JULY IS HERE!!
AND with it, a plethora of activities and outings.
Check out the Activities Calendar in the "Useful Links"
Coming up quickly are:
July 3-Float decorating, 3 p.m. at Betsy Cotton's (call 731-1062 for directions)
4th of July Parade-gather at 9 a.m. @ HS parking lot, parade at 10 a.m. downtown
**We need walkers for the float. Put on something outdoorsy and join the fun.**
SJOC Picnic & Silent Auction, 4 p.m. at the Long's (directions below)
I made a boo boo in the last newsletter. Please note the picnic time is 4:00 p.m.
Information to know:
So pick one event or all and join the fun!
*****************************************
AND with it, a plethora of activities and outings.
Check out the Activities Calendar in the "Useful Links"
Coming up quickly are:
July 3-Float decorating, 3 p.m. at Betsy Cotton's (call 731-1062 for directions)
4th of July Parade-gather at 9 a.m. @ HS parking lot, parade at 10 a.m. downtown
**We need walkers for the float. Put on something outdoorsy and join the fun.**
SJOC Picnic & Silent Auction, 4 p.m. at the Long's (directions below)
I made a boo boo in the last newsletter. Please note the picnic time is 4:00 p.m.
Information to know:
- Bring goodies ranging from main entrees to side dishes to desserts, your choice of course. Joanne asks that, if your dish needs to stay cool, please bring it in an iced cooler.
- I recommend that you wear elastic waistband clothing because you will be expanding!
- Bring 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.
So pick one event or all and join the fun!
*****************************************
June Meeting
Joyce and Carolyn calling out the raffle winners. They make it look like fun, don't they?
The prizes are so good, people are fighting over them! It appears Leo wanted the Spring pass AND some of Jack's cash winnings! It's nice to know that Gloria is pleased with the Kip's shirt & hat and Tammy is smiling about her win of the Pagosa PubWorks basket o' wine. Smart women, silly boys.****************************************
And now a message from madame President, Joyce. . .
Time is passing by way too fast. Here it is July, and my term as president is half over. It' been good so far and the board has accomplished a lot. Yes, there have been a few frustrations along the way but nothing that we haven't been able to handle. If you don't like the way things are going please let a board member know about it and we will try to take some action.
July 4th is just around the corner. Please think about helping with the float or walking in the parade. Joanne and Ken Long will have the pot luck at their place. It's a wonderful location and I'm very grateful that they are having it again. Don't forget to bring your checkbooks for the silent auction. Yes, we do accept checks! If you have anything to donate for the auction bring it with you. This should be a fun event and it's for a good cause. All funds raised will go to the education fund and the search and rescue fund.
A big thank you goes out to Bob Harrington for organizing the Relay for Life. A lot of work goes into this activity.
Hope to see you all at the parade or at the Long's or both.
Happy 4th of July,
Joyce
*****************************************
A word from Bob Harrington about Relay for Life. . .
Once again I am so proud of the San Juan Outdoor Club's response to the annual American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event. We collected $ 5,935 this year which breaks last year's record. We took third place again this year despite more new teams added to the event. Good habits are not to be broken.
Thanks to all of you who helped put up and take down the tent (David and Shirley Hunter, John and Sue Bozek, Ken Long, Don Jacobs, Ron Chacey, Jim Scott). A special thanks goes to Shirley Hunter for her leadership and management skills that enabled us to get all of the tent parts back into the bag WOW! I hope I didn't forget any tent people.
Our Midnight Chili was once again a success and appreciated by the diehard people that were around. Our cooks to be thanked were Barbara Jacobs, Bev Warburton, Joyce Ramberg, and Robyn Harrington. Great job and the Chili variety was delightful. Thanks Doug Farmer for the use of your propane stove.
Thanks Gregg Howard for going out of your way to bring me a table to use.
Thanks Mike Ellis for bringing the banner. It had just been finished that morning and it looked great.
