Today's hike

A nice bunch of hikers (about 8) tested out some of the new trail routes to the south of our County Seat.  Few if any of us had used all the switchbacks, ups and downs, of this rather complex trail.  Finally, we got to a point where our never-before-puzzled leader decided to turn back the way we came up and down.

 Where we stopped at about 3.5 miles or more, it dawned on the oldest person on the hike that he once brought a group over a hill behind us and down a deep gully to our southeast.  So he and Dennis decided to explore that trail-less route and hopefully find the cars (not too difficult since it was clear that the vehicles were to the East).  So, the main group followed the leader who followed the trail.  Dennis and I didn't see them at noon, when we arrived at the parking place with minimum difficulty (almost all downhill). We pasted a note on a windshield and hoped that their trek was pleasant.  Their up-hill treks probably were rested by the down-hill stretches.

On Wednesday at 9:30, you may join us in a much shorter, but also interesting site close to town.  The plan is to locate an historic Indian site (camping and hunting probably) from way back in our South Fork history. This is on the lower reaches of Sentinel Mountain, starting at the area behind Doc's ski store.  Most of you have been near this location, but only one case of actually seeing it is known, and that has not been relocated recently.  This is not a long hike, but requires alert eyes and location techniques.  As you know, the Ute people, who still visit here frequently, were the masters of the mountains of Colorado and Eastern Utah.  I believe that this campsite was one of the "vacation outposts" of a leading hunter.  Join us and let's see what you think.  

We'll be careful with the weather:  if it looks like snow, please dress appropriately.   Whether we locate the old site or not, we'll try to be back to the cars no later than noon.  Please join us if you have good eyes and strong legs.  We won't have more than about 2.5 miles of walking and looking.  This is a hike with a scattered search mission.

Coming Events:

Next week(November) we will go along with the national time change.  This will let us start a little later, by setting our watches one hour back.  In other words, we'll be hiking, snowshoeing or Norwegian skiing- X/C, depending on which covering appears on the ground.  That means than NEXT WEEK (not this Wednesday) we will depart the visitor center at 10 a.m., (unless you are informed otherwise).  If you want assurance, call me at 719-873-5239 before 9:25 a.m. on hike day or before.

Thanks to Dennis Shepherd, whose camera functioned when mine ran out of energy.

More photos by Barbara Thiesfeld

 

Yes, we did

Our Auto hike and several short strolls on Wednesday were glorious. Three made it all the way to Platoro's hospitality and good food. The scenery was spectacular.
a little snow was on the 13ers. None was on the leaves, but they had every color, from green to pink, to red, to orange, to gold, to rich yellow, on every hillside.

Deer were out and they posed for the photographers. The sun was sunny, then hid behind clouds, then popped out again. There was very little rain so we walked a couple of trails along the spectacular trails. We named the different fir trees, standing so stately amongst the suffering spruces .

The big burgers seemed to be specially made for us, along with a big bowl of ice cream. On the way home, we encountered our first gentle snow (the road wasn't wet yet). When we got below 10,500 feet, we were in a bit of rain, but not for long.

I've visited the Platoro area every September for about 15 years. This was one of the most scenic and varied color shows ever. It was a pleasure to have new folks (Mr and Mrs Lick) with me. They were excited and expressive all the way. They repeatedly stated "we're going to love living in Colorado." I was pleased to help with the what I consider the most spectacular show in the state. We were glad to help bring the snow to our town this morning.


This completes my Wednesday hikes for October, as Judy and I are attending two meetings: one is the Old Spanish Trail Association national gathering in Barstow, California. The other is the wedding of our eldest grandson in West Des Moines, Iowa. Some of you know Jordan from a concert he offered at Penny's house. He hopes to be back later this fall with his classical guitar. We may do it with dinner at the Windsor Hotel in our county seat.

I think we will continue hikes, snowshoeing, and XC skiing through the winter, probably on Mondays, assuming interest. I'll see you in the snow.

--Doug Knudson

Color ride Thursday

Let's take a ride up East Bear trail, then up past Dyer Park, make a loop around Middle Park and come back on the Middle Alder trail.

If the weather isn't good, just up the Bear trail and back down the Middle Alder trail and back to the trucks. 

Meet at the parking lot on Bear Creek Road, 1/4 mile up from CR 15 at 9am. We should see lots of color in the Aspen groves. ..

Dennis