tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41349818002365446472024-03-17T21:03:20.037-06:00Box Canyon Blog.comBox Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comBlogger972125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-68539831657618295012022-10-23T17:52:00.007-06:002022-10-26T05:22:58.251-06:00Ms Autumn Has Left The Building <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMXtjb_lPtl4NrxVJuysnVblecRccnwME17Zi2626u8F5O08tbeLTSsC4vj04K9y8QftusIQ3XiIiowX50XUTcXlzPUVLZHLKFlVdXwpJZ7yMkH0o_Xnb7DZ1Vjt7zDhDOxKPYDBtNX2EENCY1Y5aoa_qouA4V9JY8XSBfgVcC1xHRrZXwnGN2KZv1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMXtjb_lPtl4NrxVJuysnVblecRccnwME17Zi2626u8F5O08tbeLTSsC4vj04K9y8QftusIQ3XiIiowX50XUTcXlzPUVLZHLKFlVdXwpJZ7yMkH0o_Xnb7DZ1Vjt7zDhDOxKPYDBtNX2EENCY1Y5aoa_qouA4V9JY8XSBfgVcC1xHRrZXwnGN2KZv1=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's over. Our first winter storm is currently blowing into Lovely Ouray. As I write this, dismal clouds dangle low, hiding our mountain surround. Wind, rain, sleet and finally horizontal snow is stripping the last vestiges of fall foliage from trees. We knew this day would come, but it doesn't ease the sadness. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So the following is a photo memorial to fall 2022...long and mild and luscious. A standout among all our hikes this year was Corbett Peak's east facing slopes of aspen groves. Read on for a story about two hikes, one week apart. What a difference 7 days can make...<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Our First Hike</u> </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Gazing cross-valley into Corbett Canyon's fall foliage from County Road 14, a wonderful vantage point, the aspen appeared to be "peaking." Not wanting to be late and disappointed by Ms Autumn's fickle ways, we made a plan to get our asses in gear and get this hike done. You can make it into a loop hike, but at nearly 10 miles with 2700 feet of elevation gain, bring plenty of Power Bars. Truly, it's one of the best stands of aspen we've ever encountered, and well worth the effort. But timing is everything, right?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Anyone who's hiked up Corbett Trail will attest that it's steep and loose and will have you sucking for O2. Within a couple miles, give or take, we round a south facing cliffside corner on the edge of Corbett Creek's massive drainage, full sun, and breathtaking views Corbett Mountain. It's a massive and masculine mountain, capped with snow from recent storms. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmrPKiw2Ai3A1WwWtWDAxsKItGbx3HjC6sJj_wdmuri-eI8ijY5LA2CJ2dCxES8Ki_H0O-VO_uVd1rS0_FG-vEVaIeOILBqp_ehfJJTSK4SXWOMqVQPWaqC8fRzD0RITMJiP6DTETlgJNH1aTjCJxN4OP3F20U_8XFKRdDUKLcApMu34VpZ-DC1uiV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmrPKiw2Ai3A1WwWtWDAxsKItGbx3HjC6sJj_wdmuri-eI8ijY5LA2CJ2dCxES8Ki_H0O-VO_uVd1rS0_FG-vEVaIeOILBqp_ehfJJTSK4SXWOMqVQPWaqC8fRzD0RITMJiP6DTETlgJNH1aTjCJxN4OP3F20U_8XFKRdDUKLcApMu34VpZ-DC1uiV=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Corbett's watershed is a vertiginous drainage that's almost as massive as the mountain. During summer monsoon seasons, flash floods routinely dredge boulders, rocks and massive amounts of gravel and pushes the carnage miles downstream, where it wipes out County Road 17. It's amazing how many cubic tons a thunderstorm can dislodge and carry downstream. It takes days to weeks to clean up the mess and reinstall culverts. It's frustrating, because everyone knows that it will, sooner or later, happen again. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh904ImpZ_5nKBDYss7HRUXIHIONUyWxaHlofzds7MArQ_DWEkrMlmWdhXt06FUeMKEwJsUwFt9Z9rs3fIoa9WDYhwD4RpsWcG1xE2vYRnAOEEBneLrt1lZXWh2vdQLXN6yHCco3G3l51WeU5uHJSieu51TOAZ-GVicSttIV2hVXq0tJTqImh4PiBDJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh904ImpZ_5nKBDYss7HRUXIHIONUyWxaHlofzds7MArQ_DWEkrMlmWdhXt06FUeMKEwJsUwFt9Z9rs3fIoa9WDYhwD4RpsWcG1xE2vYRnAOEEBneLrt1lZXWh2vdQLXN6yHCco3G3l51WeU5uHJSieu51TOAZ-GVicSttIV2hVXq0tJTqImh4PiBDJ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'll step away for a bit and let the photos do the talking...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmrPKiw2Ai3A1WwWtWDAxsKItGbx3HjC6sJj_wdmuri-eI8ijY5LA2CJ2dCxES8Ki_H0O-VO_uVd1rS0_FG-vEVaIeOILBqp_ehfJJTSK4SXWOMqVQPWaqC8fRzD0RITMJiP6DTETlgJNH1aTjCJxN4OP3F20U_8XFKRdDUKLcApMu34VpZ-DC1uiV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmrPKiw2Ai3A1WwWtWDAxsKItGbx3HjC6sJj_wdmuri-eI8ijY5LA2CJ2dCxES8Ki_H0O-VO_uVd1rS0_FG-vEVaIeOILBqp_ehfJJTSK4SXWOMqVQPWaqC8fRzD0RITMJiP6DTETlgJNH1aTjCJxN4OP3F20U_8XFKRdDUKLcApMu34VpZ-DC1uiV=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6yMT7qJjp3UBo9s5RHGLPOfhjq31xk_nU_ZbZ4cH-xn1dcnSZH6Z_yOoWXABGQ5LNnoIRRLtuaorTwFfTahyunKnrSloJTbQ94yRs22AJ1Qjsjt__-Uc1n2GcJI3NRnzdxp58EElDyoKDRwPQd65ekZJw6jTfchPxJRjLi3qIJf2Z7Qi_6pw7fMFw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2274" data-original-width="2447" height="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6yMT7qJjp3UBo9s5RHGLPOfhjq31xk_nU_ZbZ4cH-xn1dcnSZH6Z_yOoWXABGQ5LNnoIRRLtuaorTwFfTahyunKnrSloJTbQ94yRs22AJ1Qjsjt__-Uc1n2GcJI3NRnzdxp58EElDyoKDRwPQd65ekZJw6jTfchPxJRjLi3qIJf2Z7Qi_6pw7fMFw=w640-h595" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhENd_xxu_5eQ2-qwtVaRGyXijfMq0223vKe20hglkJ-CJ7PHTCuvUUYvIteyV4yxDrmQSlBPrdU3WWaSmHcYaJpg0qlsMVb8CdWIRNDWIKBTfnNSPa8aRrdXw-76AKprIPjfDCESfndkX1s1ZB-K4JuPwjs1wG7hQsr_XGAAVJyTQYRbroCgHleDC3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3421" data-original-width="2565" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhENd_xxu_5eQ2-qwtVaRGyXijfMq0223vKe20hglkJ-CJ7PHTCuvUUYvIteyV4yxDrmQSlBPrdU3WWaSmHcYaJpg0qlsMVb8CdWIRNDWIKBTfnNSPa8aRrdXw-76AKprIPjfDCESfndkX1s1ZB-K4JuPwjs1wG7hQsr_XGAAVJyTQYRbroCgHleDC3=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsQw_fAJfsDReyi2RdPnmgK_w-xsVHiQDGHrOEIrtiOKAWTBqdVcptRYqrotBH8TVIm04W1U61yUCBqLWPSB5ADmF9__oxeRGeiXKf6b8RFLFfhWIjeWZnIyMOs22ijtJeJdFGdXYRq0E9cKjoCelazaBAU5mN5rRByV7W6LZItCBn-e4J5bPJicN6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsQw_fAJfsDReyi2RdPnmgK_w-xsVHiQDGHrOEIrtiOKAWTBqdVcptRYqrotBH8TVIm04W1U61yUCBqLWPSB5ADmF9__oxeRGeiXKf6b8RFLFfhWIjeWZnIyMOs22ijtJeJdFGdXYRq0E9cKjoCelazaBAU5mN5rRByV7W6LZItCBn-e4J5bPJicN6=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsgSzm_BQ-qfxc1AqIjyjzqWwGp5CxiO4T1OXZ7wAGsPGA0PiOpEq5j2V_FHpTCuvWbdNJ9Z4lDiBzQ52HPHlUf1RjD-KLCfm1FNt54onb4TLNjk0DdGJWuzTO8ucHW4MeJt9MHtcmvPKut1mLdBc0BbGRIWXFM0I-kWLmNQu0TD89BlEIgN985gGK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsgSzm_BQ-qfxc1AqIjyjzqWwGp5CxiO4T1OXZ7wAGsPGA0PiOpEq5j2V_FHpTCuvWbdNJ9Z4lDiBzQ52HPHlUf1RjD-KLCfm1FNt54onb4TLNjk0DdGJWuzTO8ucHW4MeJt9MHtcmvPKut1mLdBc0BbGRIWXFM0I-kWLmNQu0TD89BlEIgN985gGK=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As we labored up into the higher groves, we noticed that there was more green than what we thought when viewed from County Road 14. Definitely not "peaked" yet, but still beautiful.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhUH-_iqAVR30Ocgh_8gXoJtb10MUPIBZy17KHUGoDlf-FvAHq4EOqUn484bTepWx7b9Pro7UXrWnDOMkP-Z7twNlsOxL6HcVuS6ewW9EsSEdlrdO7ohhD91lM9k0gIu-bpQhg58e9KA7qx8AMLXemitnZCYyCgETK3eq5ZKf76HSW0YdPTW6pvdv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2492" data-original-width="4032" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhUH-_iqAVR30Ocgh_8gXoJtb10MUPIBZy17KHUGoDlf-FvAHq4EOqUn484bTepWx7b9Pro7UXrWnDOMkP-Z7twNlsOxL6HcVuS6ewW9EsSEdlrdO7ohhD91lM9k0gIu-bpQhg58e9KA7qx8AMLXemitnZCYyCgETK3eq5ZKf76HSW0YdPTW6pvdv=w640-h396" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd1AmA7SMLp_JU4VjV4BXjb2CS_zPOg4M64cptzT0Hblv7yIzh6Hj8FqpZuX70mAuqt7bfrD1y6kowq8qXt75YNvOwNoDjkZaBmANQwVjqzVbxgLxpntY42o8qGxczX5MwL9l1w5JZ03Jt1Cgrg_pOB8HKQDcmbocbLxT9mMTlh1yftYZfIOa7ZLpr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd1AmA7SMLp_JU4VjV4BXjb2CS_zPOg4M64cptzT0Hblv7yIzh6Hj8FqpZuX70mAuqt7bfrD1y6kowq8qXt75YNvOwNoDjkZaBmANQwVjqzVbxgLxpntY42o8qGxczX5MwL9l1w5JZ03Jt1Cgrg_pOB8HKQDcmbocbLxT9mMTlh1yftYZfIOa7ZLpr=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdAXWMv353yCVm0KVX6lV-ltJauV33TYVq2MtBTbpwuYzEtiibkZFr7RuEIr4NzXrfNURnsGmN095AK7fZlk_n7ZPG6Kcbhzrb9aPtLWa-UfNl9QQ437mh_2Nd-ea09lruo-DSBP9GmgMCh6H0Hns-Vff7CKz9UUxjpAS2pTQsblYF_8xbM5-SCsXl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdAXWMv353yCVm0KVX6lV-ltJauV33TYVq2MtBTbpwuYzEtiibkZFr7RuEIr4NzXrfNURnsGmN095AK7fZlk_n7ZPG6Kcbhzrb9aPtLWa-UfNl9QQ437mh_2Nd-ea09lruo-DSBP9GmgMCh6H0Hns-Vff7CKz9UUxjpAS2pTQsblYF_8xbM5-SCsXl=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx9EFZBaHu0h7a4w9OuZsolxCrPPowMtH2i3XmRq-n1rtsNeW88e_8jJtBoSHCEcto2epGfjL-6wMuAVOSYZi8rRiesV2w_fpPe0SBmIHIDj2E7UOKNJjqhOhgBrCSBf84v04sU_HMGLKPE_8sU03ol0VW4KGbX3Ki9Lcsm34SYyuHbPDS04sKoXwD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx9EFZBaHu0h7a4w9OuZsolxCrPPowMtH2i3XmRq-n1rtsNeW88e_8jJtBoSHCEcto2epGfjL-6wMuAVOSYZi8rRiesV2w_fpPe0SBmIHIDj2E7UOKNJjqhOhgBrCSBf84v04sU_HMGLKPE_8sU03ol0VW4KGbX3Ki9Lcsm34SYyuHbPDS04sKoXwD=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8V7kcVZvghX5EDSSP3R37i1rRZ5oAfNajqF5bLUoyhrolXSmiyq8kPoXAiaaTh5LVAEd7CE98U5WlJ1zoHR9wzIUM6R_1_Pdswdq_q-7WwMryCKaNk26I0CDHexpXDuClZTWVTlOvTzlQxAhoNFXg5hFrQHebEyKmLUak8EUvs45cXvdX4n9TL4XM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8V7kcVZvghX5EDSSP3R37i1rRZ5oAfNajqF5bLUoyhrolXSmiyq8kPoXAiaaTh5LVAEd7CE98U5WlJ1zoHR9wzIUM6R_1_Pdswdq_q-7WwMryCKaNk26I0CDHexpXDuClZTWVTlOvTzlQxAhoNFXg5hFrQHebEyKmLUak8EUvs45cXvdX4n9TL4XM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil_lAFB9S7ehqLQ2G3Af8WNc86grYlDIT7oDxjIVItFaf0-PWyr44Cj1F767Otd4-pMvqlH8LUnIqumHt96OuTL5mc_w-wtIi_SPYvUd0jIKcbr5D_uw5HKlNU1nuF6cRxDO7f6gijlErjhhpRxPMa2Yj0k4IdKJUzIkSFFpvU01VGki1cSYAdPTsq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil_lAFB9S7ehqLQ2G3Af8WNc86grYlDIT7oDxjIVItFaf0-PWyr44Cj1F767Otd4-pMvqlH8LUnIqumHt96OuTL5mc_w-wtIi_SPYvUd0jIKcbr5D_uw5HKlNU1nuF6cRxDO7f6gijlErjhhpRxPMa2Yj0k4IdKJUzIkSFFpvU01VGki1cSYAdPTsq=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of green...<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1hDEyl9NaNjdMxY_eCvUjJY-nIZUaNXOijs28H6HnPF3y3mlaHEpEQEGTHP-XfVPfx0n5mY6J28L49aiFgQM42oQjuft2yDHCnoUoeIc8iITs28PmUVvjdhBvyT3aepWWR6Zm4dY1rggaYy4iuRBj8RLYBR0ejmfLpvyDJLBoipLbXiwJ3LrAgw8F" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1hDEyl9NaNjdMxY_eCvUjJY-nIZUaNXOijs28H6HnPF3y3mlaHEpEQEGTHP-XfVPfx0n5mY6J28L49aiFgQM42oQjuft2yDHCnoUoeIc8iITs28PmUVvjdhBvyT3aepWWR6Zm4dY1rggaYy4iuRBj8RLYBR0ejmfLpvyDJLBoipLbXiwJ3LrAgw8F=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Second Hike</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid1LwZyBon-zY2lQ9qmslOyb10CWJEy2DPBM-se4UBeZ6kwteinRLROx-z7OyQv_VeryWcpYImKDHrWJtj9olXmwiitX2TFW5XWIdBRB2nPnGDQGP9PQTO8vWGYyq5ovMIiB3T-X33WbHPVjJsiF3V-u_HxkW6gYLoiSsM3VzHB0yxRvrkY_IAfxaM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid1LwZyBon-zY2lQ9qmslOyb10CWJEy2DPBM-se4UBeZ6kwteinRLROx-z7OyQv_VeryWcpYImKDHrWJtj9olXmwiitX2TFW5XWIdBRB2nPnGDQGP9PQTO8vWGYyq5ovMIiB3T-X33WbHPVjJsiF3V-u_HxkW6gYLoiSsM3VzHB0yxRvrkY_IAfxaM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">A week to the day later, Hiker Babe Ruthie of "Two Old Broads" fame joined us for our reprise. Our timing was perfect...only a smattering of green, oodles of gold, and of course, a complementary palette of orange. And the sky! Wow, shooting straight produced some cool photos... </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivMHh8fXwUMZJtgbQCcEBMXhfeGq3yxhl1vFiXkxb1Wji-v9dqDOp9CWEeTUIdCIhhn1yNjFBGSy5IOGfR1AqzT7Kt6vEJ1Ckh8n5vEjATEtvlwCEeJx7uo-Z1aQLR1fDYV65-n6zZ3kiG-RQJ5_RQhMesWnxAFitUJuqyum7koXOn4dRupDF33-qp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivMHh8fXwUMZJtgbQCcEBMXhfeGq3yxhl1vFiXkxb1Wji-v9dqDOp9CWEeTUIdCIhhn1yNjFBGSy5IOGfR1AqzT7Kt6vEJ1Ckh8n5vEjATEtvlwCEeJx7uo-Z1aQLR1fDYV65-n6zZ3kiG-RQJ5_RQhMesWnxAFitUJuqyum7koXOn4dRupDF33-qp=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEZCO74HaGyvdVibXtgO-g1yL2k1DGgqSRrHsryoGSyC_FSGKdUEGmR9545nYlqpeoKQ--lF-uglBYZYPCb4KkHBUJKgF_UikO5ujuAc0ltHr-0YnxEdhOOkQLDUkRTjZvvywtwLB0xO3U-w65hGrFla09q3vkYMoX1eLXh-RHG3_zNQqQy_BbldA-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2516" data-original-width="2056" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEZCO74HaGyvdVibXtgO-g1yL2k1DGgqSRrHsryoGSyC_FSGKdUEGmR9545nYlqpeoKQ--lF-uglBYZYPCb4KkHBUJKgF_UikO5ujuAc0ltHr-0YnxEdhOOkQLDUkRTjZvvywtwLB0xO3U-w65hGrFla09q3vkYMoX1eLXh-RHG3_zNQqQy_BbldA-=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2NcAwDwxlueInPVJBLR5tNSi_uy2Ti2RU2Ch9Dg6wFeBRzRw7ilczcnHwcoNI1HrAhNaND0B-4ertNd431POnIFhJB_D-mRRmzvus2jWOsOQEscVhd-so9Hv-_x3skkBmniIWjqGqYWB7WgDFmeiW5kamdCAes3KNdA_31v4SbNetPrT23d4GTvU0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2NcAwDwxlueInPVJBLR5tNSi_uy2Ti2RU2Ch9Dg6wFeBRzRw7ilczcnHwcoNI1HrAhNaND0B-4ertNd431POnIFhJB_D-mRRmzvus2jWOsOQEscVhd-so9Hv-_x3skkBmniIWjqGqYWB7WgDFmeiW5kamdCAes3KNdA_31v4SbNetPrT23d4GTvU0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU_ocN7I0t3G4t7tiZFZxpiKtxXAGV2YXLV9rUmi-Mj8z-h_NaBShw0Dl-LooXErKXihSvV_ORPFTEnuYFGJaimbaM6h70RqisngQKFqTqoF7wj8fousu2cacUzMErFBjb4xPcWQpOlsuU7j-CooliN_pCAznonQRkLylA-z1dei-2zjcQLCfCs7dl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU_ocN7I0t3G4t7tiZFZxpiKtxXAGV2YXLV9rUmi-Mj8z-h_NaBShw0Dl-LooXErKXihSvV_ORPFTEnuYFGJaimbaM6h70RqisngQKFqTqoF7wj8fousu2cacUzMErFBjb4xPcWQpOlsuU7j-CooliN_pCAznonQRkLylA-z1dei-2zjcQLCfCs7dl=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiker Babes Bobbie and Ruthie...weaving through dappled golden rays</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7htuGvckfQuqfTqSyWnjbmLlDBfvyfvvbwmbICkVWvKjrWQHqGD1U9Zg3mRY4cq4tdNCqjp6v5znsgt_ooagLJnBlm5saOsN-zOzBxkwPg9EgUQKoR_gLO0WGIOjwR2r_8kmPGVPvv4jnhv_4MD3DZluCOn3RrdX1e2NapfTNj1dd3uZU4PLr0bY-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7htuGvckfQuqfTqSyWnjbmLlDBfvyfvvbwmbICkVWvKjrWQHqGD1U9Zg3mRY4cq4tdNCqjp6v5znsgt_ooagLJnBlm5saOsN-zOzBxkwPg9EgUQKoR_gLO0WGIOjwR2r_8kmPGVPvv4jnhv_4MD3DZluCOn3RrdX1e2NapfTNj1dd3uZU4PLr0bY-=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ_NnXCre8VDZZE9GVuJBQYwmHemdHPNZP9ONjkXqGcQiOPBQ-99Oil0HfwpFgN7eG1utI71NYUb_NbVQt5cbhgu31os57WpFQEHr-hryxjaEYdgeJ8kTAZtzaOdTQt-XAB9eLtOcFW9NEjHgKs0QtZVljK6o13NnkHoqAPVYdEH2_5NtAjb59xXwe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ_NnXCre8VDZZE9GVuJBQYwmHemdHPNZP9ONjkXqGcQiOPBQ-99Oil0HfwpFgN7eG1utI71NYUb_NbVQt5cbhgu31os57WpFQEHr-hryxjaEYdgeJ8kTAZtzaOdTQt-XAB9eLtOcFW9NEjHgKs0QtZVljK6o13NnkHoqAPVYdEH2_5NtAjb59xXwe=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4q60mPPYW_wB_3oQPYl0pWOvcLIg9oW3YBlHao-DiucSZSe1PawmnrEBQAO0MO1Szq5JQ5ntEpJVhfaR_lMxcpOIuQkKx6GmwQPtZKg9BoRVOoXKQDpvfPviTSCzj0DoWsuU20-ayVVBX-snBI1ZAK0G9IFBKVIYci82shgnRL9d0ozBEvEzQ5zN2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4q60mPPYW_wB_3oQPYl0pWOvcLIg9oW3YBlHao-DiucSZSe1PawmnrEBQAO0MO1Szq5JQ5ntEpJVhfaR_lMxcpOIuQkKx6GmwQPtZKg9BoRVOoXKQDpvfPviTSCzj0DoWsuU20-ayVVBX-snBI1ZAK0G9IFBKVIYci82shgnRL9d0ozBEvEzQ5zN2=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg7qDNvvqts6gGKPXkgyK9r9XrnmpcbtfsTPLpprDTj-jxRThIi6LOiBY2UVPSetgDvp--dPzKUgkEtDG47-lbjYpQPm5FtNlaRyJYoEa_p7TINvf_lY2FWdsSy2o6dVE4J5BjGZmNtDCnqXq99WMyJGe2ny85njQGfSI9liSuTZd9lp_w-DqbYCrp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg7qDNvvqts6gGKPXkgyK9r9XrnmpcbtfsTPLpprDTj-jxRThIi6LOiBY2UVPSetgDvp--dPzKUgkEtDG47-lbjYpQPm5FtNlaRyJYoEa_p7TINvf_lY2FWdsSy2o6dVE4J5BjGZmNtDCnqXq99WMyJGe2ny85njQGfSI9liSuTZd9lp_w-DqbYCrp=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQak5wUJI5moOIfLTW7WbZT_Q1hgQlgVB7hOzTQVVcmILmCCkQYMm5Mm-Q_qSm9ns6l7JFF_szH3erFh9-Vu4iBo8-Ry8cjB9awuGbcBNt13IP5N3WWQiSo6Q7mJPGLyxcTtlC19P-DnUkxLnAiDwMBKKEEq0km_P7ApJby0GO1m0DF3oyjY9Y11_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQak5wUJI5moOIfLTW7WbZT_Q1hgQlgVB7hOzTQVVcmILmCCkQYMm5Mm-Q_qSm9ns6l7JFF_szH3erFh9-Vu4iBo8-Ry8cjB9awuGbcBNt13IP5N3WWQiSo6Q7mJPGLyxcTtlC19P-DnUkxLnAiDwMBKKEEq0km_P7ApJby0GO1m0DF3oyjY9Y11_w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtEmWZUAJG4lQFFREjiWsXr-EDogf7oWavv4QfyNHqXpfzi8gh_WkVoN5VZydJ62dJzQskXv27IXGjulrVjp7ppcvrImurOHME2lT8CtrgT1ixpu4uLJkRnHarPMhZX7KMeE_nIOFU6QV6axtacRnLgBIdg6tMWWkICUKsMca_6P3iMbQjjFlICwD2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtEmWZUAJG4lQFFREjiWsXr-EDogf7oWavv4QfyNHqXpfzi8gh_WkVoN5VZydJ62dJzQskXv27IXGjulrVjp7ppcvrImurOHME2lT8CtrgT1ixpu4uLJkRnHarPMhZX7KMeE_nIOFU6QV6axtacRnLgBIdg6tMWWkICUKsMca_6P3iMbQjjFlICwD2=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicYeU4kYq_KYv8VRN9gdVtsV-sMOx5n9BKqmUv8DpfFb7cLGymWhLN9FePzr7V-y-fKw3l4PvLyUJM9NAI1lLHNj1Y_8gaOk-wBXjoSV0vqjEz6j1R32HgC15muvljKLjJrjptoSMKslfbldJyjd