Thanks to Ron Gustafson, David and Shirley Hunter, Mike and Lin Schneider, Cindy Quigley, Ron Chacey, Ken Long, Jim and Jean Carson, Barbara Jacobs, Judy Collins, and Nancy Seay for walking and collecting the donations. Ron Chacey must have walked 40 laps throughout the night (while I slept in my sleeping bag).
A special thanks Cindy Quigley for being our Luminaria lead. She collected about $100 (which is not part of our donation total) for the Luminaria event.
Thanks Jim Quigley for flying all the way from Chicago to spend half the night conversing with me to keep me awake.
And finally, thank you all for making this another successful year in support of this worthy cause.
A Very Appreciative Bob Harrington
Wrapping it up and packing it away until next year!
Once again I am so proud of the San Juan Outdoor Club's response to the annual American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event. We collected $ 5,935 this year which breaks last year's record. We took third place again this year despite more new teams added to the event. Good habits are not to be broken.
Thanks to all of you who helped put up and take down the tent (David and Shirley Hunter, John and Sue Bozek, Ken Long, Don Jacobs, Ron Chacey, Jim Scott). A special thanks goes to Shirley Hunter for her leadership and management skills that enabled us to get all of the tent parts back into the bag WOW! I hope I didn't forget any tent people.
Our Midnight Chili was once again a success and appreciated by the diehard people that were around. Our cooks to be thanked were Barbara Jacobs, Bev Warburton, Joyce Ramberg, and Robyn Harrington. Great job and the Chili variety was delightful. Thanks Doug Farmer for the use of your propane stove.
Thanks Gregg Howard for going out of your way to bring me a table to use.
Thanks Mike Ellis for bringing the banner. It had just been finished that morning and it looked great.
Thanks to Ron Gustafson, David and Shirley Hunter, Mike and Lin Schneider, Cindy Quigley, Ron Chacey, Ken Long, Jim and Jean Carson, Barbara Jacobs, Judy Collins, and Nancy Seay for walking and collecting the donations. Ron Chacey must have walked 40 laps throughout the night (while I slept in my sleeping bag).
A special thanks Cindy Quigley for being our Luminaria lead. She collected about $100 (which is not part of our donation total) for the Luminaria event.
Thanks Jim Quigley for flying all the way from Chicago to spend half the night conversing with me to keep me awake.
And finally, thank you all for making this another successful year in support of this worthy cause.
A Very Appreciative Bob Harrington
Wrapping it up and packing it away until next year!****************************************
Scholarships Awarded!
A huge Thank You to the $1,000 anonymous donors! Your generosity is much appreciated.
A huge Thank You to the $1,000 anonymous donors! Your generosity is much appreciated.
Four Pagosa High School graduates have been chosen to receive the 2008 San Juan Outdoor Club scholarship awards. Those selected are Dan Cammack, Chance Adams, Brad Iverson, and Patrick Ford. Each winner will receive a $1000 scholarship.
Dan Cammack
Dan has won numerous awards in both school and extracurricular activities. He served as Senior Class President and ranked tenth in his class academically.
Sports are a huge part of Dan’s life, as he was chosen for the All-State Football Team and was a participant in the Colorado State Playoff in baseball. He is an avid outdoorsman and is a certified rafting guide and safety kayaker. He enjoys skiing, hiking, fly fishing and hunting.
His community service includes working with the Rotary Club and National Honor Society in various projects. He participated in Pagosa High TV and the Science Fair, where his project on River Ecology won first place.
Dan takes the issue of preserving the environment at a very personal level. He plans to major in Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College. “With this major, I will fight for the environment because it is something that we cannot take for granted.”
Chance Adams
As a lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, Chance has developed a deep attachment to the outdoors. He first backpacked with his parents when he was four years old and has backpacked from Alaska to Arizona with his family and friends. He has participated in track and field, cross country, and soccer.
