Upper Apline and FDR 616 Hike

Nine hikers left South Fork at 9 a.m. for Upper Alpine and FDR 616. We walked through vigorous Piñon Pines and Junipers to several high lookouts with sweeping views. All this just at the edge of
civilization--five miles of vigorous, healthy walking. You can join us for the best kind of preventive health care at (really) no cost except effort, no debt to the Chinese, and probably a longer, happier
life for you. (It's apparently a secret kept from Chicago politicians and their collaborators.)

Next week--maybe a very easy sojourn to a small waterfall below a cliff--a place to relax, ponder, and play. Leaving at 9 a.m. Monday at South Fork Visitor Center. --Doug Knudson

Penitente Canyon

Ten hikers rediscovered why Penitente Canyon charms so many people. In the sunshine and even the noon cloud cover, we saw interesting shapes of rocks and trees at every turn. The eastern mountain fence stood firm in the valley haze.

Refreshments and sandwiches showed off the Peace of Art Café. Join us next Monday for a walk into beautiful scenery. We'll leave the South Fork Visitor Center at 9 a.m. for a few miles of indulgence in a different corner of this huge valley.

Bring a friend or two.
--Doug Knudson

     

Trees of Penitente

Dawn & "neat tree"

Rock Garden

Pent. Canyon

Trail A, Penitente Canyon

Sangre de Cristos from Penitente

Limekiln Hike

We tried Dog Mountain but retreated in fear of the consequences of  "trespass". We went instead up a steep valley, lunched on top, looking down on Limekiln Gulch or it neighbor.  In the face of a tie from all over the West, one more vote broke it for Monday. The group present moved and approved to hike on Mondays until there arises a compelling reason to change it.

Therefore, next Monday we will leave from the South Fork Visitor Center at nine a.m. (9 AM) for Penitente Canyon, where we expect to encounter new hiker Joyce Weis, MayBelle Gilfillan, and any others from Monte Vista or Del Norte.

It was told me that Marty has a map that may reveal some unique places. It's hard to imagine that, after 25 years of visits, we haven't seen most of it. We'll do our best to encounter something special.

Someone said they hoped to have a late lunch at the La Garita store.
--Doug Knudson

Rocks of Limekiln Gulch

Country lane

Mesa top to Pintada top

Pat and Joyce in the breeze

Joyce, Bill, Pintada Mtn.

2 hikes in one

Ozzie, Wayne, MayBelle, Dick, Pat 616? -Muddy and wet snow as we climbed about 100' in elevation

.
Twin Mtns from River Island neighborhood (view damaged by "civilization").

Which Way?

from River Island

R. Island and 1 Twin Mtn.

Mud and snow on trail 616 persuaded six wise hikers to take a "real estate hike." With Pat Fluck as our agent and guide, we strolled on River Island dry roads for nearly 2 miles , from Agua Ramón to the
Rio Grande. Good views–nice spec houses–very strong winds–wonderful social center on the island.

We bid safe travel and adieu to Ozzie and Eve for a few months as they go fishing on Queen Charlotte Island.

To Alberta Lake and thereabouts

Alberta Lake

CD @ Alberta Peak

Spruce/fir WCr.Ski area

On the trail Alta L.

Below Alberta Peak

We thought last Monday might be our last snowshoe trip. It was lovely just below Wolf Creek Ski Area, as we walked easily on the well-packed snow. Ten of us enjoyed the sunshine, the spruce-fir forest, and views of the ridges and peaks. Yvonne Boss (sp?) joined us and was obviously ready for the rather long trek. Bon voyage, Marilyn Caldwell. We'll see you in less than a month.

On the first Monday of April we may hit the snow elsewhere or find a place for regular boots. I'll be out looking around after church on Easter Sunday. We'll leave at 10 a.m. on Monday morning from the
South Fork Visitor Center. Bring hiking boots and snowshoes (if you have some), a lunch, a camera, and a friend who's broken in but not broken down.

If you hope to be a regular this summer, bring an opinion, as well. We've had requests to hike on Mondays this summer. At least one person cannot often come on Mondays, preferring Tuesdays. At least
three others have regular conflicts on Tuesdays. Others will voice their preferences as well. So, we'll have to make a choice and it won't necessarily go the way of the most vociferous person. I'll try to keep it civil.

We have tried two days/week for hiking. I need the exercise, so I won't lead two "easy" hikes per week. ( I'm getting older and I need to bulk up with strenuous exercise that gets me somewhere deep into
the forest, onto the tundra, and atop some big peaks.)
--Doug Knudson 719-873-5239

Last of the Grooming Pictures

The last of the grooming pictures. We have no idea what made the hole on top of Blow Out Pass. Hope you enjoy. George and Harolena.