Lake Fork Trail

We hiked up the Lake Fork trail today, we hadn't hiked it for at least 3 years due to no access because of road construction.  It is a beautiful trail, lots of stream views and wildflowers. We went up about 3 miles, had lunch and hiked back to the trucks.  There are at least 25 trees down across the trail, we will clear them later this summer.

 

Next weeks hike will be on the Seitz Cr. drainage, meet at the VCPL by 9AM, bring you lunch, water and a friend......

 

Dennis

Views from a Stroll on Trout Creek Trail

What a special day, this May 24!
Snow swirled and stuck on the ground
Snowballs formed in the pines.
Red columbine and Oregon grape bloomed.
The sun warmed us as we ate.
The wind blew snow off the trees, onto necks.
The long up grade seemed calm and easy.
Hats tightly secured blew off.
Beaver Mountain looked elegant.
And the coffee was quite tasty.

We enjoyed family day--
Erin and Eric with Dennis;
Cynthia Joy with Judy and Doug;
And Linda Treibly back here, at home.

Join us for an unpredictable foray next Monday--
leaving So. Fork Visitor Center at 9 a.m

11 hikers

Is this fun?

Tickets, please!

Oregon Grape in flower

Hillside on Trout Cr. Trail

Christmas in May

NE end of Beaver Mtn.

Almost coffee time!

 

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Hike above Cedar Spring around Horseshoe Mtn

Nine hikers strolled up a steep ATV trail to see sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley.
We saw the Mesa Mountain complex to the N; the Sangre de Cristos far to the East; the three-peak Horseshoe Peak to the south and east; various high places around the southern perimeter; and Del Norte Peak dominating a notch to the west.
This walk had views that impressed us at the immensity of the Rio Grande National Forest and the San Luis Valley.
If you missed this hike, go out San Francisco Cr. Road to a sign that points to Cedar Spring. Then follow the funny road to where you must walk and look around.  A mile or two of walking  will reveal views, many of which you can see best at the top of a steep ridge with an interesting mix of trees and the sense of a very special place.
We'll try for another delightful place next Monday. We leave the South Fork Visitor at 9 a.m., usually in as few cars as practical.  Bring a lunch, water, boots, whatever covering the weather suggests, and maybe a walking stick. No pets please.  Everyone is responsible for themselves; everyone is friendly.
--Doug Knudson 873-5239

Del Norte Peak

View to Fremont’s winter camp

Dr. Margery Herrington--headed for Sweden next week for a summer of
medical research work.

Sangre de Cristos

Looking for Spring leaves?

Middle Alder Creek Trail

--A beautiful and ecologically informative stroll through giant aspen, 3 pine species, junipers, and tall Douglas-fir--Middle Alder Creek Trail got a visit from 9 spring-time hikers.  A pleasant, well-cared for trail allowed easy going, even with the uphill slant.  The creek babbled and tumbled near to us and gave us 7 chances to cross it. We used several methods, including logs, leaps, and two ice bridges.

Next Monday, 9 am, we'll depart from the South Fork Visitor Center.  We intend to go into the national forest via Cedar Spring, south of  Del Norte. Valley hikers may meet us at Jack's Grocery parking lot in Del Norte at about 9:20.  This should provide an easy 5-8 miles with enough up and down to provide conditioning. We hope to be joined by Margery Herrington, Linda Treibly, and others who return early for the summer. Make sure your shoes are well cushioned.  Bring a lunch, 
rain poncho, and water.  No pets, please.

Questions:  call Doug Knudson at 719-873-5239

Obedient hikers

simple "bridge"

Men on a Mission

Puzzle of the day

Preacher walks on water

cracked ice bridge

Alleged elk gnawing

Shorty Springs Ride

Shorty Springs Ride

Harry led us up and down a whole bunch of hills, ending up at Shorty Springs where we had a cookout of hamburgers,  elk burgers and all the trimmings.  A big  THANK YOU to Dwayne Powers for doing most of the cooking, Billy Moore, Connie Gillespie, Chuck Holton and others for all of their help to make it an enjoyable outing.

There will be a work day Friday the 7th of June to clear and maintain the trails accessible to us.  Meet at the VCPL by 9AM, bring your lunch, water, gloves and a friend.