Snowshoeing Hike Plus Xmas Tree Hunt (Adopt-A-Family For The Holiday Season)

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Let’s go on a winter hike, search for and cut down a couple of pine trees, and prep them for delivery to less fortunate families, just in time for the Christmas holiday. Even if you don't personally celebrate Christmas, come out for some winter hiking fun, jump in the deep pow, make some snow angels, and meet others in the group!

This is a great social event if you're a newbie to the Let's Explore Colorado group!

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GENERAL EVENT DESCRIPTION:

• In early November I will already have purchased 1-2 tree permits which will allow us to go for a search in the backcountry. The goal will be to go on a winter hike to a designated area (likely snowshoeing our way in) and collect two appropriately-sized pine trees. If the distance to the pines is fairly short, we’ll gather the trees, prep them for transport, and then go on a longer hike/snowshoe in the backcountry.

• Repeating what we did last year, yours truly will provide hot chocolate, hot cider, and hot peppermint tea beverages to attendees before we load up to head back home.

• The trees will then be delivered at a later time to two different families in need before the actual Christmas holiday. During that same delivery, we'll also plan to provide a few stuffed stockings (more info on this will be provided later).

Check out photos from last year's trip - https://www.meetup.com/Lets-Explore-Colorado/photos/30619820/

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COVID-19 NOTE (as of 7/4):

Some general guidelines (regarding social distancing, etc.) will be posted to this event description within the next week to keep all attendees safe. This event is purposely being planned for no more than 6 attendees at this time.

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GENERAL PLAN:

1 - Arrive and gather together w/ group.
2 - Break into two teams (one team per tree).
3 - Hike/snowshoe to tree cut location (no more than 3-5 miles).
4 - Cut trees and trim branches onsite.
5 - Transport trees back to vehicles.
6 - Prep trees for delivery (additional branch trimming, cut trees to height/length, drill holes in each tree's base, wrap trees in plastic, load onto drive vehicle)

7 - Enjoy snacks, treats, and hot beverages onsite.

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CLARIFICATIONS:

• At the initial posting of this event, only a WAITLIST will be available. RSVPs will be opened up within 60 days of the event and those folks on the WAITLIST will have priority.

• The end goal of both of these events is to provide each family with a tree and some basic decorations as well as stuffed stockings for their children.

• Chip ins and donations from members are totally optional and are NOT required to be involved for this event. Any donations will be used to help with the costs of the tree decorations which will be delivered with the trees.

• Each tree will be donated to a family in need within a day or two after we remove and trim the trees.

• I already have the tools necessary for the cutting, trimming, and drilling of each tree.

• I will be doing a dry-run to scope out the general location ahead of the actual event. If you would like to be part of this "advance team", message me directly via Meetup messenger.

• GPS coordinates, driving directions, and a breakdown of specific times/locations to meet will be updated as we get closer to the event.

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CARPOOL:

Until Spring 2020, Let's Explore Colorado is NOT endorsing the use of carpooling for non-family units or members who don't live together. This doesn't mean that you can't make your own plans to carpool but LEC is not setting up the logistics (meet times, etc.) for this to take place.

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