In any language you use, it still means we're getting close to Fall!
We've had some chilly mornings that tempted me to peruse my fleece and flannel but, alas, the days peaked in the 80's to dispel that hint of Autumn soon enough. But it is just around the corner!
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A message from President Joyce. . .
It's soon time for the Ski Swap so get your closets cleaned and bring any sporting goods to the swap. Most important, look for the sign-up sheets. Nancy and Jim are in charge of the swap again this year and they are looking for a lot of help. It's always fun so hope to see you there.
Unfortunately, some activities were a bust because of bad weather. Bart Cox and group left for their 4x4 trip in the back country and came back the same day. Ron Chacey's mushroom hike didn't quite. Mushroom, I mean. No one showed. I sure hope he does better at the county commissioner elections in November!
I'm heading to Minnesota to see the grand kids before school starts. Hope to see you all at the Sportsman's Lodge for the Potluck on September 4th.
Happy hiking. biking, camping or whatever it is you like to do.
Joyce
Speaking of the September 4th Pot Luck, please remember that it is being held at the Sportsman's Lodge out Piedra Road at 6:30 p.m. We had beautiful weather last year so we'll keep our toes crossed for a repeat performance. You need to bring:
- A dish to serve 8-10 people and, after last month's showing, I know it'll be fabulous!
- A chair or mat to sit on if you don't wish to sit in the grass.
- Your calendar so you can record all those great outings you're going to sign up for.
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Please note that I have added the Wolf Creek Ski Area link under "Useful Links" in the sidebar. Yes, of course I know it is only the first of September! But, it will soon be time to purchase your pre-season passes (October 4-12) and I want to be sure you have time to save up. A few less cafe' latte's, Taco Bueno tacos in place of those El Grande Enchilada plates, stopping at one beer instead of four at the local brewery (perhaps then you won't spill beer on other people's backpacks!) and you'll have enough for that pass!
(I am, in no way, advocating decreasing the revenue of our local establishments so get back to those normal eating and drinking habits as soon as possible!)
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Please also note that a link has been added for the Office of Emergency Management. This page has information about the reverse 911 system and the CodeRED link to register all your phone numbers. In the event of an evacuation, a hazardous materials spill, flooding, etc., you will receive a call on the phone numbers you register giving you warnings and information in order to protect your property and/or yourself and your family. Click on it and register today.
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Remember that you can click or double-click (depending on computer) on some photos to get a full-sized image. I recommend it on some of the Silverton and Creede photos in order to really see the wildflowers.
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Silverton
A group of 17 SJOC members gathered in Silverton on July 19 & 20 for a weekend of hiking and “Flower” watching. On Saturday, the weather showed its best side and stayed that way all day for a fantastic day of hiking. The Coles led a group into Spencer Basin that was dressed in its finest wildflowers. This group hiked through the Basin and up to a ridge overlooking Highlands Mary Lakes. The Hunters led a group on a new hike-through starting in the Velocity Peak valley at a small glacial lake, up & up to over 13,000 feet then down into Boulder Gulch and out. It was one of the best hikes we have done and the flowers, especially the Columbines, were magnificent. We all met for BBQ that evening. On Sunday, everyone headed up to Porphrey Basin. There were still snowbanks on the road so we parked and walked about a mile up the road that was lined with wildflowers, waterfalls and great scenery. The Cole group stayed in the Basin and enjoyed Bullion King Lake and other smaller lakes while the Hunter’s group climbed (of course) and then crossed a scree field loaded with King’s Crown and other rock-loving flowers. We stayed high for a view overlooking the Black Bear Road to Telluride and proceeded to bushwhack down the ridge to our cars and the other group. The Old Man in the Mountains were magnificent on the ridge as were other low growing plants.
"A fine group indeed" enjoying Spencer Basin
Robin on ridge overlooking Highlands Mary Lake
Gail (artist that she is) was impressed with this snow bridge in Spencer Basin
Looking down on Velocity Peak Glacial Lake where the Hunter Group started hiking
Dropping down into Boulder Gulch for Wildflower spectacle(click this photo to see beautiful wildflowers in larger photo)
Enjoying Porphrey Basin @ 12,000'
Climbing Group waving @ Basin Group located in green between snow fields
Old Man in the Mountains on ridge between Porhrey Basin & Black Bear Road****************************************
SJOC members numbering 12 met in Creede on Saturday, July 26, for a wildflower hike to San Louis Pass. There was low-hanging fog when we started our drive up to trailhead but it cleared for a beautiful hike. We started hiking the Willow Creek trail around 11,000 and climbed gradually to over 12,000 to the Colorado Trail intersection at the Pass. We hiked to where we were overlooking a deep cirque with San Louis Peak in the background and enjoyed snacks and a box of fudge from Silverton candy shop . When the storm clouds started building, we headed back down and ended up at the Old Firehouse for lunch and/or ice cream.
