Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Penitente Canyon hike

It was nice to have 9 hikers appreciating the beautiful day on the rim of Penitente Canyon. We followed the heavily used bike trails, for the most part, but encountered no bikers.  Likewise, we stayed out of the lower part of the canyon, where the climbers were dangling.

This is one of the perennial favorites of our hikes, with plenty of diversity in this area full of big rocks and low elevation trees and shrubs.  In about two months, the flowers will be blooming.  The historical story of this area also attracts visitors, along-side the ancient rock art near the parking area.

Our Monday morning hikes will continue for the rest of the year.  Until sometime in early May, we'll meet at 10 a.m.  at the visitor center.  In mid-april (?) we may start adding Wednesday hikes as well.  Stay tuned.
If you've been hiking or lifting or running, you'll be ready.  If you've been appreciating the flatlands from a car seat, get on your bike or walk up hills so you can enjoy our up and down country here at 8,000-13,000 feet here.



Ready to hike


Twisted pinion pine.


Viewing Sangres  across the SLValley floor.


South to Greenie Mtn and San Antonio Mtn.


On the trail


Someone's art


Stone Faces


End of hike but not of hiking.  See you next week!


Monday, March 13, 2017

hike

Monday's hike:

Unless it snows hard, we will aim at a nice hike at one of two places:

1. Penitente Canyon or

2. The "Elephant Rocks" area south of Penitente.

Start at the South Fork Visitor Center leaving at 10 a.m. Advisable to bring along a lunch or snack.

5 Hike iPhotos

Monday was breezy.  Some said chilly.  But not two kids who ran this hike--almost all the way.
The big and small and medium size birds rose in flight wherever we went.  The birds are gathering by the thousands at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.  

If you've not been there, the big event is this weekend.  You'll never see so many birds in one place in Colorado, hanging out until the weather gets sunny and almost warm.  Then they head for Yellowstone National Park and other northerly summering spots.  

Its one of the great migrations of our continent and we are close to this spectacular event--just 30 miles down the river and then turn right.  You will also see hundreds big cameras at work if you get there about sunrise.  It is worth it and it's free.  

Next Monday's hike is still in limbo due to almost unpredictible weather.  10 a.m. is starting time at the South Fork Visitor Center.





A few birds at MVNWR


Windbreaker


Banking Left


Sandhill Crane in Colo.


Another Crane