Site Conditions

The site is a wooded area with evergreen trees and minimal ground growth. The forest floor is often covered in pine needles and cones. The site is hilly and the course goes all over the hills. Walks between encounters are not terribly long, but can be up and/or down hills. There is minimal cactus, but good footwear is recommended. There are meadow areas where the trees are well spaced. We are on national forest land, so please take care of the site and pack out your trash. Camping is welcome in designated spaces. Parking is limited and fire bans may be in effect. Although rattlesnakes and other wild creatures may live in the area, it is unlikely that they will come near an area with so many people. Should you come in contact with any wild animals, please leave them alone. Although we have reserved the campsite, the land is public and other hikers may be around.

Weather in June in Colorado can be variable. We usually get afternoon showers although they don't often last long. Sometimes they can last all night, so be prepared. In the event of rain the game will only be cancelled if lightning is sighted or footing becomes treacherous. Days are about 75 degrees with cool evenings. Nights can get below 50, so bring a warm sleeping bag. Night encounters are not scheduled. We will be at elevation, so remember that temperatures can be 10 degrees cooler. Colorado is a dry climate, usually <10% humidity. You need to drink twice the water you normally do at sea level - especially during physical activity.

If you are interested in participating in this game, you can contact the game designers at 303-306-6698 or by e-mail at abramsflohr@attbi.com.

 

Other Notes
  1. Camping – Camping is available, for free, at the Campground.  There will be several areas that will be set up for camping and will be out of game.  There are two vault toilets and two water spigots. Depending on the weather there may be a fire ban on the site allowing only contained flames. (No charcoal or wood fires)
  2. Arrival – Please arrive more than 30 minutes before your team is scheduled to begin.  The earlier that people are checked in and ready to go, the smoother the production will be.  Please carpool as much as possible, parking is limited.
  3. Clean Up – Wherever you find yourself at the end of the game on Sunday, please help teardown and pack-up whatever encounters, props and sets that are near to you.  The more people that help, the faster the job will go.
  4. Check Out – Please remember to sign-out before you leave the game site. Game forms will be filled out at the end of the game (whether as a PC or Staff member).

 

Childcare

We will have childcare available during the game on Saturday and Sunday.  The childcare will have a per day/per child cost to the parents, and will cover watching the child for the game day.  Parents will likely be responsible for their children for the after game party.

 

High Altitude

        Since this game is taking place above 8000’ there is a chance that people may have problems with Altitude Sickness.  The Symptoms of Altitude Sickness include, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and headache.  There is very little that can be done to prevent Altitude Sickness. It affects different people in differing ways and levels.  Men and Women, Old and Young are all equally susceptible. The best way to minimize the possible effects of Altitude is to be in good physical condition and to spend an extra day or two at altitude.  There are various medications that are available as well.  Siberian Ginseng is an herbal treatment that many have found effective.

 The following information is provided for you.  If you are concerned with this problem you are advised to seek Medical Advice before coming to the game.

 

What is High Altitude?

Altitude is defined on the following scale High (8,000 - 12,000 feet [2,438 - 3,658 meters]), Very High (12,000 - 18,000 feet [3,658 - 5,487 meters]), and Extremely High (18,000+ feet [5,500+ meters]). Since few people have been to such altitudes, it is hard to know who may be affected. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don't, and some people are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) with minimal effect. If you haven't been to high altitude before, it's important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized.

 

What Causes Altitude Illnesses

The concentration of oxygen at sea level is about 21% and the barometric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As altitude increases, the concentration remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. At 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) the barometric pressure is only 483 mmHg, so there are roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. In order to properly oxygenate the body, your breathing rate (even while at rest) has to increase. This extra ventilation increases the oxygen content in the blood, but not to sea level concentrations. Since the amount of oxygen required for activity is the same, the body must adjust to having less oxygen. In addition, for reasons not entirely understood, high altitude and lower air pressure causes fluid to leak from the capillaries which can cause fluid build-up in both the lungs and the brain. Continuing to higher altitudes without proper acclimatization can lead to potentially serious, even life-threatening illnesses.

 

Acclimatization

The major cause of altitude illnesses is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude. For example, if you hike to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), and spend several days at that altitude, your body acclimatizes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). If you climb to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), your body has to acclimatize once again. A number of changes take place in the body to allow it to operate with decreased oxygen.

 

Prevention of Altitude Illnesses

Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization.

 

Preventive Medications