Mill Creek

Is it really the last Monday in February already?  The snow was deep enough to make the three leaders huff and puff.  The hike was long enough to satisfy some of the followers who suggested the top of the low ridge was a good place to go back.

 

Perfect day, pleasant company, hardly even chilly.  Winter can be wonderful in the Rio Grande National Forest!

 

We'll do it again on the first Monday of March 10 a.m. from the S.F. visitor center.  My brother Rob and sister-in-law Debbie will probably be with us to demonstrate the Taos trudging techniques with snowshoes.

 

--Doug Knudson    Bring a friend!

 

 

Arrangements!  (I was so embarrassed about my dusty truck that I washed it with snow when I got home.)

 

Pine seeds are in the ground or in the squirrels

 

Ten in number and everbody happy.  The highway 160 runs SW  below the thick trees about 1/2 mile behind everyone--

we had the serenity of beautiful views and no traffic.

 

Elk or deer beds

 

Our alternate leader exposes his lower limbs to the cooling touch of the snow.

A summer destination in the background--Grouse Mtn.

 

The 2002 burn (in 2013).  Nature has its own timing.

 

Headed back--Views still pleasing

 

Sled Race Postponed!

Saturday sled race has been postponed until Saturday, March 2, 9;30. Meet at Tucker Ponds Road.

 

George Powell, president

Silverthreaders Club

Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club

Snowshoeing with Silverthread Outdoor Club

Here are Rosetta's pictures of our short but strenuous snowshoeing expedition into public and private lands. We were nine in number on a beautiful day.  We found knee-deep snow.

 

We'll do it again in a week--next Monday departing at 10 a.m. from the South Fork Visitor Center.  We should get some more snow; if not, we'll go up to a higher altitude.

Feb. 23 Sled Races

 

This is a reminder.

The downhill sled races will be on Feb. 23^rd. Hamburgers will be served with the trimmings. Bring chips, deserts or something that will go with hamburgers. Contact Joe Degrado at 873-5617 or jdegradoatsf@msn.com if you plan to go along. If you don’t have a snowmobile, let Joe know and he will get you a ride. He needs to know Feb. 19 if you are going to participate so they can make sure they have enough burgers. If you have any questions contact Joe.

George Powell, president

February Club Meeting

 

The Silverthread Outdoor Club Meeting is February 19^th, 6:30 PM potluck meal, 7 PM club meeting at the South Fork Community Building.  Hope to see you there.

 

George Powell, president

H 719-873-5902

C 719-850-0080

Email ghp0181@gmail.com

 

 

Pictures

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

 

Looking South from Blowout Pass

 

 

Bennett Peak

 

 

 

The beauty of winter

 

 

George Powell, president

Silverthreaders Club

Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club

7 Snowy Photos mid-Feb.

Fourteen frosty folks enjoyed the gentle snowfall and wallowed a bit in new, knee-deep snow as we trudged about on the lower levels of the East side of Sentinel Mountain.  Walking that mountain gives a beautiful view of South Fork.

 

Welcome to the Hutsons who came all the way from Texas to play in the snow for a few weeks.  Thanks to ever-ready Jim Patterson for helping with trail-making.

 

We'll do it again next Monday 10 a.m. departure from the Visitor Center. The predicted snowfall absence may allow us to get to some places where we haven't been this winter.

--Doug Knudson   719-873-5239

 

28 feet head up the slope

 

Ponderosa Pine fixed in a wiggle

 

Resting spot

 

Looking North--we'll get on those two mountains this summer.

 

The youngsters enjoy the snow.

 

Snowmen on the loose

 

Wasn't that fun?

 

Feb. 23 Sled Races

 

The downhill sled races will be on Feb. 23^rd. Hamburgers will be served with the trimmings. Bring chips, deserts or something that will go with hamburgers. Contact Joe Degrado at 873-5617 or jdegradoatsf@msn.com if you plan to go along. If you don’t have a snowmobile, let Joe know and he will get you a ride. He needs to know Feb. 19 if you are going to participate so they can make sure they have enough burgers. If you have any questions contact Joe.

George Powell, president

Nordic Fun Day

 

If you guys are interested, the Nordic Club has an event this Saturday.  You are invited.

Thanks,

Bob Seago.

 

The Upper Rio Grande Nordic Club's Annual

Nordic Fun Day!

Saturday, February 9^th

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Deep Creek Cross Country Ski Trail

(Forest Service Administrative Site trailhead)

Call 658-0888 or 658-2602 for information

Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoeing

Picnic Lunch

 

Feb. 4 snowshoeing beneath Lobo Overlook

Ten snowshoers, some experienced, some developing, headed up the conveniently prepared road with deep snow cover.  All ten got down, at various intervals.  Winter wonderland surrounded us on all sides.  Warm temps and nice snow made this a dream walk.

 

Next week--we'll do it again, somewhere else.  Fresh snow (expected) may allow us to travel shorter distances.  Meet before 10 a.m. at the South Fork Visitor Center. Bring some water, a snack (we'll be home by 1 p.m. if all goes well), warm clothes, snowshoes.

New folks welcome-- Doug Knudson     719-873-5239

 

 

A few ready--several not quite.  Blanche and George.

 

Ten hardy snow-walkers on a beautiful, bright day.

