Friday, July 29, 2016

17 in high country

Wednesday's hike started at Ellwood Pass, winding through the beetle-ridden forest in green grass adorned by thousands of flowers.
Rain falling on our right side flows toward the Pacific.  When rain falls on or left, it heads for the Atlantic.  We enjoyed the company of a large family whose party in South Fork came from Oklahoma, Texas, and maybe a few other places.  Thanks to the parents for their alertness to their vigorous kids. Thanks to the kids for their enthusiasm and hiking power. 
Next Monday, a slightly longer hike will gather at the visitor center.  Questions:  call or e-mail Wayne Moulds.
I'll be there and will lead a high-altitude hike on Wednesday, if possible.  
— Doug Knudson


A diverse group of 17 hikers followed a beautiful segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail


Climbing at timberline


It's big, beautiful country


Mouse-eared chickweed


Alpine Buttercup


King's Crown


Alpine Larkspur

another happy yellow flower--this one isn't in my bppks


Dusky Beard-tongue

We saw a rich array of beautiful little flowers.  We filled our vision and emotions with a vast and varied landscape. We cheered for two young Oklahoma athletes who climbed the mountain above the tarn (pond) where we enjoyed lunch.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

An easy, easy hike with variations

26 hikers took a diversified walk around Poage lake, high in the Rockies, but gentle on the lungs.  We walked the dam, hip-hopped through vegetation and wet ground, walked a road, then circled around the outflows from Handkerchief  Mesa, watched some skilled fishermen roll their lines out into the lake as we munched candy bars, then discovered we were not far from the starting point.  

A few lingered longer, taking little spur hikes elsewhere.  Some took a long way home to find other mountains and lakes from the car. 

On Wednesday, we will hike again—for longer distance.  Departure 9 a.m. from Visitor Center.  We'll be on the Continental Divide Trail in the Elwood Pass area. We'll offer a  route different from our trip two or three weeks ago.  Bring water and food and sunscreen.  A poncho or slicker would be a smart precaution, as well.  If the rains come, we will make some adjustments for safety's sake.  Thanks for you patience.

— Doug Knudson



Poage Lake and Handkerchief Mesa


Special timber


Paintbrush


Slogging


conquering water barriers



DSC03895


Log 1


Log load 2

Grandson and Grandma


Lunch on a slope


Relaxation personified










Saturday, July 23, 2016

CD Trail and a flower quiz--CDT

Five hikers wandered along a beautiful, flower-bedecked trail on the Continental Divide.  We walked about 8 miles on the beautiful, CD National Recreation Trail. It was absolutely beautiful on this lovely day.  Every step brushed past brilliant flowers, some of them included below for your study.

South Fork has become a Gateway City for access to this 3,100-mile trail.  Some people try to hike the whole distance in one summer--from the southern border of New Mexico to the northern border of Montana.   Our high mountains present some of the most risky (snow, etc.) and the most miles of stunning mountain scenery in the nation.  We are to become a host community to visitors who use our community for shelter, food, rest, and entertainment. We hope you will support the efforts of our citizens and businesses who make efforts to attract and  welcom hiking visitors who find rest and recuperation in our community.

We hiked from the top of Lobo Overlook to the pretty little lake (some of us call it Joyce's Lake), at lunch, and turned around and went back again: 9:45-4:00 p.m.  We weren't alone.  More than a half dozen hikers and horseback riders passed us and shared their pleasure with the scenic beauty of this wilderness area.

Next Monday, we'll take a gentle walk through a floral wonderland (elsewhere).  This is the peak period, so don't miss it.
Next Wednesday, we'll enjoy the high-country scenery again.  You are welcome to either or both of these walks.



hikers near timberline


High country


Your name for it:


Your name for it:


Your name for it:


Your names for them:


Your name for it:


Your name for it:


nice pose at our lovely lunch pond on the 

Your name for it:


Distant Mtns to S.


your name for it:


Elegance among bug-kill


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

FULL MOON OUTING

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We weren't able to claim our usual spot, but Wayne & Linda found an
even nicer one for our outing.  We enjoyed having several youngsters
with us, their enthusiasm and joy of experiencing the great outdoors
is a real pleasure.

Thanks to everybody for providing so much good food to go along with
the brats and dogs, especially all 3 batches of brownies!

The full moon rose right on schedule, then played peekaboo with us
until about 930 when it came out in all its brilliance.  Wayne & Linda
led us over to the overlook, making sure we kept the kids out of harms
way.  The smoky haze is still with us which limited our range of
vision, hope it clears up by next full moon...........

Thanks again to everybodly,
Dennis
 

Monday, July 18, 2016

Wednesday Hike

Wednesday's hike has one plan and weather may cause a change.  My hope--Continental Divide Trail starting at Lobo Overlook and going as far as weather permits (bring a poncho or waterproof jacket).  If lightning or rain suggests, we'll make a group decision on alternatives (or cancelation).  The forecasters are dueling right now.  I'll be at the Visitor Center at 8:45 Wednesday, ready for a beautiful and hopefully sunny alpine flower show.        This is not a difficult hike, although new immigrants may find breathing invigorating.  You will note the need for oxygen so let us know if you find a pocket of low oxygen and we'll give you a break.
— Doug Knudson
719-873-5239



DSC03795


A rest in the woods


Two roses are twins


DSC03822