Saturday, May 9, 2009

Twin Mtn hike

It's amazing what a 20-35ยบ slope can do to a body. Bill thought this gentle mountain had no walls, but he hit one until lunch revived him. Nancy found some loose dead branches that
slipped, inflicting severe ankle pain, but she walked back to the truck, heroically.

Four got to the top of the taller Twin. The other 9 enjoyed a parallel way down.

Thanks to Mrs. Kelton for the parking area and access. Buy pie and baked goods!

Next Tuesday, someone suggested an "easier" hike. 9 a.m. departure from S.F. Visitor Center. (The Twin Mtn. people will be banished to chilly, damp England, to learn about fell running).
--Doug Knudson

Friday, May 8, 2009

Spanish Trail

It was a wonderful day for a 30 mile ride in the Spanish Trail Area. We climbed a hill and went down a hill. We planned to have lunch by the creek, but found it well guarded by the rattling reptile. No one wanted to dine by the creek after the encounter. We finished at the Wagon Tracks. Thanks to all that went.

George.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Penitente Canyon

The lucky 13 strolled and climbed through Penitente and Witches Canyons on a beautiful spring day. Strange rock formations, trees growing into the rocks, and the balmy weather made it a special morning. The La Garita "Special" sandwich seemed to satisfy most appetites.
They want more, so next Tuesday, we'll try to surmount the taller of the Twin Mountains. That's a relatively short but taxing climb through the forest, then a walk on lava--wear boots; bring stick. Leave the S.F. Visitor Center at 9 a.m.; pick up valley folks at the Tiger's Den (nee Tin Cup) in Del Norte. There's no restaurant on top, so bring lunch. Keep pets at home, please.

Doug

Friday, May 1, 2009

Cross Creek Trail and Church Creek Trail

Cross Creek Trail is open 2 miles up from Beaver Reservoir thanks to Harry, Chuck, Harolena, and me. We found a few trees down and a lot of snow at the end as you can tell from the pictures. Chuck knew just when to leave. Harry, Harolena, and I went over to Church Creek and found lots of trees and a washed out culvert. Church Creek Trail is open all the way through, but is definitely an intermediate trail. It is not for beginners. There are some pretty rough spots in it. Hope you have good riding.

George and Harolena.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Baughman Creek

Dick Dove led us on a very windy hike, starting at Baughman Cr. over to Seitz Cr. and back down to the Baughman homestead (circa 1870) and the Davis homestead (circa 1880). The round corral was used by Baughman to break horses to ride. The two homesteads are about 1/2 mile apart. From the Davis homestead we hiked back to the vehicle.........

Next Monday we will be hiking in the Penitente Canyon, we hope to find the "medicine tree" again it is one the outer loop; however when we find it we will come back the same way (some of you may remember the other time).

Bring a snack, water and a friend, we will plan on going to the La Garita store for burgers,etc after we finish the hike.........meet at the VCPL and plan on leaving by 9AM.

Dennis

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Old Spanish Trail

Today featured about 2 miles of the Old Spanish Trail and 3 miles of westward Ho. Pat, Judy, and Doug are officers of the Old Spanish Trail Association. Next week, we'll go somewhere interesting. Predicting seems foolish with the snow/sun yo-yo we've been experiencing. Tuesday 28. Meet at SF Visitors Center before 9 a.m. Plan on return no later than 4 p.m. Visitors or transients welcome.
--Doug Knudson 873-5239

Saturday, April 11, 2009

West Alder walk

Great views of Del Norte Peak and all the land between there and here made us realize that our last Monday hike was special.

We're changing back to Tuesday hikes starting April 14 (not far off). We leave at 9:00 a.m. from the South Fork Visitors Center. We'll try to find a dry, warm hiking site--but then, who knows? Be prepared. Bring lunch or snack plus water.
--Doug Knudson 873-5239