3VQ0lVe3It0bMeyAuHpZT6hFJVOwKrCBIxxe6N" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicYeU4kYq_KYv8VRN9gdVtsV-sMOx5n9BKqmUv8DpfFb7cLGymWhLN9FePzr7V-y-fKw3l4PvLyUJM9NAI1lLHNj1Y_8gaOk-wBXjoSV0vqjEz6j1R32HgC15muvljKLjJrjptoSMKslfbldJyjd3VQ0lVe3It0bMeyAuHpZT6hFJVOwKrCBIxxe6N=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMG81gnnoDztSzcQiyFkHB477eyfhljO9PbKPzfR11TX59y7RjhKb7KmxGw-3NWHjN1D_r4398p085h2wWvtaT4LJlQw4_nXShD2BUk5JlHqhh98rGZEhHraGASeW5tO9CxESUAnKL25gG3_RwvJ-AuonlxdWCsQdqwm0fXSsrSz-UvK56DqOTX1S1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMG81gnnoDztSzcQiyFkHB477eyfhljO9PbKPzfR11TX59y7RjhKb7KmxGw-3NWHjN1D_r4398p085h2wWvtaT4LJlQw4_nXShD2BUk5JlHqhh98rGZEhHraGASeW5tO9CxESUAnKL25gG3_RwvJ-AuonlxdWCsQdqwm0fXSsrSz-UvK56DqOTX1S1=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht1VUkDaRSJ0vsG4fvUx7bNP1xxUN_G4ZTVDAwU-PpP79gc5C5FvzWAEHFPAwg9fQawlvvUpDSicWv_iXvIdamYNOUqeXF865oosb9RhuFbgy0o2KvI9pl633wgtYjhNULgeMkoK5RivE2dcVE8z8rSDsBg2ETZLbkkJ3uPoP-JUyWtcrUm4zNbZar" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht1VUkDaRSJ0vsG4fvUx7bNP1xxUN_G4ZTVDAwU-PpP79gc5C5FvzWAEHFPAwg9fQawlvvUpDSicWv_iXvIdamYNOUqeXF865oosb9RhuFbgy0o2KvI9pl633wgtYjhNULgeMkoK5RivE2dcVE8z8rSDsBg2ETZLbkkJ3uPoP-JUyWtcrUm4zNbZar=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTVda6-gCrDdYQA-OeQjG8xgNjqcqWM2pczHNmHuQ6m2p6-NPqRBoqGKbelgf1MarMq2ghf_HY49eDzllGz3mr-tn2-oYNlnsrrMX2RbLG1-T_dEdzKUzz832xiI4Ua0_RYLkuvqMfDwtfmGex2SpSoEDh6yWvte8aWn7dYuVkOmWSy-XACGRbIpx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2630" data-original-width="3507" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTVda6-gCrDdYQA-OeQjG8xgNjqcqWM2pczHNmHuQ6m2p6-NPqRBoqGKbelgf1MarMq2ghf_HY49eDzllGz3mr-tn2-oYNlnsrrMX2RbLG1-T_dEdzKUzz832xiI4Ua0_RYLkuvqMfDwtfmGex2SpSoEDh6yWvte8aWn7dYuVkOmWSy-XACGRbIpx=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><p></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8PmfYSGEwWDhrVqBrW1wnTg7ZXA4d5jYxwIW3WAYn09Fpaav6GPoMRisvR_TZcQPkXR-7tERgBAU0E1IHSr2Un6N33VgMtPLfB27iiRwxxNJDFSGgjAlEa3-13Ze4vBG-TzdVAAODpstos4u4lnJ27mOgx0Son6-ueSYL-cI9rHvPU6xFj3SGapgC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2421" data-original-width="3334" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8PmfYSGEwWDhrVqBrW1wnTg7ZXA4d5jYxwIW3WAYn09Fpaav6GPoMRisvR_TZcQPkXR-7tERgBAU0E1IHSr2Un6N33VgMtPLfB27iiRwxxNJDFSGgjAlEa3-13Ze4vBG-TzdVAAODpstos4u4lnJ27mOgx0Son6-ueSYL-cI9rHvPU6xFj3SGapgC=w640-h464" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">From the above meadow, the loop trail led us into dark timber and a toe-jam descent. It seemed to take us forever to get down to the car. In the end (over 6 hours) it was worth all the aches and pains to catch Ms Autumn at her very best.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-76524435571159505632022-02-10T07:43:00.001-07:002022-02-10T07:43:35.462-07:00Photos Of What We've Been Up To, Among "Other Things"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh453RNRYCLog0QT_mx6LbsqLzG9K6RXv_IU2mRkwJt6memg_IIdXLSYvQIfklNb2YCrMs4uog11vLjfEv5x7aJ1VKmdGWiTm5ia8FyQr-B5Pq8nYbPpOdAl9VMt-0xn0KssvVe6uilc90LCqDWlPjtgMwpGY4HYDC6cvt_GY3MLghZ-ZyH_9anoYwo=s3777" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="3777" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh453RNRYCLog0QT_mx6LbsqLzG9K6RXv_IU2mRkwJt6memg_IIdXLSYvQIfklNb2YCrMs4uog11vLjfEv5x7aJ1VKmdGWiTm5ia8FyQr-B5Pq8nYbPpOdAl9VMt-0xn0KssvVe6uilc90LCqDWlPjtgMwpGY4HYDC6cvt_GY3MLghZ-ZyH_9anoYwo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Grand Turk and Sultan Peaks watch over a Sleepy Silver-Mining town and those laid to rest. Below, is how young men used to die in Silverton...<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFEmq0q2_-bhZhR59y-WH0VzAgAZP5eAeOZFY0R1W6QY61bbj6rSnxqM3uqP1mg-6MhGISgEiH9Q_Qgh2aDVzDQPP356VRljxsrXzMqUh_yzqbDBoiG93W73C8DnHhEQyxvcWsdDZYEYWiXT2fnsoWyJlGO1-iguUMPItaLDVXfLTyRIUTZrPeqpY1=s3664" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3664" data-original-width="2618" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFEmq0q2_-bhZhR59y-WH0VzAgAZP5eAeOZFY0R1W6QY61bbj6rSnxqM3uqP1mg-6MhGISgEiH9Q_Qgh2aDVzDQPP356VRljxsrXzMqUh_yzqbDBoiG93W73C8DnHhEQyxvcWsdDZYEYWiXT2fnsoWyJlGO1-iguUMPItaLDVXfLTyRIUTZrPeqpY1=w458-h640" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq0UPkzW69yrvOVtab-bqBZMEFxUz367CSwumAyIMW1TMuEZjciCfCYM73VUgccZwlIXWiqX0LqhYo4aHbIj1otLDGgDS_PmT9pSNUUTnyrRyyXltD4MWtj0V7VI-aFIhiMbnD4H69o3Ba5Ks-cOVe031tEEls_P4oMPllgCwCpIXqFViB-w3I_Ftj=s4032" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq0UPkzW69yrvOVtab-bqBZMEFxUz367CSwumAyIMW1TMuEZjciCfCYM73VUgccZwlIXWiqX0LqhYo4aHbIj1otLDGgDS_PmT9pSNUUTnyrRyyXltD4MWtj0V7VI-aFIhiMbnD4H69o3Ba5Ks-cOVe031tEEls_P4oMPllgCwCpIXqFViB-w3I_Ftj=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, if you've been paying attention to Bobbie's scenic and often comedic Youtube Channel, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">Getting High With Two Old Broads</a>, </i>you already know what we've been up too...</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVsTHRRUpalUDW0guM3YIn8bs7jn6_zSkKW8391BITd-LLiS-ckwHmDXXbOjEf99O90QvOQOVcqXK0c8KJRKlgElClezKTf-tE9lpsLELaTli33ipt5m3NgIpDfcmUioKP3KNpxT9iGAiDNC71rmPup1dzeefTnSncR_ICFsFbt5qeSW-T1KQGZjb4=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVsTHRRUpalUDW0guM3YIn8bs7jn6_zSkKW8391BITd-LLiS-ckwHmDXXbOjEf99O90QvOQOVcqXK0c8KJRKlgElClezKTf-tE9lpsLELaTli33ipt5m3NgIpDfcmUioKP3KNpxT9iGAiDNC71rmPup1dzeefTnSncR_ICFsFbt5qeSW-T1KQGZjb4=w640-h480" width="640" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Snow gets plowed to the middle of the street in Silverton</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJbpXAXi1uQvkYkPsDrTzI9j1ckLMHZB5L22FXZFgtwh-2q3TSVOOlp4Mg0GtKgK7VCADaQ8oH3eddZVHXXGMIYg-S0zskDQ_ix2dlKxM3NQ-xhF8Npkr67NpJs0GpDAzi9dmjiA-LjAsPa7Te8qKdgIvXHzzAP6MQBKHsD6rpT7zo7T1-8brayJFA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJbpXAXi1uQvkYkPsDrTzI9j1ckLMHZB5L22FXZFgtwh-2q3TSVOOlp4Mg0GtKgK7VCADaQ8oH3eddZVHXXGMIYg-S0zskDQ_ix2dlKxM3NQ-xhF8Npkr67NpJs0GpDAzi9dmjiA-LjAsPa7Te8qKdgIvXHzzAP6MQBKHsD6rpT7zo7T1-8brayJFA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Headed up to Spirt Basin</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi352V451f9JKi0zlDopQkDCIz5bYiwSghnT_M_qH8xLnLxBfupkILb5m_A3K39_HSxr4WYd9iO3HERJj_93G-ntLV1UK2shck79wxZ34F9OKyFaYNApM8okFSQ_VoKGyJ_J5ua06vDBzk7jwM45qzhchHQBJFIvzZ9i911lPmPK_W4nkPO2ZfOTmT5=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi352V451f9JKi0zlDopQkDCIz5bYiwSghnT_M_qH8xLnLxBfupkILb5m_A3K39_HSxr4WYd9iO3HERJj_93G-ntLV1UK2shck79wxZ34F9OKyFaYNApM8okFSQ_VoKGyJ_J5ua06vDBzk7jwM45qzhchHQBJFIvzZ9i911lPmPK_W4nkPO2ZfOTmT5=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Fresh powder on the way up</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPh_K4zem-51xyCBg8npN6QZvTJ_7jLjOMfq3VRoqE5ANzGVGVMgZJJ_6sVdWIvG7FLSryi41ac-01-BK4QXhhYznBm7bCQYer7GsBRKpNiNObgmdcw1ys9OYW5kiqgTPrmhXgVFIju-2SfdlXWYAXEbe34FT33e2L_Rj4UnSm8iK3oW5Xm0_2Hb1e=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPh_K4zem-51xyCBg8npN6QZvTJ_7jLjOMfq3VRoqE5ANzGVGVMgZJJ_6sVdWIvG7FLSryi41ac-01-BK4QXhhYznBm7bCQYer7GsBRKpNiNObgmdcw1ys9OYW5kiqgTPrmhXgVFIju-2SfdlXWYAXEbe34FT33e2L_Rj4UnSm8iK3oW5Xm0_2Hb1e=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The reward for all the effort it takes to get there</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Jj8sRTJNvMo_7hMrdY7_NsnIGsumQ-cOTOqDadRmvqwmgevNc_DLgOqDOeJrUKtE8hcacKxbsLahTrYaAc3Gw6i1OUIO37Ha98AC4njr_DGTYRUEANiJF6oXH1Xl3A1bZypxAZf47m2K6a9gwiuLh9V820xZ2qfCkx2qvsdrjbMqoMZAHjb0iScz=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Jj8sRTJNvMo_7hMrdY7_NsnIGsumQ-cOTOqDadRmvqwmgevNc_DLgOqDOeJrUKtE8hcacKxbsLahTrYaAc3Gw6i1OUIO37Ha98AC4njr_DGTYRUEANiJF6oXH1Xl3A1bZypxAZf47m2K6a9gwiuLh9V820xZ2qfCkx2qvsdrjbMqoMZAHjb0iScz=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Windy on top</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb6SYiaXLC8wxkBjSWZ7cHewQdQ3E-_JM6qDRPqyqRrwI5t2TYZSPdDu0D-0C_04TimCETOT6eZmhPiGJ8aOU3r4sGSARAFbzal5XpLARLpC7jEe0iSVM78j0llMb-jACp1fBdbuTCa8iMxdSR8FzxQdjx_11b2xZVEEiGxFSzIeVbQDX9goY6TY3u=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb6SYiaXLC8wxkBjSWZ7cHewQdQ3E-_JM6qDRPqyqRrwI5t2TYZSPdDu0D-0C_04TimCETOT6eZmhPiGJ8aOU3r4sGSARAFbzal5XpLARLpC7jEe0iSVM78j0llMb-jACp1fBdbuTCa8iMxdSR8FzxQdjx_11b2xZVEEiGxFSzIeVbQDX9goY6TY3u=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What winter eventually does to old cabins near timberline</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT5Xwlw5D3doxnnHBCYrRevvr8E-9Jipfb0jTZs2hYaZcNffv6VJ2lhJmztdYEt0fYEA90uluq15Xjj2P_bFWEDXl0JLvf3xyo1QMHa4ct1ZdzbDLhCOaigbP01QAyNSsAiGBPY5_9BZjKL6I4gmuVUyQ_69LJ8hyeNv-ii4DwDEvUT4fQajR7YWSZ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT5Xwlw5D3doxnnHBCYrRevvr8E-9Jipfb0jTZs2hYaZcNffv6VJ2lhJmztdYEt0fYEA90uluq15Xjj2P_bFWEDXl0JLvf3xyo1QMHa4ct1ZdzbDLhCOaigbP01QAyNSsAiGBPY5_9BZjKL6I4gmuVUyQ_69LJ8hyeNv-ii4DwDEvUT4fQajR7YWSZ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tracking virgin snow near timberline</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6V5TnM2lliMYTYYz6okwxLxXk6cGbyj9XQBAlSUUC_mF9yTzFJsN4ZH7-GriddbcdnRY7qMkFDCyfYWPuzfRGVuTDMBvJznflRhow0O7EumDGO8pf3bWsNvj4O2lkSUz7xYT6-DpLYX2aRQOs3RlGySm_s948kfxcgwi6wu2oKGbaowCkVXNteyHi=w640-h480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">Getting High With Two Old Broads</a></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6V5TnM2lliMYTYYz6okwxLxXk6cGbyj9XQBAlSUUC_mF9yTzFJsN4ZH7-GriddbcdnRY7qMkFDCyfYWPuzfRGVuTDMBvJznflRhow0O7EumDGO8pf3bWsNvj4O2lkSUz7xYT6-DpLYX2aRQOs3RlGySm_s948kfxcgwi6wu2oKGbaowCkVXNteyHi=s4032" imageanchor="1"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKsapDCrMCIXosiwi2UiTjFXU6lboFakqLLdcXA-M0JyJ6zxgDxxyPMo6ozKcqLR4sTtCE1hLXjqtYOXLx-r8e5PAPsQQVlaK2qbrkB7MKK3AU6hBl4MNXFIrJ5TRc878okuejKwxxwRFDgxcTxJOBjZz6qcYym7mElkbNE8qfRg_ODbWfqWPO-9gJ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKsapDCrMCIXosiwi2UiTjFXU6lboFakqLLdcXA-M0JyJ6zxgDxxyPMo6ozKcqLR4sTtCE1hLXjqtYOXLx-r8e5PAPsQQVlaK2qbrkB7MKK3AU6hBl4MNXFIrJ5TRc878okuejKwxxwRFDgxcTxJOBjZz6qcYym7mElkbNE8qfRg_ODbWfqWPO-9gJ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mining ruins near Red Mountain Town, buried under feet of snow</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh-qcr1YPAf6dwpN_B1z9kgS3GlMl8CfpsOzi57KEjgxdohP9VX5cO_FajQOqnvfTzOU-ZD5mZqbKq-rafINUhjmqmt4sA-dOorJX_Xn1y1f1MkxR27ifZyTkeRij-r5bKcRr7eMdSFXFWNpr60H64XyMQ-iIUTtNs7oNsfp9dsI7pxhftrbP3jubw=s3862" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2849" data-original-width="3862" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh-qcr1YPAf6dwpN_B1z9kgS3GlMl8CfpsOzi57KEjgxdohP9VX5cO_FajQOqnvfTzOU-ZD5mZqbKq-rafINUhjmqmt4sA-dOorJX_Xn1y1f1MkxR27ifZyTkeRij-r5bKcRr7eMdSFXFWNpr60H64XyMQ-iIUTtNs7oNsfp9dsI7pxhftrbP3jubw=w640-h472" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Miner's cabin near Guston still standing</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeAh0OrDhEuyBpyUcHP-ZMa8PTH3l2ic6F3QXnLSuTdweRfmV4DqLl3x4BYkUJxdud3Iv_p8o-7YO1tvNQcUroZFoHb8xHcJ_2nVIvAhjBoUP38yPPgSOJ4gJoOuo0dAAH_EpuVW65T8QsafA48C2xt0J_Uk8yCQ9P18fovqjJ3vD9aZTQv6DwoWys=s3024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2930" data-original-width="3024" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeAh0OrDhEuyBpyUcHP-ZMa8PTH3l2ic6F3QXnLSuTdweRfmV4DqLl3x4BYkUJxdud3Iv_p8o-7YO1tvNQcUroZFoHb8xHcJ_2nVIvAhjBoUP38yPPgSOJ4gJoOuo0dAAH_EpuVW65T8QsafA48C2xt0J_Uk8yCQ9P18fovqjJ3vD9aZTQv6DwoWys=w640-h620" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mining head-frame </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiXvb0YcNwQ2ot72GScEhQEtGbdLp7vskoA-aW8y_IM7wz9GyR6lTc_GAL9MfSq2GhL9gUAv1kDlS425HjgAx4P-Bzl_dgAIM-uYkh9e5Za4ZXS2jqlLLMkqgZBoDTzDVP-vwmcB-isB8r_RhLXYAau7uXUPFt2jvinSqSPMtg6QVYJCemspMSrbjC=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiXvb0YcNwQ2ot72GScEhQEtGbdLp7vskoA-aW8y_IM7wz9GyR6lTc_GAL9MfSq2GhL9gUAv1kDlS425HjgAx4P-Bzl_dgAIM-uYkh9e5Za4ZXS2jqlLLMkqgZBoDTzDVP-vwmcB-isB8r_RhLXYAau7uXUPFt2jvinSqSPMtg6QVYJCemspMSrbjC=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Creek surfaces under deep snow</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif12rukq6GxycUhO83qR63W6OnHdaEbQfktnA9gHxNpr-4QBa6RW969n_JpKtGDQ5HqGQ8X_GBxt82oumMJ5s75nBxDzhCy2LBAZ7wootJU0GUalmwLxXsOajrZ6uPCDEu8e9l6_SxSn5dyNF2DYw6aM2WZN7o-gYHub8XBRZUkPhPJhg9sFlx8Kj3=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif12rukq6GxycUhO83qR63W6OnHdaEbQfktnA9gHxNpr-4QBa6RW969n_JpKtGDQ5HqGQ8X_GBxt82oumMJ5s75nBxDzhCy2LBAZ7wootJU0GUalmwLxXsOajrZ6uPCDEu8e9l6_SxSn5dyNF2DYw6aM2WZN7o-gYHub8XBRZUkPhPJhg9sFlx8Kj3=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Heavy snow load where The Colorado Trail meets Little Molas Lake </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiliowt8RwdCCKqWC4uAXIzBSU3uI-5gzD43XSyVgXKaSKglAnwTUy3EX12uFEPWNHsOb15dBD9Rp8aiE3GrZKq6BipTK7gbROHI2GWK2OK_lo0h5XcFaOsiyP0TZ6J-Awkiw-Wdhr24sSDown-0penD6IKmi5tnVm82oVlIJRQJ1MM8zx_9k9IGmwO=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiliowt8RwdCCKqWC4uAXIzBSU3uI-5gzD43XSyVgXKaSKglAnwTUy3EX12uFEPWNHsOb15dBD9Rp8aiE3GrZKq6BipTK7gbROHI2GWK2OK_lo0h5XcFaOsiyP0TZ6J-Awkiw-Wdhr24sSDown-0penD6IKmi5tnVm82oVlIJRQJ1MM8zx_9k9IGmwO=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI4mc_SkJPiLTRRZJVccSJGSOUIg2zV9I7pqgCrnBrpDZlcxF1Zm027dCXLa8nylh-4RyZgoR0TK7o0_5Bljoi5PmoedhK6gnCZHiMAZyoExsWTDhK2MXRYRbK6HDxkJTfNTSI6rkiSHYmIAAeQoQddBPvBP0Ioioj6tjfRa6I5sEwTx110_kstXI6=s2880" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2555" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI4mc_SkJPiLTRRZJVccSJGSOUIg2zV9I7pqgCrnBrpDZlcxF1Zm027dCXLa8nylh-4RyZgoR0TK7o0_5Bljoi5PmoedhK6gnCZHiMAZyoExsWTDhK2MXRYRbK6HDxkJTfNTSI6rkiSHYmIAAeQoQddBPvBP0Ioioj6tjfRa6I5sEwTx110_kstXI6=w568-h640" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Making tracks with views toward Silverton</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitrVF7I9Ks6s6z_-QAVrAEvOu-iifqWZou2rILjQtpSzvACIBAPOW0Auwk1C0l-wkXRZfB4fLzGkApQf8BfTnC9gNaHDxKdXxNRm3ZnrhlRiEMroLnx_qvJtBmth9tGPmdr_lw-8x9kz8DhqGi3eS2_qecI-AFPVxcLLZ565L5qgRuJ5hNmcjYchxv=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitrVF7I9Ks6s6z_-QAVrAEvOu-iifqWZou2rILjQtpSzvACIBAPOW0Auwk1C0l-wkXRZfB4fLzGkApQf8BfTnC9gNaHDxKdXxNRm3ZnrhlRiEMroLnx_qvJtBmth9tGPmdr_lw-8x9kz8DhqGi3eS2_qecI-AFPVxcLLZ565L5qgRuJ5hNmcjYchxv=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Xmas gifts from Brent and Anita: Bobbie gets a variety pack of Prosecco, and I get a gift certificate at White Wall for three glossy prints on metal from "My Favorite Photos" folder</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMrFzKa3jmdL5uRPP99UWxGctWKcsXihamk-jbd-GBbPbYTlW1T4K1MA1y26bDioAKhasdATj34hi7OTITaLYRccBJ5FV-gfkWCklRohUDKCFv7R2huYiF98HmruHGxeOqPyzoPaFn6pVgL5BccjLPalCMqcnsVC5t_Xmio-NYGjSFzsutWZWGjuNu=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMrFzKa3jmdL5uRPP99UWxGctWKcsXihamk-jbd-GBbPbYTlW1T4K1MA1y26bDioAKhasdATj34hi7OTITaLYRccBJ5FV-gfkWCklRohUDKCFv7R2huYiF98HmruHGxeOqPyzoPaFn6pVgL5BccjLPalCMqcnsVC5t_Xmio-NYGjSFzsutWZWGjuNu=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAanXkv8AUEA4Izt19Xo-UnImBI_W6Z6JSVLXPO6BzIDoMBWwoWr1Vt92lPhqfywmkApH3Jo1bdMploRHYC2krSgEkqu6EIi91POmGoBxh-VDnqRlB8Db1Loe6DSPkKRWO-l52CuzfMQipGp3btqX7MCxCdtY5pAmgm_RbqaAmB_x94GQBgWg_cWAk=w640-h480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ice climbers learning "the ropes" on the "bunny hill" before tackling the big shit down in the canyon </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAanXkv8AUEA4Izt19Xo-UnImBI_W6Z6JSVLXPO6BzIDoMBWwoWr1Vt92lPhqfywmkApH3Jo1bdMploRHYC2krSgEkqu6EIi91POmGoBxh-VDnqRlB8Db1Loe6DSPkKRWO-l52CuzfMQipGp3btqX7MCxCdtY5pAmgm_RbqaAmB_x94GQBgWg_cWAk=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkslqTOgNL0kkcAF6vWoejxp1NFWG2vxODZQg4a-XynurCnvybanRjosuAf-b8CCjdcbP30um3n5eV_XcJ6ccBrJrIZ1qOCYr6TC6xnwDbPtmy3gCuYXW12Gjv-vAHqihfoaysmkzj1xkNJo4s2rIFBvx9R0RO_5hbszjui42xjA3qx9Tj_g70jwZY=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkslqTOgNL0kkcAF6vWoejxp1NFWG2vxODZQg4a-XynurCnvybanRjosuAf-b8CCjdcbP30um3n5eV_XcJ6ccBrJrIZ1qOCYr6TC6xnwDbPtmy3gCuYXW12Gjv-vAHqihfoaysmkzj1xkNJo4s2rIFBvx9R0RO_5hbszjui42xjA3qx9Tj_g70jwZY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Big shit in the canyon...