Monday, December 26, 2011

Snowshoes among the boulders

The day after Christmas brought out clear, sunny skies, nice fluffy snow powder, and 9 good hikers. We checked the lovely boulder field, then viewed the Million hard water feature, then walked down to the cars that took us to coffee.

The stranger in the group is my pride and joy, Cynthia Knudson, at home at Christmas, briefly free of her editing work in D.C. We're glad to see Marty D. back after far-flung adventures.

The group went through the annual decision to change times as we change years. From January 2, 2012 until sometime in March-May, we'll start our expeditions with 10 a.m. departures from the South Fork Visitor Center.

If you look at the first picture and the last, you may understand why.

So--January 2, Monday, 10 a.m. we plan to head for the Coller State Wildlife Area for a level, medium long hike through the snow. Bring snowshoes or cross country skis (little or no serious downhill necessary). Bring a snack and a few sips of water. We should be done by 1:30 or 2:00 p.m.

This hike is a good one for beginners, so join us please. Short cuts are possible if you need a less strenuous route.

We hope you enjoyed a blessed Christmas and enter the new year with resolutions and schedules that result in your presence with your foot-traveling buddies in South Fork.

Cindy,Bonnie,Bob, Wayne,Pat,Marty,Marilyn, Linda--somewhat chilly 
(near zero).

•Lichens, stone, conifers

• big foot; little ladder

•Cracked egg rock

•Million Reservoir

•Bright sunny noontime

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Trout Creek Trail

Six snowshoers enjoyed the snow but avoided the snowstorm on Monday. We went about 1.5 miles up and down Trout Creek Trail. We found a long log, cleaned the snow off, and all sat down. A little reinforcement readied us for the return. We partook of a little coffee and decided about next Monday.

Monday the 26th will be a very crowded day at Wolf Creek Ski Area. So, we'll offer a slower and less dangerous alternative in the morning--snow-shoeing one of our most popular flat areas near Million Pond. We'll wander among big boulders, a beautiful collection of pines, firs, and spruces, and an optional peek at the snowy pond, on the edge of the 2002 burn.

This beautiful snow-walk is a good after-Christmas respite--just enough "up" at the start to help digestion; plenty of flat walking; and a couple of easy turn-backs if the legs or equipment fail you.

We'll meet at the South Fork Visitor Center (at the Y) parking lot before 9 a.m. on Monday. We should be back by noon. Bring a snack, water and winter clothing. Bring a friend who needs to get out in the forest. Bring snowshoes (or cross-country skis).

Merry Christmas to all of you.

Several of us will be singing joyous Christmas carols at the Chapel of the South Fork--down near the riverside. Saturday evening 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve and Sunday morning 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day. You would enliven our Christmas season by celebrating with us or at one of the five other churches in South Fork.
--Doug Knudson questions?-- 719-873-5239

Yup, it's up.

Jim,Pat,Marilyn,Linda,Wayne replenishing oxygen

Rock composition

•Rocks & Trees Trout Cr.Trail

•Sentinel Mt. fr. Trout Cr.Tr.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Grooming pictures on 12/14/11

We saw lots of interesting scenery today while grooming. The two moose, lots of deer, and beautiful trees. We even found three head of cattle up on top that need to be rescued.

George Powell

Monday, December 12, 2011

Beaver Lake Snowshoe

Monday's hike brought out the vigor in seven who dared. It also brought a little history, some sparkling special snow crystals, a pleasant walk among the aspen, and a little youthful sliding. Even in winter, the special scenery above Beaver Reservoir is peaceful but inspiring.

Join us next Monday at 9 a.m. We're betting on snowshoes. We decided over coffee that most of us will be skiing on the fresh snow on Thursday, up at Wolf Creek. Those who don't ski will probably be making preparations for Christmas.

After Christmas, plan on a short Monday snowshoe hike; bring your guests -- it will make their visit more memorable.

