HEY, Y'ALL! Big Doin's at the May meeting!
There were some really good raffle prizes including a Kip's Grill gift certificate, a Springs Pass, and 1/2 of the raffle pot. J.P., Donna & Bill were our happy winners.What's that you say? "You can't win if you don't buy a ticket." That's for sure, folks.
So bring a few dollars and buy some tickets for the June prizes:
1/2 the cash pot, Two bottles of wine donated by Pagosa Pub Works Brewpub, and Kip's T-Shirt & Cap.
Joyce presents the $750 donation check to Ron Toland of Mounted Search & Rescue
Joyce presents the $750 donation check to Leo Milner of Upper San Juan Search & Rescue with other USJSAR volunteers present. As you can see, most are also SJOC members, looking out for those in the outdoors.
Phyllis Wheaton, Visitor Information, and Kevin Khung, Pagosa District Ranger and Field Office Manager (pictured) presented updates and information from the USFS office in Pagosa Springs. I have added a link in our "Useful Links" to the main USFS page for this area. Just click on it for the latest information they have to provide.****************************************
Get Ready for the Wildflowers!
The June meeting will be Susan Dussell sharing her knowledge and photos of wildflowers. Don't miss it because she has some absolutely breathtaking photos and you will leave the meeting with some great ideas on where to go to see the beauties and, perhaps, what to call them when you do see them.
So, come see what Susan has to share Thursday, June 5th.
Get Ready for the Wildflowers!
The June meeting will be Susan Dussell sharing her knowledge and photos of wildflowers. Don't miss it because she has some absolutely breathtaking photos and you will leave the meeting with some great ideas on where to go to see the beauties and, perhaps, what to call them when you do see them.
So, come see what Susan has to share Thursday, June 5th.
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"Survey Says!"
The poll was leaning a bit in favor of the May format, 11 to 7. You might notice that I like change. Keeps us hoppin' and on our toes. I'll take that leaning as meaning the lighter (i.e. whiter) background is preferable, perhaps easier to read. I'll keep that firmly in mind in the future. Thanks for your participation if you voted. Your opinion is always welcome unless it's negative, in which case, send it to Joyce!****************************************
A message from our President, Joyce . . .
The time is flying by and it's time to think about the walk for life and the 4th of July. Bob Harrington has again donated his time for the Walk for Life and he needs walkers and workers. There will be sign up sheets at the next meeting or you can call him. We still need some people to make a float for the parade and donated things for the auction at the potluck. I have a lot of materials for the float and we have set aside some money for pizza and materials. These activities can be a lot of fun so please think about taking part in one or two of them. Joyce
****************************************
From your Relay For Life Team Captain
Please remember to bring your checkbooks to the June 5th SJOC meeting if you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life walkathon. We will hook you up with one of our walkers.
This year's event is to be held at the Pagosa Springs High School track on Friday evening, June 27 and ends on Saturday morning, June 28. We have placed third every year in my memory in the amount donated which we can all be proud of, but it may be tougher this year as I understand there is some tough competition out there which is a good thing. It's not about our team winning though. It's about finding a cure for cancer.
Also, if you would like to honor a loved one with a Luminaria, please contact Cindy Quigley at 731-0929. Thanks for your support. Your Team Captain, Bob Harrington (264-4145)
****************************************
Joyce mentioned our July 4th Independence Day Bash in her message. This is an afternoon you won't want to miss. Trust me. I missed it last year and I'm still sorry!
The Silent Auction will be in progress during the afternoon allowing everyone an opportunity to browse and bid. We ask that everyone try to bring an item, or more than one if you can, to place in the auction. It can be anything, preferably something someone else would want. It can be new, used, store-bought, hand-made, little or big. The auction proceeds will benefit the SJOC Education Fund and SJOC Search & Rescue Fund. Your participation will be much appreciated. Keep in mind to bring your cash or checkbook for the fabulous item(s) you choose to buy!
*****************************************
Piedra Hike
John & Sue Bozek
Late in April a group got together, on the spur of the moment, to get a little exercise. John, Sue, Ann and Tammy joined Dave, Shirley and Charleen on one of their Grand Canyon prep hikes. We really had a great time hiking over small snow mounds, watching out for falling icicles, and "wading" snow melt puddles. As you can see below, we ran across something interesting.