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGISt9NiY9-ns7iOUEdlB9FLVgeeYn2qUH9RkR3_pu8S-72pGnv3UsRIwlXi3SB8wajzln4YhKJn_XjeHY-i5zyKj4qv41o-l_8F3VEc0HCVKYH47-0vbZRMLCfvk_CNW8HsXjPbdpONY_5GNqEc7NkHIYJ-bMxitBBAA2uQOMGx3URDyEi-xlIy8X=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGISt9NiY9-ns7iOUEdlB9FLVgeeYn2qUH9RkR3_pu8S-72pGnv3UsRIwlXi3SB8wajzln4YhKJn_XjeHY-i5zyKj4qv41o-l_8F3VEc0HCVKYH47-0vbZRMLCfvk_CNW8HsXjPbdpONY_5GNqEc7NkHIYJ-bMxitBBAA2uQOMGx3URDyEi-xlIy8X=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Two "chicks with picks" taking on a straight-up Slot Ice waterfall on Camp Bird Road</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf3x4zPxrrNuT-kNcVC48O6d73xt7HrI8wDjGWOsnBuch7DuzO6lP8nJIpGJ6_klyg_-F92lWDasrPYTcpwKvxDGA3L-Q44rVbgzgrXcDdAA36X_oLEbUPncMNI6cxYr23dc4SXczzrSWIart4XTQcJEuMP5_GZ4pGkn2mfCKmpvnC9d-u7deXWT72=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf3x4zPxrrNuT-kNcVC48O6d73xt7HrI8wDjGWOsnBuch7DuzO6lP8nJIpGJ6_klyg_-F92lWDasrPYTcpwKvxDGA3L-Q44rVbgzgrXcDdAA36X_oLEbUPncMNI6cxYr23dc4SXczzrSWIart4XTQcJEuMP5_GZ4pGkn2mfCKmpvnC9d-u7deXWT72=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Breaking powder up Oak Creek Trail</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjrYUXoXyvzI0c8IGGR77N5Havl6Rhxs3N8TyMvpE9LQHaxcrCYAJ0txCleI-uNtb7Yz8ewNYmhoSTdEv7oB3N7oet43B7RlRdrG1QtXq2tmzKuT8T3zgNOa8lzQnvHmCMdMVMRKzdzIaPGKT3z93nAUNuw0nRiDdAY1vQQ_tIl4aEB1JSyN0jVkmU=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjrYUXoXyvzI0c8IGGR77N5Havl6Rhxs3N8TyMvpE9LQHaxcrCYAJ0txCleI-uNtb7Yz8ewNYmhoSTdEv7oB3N7oet43B7RlRdrG1QtXq2tmzKuT8T3zgNOa8lzQnvHmCMdMVMRKzdzIaPGKT3z93nAUNuw0nRiDdAY1vQQ_tIl4aEB1JSyN0jVkmU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie viewing Mount Sneffels from a grove of winterized aspen</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzytonrrwDuRWZpiVDa3hFTHgm8DVWQT50KZFayslzeWK4GgiES4tBwQEdCX4PtRZ1m7IuinNLh5xpZTZ-ShFjimciIXJ0fs-TQw5k-mVVlWhfv2Ajf2TtmkOfSgCb6CBR7WR4lMn4knYxVsHjgV-OY_o76XMDeY5ocEYbEkdIqD8q-ZGt60Qd8yEt=w640-h480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tracking snow near Mount Sneffel's north face</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzytonrrwDuRWZpiVDa3hFTHgm8DVWQT50KZFayslzeWK4GgiES4tBwQEdCX4PtRZ1m7IuinNLh5xpZTZ-ShFjimciIXJ0fs-TQw5k-mVVlWhfv2Ajf2TtmkOfSgCb6CBR7WR4lMn4knYxVsHjgV-OY_o76XMDeY5ocEYbEkdIqD8q-ZGt60Qd8yEt=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfP8ZzoIA3gYwPNBOysJWlryUHNa6PILNOEn37h5mY6FstVsQ4xZtSO1FMfPw2EZqTLKYptSUzdvh0K-7pwox5vBdgutoc2G3FSbDyDRWIlVlI4VMHlXbKOL0RY8SwxyT5RsDXfQ9kP2_S5RsQ6jzCGN6uMjYHqQZT6h2mjyVnX35B3X9aUHYPat1k=s3026" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2600" data-original-width="3026" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfP8ZzoIA3gYwPNBOysJWlryUHNa6PILNOEn37h5mY6FstVsQ4xZtSO1FMfPw2EZqTLKYptSUzdvh0K-7pwox5vBdgutoc2G3FSbDyDRWIlVlI4VMHlXbKOL0RY8SwxyT5RsDXfQ9kP2_S5RsQ6jzCGN6uMjYHqQZT6h2mjyVnX35B3X9aUHYPat1k=w640-h550" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hauling "free" firewood for Old Broad Ruthie. What are friends for?</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6CfTYMd7Bkj24dWgZ-eCjpcRtobXA7rjO9YLgStBsXU8BEMCf2JnfJ2asoKKhHOeOlGa-Bx1KsMDl5fdMqCOEKYE4s_8zmodo6lRkOCKuOvcGU2Q_ynVEn1F7SzXdhO3UYvlvt2sQO1AtxQNVg_rxCthY7Zw8k5lrK9ASbxH4E29RSM_fs2tA70u5=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6CfTYMd7Bkj24dWgZ-eCjpcRtobXA7rjO9YLgStBsXU8BEMCf2JnfJ2asoKKhHOeOlGa-Bx1KsMDl5fdMqCOEKYE4s_8zmodo6lRkOCKuOvcGU2Q_ynVEn1F7SzXdhO3UYvlvt2sQO1AtxQNVg_rxCthY7Zw8k5lrK9ASbxH4E29RSM_fs2tA70u5=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>When Avalanches intersect Camp Bird Road</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyvxzwPletf5uBZ7J0lkgkRAq4_W1_eytdZW-renq6RzH52wsWG_gdjg3Z4ZRp38V6GyNpWUucqiqvt2ppH4JxUNn7EY_EiIdtXJiJJjk9DJDuiiU-CbohMHTBfxOhxIxCqQPPRYZX9mG8vkizlPMXqJnkjxYnQb1CLpOe52rPBrD9nc_Z8_Joj9kb=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyvxzwPletf5uBZ7J0lkgkRAq4_W1_eytdZW-renq6RzH52wsWG_gdjg3Z4ZRp38V6GyNpWUucqiqvt2ppH4JxUNn7EY_EiIdtXJiJJjk9DJDuiiU-CbohMHTBfxOhxIxCqQPPRYZX9mG8vkizlPMXqJnkjxYnQb1CLpOe52rPBrD9nc_Z8_Joj9kb=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Deep, eh?</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg60XKh5ca5i9uNdBHNFoUyL1WYt4suPMFoJjsNFgvH5nCW8nKgPnKLWDT2LaZqu874tHL1cRb7zkDyLtln7oC-0xQ_7ojtWZXq-9jUhrq8WOh8IgHEoY_MyG-5onx1YIL5lMu3D7ozfYavCYM6D27duskCdCuQeCK8GGkI_8jLyW7fLJzUi6KwVZ1L=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg60XKh5ca5i9uNdBHNFoUyL1WYt4suPMFoJjsNFgvH5nCW8nKgPnKLWDT2LaZqu874tHL1cRb7zkDyLtln7oC-0xQ_7ojtWZXq-9jUhrq8WOh8IgHEoY_MyG-5onx1YIL5lMu3D7ozfYavCYM6D27duskCdCuQeCK8GGkI_8jLyW7fLJzUi6KwVZ1L=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Why we like hiking up Camp Bird Road</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwvBu1AkffQNpIcScSExUoG_oVr3tButuyI7FRsETyrju9xWSrLeBc6dbfP_hdjJW-O_iHRzBrP6svJX3tYuSN1i_7ToNhMJdf79zCvgXi8vrY-3pDoUZF6Cvb-792uz9AO_RXXodoXjsc5k9Agz83guksEtqr6MkhUnHccoT3vi9XhCHWpMyNrtyF=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwvBu1AkffQNpIcScSExUoG_oVr3tButuyI7FRsETyrju9xWSrLeBc6dbfP_hdjJW-O_iHRzBrP6svJX3tYuSN1i_7ToNhMJdf79zCvgXi8vrY-3pDoUZF6Cvb-792uz9AO_RXXodoXjsc5k9Agz83guksEtqr6MkhUnHccoT3vi9XhCHWpMyNrtyF=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mining road, with Mount Hayden background</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqZAfCKk3IHpumhgllm2iuLEac1YLxVw50V6an4GCCvGURUYfcNNvjuUaETsOgJGRU4z06ENkAq9plhTBCmMdD8REPUx9Jm-GHkVrL1tyF6u0fIwlAPvlQv25xSP9UvJxe48UuK0tXXDl2uLC1EYOj02HBcWSKUGe_kTAgs2ihG7XziJ54KebGzwLu=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqZAfCKk3IHpumhgllm2iuLEac1YLxVw50V6an4GCCvGURUYfcNNvjuUaETsOgJGRU4z06ENkAq9plhTBCmMdD8REPUx9Jm-GHkVrL1tyF6u0fIwlAPvlQv25xSP9UvJxe48UuK0tXXDl2uLC1EYOj02HBcWSKUGe_kTAgs2ihG7XziJ54KebGzwLu=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Where the snowplow stops we must don snowshoes</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG5G65CNFFt5_P625dv2N9EOdQlBpnLK1hTroedZyP4tIqF2IV7zLJHvIWfFE01Ary45-ObhOmpcGn3QBaeKcXTs2-kl5eSc1pFaxPJhWSxa-L8qx5BsX9_HPk7sEZyrDdINL4uRpemi0fnbtcCl8pWQnDiztGFhn5ZDNY8qJkaN9sBAnquroB0m0K=s2945" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2209" data-original-width="2945" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG5G65CNFFt5_P625dv2N9EOdQlBpnLK1hTroedZyP4tIqF2IV7zLJHvIWfFE01Ary45-ObhOmpcGn3QBaeKcXTs2-kl5eSc1pFaxPJhWSxa-L8qx5BsX9_HPk7sEZyrDdINL4uRpemi0fnbtcCl8pWQnDiztGFhn5ZDNY8qJkaN9sBAnquroB0m0K=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Stoney Mountain</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyAod-iIuoL1cYSLVanP9JRLITCFE5Lq5PXOfbluPHmQT0Cj4YFb2Mk_X9XKyJdL6BasPvpRPTQVV-S8783qXgGS_isVcWkHFGYxz4vYC_qbKcnb-Fdoi57YsVcj0nYHgrDg72alzvgf1HcOkS6wuP1c6PsnoDbaDVAgVUFOnJ9t1L7aB4bgV6_XBK=s3899" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1977" data-original-width="3899" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyAod-iIuoL1cYSLVanP9JRLITCFE5Lq5PXOfbluPHmQT0Cj4YFb2Mk_X9XKyJdL6BasPvpRPTQVV-S8783qXgGS_isVcWkHFGYxz4vYC_qbKcnb-Fdoi57YsVcj0nYHgrDg72alzvgf1HcOkS6wuP1c6PsnoDbaDVAgVUFOnJ9t1L7aB4bgV6_XBK=w640-h324" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>More Camp Bird Road</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW5gLevsFmqu5Mrp4VrrdUb0vqXRO-hX0oosz-MJwLBFbYKfV8GtryhtRid_caPEPjeaLzShO2UEpj7Wog8d1p2_pGa963kAZjVrFHFpJTsQZnQhlfQ-GsXgudQTuBcilcXr6gRJuC7Oz6osea5zocoLC6KQ_0qkHSfnYfiwAYOvhltTYYTz9_V3os=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW5gLevsFmqu5Mrp4VrrdUb0vqXRO-hX0oosz-MJwLBFbYKfV8GtryhtRid_caPEPjeaLzShO2UEpj7Wog8d1p2_pGa963kAZjVrFHFpJTsQZnQhlfQ-GsXgudQTuBcilcXr6gRJuC7Oz6osea5zocoLC6KQ_0qkHSfnYfiwAYOvhltTYYTz9_V3os=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Out our front window...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkkFgbomRxx5u83HnEpGFvKhGc6hPtPfbt9iZewYbS-s1CrD6a8QgEbolQ1gHuCisOdSvgM1FV9iFxfY5JPypZKDhdKKvuUyHmsDzmxnM52hF4wXV9Y10qhm_fut2_tKps60WThtVX35ngvfGc2aYbKnwBsTFWSTE0eRngUCjql5fbbQ-t3Q4giZmR=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkkFgbomRxx5u83HnEpGFvKhGc6hPtPfbt9iZewYbS-s1CrD6a8QgEbolQ1gHuCisOdSvgM1FV9iFxfY5JPypZKDhdKKvuUyHmsDzmxnM52hF4wXV9Y10qhm_fut2_tKps60WThtVX35ngvfGc2aYbKnwBsTFWSTE0eRngUCjql5fbbQ-t3Q4giZmR=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnL0-u1bFELfogwmKbtGs4demcTwt8bFSoSHLiyI32nSR-se2NzI3cmQyM1eriMPZ_jXrjugJLZlch_0kEMumW3b1V0Gr8hvoFw2tTrGDy7wjW5buey-dMrt-_iQzv8Ppar15faAVU1obhoZW5QH8z83LvkkA_GemrUZXilK55llSs777DI74Tal41=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnL0-u1bFELfogwmKbtGs4demcTwt8bFSoSHLiyI32nSR-se2NzI3cmQyM1eriMPZ_jXrjugJLZlch_0kEMumW3b1V0Gr8hvoFw2tTrGDy7wjW5buey-dMrt-_iQzv8Ppar15faAVU1obhoZW5QH8z83LvkkA_GemrUZXilK55llSs777DI74Tal41=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Another hike up Camp Bird Road...pushing 11,000 feet here</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfpI7iGjlGUui6O_Kt-VxlrNivtythnlt-TpY1KITzj7elsOLmrMDRXjl2zW35qpPuuqlfSJKLswMrTXHWTeMq0JdxK0LmFNoqN5eZrucvTL0I51QkzK1IbOineZf4sPopQmOY6LospZ1GDBRoxEYMx5lVl6ogJ3qn32rbm_mmCClm9LQWoFsViHzd=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfpI7iGjlGUui6O_Kt-VxlrNivtythnlt-TpY1KITzj7elsOLmrMDRXjl2zW35qpPuuqlfSJKLswMrTXHWTeMq0JdxK0LmFNoqN5eZrucvTL0I51QkzK1IbOineZf4sPopQmOY6LospZ1GDBRoxEYMx5lVl6ogJ3qn32rbm_mmCClm9LQWoFsViHzd=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Beyond the "plow," pushing for Yankee Boy Basin</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxtx6bhdGS0RhmvHKF_BmEq3Fz8-2MNky4UsM6VgNQzv1AXSni0y5gUF7T-G2_vLpOAyjOQvCjBfUBkDq4Jjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to switch "resolution" from SD to HD for better viewing...</span><p></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-34331438070019757372021-12-24T13:31:00.029-07:002021-12-24T14:30:21.893-07:00Food For Thought: Reflections On My Own Christmas Card Story and The State Of The Union<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvtArp9QAGmrLtEHjEEd30bzV-WqaM1dvFEtqFzEeKaGmmBrhROrTlEZCaSXn1d88ni0o87RHiYXk9R9AKYzqYLigChag-oTvlo3kcPjDLVC5V-U6Mbtc1eelbK4EbzFX_Z24fH5M22vsDRfHRqz4onj7etcR2S8hOE8Uhaco3_N1NfSxbdXn6KI1h=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvtArp9QAGmrLtEHjEEd30bzV-WqaM1dvFEtqFzEeKaGmmBrhROrTlEZCaSXn1d88ni0o87RHiYXk9R9AKYzqYLigChag-oTvlo3kcPjDLVC5V-U6Mbtc1eelbK4EbzFX_Z24fH5M22vsDRfHRqz4onj7etcR2S8hOE8Uhaco3_N1NfSxbdXn6KI1h=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the many things I love about winter outings is that it keeps me occupied in the present where I belong.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What can I say. It was yet another pleasant weekend! Those mischievous gods must be on Christmas Break. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6BjwX4m7DRDdSwVMlLaNij-ObVGBAw_Wwe-V8ep2myR2KHS8_0dbdQE_LixuIv7DIk3t33zwGtL_4Yj1ru_Kh5c3V9TJrSeIJZqdco-MVvcK-TtxgBmAOhN4D2UBuRxr2YvGfXkU1dKOcMuH48PTYDUsbTXUXotI2aUSNQl-RWjP59JhFBQwAJXEI=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2189" data-original-width="4032" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6BjwX4m7DRDdSwVMlLaNij-ObVGBAw_Wwe-V8ep2myR2KHS8_0dbdQE_LixuIv7DIk3t33zwGtL_4Yj1ru_Kh5c3V9TJrSeIJZqdco-MVvcK-TtxgBmAOhN4D2UBuRxr2YvGfXkU1dKOcMuH48PTYDUsbTXUXotI2aUSNQl-RWjP59JhFBQwAJXEI=w640-h348" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">We've had back to back to back weekends of sunny, soul-soothing post-storm snowshoe outings. Could it be I'm falling in love with winter again?</span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaouKycC-orCAdjkirIi2RP_XkDa9DegTZiXzh3rJgQeENpMl3k_EZ2B1QfYqjlMq7I9NVgPMd1pyGPCroS0AWcBSSQ6QvMfETSBN4A913PSdjI_hTv-Npp4TObFNEEsP8O-40UE7jvVsKN0GlsrV5oSzWzCx23oC6WRpfEHevOy15GsnVTc_j2-JO=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaouKycC-orCAdjkirIi2RP_XkDa9DegTZiXzh3rJgQeENpMl3k_EZ2B1QfYqjlMq7I9NVgPMd1pyGPCroS0AWcBSSQ6QvMfETSBN4A913PSdjI_hTv-Npp4TObFNEEsP8O-40UE7jvVsKN0GlsrV5oSzWzCx23oC6WRpfEHevOy15GsnVTc_j2-JO=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I'm rock'in the shorts with gators again this year.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dateline Mid-November, 1976: It was a longterm curiosity/fixation, wondering what it would be like to live, play and work in a place with real mountains, snowy winters and wildflower summers. Well, the house sold, much to my surprise. Egads, The Universe called my bluff!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I quit my job, embraced tearful goodbyes, and hit the I-44 turnpike west, towing my new home and a 26 foot travel trailer. </span><span>With every mile, Springfield, Missouri and all my friends faded to blakc in the rearview mirror. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I braved an early winter-like storm, buffeted by semi trucks and a headwinds that relegated my prized, packed-to-the-gills, six cylinder "Jimmy" pickup in second gear. At 26 years old, I was frightfully unsure of where I was headed, but I knew what I wanted. After my seemingly healthy dad dropped dead of a heart attack at the young age of 61, I was shaken to the core. It was enough for me to reorder priorities and set a go-and-never-look-back plan. It's one thing to move to a new town in order to start a new job, another thing entirely to strike out with no job, to a place you've yet decided on. I swear, I could feel adrenalin surging through my body like I'd just chugged three cups of expresso. That night, as I lay sleepless and cold somewhere in middle-of-nowhere Oklahoma in my trailer's too-short bed, I broke down and cried. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dateline Mid-May, 1964: After living my entire 14 years of life in in Arizona, I walked home with a friend on the last day of my freshman year of high school. I found Mom and Dad moving our personal possessions from a newly purchased 14 X 65 foot mobile home mansion into an 8 X 40 foot antique piece of shit trailer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The trailer was heavy, one that was meant to be parked on a mobile home lot, not towed like a camper. It was hooked to a </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>jury-rigged </span><span>bumper hitch on </span><span>our '56 Caddy </span><span>(my dad was a very resourceful man with tools and torches and welders). The trailer's hitch weight set the Caddy's ass only a couple inches off the ground. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. <i>We're moving???</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There had been rumors of "selling out" <i>again.</i> It's not like it hadn't happened before... setting off to who-knows-where-this-time, in search of "Gods Will." But I liked this place. The park had a pool and rec center with a piano where me and a cute neighbor girl played <i>Heart and Soul</i> for hours on end.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQCk0SGKOVv8bVPhOMWGWLeiuXbxdBeoaqSdTkqz_PzpT3U1vErjv85boEqn_xI3jMrLcbs-bvpUXlIIfCE51qwuKNlU-BQyXLg0tLienSasP1eETBwbpi9d_JKngrwVNn6IH55A6OAuIjdyq4gR2Ea8SV8hvK1OY97z02h-eHruwXknHArOjxMdBd=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQCk0SGKOVv8bVPhOMWGWLeiuXbxdBeoaqSdTkqz_PzpT3U1vErjv85boEqn_xI3jMrLcbs-bvpUXlIIfCE51qwuKNlU-BQyXLg0tLienSasP1eETBwbpi9d_JKngrwVNn6IH55A6OAuIjdyq4gR2Ea8SV8hvK1OY97z02h-eHruwXknHArOjxMdBd=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next day we headed east with the ramshackle trailer in tow, the Caddy's bumper dragging pavement and shooting sparks with every dip in the road.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where we going? </i>I kept asking. <i>God will lead us, </i>came the standard response.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This, is how I was parentally mandated to serve 12 years of detention in Springfield, Missouri...throughout high school, college, a hitch in the military that narrowly missed Vietnam, followed by a "real job." Oh yeah, and there was a marriage squeezed in there between "college" and "a hitch in the military." Life was ok, but something was missing. "Ok" doesn't cut it after a while. I was antsy, felt penned in and penned down in a place that never really felt like "home." I missed the west.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ8P4C4MM3f25yMnb7AejepitkZW_Yqajp9NNtek4ymJS8GLr1DtAiG-dFwhAwHLaTe6yCBFePnxMdlghmFwTecn5YKwWt1aKWmRiVcRUD-6KXQ9URmTUxpE0B1maapE0AdUzVch8PF6u7gLCyUbYsQBRsA7HIy80_krYUzuvZVSE9S_QmmPY8Dvdh=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ8P4C4MM3f25yMnb7AejepitkZW_Yqajp9NNtek4ymJS8GLr1DtAiG-dFwhAwHLaTe6yCBFePnxMdlghmFwTecn5YKwWt1aKWmRiVcRUD-6KXQ9URmTUxpE0B1maapE0AdUzVch8PF6u7gLCyUbYsQBRsA7HIy80_krYUzuvZVSE9S_QmmPY8Dvdh=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Rumbling along at 45 mph, Dad felt "led" to exit the freeway at Springfield, Missouri. A sign read. "Glenstone Avenue." He drove most of the way through town on Glenstone, seemingly waiting for sign from "God," maybe one that said "Turn Here, Everett and Hilda, I'm waiting." I don't know. It's just that Mom and Dad were so vague when I asked questions, the kind that have no answers. I mean, we were half way across the country and God wasn't talking. I think they felt as lost and anxious as I did that night I cried in my trailer's too short bed, somewhere in nowhere Oklahoma. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Having almost exhausted Glenstone, Dad hung a left on Sunshine Street. The Caddy's bumper scraped pavement as we dipped through a rather pronounced storm gutter. "Sunshine Street!" Mom said with hope in her voice. She thinks we're on to something...getting close. I have my doubts.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We drove east on Sunshine Street till the sun went down. Suddenly we were out of town, navigating narrow, crooked-as-a-stick rural backroads. Hay fields smelled of clover. A lazy James River wound toward the Mississippi, sluggish, like the people that lived there. "Guess we better find a place to turn around," said Dad. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We used a field entry to turn our behemoth rig around...nothing short of a 12 point turn due to Moms convoluted hand signals. I stare at a mailbox post that had a "Jesus Saves" sign nailed to it. <i>What a lie, </i>I think.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On our return trip to town, somewhere in the nether-lands betwixt hay fields and Circle Ks, Dad pulls into a trashy trailer park. He marches up to a mobile that had a crooked sign that said "Office." I'm embarrassed. We looked like something out of <i>The Beverly Hillbillies</i>. They'll never let us in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dad scored the only site left, and, in spite of Mom's help, managed to sandwich our rig between two equally ramshackle trailers. "So is <i>this</i> where we're going to live?" I ask, eyebrows raised. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At dinner prayer, Dad asks God to have His way in our lives...to show us His plan and guide us. I was skeptical, even at 14 years old. After so many years of unanswered prayers, my sister's suicide, and, after a thousand prayers, the fact that Rita Curry didn't ask me to dance on Sadie Hawkins night in elementary school, well, if there is a God, he sure picks and chooses the prayers He answers. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgDN-F5Whqr0eDTbwAK1ZayHx8opwNk3kQpN_s8oVsVC40Vm3TPuMG7Tt7415e0McihHo8lFzVBSUVdr_Ezfn477vbzLw1nmgChHaLnDsVdEYPgm_woNdzc05SL5l2Niw08lrYoltW3pbrQ0CWt23DUMNehK7F8149v1yBxv_gP3Rrf_F3H9f8UebF=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgDN-F5Whqr0eDTbwAK1ZayHx8opwNk3kQpN_s8oVsVC40Vm3TPuMG7Tt7415e0McihHo8lFzVBSUVdr_Ezfn477vbzLw1nmgChHaLnDsVdEYPgm_woNdzc05SL5l2Niw08lrYoltW3pbrQ0CWt23DUMNehK7F8149v1yBxv_gP3Rrf_F3H9f8UebF=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Across Sunshine Street I noticed a big house. A few kids played football in a grassy runway next to a couple small airplanes. The planes are secured with ropes to anchors in the ground...in case of tornadoes, I learned later. People who lived in trailers didn't bother.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of the kids looked my age, so I wandered over. His name was Paul. Over the summer Paul and I grew to be best friends. Technically, he was my only friend, but it helped quel</span><span style="font-size: large;">l some of my anxiety regarding uprooting from Arizona and wandering aimlessly in an unending search for Gods Will. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHoKwPk8WWv-M24K-DX7zJsTNL7rT5Vu5BHHVDocnbT3unx0hTk1XJnbc7z8H6iRL32-jVl1lzZ3f5SyZ9kSPWilU6eN6kr2-xY4Bke19XvtIOfSEX9i6kzi1ayu2trRujwyq5PyFOD4hiVPZmcK22PupsgoNMsZV9jGtoWYtXBoUZKNF_cIu55USY=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHoKwPk8WWv-M24K-DX7zJsTNL7rT5Vu5BHHVDocnbT3unx0hTk1XJnbc7z8H6iRL32-jVl1lzZ3f5SyZ9kSPWilU6eN6kr2-xY4Bke19XvtIOfSEX9i6kzi1ayu2trRujwyq5PyFOD4hiVPZmcK22PupsgoNMsZV9jGtoWYtXBoUZKNF_cIu55USY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><p><span style="font-size: large;">That fall I started my sophomore year at Glendale High. The School was only a couple years old, evidenced by shiny tile floors and brightly colored lockers that lined the hallways. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My first hint was that kids dressed fancy at Glendale High. Guys wore trendy paisley patterned shirts with button down collars. I couldn't compete with my K Mart wardrobe. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hardly anyone rode the bus. Hell, most juniors and seniors had their own cars, Mustangs, GTOs and even a few Corvettes. I found out that the well-to-do had migrated to the burbs, new subdivisions with curvy paved lanes popping up everywhere east of town, so many that Glendale High was built to handle the influx of upper-crust families trying to escape city-life. I remember my first day at school, how out of place I felt dressed in my old sneakers and clothes.</span></p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicUw_PHT2mvMucdTnxd2--VUsLIcO2pWoCNJe-eG62W5yYwv7D-7A8mPx7hmR_BKaE-DCWghAMiHepI8lGVXC_gs33l3DtLkxuWcjG-yCLW9MSSipuM0xaqA9Vp3kRCR7QSOXNtOCczl93WgGTxuO7LX8prZxy7F5wg0aTwORuhC8vDsu-x9fCfRKC=s3362" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="3362" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicUw_PHT2mvMucdTnxd2--VUsLIcO2pWoCNJe-eG62W5yYwv7D-7A8mPx7hmR_BKaE-DCWghAMiHepI8lGVXC_gs33l3DtLkxuWcjG-yCLW9MSSipuM0xaqA9Vp3kRCR7QSOXNtOCczl93WgGTxuO7LX8prZxy7F5wg0aTwORuhC8vDsu-x9fCfRKC=w640-h508" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOuSNC035ucTIkT6mv6tlFRr_HgtTMJIfYpbhyNh1ED7wWZUci9CvfFjbVy6QiM5jGOY0IavqAMJcxkgcX6L4FHTqLztz4jwPSVf_CXpnM6XW6NXUc4otMskcSCgqkjgD77mdtivaM0PhaC7WadUCfmz7T6H970r655cH4qDXu97kumvN06Ix8XmEp=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOuSNC035ucTIkT6mv6tlFRr_HgtTMJIfYpbhyNh1ED7wWZUci9CvfFjbVy6QiM5jGOY0IavqAMJcxkgcX6L4FHTqLztz4jwPSVf_CXpnM6XW6NXUc4otMskcSCgqkjgD77mdtivaM0PhaC7WadUCfmz7T6H970r655cH4qDXu97kumvN06Ix8XmEp=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr2OZSGp7nHp7pnir5J_p9-e_OwmAeTJnVoZ46sPfGOZblke0GJmbs5_vZldRKAyI-fdtQxcylJeH3G9u3Ey_kJ5XK4o3XVnpKbio7DrwRU8xCjwc1WiiQ27ECEavsA0aBv3dl3hu9qFp8D7ASc07_-qeq-OIIrRu0Iovao1vbPfca88Fe4-4th70o=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr2OZSGp7nHp7pnir5J_p9-e_OwmAeTJnVoZ46sPfGOZblke0GJmbs5_vZldRKAyI-fdtQxcylJeH3G9u3Ey_kJ5XK4o3XVnpKbio7DrwRU8xCjwc1WiiQ27ECEavsA0aBv3dl3hu9qFp8D7ASc07_-qeq-OIIrRu0Iovao1vbPfca88Fe4-4th70o=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My first car was a VW Beatle. I inherited it after my sister, Sally Jo, took her life. No more riding the bus for me. I got a job working at service station after school...pumping gas, changing oil, greasing cars. I learned to change belts and water pumps and fix flat tires. I was friendly to customers as I washed smears of bugs off their windshields, especially the gals with mini skirts. One night a customer took note and asks how much I make. I told him 75 cents an hour. He said he was opening a gas station down on Glenstone and he'd pay me a buck an hour to come work for him. I took him up on it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I remember how sweet it felt to have money. I told Mom that from now on I would buy my own clothes. Of course I was glad to do it because she only shopped at discount stores like K Mart and Yellow Front. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I opened a checking account and went downtown to a swanky Men's clothing store. I was going to buy a couple paisley shirts and a pair of Levis, but when I saw the price of the shirts I about passed out. 16 bucks! I ended up walking out with one shirt. I wore it to school every other day, hoping people wouldn't notice. Suddenly, I knew what it was like to be poor, at least poorer than almost everyone else at Glendale High.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTd5PJ2m6QLa4QU8vWgYK7oVy7HpE0Wpbp-5mJ__KCjfYlyT-zbFBVNki2ek3BrI_LcoINGwYf09knFuYaipF2onHxD-4clNGaTwpy5vLgWjS38ozR06ykorsoCzzBFF2iubOmrAg5fTmzdtVBj21oi-xNaM77u1GlNcImC8Jn-4HMBT4Cok26Qgxi=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2295" data-original-width="4032" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTd5PJ2m6QLa4QU8vWgYK7oVy7HpE0Wpbp-5mJ__KCjfYlyT-zbFBVNki2ek3BrI_LcoINGwYf09knFuYaipF2onHxD-4clNGaTwpy5vLgWjS38ozR06ykorsoCzzBFF2iubOmrAg5fTmzdtVBj21oi-xNaM77u1GlNcImC8Jn-4HMBT4Cok26Qgxi=w640-h364" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In retrospect, seeing nowadays how so many parents smother their kids with toys and clothes and skis and fancy bikes that cost five grand, I'm glad I had to endure class consciousness and the instability of parents always in search of God's will. It toughened me up a little bit...maybe even enough for me to uproot and head west, without a job or destination.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBWK9jb9ANV2IZZMXzsUCfnTFkP6hmow-3hwkqVUIvUpT1gEs1VltjrbkGc92l7EDRa0uEBGpzcX-44LjrB0N_1A1qiyJAx8x4GEawlzKW9BBmk-7-6A0J6NOTmdhvA03xeDC2v57HZHNglqD6QhOp281zAZc4qwJzR3UcxnBZvo-05hfZKdsyXPYf=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBWK9jb9ANV2IZZMXzsUCfnTFkP6hmow-3hwkqVUIvUpT1gEs1VltjrbkGc92l7EDRa0uEBGpzcX-44LjrB0N_1A1qiyJAx8x4GEawlzKW9BBmk-7-6A0J6NOTmdhvA03xeDC2v57HZHNglqD6QhOp281zAZc4qwJzR3UcxnBZvo-05hfZKdsyXPYf=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI75hUSH7MY-60akseYJYr-Fjh7P6f1IuGcqkNQbYsHRisms8ZDCVn7eZtKnk01_xW6Ck9GtTNfbmTj559M2FtazCMbS533bYDB_xH40F2y4Sod8CGbxW3BNSlwzEGL_lNQRzm8cflRcUgBDMEds_83e7fl3qteednrXqWx9DHPiCvY15RVCBgYBeM=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI75hUSH7MY-60akseYJYr-Fjh7P6f1IuGcqkNQbYsHRisms8ZDCVn7eZtKnk01_xW6Ck9GtTNfbmTj559M2FtazCMbS533bYDB_xH40F2y4Sod8CGbxW3BNSlwzEGL_lNQRzm8cflRcUgBDMEds_83e7fl3qteednrXqWx9DHPiCvY15RVCBgYBeM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEjLSxbrzI6FFYbPE8FvoZ626QcT1ho2yQMQjD8Q98TUW2tGgo-ivmgzZQWrCP0qmr4YavwX2MXr6Q3j9UZqohsbw8iWVSTph9_ThDlU-S4AGUXzBa3eI_6yZInEy8sWFMSQZ1L9v7g51whj1VZgorXzevYCodgJKZM-6a2Hpn538GaHeIGN51_Xg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEjLSxbrzI6FFYbPE8FvoZ626QcT1ho2yQMQjD8Q98TUW2tGgo-ivmgzZQWrCP0qmr4YavwX2MXr6Q3j9UZqohsbw8iWVSTph9_ThDlU-S4AGUXzBa3eI_6yZInEy8sWFMSQZ1L9v7g51whj1VZgorXzevYCodgJKZM-6a2Hpn538GaHeIGN51_Xg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib8eYz5e7GFlFdRXhQdzw-GBL_5G2u2ckLLa4oa8tSni4JX5Zr5ZqHucMGwr9X-fHcpg-jRpf1gB9Or2eoj9RsuOSlLRM8LUNol-Nc3L-PcUD2O0lIccx3qTTPkTzuVuNY1Z_qHvKpFhPE-saf2zpdjTdvyNWeA66eZLQp8xz57UgJinFW3_YXkZ78=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib8eYz5e7GFlFdRXhQdzw-GBL_5G2u2ckLLa4oa8tSni4JX5Zr5ZqHucMGwr9X-fHcpg-jRpf1gB9Or2eoj9RsuOSlLRM8LUNol-Nc3L-PcUD2O0lIccx3qTTPkTzuVuNY1Z_qHvKpFhPE-saf2zpdjTdvyNWeA66eZLQp8xz57UgJinFW3_YXkZ78=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxTctv1R8x33WNECOWPe7o5g1DLNoZ6LabdXJ6MKAY-WEmrI5Zn-IXX2WvoFi3u9YaZ8uZNeSDb__hdMK5zag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Home is more a feeling than a place. </span>A quote on Juliet's recent post, <i>Liminality,</i> from her <i><a href="http://www.morelifelesswaste.com" target="_blank">More Life, Less Waste</a></i> blog, reminded me how much I love and have missed reading Donald Miller's philosophical/theistic take on life. "<i>We get one story, you and I ... And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can't go back to being normal; you can't go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time.</i>” </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Donald Miller</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would add to the above quote that <i>beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder</i>, and so, too, the definition of "<i>wasted time</i>." You see, one man's junk is another man's treasure. Individuals differ when it comes to <i>generating meaning and substance in their lives.</i> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">To me, the bottom line is, <i>Life is not a story about me so much as it is a story about <span style="font-weight: bold;">us </span>the collective, the "neighborhoods," the mutual, shared, collaboration, cooperation and</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> in-commonness of our humanity. </i>As I see and read the news these days, most of us seem to be headed in opposite directions, and I worry that we are slipping into a "Me First" mindset (thank you Donald Trump), a <i>my rights, my politics, my AR-15s, my religion and damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead attitude. </i>Not even <i>Christmas</i> can put a dent in this kind of self-centered powder keg. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are we now on the precipice of the ultimate axiom that precedes collapse or, dare I say it, <i>Civil War</i>? Be it Church, State or Societal Disenfranchisement based on Inequalities: The rot of Disunity chips away at the very foundational precepts that once inspired brotherly love and positive purpose. And now, as we all know, our House Divided is at risk of, well, collapsing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed the above Christmas Cards from one of our snowshoe treks up on Red Mountain. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Today is Christmas Eve. It's snowing outside as Bobbie bakes a pumpkin pie, and the house is filled with warmth from the hearth and holiday aromas. The wine and Prosecco are beginning to flow, and it will no doubt soon loosen tongues and giggle boxes. Sugar goodies are within arm's reach no matter where we sit, and the turkey is thawed and ready for baking. It will be stuffed with dressing, as well as provide stock for Bobbie's heavenly gravy that I intend to spread liberally atop dark meat, mashed potatoes and the aforementioned stuffing. Bobbie also has homemade rolls at the ready for heating @ T Minus 10 minutes before blastoff. I'll prepare a salad, which will likely go untouched until tomorrow or Sunday or whenever we feel the need to undo damage to waistlines. A series of winter storms are on their way, which should put us "above average" snowpack for this time of year and make for great snowshoeing up on "Red."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for all who continue to read this blog, in spite of its rambling author/editor/photographer. Bobbie and I wish you the best of health and the happiest New Year ever!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And be sure to keep up with Bobbie's <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">Getting High With Two Old Broads</a> </i>Youtube Channel, especially as winter has her in snowshoes instead of hiking boots!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now go take a hike!</span></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-70547715024077918822021-12-18T08:14:00.003-07:002021-12-18T08:16:48.514-07:00Winter In The High Country: A Lesson In Perseverance and Making Lemonade From Lemons <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqnNOSa7azd7N5o2Pyb5JDJgL7gVNPb31lio0BuVqPjH4-aI75mlDzGF5_HBGVA7ipp5v0C3UuRvsLYpZnaXXmU3kkV-ogH1xpY0qGFCbipINCpsiXjoyGwlFzWK1p-NwC9WasL4a28Zt0_nxHKE50hibummNNWESrfpOEWcfpkvBQgqGO6A2yOFTP=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqnNOSa7azd7N5o2Pyb5JDJgL7gVNPb31lio0BuVqPjH4-aI75mlDzGF5_HBGVA7ipp5v0C3UuRvsLYpZnaXXmU3kkV-ogH1xpY0qGFCbipINCpsiXjoyGwlFzWK1p-NwC9WasL4a28Zt0_nxHKE50hibummNNWESrfpOEWcfpkvBQgqGO6A2yOFTP=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9A9AOSmYqY/YbpmRm9jpyI/AAAAAAAA7bA/agR3xb50bAUhUV67TP48txpt2fa0ntBqwCNcBGAsYHQ/Bobbie%2Bsnowshoe.tiff" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9A9AOSmYqY/YbpmRm9jpyI/AAAAAAAA7bA/agR3xb50bAUhUV67TP48txpt2fa0ntBqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Bobbie%2Bsnowshoe.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div> <span style="font-size: large;">"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Victor Hugo</b></span><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I try to look at six-month high country winters as lessons in perseverance. Ok, maybe endurance is a better word. At best, they can make a person appreciate spring, summer and fall...not to mention, <i>Rvs and</i> <i>Southern Arizona, </i>which kinda undoes lessons in perseverance, but you get my point. At worse, well, let's just say I'm not fond of having to wear 7 layers of clothes. Long cold winters remind me of every injury I inflected on my body during my careless/foolish youth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Currently, as I pen this post, Lovely Ouray is being gifted with its first blizzard of this up-to-now moderate winter. I pace expansive Imax Windows, peering down at a near invasion of C-DOT snowplows rumbling through town. They are out in force, intense blue lights flashing, shattering our blanket of white peace with the grating roar of metal on asphalt...heavy steel blades fling giant arcs of grimy slush to the shoulders of Main Street. