00 goes to the state fund and $1.00 covers vendor costs.

In Colorado, county sheriffs are responsible for providing search and rescue services through their office, local volunteer fire departments, and/or local volunteer rescue groups. Revenue from the sale of the CORSAR card goes into a fund that is used to reimburse local sheriffs for the costs associated with rescue missions. For example, if a hut user requires search and rescue assistance and is a CORSAR card–holder, the particular county sheriff's office that assisted that user can apply for reimbursement for that mission for expenses such as helicopter rental, gas for snowmobiles, ropes/hardware for rescue groups, etc. Any money left in the fund at the end of the year will be distributed to search and rescue groups in the state to use for education programs, training, and equipment.

Cards can be purchased directly from 10th Mountain over the phone at 970/925-5775, from the 10th Mountain Online Store (click link on menu), or in person at the 10th Mountain office in Aspen. When you call to make a hut reservation, you will be asked if you would like to purchase one or more CORSAR cards. You may purchase cards for as many people as you like, so long as you have the following information for each person: name, address, phone number, and date of birth. Cards are also available at many outdoor retailers and where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Several individual search and rescue groups work in the area where the huts are located. These are groups of dedicated volunteers who provide a valuable service to all backcountry users. Without sufficient funding, these groups could no longer provide needed assistance. The cost to an individual for the purchase of a card is a marginal expense compared to the cost incurred by these groups when conducting a rescue. 10th Mountain strongly encourages every hut user to purchase a CORSAR card.

Summer 2001 Volunteers

This summer’s volunteers deserve special recognition for their work: Marie Baum Cathy & Jim Beck, Bob & Bev Beehle,r Wade Bigg,s Jeff Boss, Keaton & Phil Bracy, Brett Branca ,Richard Brown, William & Marilyn Brown, Art Buck, Rosemary Burbank, Lanny Carlson, Susan & Roy Carlson, Fritz Carpente, Shane Casteel, Laura Chiappetta, Paula Clark, Blake Clark, Karen & Mike Donlon, Michael Evans, Barbara Evert, Kathy Ferguson, Julie Willow, Gerleman Pamela Gibbs, Nadia & Reed Halstead, Ingrid Herte, Eric Hueckel, Stephen & Marlene Johnson, Mark Karlok, Gregory Kemp, Monika Klatt, Donald Kuskie, Joy Lutton, Joy E. Miller, Carol Montgomery, John & Linda Muscatell, Josh Myers, Vernon Norman, Donna Paderewski, Paul Petro, Shelia Powell, John Pressprich, Christopher Prouast, Theo Raun, Marilyn & Jerry Robinson, Ardis Rohwer, Stephen & Jane Saul, Julie Schwerdtfeger, Don Shefchik Family, Sobetski Rudy & Laura Lee Stanovich, David, Elizabeth & Alma Staub Jim, Hunter & Marshall Thompson, Nan Thornton, Elizabeth Williams.

by Hawk Greenway

This summer and fall the Alfred A. Braun Hut System has been renovating and upgrading the Goodwin-Greene Hut. The five-year renovation plan for all six Braun Huts is currently operating on schedule and on budget.

Last year the Barnard Hut, located 7 miles from the Sundeck on Richmond Ridge, received a tremendous renovation, to great acclaim. The year prior, both Green Wilson and Tagert Huts, situated 5.5 miles toward Pearl Pass from Ashcroft, underwent remarkable restorations.

The Goodwin-Greene Hut will have new windows, added insulation, a totally redesigned interior, an updated solar electrical system, as well as a new outhouse and woodshed. A south-facing deck and main entry were also added. In keeping with the Braun Huts tradition, the number of beds in the hut will not change, only the layout. The work is expected to be complete in plenty of time for the ski season.

This year, the work is once again being completed by Lost Trail Logworks, with assistance from volunteers and support from the 10th Mountain crew. Strong financial support has been garnered from Peyton and Bill Budinger, 10th Mountain Hut System, Pitkin County lottery funds, both the Goodwin and Greene families, as well as countless others. The renovations, while expensive (roughly $75,000 each), are meant to be decisively energy efficient, and functionally long-lasting.

