Yielding on the trail is much like yielding when driving a vehicle. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Proceed only when you can do so safely.

There is etiquette with regard to shared trail usage. The question being, when on a trail who yields? Essentially, it comes down to the faster yield to the slower. Which means (take a gander at the photo above) …

• Hikers/walkers headed downhill yield to hikers/walkers headed uphill
• Bikers yield to hikers/walkers
• Bikers yield to horse riders
• Everyone yields to horse riders

When encountering horse riders it is best to get off the trail on the downhill side. You will look smaller to a horse and less dangerous. Talk to the horse rider in a quiet voice; they will provide you additional instruction if necessary. And, stand quietly with no abrupt movement while the horse and rider pass.

Although hikers/walkers have the right of way; it is often less hazardous to let a biker pass. Say a quick “Howdy” and if you are stepping off the trail a bicycle rider will often take that as a sign to pass quickly.

And, etiquette says that groups should yield to a single hiker or a pair of hikers. But, the reality is that it is more difficult for a group to get off the trail (and probably more damaging) therefore it is agreeable to let the group have the right of way.

Quick conversation is all that is necessary to ensure the safety and quality experience of all trail users. Your keeping a smile and being aware to yield will make for a better day of hiking.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. We tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

This Saturday, February 9th is the Second Annual Snowman Stomp Snowshoe Romp. For fast snowshoers, slow snowshoers, kids and families – this is one of the many activities over the Winterfest weekend in Pagosa Springs.

Now, dust off your snowshoes, grab a hat and meet your new friends at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club for cheers of encouragement. The kids race begins at 11:00 am and is followed by the adult race (families welcome) at 11:15 am.

For the fearless, we are partnering with the Pagosa Springs Nordic Club for a combined event. Nordic racers can participate in the 5K race at 10:00 am and then the snowshoe race at 11:15 am.

Register before or day of (day of registration begins at 10:00 am). Cost is $5 per person. Pre-register here or at the Chamber of Commerce by February 5 to be guaranteed a goodie bag. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd race finishers.

If you don’t have snowshoes don’t worry. Summit Ski & Sports (970.264.2457) are offering a day of $10 shoe rental.

Got questions or want to volunteer? Contact Stacy at 970.946.5001. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Details:

• Don’t get tangled in the idea that you have to be fast to have fun … it really is about being outside and we will cheer first to last! We can’t wait to see you there!
• Snowshoe race is at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club.
• Day of registration begins at 10:00 am.
• A release and liability form will be signed on race day – children under the age of 18 need a parental signature.
• Cost is $5 per person; pre-register by February 5 to be guaranteed a goodie bag.
• Prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd race finishers.
• Summit Ski & Sports (970.264.2457) is offering $10 snowshoe rentals.
• Got questions or want to volunteer? Contact Stacy at 970.946.5001 or send an email to info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.
• And, one last thing. Donations are being accepted for the Archuleta County Relay for Life. We’ve added a $25 key on-line which includes registration for one and a $20 donation. Support our team as we support finding a cure for cancer. Thank you.

• Check all your gear before you go – from the hat on your head to the shoes on your feet
• Confirm that you have packed the 10 Essentials
• Tighten your hiking poles – you don’t want any slipping
• Examine for any cracks in your snowshoe bindings
• Double check the weather and your route
• Pack an extra shirt, socks and pants in your vehicle
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back and have a plan if you do not arrive on time
• Take breaks to drink water and eat something
• Change clothing as necessary to avoid getting chilled

About Step Outdoors
Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

The first to head up the hill has the most arduous of tasks. Breaking trail for the little ones to follow. Only a few trips are required before the path is well trodden and wide enough for the pull behind saucer, sled and tube that will provide the ambitious, curious, and first timers for a fast zip down the hill.

The well prepared bring a shovel and create ramps and steeper chutes. And, as the time passes the route grows slicker with the friction of soaring that creates an accumulation of ice. The saucers, sleds and tubes fly faster and further. The smiles broaden wider.

At the bottom of the hill is a small campfire with nana tending the flames and sticks with marshmallows and hot dogs. The tiniest of the extended family grow tired but are comfortably nestled in the arms and laps of parents chatting with their siblings and reminiscing of the times they flew unabashedly down the same hill. Traditions like these endure because of strong bonded families; something we should all aspire to replicate.

The photographs of this piece are of the Thomas family – local Pagosans.

About Step Outdoors

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

Wikipedia tells us that snow tubing is rumored to have begun as far back as the 1820s in the Alpine Mountains. Gravity propels the tuber to the bottom of the hill and regardless of age (my note) you will continue to walk up a hill just to continuously propel yourself down the hill. Because of the circular shape of snow tubes, controlling the course and speed of a tube while riding on snow is extremely difficult. Keeping that in mind, this is what you need to know regarding the finesse of toobing!