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can hear the laboring groan of diesel engines from a convoy of snowplows reverberate from our box canyon cliffs. They creep up Lovely Ouray's serpentine switchbacks, eventually fading from view in a raging blizzard. I do not envy the plow drivers task in storms like this. Clearing snow from the notorious, guardrail-less, shoulder-less Million Dollar Highway is not a job for the faint of heart. If it's a blizzard here in Lovely Ouray, what must it be like on Red Mountain Pass? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwI4cX5i1fIeEHdrhAo8nfaK3cO6i9oUxDDvVxX4wTadzZIREzKEgg_I8SBYT5y9bhTgZM9EqQVFRh0wiQ6sg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For once, the weather-guessers get it right. Two days and two nights it storms. Unnerving gale winds blow with such ferocity that it rattles doors in their their latches, enough to keep us awake at night. Windows freeze shut. Not that I want to open them during a blizzard...unless there is a fire. I dream up alternative escape routes instead of sleeping. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The storm is forecasted to be a fast mover. Ha. The morning of the third day the snow abates and wake to clear skies and temps hovering near zero. As I'm known to say: <i>If the sun is out, temps are irrelevant. </i>Except when the wind blows. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj36rEAgd4RuNp0_AWfsSkDm9NggXfqNcm88usiCeYsInxhPDfXsUbCtv26nfprMwZSUFoG79-Tg3TspMHqDbeO2PonxCetyEASv2e52R_ECEvfGl80i4kAPexPSbkg0zHRP-c4CXi8C1VZ4LTEoxlaJN48U-c2OvITRdQyGqWHxq5i514lFeC8A6XT=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj36rEAgd4RuNp0_AWfsSkDm9NggXfqNcm88usiCeYsInxhPDfXsUbCtv26nfprMwZSUFoG79-Tg3TspMHqDbeO2PonxCetyEASv2e52R_ECEvfGl80i4kAPexPSbkg0zHRP-c4CXi8C1VZ4LTEoxlaJN48U-c2OvITRdQyGqWHxq5i514lFeC8A6XT=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And blow it does. We watch clouds of snow swirl like smoke </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">from peaks above the Amphitheater.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I cry out in anger and disgust as I pull on long pants; </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Where's the fucking calm after the storm?</span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Bobbie and are determined to snowshoe, maybe head up Red Mountain if the snowplows have done their job. Even a short trek is better than nothing staying indoors, especially when a brand new pair of Atlas snowshoes await a debut. No more fussing with Rube Goldberg hose clamps that jury-rig broken bindings to the frames of old clunkers. Good riddance! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwh-Y5qcHGeAQda8oHh7jVd5PElog9mdfe1ajqPct7IYYvBGiEeB-dgCRDgvofGXPlLD01af1KoNOKtd3zfF8BACjIcfPko7Ll6k3s_Fqc7sCouc4HjXcDt3eFFJBCOwgUbUgL8u-2NNNFYQF396nYbOpPp-pI2z5EdopAQ7mv63FWXlX9QqBjP8D0=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwh-Y5qcHGeAQda8oHh7jVd5PElog9mdfe1ajqPct7IYYvBGiEeB-dgCRDgvofGXPlLD01af1KoNOKtd3zfF8BACjIcfPko7Ll6k3s_Fqc7sCouc4HjXcDt3eFFJBCOwgUbUgL8u-2NNNFYQF396nYbOpPp-pI2z5EdopAQ7mv63FWXlX9QqBjP8D0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Two thirds of the way up Red Mountain we decide to give Crystal Lake a go. No parked cars. No tracks. No people. Perfect!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKe2Uf6hE0LnH82u5aul8J8tyXWEbujvlNUu-irOWlmMxv8IqGaKmTKc3hoiRXqSzEdvta0E7L2vCaj1FuQnYC1dqIkGEZdyaYNt7WndJ8IUDY-YKQ38qT_n3ydVexwEWLVvKTEq21Nq1vLUZBMUQRhrDErCxsXNFF8_7w7r77EvZF3OwBD4taRxlR=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKe2Uf6hE0LnH82u5aul8J8tyXWEbujvlNUu-irOWlmMxv8IqGaKmTKc3hoiRXqSzEdvta0E7L2vCaj1FuQnYC1dqIkGEZdyaYNt7WndJ8IUDY-YKQ38qT_n3ydVexwEWLVvKTEq21Nq1vLUZBMUQRhrDErCxsXNFF8_7w7r77EvZF3OwBD4taRxlR=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The lake's froze over. A rough coating of crusted wind-blown snow and ice chunks the surface. So much for ice skating. Where's a Zamboni when you need one? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I comment to Bobbie between elevation induced huffs and puffs: <i>Maybe we'll see a moose! </i>Just putting it "out there" pretty much assures the wildlife gods will zap our hopes.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwCMemrwjRV5HB8AFn7s7fGT64YZcw04OXKW0uTm-nNW_NVZ5D_En47MuHPhmu0ujTiknL_4Bc0DMmfZ8m9fb2848ZwKWyGVlJhCmgGmVl6QZNhCwU2xckJ8gF6VHcVZIISEfM3f_im7RvwNI5xilAR3XSnTQJNxGDmAYgpmj3U1fJPGN1x_AgBlCs=s3750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2812" data-original-width="3750" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwCMemrwjRV5HB8AFn7s7fGT64YZcw04OXKW0uTm-nNW_NVZ5D_En47MuHPhmu0ujTiknL_4Bc0DMmfZ8m9fb2848ZwKWyGVlJhCmgGmVl6QZNhCwU2xckJ8gF6VHcVZIISEfM3f_im7RvwNI5xilAR3XSnTQJNxGDmAYgpmj3U1fJPGN1x_AgBlCs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We wonder why we're huffing and puffing so hard at 10,000 feet when recent hikes are upwards of 11,000 feet. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Finally it dawns on us. It's the snow...not the normal light and fluffy kind we are accustomed to this high up. No, this storm came in from the west instead of north. It makes for a warmer air flow...which makes for heavier snow...which makes more work of snowshoeing. Gale force wind doesn't help. It drives snow to form bottomless drifts, turning backcountry outings into aerobic workouts. It's like wading wet cement while wearing leg weights. Wind reshapes snowflakes, rounding them into tiny ice balls that pack together like sand. Ugh. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We take turns breaking trail around the lake till, ultimately, we reach a mountainside slope that stops us in our tracks. It's sketchy steep, and shows evidence from previous avalanches. Aspen trees </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">litter the slope,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> snapped like toothpicks. Another pile rests way out on the lake. <i>It doesn't feel like a good day to die,</i> I say. We beat a retreat to safety. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I suggest going back to the dam, maybe try to punch up through woods on a trail we hike during summertimes. It winds around and up through a dense forest of trees, climbing steeply and narrow. We're never sure when we're on it and when we're off it. <i>Look for cut logs</i>, Bobbie says. Good idea.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM95TFSLumpRlJRbWTBwWEj9o_iEcAayEGuXBnEmbpHN7RFcWELJz1YOL9ymgc1dSVNbWvA7aKxRaDxqo0LDoe7HRRh94jdCnpIC4B1ZtFAgsz8Z9xOjcA3WzgCWFLy7z_yGEcg55G5E0ytT4WZyU87jM3zDID0A47POmbpVxcH5MTm1tRetmrgmh2=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM95TFSLumpRlJRbWTBwWEj9o_iEcAayEGuXBnEmbpHN7RFcWELJz1YOL9ymgc1dSVNbWvA7aKxRaDxqo0LDoe7HRRh94jdCnpIC4B1ZtFAgsz8Z9xOjcA3WzgCWFLy7z_yGEcg55G5E0ytT4WZyU87jM3zDID0A47POmbpVxcH5MTm1tRetmrgmh2=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie, heading for the forest...about to trade sunshine and wind for darkness and calm.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The trail doesn't waste any time. It quickly steepens to a point where progress is measured more in inches than feet or miles. The higher we rise above the lake, the deeper the snow. Now it's up to our knees. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizSZfxdANyD1w4rpPbfxtbS0YxAXvWRG9VmIQS2Jw_ZAyVVkDTeRfGuS3JpXRLZ4jdyoA076CleHFs5D-oySQFVtmZyGz10bPeIbMqVAa7zy-xM2mk-bXIFA5sY8rDySvsbr5LryRDd9YxydKFtHPXmsfMrDJ5Y9F1rnqgTLuMSYh4zNSLjE2uYsLK=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizSZfxdANyD1w4rpPbfxtbS0YxAXvWRG9VmIQS2Jw_ZAyVVkDTeRfGuS3JpXRLZ4jdyoA076CleHFs5D-oySQFVtmZyGz10bPeIbMqVAa7zy-xM2mk-bXIFA5sY8rDySvsbr5LryRDd9YxydKFtHPXmsfMrDJ5Y9F1rnqgTLuMSYh4zNSLjE2uYsLK=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">The next day, and, apparently, no worse for the wear, we return to Red Mountain, this time a couple thousand feet higher. Our snowshoe adventure departs from the "pass," 1l,000 feet. Still, it's all up hill from there.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Snow conditions are much the same as Saturday, only deeper...much deeper. In places, drifts have us struggling to get out of waist deep snow. </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYlqyTv_IvNaE0LLTPc3odvynq_X755282mQ7hnX7yYKXqh7C-1Rx_5m4uOeprLLFAsDfZX0OQSXdxaSFMEi6uCG9q2QoFsS1QpblU0lsEyQZw3U_Y2JYPo1f-kuIrQ-3eEsFltokrQaGqtmmRcV__J4tXs3mgLE-H3Cfz1mmHPhvZR-cWZOoJRWHK=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYlqyTv_IvNaE0LLTPc3odvynq_X755282mQ7hnX7yYKXqh7C-1Rx_5m4uOeprLLFAsDfZX0OQSXdxaSFMEi6uCG9q2QoFsS1QpblU0lsEyQZw3U_Y2JYPo1f-kuIrQ-3eEsFltokrQaGqtmmRcV__J4tXs3mgLE-H3Cfz1mmHPhvZR-cWZOoJRWHK=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie follows my tracks upslope after leaving the pass...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsrCmt44ry2ZEwRacpjPZefrByn1LaM2qNCzoOrafvt8XjxQ4jjsFJpb2_-pUWi-GcPbp-FcIKUwp-BG1vftyNY5kgWKLtEyElTMGs5x-opXNvJYWszJxzuB_VN3FhVLOThL219pG5b1PDxRryRaufleR8SWH3mmYGHuvsr8m35UMGAkfUprs584j=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsrCmt44ry2ZEwRacpjPZefrByn1LaM2qNCzoOrafvt8XjxQ4jjsFJpb2_-pUWi-GcPbp-FcIKUwp-BG1vftyNY5kgWKLtEyElTMGs5x-opXNvJYWszJxzuB_VN3FhVLOThL219pG5b1PDxRryRaufleR8SWH3mmYGHuvsr8m35UMGAkfUprs584j=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In some photos you can see clouds of snow blowing off the peaks. Others, where ground blizzard threatens to stall us out. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2vIPXRkP8NuwkNY8Ne_7dGahBS4hM4s5UOvEc4LOjLoaILqn44QWrh-sx3LPvz3zujSfdGrsmuDb_xY8X1MU5O6vGRve8Aw0QCPkmftAT_6xzomrtcwYrzac-G-W1GneNmpTuWLYP1vfVZ_1b87KTLZZe3vjNbCyTOzjLX4p2BIgRDenUx48oOE8S=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2vIPXRkP8NuwkNY8Ne_7dGahBS4hM4s5UOvEc4LOjLoaILqn44QWrh-sx3LPvz3zujSfdGrsmuDb_xY8X1MU5O6vGRve8Aw0QCPkmftAT_6xzomrtcwYrzac-G-W1GneNmpTuWLYP1vfVZ_1b87KTLZZe3vjNbCyTOzjLX4p2BIgRDenUx48oOE8S=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKDFMYI_hTnK3o6EKSO4JCbLKsZ6eUkfmEdczk1huPdiUdYGKcVuM5N3nY93dW7-CGvjQoXLrFaOUvuIj2iBPASjKZdK8zjqr97M8eaLwnDs4jcSLHNu1mAk_uFP_cCcGHJ8yBaddKylZXwC3blv0UNZ2mYhClnbaI6rjkVR0eFm_6wnis_VOoASxz=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKDFMYI_hTnK3o6EKSO4JCbLKsZ6eUkfmEdczk1huPdiUdYGKcVuM5N3nY93dW7-CGvjQoXLrFaOUvuIj2iBPASjKZdK8zjqr97M8eaLwnDs4jcSLHNu1mAk_uFP_cCcGHJ8yBaddKylZXwC3blv0UNZ2mYhClnbaI6rjkVR0eFm_6wnis_VOoASxz=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This drift was waist deep...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB_OHwOyJN8TUBu6HyelqwHptEvr0mU4eZqnoDFvLpGSOOh2yOQz2_fMp_h3vmGDRKK2k5pisYmS0nZkrEVJ2qRHaA_iTCbTMV0CDWXQvcW1F1vqxW0_ylWxnyU8ddqvszs8Kcc37_lcoPopWqqtxXfvg1Q1dyowtHpmYKMUNQGOGUeuGSDKB0RACm=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB_OHwOyJN8TUBu6HyelqwHptEvr0mU4eZqnoDFvLpGSOOh2yOQz2_fMp_h3vmGDRKK2k5pisYmS0nZkrEVJ2qRHaA_iTCbTMV0CDWXQvcW1F1vqxW0_ylWxnyU8ddqvszs8Kcc37_lcoPopWqqtxXfvg1Q1dyowtHpmYKMUNQGOGUeuGSDKB0RACm=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Winds had blown much of the snow from portions of the trail, but it was impossible to dodge the resulting drifts that eventually followed when we least expected it. </span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTY5Zc5FCN4UYlnH5s8oxaaBU0k_d7eRrnqDaCTVc5UVqV--9xpTQJcrAp4PqnJ9E9Zj4MPtNjHSCIhkYx4JSFd_WdflcWAmkajoTnbRvHA8cIY1NHWucJtfy9WKxW1OnRhZUuCkC_64XVDIkv5hra4vqqqx-RBjierntj71kp6oGwiIubpb2geMK4=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTY5Zc5FCN4UYlnH5s8oxaaBU0k_d7eRrnqDaCTVc5UVqV--9xpTQJcrAp4PqnJ9E9Zj4MPtNjHSCIhkYx4JSFd_WdflcWAmkajoTnbRvHA8cIY1NHWucJtfy9WKxW1OnRhZUuCkC_64XVDIkv5hra4vqqqx-RBjierntj71kp6oGwiIubpb2geMK4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Winded from the effort, Bobbie breaks trail, uphill and through knee deep snow.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrtfqMqIU9WJGLj5er5s0KviXCJFJASua0inBMwHpSJ0fM__py-peqcOFcHOxfJ9k6d9vIwX4K6_DFhHMmjI3AatsA2PB_IU8yvcO4xqT1gJiIRF_IPqAGT41LJH3KDFG-vdOSYI5MyfLrz0V2C39W6JTY7YwJ1lLLl17QMesRO5hI588XOVv4nU__=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2755" data-original-width="4032" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrtfqMqIU9WJGLj5er5s0KviXCJFJASua0inBMwHpSJ0fM__py-peqcOFcHOxfJ9k6d9vIwX4K6_DFhHMmjI3AatsA2PB_IU8yvcO4xqT1gJiIRF_IPqAGT41LJH3KDFG-vdOSYI5MyfLrz0V2C39W6JTY7YwJ1lLLl17QMesRO5hI588XOVv4nU__=w640-h438" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Winded from uphill wandering, I pause and take in our surround. God. It's "Christmas Card" gorgeous up here, especially when we have it all to ourselves. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsEx4ZvnNrdu_Kx1j7Rf6uQS_O3kslIWXpu1-hrdYDlm_NUFNk33f2yn-ZTYMYFUGyGlIoahOK99K1e2aRYwjCwFl00AQyjGw0tom1JCQSqBsnQGN5EdZI0Dp0slu7C44dhlP0UM41WpmLlzygjBZguA4YW1dlGSlmCsmmxhyoQOyoLngGxh9qW5BG=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsEx4ZvnNrdu_Kx1j7Rf6uQS_O3kslIWXpu1-hrdYDlm_NUFNk33f2yn-ZTYMYFUGyGlIoahOK99K1e2aRYwjCwFl00AQyjGw0tom1JCQSqBsnQGN5EdZI0Dp0slu7C44dhlP0UM41WpmLlzygjBZguA4YW1dlGSlmCsmmxhyoQOyoLngGxh9qW5BG=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5vORzInBrndTNKHdGSIJsXgZGr8ABcdpRkmMg99xIYqF-RJf07EdEOL60qq-FyDPQC_3WM75ZW5SYqaDfHJCMDUyF-Di3PmOFBzDxn209_qnM95dFnomwcRWaOq8mewu8M1IK1OLvnZT4Qfk5qwweYb0rsObtJEkYsao5YFJ7eEIxEFk1-pleM831=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5vORzInBrndTNKHdGSIJsXgZGr8ABcdpRkmMg99xIYqF-RJf07EdEOL60qq-FyDPQC_3WM75ZW5SYqaDfHJCMDUyF-Di3PmOFBzDxn209_qnM95dFnomwcRWaOq8mewu8M1IK1OLvnZT4Qfk5qwweYb0rsObtJEkYsao5YFJ7eEIxEFk1-pleM831=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFlB2nGpned-qRpqIEV7tLb3fityKEwuPgpVzg4ePmiEJNfiwRNU_qetPlryvmR5n2smQSZ9R012CnRMcta7K_ZVA83ASPXvET1pXpH5eFbckoOZGKGVV5A1MEBzIN2OJnqJ4SZJAms--K8GJ9XGDtfOmA7dqyz1zo9Y9KetKfjo7JlxymNHcvIe9Y=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFlB2nGpned-qRpqIEV7tLb3fityKEwuPgpVzg4ePmiEJNfiwRNU_qetPlryvmR5n2smQSZ9R012CnRMcta7K_ZVA83ASPXvET1pXpH5eFbckoOZGKGVV5A1MEBzIN2OJnqJ4SZJAms--K8GJ9XGDtfOmA7dqyz1zo9Y9KetKfjo7JlxymNHcvIe9Y=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8guPxL1kAg0xry-5ldvYawwxAcKyRxpgRNE8uVHTYy2bUqDfOELxR8HfwX_386ybZqeyAoQTHXgV60RAlzyba2Wlwc3g7xYlEMfZ4B2Vpw1vAOt3YNWnaStb83o7bqUtmu4rDkLj65WOMb8hQimWHtNHX_ENx8ViA2sdyy3P8KumlIxMSDPBfimNX=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8guPxL1kAg0xry-5ldvYawwxAcKyRxpgRNE8uVHTYy2bUqDfOELxR8HfwX_386ybZqeyAoQTHXgV60RAlzyba2Wlwc3g7xYlEMfZ4B2Vpw1vAOt3YNWnaStb83o7bqUtmu4rDkLj65WOMb8hQimWHtNHX_ENx8ViA2sdyy3P8KumlIxMSDPBfimNX=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We reach a high point beyond which slopes look sketchy. We notice a couple of slides, <i>in the trees. </i>We tromp down a flat spot, take off our packs and plop down. We laugh, wondering if we will be able to get back up. Bobbie breaks out a Thermos filled with a mix of coffee/hot chocolate. Eyeing the slopes and slides I offer, "Think we've painted ourselves into a corner." Anything beyond this hill is rife with avalanche danger. Time to turn around. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB5uoFwdcCIEyMxsfu7PhUWlJIO_U3yobo_2gl571bNPlYhiTzMbuuWlf_B6yNeEJHBVIM9ddQ1UC352vIjP-QlbfPEeGXq77oNP3hkRonqXGKGSSoAlMCAilooq8bK21sgWw9CQs4EWlz-d-oznVMN0vfQaL2aV-BmMMriLNXgPvUrA2QvP0njGqB=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB5uoFwdcCIEyMxsfu7PhUWlJIO_U3yobo_2gl571bNPlYhiTzMbuuWlf_B6yNeEJHBVIM9ddQ1UC352vIjP-QlbfPEeGXq77oNP3hkRonqXGKGSSoAlMCAilooq8bK21sgWw9CQs4EWlz-d-oznVMN0vfQaL2aV-BmMMriLNXgPvUrA2QvP0njGqB=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Almost back to the car, we notice a rather personal comment on the back side of the Black Bear Pass Road sign. Some people seem to want to move to Paradise and lock the gate behind them. I doubt they're "natives." The only true natives are on reservations. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIlugatjn0hzkun3aTpEVN-ILzyroQw9lZfaEzCoPnC1y6K5wsiTpzepl5G7ku1SrJfJIKa9RnfLkohbKPY_kYztSUW1P-zZ4HE2sbpp4M6qDMJumghXyyLhBY1kp_o65ORHmFPOlZzifu_0Fe3pV9-1UesGXb2CXIqwmersVcaxFAz8zxtdPtEsKc=s1597" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1597" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIlugatjn0hzkun3aTpEVN-ILzyroQw9lZfaEzCoPnC1y6K5wsiTpzepl5G7ku1SrJfJIKa9RnfLkohbKPY_kYztSUW1P-zZ4HE2sbpp4M6qDMJumghXyyLhBY1kp_o65ORHmFPOlZzifu_0Fe3pV9-1UesGXb2CXIqwmersVcaxFAz8zxtdPtEsKc=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">On the way back to Lovely Ouray, we spot two bull moose. The bigger one on the right seems to be saying something to the smaller one: <i>Can you believe we're going to be eating twigs for 6 more months?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What would your caption be???</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie...PS: Another snowstorm blew through. Tomorrow is Saturday and the forecast looks agreeable. We'll head back up Red Mountain and see what kind of mischief can be found...Sunday, too, maybe!!!</span></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-39353725535003610642021-11-20T07:46:00.002-07:002021-11-20T08:07:50.735-07:00Embracing The Suck<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QT-Ssn6mlnM/YYktQxKfNuI/AAAAAAAA7WQ/pxc-w5eKCsYC8AhpD3VLa1xn5ga3LKzVQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QT-Ssn6mlnM/YYktQxKfNuI/AAAAAAAA7WQ/pxc-w5eKCsYC8AhpD3VLa1xn5ga3LKzVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_1156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div><span style="font-size: large;">Notice Lovely Ouray in the above photo, nestled at the base of our soaring, snowcapped San Juan Mountains. Bobbie and I departed early, before sunrise spilled into La Crevice, for a loop hike that proved a lot more challenging than we thought it would.</span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>You can see Bobbie the middle foreground of the above photo. She's leaning into the final pull up Old Horse Thief Trail, where it intersects the Ridge to the Bridge of Heaven. There, at the apex of our climb, we agreed that, a</span>fter nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain, the good news was, <i>It's all downhill from here</i>. And the bad news was, <i>It's all downhill from here</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We weren't sure we could pull off (what we thought would be) a ten mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain...and loss. But if there's one thing we've learned in both our work lives and outdoor lives, it's that t</span>he road to success is often paved with bricks of disappointment and failure. Ask anyone who placed fourth in the Olympic Games. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFx_B8ESnZfEkQsIJ-sXce_YU2dmTd8_FY2-KgQtUcdm9Cps70Xgv1eWN4PAyU2ihplZL2FOW0YRjlchXUHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>We can always turn around if were not feeling it</i>" I promised, attempting to persuade Bobbie that this was a good idea. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, maybe it's time to cut back on caffeine. Or maybe beer. Or sugar. You know, all the things that, when combined, fuels a false sense of confidence. But caffeine is what it takes to get me "up" these days. In the post-haze two-cup high, I feel 25 years younger. This, while I'm sitting in a recliner, next to a warm fire, and after popping 3 extra strength Tylenol. The sugar part is a backpack pouch crammed full of Shot Blocs and Cliff Bars. And the beer? A little something to help me fall asleep, usually during the 5 o'clock news. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Whatever the cause for my </span><span>naive </span><span>proclivity to invite challenges beyond my age-bracket grasp...adrenalin based notions that delusional halfwits conjure up to prove they still "got it" and/or to self-medicate bouts of boredom, is beside the point. Crazy is as crazy does. I know it when we see it in others, yet fail to recognize it when looking at the stranger in the mirror every morning. But how—beyond cocktails of caffeine, beer, sugar and pain killers—does an old man fuel his</span> mojo to act on irrepressible urges to wander mountainous playgrounds in search of random "gauntlets"? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I guess it's my way of letting off the steam and stress of a politically divided world gone whacko, and viral pandemics </span>that attack in successive waves and mutate faster than epidemiologists can tweak vaccines. Then there's my pet peeve, corporate pharmaceutical greed. Top it off with the onset of climate change—devastating hurricanes, floods and drought that we were told (by some) not to worry because it was way off in the future. Right. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>So whether it's hiking, biking, exploring or just rambling, it's the "unknown" I crave/need to offset the madness. Two of the many valued things my daddy taught his halfwit son is that, <i>You'll never know if you don't try, and have the guts to try or suffer the regrets. </i>Dad modeled his mottos and set indelible examples for his children, living what he preached... always </span>humble in success and graceful in failure. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So try we did, Bobbie and I. Maybe it's not a big deal to anyone else, but it's who we are and what we do that makes life worthwhile. It's what we've always done, and, hopefully, will continue to do until we draw our last breath. We figure the only way to achieve that dream <i>is to never stop hiking</i>. Recall your high school physics class: An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the previous post Bobbie and I trudged up Old Horse Thief Trail toward the Ridge to the Bridge of Heaven. For reasons I can't recall, our legs were exceptionally tired. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We fell short of making it to the "Ridge Bridge." </span><span>But it was such a splendid day, a day so warm and winsome that we dared not waste it indoors. </span></span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2x6cA55ct0/YYmcUBnInHI/AAAAAAAA7W4/_dVTMMqrjvotYj6X1mJDNjSxJ1uJw8xlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2x6cA55ct0/YYmcUBnInHI/AAAAAAAA7W4/_dVTMMqrjvotYj6X1mJDNjSxJ1uJw8xlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><p><span style="font-size: large;">While laboring up Old Horse Thief's switchbacks on that hike, it occurred to me that a potential loop hike could be made by continuing over the "Ridge Bridge" and descend its north side to Dexter Creek. From there we could connect a few county backroads and make it all the way back home. Bobbie wasn't quite as excited with the idea as I was, but, in the end, went along with my usual overconfidence.</span></p></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ResvWUh-UYo/YZa4i_4fdjI/AAAAAAAA7Xs/pMvbjwDBdF8WoysaIJ3gESBLJRNFEBZNACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1124.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ResvWUh-UYo/YZa4i_4fdjI/AAAAAAAA7Xs/pMvbjwDBdF8WoysaIJ3gESBLJRNFEBZNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1124.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Looking up...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our attempt fell on a gorgeous day. The beauty was enough to flutter eyelids, gazing skyward at a ragtag collection of monolithic spires against Bluebird skies. To us, mountains are like magnets. They smite our hearts and senses of curiosity in such a way that we can't resist climbing upward, if nothing else, just to see what view awaits or what lies around the next corner. When my time comes, I can't think of a better place to be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqArl1aGpeE/YZa4d6xZ2FI/AAAAAAAA7Xo/uWDuHl11sOcivcizCVXD2nFoHdhBKIzXQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1093.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1912" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqArl1aGpeE/YZa4d6xZ2FI/AAAAAAAA7Xo/uWDuHl11sOcivcizCVXD2nFoHdhBKIzXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w597-h640/IMG_1093.jpg" width="597" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Looking down...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span>Our legs were suffering through a bout of elevation-fatigue when we arrived at the base of The S</span>pires. Our forest trail suddenly turned to a rubble of loose scree from rocks that calve from the towering monoliths. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>It took both hiking poles to stay navigate the poor footing, but we soon topped out to a phenomenal view of Lovely Ouray. Gosh, it seemed so far away; hard to believe we had climbed all that elevation. I wandered out onto a narrow rock jetty on shaky legs in order to get a photo. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The <span>Ridge to the Bridge lay just above and</span><span> beyond the spires, a 15 minute climb on a much friendlier trail.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Bobbie and I paused on the ridge, took in the view and soaked up the sun's warmth. Our legs requested a break, so we sat down and discussed whether or not to continue <i>The Plan</i>.</span><span> The ridge is the highest point on this hike, as well as a midway point...e</span><span>ffort wise, anyway.</span> Reversing course on the saddle would shorten both miles and time back down to home. Sticking with the loop plan, however, could have us pushing darkness. Either way, though, it's all downhill from the ridge. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In the end it was a suffer-fest, one of those mind-over-matter things that in the moment seems stupid, but in retrospect, glorious. We struggled to aching feet on shaky legs. They vehemently protested the decision to try and finish what we started. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyzFeMVEc14K_I-_PrSFMpEMz2FdnDQgQV0DFotNbmGtGSKz3rd4LyrJB6xxm8jjUjyIL_KffwThhtmuTqxUA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QT-Ssn6mlnM/YYktQxKfNuI/AAAAAAAA7WQ/pxc-w5eKCsYC8AhpD3VLa1xn5ga3LKzVQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1156.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QT-Ssn6mlnM/YYktQxKfNuI/AAAAAAAA7WQ/pxc-w5eKCsYC8AhpD3VLa1xn5ga3LKzVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_1156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gaining the Ridge to the Bridge of Heaven</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--v8Ka1vw4a8/YZa4mexeyaI/AAAAAAAA7Xw/4KhVAGsLgAQUvrliVJviR_rnCv8JKUZZACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--v8Ka1vw4a8/YZa4mexeyaI/AAAAAAAA7Xw/4KhVAGsLgAQUvrliVJviR_rnCv8JKUZZACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0938.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Winding down to Dexter Creek through a dormant aspen grove...leafless and stark, kinda like winter.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKjZw_MZXss/YY2FGlwrbCI/AAAAAAAA7XE/jz1-iqH3scwdjE-J9kfmMwT0yfYDjXP0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1163.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKjZw_MZXss/YY2FGlwrbCI/AAAAAAAA7XE/jz1-iqH3scwdjE-J9kfmMwT0yfYDjXP0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1163.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, the trail met up with a long Jeep road...that turned into a longer County Road, that turned into a short stint on Highway 550, where we were able to cross a bridge that landed us on Oak Street... deep in the shadows of late afternoon.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17vbhAMU-24/YY2FEBziBYI/AAAAAAAA7XA/MZSy4kps5e4_wzU37YRPaxVajtIXalZnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Passing by Lake Lenore on a County Road. We guess a little over three miles to home from there. By the way, we find the cadence and repetition of road walking far tougher on legs than trail hiking!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Hamstrings tightened like bowstrings, threatening to cramp. Legs cried, "<i>We warned you</i>." With but a mile to go, our feet decided they had had enough and joined forces with protesting legs. Finally we reached our steep driveway. It was the ultimate coup de grâce, as we struggled and stumbled our way up to the front door. Once inside we quickly shed heavy packs and corset-like boots, only to face a final flight of stairs. Good thing there was a handrail. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our hike turned out to be 11.5 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain/loss. We knew coming down would be harder and more painful than the climb up. Our legs confirmed it...especially the knees. That part of the hike truly "sucked." </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>As a couple of Geezers, we are alway proud of accomplishing a long, difficult loop. But pride, </span>as it should be, is a fleeting and temporary phenomenon. The "Endorphin high" soon fades and we are forced to seek out new challenges or re-dos of old favorites. As a repentant Lance Armstrong said, <i>Pain is temporary. But quitting lasts for ever. W</i>e keep going, mostly out of fear that if we stop at our age, we may never get going again. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The miracle isn't so much that we did a big hike, as it is we had the courage to try and the stubbornness to see it through.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It shouldn't be long before it's time to switch to snowshoes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hope to see you then...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie, still embracing <i>The Suck</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>PS: Be sure to check out Bobbie's Youtube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">Getting High With Two Old Broads</a>, on Monday for her video rendition of this hike!!</i><br /></span><br /><p></p><br /></div></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-1846580233494776122021-11-02T15:47:00.004-06:002021-11-02T15:52:25.829-06:00The Story Behind Old Horse Thief Trail<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyW2TWyU6Ug/YYBeytelMeI/AAAAAAAA7VQ/QW9H_cdVCvUg_7BJ_2kvaasBcGrVRupsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyW2TWyU6Ug/YYBeytelMeI/AAAAAAAA7VQ/QW9H_cdVCvUg_7BJ_2kvaasBcGrVRupsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was early morning, about sunup, when Bobbie and I began trading suggestions for our daily hike. A recent spell of dry and mild weather had pushed the snow-line back up to 10,000 feet or so, even more on south facing slopes. We decided to give Old Horse Thief Trail a go...snow or no snow.<span><a name='more'></a></span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">We can see the Old Horse Thief through our Imax front window...only</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><span>a Nolan Ryan stone's throw from our front door. It</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> zig-zags cross-canyon, up through the precipitous "Blowout," on a narrow side-of-a-mountain path that is forever under the influence of gravity and weather, such that it gets covered over every year with radioactive slides of scree that reflect brilliant hues of cadmium yellows and orange when sunlight hits the mountain. And, best of all, especially this time of year, we would likely be assured of a solitary outing..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">There must be a thousand stories for every San Juan Mountain trail that leads to numerous high up gold mines above Lovely Ouray. If truth were told, most of those stories are tales of struggles, strife and hardship, thus plagued with unhappy endings and poor souls who were left with nothing to show for their unfathomable efforts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Such is the lure of "Gold Fever" and the untold numbers of both men, as well as a few women, who risked it all for a lucky strike. And for every honest hardworking man or woman, there were dishonest hombres who believed there were easier ways to make a living than working on a claim. Card sharks and outlaws and horse thieves made their living off the backs of hard working pioneers with a dream. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This is one such story that involves today's hike up</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Old Horse Thief Trail, penned by Colorado native and Ouray local,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://horsethiefbluffs.com/" target="_blank">Marcy Wood</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFwE1D9mxbY/YYBd_usHmgI/AAAAAAAA7U0/oEgVny5-HC4CyIInUqxT3o-Vz0zmjoHpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFwE1D9mxbY/YYBd_usHmgI/AAAAAAAA7U0/oEgVny5-HC4CyIInUqxT3o-Vz0zmjoHpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Twilight Horse Thief of Bridge of Heaven<span> </span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">He rode along the ridgeline, leather hat tilted on his dusty brow, William E. Thomas kicked his horse’s flanks and spit tobacco juice toward the town of Ouray, some 2000 feet below the bluffs. The sun was starting to set, the alpenglow gleamed off the amphitheater’s steel rockface. The horse pulled at her reins, nudging her whiskered muzzle toward the sweet native grasses. Truth was, she wasn’t his horse; it was a stolen Brabant, a draft horse from the stables in Ash.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The three Syracuse Bachelors had made it big with their Wedge mine, smack-dab in the middle of Gold Hill. In the early 1880s, Armstrong, Sanders and Hurlburt’s had built a small mining enclave for their employees, acronymed Ash. It was built on the banks of Dexter Creek and there were plenty of horses to spare. The town of Ash was far more conducive to pasturing horses than in the southern-lying town of Ouray; the grassy gluches slope to the sun, and the 13’teeners provided reliable water sources all summer. The aspen trees, as wide as a man’s shoulders, and the flowered meadows made for easy horse pickings, at least as far as “Brabant Bill” was concerned. Bill rather enjoyed the moniker he’d picked-up along the way. Stealing this beauty was as easy as a ghost walking through a log cabin.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Bill was headed to Bridge of Heaven, then turning south above Cascade Falls until he met up with his band of rustlers at Engineer Pass. Indian Joe, Hugh Angel, Hank Black and Tommie House were all set to take their equine haul to Lake City, where they’d sell the horses, and comfort themselves with a hot bath and a Soiled Dove. They deserved such niceties after such a long ride.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Along this trail, Bill could skirt the lawman; it also offered escape routes — unlike the bottleneck cliffs of Ouray’s Uncompahgre River Valley and the Otto Mears Toll Road. Bridge of Heaven trail was higher altitude, but his mount was the sturdiest breed of Belgium draft horses; she was 17-hands and raised on thin-air. He’d make it — undetected. As far as Bill was concerned, Mears was the real thief, a highwayman of a different ilk, he controlled the road from Ouray to Lake City, and it was ladened with several toll stations. Bill felt no remorse after hearing Mears’ Rio Grande Southern went into receivership in 1893.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>These high alpine trails were first established by wildlife taking the path of least resistance for shelter, water and migration. None could argue that the Ute tribes had established the hunting and sight-line trials all around the San Juan Mountains; they enjoyed the healing hot springs long before the white man came to profiteer. To this day, Townsfolk like to blame the Ute people for the livestock theft, and hence the Old Horsethief name, but Bill was infamous.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Brabant Bill wiped the back of his neck with his worn handkerchief, he felt the rough scarring where the bullet by Jim Galloway, the rightful owner of the Brabant, had sliced his neck nearly through, killing him dead. That was in 1879, near Alamosa. He had been buried along the Lake City trail, soon after became bear-food, then the remaining bones were re-interred somewhere on Cascade Mountain, high above Ouray — unmarked. Now, he spends his spectral days riding along Horsethief trail during the fading twilight hours.</i></span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-JpNWmKqFM/YYBcM4Yi0cI/AAAAAAAA7UI/0qRj3rOS6t8wA-tU-i_YETW2nEgs0iB4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1093.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1912" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-JpNWmKqFM/YYBcM4Yi0cI/AAAAAAAA7UI/0qRj3rOS6t8wA-tU-i_YETW2nEgs0iB4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w598-h640/IMG_1093.jpg" width="598" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-401Qs-kXi4I/YYBb37mE0DI/AAAAAAAA7T0/nVEA68IWbMMJXqAXcpKDSfZL-sUxgdsKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-401Qs-kXi4I/YYBb37mE0DI/AAAAAAAA7T0/nVEA68IWbMMJXqAXcpKDSfZL-sUxgdsKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dE3JW3Exm8/YYBfWXLmwII/AAAAAAAA7Vk/jMId-esyKqMjhVqPqK2cAI8RiNXAAAhaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dE3JW3Exm8/YYBfWXLmwII/AAAAAAAA7Vk/jMId-esyKqMjhVqPqK2cAI8RiNXAAAhaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZURDNKzexE/YYBeugoqQVI/AAAAAAAA7VM/Wpbu_YFYQPIC95Q8jIrw2xzcsBa1yc-hACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZURDNKzexE/YYBeugoqQVI/AAAAAAAA7VM/Wpbu_YFYQPIC95Q8jIrw2xzcsBa1yc-hACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeRsIHb82Ks/YYBfVB-pUvI/AAAAAAAA7Vg/_dnrMXfJbGESDKkhUb6I7nKh8JZJ7DgBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeRsIHb82Ks/YYBfVB-pUvI/AAAAAAAA7Vg/_dnrMXfJbGESDKkhUb6I7nKh8JZJ7DgBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1131.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-64905371283393279562021-10-28T08:29:00.005-06:002021-10-28T13:58:56.397-06:00There Must Be 50 Ways To "Overlook" Lovely Ouray <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmNVE3MAqbk/YXaqCY8qTSI/AAAAAAAA7Tg/lMgBHPrOUrYLgIjZy39m8hXMPDJPJIWzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1071.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmNVE3MAqbk/YXaqCY8qTSI/AAAAAAAA7Tg/lMgBHPrOUrYLgIjZy39m8hXMPDJPJIWzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1071.jpg" width="480" /></a> </p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Some of the finest views lie at the end of difficult climbs. And t</span><span>here's certainly no lack of nearby trails and/or peaks from which one can "overlook" Lovely Ouray.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">...<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let me count the ways, beginning with no less than half a dozen or more places on the 6ish mile Perimeter Trail. Then there's at least two or three spots from the switchbacks going up Bear Creek Trail. And who could forget one of the best town and surround views from well over 10,000 feet, atop Twin Peaks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A scenic 15 minute drive south on the Million Dollar Highway, followed by a 30 minute four-wheel drive, followed by a three mile grunt to the summit of Mount Abram, well, let's just say you are in for an eagle's eye view of Lovely Ouray, cradled in the bosom of its mountain mamas, and stretching well beyond Grand Mesa's grand plateau, some 70 miles distant. I swear, on a clear day you can see Wyoming. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you're willing and able to grind three miles up Old Horse Thief Trail to the "Ridge-To-The-Bridge of Heaven" you can land a southerly perspective of Ouray, not to mention, Ridgway, Log Hill and Pleasant Valley. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Then there's the Alpine Mine Overlook, a semantic contradiction in that it overlooks Ouray instead of the Mine.</span><span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I can't really say that I have a favorite overlook. Perhaps </span><i><span>which ever one I'm on</span></i><span>, to be honest. Last weekend it happened to be the Alpine Mine Overlook...which really should be renamed, "</span><span><i>Ouray Overlook," </i>as I see it.</span><span> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tQkDVpEkrE/YXao_kxzP5I/AAAAAAAA7SI/stuBKbiVWlcmp273AXKrcisFgXktkx3NgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tQkDVpEkrE/YXao_kxzP5I/AAAAAAAA7SI/stuBKbiVWlcmp273AXKrcisFgXktkx3NgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Having lived in Lovely Ouray for over a decade, Bobbie and are cognizant that this darling of an Indian Summer will soon fizzle into snow and blow, jackets and hats and, worst of all, <i>long pants</i>. This serves as motivation to get outside and wander while the wandering is good...as in warm. We also know that, except for a few pockets of gold, Ms Autumn's pretty little leaves will be pretty much brown and on the ground for this hike. But in some ways, leafless aspen make for austere photos when plastered against a dome of blue sky. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxphHz7uYio/YXao_2CAwjI/AAAAAAAA7SM/YMfXOH-7dOQ4BjPSYt3pGy2S7zxP6SX3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxphHz7uYio/YXao_2CAwjI/AAAAAAAA7SM/YMfXOH-7dOQ4BjPSYt3pGy2S7zxP6SX3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1042.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0E2aQFwL5w/YXao_Y4oEsI/AAAAAAAA7SE/LEiajlj3PZ05wRXVjsTxFxDUtyE2Sf-PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0E2aQFwL5w/YXao_Y4oEsI/AAAAAAAA7SE/LEiajlj3PZ05wRXVjsTxFxDUtyE2Sf-PQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDrfjAwCB2s/YXapkQBj22I/AAAAAAAA7S0/Odxjn94OqF8yreX_APNRCDER-Kz1urhIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDrfjAwCB2s/YXapkQBj22I/AAAAAAAA7S0/Odxjn94OqF8yreX_APNRCDER-Kz1urhIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo3qr4LK1MI/YXapoOrIhNI/AAAAAAAA7TA/YFvCTIrdPfwM__BhZF11fIgRkre14-1KACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo3qr4LK1MI/YXapoOrIhNI/AAAAAAAA7TA/YFvCTIrdPfwM__BhZF11fIgRkre14-1KACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1063.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNQ0YadsT3A/YXapxxpd1wI/AAAAAAAA7TI/heXWt1sy-yEYwNrbegAWfy24iRwzxeu3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNQ0YadsT3A/YXapxxpd1wI/AAAAAAAA7TI/heXWt1sy-yEYwNrbegAWfy24iRwzxeu3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/IMG_1064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt6dDYwBx7E/YXapzzBsbGI/AAAAAAAA7TM/Pr_KYqn1Insjb5CJng-yNEzYcQ3ZsnJywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1065.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt6dDYwBx7E/YXapzzBsbGI/AAAAAAAA7TM/Pr_KYqn1Insjb5CJng-yNEzYcQ3ZsnJywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Oh my!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7g6u0xv7Y0/YXap8Qv3MbI/AAAAAAAA7TY/Vit7_9FSatUXmnGQuZB6f6Y9pBjwZMn6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1066.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7g6u0xv7Y0/YXap8Qv3MbI/AAAAAAAA7TY/Vit7_9FSatUXmnGQuZB6f6Y9pBjwZMn6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1066.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Taking a lunch break on the edge and high above town</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NysFvnVj0XM/YXaqBK8MJ0I/AAAAAAAA7Tc/Y2JDmWcfYxwWVecsdYZLyh2S5Mn7-c0IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1067.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NysFvnVj0XM/YXaqBK8MJ0I/AAAAAAAA7Tc/Y2JDmWcfYxwWVecsdYZLyh2S5Mn7-c0IgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Still, even when Ms Autumn has packed her bags and moved south, and summer's once lush green grass waves golden in the breeze, and we are left to wade trail troughs of decaying leaves, <i>there is no shortage of color in Lovely Ouray. </i></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_JsHOHAuWkxQIpDeJPcM59ilx7kaIJE5xdBstHLYXQgGLQlzAmucEXhkhaeMYCUKyIOWWSkDfCY3-zjmzRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>What a great day!</span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Only when we are truly lost and alone, be it i</span><span>n the mountains, </span><span>on the sea, </span><span>in a desert </span><span>or in Life itself, </span><span>do we find ourselves...</span></span></i></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out from Mark and Bobbie,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3,000 feet above a pretty little town on the verge of winter.</span></div></div></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-60549024275421878952021-10-26T09:18:00.004-06:002021-10-26T09:18:48.552-06:00Close To Home: Random Indian Summer Outings on Trail's "Dexter" and "Perimeter"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu3jJFRHxJ0/YXG4ZAvwmLI/AAAAAAAA7Mo/XmbL3DIv8J40laseVlSbWtETd-xeNKi2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu3jJFRHxJ0/YXG4ZAvwmLI/AAAAAAAA7Mo/XmbL3DIv8J40laseVlSbWtETd-xeNKi2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>We don't stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking...<span></span></i></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep, it's Restless and Ruthless of "<i>Two Old Broads</i>" Youtube fame (without fortune), the quintessential happy hiker duo from Lovely Ouray, burning up the trails (and calories) at a rate of 30 to 50 miles per week. If I'm a good boy, they even let me join in the fun.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Still some fall colors lingering along a county backroad up to Dexter Creek...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnQ9neiN1II/YXG3u9hcTaI/AAAAAAAA7L4/OWG6FcrR8vEAHVXGDemJlz1k2Yt3AntYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnQ9neiN1II/YXG3u9hcTaI/AAAAAAAA7L4/OWG6FcrR8vEAHVXGDemJlz1k2Yt3AntYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0916.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGJD2HaYA7s/YXG31ZC1uYI/AAAAAAAA7MA/KrAjKbqpYYw4wikw8sZhygxtvsjFGgoGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGJD2HaYA7s/YXG31ZC1uYI/AAAAAAAA7MA/KrAjKbqpYYw4wikw8sZhygxtvsjFGgoGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0918.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_FBa01WP-E/YXG3wG0X6cI/AAAAAAAA7L8/oW2J22FfFqcSvO1dCRpZL5zPysm44GNJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_FBa01WP-E/YXG3wG0X6cI/AAAAAAAA7L8/oW2J22FfFqcSvO1dCRpZL5zPysm44GNJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0920.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6uj3KmxjJs/YXG4Epn4oYI/AAAAAAAA7MM/BPcGvDSakuEvhXjTmDjg-hoEMoWpltjDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6uj3KmxjJs/YXG4Epn4oYI/AAAAAAAA7MM/BPcGvDSakuEvhXjTmDjg-hoEMoWpltjDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0926.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gw3_CHgnohs/YXG4Bysj25I/AAAAAAAA7MI/n_QFw10X02UoO3osc7bdUzjcS5DsPpPZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gw3_CHgnohs/YXG4Bysj25I/AAAAAAAA7MI/n_QFw10X02UoO3osc7bdUzjcS5DsPpPZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0928.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWGhykbqStM/YXG4HldDb8I/AAAAAAAA7MU/7QdUR4bgZwoecgbxfdQnGEhCjm7LjhtlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWGhykbqStM/YXG4HldDb8I/AAAAAAAA7MU/7QdUR4bgZwoecgbxfdQnGEhCjm7LjhtlACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0930.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPPrI197VCA/YXG4ZT3CKoI/AAAAAAAA7Ms/J4EKmYdqno4KVpKN-9Jhe9qW2QkS3kiowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0931.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPPrI197VCA/YXG4ZT3CKoI/AAAAAAAA7Ms/J4EKmYdqno4KVpKN-9Jhe9qW2QkS3kiowCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0931.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>An collapsed ore mill for yesteryear's glory-hole mines </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSuD3EhpODI/YXG4XerIYUI/AAAAAAAA7Mg/ASaP_RM-huwxCfDAEwm4dotaSAetbCe-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSuD3EhpODI/YXG4XerIYUI/AAAAAAAA7Mg/ASaP_RM-huwxCfDAEwm4dotaSAetbCe-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ouray's Perimeter Trail is always a nice option when you want a convenient hike...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xivWmR1sJ4o/YXVhkXW2aDI/AAAAAAAA7RI/_9XAZLtRHN0zXjolamoSaz9bco8hYVsYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xivWmR1sJ4o/YXVhkXW2aDI/AAAAAAAA7RI/_9XAZLtRHN0zXjolamoSaz9bco8hYVsYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ73vaQ6LQ0/YXVhkP-Wy9I/AAAAAAAA7RE/NVY_uIWNEl0kOa_h7dzHDeSBeWgxug9HwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1883" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ73vaQ6LQ0/YXVhkP-Wy9I/AAAAAAAA7RE/NVY_uIWNEl0kOa_h7dzHDeSBeWgxug9HwCLcBGAsYHQ/w588-h640/IMG_1027.