As we celebrate the work that has been done, we're already looking ahead to next summer with plans to renovate either the Lindley or Markley Huts. In both cases, the board is considering extensive rebuilding projects that could even include hut relocations. The Forest Service has been asked to evaluate the present sites and by mid-winter it will be determined which hut has been selected.

Your support and financial generosity will be greatly appreciated so that these necessary and worthwhile projects can be completed. Fully tax-dedu ctible donations can be sent to: Alfred Braun Hut System, PO Box 7937, Aspen Co 81612.

by Kim Hedberg • BSA Executive Director

The Backcountry Skiers Alliance continues to work hard to establish quiet places for you to ski, snowshoe, and snowboard on public lands in the Southern Rocky Mountains. This year, we are working on Wolf Creek Pass and the North Routt. We are trying to establish a group of skiers, snowshoers, and snowboarders to work on Wolf Creek Pass, so if you're interested, please contact us: bsa@backcountryalliance.org or 303/494-5266. The North Routt (near Steamboat) also needs volunteer help; so if you live in that area and have time to help out, please let us know.

The Backcountry Skiers Alliance is pleased to present the second annual Backcountry Skills Series this fall. The series includes 2 nights of basic information on avalanche hazards:

• Mark Frank MD, of the National Ski Patrol, November 2
• Basics of Going on a Hut Trip, November 9

All events will be held at the American Mountaineering Center at 710 10th Street in Golden, Colorado, at 6:30 pm. There is no charge for these events. Our 9th Annual Fundraiser will be held on Friday, December 7 at the American Mountaineering Center. Andrew McLean, a noted ski mountaineer from Salt Lake City, will present a spectacular slide show, and we will have our Silent Auction with winter gear generously donated by Colorado mountain shops and the outdoor retailer industry. Hope to see you there.

If you are interested in volunteering time or finding out more about what's happening at the BSA, please check our website www.backcountryalliance.org or give us a call: 303/494-5266.

10th Mountain believes in accommodating groups of all types and abilities at the huts. Qualified not-for-profit organizations, especially those that have a focus on education or community service, may be eligible to receive significant levels of support from 10th Mountain. This support is administered through the 10th Mountain Backcountry Exploration Program (formerly known as the Special Use Group Program). This program is intended to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the natural mountain environment while developing individual self-reliance amongst hut users. Support includes financial discounts, appropriate levels of logistical support, leadership guidelines, education suggestions, and Leave No Trace skills and ethics. The groups that typically use the huts through the Backcountry Exploration Program vary in size, purpose and backcountry ability, but they all share great excitement about the backcountry and 10th Mountain huts.

Mountain Valley Developmental Services (MVDS) is one of the groups who have been able to explore Colorado's backcountry by using the huts as a base for their adventures. MVDS was formed in 1973 by a group of parents and volunteers, and has since grown into a comprehensive organization that provides an array of services to adults with developmental disabilities. The mission of MVDS is to provide encouragement and support which enables persons with disabilities to live, learn and work in the most independent and inclusive manner possible.

To further this mission, MVDS' Recreation Department, run by Linda Austin-Martin, takes challenging winter and summer hut trips. According to Linda, "The huts are a highlight for area adults with developmental disabilities. 10th Mountain provides staff who ensures their adventure is satisfying and fun. Thanks 10th Mountain from Mountain Valley Developmental Services!"

MVDS went to the Margy's Hut in late August for this summer's trip. Despite the threatening gray skies, some participants hiked up Forest Road 526 to take in the spectacular views, while everyone else was busy with projects on the deck and around the hut's tables. There seemed to be a heightened sense of creativity because of the unique hut environment. Many pictures were drawn, letters written, and journal pages filled. The participants greatly appreciated this backcountry experience, and though not necessarily expressed in words, the pictures, letters and gestures were poignant indications of their thankfulness.The rewards for everyone, including the trip leaders and volunteers, were extraordinary because of this group's unique qualities.

This group is just one of many that uses the huts with support from the 10th Mountain Backcountry Exploration Program. If you know of a not-for-profit group that would benefit from a hut experience and mid-week discount, please contact 10th Mountain for additional information.