Is that the hiker that got lost last year?
Let that be a lesson - stay with your group!
****************************************
Speaking of Hiking. . .
I would like to make a plug for the CORSAR card. Here's a tidbit of information you should know:
CORSAR Card - The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card is a means to voluntarily participate in funding the cost of missions, training, and equipment for search and rescue in Colorado. In the event that a card holder is lost or injured in the back country, the county Sheriff can be reimbursed for the costs of a search and rescue mission for that person. The card costs $ 3.00 for one year or $ 12.00 for five years. Two-thirds of the cost goes to the fund with one-third retained by vendors. The CORSAR card can be purchased from your local outdoor store.
Note: It is not a personal insurance card for the costs of a mission. It allows those that incur cost in assisting you to be reimbursed for their expenses. Without this financial fund to help, the authorities could find themselves in financial difficulties and not be able to incur the expenses in the first place thus leaving those in trouble without resources. The assisted person is not charged for search and rescue expenses unless they require ambulance or medical helicopter transport which comes under their medical.
****************************************
May 3 - First Easy Hike of the Year
Gregg Howard
photos by Klaus Neubert
We had our first easy hike of the year to Turkey Mountain along the 8 mile mesa road. Seventeen people participated in the hike of about 3 1/2 miles roundtrip. The Leader, me, managed to get misoriented and made the hike a little longer and a little harder, but we eventually found Turkey Mountain and everyone was happy. A good group, a beautiful day, and a nice hike with big views. Afterwards most of us stopped and had lunch at Kips.
Most of the group standing on top of Turkey Mountain
From top of Turkey Mountain, looking at Pagosa Peak, Four Mile & Turkey Creek area
Part of Chaulk Mountain Range around Opal Lake area
Part of the group bushwacking it up the side and, eventually, to the top of Turkey Mountain
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Moonlight Hike & Cookout, Blanco Basin area
May 17
by Gregg Howard
No pictures were taken but we did the cookout on what I call Blue Mountain Ridge at an old hunters camp in a meadow area. Big views of Square Top and Chaulk Mountain Range. We then did a hike of about 1 1/2 miles bushwacking and then an old closed woods road. It gave everyone a different perspective of the forest. 24 people including 2 grandchildren participated. It was a beautiful evening, with a campfire, lots of good food, and a good group of folks.
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Grand Canyon, AZ May 5-11
by Charleen Stipe
Barry & Susan relaxing after the first day's hike
Wildflowers in abundance
Kristen and I at Deer Creek Falls
Behind Deer Creek Spring
Barry & friend, Susan
Hiking up to Deer Creek Springs
Our day hike following Deer Creek to the falls and the Colorado River
The "Narrows"
We startled this young ram
Thunder River Falls - spectacular!
Getting ready to hike out the last day
Aaaah, we made it!
The gang minus Shirley (who is taking photo)
****************************************
Green River Canoe/Kayak Trip, Utah
May 5-11
by Betsy Cotton
A message from our President, Joyce . . .The time is flying by and it's time to think about the walk for life and the 4th of July. Bob Harrington has again donated his time for the Walk for Life and he needs walkers and workers. There will be sign up sheets at the next meeting or you can call him. We still need some people to make a float for the parade and donated things for the auction at the potluck. I have a lot of materials for the float and we have set aside some money for pizza and materials. These activities can be a lot of fun so please think about taking part in one or two of them. Joyce
****************************************
From your Relay For Life Team Captain
Please remember to bring your checkbooks to the June 5th SJOC meeting if you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life walkathon. We will hook you up with one of our walkers.
This year's event is to be held at the Pagosa Springs High School track on Friday evening, June 27 and ends on Saturday morning, June 28. We have placed third every year in my memory in the amount donated which we can all be proud of, but it may be tougher this year as I understand there is some tough competition out there which is a good thing. It's not about our team winning though. It's about finding a cure for cancer.
Also, if you would like to honor a loved one with a Luminaria, please contact Cindy Quigley at 731-0929. Thanks for your support. Your Team Captain, Bob Harrington (264-4145)
****************************************
Joyce mentioned our July 4th Independence Day Bash in her message. This is an afternoon you won't want to miss. Trust me. I missed it last year and I'm still sorry!
