Continental Divide Trail

Lobo Point on July 4 drew 13 South Fork hikers and many others (Mobile Ala. backpackers, many day hikers, dogs, and horses). Deep blue skies, light cool breezes, and a pretty good flower assortment (although not lush) enhanced the distant views from the crest of America's hydrological world.

The altitude and slopes gave our occasional visitors opportunities to clear their lungs of flat-land air and helped condition them to more efficient oxygen use.

Next Monday, we invite you to join this informal group of friends going to an equally beautiful place in the Rio Grande and/or San Juan National Forests. Meet at 8:50 a.m. at the interpretive center in South Fork. Boots are best; make sure you are rock-proofed and have good lugs as your gripping and walking surface. Newcomers are welcome if they can hike 4-6 miles in rarified atmosphere at a medium pace on trails that go up and down. Bring lunch/snack, water, sun block, and a coat that will keep the rain away. Today, we got home at about 4 p.m., after a stop at Blimpies for refreshments.

--Doug Knudson 719-873-5239