Decisively Dirtbag: Vol 2 Craigslist for Survival

I've come to a critical lesson in my storyline. I have mentioned craigslist several times throughout earlier entries but I've never gone into detail. If you haven't already gathered, I'm a big fan. You can do a little bit of everything on there. I've given people I've never met rides cross country, I've sold cars, found housing, and bought and sold all kinds of used stuff throughout the years. I've learned to be careful with my craigslist exclamations though. I had a friend I hadn't seen for awhile give me an odd look when I was explaining my summer plans earlier this year. After telling her I was a huge fan of craigslist she cautiously asked if I was on there for the casual encounters or missed connections sections of the site. Unfortunately for the sake of making a good story I'm never poking around in those areas. I was careful to elaborate after that. I am almost always surfing through the jobs or gigs section looking for some quick work. You don't have to limit yourself here though. There are community sections, discussion boards, offered services, and of course you can even score a date if you want. I have to give the documentary "craigslist joe" another plug. I was really moved with the concept of getting rid of everything and living entirely off of craigslist. I would strongly encourage you to watch that movie and try to take something from it.

Before you start posting away or answering emails from a Nigerian Prince you need to flip over your laptop or keyboard and find where "Gullible" is printed in italics underneath. In all honesty if you haven't ventured into the world of online classifieds you should DEFINITELY take the time to read through the very helpful and informative sections on scams and personal safety. Start here with how to recognize and deal with scams, http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams. Once you're up to speed with scams you've graduated on to the personal safety page. Some are common sense but these are still important tips with how to handle transactions, http://www.craigslist.org/about/safety. I've never had a bad encounter yet but I've screened through my fair share of bollocks beforehand. After you're able to sufficiently cover your ass then read here to learn how to score a sweet deal on that Elvis toaster, http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/search. Lastly, here is how you successfully post an ad to recruit fellow Dungeons and Dragons players, http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/how_to_post. Are you getting sick of reading a dry, cut and past tutorial? Well I'm tired of cutting and pasting. Let's get to the good stuff.

If you have a smartphone then I would highly recommend using an app called Craigslist for Android or CLapp for short. One of the biggest perks about this app is the ability to search up to 5 locations at once. Also the sheer mobility and damn convenience of using your phone while dirt bagging is priceless.  Once you are comfortable navigating around the craigslist website you should be able to transfer those skills and figure this intuitive app out with your noggin. This will greatly expedite your endeavors. It looks like this and is simply awesome. Learn it, use it, love it.

Coffee

My own nuggets of wisdom I would love to impart:

1. You can tell a great deal about the other person by their spelling and grammar alone. If they struggle to conjure an email that sounds better than a text from a 12 year old then steer clear. This goes for engrish as well. 
2. If it's too good to be true then it almost always is.
3. Trust your instincts.
4. Don't take it to heart if somebody fails to respond or outright flakes.
5. Be as good as possible with communication and don't leave anybody hanging. If you aren't interested then say so. 
6. Good grammar, spelling, and punctuation will get your foot in the door better than anything else. 
7. Sow many seeds, something will eventually sprout.
8. Check often and strike while the iron is hot.

 

How many times does opportunity knock?

Mount Massive 7/11/13

I rose early and stirred quietly. I didn't know quite what to think of the fellow climber and wanted to get to the trailhead without bothering him. Aside from my busted ass exhaust I made it out of there without audible incident. The main trail up Massive has a beginning section that follows along the Colorado Trail. Compared to single track trails this is the highway of hiking. You could almost drive a car up sections of the trail. There was a Boy Scout troop camping out near the trailhead with an assortment of tents dotting around. I encountered another group of tents where the East Slopes route broke away from the Colorado Trail. I had never seen so much wilderness housing going on around a mountain! After that there was only sporadically spread tents throughout the woods. Walking along was very easy and uneventful. The area was noticeably drier than Mount of the Holy Cross despite having several pretty creek crossings. Maybe all the mosquitoes were busy tormenting everybody over at Elbert because I didn't see many on Massive. Word got out through the marshvine, I'm keen on parasite killing. I pressed onward to treeline with the established swagger of not fleeing from bugs. The trail continued to be a wide, well maintained affair until it tapered down to single track beyond the trees.

