Monday, November 29, 2010

5 Nov 29th short hike

Pat/MayeBelle-Look, no snowshoes

Fire and Beaver Mtn.

Edge of 2002 fire

2002 fire falling apart.

One to check out in summer

 

Someone predicted snow falling in abundance.
We encountered sunshine and unusual clarity.

We were but three.
We walked snowshoe-free.

The edge of the fire of 2002
crept near to FDR 350 and stopped.
The remains are falling apart and over.

Next summer, some of us will follow
the snazzy sign that invites us to go
upwards to Beaver Mountain.

Next Monday, more are welcome to find
a new place in the snow--which may be deeper.

Bring snowshoes and hiking boots to
adapt to the conditions.
Visitor Center, 9 a.m. Questions? --Doug Knudson 719-873-5239

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sentinel Mtn hike

Nov. 8 brought rain. It then froze and at 3:15-4:15 a.m. on Nov. 9,
snow fell. The South Fork landscape shown bright white with signs of more snow coming.

Five of us enjoyed a long interval without snow, with intermittent
warming sunshine. We ambled up and across and down the lower slopes of Sentinel Mountain, from Hwy 160 to Ponderosa Drive.

The glimpses of Del Norte Peak and Beaver Mountain, South Fork Center and the Rio Grande Club, plus the Rio Grande, the rocks and trees reveal the essence of our community.

This slight separation from, yet proximity to, "civilization" offers new perspectives and appreciation of our town and the Rio Grande National Forest.We are privileged to live here.

Next Monday we'll shift from Tuesday to Monday, what with ski season
getting under way.Pat Fluck will meet all comers, whatever the weather, at 8:50 a.m. at the South Fork Visitor Center.She has a couple of options in mind that will be governed by the weather. If the snow on the ground is a foot or more deep, bring your snowshoes. Otherwise, hiking boots will do well.

Remember, Monday, Nov. 15.No sense in being timid! We had a great time today!

--Doug Knudson