Chance has demonstrated his leadership abilities through his participation in the Knowledge Bowl, serving as Team Captain at most meets; and as a member of FBLA, National Honor Society, and Key Club. He is active in the community and also spends countless hours in family ranch operations, construction projects, and helping senior citizens.
During his junior year, Chance received the Colorado School of Mines Medal of Achievement. He plans to major in Environmental Engineering at CSM in the fall. “We need to find alternative sources of energy that are clean to use and inexhaustible in amount…I plan to use my college career as an opportunity to gain as much knowledge and understanding on the subject of alternative energy sources as possible.”
Brad Iverson
Brad plans to attend Colorado University, where he will major in Architecture, learning to design buildings that involve environmentally friendly materials and processes. Using “green” lighting, passive solar design, radiant heat, and foam insulation will help to lessen our carbon footprint.
His love of the outdoors extends to conserving nature. “I like to backpack, bike, camp and fish, and without nature conservation, I could not enjoy these activities.”
He has participated in cross country and football and has displayed his leadership abilities by holding the offices of Student Body Treasurer and National Honor Society President. He has successfully balanced work and school while also participating in community activities, such as serving as student representative for the Pagosa Springs Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and as a volunteer for the library. One recommendation states, “He has balanced his schoolwork, extracurricular activities and job with grace.”
Patrick Ford
Patrick’s school activities include football and wrestling, as well as FBLA, Key Club, Music Boosters, and National Honor Society. He served as President of FBLA and made the All Conference Team in football.
His outdoor activities include kayaking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and snowmobiling. His backpacking experience includes many one to two week trips from the Grand Canyon to the San Juan National Forest.
He has participated in numerous community activities, such as 4-H, blood drives, cancer walk, Soup for the Soul, and road cleanup.
Flying humanitarian aid into third world countries is Patrick’s ambition. He will be attending LeTourneau University to major in Aeronautical Science with Mission Aviation. In his words, “One of the biggest problems faced by third world countries today is a lack of knowledge about their environment. By flying environmental and agricultural experts, along with the cultivation equipment required, into areas of need, I plan to give knowledge and tools to people so that they can improve upon everything from growing their own food, to making the water they drink safe. By giving the people knowledge about their environments, my hope is that they become more independent, and less dependent upon the outside forces that are oftentimes keeping them in a constant state of economic struggle.”
Many thanks to our SJOC Scholarship Committee - Charleen Stipe, Sara Scott, Cindy Quigley, & Glenn Van Patter. It's a difficult job and your time and effort is greatly valued.
****************************************
THANK YOU!
Upper San Juan Search & Rescue thanks you for the generous donation. It will be a great help to the non-profit, volunteer group. Thanks to you, continuing training and necessary equipment can be obtained.
Photo of card sent from USJSAR.
****************************************
Dan CammackDan has won numerous awards in both school and extracurricular activities. He served as Senior Class President and ranked tenth in his class academically.
Sports are a huge part of Dan’s life, as he was chosen for the All-State Football Team and was a participant in the Colorado State Playoff in baseball. He is an avid outdoorsman and is a certified rafting guide and safety kayaker. He enjoys skiing, hiking, fly fishing and hunting.
His community service includes working with the Rotary Club and National Honor Society in various projects. He participated in Pagosa High TV and the Science Fair, where his project on River Ecology won first place.
Dan takes the issue of preserving the environment at a very personal level. He plans to major in Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College. “With this major, I will fight for the environment because it is something that we cannot take for granted.”
Chance AdamsAs a lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, Chance has developed a deep attachment to the outdoors. He first backpacked with his parents when he was four years old and has backpacked from Alaska to Arizona with his family and friends. He has participated in track and field, cross country, and soccer.
Chance has demonstrated his leadership abilities through his participation in the Knowledge Bowl, serving as Team Captain at most meets; and as a member of FBLA, National Honor Society, and Key Club. He is active in the community and also spends countless hours in family ranch operations, construction projects, and helping senior citizens.