Ed Ryberg joined the 10th Mountain Board of Directors in 2000. His experience working for the United States Forest Service and his interest in preserving and protecting the backcountry has lent much insight and expertise to the board. "I think it's an interesting group to be a part of and it's been very skillfully put together. I enjoy the diversity of viewpoints and opinions as well as the common thread that everyone shares a love for the huts and the environment they are in," he said.

Ed serves on the Stewardship Committee formulated by the Board to address the issues of backcountry ethics, reducing motorized conflicts, and identifying private inholdings that may negatively affect 10th Mountain huts or routes into them. Headed by fellow board member David Schweppe, the committee has identified inholdings that present potential threats to the hut system. Much research went into identifying the parcels, determining current owners (not always an easy task, given the nature of researching old mining claims that date back to 1892), and developing strategies for best dissolving the threat.

"With numerous pieces of patented land scattered around the forest, it could impact the huts and their access. There are various methods of dealing with possible threats to surrounding lands. Conservation groups could assist us. We could participate in a land exchange program with the USFS." Several of the huts have no private inholdings around them that would minimize the hut experience. Other huts are not quite so fortunate, but the strategies that have been developed for the lands surrounding them will eventually result in a quality backcountry experience.

Ed is also working on helping to address fire mitigation measures at the huts, including fuels management. The board is considering the creation of fire defensible spaces around several of the huts. These spaces would be intended to reduce the risk to the hut from a catastrophic forest fire, and also to reduce the risk to the forest from a catastrophic hut fire. He and several other board members have considered ideas for removing vegetation surrounding the hut with an effort not to lose the wilderness ambience. The theory is that breaking up the continuity of the fuels will reduce the likelihood of catastrophic fire. "The idea is not to clearcut, but to remove certain trees or their lower limbs to avoid ignition from a ground fire. It requires a lot of sensitivity. It's more about art than science." Proud to be a member of the board, Ed added, " I plan to stick around for awhile. I'm also looking forward to participating in more hut trips this coming year."

The Summer 2001 field staff wrapped up another long, hard season of seeing projects to completion as well as performing the usual upkeep on the huts. Routine fieldwork included preserving the winter ski trails, restocking the huts, helping lead the senior hut trips, and performing maintenance. Field staffers also helped support construction crews working on the various summer projects at Harry Gates, Peter Estin, Betty Bear, Jackal, and Fowler-Hilliard Huts. "Construction-wise, it was our busiest summer with many huts under renovation," said Scott Messina, Field Operations Supervisor. Field staffers also lent support to The Braun Huts for the newly renovated Goodwin-Greene Hut.

Veteran summer intern Rickey Gates returned for his third straight season, proud to be a part of "a strong team with a great system." Rickey took advantage of the opportunity to be active when working outside, often times trailrunning or mountain biking to and from the huts. This fall, his off-season travels will lead him around the U.S. by road bike. Jennifer Outwater returned for her second consecutive season with 10th Mountain. Also working as a ceramics instructor at Colorado Mountain College in Aspen, she managed to lead a balanced life of artistic expression and 10th fieldwork. Jennifer will spend the fall in Las Vegas, caretaking her parent's new house and producing more artwork.

Heidi Hauenstein signed on with 10th Mountain after graduating with the 2001 Aspen High senior class. A longtime hut tripper, she first went to McNamara with her family as a fifth grader and has been hooked ever since. Heidi headed off to Tufts University in Boston at the end of August to begin her freshman year.

Now entering his junior year at The Holderness School in New Hampshire, Linden Mallory spent part of the summer working with the 10th Mountain field crew. A veteran hut user himself, Linden recalls his first trip was taken at the ripe age of eight. Linden appreciated what he learned this summer, including, "Gray water systems, how to split wood, and all about hydraulics. I would definitely like to work on the field staff again."

Sheena O'Hara was the eastern-side intern this summer, her first season with 10th Mountain. "She did an excellent job, and was very responsible, spending the majority of the time working by herself," said Ted Billings. (Ted and his wife, Carol Billings, are in charge of hut maintenance for the eastern-side.) This fall, Sheena will continue studying Outdoor Recreation Leadership at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville and would like to return to 10th Mountain in the future.