For Holly Creek resident Sigrid Freese, the trail to an active, vibrant life has always been lined with wildflowers, mountain vistas and the laughter of friends.
Her passion for hiking began as a young teen at a camp in Vermont, exploring the rugged Green and White Mountains. That love only deepened when she and her husband, Dick, moved to Colorado in 1963. While Dick preferred the piano bench to the hiking trail, Sigrid laced up her boots—often bringing her children along—until hiking became her weekly ritual.
The Birth of the Lumpers
About 21 years ago, Sigrid joined a friend from the Denver Athletic Club for a hike to Lake Isabelle. That single outing snowballed into a regular group, eventually named The Lumpers—a tongue-in-cheek nod to a sign they once saw at a truck stop reading “No shirt, no shoes, no service, and no Lumpers.”
“I asked the cashier at the truck stop what a lumper was,” recalled Sigrid. “They said a lumper is a person who helps truck drivers unload their freight. We thought the name was funny, unique and would be perfect for our hiking group.”
Today, the group boasts more than 70 members on Sigrid’s email list. She personally plans each outing, giving two to three weeks’ notice so hikers can mark their calendars. “In the fall and winter, we stick closer to the Front Range,” Sigrid says. “And afterwards, we usually grab coffee together.” While many rely on hiking apps, Sigrid still prefers her well-used paper trail guides.
The Lumpers tackle 40 to 45 hikes a year. Over the years, Sigrid has summited seven of Colorado’s famed 14ers, with Mount Quandary ranking as a personal favorite. But these days, she keeps group hikes to a manageable four miles or less—perfect for socializing and enjoying nature without rushing.
Holly Creek Hikers
When Sigrid moved to Holly Creek 3½ years ago, she brought the spirit of the Lumpers with her. Several neighbors—including Judy Hutchinson, Ann Groshek, Phoebe Bush, Carol Robinson and Patty Flack—have joined her on the trails. A recent favorite was Boreas Pass, where wildflowers were in peak bloom.
It’s not just about the exercise; it’s about connection. “My younger grandson loves to hike with us ‘old ladies,’” Sigrid laughs. “He’s been coming since he was in a carry sack, and he still enjoys the company of adults.”
An Active Life, On and Off the Trail
Sigrid’s adventurous spirit extends beyond hiking. She has skied for decades—only hanging up her skis last year—and traveled extensively across South America, including Machu Picchu in Peru. Sigrid and Dick have 10 European walking trips under their belt, with adventures in Italy, Austria, France, and Spain.
At Holly Creek, she serves on the movie committee and the hospitality committee, welcoming new neighbors and selecting films like Buena Vista Social Club for the Cortez Theater.
“We took a family vacation to Cuba a few years ago, and I became enthralled with the music of Cuba,” shared Sigrid. “That’s why I chose to show Buena Vista Social Club in our community theater, which is a documentary by the great American guitarist Ry Cooder and documents his journey to Cuba to play with legendary Cuban musicians.”
For those of us new to Colorado and looking for a good hike near Metro Denver, Sigrid advises exploring the open spaces of Denver, Jefferson, and Boulder Counties. Sigrid adds, “These areas are precious; you can drive 45 minutes from Holly Creek and have vast, beautiful terrain to explore.”
For those considering a retirement community, Sigrid offers this advice: “Find a community that allows you to explore your passions. What’s great about Holly Creek is the diversity of our residents and their interests – whether it’s music, the arts, writing, travel, sports or hiking, you’ll find fellow residents and staff at Holly Creek who share your passions.”
Her story is proof that active living doesn’t have an expiration date. At Holly Creek, residents aren’t just finding a place to live—they’re finding a community to share adventures, build friendships and keep moving forward.