During his junior year, Chance received the Colorado School of Mines Medal of Achievement. He plans to major in Environmental Engineering at CSM in the fall. “We need to find alternative sources of energy that are clean to use and inexhaustible in amount…I plan to use my college career as an opportunity to gain as much knowledge and understanding on the subject of alternative energy sources as possible.”
Brad IversonBrad plans to attend Colorado University, where he will major in Architecture, learning to design buildings that involve environmentally friendly materials and processes. Using “green” lighting, passive solar design, radiant heat, and foam insulation will help to lessen our carbon footprint.
His love of the outdoors extends to conserving nature. “I like to backpack, bike, camp and fish, and without nature conservation, I could not enjoy these activities.”
He has participated in cross country and football and has displayed his leadership abilities by holding the offices of Student Body Treasurer and National Honor Society President. He has successfully balanced work and school while also participating in community activities, such as serving as student representative for the Pagosa Springs Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and as a volunteer for the library. One recommendation states, “He has balanced his schoolwork, extracurricular activities and job with grace.”
Patrick FordPatrick’s school activities include football and wrestling, as well as FBLA, Key Club, Music Boosters, and National Honor Society. He served as President of FBLA and made the All Conference Team in football.
His outdoor activities include kayaking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and snowmobiling. His backpacking experience includes many one to two week trips from the Grand Canyon to the San Juan National Forest.
He has participated in numerous community activities, such as 4-H, blood drives, cancer walk, Soup for the Soul, and road cleanup.
Flying humanitarian aid into third world countries is Patrick’s ambition. He will be attending LeTourneau University to major in Aeronautical Science with Mission Aviation. In his words, “One of the biggest problems faced by third world countries today is a lack of knowledge about their environment. By flying environmental and agricultural experts, along with the cultivation equipment required, into areas of need, I plan to give knowledge and tools to people so that they can improve upon everything from growing their own food, to making the water they drink safe. By giving the people knowledge about their environments, my hope is that they become more independent, and less dependent upon the outside forces that are oftentimes keeping them in a constant state of economic struggle.”
Many thanks to our SJOC Scholarship Committee - Charleen Stipe, Sara Scott, Cindy Quigley, & Glenn Van Patter. It's a difficult job and your time and effort is greatly valued.
****************************************
THANK YOU!
Upper San Juan Search & Rescue thanks you for the generous donation. It will be a great help to the non-profit, volunteer group. Thanks to you, continuing training and necessary equipment can be obtained.
Photo of card sent from USJSAR.****************************************
Easy Hike - May 31st Howard's Hooligans Hike Again
The Gang
An all too familiar sight on Gregg's hikes.
Well, you can't say he isn't prepared and thank goodness!*****************************************
Trail Work on the Solstice
submitted by Bev Warburton
Thanks to the SJOC members, the Pagosa Area Trails Council, 4CBCH, and newly formed San Juan Back Country Horsemen from Archuleta County . The Solstice weekend work day on Devil/Horse Mountains and Sunday’s Monument Park-Applegate Hut potluck (yes, honoring John Applegate) were productive and fun.
submitted by Bev Warburton
Thanks to the SJOC members, the Pagosa Area Trails Council, 4CBCH, and newly formed San Juan Back Country Horsemen from Archuleta County . The Solstice weekend work day on Devil/Horse Mountains and Sunday’s Monument Park-Applegate Hut potluck (yes, honoring John Applegate) were productive and fun.
These are last year’s pictures working on the Devil/Horse Mountain and Monument Park loop trail. Several SJOC members join the BCH at the ridge top. Look at the big trees being cut (that’s John Applegate checking the chain saw cut). Thanks to the cooperative efforts again last weekend the trail is cut out and marked. Not all is work. Look at Nancy Seay enjoying breakfast. Carl Pitts has just completed Forest Service saw training. Donna Fait’s horses packed a saw and equipment. Pictures of this year including the Hut party to follow. Remember the huts can also be rented through the Forest Service office currently. It’s a great way to enjoy our mountains. We’ll be working more this season and hope you’ll join us.Note from the Editor: Next time we're hiking and don't have to climb over dead fall, let's remember the hard work put in to make our way easier and those that perform it for love of the trails. We could even consider joining in next time an opportunity shows up on the calendar.