This afternoon we ran into the Thomas family enjoying an afternoon of tubing with the family. Here is one series of photographs that will make you grin from ear to ear and maybe grab your belly for fear of the landing.

Notice: No children were injured on a day on the hill!

First, build a ramp. This requires forethought and eager young arms. Of course, you already have a snow shovel in the bed of your truck to help you out of the ditch so having to go find this tool is rarely problematic. It will take a few trials of upward climbing and downhill sledding to ensure your ramp is in the right location. But, the good news is that you will begin icing the hill and as a result increasing the rate of speed and velocity of your take off! Once you hit the ramp it is important to close your eyes … you don’t want to see what is coming next.

You’ve succeeded at lift off. Hold on tight. It is important that you don’t let go of the tube. Here, you earn style points for take off. Height will earn you great admiration from friends and family members. Even if you are not in control appearance is everything.

The landing. It is important to stick the landing which means simply staying on the tube. But, the more you run your route and hit your ramp the further and faster you will go. And, this can initially be a bit unsettling. What is now required is a tool for measuring (a good choice is the tow rope also located in the back of the truck which is often used to pull people out of the ditch they got themselves stuck in) because the game has changed. Now, distance is included in the point tally!

Recovery. Finishing under the tube is not necessarily the best conclusion for a ride down the hill but it happens. Jump up with a smile. Dig the snow out of your ears. Head back up the hill. Time to go again.

About Step Outdoors, LLC
Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

Stepping outside the smell of wood burning seemed appropriate in the crisp air. Smoke signaled from chimneys unseen as the rising sun rays temporary blind the observer peering at the lacy white on the oversized mountains. With a chill in the air I know my day pack stows all of the essentials and some incredible treats of the hot drink variety once I decide to stop and stare from views high above.

Curious to know the special flavors I carry? Here are a two hot chocolate recipes to store in your thermos when you go outside to play.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa (from ohsheglows.com)

• 1 15-oz can full-fat coconut milk
• 1.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp all natural peanut butter
• Pinch or two of kosher salt, to taste
• 6 tablespoons of maple syrup (or agave), or to taste
• marshmallows and cacao nibs/chocolate chips, to garnish

Ginger Orange Hot Chocolate (from Lindsey Goodwin)

• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger root
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of ½ orange
• 4 tbsp unsweetened, extra dark cocoa powder
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water

Angela Liddon got it right when she said, hot cocoa with marshmallows is a multi-tasker when the mercury dips. It’s a light dessert with whole-body warmth in one mug. Now, it is time to go outside and earn the taste of the warming delight.

About Step Outdoors
Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

I sat near the cook pot preparing dinner of vegetarian chili with rice and a cup of cheese nips thrown in for good measure. The sun was beginning to set over the western horizon and occasionally the breeze would pick up and toss around the small granules of dirt and rock which embed into hair and jacket. Other than the breeze there existed no sound; just a quiet where only your own thoughts could penetrate the beautiful moment.

Sipping hot cider from an insulated mug I muttered to myself about the water sources we had chosen from today. A cattle tank, an ice coffined creek-let, a mud puddle and a snow bank. All worthy choices during a hike where we went further and longer simply because we wanted to explore what was around the next bend. Our reward is this little protruding finger on the eastern side of a mesa that is still abundant with snow. Climbing up amongst the pinyon pine and cactus the question of turning around and putting a tent up amongst the ponderosa pine and its pine needled base was always an option. But first, I had to climb a little bit higher.

He returned with a stick and pulled out his knife. Smugly I giggled (I don’t know why, I once forgot the fuel bottle – and, there was the time I forgot the can opener) as he whittled away forming a smooth oval shape with a minor indention in the center. Picking off the splinters the entire creation was dipped into water, edges re-checked and then set on the flattop of the rock we were going to use for our table.

Long hikes, short hikes. Doesn’t really matter, dinner is always delicious in the field. I don’t know if it is because we intentionally pack food that is more nutritious or because we pay additional attention to the seasonings necessary for the perfect flavoring. Maybe it is because dinner is relished and uninterrupted. The gulps and slurping are real enjoyment as the creation slides down into the belly and warms and nourishes the muscles that have exerted throughout the day. Never have I had a bad meal in the field. I think we respect our food more when backpacking – we’ve carried it, we’ve prepared it – not like heading to McDonald’s for a big mac. By the time I’m ready to prepare dinner on a backcountry stove I know my food intimately.