There isn't a more aptly names mountain than Mount Massive. This is hands down the largest protuberance of rock in Colorado with 5 summits over 14,000 feet! It's one thing to see Massive from a distance and an entirely different experience to ascend its slopes. The mountain only looms larger the higher up you get.

 

I saw some new flowers on the way up.

The front of the mountain was nice but it became bland after seeing similar terrain for the entire hike up. I was excited to near the ridgeline and get a change in topography.

Despite wearing a brace my knees had been bothering me a good part of the day. I decided on a rest break at the ridge and took advantage of the photo opportunity. I enjoyed my first glimpse of the Sawatch Range opening up before me.

Looking up to the final destination.

The final scramble went by quickly. There was no hurry so I hung out enjoying the views.

I found a little flag tucked away on the summit and made an impromptu elevation sign.

I only have one knee brace so I have to get a little creative with sharing it on both legs. On the way up the mountain I kept it on one knee and switched over to the other one for the way down. They both hurt but this helped me go the distance. The rest of the hike back down the trail was uneventful save for one instance near a creek. I was walking down the trail when a group of people on horseback caught up with me. I didn't realize there were groups that did that around the area. I remember seeing rubber shoes on the horses feet and thinking that they were practical but looked pretty goofy. I'm all for getting outside and having fun but these horses seemed to be walking shit factories. Just when you think there can't possibly be any more horse nuggets to dodge you encounter another landmine. Anywho, I eventually made it back to the trailhead with different shades of brown on the ol' boots. I didn't drag my feet getting back to Summit though as I had been in contact with a craigslist prospect. I met up with a couple that owned their own property management company. They had a property in Frisco and needed to have the trim on it painted. My body needed a break and I needed money to keep the car rolling. Everybody wins!

Mount of the Holy Cross 7/10/13

I really enjoyed cruising through the forest. This trek seemed more intimate than others in that the trees had a stronger presence. Spruce trees dominated the area that otherwise would have been shared with Lodgepole Pines. Pine beetles and blight hadn't left their mark around here. Many streams had to be crossed all throughout the woods. The abundance of water helped fuel the kaleidoscopic explosion of color that surrounded me.

Half Moon trail had a trick up its sleeve though. Instead of the typical constant elevation gain seen on all other trails this one had something else in mind. The trail continued upwards until treeline where it began to wrap around and descend back into another valley.

The highest point around this area is Half Moon Pass at 11,640 feet. Past that and you can see where the trail leads down to East Cross Creek. The valley below made for nice views and sad knees.

The trail did a really good job of switching back and forth all the way down. It didn't deviate far from the fall line all the way to the valley floor. Interestingly, I couldn't help feeling like I was being watched during the whole descent. I had always wanted to see a mountain lion, but from a safe distance. I half expected to see one perched on top of a rock gazing down at me. Warily, I kept glancing all around for signs of a big purr monster. Nualla meanwhile was oblivious as she continued doing her favorite pastime of terrorizing squirrels. We managed to make it down to the bottom without incident. The area leading up to the creek was relatively flat and very wet. All the creeks that inundated the surrounding mountainsides came together in this flat area and created marshy wetlands. Mossy groundcover and lush green grass was everywhere. I saw some particularly unique groundcover in certain areas. It had flowers that seemed to be straining for the sunlight. This made for bean sprout looking stalks with little blooming white flowers. A stiff breeze would have done a number on these guys.

As I entered the marshy area of the valley earlier I took notice of mosquitoes milling about. Their numbers weren't out of control so I didn't think much of it. I had heard tale about campsites in this area and I began to see them as I cruised along. I wanted to stop and explore them for future prospects but the aerial antagonists had other plans in store. As I approached the campsites I unwittingly tripped the dinner bell alarm. Their numbers increased steadily at a disquieting rate. I couldn't help but think to myself, "You're out of your damn mind if you would ever want to camp here." This of course is an unfair assumption. I'm sure this area is downright pleasant when you aren't fighting nature during the height of skeeter season. Nearing the creek I saw remnants of yesteryear. I began to explore around, but tactfully so. One must be aware of the horde and walk with purpose, never stopping. This way you avoid the brunt of the onslaught. For my wanderings I only got two quick pictures.