****************************************
Piedra River Rafting
June 12, 2008
Article by Leo Milner
(Cue music) Sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a great boat trip. It started from a river shore upon some tiny ships. The water started getting rough, the tiny boats were tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crews, the rafters would be lost. (Cue music stop)
Ok, not exactly Gilligan's Island, but on June 12th, 10 of us gathered at the activities center for a rafting trip on the mighty Piedra River. Organized by Bart Cox, those participating on this adventure were David Musser, Leo Milner, Terry Baker, Bob Harrington, Jim Scott, Bruce Davies, Barry Ebersol, Tammy Wilde, and Carolle Ash. Our guides were Eric and Lindsay. We were split into 2 groups, and started down the river. Shortly into the trip, one of the rafts unexpectedly hit a rock sideways dumping "Bobbin" Bob Harrington and another passenger (unnamed at this author's discretion) into the frigid waters. Both men were quickly brought back on board and the journey continued. The scenery was spectacular, and we were treated to several class 3 and class 4 rapids. Definitely an "E ticket" ride. We were provided with lunch and snacks. The trip covered approximately 30 miles, and lasted 7 hours including breaks. To see a few pictures, go to www.pagosariverphotos.com. Click on photos/events, then Wilderness Journeys/Pagosa Rafting, then Piedra River, then on the 6-12-08. (there is a link in the "Useful Links" section ----->)
A good time was had by all, but I think we were all sore and tired by the end.
****************************************
Evening Cookout at Williams Lake
On June 17 the SJOC had an evening cookout at Williams Lake in the Teal Campground. 31 people attended -- everyone brought side dishes and their own choice of meat to barbeque/grill. There were plenty of side dishes and they were all good. We all just ate, drank, hung out, and enjoyed each others company. We all stayed and watched the sun set, and some of us stayed to watch the moon rise. Some of us even tried to hula hoop. The hoops and lessons were provided by Marsha Baker. The weather was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful. Thanks to all who participated -- Gregg H.
****************************************
Fly Fishing Clinics
by Mike Schneider
Jim Hill, an instructor and guide for “Let It Fly” was the fly fishing expert who showed a great deal of patience with all of us as we practiced our fly casting skills on the grass at Town Park. I, for one, was glad that we did our casting with just leaders attached to our lines. I could tell by all the snaps occurring in the beginning that we were better prepared for an “Indiana Jones” match-up. But soon, Jim had everyone making great casts and performing several other important skills. We learned how to thread our lines through the fly rod guides without having the line slip all the way back if you happened to lose your grip. We also learned two very important fly line tying knots. The perfect weather and experienced assistance by both Jim and his assistant, Damon, were appreciated by everyone. Thanks also goes to “Pops” at “Let It Fly” for providing the additional fly rods that were needed.
June 7: Doug Farmer, Buck and Katherine Frisbee, Toosje Lamoreaux, Ken Long, Ron Nieweg, Vicki Wood, John Bozek, Robert Webb and Mike Schneider
Damon giving instructions to one of three women participants.
Doug, John and Ken practicing and enhancing their skills.
June 14: Carl Pitts, Bruce Davies, Ray Keyawa, Nathan Keyawa, Mat Keyawa, J. P. Rappenecker, John Ramberg, Peggy Schanken, Jean Bechtold, and Linda Schneider
Group listening to Jim Hill (instructor) demonstrate and talk about knots.
Jim Hill observing Jean Bechtold's fly casting technique.
Damon addressing the group about casting techniques.
