Madeleine has graduated from the CMC Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Outdoor Education program and is continuing her education at Western State College of Colorado. We wish her the best!
Please read the posts below about her final year at CMC in Leadville.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Nearing the End
As I sit here in the computer lab in the New Discovery building with my cap and gown for graduation resting on my lap, it really hits me...I'm graduating. I am leaving Colorado with a degree, a goal, ambition, excitment, and nervousness. I am the first of my 4 other siblings to get a college degree, and I feel so valued from the fact that they will all be able to attend the ceremony.
This past week has been filled with spending time with friends who are also embarking on another adventure after CMC, whether it be tracking big horn sheep in Salida, CO or being a river guide on the Arkansas. Some friends are returning home before another year at the college, and I although I am sad not to return here and snowboard with them all next season, I know that I got my fair share of riding in...a grand total of 118 days on the slopes of resorts, not including all the jibbing done in the Backyard Park.
Leadville has been good to me, and I think I should like to buy a house here for my declining years. The quiet atmosphere and my favorite peaks, Elbert and Massive, will always be here for me when I want to visit. I leave here on May 4th, and I plan on chereshing every moment I can before ALaska.
This past week has been filled with spending time with friends who are also embarking on another adventure after CMC, whether it be tracking big horn sheep in Salida, CO or being a river guide on the Arkansas. Some friends are returning home before another year at the college, and I although I am sad not to return here and snowboard with them all next season, I know that I got my fair share of riding in...a grand total of 118 days on the slopes of resorts, not including all the jibbing done in the Backyard Park.
Leadville has been good to me, and I think I should like to buy a house here for my declining years. The quiet atmosphere and my favorite peaks, Elbert and Massive, will always be here for me when I want to visit. I leave here on May 4th, and I plan on chereshing every moment I can before ALaska.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
LNT, Snow O, and Graduation
Well, that’s it! I am officially done with classes from the Colorado Mountain College. With the Leave No Trace Master course as well as the Snow Orientation course out of the way, I have no school obligations until graduation on the 3rd. I always forget how much I enjoy being outside and camping, and these two OUT courses really made my last days at CMC special.
For the LNT course, we went down by Grand Junction on the other side of the mountains near to border of Utah. Although this city is significantly lower in elevation, Colorado remains true, and it was snowing in 55 degree weather. It was a funny feeling of sweating under the weight of my backpack and feeling the prickles of snow flakes against my face. We got to see a lot of bighorn sheep in the canyon along the Gunnison River, and camped on the rolling hills above the creek.
The LNT class itself was a good time. We had to create a lesson on one of the seven principles of Leave No Trace and present it to the rest of the class. My topic was Respect Wildlife, and it seemed especially relevant to me since, although the canyon appeared deserted, the area was teeming with life from crypto biotic soil to coyotes.
Snow Orientation was a lot of fun as well, even though we stayed in a more local location. It was my first time on skis in 5 years, not to mention that on this trip we would be using tele skis as a mode of transportation. As I heaved on my pack and fought to clip my boots in without toppling over, I knew it was going to be a long trip. Tele touring isn’t all that difficult though, as all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. On steep hills one must remember to push off of one’s heel in order to keep good purchase with the snow. It’s actually kinda fun once you get into a rhythm with your poles and breathing.
When we got to out first camp, we quickly set up our mega mids (circus tent-like shelters) and dug out a kitchen area for our group. There was only about 8 students on the trip, so it had a really close and fun feel. After cooking some amazing mac and cheese, we all huddled in our bags for the long cold night ahead.
One thing I thoroughly despised was putting on my frozen boots every morning. The transition periods between the real world and tent and tent to the real world are always a particularly difficult feat for anyone during winter camping. It’s hard to find the motivation to leave your warm sleeping bag and hat to the harsh but bright morning. I always slept with the liners of my boots and the insoles with me in my sleeping bag in hopes that they would dry out before morning from my body heat. I also stuffed two pairs of gloves in between my skin and first layer, and the socks I had been wearing all day along my back. After a small battle with my boots and a couple of muffled curses, I would stand up and greet the morning sun.
We built an igloo in our next campsite, and it was pretty awesome. It took about and hour and a half to cut out the blocks form the snow and arrange them accordingly to get the shape we wanted. The sun was really beating down, and one side of igloo actually collapsed. After repairing it, there was still a sketchy looking over-hanging section on the inside of the igloo that no-one really wanted to sleep under. However, although the possible ways of death and escape routes were discussed all three nights we stayed in there, the igloo held strong until it was time to move on.
