February 29

It is a glorious day to arrive in Colorado Springs. There is not a cloud in the sky, the temperatures are cool, and the winds are calm. The students are going to be welcomed by a stunning view of Pikes Peak. It is beautiful to see the morning sun on the landscape. The students will be thankful to their first introduction to Colorado today. It will be an easy afternoon moving from the trailhead to our first camp. It is just a few hundred yards on packed snow.
 
Tomorrow morning we are expecting a visit from one of the National Forest Service rangers to speak with the group about permit regulations and our impact while visiting the Sawatch Range. The EPA conducted an impact study on our visit, specifically concerning the endangered Boreal toad. Part of our morning will be learning about the EPA's findings and the importance of the research.
 
Then it is time to hunker down and say goodbye to the warmer temperatures. Apparently March is going to come in like a lion and bring with her snow and low temperatures in the single digits beginning Sunday. We will take the warmth of the sun today!

John Regentin
Assistant Dean of College Life
Director of Experiential Education