Wednesday, October 29, 2014

6 hike photos Oct 29

Eight of us followed Ozzie on a walk half-way up and around Baxter Mountain--one of his favorite hikes.  We were next to South Fork, but it seemed separate. A sunny lunch stop in the grass and on the small rocks gave some a chance to snooze.  Then we went down the  Alder Bench trail's switchbacks where shuttle cars awaited.
 
Nice hike!
 
Autumn adjustments, pre-snow:
   Next Monday--A gentle walk in a place where hunters won't be.  Start at chilly 9 a.m. at the Visitor Center. We will draw straws to determine the choices of 3 places.
   Next Wednesday--Drive to "no hunting" Great Sand Dunes National Park.  Hike about 6 miles and then drive home. This is an historic trail--Robidoux' supply route between Bent's Fort and his Delta, CO, trading post.  Please be ready to depart at 9 a.m. sharp.
 
Later adjustments: with-snow:
  We'll have at least a Monday hike every week that it's practical.  If snow is adequate, we'll use snowshoes (available at 3 outlets in South Fork).  If snow isn't available, we'll walk in our water-proof boots.  Normally, we have set starting time at 10:00 a.m.  We usually get back from these shorter excursions by 1-2 p.m.
--Doug Knudson  719-873-5239
 
 
Ancient Douglas-fir on Baxter Mountain-side

 



Tree skeleton

 



8 of the 9 who were up and down on this basically even trail.

 



A flat spot beyond midway

 



Alder Creek signaled the last few yards to the Guard station, where we had started the mid-summer

 



The "almost talking rocks" at the guard station are often overlooked.

 

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