2012 Colorado Summer Hang (dates, maps, itinerary, attendance list)

**waddy** · 06-13-2012, 09:30

Well my friends, it seems like the fates have firmly decided that this hike will not happen for me. I was able to work around the first set-back, but this one I see no way out of. My Mother has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and will require 5 days a week radiation treatments. Since she is not capable of getting to them herself, it falls to my brother and sister and me to get her there. It is a 100+ mile trip one way, and right now I have no idea how we will manage it. I hope this is in time so that someone may fill my slot. I guess some things are just not meant to happen, no matter how badly we want them.Trying to look for a brighter side, I did get some new gear in preparation for the hike; I hope I can find a chance to use it.

**Cannibal** · 06-13-2012, 09:34

Waddy, I was very much looking forward to shaking your hand in person, so I'm totally bummed about you not being able to attend. However, yours is easily the correct choice and I'm very sorry it is even an issue at all for you and your kin. Best wishes for mom!

**waddy** · 06-13-2012, 09:51

The feeling is mutual Cannibal. This was a pretty bitter pill to swallow. Life happens!

**Taozenqi** · 06-13-2012, 10:11

Waddy,
Life does have a way of making changes in our plans,doesn't it? I've been sitting in my work office for five days awaiting the news if my house will survive the " Little Bear Fire" which went from 20 acres to 35,000+ acres in the last few days. My plans could change a bit as well, if it doesn't survive. Hope to know something for certain in the next few days...
I'm very sorry to hear that your mother needs to go through the cancer treatment. I wish her and your family the best. The group will be lessened by your absence, but your decision and our support is clear. Be well. TZQ

**trailryder42** · 06-13-2012, 11:03

You will be missed Waddy.

Wishing nothing but the best outcome for your home there in Alto Jim. I can't believe everything we hiked last week is gone.

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 06-13-2012, 11:15

waddy, I am disappointed that you will not be there. You will be missed.

TZQ, I hope for the best with with your home.

If the weather does not change in the mean time we should all figure on taking a stove that has a valve to shut off the fuel. I have not used my Snow Peak canister stove in several years, but will be testing it for the trip.

I hiked last weekend thru the 2002 Hayman fire area. I know that fires are a part of the circle of life, but they are still scary and destructive.

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 06-13-2012, 11:24

Hey hikers on the north loop. I recently got a SPOT. I can send an OK text message for anyone that has someone anxious at home. PM me the number before the hike.

**MrClockWork** · 06-13-2012, 16:16

So here is another "tick" on the list of people who can no longer make it. My in-laws let us know that they are planning a visit over the 4th of July so i will be with them on a beautiful tour of CO for the weekend. Still not a bad way to spend the weekend but its certainly not sleeping in a hammock. Hopefully we can get a few spur of the moment weekend trips through the rest of the summer for some of us to catch up.

**OutandBack** · 06-14-2012, 17:54

Hi guys, Sorry I've not been checking the website lately.
The stock market (my daytime hobby) has been keeping me distracted over the last couple weeks.

waddy,
So sorry to hear about your mom. I sure hope the treatments work for her.

TZQ,
Is this the fire that is near your house?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85B1GL20120614

We have a pretty big forest fire going on West of Ft Collins right now as well.
Last I checked it was 30-35K acres and only 10% contained.