Wednesday, May 30, 2012

A REALLY Long Hike

Bob Seago's photos from the Fremont trail up (vs. our down) along West Alder Creek.
 


The attention that Wayne got for his injury is evident in the photos.  I hope that he is OK.
Bob.
 
Wayne is fine, back at work in the church redecorating all day today. Before choir practice tonight, he told me that he had picked up a stick and used it as a walking staff.  He fell when the stick broke as he put some weight on it. 
Funny coincidence today at my annual physical check-up.  The doctor said that the blood test showed no problems except a minor one that would be improved if I drank more water each day.  Sounds like familiar advice that we gave to Wayne yesterday.
Thanks, Bob--I hope everyone comes to Creede to appreciate your photos (and buy their favorites) on June 2, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
--Doug Knudson
 

Beaver Mountain Hike

 

We had an easy 5 mile hike along the Beaver Creek Trail on Monday.

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Ashley, Bonnie, Bob, Connie, Marilyn, Linda and Wayne

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Wayne, Bob and Bonnie

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Taking a break

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Ashley by a mountain creek

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Big trees

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Linda Moulds found another elk rack

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Tanager Bird

Fremont on W Alder hike

Eight excellent endurance hikers walked mostly downhill for ten miles on Tuesday. We were following a segment of John C. Fremont's biggest mistake, using Stuart Bryan's new book as our guide ("Fremont's Fatal Fourth"--available in valley book stores and museums). 
We'll be doing three more segments of the route this summer [Fremont's 34 men and 200 mules did it in December--going upstream from today's Rio Grande Club, with no trail].
We'll take shorter segments at higher, panoramic locations on good weather days (Tuesdays).
Tuesday's route started at a corner of Long Draw (South of Pool Table Mountain, on an edge of Pool Table Park). We descended Long Draw to its nearly invisible junction with West Alder Creek, then followed W.Alder down to Fish Park for lunch. A little farther downstream we let the trail lead us up (gradually) to the West Alder Road, high above the creek. We walked along the the road looking down the very steep hills of the Narrows.  [Fremont's group  had to push the mules up the hillsides to find places to sleep, often lying on the upside of a couple of trees to keep from rolling out of their blankets.] 
 
By the way, the guy/gal on the wide-tired motor bike did a nice job of clearing the trail of fallen trees and branches just a few hours or days ahead of us. The road grader contractor did the same on FR 610. Thanks, Steve!
 
Next Tuesday, we'll head for high 10-11,000' altitude (weather and fires permitting) and do some  conditioning walking for 5-6 miles, getting ready for some peaks that will  help to get you (and me) on top of Colorado's highest mountain later in the summer. I'm looking for a place that isn't too steep or uncomfortable at that altitude, so new arrivals can join us. Nominations are open.
 
--Doug Knudson (douglasfir636@gmail.com)
 
Mtn Candytuft at the Trailhead

 



May  29 2012 Fremont hike #1  Linda, Wayne, Barbara, George, Marilyn, Wayne, Bob (remember his photo show late afternoon June 2 in Creede Theatre)

 



Long Draw from near road 610

 



Long Draw intermittent stream

 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

A REALLY Long Hike

Doug,
I hope your camera is not toast. See if you can find a default setting to factory settings, maybe that might help. Also suggested is to charge your battery, switch to another xD camera card (it might be corrupted). Will the existing card transfer data to your computer? I have run out of ideas.
The attention that Wayne got for his injury is evident in the photos. I hope that he is OK.
Bob.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Agua Ramon hike

This was a tough hike today, we went up about 1200 ft. in less than one mile and had to climb over a lot of deadfalls to boot. We found an ancient logging trail 2/3 of the way up that helped us get to the top, but even then it was still pretty hard going. But one of the great things about this group, "no complaining".
We headed up the South canyon on the East side of Agua Ramon mountain and came down 2 canyons to the North of the V notch......everybody made it back to the truck and were glad to make it back.
We will hopefully hike the Silver Pass area next Thursday, dependent on road conditions. Meet at the VCPL at 9AM, bring your lunch, water and a friend...
Dennis

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Sentinel Mountain Climb

Doug,
My contribution on the Sentinel Mountain climb.
Thanks,
Bob.

Sentinel Mtn. hike Tuesday May 22, 2012

Sentinel Mountain has lots of trails made by deer and elk. Humans have made several attempts. The only way is always up. Fortunately, three fine ladies and 5 members of the opposite gender made it through the two upward miles and back down for some coffee and tea and watermelon. Congratulations to them.  All know the way--and the way not--to go and how to make two miles last most of the morning.
 
On one of the warmest days of this spring, the summit breezes cooled us lusciously, loosening our climbing muscles. Thanks to Judy for refreshments at home at the end of the hike.
 
This is our home-town peak, with fine views, many species of trees and lower vegetation.  It is worth walking there frequently, even if just at the lower levels.
 
Next Tuesday 9 a.m.:
We will have another lovely hike  somewhat longer and less steep, but challenging your lungs--to get them ready for high altitudes (still snowbound).  Bring your boots, long pants (we brush past brush, sit on logs, and occasionally kneel on rocks). Bring along a sturdy friendHowever, we do not push you beyond your ability at this stage.  We're hoping to help you get your wind and endurance to grow gradually.
Despite imaginative statements of a few folks who have seldom hiked with us, we aren't there to punish you or to prove how fast we can walk. We're doing this to guide you in a healthy exercise and to allow you to see some of the most beautiful places in our National Forest and BLM lands. We also hope to stimulate your self-confidence and give you opportunities to increase your knowledge of the complex, spectacular Creation around us.
 
This Thursday 9 a.m.:
Dennis has planned an up and down/up and down intermediate hike north-east of South Fork. This will allow you some beautiful views that you may not have seen before.
 
Next Monday 9 a.m.:
The Moulds will have another relatively easy hike in a colorful part of this great valley.
 
All hikes start at the South Fork Visitor Center (at the intersection of US 160 and CO 149).
Short term visitors are welcome to participate. There is no charge but each participant is responsible for his/her own safety and should be in vigorous health. We ask that pets be left at home. Bring a lunch and water, as well as weather protection and boots.
For newcomers, here in the best of the Rocky Mountains, we walk on trails (where available) that contain firm and loose rocks (Rocky) and that go up and down big hills (Mountains), along streams, and through vegetation. We hike at elevations from 7,700' to 14,000' (never all in one hike). That means you'll have more fun if you have acclimated with vigorous, heavy breathing exercise for several days or weeks ahead of hiking. (Bluster isn't enough.)
 
Again, on June 2,
Bob Seago (who hikes with us in the spring and summer) invites you to see his photographs displayed on the second floor of the Creede Repertory Theatre. The exhibit is free, opening at 5:30-7 p.m.  If you wish to also take in the first play of the season (7:30), make a reservation through the CRT Ticket Office. Bob specializes in local landscapes--some of them as you've never seen them before.  He has also traveled throughout much of the world and has a large collection of prints for sale.
Bob the engineer now resides west of Creede with his talented and community-oriented wife, Sharon.
 
--Doug Knudson     873-5239
 
BobX2,Wayne,Marilyn,LindaX2,George, with the goal behind them

 



Ball Cactus, Sentinel Mtn--the biggest we've seen, in flower.

 



Getting there--moving up in the world.

 



SW view from the Sentinel Mtn summit 10,171 feet

 



Arriving is satisfaction

 



Oregon-grape or Mahonia

 



Rio Grande, Chapel of the S. Fork 

 



Coming down is rocky fun