He stuck his newly carved spoon into the colorless glop and transferred the heaping spoonful into his mouth. The temperature heat momentarily burned the tongue and seconds later a warming of spice transferred across the palate. We alternated taking turns for spoonful dips until the last bite remained.

I washed the pot with snow and tucked all away with a rock on top for the night. Standing up to stretch the darkness was empowering and the wind had ceased its rocking of the smaller trees. As the last light fell away into the night we made our way to our tent on the finger ridge and crawled inside to sleep, anxiously waiting for morning light.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. We tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. All adventures take into consideration your goals, fitness and experience level. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

The weather is typical March calendar weather – snowstorm today, 60-degrees tomorrow.  We’ve not had as much snow as years past so the piles yards and yards high of two years ago are not this year’s melting concern.  Mud is prevalent with the warmer temperatures that simply scream, “GO HIKING!”  Let’s be clear, there is still A LOT of snow out there!!  Instead, I dream of high meadows, the budding prairie smoke and purple iris, spritely baby rabbits darting between low bushes and the “I’ve come home” smell of spruce and fir.

As my clients are preparing themselves for spring and summer backpacking adventures, and as I reveille in the idea of hiking for weeks and weeks at a time, it is a line in McDougall’s book that when read aloud makes me consider they why and how.  Honestly, I don’t remember exactly the quote, so I paraphrase … the reason you can do it is because no one has told you you could not.  Wow!  That is a powerful concept!

I can’t remember the last time I was told, “You cannot do that.”  Well, that isn’t true, earlier in the winter my husband told me I couldn’t wear my buff up and over my head the way I was when running – sort of has the ET effect coupled with a non-coordinated legs and arms going all directions running style.  I still do it!  As a child I don’t remember being told that I  couldn’t do something.  Even when I began hiking long distances over a decade ago nobody said, “You cannot do that.”

There is something to be believed for modifying a negative phrase to a positive support, you can do that!  How empowering, how rewarding, how enabling those four words are!

A child learns to trust their own judgment, to properly relate their displeasure, to challenge their body and mind with positive reinforcement and encouragement.  When options rather  than “no’s” are the boundaries for consideration a child grows into a respectful and analytical thinker.

An adult has to battle through their perceived awareness and understanding of a challenge – and oftentimes the acuity is inaccurate or construed.  Between the bears, the crazy murderers, your too fat, you are going to get lost and starve to death, where are you going to carry your firearm and the obvious it is too hard and impossible, I give kudos to those who push through their own and the well-meaning concerns of family and friends to learn for themselves the boundaries of their consideration.

Why can’t a woman (man or child) backpack for three nights with friends in the Colorado mountains?  For too long, too many have been told they can’t.  I don’t agree … I believe, “You can do that!”

Photos are from 2011 summer backpacking adventures.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there.  In the summer, we will tailor a first time  overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you.  In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience.  Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/.  Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

My awareness was high – the peaks slathered in a white that looked like the perfectly mixed peeks of a homemade whipped cream.  Flitting bout was a Hairy Woodpecker with a non-chalant air of one whose belly was full of small edible bugs.

No one had been this way in snowshoes.  There were no debits in the snow, only a thick uninterrupted blanket that was inviting if not warm.  A spray of snow billowed from my steps and  landed with softness nearly imperceptible.  Now and again I would hear a soft “whoomp” and occasional fissures as my steps displaced the compact stack with its elongated reach.  Paying attention I could see a minute slope of these slabs that have fallen ¼ of an inch.  Witnessing this, I can only imagine the slide of avalanches on inclines where the snow has mounted throughout the season.

Being a peaceful day, I stopped at a hidden knoll above the crossroads of a fox pathway.  Listen.  Sitting quietly the sounds were 360-degrees.  Sounds that would be ignored if I hadn’t take these moments to reflect.

In the distance the clouds begin to build creating a new comfort for my attention.  With limited imagination my mind wanderers generating stories of conversation that take place between mountain top and cloud.  From my vantage point all seems so innocuous.  My space is warming and safe.  I can see in all directions from my restful perch that is uninhibited by the ring  of the phone, the ding of an email, the knock of a door and the race down a long hallway to a meeting of the minds.  Out here thoughts are clear, destinations formed with a route of distinction of working with others and a lasting respect.

It has been a good day in the office with much accomplished.  With a few notes in my pocket the stove is tucked away in my backpack and the last draw of a hot drink relished.  Snap a couple straps of my snowshoes and down the small perch I go.  Yep, my mind is clear and my tasks set … just another day in the office!

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there.  In the summer, we will tailor a first time  overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you.  In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience.  Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/.   Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.