We caught up with Tito Burgess, long-time camper about his experience coming to camp and going on backpacking trips to the Trinity Alps!

 

How long have you been coming to camp? What do you love about coming to Bar 717?

My name is Tito Burgess. I have been coming to camp for 5 years so far. It’s hard to say precisely what I love about camp. The activities and programs are great and I still have yet to try everything. The friends are amazing and part of it being only two week sessions is missing those friends and looking forward to the next year. The counselors and structure (meal groups, schedule, event days) are really great as well. The ranch itself is really beautiful with views of the mountains, valley, and a large pond.

 

What made you decide to go on an Alps trip? Had you ever been backpacking before?

I’ve gone on the Alps trip my last two years. I had heard about the trip from previous years and my brothers, also the way the way they presented the trip made it look very appealing. I had never gone backpacking before then and it was totally awesome.

 

Where did you go? What was your experience like?

My first trip I went to Emerald and Sapphire lakes and the plan was to do it in 4 days but we decided to hike back a day early because of a little rain. We ended up hiking 30 miles in 3 days. My second trip I went to Canyon Creek Lakes (and enjoyed a massive jumping rock) but we managed to go to Boulder Creek Lakes and L Lake as well. Both trips were amazing. At one point we were standing by lower Canyon Creek Lake and within 30 minutes of sunshine there was rain and then hail everywhere. Also a deer ate a bunch of holes in the back of one of my sweat covered shirts while it was at the campsite.