Thursday, October 31, 2013

Snowshoeing on Halloween

We had a wonderful day for our first snowshoe outing of the season; Wolf Creek had received 38" inches so far this season and 7 inches in the last 2 days.  So we had some nice powder to walk in and a pretty good base beneath it so it looks like a good season for getting out and enjoying the snow..
 
We had two first-timers, Tim and Ashley, and it sounds like they will both be back for more fun on the snow.  I made the mistake of asking Tim to break trail back to the trucks and he laid a good track for him and Ashley but us older folks try to avoid the steeper slopes.  Oh well, its great to be around the younger generation..............and their higher energy level.
 
I will head for Kansas for about a month and then Florida next Saturday so I know you will be in the good hands of Wayne and Doug.  I will be back for sure in February and in January subject to the K-State Cats bowl placement.....
 
Happy hiking and smooth shoeing.............
 
Dennis

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Sunny foray on a funny-weather day.

A first for five hikers--walking through a rocky valley to get to the base of Pup Peak, out SE of Del Norte, then huff and puff a little to get up to the peak, where it began snowing upwards.  This may be the last hike of the season for Ashley and Ozzie.
 
Coming up: • Dennis leads an interesting Thursday hike  (9:00 a.m.)--his last for the Fall season.
      • Wayne and Linda Moulds lead the Monday (combined M.-Tuesday) hike starting at 10 a.m.  Mountain Standard Time. They expect to find enough snow up high to make this a snowshoe hike.  Come equipped for about 2 feet of snow.
• No more Tuesday hikes until next Spring.  Come up to Wolf Creek Ski Area on Tuesdays and sip some hot chocolate with your friends.
During Christmas time, we will have a couple of snowy hikes--probably with snowshoes. We often enjoy the company of 20-25 people on these relatively short forays (1-2 miles) through some beautiful local spots.  These help compensate for over-indulgence, letting you burn a little sugar.
If you wish to suggest a time and/or place for your guests, call 719-873-5239; we'll see what we can arrange (no charge).
--Doug Knudson
 
Snow in S Fk, but sun in the canyons out east

 



We said goodbye to Ashley, perhaps until next Spring

 



Interesting rocks all around

 



The trail runs through this rocky landscape

 



Leeward lunch below Pup Peak

 



Facing wind on top of Pup Pk

 



3 summiteers

 



Tim with Pup Pk to L and Dog Mtn. to right

 



The historic quary

 

Monday, October 28, 2013

Embargo site hike10-28-13

Wayne led us up FSR649 for about 2.5 miles to a sunny, protected spot for our lunch.  There are many old mines in this area, it was here before the strike up at Creede.  When the folks heard about the Creede strike they "pulled up stakes, lock, stock and barrel" and moved everything to Creede, including the buildings.
 
Doug will be leading the group up to the top of Pup peak tomorrow and Thursday we will snowshoe in the Wolf Cr. pass area, exact location will depend on the weather but I see by the forecast it is to be clear and warm after snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.........
 
All hikes meet at the VC at 9AM, bring a lunch, water, appropriate layers and several friends.........
 
Dennis

Thursday, October 24, 2013

More of today's Photos

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DSC05949

 



I disturbed this rattler's sun bath

 



Colorful emerging rock

 



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DSC05963

 

Hike & petroglyphs 10-24-31

We took a short hike up on the "D" hill in Del Norte to pet the elk then we met Ken Frye at the museum to take his tour of the rock art locations in the near area.  Ken took us to 5 different sites and offered explanations of most of the figures and symbols for us.  All of the sites are on private property and permission must be obtained prior to attempting to visit any of the sites; respect the owners rights of the private property.
 
I have added captions to most of the pictures to try to inform you of the meanings of the symbols.  You won't have any problem understanding the rattlers meaning........and I used a zoom lens.
 
Wayne will lead us on Monday, Doug on Tuesday and I will take you SNOWSHOEING on Thursday, so bring your shoes and dress appropriately for a warm day.  I will bring 5 pairs of shoes for those of you that don't have any shoes yet.....and some de-icer.
 
Dennis