The festivities will begin around 1 p.m. at Ken & JoAnn Long's place. Directions will be in the July newsletter as well as below now for those of you that haven't been out there.
Everyone is to bring:
Everyone is to bring:
- Goodies ranging from drink to entrees to desserts, your choice of course.
- I recommend that you wear elastic wasteband clothing because you will be expanding!
- A chair or whatever you need to be comfortable.
- Last but not least, please consider bringing a donation item for the Silent Auction.
- Directions: 160 west, left on CR 175 (near Chimney Rock Farmers' Market sign). If you cross Piedra River bridge, you've gone too far. Turn into gate that says "Bleeker Ranchette," 4th house on right. It's an underground style house so you'll know it when you see it.
- The party is beyond the house toward the river. Please park up top along side of the road.
- Don't take your car below to picnic area unless you have something heavy to carry or have difficulty walking down to the party area.
The Silent Auction will be in progress during the afternoon allowing everyone an opportunity to browse and bid. We ask that everyone try to bring an item, or more than one if you can, to place in the auction. It can be anything, preferably something someone else would want. It can be new, used, store-bought, hand-made, little or big. The auction proceeds will benefit the SJOC Education Fund and SJOC Search & Rescue Fund. Your participation will be much appreciated. Keep in mind to bring your cash or checkbook for the fabulous item(s) you choose to buy!
Of course, the most important thing is to come, eat, drink, visit, enjoy and celebrate the 4th among friends!
*****************************************
Piedra Hike
John & Sue Bozek
Late in April a group got together, on the spur of the moment, to get a little exercise. John, Sue, Ann and Tammy joined Dave, Shirley and Charleen on one of their Grand Canyon prep hikes. We really had a great time hiking over small snow mounds, watching out for falling icicles, and "wading" snow melt puddles. As you can see below, we ran across something interesting.
Is that the hiker that got lost last year?Let that be a lesson - stay with your group!
****************************************
Speaking of Hiking. . .
I would like to make a plug for the CORSAR card. Here's a tidbit of information you should know:
CORSAR Card - The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card is a means to voluntarily participate in funding the cost of missions, training, and equipment for search and rescue in Colorado. In the event that a card holder is lost or injured in the back country, the county Sheriff can be reimbursed for the costs of a search and rescue mission for that person. The card costs $ 3.00 for one year or $ 12.00 for five years. Two-thirds of the cost goes to the fund with one-third retained by vendors. The CORSAR card can be purchased from your local outdoor store.
Note: It is not a personal insurance card for the costs of a mission. It allows those that incur cost in assisting you to be reimbursed for their expenses. Without this financial fund to help, the authorities could find themselves in financial difficulties and not be able to incur the expenses in the first place thus leaving those in trouble without resources. The assisted person is not charged for search and rescue expenses unless they require ambulance or medical helicopter transport which comes under their medical.
****************************************
May 3 - First Easy Hike of the Year
Gregg Howard
photos by Klaus Neubert
We had our first easy hike of the year to Turkey Mountain along the 8 mile mesa road. Seventeen people participated in the hike of about 3 1/2 miles roundtrip. The Leader, me, managed to get misoriented and made the hike a little longer and a little harder, but we eventually found Turkey Mountain and everyone was happy. A good group, a beautiful day, and a nice hike with big views. Afterwards most of us stopped and had lunch at Kips.
Most of the group standing on top of Turkey Mountain
From top of Turkey Mountain, looking at Pagosa Peak, Four Mile & Turkey Creek area
Part of Chaulk Mountain Range around Opal Lake area
Part of the group bushwacking it up the side and, eventually, to the top of Turkey Mountain****************************************
Moonlight Hike & Cookout, Blanco Basin area
May 17
by Gregg Howard
No pictures were taken but we did the cookout on what I call Blue Mountain Ridge at an old hunters camp in a meadow area. Big views of Square Top and Chaulk Mountain Range. We then did a hike of about 1 1/2 miles bushwacking and then an old closed woods road. It gave everyone a different perspective of the forest. 24 people including 2 grandchildren participated. It was a beautiful evening, with a campfire, lots of good food, and a good group of folks.
