HCCA Hikes Finish with a Bluebird!
Day, that is. Topping off a wonderful season of ten spectacular hikes, ten intrepid hikers enjoyed Oh-Be-Joyful valley in the Raggeds Wilderness, as we have for many years on our last hike of the season. The smoky skies were nowhere to be seen, nor was a cloud, all day long.
The 2021 hiking season was a welcome respite from the constraints of 2020. People showed overwhelming enthusiasm for being in the great outdoors, enjoying our public lands together once again. Our hikes ranged from a focus on water in Union Park and West Brush Ck. to the essence of Wilderness, as we explored lands recommended to the Forest Service for Wilderness designation via the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI). Some, like Oh-Be-Joyful, already have this ultimate protection thanks to the efforts of HCCA, among others, back in the early ‘90s.
Our hikers appreciated the ability to gather safely, showing their vaccination cards at the start of each hike day. We thank the diverse cadre of participants, from visitors to part-time residents, to full-on locals. New folks and “regulars” all found some commonality among one another.
It is my honor each summer season to discuss the areas of HCCA’s work with attendees, answering questions about the broad breadth our work encompasses. We look forward to 2022, which will be the 30th season of our Don Baker Legacy Hikes!
