The Colorado State Open Thread is for people to come and share their interests, enjoyment, thoughts, questions, advice and whatever else concerning Colorado. This diary is a contribution to the series by myself, acpa, at the request and suggestion of our group leader, ColoTim.
So I started training for what I hope will be my second and this time successful attempt to complete the Camino de Santiago about six weeks ago. I made an attempt to go all 490 miles in fall 2018, but dropped off The Way after about 11 days/130 miles when the damage to my feet from ill-fitting boots just couldn’t be ignored any more.
A year ago, in the height of Covid, when fares were cheaper, I bought my round-trip ticket to Madrid, departure date October 18th. For a couple of reasons I was skeptical this trip would even happen. First off, I tore the meniscus in my knee last October and could barely walk for weeks. With physical therapy though, and a small amount of weight loss, my knee is on the mend. I met with the knee doc two weeks ago, and he blessed my trip. Told me to make sure to pack anti-inflammatories, and show pics the next time we met.
And secondly, I’ve been diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s. So far, not advanced enough to really impact the quality of my life, except that my typing with my right hand when I write long missives such as tonight’s is noticeably slower than my left hand. The research though is clear – only exercise, especially strenuous exercise, has been shown to slow the progression of this disease. The type of exercise is open to debate – I workout with some folks in a PD boxing class who swear by spin classes. My neurologist just says to get the heart rate up to 80% max, a feat my fancy Garmin watch tells me is easier said than done.
Anyhow, my exercise of choice is walking (as running is no longer an option). So walking the Camino could be a win-win in many ways. Anyway, making multiple loops around City Park is an option, but gets a little old after a while. So here’s what I’m looking for in a hike, and if you’re in the Denver area, and have ideas for me, I’m all ears!
- Distance – since I’m in training mode 9-13 miles preferred, or loop that can be repeated
- Below timber line – not sure it’s the PD or just aging, but not willing to take the risk. My balance is ok, but why take the chance?
- Less than an hour’s drive from Central Denver. Don’t like spending the time driving, plus concerns about carbon foot-print etc.
So here’s where I’ve gone recently
WATERTON CANYON
Right length, no shade on return leg though. Bonus that on hot return leg the herd of bighorn sheep was out.
APEX PARK, GOLDEN
Nice forested hike once you get past some sketchy rocky areas. Quick drive from central Denver on I-70. Can repeat the Enchanted Forest loop for extra miles.
S BOULDER CREEK, BOULDER
Also very accessible to central Denver, this time via US 36. No shade for beginning and end of hike. Chock full of Boulder athletes who seem to have no need to carry fluids.
STAUNTON STATE PARK
Scheduled for Sunday, thus no pics. Pretty hike southwest of Denver. Can get crowded.
When all else fails -HIGHLINE CANAL -south Suburbia, Denver
Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll be able to suggest some hikes for me. Because this is the open thread, even if you have something you’d like to post that doesn’t concern hiking, feel free to post it down below. As ColoTim says, the floor is yours…