East Cross Creek

I thought the turnout on Mount Elbert was unreal but it proved to be just the beginning. I creatively cussed, cursed and swore. This only drew in more gleeful prospects. I took to diligently brushing off any accessible areas of my shoulders and back to keep them off. I had little victories of my own though when I could smash one after the other. I didn't mind when a full one left its bloody mark either because hell, I knew where it came from. I had enough presence of mind during all this to realize how this would stand out in my account of this mountain. I tried to not let my experience of Mount of the Holy Cross be marred by mosquitoes but sadly this is most prolific in my memory. I was determined to document what I thought interesting along the trail and managed to snap some pictures during brief pauses. I was amazed at the groundcover still and wanted to remember how the low dense plants almost created a living carpet. The dry mountain air usually doesn't allow for such lush greenery but the more humid areas in valleys near creeks make an exception.

Any other soul would carry bug spray but my Chinese Zodiac sign is the Ox. I don't give much credence to these things but this admittedly sounds a lot like me. The rest of the familiar story consisted of me hauling ass up the trail until the kind winds protected me. In the safe zone I was able to take a breather and view the landscape around me. The usual marmot sentries announced my arrival.

I continued up the impressive ridgeline with the almighty cairn leading the way.

Ever vigilant, I took notice of the gathering clouds looming above as I neared the summit.

The cairns continued up the impressively built trail all the way to the final talus field.

The view of Notch Mountain across the valley from the beginning of the talus field

View in opposite direction

Almost to the summit

I got a nice view of the valley below when there was a break in the clouds.

Not much longer and I was looking around from the summit.

Between the clouds and mosquitoes I didn't waste much time getting back down the trail. I did make sure to take a couple of pictures of some flowers that stood out. In the second picture if you look carefully you can see how many little flowers there are dotting all throughout the grass.

I crossed the creek back to the other side of the valley and began my 970 foot ascent back up Half Moon Pass. I wasn't elated about having to climb back out of there but the promise of awesome views kept me going. Earlier in the day half of the valley was obscured in shadow and now the light was perfect. The second picture below is one of my favorites to date.

The clouds never ended up doing anything and I don't remember the mosquitoes being as bad on the way back out. The grass was greener on both sides and the glass was half full. My only other pictures taken on the way back to the trailhead was an out of focus one of some pink flowers and this Indian Paintbrush.

Once back at the car I made my way back down the rough road to Highway 24. 24 wound back and forth steadily climbing up through the mountains. I crossed tall bridges, passed abandoned ghost towns, all the while driving along the edges of rivers and cliffs. There is even abandoned Camp Hale where the 10th Mountain Division trained soldiers for winter warfare on mountainous terrain. After climbing over Tennessee Pass the final destination of Leadville was reached. If you ever end up in this area do yourself a favor and make the drive from Minturn to Leadville. Once in town I hung out around the grocery store killing time on the internet and updating my Instagram account. As the afternoon started turning into the evening I made my way over towards the Mount Massive trailhead. The trailheads for Elbert and Massive are right next to each other so I already had a handle on the area. I went back to the same spot where Jesse and I posted up before Elbert. As fate would have it there was already a fellow dirtbag car camping there. Throwing down money for a bonafide campsite was out of the question so I made nice and introduced myself. There was plenty of room for another car so I wasn't worried about stepping on toes. The other vehicle was an older subaru wagon with a roof cargo box and Montana plates. Come to find out the fellow traveler was sharing a similar adventure. I wanted to stay sociable and friendly but careful not to pry. About all he offered was that he only made it halfway up Elbert before having to turn around. He went on to mention that he really needed to lose some weight but wasn't making any progress. I tried to cheer him up but he seemed genuinely sad, crestfallen at his lack of improvement. I felt compelled to pull him out of his slump but he kept to himself and didn't surface again after retiring to his car. You can't win 'em all.