**************************************************
Easy Hike in the Mill Creek Area
This easy hike was along an old closed 4 wheel drive rd. (722) that connects the Mill Cr. rd. w/ the Fawn Gulch rd. We walked along this rd. from the Mill Cr. side for a mile, then bushwacked for a half mile to a hill top w/a 360 degree panoramic view. We walked back a longer way along the road that made it a loop at the end. Distance round trip was about 3.5 mi. The terrain was open, the vegetation very green, and a very beautiful hike. 16 people participated in this hike. We walked slow, stopped a lot, looked a lot, and talked a lot. A good group and a fun hike. The group leader managed not to get misoriented this time. Thanks to all of you who participated - G. Howard
The Mill Creek Gang, as they're known in these here parts.
****************************************
Women's Backpack on the Piedra River Trail
June 18-19
Charleen, Tammy, Carolle, & Betsy ready for the trail.
Backpacking the Piedra this month to Sand Creek with the ladies was such a great experience. I had gone on a few hikes around the area recently including a portion of the Piedra but haven't been camping in over 10 years. I'm not sure why I haven't as I really enjoy it and look forward to many more camping trips yet this summer. The ladies were very knowledgeable and experienced, not to mention a lot of fun! I learned a lot more about camping and we learned a lot about each other.
Falling asleep to the sound of the water right outside the tent was so nice. The Piedra River hiking is just beautiful and, so far, is my most favorite. I am thankful for the Outdoor Club as it has opened many, many, many opportunities for me to meet people and get out and enjoy this area! ~Tammy Wilde
Hmmmm, everything tastes better in the wilderness, especially if you have a log to sit on!
Slinging the line to hang our food.
Charleen has a great steel mesh bag to keep the varmints out.
Check out the fire that Carolle built. The rest of us poked at it from time to time.
****************************************
Holly & Her Amazing Nose
Les & Holly on my trail one spring day
Piedra River Rafting
June 12, 2008
Article by Leo Milner
(Cue music) Sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a great boat trip. It started from a river shore upon some tiny ships. The water started getting rough, the tiny boats were tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crews, the rafters would be lost. (Cue music stop)Ok, not exactly Gilligan's Island, but on June 12th, 10 of us gathered at the activities center for a rafting trip on the mighty Piedra River. Organized by Bart Cox, those participating on this adventure were David Musser, Leo Milner, Terry Baker, Bob Harrington, Jim Scott, Bruce Davies, Barry Ebersol, Tammy Wilde, and Carolle Ash. Our guides were Eric and Lindsay. We were split into 2 groups, and started down the river. Shortly into the trip, one of the rafts unexpectedly hit a rock sideways dumping "Bobbin" Bob Harrington and another passenger (unnamed at this author's discretion) into the frigid waters. Both men were quickly brought back on board and the journey continued. The scenery was spectacular, and we were treated to several class 3 and class 4 rapids. Definitely an "E ticket" ride. We were provided with lunch and snacks. The trip covered approximately 30 miles, and lasted 7 hours including breaks. To see a few pictures, go to www.pagosariverphotos.com. Click on photos/events, then Wilderness Journeys/Pagosa Rafting, then Piedra River, then on the 6-12-08. (there is a link in the "Useful Links" section ----->)
A good time was had by all, but I think we were all sore and tired by the end.
****************************************
Evening Cookout at Williams Lake
On June 17 the SJOC had an evening cookout at Williams Lake in the Teal Campground. 31 people attended -- everyone brought side dishes and their own choice of meat to barbeque/grill. There were plenty of side dishes and they were all good. We all just ate, drank, hung out, and enjoyed each others company. We all stayed and watched the sun set, and some of us stayed to watch the moon rise. Some of us even tried to hula hoop. The hoops and lessons were provided by Marsha Baker. The weather was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful. Thanks to all who participated -- Gregg H.