Silverthreaders gather next Friday, the 16th at the community center for a party. Reservation deadline is past. A Community Christmas dinner and musical (Mennonite Youth Choir as the feature) is open free for all guests at the Chapel of the South Fork at 5 p.m. on Sunday, the 18th. Chapel members will provide the food. All Silverthreaders are welcome--along with guests.
-- Doug Knudson

DSC00021

Above the Dam--headed upward

Big crystals sparkle

A remnant of the past

White on white

"come on down!"--a little ice chute

A little glee helps

Snow shoes or hiking shoes?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Trail Grooming

We had our first day of grooming today. The snow was great, but we need more.

 

.

 

George Powell, president

Silverthreaders Club

Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club

PO Box 343

South Fork, CO. 81154-0343

H 719-873-5902

C 719-850-0080

Email ghp0181@gmail.com

 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

OST Hike

Though some may have been intimidated by weather forecasts, 'twas a jolly good day for a hike along the Old Spanish Trail for four of us. No snow, but an odd, obscuring atmosphere surrounded us. We could see the OST, but not the mountains. We sensed the haze, but neither snow nor sleet was blown by the variable wind. No one froze, but this group moved briskly and steadily. Early lunch was behind a large, spreading juniper which absorbed the wind until the direction shifted and told us it was time to move on.

A little history, some special scenery, and a strange but interesting sky added to many personal stories--including Bonnie's 30th birthday, which she celebrated with a hike and a short rest in the ruts of the Old Spanish Trail.

By next Monday, we may have enough snow for the big shoes. If not, we'll hike in boots again. Meet at the S.F. Visitor Center at 9 a.m. or before. Happy December to all!
Doug Knudson

Barry, Bonnie, Bob

Holey Rock on Old Sp. Trail

Lunch Site

On the OST

Bonnie in a rut

Monday, November 28, 2011

Penitente Hike

Clear day, cool breeze, beautiful rocks and peaks, a dozen fine people.
Now that makes for a good hike.
Add hospitality at Munro's elegant new house
and a look forward to a Thursday hike or snowshoe event (watch the snowfall).
Come join us at 8:50 a.m. on Thursday at S.F. Visitor Center.
--Doug Knudson

Under way after talking with Angie Krall (Forest Service/BLM)

••Penitente

•The Rock Garden

•Penitente side notch

•Crestones fr. Penitente

•Penitente/Sangres

Lone pine on dark cliff

Monday, November 21, 2011

Round Rocks Hike

Nine hikers wandered among the valleys and ridges of the "Round Rocks" or "Elephant Rocks" north of Del Norte. These finger ridges of volcanic rock form many shapes that resemble people and animals we have met. We enjoyed clear skies above, despite snowy clouds all around us. Jon Treibly and John Thiesfeld joined us along with their relatives.
No hike planned for Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. We'll look for you at the Kiwanis dinner at the Community Center and/or the community church service on 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of Christ (near the Post Office). We'll resume next Monday, with the Moulds being in Kansas or points east.
If we get abundant snow, we'll go snowshoeing. If not, we'll use our little feet in a pleasant spot. Meet at the S.F. Visitor Center for a 9 a.m. departure on Monday.
Doug Knudson call 873-5239
 

Intellectuals among Round Rocks:
2 Treiblys, 2 Moulds,3 Thiesfelds,1 Fluck

•Figure in Round Rocks area

•Piñon cones Round Rocks

•Narrow passage--Round Rocks

•Shortcut didn't work

What's this in Round Rocks

•Ridge among Round Rocks

Friday, November 18, 2011

Dog Mountain

Thanks to Nina Smartt (guide) and Jim Griffin (map man, etc.), eleven of us had a gentle, pleasant cultural hike in beautiful sunshine, The mountain scenery visible from the lower slopes Dog Mountain impressed us. Thanks also to Gayle Froehlich for access and parking permission.
I was good to have several hikers back home from forays into Texas.
It was a successful hike but no trophies were taken.
Thursday--another hike or a snowshoe trip. Bring boots and snowshoes so Wayne and Linda can decide based on weather and preferences between snow up high or turf down low.
--Doug Knudson
Dog Mtn hikers Nina, LindaX2, Wayne, Jan, Suzanne, Barry, Pat, Marilyn, Jim. 
Destination in background.
•Heading N to Dog Mtn.
Dog Mtn Palisade
Dog Mtn to Pintada Peak--big country.
Serious rockers

Heading back