*****************************************
Grand Canyon, AZ May 5-11
by Charleen Stipe
On Monday, May 5th, eight of us headed down the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Monument Point. We were fully loaded for six nights of camping. Shirley and David Hunter planned the adventure, making a special trip to the back country office in January to get the permits, as well as figuring out the logistics of making a water drop for the first and last nights' dry camps. Jim and Jean Scott, Barry Ebersol and Susan Morris, and my daughter, Kristen, and I shared in this incredible adventure.
We agreed the hikes were some of the toughest we have ever done, but we had great weather and clear, star-studded nights.
Some quotes heard on the trail:
"I don't think I'll sit there. My pants might get dirty."
"Did you see an ice cream truck down there?"
"Someone needs to pull a Tanya Harding on Barry."
"I just want to ride somewhere."
We agreed the hikes were some of the toughest we have ever done, but we had great weather and clear, star-studded nights.
Some quotes heard on the trail:
"I don't think I'll sit there. My pants might get dirty."
"Did you see an ice cream truck down there?"
"Someone needs to pull a Tanya Harding on Barry."
"I just want to ride somewhere."
Barry & Susan relaxing after the first day's hike
Wildflowers in abundance
Kristen and I at Deer Creek Falls
Behind Deer Creek Spring
Barry & friend, Susan
Hiking up to Deer Creek Springs
Our day hike following Deer Creek to the falls and the Colorado River
The "Narrows"
We startled this young ram
Thunder River Falls - spectacular!
Getting ready to hike out the last day
Aaaah, we made it!
The gang minus Shirley (who is taking photo)****************************************
Green River Canoe/Kayak Trip, Utah
May 5-11
by Betsy Cotton
I know what your wondering. Why in the world would that girl sign up AGAIN for this trip? I'll tell you. There were two reasons - Twelve of us signed up, ten of which are men. That means there is one more handsome, chivalrous, muscular fella than last time! The other reason is that Abby signed up giving me a gal pal with whom to share the trip.
We had repeat offenders such as Doug (our fearless leader), Bob, Jack, Amond, Ken, Al and me. The unsuspecting newbies were Rob, Gary, Bart, John and Abby. We missed those who were with us the first time but I understand their absence. I mean, after all, Jack's name was on the signup sheet.
We were blessed with sunshine, blue skies, and flowing waters along with those things that remind us to appreciate them, gale force winds, blowing rain and plenty of muddy entries and exits, and, let's not forget, the porta-poopers (especially the seat to the porta-pooper which almost was forgotten).
It is clear to me that the Pagosa grapevine is infinitely faster than my ability to report the events of the trip here. I'm suspecting that the Pagosa Brewery is the nerve center. I think it was the day after our return that I heard first mention of "the surgery" and it's bottomless well of joke possibilities. Some of the overheard comments were:
". . . kind of a hairy situation. . ."
". . . had to shed some light on the matter. . ."
". . . needed to get to the bottom of things. . ."
Now, I'm not saying who was involved in this little medical malady but I think John might have needed a boat seat-shaped inflatable donut if one was handy. That's all I'm saying.
I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story. I do just want to say Thank you to Sue for coming down on the jet boat that retrieved us. The transformation in Jack was amazing, a site to behold, a sound to be unheard. Thank you, Sue, from all of us.
Packing it in at Ruby Ranch put-in
Abby ready for river action
John & Abby give some perspective to the cliffs
View from my campsite our first morning out
Hmmmm, just which way ARE they going? (classic Ken & Al action)
Self-explanatory
My tent site in the Green River canyons
Honestly, I don't even know what to put for this one
One of our stops was to hike to a rock inscription, described here
My attempt to get a photo of our "raging river" experience. Some of the guys hanging onto whatever was available during our 3 hour wait while a front passed through.
Gary, Rob, & Al chatting in the kitchen
I don't usually drink hard liquor but it helps when one spends a week with Jack.
Bart, Amond, Doug & Rob chatting in the lounge
I'll leave it to you to decide what Bob is describing.
I don't suppose it could be related to that whole butt blister thing. . .? Noooo, surely not.
We had repeat offenders such as Doug (our fearless leader), Bob, Jack, Amond, Ken, Al and me. The unsuspecting newbies were Rob, Gary, Bart, John and Abby. We missed those who were with us the first time but I understand their absence. I mean, after all, Jack's name was on the signup sheet.