****************************************
Fly Fishing Clinics
by Mike Schneider
Jim Hill, an instructor and guide for “Let It Fly” was the fly fishing expert who showed a great deal of patience with all of us as we practiced our fly casting skills on the grass at Town Park. I, for one, was glad that we did our casting with just leaders attached to our lines. I could tell by all the snaps occurring in the beginning that we were better prepared for an “Indiana Jones” match-up. But soon, Jim had everyone making great casts and performing several other important skills. We learned how to thread our lines through the fly rod guides without having the line slip all the way back if you happened to lose your grip. We also learned two very important fly line tying knots. The perfect weather and experienced assistance by both Jim and his assistant, Damon, were appreciated by everyone. Thanks also goes to “Pops” at “Let It Fly” for providing the additional fly rods that were needed.
June 7: Doug Farmer, Buck and Katherine Frisbee, Toosje Lamoreaux, Ken Long, Ron Nieweg, Vicki Wood, John Bozek, Robert Webb and Mike Schneider
Damon giving instructions to one of three women participants.
Doug, John and Ken practicing and enhancing their skills.June 14: Carl Pitts, Bruce Davies, Ray Keyawa, Nathan Keyawa, Mat Keyawa, J. P. Rappenecker, John Ramberg, Peggy Schanken, Jean Bechtold, and Linda Schneider
Group listening to Jim Hill (instructor) demonstrate and talk about knots.
Jim Hill observing Jean Bechtold's fly casting technique.
Damon addressing the group about casting techniques.**************************************************
Easy Hike in the Mill Creek Area
This easy hike was along an old closed 4 wheel drive rd. (722) that connects the Mill Cr. rd. w/ the Fawn Gulch rd. We walked along this rd. from the Mill Cr. side for a mile, then bushwacked for a half mile to a hill top w/a 360 degree panoramic view. We walked back a longer way along the road that made it a loop at the end. Distance round trip was about 3.5 mi. The terrain was open, the vegetation very green, and a very beautiful hike. 16 people participated in this hike. We walked slow, stopped a lot, looked a lot, and talked a lot. A good group and a fun hike. The group leader managed not to get misoriented this time. Thanks to all of you who participated - G. Howard
The Mill Creek Gang, as they're known in these here parts.****************************************
Women's Backpack on the Piedra River Trail
June 18-19
Charleen, Tammy, Carolle, & Betsy ready for the trail.Backpacking the Piedra this month to Sand Creek with the ladies was such a great experience. I had gone on a few hikes around the area recently including a portion of the Piedra but haven't been camping in over 10 years. I'm not sure why I haven't as I really enjoy it and look forward to many more camping trips yet this summer. The ladies were very knowledgeable and experienced, not to mention a lot of fun! I learned a lot more about camping and we learned a lot about each other.
Falling asleep to the sound of the water right outside the tent was so nice. The Piedra River hiking is just beautiful and, so far, is my most favorite. I am thankful for the Outdoor Club as it has opened many, many, many opportunities for me to meet people and get out and enjoy this area! ~Tammy Wilde
Hmmmm, everything tastes better in the wilderness, especially if you have a log to sit on!
Slinging the line to hang our food.
Charleen has a great steel mesh bag to keep the varmints out.
Check out the fire that Carolle built. The rest of us poked at it from time to time.****************************************
Holly & Her Amazing Nose
Les & Holly on my trail one spring dayFor several months now, I have been getting "lost" so that Les Shepard and his dog,Holly, could track me. Les has been training Holly since puppyhood and she is turning into quite a good sniffer. She has found me more times than I can count. The best part of it is, I get to have a bit of a hike then sit and relax, read a book, listen to my iPod or whatever while she and Les find me. What could be easier?
Most important is that once Holly is fully trained, she will be a huge asset to the Search & Rescue group. Being able to track a lost individual in town or in the wilderness gives the team an advantage and could save significant time which sometimes means saving someones life.