About half way to the Pass
Fudge stop where Shirley & Sue hammed it up for the cameraCrater Lake Backpack
August 5-7
Five intrepid women backpacked to Crater Lake for a two night stay. It was a beautiful hike of about 3 1/2 miles in, some of it along the Continental Divide trail so we had big views along the way. The lake is set down in a, well, a crater so steep slopes and high peaks surround it for an epic setting. The water is an opaque blue green and, according to Barb and Joan, full of sizable cutthroat trout. A little rain punctuated the nighttime hours and temps in the 50's for our hike out were perfect as it entailed 2000 ft. vertical and a bit of huffing and puffing. It was beautiful and I think we'd all do it again. Thanks to Donna Milner for being photographer on this trip! Betsy C.
Carolle, Barb, Joan, Donna, & Betsy ready to hit the trail.
I think it's pretty obvious who the leader is here. . . It's me, Me, ME!
The kitchen, dining room, & den.
Our constant evening companion.
Part of our view.
It was a very stressful outing, as you can see. Good book, Donna?
Barb keeping her feet dry.****************************************
Recipe for a Perfect Day
August 22, 2008
1 heaping tbsp. of Pagosa Peak
19 willing souls as packaged
1.73 miles of challenging trail
2500 vertical feet
5 hours of sunshine and blue skies
Add:
4 miles of really bumpy road
Water
Snacks
Cameras
Stir until all ingredients mix together at the trailhead. As the recipe progresses, allow faster portion to separate and rise to the top. Wait for slower portion to blend at 12,640 ft. and you have the perfect recipe for a Pagosa Peak hike!
This was my first foray into day hike leadership and everyone made it effortless and enjoyable. Thanks to all who participated. Thanks to Tom Wolf for providing several of the photos.
Betsy C.
Jennie, Gene, & Markus looking spritely and fresh. Must be at the beginning of the hike.
Missy girding herself for the final ascent.
The Pagosa Peak Passel(minus me but that IS my pack in front, proof I was there!)
A regular little party up there!
Pizza Hut, do you deliver?
Ingrid in her element.
Tom glad he's nearly there.
Susan enjoying and becoming part of the view.****************************************
Evening Cookout / Lake Float at the Collins Home
The Cookout was held at Judy and Ben Collin's home on Lake Forest. A total of 19 people floated in and out during the evening. The weather did cooperate, but the evening temperature got a little cool. The moon sort of showed up through the thin clouds, and some of us did take our boats out on the lake after the moon came up. The lake was placid and beautiful to float on at night. There was plenty of food and drinks -- we had a nice warming fire -- and we all enjoyed the evening together. We will do this again next year, but maybe in July when it is a little warmer in the evening. Thank you Judy and Ben for opening up your home to us and hosting this activity. Thanks to all who participated. Gregg Howard
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Easy Hike in the Treasure Mountain Area
The Easy Hike was held on the afternoon of Sun. Aug. 24. 10 people participated in the hike. We went up high to get out of the heat. The group drove up FS Rd. 725 about 3 mi. parked then did some bushwacking and walked an old woods road to a saddle on ridge less than a mile from Treasure Mountain. We rested on the edge of a meadow that had a great view of Treasure Mtn. Also had some great views on the continental divide, Sheep Mtn., on the other side of the highway. The hike round trip was 3 mi. There were still plenty of flowers to see. One of the hikers collected a bouquet of flowers to take home, and she was dubbed the "flower child". It was a cool hike, with lots of beautiful big views. Thanks to all who participated. Gregg Howard
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Bart Cox's Star-Crossed Trip
On Saturday morning, August 16, Bart and Erica Cox, guest Margaret Mayor from Chinle , AZ , Nancy and Jim Cole, Paul Draper, Jean and Jim Scott, Carrie and Dalas Weisz, Tammy Wilde and David Musser started out on a 4x4-hiking-camping trip that promised a drive up Grayback Mountain , climbs of Bonito Peak and Telluride Mountain , and a lively campfire. But a road closure in Summitville and bad weather, shortened the trip to a pleasant lunch near Kerr Lake and the 250 foot ascent of Telluride Mountain ( ? ) , before we headed home, passing a snowplow scraping frozen precipitation from U.S. 160 as we crossed back over Wolf Creek Pass.
We are looking forward to Bart’s next attempt to incorporate the remaining parts of the outing into another trip.
All lined up and ready to go.
Lunch at Kerr Lake
Lily Pond
David, Bart, and Jean on Summit! of Telluride mountain
Everyone enjoy their September. Keep an eye out for those changing colors. Appreciate our beautiful weather. And last but not least, get outdoors with friends. That's what it is all about.
Until next time. . .
