West Alder Creek hike

Doug, here are some more pix if you would like to send them out.  Was Fremont here in 1847  or 1849? -- Maybe both times--check Stuart Bryan's book to confirm--on sale at the Visitor Center.

 

Alder Creek Hike: Fremont's rugged winter route

Nineteen hikers explored the squeezy parts of Alder Creek Canyon this morning.  A little snow, a little sun, a few wet boots, and a breeze or two created memories. 

 

We found a lot of willows, many alders, and a few cottonwoods.  We hopped across the creek several times. 

 

We could sense the squeeze of the narrowing canyon. It might have been a warning that this wasn't the best place to walk and sleep in the snow.  That warning was unheeded by a group that, long ago, made a trek from the Rio Grande up the Alder Creek, past today's golf course and guard station and the rock pillar seen in picture 3.  

 

In Dec. 1847, Capt. John C. Fremont with 20 men and 200 mules, headed up Alder Creek in search of a way across the Continental Divide. After a couple of miserable days and nights they broke out at Pool Table Park.  After that they went on and up with determination until the 4-8 foot snowfields stopped them. The lack of food killed most of their mules. So finally they retreated down the nasty terrain of Embargo Creek (to the East of Alder) and eventually took refuge at Kit Carson's house (he was home at the time) in Taos, NM.  You can read more of this in a lively book (Fremont's Fatal Fourth) written by local resident Stuart Bryan--Nancy sells it in the Visitor Center.

 

Welcome back to Marty, Dennis, Alison and David.

D. Knudson

 

Head of the trail

 

Looking South toward the Rio Grande

 

Landmark on Bryan's cover

 

Winding up

 

and more

 

...into the openness

 

Willows grow in Alder Creek, as well as alders.

 

'tis a twisty thing!

 

5 moon Photos

 

 

For those who didn't wake up early last week, here are some pictures of the moon and some with a planet and a star, taken at the time of the eclipse.  I enjoyed the bouncing out of bed five times during the night.  I'm pleased with the camera's ability to make a pretty sharp image with exposures of one or two seconds, even in the hand-held way I used.  I'm glad we live in a dark place, with only a few lights to dodge.  I hope we'll adopt a dark skies policy for our town and the area around it.

--Doug Knudson

 

Apr 14. 2014   10 p.m. full moon

 

1:15 a.m. Apr 15, '14

 

Half-through eclipse  Moon/Spica  Apr 15 14

 

Moon, blue Spica and Mars  2:15 a.m.  (hand-shaken)

 

reemerging moon, Spica, and Mars 4-15-14

 

April 21 already Photos

A nice 5 mile jaunt from the SLV floor into ridges of rocks and gentle trails introduced us to a "new" part of the Elephant Rocks area. That leaves one more to try all 4 roady trails.  17 people seemed to enjoy the diverse rock formations and rich plant life.  Mayebelle and Linda also studied the black beetles that were emerging from small holes in the soil.  We take our time (sometimes) and see a lot of the plant world around our ankles.

 

Next Monday at 10 a.m. we will again depart the South Fork Visitor Center for another "smart hike".  Join us at no cost except attentiveness and energetic walking.  We have three options in mind; the choice will be influenced by the weather--we may get snow, you know. (The Rev. Dr. Odom is waiting patiently for today's rain clouds to open up.)

--Doug Knudson

 

17 started and finished at the Valley bottom.

 

We looked for faces and found many

 

A big split happened once

 

We like lichens

 

Interesting Piñon Pine valley

 

More lichens on lava flows

 

Forbidding but accessible

 

Pinocchio peeking

 

Backdrop to lunch room

 

Luncheon Seating choice

 

Another rock face

 

Silverthread Snowmobile Article and Pictures

Snowmobile articles and pictures...Articles and pictures of Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club submitted for February, March, and April were published in the Colorado Snowmobile Association Snow Scoop Editions. February and April are online editions...March was a hardcopy send to your home. The April Edition (page 5) is just out and can be viewed online at:

 

https://issuu.com/coloradosnowmobileassn/docs/css_apr_online_r1_2014?e=2093021/7446643

 

Coller SWA Photos

Number are growing as the weather warms--even on a chilly morning.  Eighteen walkers heard it would be a nearly flat hike and accepted the "challenge," including new Councilman Don Spencer.  A little machine estimated that the loop we took amounted to 4.5 miles

The idea for next week, weather permitting, is to visit English Valley or #3 route in Elephant Rocks. 

We start out of the Visitor Center Parking Lot at 10 a.m. on Monday.

--Doug Knudson

 

We were 18 treading on Coller State Wildlife Area

 

The River Grande and Del Norte Peak

 

Across the Rio, the Palisades

 

Contemplating the scenery

 

Snack-time by the Rio Grande

 

Narrowleaf cottonwoods near the Rio Grande

 

Lunch seems to be a happening

 

Heading back, up a little hill

 

Silverthreaders Annual Dues

The annual dues for the Silverthreaders Club are due by May 1, 2014. The dues are $20 for family or individual, $30 for a business. I have attached a membership form and a waiver. If you have signed a waiver, you don’t need to sign another one. Mail dues to Silverthreaders Club, PO Box 343, South Fork, CO. 81154

The Silverthreaders Club includes all of our activities except snowmobiling. If you have any questions contact me.

 

Thanks,

 

George Powell, president

Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club

Silverthreaders Club

 

April Silverthread Club Meeting

 

The Silverthread Club meeting will be April 15, pot luck meal 6:30 PM, club meeting 7 PM at the South Fork Community Building. Come and enjoy the fellowship.

 

George Powell, president

Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club

Silverthreaders Club

 

Penitente Canyon Photos

Fourteen hikers got a Spring close-up of Penitente Canyon and several of its trails.  We also went to St. Juan's church at La Garita to admire the excellent work done by the Archuleta family. 

 

Several of our people also got to see two bald eagles flying near the Penitente area.

 

Join us next Monday for a close-up walk along the Rio Grande. We'll leave the S.F. Visitor Center at 10 a.m.  We'll watch for dippers, eagles, and ducks, along with migrants headed North.  On Sunday a flock of colorful ducks was enjoying the chilly water.  This is a good hike for anyone; individual turn-around opportunities are numerous and safe.

We won't be walking on or in water.

--Doug Knudson

 

 

14 Penitente Canyon hikers

 

Penitente walls

 

Rock-bound Penitente 

 

Wayne on the rocks

 

Hard breathing?

 

Down into the Penitente Canyon, Sangres on horizon

 

Remaining Rectory Wall

 

San Juan chapel