It was a sobering and humbling experience to try to learn to tele ski in tight trees with 6 inches of powder with 50 pound packs on. I knew that I looked exactly like all those gapers in the resorts; legs spread wide for a huge pizza slice to go about 2 mph, knees bowed in, arms outstretched and holding the poles with a death grip and hooting and hollering after every tree that I narrowly missed. Hell, sometimes I wouldn’t miss them and end up tangled in a tree well. Although it was certainly difficult, I was having an absolute blast. I remember the very last day we were following a jeep trail that was wide and had a nice downward slant, which was perfect for cruising with minimal consequences. I got a little cocky and tried to speed up and I was just thinking “I’m so lucky I haven’t caught an edge this whole trip.” 3 minutes later I completely ate it and face planted into the sharp morning snow crust. I have some nice nicks and cuts all over my face as proof, and it’s always good to have that one fall that puts you back in your place.
Now, I wait til graduation. The weather is nice and I even busted out a dress the other day in the 55 degree weather, lord knows I won’t wear them on the glacier all summer. Now, it’s just shredding at A-Basin, as all the other resorts are closed, and competing in some more rail jams tomorrow and later this weekend! Peace and Powder.
For the LNT course, we went down by Grand Junction on the other side of the mountains near to border of Utah. Although this city is significantly lower in elevation, Colorado remains true, and it was snowing in 55 degree weather. It was a funny feeling of sweating under the weight of my backpack and feeling the prickles of snow flakes against my face. We got to see a lot of bighorn sheep in the canyon along the Gunnison River, and camped on the rolling hills above the creek.
The LNT class itself was a good time. We had to create a lesson on one of the seven principles of Leave No Trace and present it to the rest of the class. My topic was Respect Wildlife, and it seemed especially relevant to me since, although the canyon appeared deserted, the area was teeming with life from crypto biotic soil to coyotes.
Snow Orientation was a lot of fun as well, even though we stayed in a more local location. It was my first time on skis in 5 years, not to mention that on this trip we would be using tele skis as a mode of transportation. As I heaved on my pack and fought to clip my boots in without toppling over, I knew it was going to be a long trip. Tele touring isn’t all that difficult though, as all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. On steep hills one must remember to push off of one’s heel in order to keep good purchase with the snow. It’s actually kinda fun once you get into a rhythm with your poles and breathing.
When we got to out first camp, we quickly set up our mega mids (circus tent-like shelters) and dug out a kitchen area for our group. There was only about 8 students on the trip, so it had a really close and fun feel. After cooking some amazing mac and cheese, we all huddled in our bags for the long cold night ahead.
One thing I thoroughly despised was putting on my frozen boots every morning. The transition periods between the real world and tent and tent to the real world are always a particularly difficult feat for anyone during winter camping. It’s hard to find the motivation to leave your warm sleeping bag and hat to the harsh but bright morning. I always slept with the liners of my boots and the insoles with me in my sleeping bag in hopes that they would dry out before morning from my body heat. I also stuffed two pairs of gloves in between my skin and first layer, and the socks I had been wearing all day along my back. After a small battle with my boots and a couple of muffled curses, I would stand up and greet the morning sun.
We built an igloo in our next campsite, and it was pretty awesome. It took about and hour and a half to cut out the blocks form the snow and arrange them accordingly to get the shape we wanted. The sun was really beating down, and one side of igloo actually collapsed. After repairing it, there was still a sketchy looking over-hanging section on the inside of the igloo that no-one really wanted to sleep under. However, although the possible ways of death and escape routes were discussed all three nights we stayed in there, the igloo held strong until it was time to move on.
It was a sobering and humbling experience to try to learn to tele ski in tight trees with 6 inches of powder with 50 pound packs on. I knew that I looked exactly like all those gapers in the resorts; legs spread wide for a huge pizza slice to go about 2 mph, knees bowed in, arms outstretched and holding the poles with a death grip and hooting and hollering after every tree that I narrowly missed. Hell, sometimes I wouldn’t miss them and end up tangled in a tree well. Although it was certainly difficult, I was having an absolute blast. I remember the very last day we were following a jeep trail that was wide and had a nice downward slant, which was perfect for cruising with minimal consequences. I got a little cocky and tried to speed up and I was just thinking “I’m so lucky I haven’t caught an edge this whole trip.” 3 minutes later I completely ate it and face planted into the sharp morning snow crust. I have some nice nicks and cuts all over my face as proof, and it’s always good to have that one fall that puts you back in your place.
