Thursday, December 31, 2009

Monday, December 28, 2009

Boulder Field in the Snow








We welcomed several guests who brought us to 14 who followed elk tracks through the boulder field and then onto Million Lake. The nippy temperature (about 0ºF) was ameliorated by the sun and the uphill start.

Penny's daughter Shannon, Linda's sister Tammy, the Roquemores, and the Johnsons enriched their Christmas visits with a pleasant walk through bright sunshine and pine shadows. We even found an exposed
and dry spread of needles for an early lunch.

The next holiday snowshoeing event will be close to South Fork on next Monday. Meet at the Visitor Center before 10 a.m. departure. Bring a snack or lunch. No pets, please. We'll end the hike with coffee at Blimpie's near Rainbow Grocery.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Coller State Wildlife Area

Eight well-wrapped snowshoers found the bright sun tempting enough to
brave -1° weather (at 10 am) to enjoy the beauties of Coller State
Wildlife Area and the surrounding Rio Grande National Forest. This
group knows the pleasure outdoor activity offers and the preparation
required to enjoy it. After a mile of making a path, a seat in the
snow, high above the Rio Grande, allowed for rest and an early lunch.

Going back to the cars was quicker; then we dallied over hot
chocolate at Blimpies.

Join us next Monday at the South Fork Visitor Center and float
through the snow. Bring snowshoes, warm clothes (you will warm up
during the walk), a snack, and a happy spirit. We leave at 10 a.m.

--Doug Knudson

Monday, November 30, 2009

Dog Mountain area's splendid scenery

Snow dusted north-facing slopes--like frosting on the landscape.
Dark and light volcanic rocks underfoot--primitive reminders of origins.
The cliffs showed off images in stone--faces, forms, and strange things.

A bald eagle soared on eddies along the cliffs and ridges.
A raven pestered the nation's symbol, then showed us aerial acrobatics,
accompanied by his own rhythmic croaks.

One of the most scenic hikes we've tried recently led us up a peak
reaching 9191 feet. It is the eastern neighbor of Dog Mountain. Pup
Peak is farther North East, about 3 summits away. We searched
unsuccessfully for ancient rock art, but saw some interesting nooks
and crannies. We skimmed across the rough volcanic rocks that
sometimes support and other times roll with our light-footed
pressure. It was nice to share this often sunny trip among five of
us. We especially enjoyed Penny Scott's company again.

We had a pleasant meeting with Miss Lovato, daughter of a landowner.
We'll follow up on her invitation to further explore this area, when
conditions are appropriate.

More hikers are welcome. Next week, on Monday, meet at 10 a.m. at
the South Fork Visitor Center. If the snow is deep, bring
snowshoes. If current conditions continue, you'll probably take a
short walk with Pat, Marilyn, and Wayne. (The Chapel of the South
Fork will be unloading Christmas commodities at 1 p.m., so some will
help out there when the hike ends.)

--Doug Knudson

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Agua Ramon Creek Hike

Five hikers probed the high valley and ridges of Agua Ramon Creek on Tuesday: Ozzie, Eve, MayBelle, Wayne and Doug. We followed our instincts and some prominent cattle trails on a loop through two passes. The views across the Rio Grande and a long misty look at Mt. Blanca were impressive in their vast and varied topography. This area was almost free of snow, but more was on the way; the blue skies turned to gray before the hike was over.
Next Tuesday, another adventure will start at the South Fork Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. departure. Again, we may have to depend on the weather. Someone opined that snowshoes may be in order. Watch the weather and check with Wayne Odom 873-5864 or the Wells 873-5754.--Doug Knudson

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Baxter Mtn. Photos

Six hikers walked up Baxter Mtn. to the TV booster installation.
All followed the narrow ridge upward from there. Four reached the
summit at 9,787' for long views in several directions. Limber pine,
ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and even Junipers somehow get their
roots through the rocks and withstand heavy winds. The asters still
flowering here are evidence that winter has not arrived despite
earlier snow falls on these peaks.
At coffee, we enjoyed the stories of 93-year-old Lawrence Fleming
(our local tire repairman and entrepreneur) about the installation
process of the TV facility on that precipitous perch several decades
ago.
Next Tuesday, more hiking in someplace special, the selection being
weather dependent. We'll leave the South Fork Visitor Center parking
lot at 9 a.m. Bring a simple lunch, good rock boots, and some orange
cloth.
--Doug Knudson

Baxter Mtn Summit

We started at 8700 ft. elevation and topped out at the summit of Baxter Mtn. at 9740 ft. elevation. The antennae are for the TV translator station for the area, built back in the 60's.  The last part of the route is by a homemade rail line and trolley car.  We continued on from the translator to the summit by way of the ridge, a challenging route by any definition. We came back down a different route.  The trees are interesting up there, weather gives them unique shapes and colors.........
 
Next week, weather permitting, the Sentinel mtn. will be the groups' goal, meet at the VCPL by 9 AM, bring your lunch, water and a friend.
 
Dennis

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Big Meadow Hike

We had planned on going up higher to the Hunter Lake trail and clear the trees off of it, but the snow was too deep.  Instead we cleared the trees off of the Big Meadow Lake trail, it was pretty "slushy" walking but not frozen/slick underfoot.
 
Thanks to all of you that helped cut, saw and carry the trees off the trail.........
 
We will meet at the VCPL by 9 AM next Tuesday, bring lunch, water and a friend.  We will keep an eye on the weather to determine where we will hike to.
 
Dennis