Tuesday, July 30, 2013

My Contribution - Bonito to Silver Passes

It was a beautiful day for hiking up high.
There they are, at Bonita Pass, standing in a marsh looking at blue flowers.
The moon was pointed out to me and was easily captured between trees.  At home on my computer, I could spot some craters so I cropped the photo so that you might see them also.
See them?
Our tour leader giving one of his illuminating explanations, to what I do not know as I was last and just came up on the end of this conversation.
The lovely South San Juan's and I am told the mountain on the left is Montezuma (spelled right?).
Ah, the wonders of telephoto lenses.  This peak is a mere blip in the above photo of the South San Juan's.
Just before "lunch", a wondrous view looking south.
The lunch stop, but first taking in the view.
George, Peter and I taking up the rear.
You can see the faster ones up ahead.  Thoughtfully they would wait occasionally for us, or me.
I did not get a photo of the bull elk, as he did not wait for me.  However, this colorful mushroom patiently awaited my presence.  Deadly to eat, I am told.
Bob.
P.S.  Buy my book.  It benefits the Creede Historical Society.

12 CDT --Bonito to Silver Passes

An even dozen hiked the high and beautiful Continental Divide Trail on Tuesday. The hikers moved right along, apparently with ease.
 
After a long drought, the flowers have burst forth with apparent joy following our recent rains--except for only one lonely columbine.  We saw two young elk resting on the trail (the only level place around) and a rather dignified and agile mature bull.
 
It was good to see Bob back from Denmark and with several companions.  He has a new book of Creede photos--then and now.  It's available in most of Creede's stores.
 
Coming up--
1. Dennis will lead you on a search for edible mushrooms.  Bring a bag, a friend, a snack, and an eye or two for mushrooms.  9 a.m. Thursday morning.
2. Next Monday--Wayne has an easy one in mind--you'll  cross a stream a couple of times to cool your bunions.  9 a.m. Monday morning.
3. Next Tuesday--a high altitude hike that will build your stamina and breathing apparatus (natural).  9 a.m. departure from the South Fork Visitor Center.
 
4. As August comes upon us, we will have an opportunity to climb a 14,000+' peak.  We'll be going with people who have conditioned themselves to make it to the top. Last year's experience on Mt. Elbert allowed each person to go at his/her own rate, once we had the peak in view and on the way down.  We will not be pausing for gasping people who haven't been preparing.  We don't recommend that recent arrivals try the 14ers.  We're not equipped to handle over-stressed people (our personal stress levels are high enough).
The timing is dependent upon the weather.  We're taking nominations; two are Uncompahgre Peak and San Luis Peak. Another is Redcloud Peak.  If you are going and want to suggest a target peak, just let me know by e-mail or in person.
 
--Doug Knudson   873-5239
 
 
Elephantela at Bonito Pass

 



Marilyn emphasizes the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

 



Tiny creeks start on the Divide

 



South San Juan Peaks

 



False dandelion

 



On top of things

 



paintbrush at altitude


Rocks on CDT near Silver Pass

 



Coming down out of the clouds

 



Bull elk on CDT

 



Sure-footed fellow on steep rocky slopes

 



Rosy Paintbrush on the rocks

 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Shallow Creek hike

Wayne led the group up the Shallow Cr. trail for almost 2.5 miles to the yurt where we had our lunch.  The rains have really gotten the wildflowers going again, the lupine is setting on its second set of flowers.  We got showered on when we were about halfway back to the truck, cooled us down and refreshed us.  AS very nice hike.........
 
Doug will be leading the group Tuesday for a conditioning hike, meet at the VCPL at 9AM and bring a lunch, water, raingear and a friend.
 
I will be leading an easy hike Thursday, bring a paper bag and a knife to gather some mushrooms (hopefully) along with a lunch, water, raingear and several friends.  We will meet at the VCPL at 9AM.............
 
Dennis
 
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Thursday hike

Among the boulders, up and down the hill a ways, and around the pond made for a pleasant stroll on a beautiful day.  None of the seven hikers didn't complain about "too steep" on this one.
 
Next week--hikes on Monday (easy), Tuesday (maybe tough), and Thursday.  Meet at 9 a.m. (sorry about the typo on Thursday's notice) when we leave the South Fork Visitor Center.
 
First, hike the boulders

 



Connor hopped up top

 



Down to the pond

 



The Million dollar pond

 



Butter 'n Eggs

 



Scarlet gilia/fairy trumpet

 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Hikers zip up to the top of Bennett Peak

After an evening of hot dogs and moonlight traipsing, we decided to go to one of the highest points on the south side of Highway 160.  Bennett Peak put on a tremendous flower show, despite the drought of this spring and summer.  Eight started and all made it up the steep inclines of this mighty round mountain at 13,230 feet. 
 
On Thursday (8:29 a.m.) we'll take a pretty short hike (a couple of miles), starting at the Beaver Reservoir and going NW and around in a discovery pattern.  We'll see an old cabin (I'm substituting for Dennis, after all) and farmsite, check the health of lots of aspen and get some lovely views of the reservoir in its low state.
Doug Knudson  873-5239
 
Moonlight on Monday's clouds.

 



Going Up

 



Mertensia ciliata

 



Western Paintbrush on Bennett

 



King's Crown on Bennett

 



Alpine Forget-me-nots

 



Phacelia blooms

 



Alpine larkspur

 



Motorized visitors from the lowlands (Arkansas and Oklahoma, mostly).