Now, I wait til graduation. The weather is nice and I even busted out a dress the other day in the 55 degree weather, lord knows I won’t wear them on the glacier all summer. Now, it’s just shredding at A-Basin, as all the other resorts are closed, and competing in some more rail jams tomorrow and later this weekend! Peace and Powder.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The April-ness
How time flies! Now that it is officially April, it's hard to believe that we are over 1/4 of the way done with this year! April will be a busy month for me, and it has already had a good kick-off. April 1st was my younger brother's birthday, April Fool's Day, and also National Gaper Day, recognized only by those who ski or ride. This special holiday consists of one wearing a costume while riding. These costumes range from everything between a neon-pink 70's style one piece snowsuit to gorilla costumes, and also the classic ignorant tourist who has a "gape" (the open patch of skin between the hat and the goggles). Most mountains get pretty into it, and it's a fun way to ride for a day.
Next week, all my on-campus classes will end. Because Outdoor Recreation Leadership students need a chunk of free time to complete their outdoor classes such as rafting or rock climbing, our on-campus classes like math end in 10 weeks instead of 15. On the 10th I will start my Leave No Trace Master's Certification course for a weekend, and then off to Snow Orientation. Although last year's Snow O was more of a Mud O due to the warm weather, I think that this year we should have plenty of snow to build Quincy's and igloo's and snow caves, as well as try my legs out on tele skiing. After that, I have a couple days where I might go down to Boulder to spend time with my family before I go to Alaska for the summer, and after graduation on May 3rd, I have but a week to pack my things in storage and head north until August. Three months seems like a long time to be in a place so remote, but I know that it will fly by the same way this semester has.
The hiring of the new Resident Assistants for the fall has finally come to an end, and I think that the ones chosen will do a grand job of things once I have moved on. The Backyard Park is almost complete from the Rail Jam, and the new set-ups will keep us on our toes. We will especially appreciate the park once the resorts have closed for the season. For some reason, they are closing alot earlier this year; Copper will be closed on the 13th!! However, I feel as though I got my fair share of riding, and really couldn't ask for a better season. So, until next time!
Next week, all my on-campus classes will end. Because Outdoor Recreation Leadership students need a chunk of free time to complete their outdoor classes such as rafting or rock climbing, our on-campus classes like math end in 10 weeks instead of 15. On the 10th I will start my Leave No Trace Master's Certification course for a weekend, and then off to Snow Orientation. Although last year's Snow O was more of a Mud O due to the warm weather, I think that this year we should have plenty of snow to build Quincy's and igloo's and snow caves, as well as try my legs out on tele skiing. After that, I have a couple days where I might go down to Boulder to spend time with my family before I go to Alaska for the summer, and after graduation on May 3rd, I have but a week to pack my things in storage and head north until August. Three months seems like a long time to be in a place so remote, but I know that it will fly by the same way this semester has.
The hiring of the new Resident Assistants for the fall has finally come to an end, and I think that the ones chosen will do a grand job of things once I have moved on. The Backyard Park is almost complete from the Rail Jam, and the new set-ups will keep us on our toes. We will especially appreciate the park once the resorts have closed for the season. For some reason, they are closing alot earlier this year; Copper will be closed on the 13th!! However, I feel as though I got my fair share of riding, and really couldn't ask for a better season. So, until next time!
Friday, March 28, 2008
CMC Rail Jam
The Colorado Mountain College’s 3rd Annual Rail Jam took place on March 22nd, and was an absolute blast. The Events Management class really put in a lot of effort into making this event work and be successful, and I think we all owe them a big round of applause. The class was able to get a lot of sponsors and prizes for the jam, including GG Hats, Red Bull, Never Summer, and many more. The class simply took the features from the Back Yard Park and put them on another local hill not too far called Dutch Henri. There, they assembled the down-flat-down box along side of a down rail. After that, the long flat box was set into the snow pretty high off the ground, giving it some extra flair. Then came the battleship box or an option of a quaterpipe with our smaller rail on top. One could also hit the hip transfer off to the right.
There were 4 basic categories; men’s skiing and snowboarding and women’s skiing and snowboarding. The jam was not too crowded, which allowed for a laid-back atmosphere and for people to really hone in on their tricks without too much pressure. The session lasted about 2 hours, and prizes were awarded accordingly.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Last Leg
So, I am officially in the last leg of my semester at CMC. Spring break was an amazing time for me, partially because I was able to snowboard for 10 days in a row, but also because I was able to spend it with my good friends. I got a good tour of most of Colorado's mountains during break, including Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and local Leadville spots. We have finally been getting some warm spring days where the temperature is about mid 50's, and I am forced to ride in nothing but a t-shirt. However, a new system has been pounding Colorado with that soft fresh shred glitter, and we have got well over a foot in the last 48 hours. Me and two other friends entered a Rail Jam at A-Basin a couple days ago, and really had a great time. Seth took first place in men's snowbaording, and so did I in the women's division. As the CMC Rail Jam draws ever closer (SATURDAY!), I am getting more and more stoked and motivated to push myself. I hope that there are alot of competitors at the jam because I know that the Events Management class in Ski Area Operations has put in alot of time promotiing it and getting sick prizes.
