Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Phoenix Park

August 25, under the clouds but no rain, took 13 of us into Phoenix Park, north of Creede. Somehow, the scenery seemed to improve with the clouds. The waterfall was revived after a mostly dry summer. One month from now, the aspen strips and swaths will merit another hike to see their change of colors. I feel privileged to enjoy this beautiful land by walking through it.


Next Tuesday our hikers will get a chance to see an ice cave in the mountains South of Creede. This mountain "bubbled" up long after the great caldera. Meet us at the South Fork Visitors Center in time for 9 a.m. departure or at the parking area near Marshall Park Campground, about 7 miles west of Creede, at 9:30 a.m. This will be a revelation for most of us.--

Doug Knudson (Judy and I travel over the weekend)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Campbell Mountain

A chilly morning start up Campbell Mtn., North of Creede, led to a huge rock pile and fine views.Down hill we 23 went to test Creede's ice cream and other goodies.
Next week we'll meet in South Fork at 9 a.m. (not 8) at the community center. Creede folks will await us at the Mining Museum parking lot, where we'll squeeze into a few cars and find parking to allow us to walk into Phoenix Park--3 miles of gentle walking. It's possible we'll find parking inadequate and move to another creek.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

East Alder Loggin Road

hiked the East Alder logging road, it isn't really a trail but it is a nice hike. It gets steeper every year it seems; we started at 8500 ft. and topped out at a little over 10000 ft. at our lunch spot about 3 miles up the road. This logging road has been closed to traffic for several years but some ATV'ers are riding it, so we erected a barricade to discourage the illegal use. The closed signs have been removed from the trailhead......

We will hike Campbell Mtn. above Creede next week, you Creedites can meet us at the underground museum about 830 AM. The rest of us will meet at the VCPL by 8 AM, bring a lunch, water and a friend....

Dennis

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Moonlight? hike

We had our moonlight hike last night and everything showed up except the MOON! Too much cloud cover but at least it stopped raining before we had the fire started.........and we did get to see a good sunset.

We had some good chili dogs, s'mores and lots of other goodies to eat, thanks to everybody for making it an enjoyable evening. My grandson will remember the evening for a long time I am sure. We hiked over to the overlook and could see a lot of the San Luis Valley with all of the lights showing up, on the way back from the overlook the clouds started lifting so we could glimpse a few stars.

So, better luck next time and I'll try it again in September.

Dennis

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Continental Divide Trail

We hiked in on the Continental Divide Trail for a little over 4 miles and then hiked back out after lunch. There were 25 of us which meant that when we got into the Weinimuche Wilderness we had to separate into two groups to comply with the Wilderness Rules. There must have been another 40 hikers on the trail, more than we had ever met before.........next week we will hike a trail that is not as popular. We beat the rain by a few minutes, only a few drops on us as we were nearly to the vehicles, lucky again.

We will hike Wednesday night starting off with a wiener roast at 7 PM, the Silverthread Club is furnishing the hot dogs, condiments, buns and potato chips. Others are bringing the chili, hot chocolate mix, paper products and some brownies. Bring a dish to share with the group, also bring a chair or stool to sit on. I will have the hot and cold water for the drinks, also the fixins for s'mores

We will have the campfire at Shaw Mesa; take the Del Norte Peak road which is 1 mile East of South Fork for approx. 3 miles and then take a left. Continue on this road for about 1/4 mile and then take another left toward the closed gate. The campfire will be to the left (West) of the gate among the stand of trees.

The Full moon should be visible by about 830, we will hike over to the overlook and then back to the campfire. This is an easy hike (especially after today's hike) and is out in the open. Please bring a flashlight just in case it is cloudy.

Hope to see you tomorrow evening.

Next weeks hike will be "off the beaten path & no other hikers", but no bushwhacking! Meet at the Visitors Center at 8 AM and bring your lunch, water and a friend......

Dennis