We were blessed with sunshine, blue skies, and flowing waters along with those things that remind us to appreciate them, gale force winds, blowing rain and plenty of muddy entries and exits, and, let's not forget, the porta-poopers (especially the seat to the porta-pooper which almost was forgotten).
It is clear to me that the Pagosa grapevine is infinitely faster than my ability to report the events of the trip here. I'm suspecting that the Pagosa Brewery is the nerve center. I think it was the day after our return that I heard first mention of "the surgery" and it's bottomless well of joke possibilities. Some of the overheard comments were:
". . . kind of a hairy situation. . ."
". . . had to shed some light on the matter. . ."
". . . needed to get to the bottom of things. . ."
Now, I'm not saying who was involved in this little medical malady but I think John might have needed a boat seat-shaped inflatable donut if one was handy. That's all I'm saying.
I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story. I do just want to say Thank you to Sue for coming down on the jet boat that retrieved us. The transformation in Jack was amazing, a site to behold, a sound to be unheard. Thank you, Sue, from all of us.
Packing it in at Ruby Ranch put-in
Abby ready for river action
John & Abby give some perspective to the cliffs
View from my campsite our first morning out
Hmmmm, just which way ARE they going? (classic Ken & Al action)
Self-explanatory
My tent site in the Green River canyons
Honestly, I don't even know what to put for this one
One of our stops was to hike to a rock inscription, described here
My attempt to get a photo of our "raging river" experience. Some of the guys hanging onto whatever was available during our 3 hour wait while a front passed through.
Gary, Rob, & Al chatting in the kitchen
I don't usually drink hard liquor but it helps when one spends a week with Jack.
Bart, Amond, Doug & Rob chatting in the lounge
I'll leave it to you to decide what Bob is describing.I don't suppose it could be related to that whole butt blister thing. . .? Noooo, surely not.
Sadly, I did not get a group photo this year. Don't know why. We were sitting around enough to pose for several oil painted portraits. But, then, you all know what we look like so no great loss, eh? It was a great time once again. Big whopping thanks to Doug for putting it all together again, getting us in and out and home.
(I realize I put in a lot of photos from our trip but I'm the newsletter editor and I get to do that. If you choose to be newsletter editor in the future, you can do whatever you want, too! Hmmmm, something to think about.)
Al provided a web address to view the photos he took on the trip. If you would like to click over and see those, visit "Useful Links" in the sidebar and click on Al's Photos. Thanks, Al.
(I realize I put in a lot of photos from our trip but I'm the newsletter editor and I get to do that. If you choose to be newsletter editor in the future, you can do whatever you want, too! Hmmmm, something to think about.)
Al provided a web address to view the photos he took on the trip. If you would like to click over and see those, visit "Useful Links" in the sidebar and click on Al's Photos. Thanks, Al.
****************************************
Highway Cleanup - May 21
Is that the chain gang gathering for highway duty?
No, it's the Queen of Clean Jean's SJOC volunteer highway cleanup crew. The first "sweep" since the snowmelt and there was plenty to pick up. I think all trash bags were filled with a cleaner Pagosa as a result. Hoorah to all for a job well done. And thanks to Jim & Jean for those yummilicious donuts (I ate two!).
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On June 28th Donna Milner is organizing a horseback riding, hike & BBQ from her ranch.
Highway Cleanup - May 21
Is that the chain gang gathering for highway duty?
No, it's the Queen of Clean Jean's SJOC volunteer highway cleanup crew. The first "sweep" since the snowmelt and there was plenty to pick up. I think all trash bags were filled with a cleaner Pagosa as a result. Hoorah to all for a job well done. And thanks to Jim & Jean for those yummilicious donuts (I ate two!).
****************************************
On June 28th Donna Milner is organizing a horseback riding, hike & BBQ from her ranch.
If you want to ride you need to supply your own horse. We will leave the barn at 11:00 am
Those who want to hike will meet at the ranch at 3:00 and will be lead by Gregg Howard
Followed by a BBQ. Bring a chair, Meat to BBQ and a side dish to share. This is open to 20-25 people, so sign up soon.
