A place without a name on the map--we're calling it Del Norte Mesa. It lies at 12,113 feet at its broad crown, south of Del Norte Peak (12,400'). It's where trees meet their altitudinal limit and views seem unlimited.
What a great day for a hike! We had warm sunshine. We had some beautiful clouds. At the end of the hike we had dramatic thunder-music followed by a welcome rain. And we had 9 friendly people, including two modest young men with considerable intellectual and athletic skill.
We also had splendid vistas--some a bit hazy--of a vast wonderland of the South San Juans, the Continental Divide to the West, and Del Norte Peak. Flowers aren't abundant, but scattered Alpine sunflowers, western yellow paintbrush, and a few intense blue Parry gentians still color the alpine tundra, along with scattered white blooms of alpine mouse-ear and alpine sandworts.
Marilyn Caldwell had selected this exploration of a fairly flat mesa south of Del Norte Peak. She chose well! From a gentle alpine "platform," we located some future destinations for long and short hikes.
Join us next Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Silver Thread Visitor Center in South Fork for another high-country hike.
Coming up--the invitation to climb Wheeler Peak in New Mexico has a few respondents. It looks as if it should be between now and September 7, if we want my Taos brother's company and guidance. This will involve at least one overnight (free limited camping near the road to Taos Ski Area). This popular climb (on a trail) mountain is to the highest point in the state of New Mexico (13,000+').
To get your thinking started, I propose that we try August 20-21 (drive on the 20th, climb on the 21st, and stay in the Taos area another day or two on your own—or go home). Now, please think about it and inform me soon if you have this or another time preference (719-873-5239).
--Doug Knudson
Marilyn, Tricia, Mike, Sheri,Tony, Jake , George, Bob
Del Norte Mesa looking SW
Weather-Sculptured wood/ DNMesa
Flat Mountain Hiking DNMesa
DNPeak from DNMesa
Coming in out of the rain
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