 

Going down, anyone?

 

San Juan Mtns West of  Wolf Creek Pass

 

South San Juans

 

 

 

Blinding snow on a steep hill.

Snowshoeing in the falling snow

'Twas a day of swirling snow--ideal for a walk on big shoes. Temperatures were just below, then just above, then below the freezing level. The snow sometimes limited visibility. Then the mountains would emerge from the swirling.  It was a lovely day.  Thanks to Wayne, Linda, and able newcomer Sharon for your eagerness to experience a very special day. On snowshoes, snow is seldom a threat.  At this temperature, we were warm--exercise does warm one.

 

After a couple of miles of walking, Sharon offered fresh cake and coffee. None of us turned it down; it even enticed Judy.

 

Although this wonderful snow isn't expected to last long, we will have a small expedition next Monday--hopefully on snowshoes.  Before 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center.  Don't let the weather get you isolated.  As was said many times this morning--we live in a beautiful place!  Give thanks!

--Doug Knudson     

 

 

Wayne, Sharon, Linda on a snowy day

Red Willows--special to Ute and Taos Pueblo people

 

happy to be headed back

 

What a view!

 

grass on Alder Creek

 

Spencers' Coffee 'n Cake place

 

Fox Mtn Sat. 1-19 Great Day for Snowmobiling

 

It was a wonderful day at Fox Mtn .. Saturday.   Jim lead us through the trees to the top of Fox Mountain.

Wow, what a view.  The rolling hills were lots of fun.   This is one of the places we will be visiting during the CSA Conference next weekend.   We met some great folks from the Creede Club and had a long lunch at the top.  Jim caught some air flying of the hills.   Hope the rest of the Silverthread group will make it up there soon.

 

 

The north trail on lower Sentinel Mountain

While President Obama was swearing to uphold the Constitution, this group of 14 appreciated nature's scenery and the pleasure of exercise in the snow. 

All three newcomers made the three-mile loop with grace and relative ease.  So did the old guard.

 

Thanks to Judy for the coffee-tea-or-agua at 89 Fir Drive, where we welcome all hikers.  Drop in anytime.

 

Next Monday-- another foray through the snow with big feet and beautiful views.  10 a.m. departure from the South Fork Visitor Center.

Questions?  873-5239                    --Doug Knudson

 

Up and rolling along

 

Lucky 13 in the snow and among the Ponderosas.

 

Which is older and/or more stately?

 

Bunny-hop land

Rosetta and Linda made it, with the trail route behind them.

 

These folks went home to a steak dinner.

 

Snowshoeing

Yes, indeed--cold weather is fun, as long as we keep moving.  On Monday past, six of us ignored the -15º dawn temperature. It moved up a bit by starting time (10 a.m.)

We explored part of Coller Wildlife area, along the river and then back along the base of the hills, near the border of the Rio Grande National Forest.

 

What you see from the highway looks quite different from on the ground.  The huge palisades across the river are awesome, high enough that snow made them look pretty misty.

 

Every Monday at 10 a.m. for the next few months, we'll depart from the Visitor Center.  The pattern so far is one to one-and-a-half hours away from the vehicles and a similar time to get back, often by making a loop.  This is very good exercise, but certainly not difficult hiking. If you haven't tried it, you'll be surprised how quickly you can catch on.  We'll help out by breaking trail and coaching your technique, if you wish.  Come with us and stay healthier.

--Doug Knudson

 

DSC02668

 

January Silverthread Club Meeting

The January Silverthread Club Meeting is on  January 15, Potluck 6:30 PM, meeting  7 PM at the South Fork Community Center. Come and enjoy.

George Powell, president

 

Snowshoeing in 2013 Jan 7

Thirteen hiked to start the thirteenth year of the 21st century. 

We started at 10 a.m. and enjoyed clarity, sunshine, and beautiful snow at the Boulder field and on the surface of Million Reservoir.

We stayed lower this week to "break in" some of our participants who wanted the most beautiful (not the toughest) hike.

 

Next Monday we'll leave the Visitor Center again at 10 a.m.  We hope for more snow for some local walks.  If not, we'll go into the higher country for greater depth. Join us and bring friends. Linda Treibly will be with us--and maybe John.  And maybe Audra at the V.C. will give it a try. You can rent snowshoes locally for unequipped visitors.

--Questions? (719) 873-5239     Doug Knudson

 

Shoes On!

 

12 shadows on pure white

 

Jim climbs boulder with snowshoes …

 

This far.

 

Big rocks and trees.

 

near Million Res.

 

10 a.m. for hikes

Happy New Year to all of you.

Monday morning we'll snowshoe starting at 10 a.m.--that's an hour later than our December expeditions.

Please join us at that time at the South Fork Visitor Center. Bring snowshoes, warm clothes, and a will to spend 1-2 hours walking in beautiful country. My thought is to go up to the ski area and hike down to Alberta Lake and/or wander around in the wooded knolls nearby.

We can do this in two different groups, allowing a shorter route for people who haven't been out with us yet and a longer one for those who have excessive vigor.

So--I'll see you at 10 a.m. in the morning. --Doug Knudson 719-873-5239

Groomed

Blow Out is groomed and there is a unique sight on it. I have attached two pictures showing the steam coming out of the snow.

 

 

 

George Powell, president