Today is St. Patrick's Day, and it is also the day where prospective students come to campus, take a tour, and spend the weekend to really get a feel for the Timberline Campus. I hope everyone is wearing green (my personal favorite color), and that corned beef and potatoes are on the menu.
As usual, it is a wecoming sound to hear everyone back in the Residence Hall after a break. Some other Rez Hall upcoming activities include a Rez Hall Mini Putt, Female's Only Shred Day at Copper, as well as a huge bon fire with s'mores. The cafeteria also opened yesterday from a spring break, and it will be nice to have a guarenteed warm meal after riding all day. When I look out my window and see all the snow-laden tree branches, they remind me alot of melting candles with their wax overspilling, and it is a beautiful sight and a comforting feeling. As the semester winds up, I feel more and more excited about Alaska, but also bittersweet and grateful for the times and memories I have had here. However, I also know that Leadville will always be here for me to visit, and that the world is simply too large to be in one place for too long.
Today is St. Patrick's Day, and it is also the day where prospective students come to campus, take a tour, and spend the weekend to really get a feel for the Timberline Campus. I hope everyone is wearing green (my personal favorite color), and that corned beef and potatoes are on the menu.
As usual, it is a wecoming sound to hear everyone back in the Residence Hall after a break. Some other Rez Hall upcoming activities include a Rez Hall Mini Putt, Female's Only Shred Day at Copper, as well as a huge bon fire with s'mores. The cafeteria also opened yesterday from a spring break, and it will be nice to have a guarenteed warm meal after riding all day. When I look out my window and see all the snow-laden tree branches, they remind me alot of melting candles with their wax overspilling, and it is a beautiful sight and a comforting feeling. As the semester winds up, I feel more and more excited about Alaska, but also bittersweet and grateful for the times and memories I have had here. However, I also know that Leadville will always be here for me to visit, and that the world is simply too large to be in one place for too long.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spring Break
My visit to the Alaska Pacific University was pretty cool! The school is pretty much like CMC, except on a larger scale. Both schools offer an excellent student-teacher ratio, beautiful mountain settings, access to snowboarding, and a small-community feel. However, APU offers outdoor trips to exotic places such as Borneo and the Galapagos Islands, which I would fully take advantage of if I end up going to that school. APU is a private school though, so I am really counting on scholarships to come through. Western State in Gunnison, CO is also an option at this point when considering where I want to continue my degree.
During my visit, I got to see two moose amble through campus, the ceremonial start of the famous Iditarod race, as well as a thorough tour of the campus and a sit-in on a couple classes to really get a feel for the school and Alaska. Now it is spring break, and I have been snowboarding for the past 6 days on a row, and have got a pretty good tour of the Colorado spring-riding scene. Beaver Creek offers epic powder tree runs when snowy and corduroy groomers with a creative park on sunny days, and I have been working this long rollercoaster box for a while. Breckenridge also has an amazing park, and Copper Mountain is still a favorite because of its convenient location.
Leadville recently hosted its annual and traditional event earlier this month; ski-jouring. This is basically when the town shuts down the main street (Harrison), and the school’s snow cats make jumps on the street. Then, teams of two (one on a horse, one on skis) line up on one end of the street to race. While the rider on the horse urges the steed onward once the signal has been given, the rider being pulled by a rope attached to the horse then speeds down the street with three goals; 1. don’t fall, 2. collect all the rings suspended by rope along the sides of the street, 3. do this as fast as possible. The whole town really gets into the event, and people from miles around come to Leadville for this unique sport.
School starts back up again next week, but won’t last long for me. Math and yoga will end in early April, and then it’s snow orientation for me, as well as a Leave No Trace Master Certification course. Then, graduation and a job in Alaska. I was recently hired by MICA Guides and Exposure Alaska to do ice climbing, mountaineering, and sea kayaking guiding on the Matanuska Glacier and around Prince William Sound for the summer. I will be living in my tent very near the glacier, and couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the 19 hours of sunlight gig. This opportunity is simply a stepping stone into an amazing career path that I have chosen. Not only am I doing what I have dreamed of, but I’m doing it this summer! Until next time!
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