If you think you might like to get "lost" every once in a while and help Les and Holly continue her training, please feel free to contact him (731-5250). The more different scents Holly can work with, the better. Les will share with you how to be a good lost person, how to provide a scent item, what signals to leave for him so that he knows where you've gone, etc. You'll enjoy getting to know Holly. She's a beautiful dog and is very happy when she finds you. Makes you want to get "lost" over and over for her. Give it some thought and call Les if you can spare a couple of hours from time to time.
Most important is that once Holly is fully trained, she will be a huge asset to the Search & Rescue group. Being able to track a lost individual in town or in the wilderness gives the team an advantage and could save significant time which sometimes means saving someones life.
If you think you might like to get "lost" every once in a while and help Les and Holly continue her training, please feel free to contact him (731-5250). The more different scents Holly can work with, the better. Les will share with you how to be a good lost person, how to provide a scent item, what signals to leave for him so that he knows where you've gone, etc. You'll enjoy getting to know Holly. She's a beautiful dog and is very happy when she finds you. Makes you want to get "lost" over and over for her. Give it some thought and call Les if you can spare a couple of hours from time to time.
****************************************
Please note that these people and many others go out everyday on day hikes and something unexpected occurs resulting in extended stays in the wilderness or potentially life-threatening situations. We can't stop the unexpected from happening but we can prepare ourselves to deal with it when it does. Please take heed of the following information for your safety and the safety of those with you.
Speaking of hiking and getting lost, here are a few newspaper excerpts of interest:
- Eduard B., 31, died from exposure on the mountain Tuesday after he, his 31-year-old wife, Marianna, and friend, David, 37, went for a day hike on Monday and became trapped during extreme weather conditions. The group was caught in a sudden blizzard. (This was in June!)
- The two 30-year-old men, who were only planning a day hike on the mountain on a Sunday, became disoriented and lost the trail. What started out to be a short day hike resulted in an all night search and rescue.
- [The] feeling was "magnificent," Harlon said Friday as tears streamed down his chapped cheeks. . . "I sat there all jittery and thrilled and within an hour and a half, the foot rescuers arrived, saying, 'Terry! Terry!' Within minutes, seven or eight of these fellas arrived. "I made a couple of mistakes on a day hike and the fine people of Colorado came together to find me," Harlon said.
Please note that these people and many others go out everyday on day hikes and something unexpected occurs resulting in extended stays in the wilderness or potentially life-threatening situations. We can't stop the unexpected from happening but we can prepare ourselves to deal with it when it does. Please take heed of the following information for your safety and the safety of those with you.
The Ten Essential Systems
Have some form of each every time you go out.
A majority of the missions performed by Search & Rescue are people that have gone out “for the day” and that day turned into overnight and sometimes more than one night. You may never need all the Ten Essential items. But one or more could make the difference between being found or not, being comfortable or not, being alive or not. Please prepare your pack and take it with you. It affects not only you but those with you and/or those you may encounter. Be smart and be safe.
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Until Next Time, Y'all!
Have some form of each every time you go out.
- Navigation (map & compass, GPS, knowledge)
- Tools (knife, multi-tool, repair kit)
- Signaling/Communication (whistle, mirror, cell phone, PLB)
- Hydration (water, water purification tabs/filter)
- Emergency Shelter (Leaf bag, space blanket, tube tent)
- Fire-making tools (lighter/matches, tinder, candle)
- Insulation (extra layer, rain gear mandatory, hat)
- First Aid Supplies (for feet, bleeding, pain)
- Nutrition (food plus extra)
- llumination (flashlight/headlamp, extra batteries)
A majority of the missions performed by Search & Rescue are people that have gone out “for the day” and that day turned into overnight and sometimes more than one night. You may never need all the Ten Essential items. But one or more could make the difference between being found or not, being comfortable or not, being alive or not. Please prepare your pack and take it with you. It affects not only you but those with you and/or those you may encounter. Be smart and be safe.
Until Next Time, Y'all!
