10 hike Photos

Bright sun; sparkling snow, good company of 9 folks wearing big shoes. We headed up the Trout Creek Trail, but as soon as the slope smiled at the sun, the rocks suggested a left turn into flatter ground and deeper snow.  We certainly live in a beautiful place. Even the two degree reading allowed those who trod on the snow carpet to heat up and stay warm.

You are welcome to join us (Karen—from Wisconsin— re-joined after almost  a year of absence).  Next Monday at 10 a.m. Bring your snowshoes for walking in the cold frosting. — Doug Knudson   719-873-5239

Our skyline in the morning

Nine on time   Snow doesn't look as deep as it seems.

As smooth as snow!

thin barrier on the edge

The cliffs above us

Holey trees

Karen

sign of life

Tim's stepping stone

Going out seems easier than in.

1-14-16 Snowmobile Ride at Willow Park

 

1-14-16 A great ride at Willow Park on freshly groomed trails with wonderful people on a beautiful day.  We missed you---Don't miss the next ride!

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SNOESHOE by Margie Patterson

Subject: SNOESHOE 2ND TRY

Thank You

Jan 10 hike

 

We waded through knee-high snow on a beautiful day that started with 0 degrees fresh air. Walking warms one.

Tim got some nice pictures, including a glimpse of the Sangre de Cristo range 70 miles away. We enjoyed the visit of Tim  and Maryanne from Connecticut and their vigor in the knee-deep snow.

Your friends are welcome every Monday at 10 a.m.  at the Visitor Center

New Year's Eve Snowmobile Ride

Happy New Year's Eve! Thank you, Curt Miller, for the freshly groomed trails to Fox.  The snow at Fox was pristine, 

and the Pattersons had Fox all to themselves.  They later met up with Monte and Belinda who ran late due 

a to a flat tire on their trailer.  Happy 2016 to all! 

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Forest Service snowshoeing

A beautiful day with fresh snow from yesterday (and more expected tonight) was sunny, crisp, and a little breezy.  The Rio Grande National Forest uses this guard station and pastures all summer and into the Fall.

As a winter playground for snowshoes and X-C skiing, it is used only occasionally. Several years ago, there was a X-C trail that challenged those of us with limited experience.  

Over the fence and put on the big shoes.

 

Ready to go (almost)

 

Nice parking place

South Fork's Rocks along the highway 160.

 

Today's stroll through the snow

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Up and down Tewksberry

 

Tewksberry Trail seems safer in the snow. However, the lung power required is about the same.

 

The views from the big clearing showed us lots of terrain that we haven't hiked yet.  Grouse Mountain was close, but deserves a slow tour of the top next summer.

 

Nine of us made for good company with several rest stops (mostly on the ascent).

 

We got a report of a population decrease in Kansas of Odocoileus virginianus, which has caused a departure from that state of people who will soon be hiding out on hiking trails in Colorado.

 

Our next hikes may require some flexibility next week (assuming that forecasters are accurate).

Read your e-mail about hikes, as to the equipment necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

He left themat the bottom

 

Coming through the fence

 

Grouse Mountain

 

snack room for some

 

Back exercise

 

Marty's crew