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie gazes up at Twin Peaks</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsYzIyuCD6w/YXVhv21WMvI/AAAAAAAA7RQ/YlpYW3-xeAokWwJOoZ4yfE0NsXBjeSnhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsYzIyuCD6w/YXVhv21WMvI/AAAAAAAA7RQ/YlpYW3-xeAokWwJOoZ4yfE0NsXBjeSnhACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1030.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO3dAidZWok/YXVh56lre0I/AAAAAAAA7Rg/ohV0P5zsEX8fcKsKjNENhXuYuZHG8rilACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO3dAidZWok/YXVh56lre0I/AAAAAAAA7Rg/ohV0P5zsEX8fcKsKjNENhXuYuZHG8rilACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1031.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOJXNAX90Q0/YXVhx2JGClI/AAAAAAAA7RU/hKRkzfYrCb8z50EmFPxINruNMYXnUsiewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1958" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOJXNAX90Q0/YXVhx2JGClI/AAAAAAAA7RU/hKRkzfYrCb8z50EmFPxINruNMYXnUsiewCLcBGAsYHQ/w612-h640/IMG_1034.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXZxqcwXrGQ/YXViHbgldNI/AAAAAAAA7Rs/x69gVS0z8hogp0cT3ZAxC5cjORv-y06kACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXZxqcwXrGQ/YXViHbgldNI/AAAAAAAA7Rs/x69gVS0z8hogp0cT3ZAxC5cjORv-y06kACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay7Rad0elk0/YXViFy3WTHI/AAAAAAAA7Ro/XuX50cPNN24MWiThmnSRhOltAU38P-kCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay7Rad0elk0/YXViFy3WTHI/AAAAAAAA7Ro/XuX50cPNN24MWiThmnSRhOltAU38P-kCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1038.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d99aaCXMDUo/YXViLWKjUdI/AAAAAAAA7R0/bAJwPNBQIJQ-IQ_XdtYVUgPKhBpvLXOigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d99aaCXMDUo/YXViLWKjUdI/AAAAAAAA7R0/bAJwPNBQIJQ-IQ_XdtYVUgPKhBpvLXOigCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A week later we are back up to Dexter Creek for a hike. What a difference, all the leaves are gone from aspen trees.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQHP-6SUAy8/YXG4t34bDdI/AAAAAAAA7M8/hRUnZv_uHWAMnm4klVmQrbXq7Yvgdg0iACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQHP-6SUAy8/YXG4t34bDdI/AAAAAAAA7M8/hRUnZv_uHWAMnm4klVmQrbXq7Yvgdg0iACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0937.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qk31NpZcw8/YXG4twMTdvI/AAAAAAAA7NA/D9K3-hullrQIofVsMa5ckqtzSl5_VF-EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qk31NpZcw8/YXG4twMTdvI/AAAAAAAA7NA/D9K3-hullrQIofVsMa5ckqtzSl5_VF-EQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0938.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIfl2RONKk4/YXG4uQZRsNI/AAAAAAAA7NE/DUgvhKuar6oHmWG8i2adiNMGgPjLyhPJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIfl2RONKk4/YXG4uQZRsNI/AAAAAAAA7NE/DUgvhKuar6oHmWG8i2adiNMGgPjLyhPJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0940.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9EvW0JbLMA/YXG4-fn7t6I/AAAAAAAA7NQ/ZvNGD4ZtIGcu_cjpwsMngWKqV6bsgOznwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9EvW0JbLMA/YXG4-fn7t6I/AAAAAAAA7NQ/ZvNGD4ZtIGcu_cjpwsMngWKqV6bsgOznwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0941.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhSdx5Z-MrQ/YXG5ATTy_XI/AAAAAAAA7NY/3L-D1VCWZQsWHbtEbGao6K3vRk5N8Y9UACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhSdx5Z-MrQ/YXG5ATTy_XI/AAAAAAAA7NY/3L-D1VCWZQsWHbtEbGao6K3vRk5N8Y9UACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0942.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOjmv6gYIU/YXG5ASBB3nI/AAAAAAAA7NU/zm6gQ__EiNY-fSxaeqqD1-0tr--k4jzvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOjmv6gYIU/YXG5ASBB3nI/AAAAAAAA7NU/zm6gQ__EiNY-fSxaeqqD1-0tr--k4jzvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0943.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just killing time in Paradise...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie and Ruthie</span></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-39138498131724848952021-10-23T06:56:00.005-06:002021-10-23T07:00:33.055-06:00Oh Danny Boy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wu9Ptjtbrc/YXKvJaobBXI/AAAAAAAA7Ns/BA-0eOYIhnY7VHTeyqpkfvZBQn4ZghKtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wu9Ptjtbrc/YXKvJaobBXI/AAAAAAAA7Ns/BA-0eOYIhnY7VHTeyqpkfvZBQn4ZghKtACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0945.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>It's that time of year. H</span><span>igh up groves of aspen—now all but bare of leaves—assume a austere stick-figure mood. Old Man Winter lurks just around the corner. Time is of the essence, now, as we try to squeeze as many outings as possible before the snow and blow and the death pall of</span></span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> insipid grayness creeps down mountain. Thus we are motivated, to soak in the last vestiges and muted remnants of color that lingers in and around Lovely Ouray.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As Bobbie and Ruthie pondered round and round regarding the day's trail options over coffee via text, I tried to stop the madness and blurted out, <i>Sutton Trail!</i> I must confess that Sutton does not make my top ten list of favorite hikes from Lovely Ouray, especially during summer when I find it too exposed, too hot, and, having done it a bazillion times, a tad boring out-and-back. I don't know, it always leaves me underwhelmed. What can I say? I'm nothing but a spoiled rotten trail-snob. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6vSRe1aVBU/YXKvDwVGVZI/AAAAAAAA7Nk/kJCgy7_uSMcXrD9L5zItXAnHPgGWhQeOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6vSRe1aVBU/YXKvDwVGVZI/AAAAAAAA7Nk/kJCgy7_uSMcXrD9L5zItXAnHPgGWhQeOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On the plus side, Sutton has does have convenience going for it in that we can leave the car parked and hike-from-home. It's a good workout, too, as the initial segment is quite rigorous, to say the least, a long series of switchbacks that climbs above town to several landscape overlooks of Lovely Ouray. </span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CV-D_fn-2ac/YXKvGXWLZ0I/AAAAAAAA7No/BaOrbioqN_0clSJDmlcF55FX9k0w22aUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CV-D_fn-2ac/YXKvGXWLZ0I/AAAAAAAA7No/BaOrbioqN_0clSJDmlcF55FX9k0w22aUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We decided on a "sunup" start (9:30 am, here in the bowels of our mountainous surround). It was a nippy walking to Sutton's trailhead as breath escaped in choo-choo puffs of steam. It didn't take long for old Sol to peek over Mount Sunblock, fulfilling the lucky-guess forecast of Ouija Board weather wizards who seemingly work from windowless rooms in deep dark caves. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWsbAwaOWcI/YXKvW00uUMI/AAAAAAAA7N8/UDlZYih4Q7Qis730VT3fBjGJgig2OzcGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWsbAwaOWcI/YXKvW00uUMI/AAAAAAAA7N8/UDlZYih4Q7Qis730VT3fBjGJgig2OzcGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Scattered clouds anointed the morning's deep blue dome of Colorado sky. Switchback by switchback we ascended above town, taking in Ouray's vivid and panoramic surround. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--uWvFSowdxw/YXKvWd93h8I/AAAAAAAA7N4/XVnWZvLmNWYQdnSjl__8C2gjlUakkmWJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--uWvFSowdxw/YXKvWd93h8I/AAAAAAAA7N4/XVnWZvLmNWYQdnSjl__8C2gjlUakkmWJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jf3aWLBEvTY/YXKvbngvBXI/AAAAAAAA7OE/g3Cr8yGWy3UtS5EyF6yr5RTq6edYOsJTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0962.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jf3aWLBEvTY/YXKvbngvBXI/AAAAAAAA7OE/g3Cr8yGWy3UtS5EyF6yr5RTq6edYOsJTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0962.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgWToiPziG4/YXKvn4QpgYI/AAAAAAAA7OM/cocWyGQaehUj4Lt3y3Zx8NWyI93Pg16AQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgWToiPziG4/YXKvn4QpgYI/AAAAAAAA7OM/cocWyGQaehUj4Lt3y3Zx8NWyI93Pg16AQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0964.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>A leaning sign marked the first overlook. From there Sutton transitions from climbing to more of a kinder, gentler trail that rolls with the punches as it follows a pleasant bench that parallels the Million Dollar Highway, cross canyon and southbound. Evidence of the "white plague" from the last storm garnished the</span><span> shoulders of our path.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_9buEY3wqw/YXKvpg1u6fI/AAAAAAAA7OQ/AKVLdQA9ZVYelq6soexMaYMuDMfjH3QkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_9buEY3wqw/YXKvpg1u6fI/AAAAAAAA7OQ/AKVLdQA9ZVYelq6soexMaYMuDMfjH3QkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0966.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdfo0nW6Buo/YXKvuzIA_RI/AAAAAAAA7OU/OFuihnxBTcMSSIfozbouCSYF_y8Gu7OXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdfo0nW6Buo/YXKvuzIA_RI/AAAAAAAA7OU/OFuihnxBTcMSSIfozbouCSYF_y8Gu7OXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kG4HIUmVoIY/YXKv4zd04CI/AAAAAAAA7Oc/I5oQUUGq10Y445vkQQES0CXsHcGB_5y-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0970.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kG4HIUmVoIY/YXKv4zd04CI/AAAAAAAA7Oc/I5oQUUGq10Y445vkQQES0CXsHcGB_5y-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0970.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Yet another town "overlook" from Sutton</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qD5JtuYLdc/YXKv41ArBxI/AAAAAAAA7Og/zTHkS61am5E4PNh6r-17ITVisCbo21ZNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0972.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qD5JtuYLdc/YXKv41ArBxI/AAAAAAAA7Og/zTHkS61am5E4PNh6r-17ITVisCbo21ZNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0972.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> Mount Abram, Ouray's familiar snowcapped sentinel.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_88clUYbXGo/YXKv_negXiI/AAAAAAAA7Os/uCuoHJxCx5MfWVo2KSW3wfbKSyqHqSH6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0974.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_88clUYbXGo/YXKv_negXiI/AAAAAAAA7Os/uCuoHJxCx5MfWVo2KSW3wfbKSyqHqSH6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0974.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Videographers at work for their "Two Old Broads" Vlog</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HyLC6eTWHs/YXKwHdqfQ4I/AAAAAAAA7Ow/M-95Amd92uQz_-6nh3jcmqSRjPTh-CF0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0979.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HyLC6eTWHs/YXKwHdqfQ4I/AAAAAAAA7Ow/M-95Amd92uQz_-6nh3jcmqSRjPTh-CF0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0979.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our destination was an olden mine site, some 4 miles distant from home. The deeper into the canyon we hiked, the deeper the snow...and ice. We found some nice groupings of aspen still holding their leaves of gold.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrWMtBpOQbg/YXKwIvbMHbI/AAAAAAAA7O0/6_uOc8Z3v68YI7CzoA32kOCMJw2CxWNrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrWMtBpOQbg/YXKwIvbMHbI/AAAAAAAA7O0/6_uOc8Z3v68YI7CzoA32kOCMJw2CxWNrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0985.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjGYy8mhLf8/YXKwTq0pAoI/AAAAAAAA7PA/GBLoXFLqH2c3R4i9heOu21mEvIfXcIhEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjGYy8mhLf8/YXKwTq0pAoI/AAAAAAAA7PA/GBLoXFLqH2c3R4i9heOu21mEvIfXcIhEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXT3jIREzLU/YXKwUyRUmEI/AAAAAAAA7PE/r2TgIzn2eMkxvBdBJhasaP4C8htm8NT1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXT3jIREzLU/YXKwUyRUmEI/AAAAAAAA7PE/r2TgIzn2eMkxvBdBJhasaP4C8htm8NT1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBAJ3cReNlk/YXKwhfHNSrI/AAAAAAAA7PQ/RMgfh7j2GyIVgqCCrVqUk1Xs9_A5WRMEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBAJ3cReNlk/YXKwhfHNSrI/AAAAAAAA7PQ/RMgfh7j2GyIVgqCCrVqUk1Xs9_A5WRMEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KZ6DKMJk0A/YXKwmG13w_I/AAAAAAAA7PY/5XSwt-RHukY3UHLo5Ts2uae9l-kkQBgVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1698" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KZ6DKMJk0A/YXKwmG13w_I/AAAAAAAA7PY/5XSwt-RHukY3UHLo5Ts2uae9l-kkQBgVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w530-h640/IMG_0996.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMItyGyqhXw/YXKwoajXzTI/AAAAAAAA7Pc/1rWGPIaH-y01LcqdAjt-Rlwr1iCs9qnaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMItyGyqhXw/YXKwoajXzTI/AAAAAAAA7Pc/1rWGPIaH-y01LcqdAjt-Rlwr1iCs9qnaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0998.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBrhXnREwlQ/YXKw1HJXSvI/AAAAAAAA7Pk/y-2mCfnCFTQmeJwyILVaAltjAwUvGdMYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBrhXnREwlQ/YXKw1HJXSvI/AAAAAAAA7Pk/y-2mCfnCFTQmeJwyILVaAltjAwUvGdMYACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1007.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bear Creek Falls and Highway 550</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJkw2zHq93c/YXKw6VgPbyI/AAAAAAAA7P0/n_k23NYj5p0TmWowR_vt_YBA-5T8FEVCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJkw2zHq93c/YXKw6VgPbyI/AAAAAAAA7P0/n_k23NYj5p0TmWowR_vt_YBA-5T8FEVCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5t5lMfGU_VY/YXKxIxb1d1I/AAAAAAAA7P8/YuclRVjC8aEjK4MxGfQSs7dMnLvubrgJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1019%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5t5lMfGU_VY/YXKxIxb1d1I/AAAAAAAA7P8/YuclRVjC8aEjK4MxGfQSs7dMnLvubrgJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1019%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlLh5bZUHSk/YXKxTcE4ZXI/AAAAAAAA7QM/2Uqb8rwjiGcMOl_ZVqy0XBvr_AaRzxjFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlLh5bZUHSk/YXKxTcE4ZXI/AAAAAAAA7QM/2Uqb8rwjiGcMOl_ZVqy0XBvr_AaRzxjFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Flagged by a clothesline loaded with donated articles of clothing (as if left out to dry) one of Neosho Mine's outbuildings is easily noticed from Highway 550. The impossibly steep and deep canyon that stands between the highway and the mine shack baffles tourists, as in, <i>How in the Hell does the "residents" get over there? </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaMHN_bzTzc/YXQGLHQDwpI/AAAAAAAA7Qo/xFdmUos156IMRbKRNfxYabQlkRzL9vyOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/stelprdb5431730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaMHN_bzTzc/YXQGLHQDwpI/AAAAAAAA7Qo/xFdmUos156IMRbKRNfxYabQlkRzL9vyOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/stelprdb5431730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noLGSJymwh8/YXQGUILD-7I/AAAAAAAA7Qs/ct3YI6H4A2AzS-0tzlUVQDjDRD9zVbVDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/stelprdb5431739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noLGSJymwh8/YXQGUILD-7I/AAAAAAAA7Qs/ct3YI6H4A2AzS-0tzlUVQDjDRD9zVbVDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/stelprdb5431739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbivce-zj3HL-vEJSinYg5FPd5KvY8wRIVb1Uk7-EUbKM-4-BSlgn_4EMEqP6YO4KmgVZNuog3Zl8olE0rHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">After a beautiful morning, about the time we reached our Neosho Mine destination, dark clouds moved in and snuffed out the sun. Temperatures dropped. The wind picked up. And, of course, I'm underdressed in shorts and a lightweight flannel shirt. Just another reminder to not dress according to forecasts from quacks in caves with no windows.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now here's an interesting and <a href="https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/a-tragic-tale-in-ouray/" target="_blank">little known tidbit</a> regarding a well known Irish song that has connective roots to the Neosho Mine above Lovely Ouray...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now get outside and take a hike. And if you can't, be sure to check out Bobbie's weekly Youtube Vlog, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=getting+high+with+two+old+broads" target="_blank">Getting High With Two Old Broads</a></i>. It's a sweet, slightly quirky piece of work that takes viewers up, up and away on selected mountain hikes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Peace Out,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><br />Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-59810048438008630862021-10-18T08:32:00.032-06:002021-10-19T08:13:02.440-06:00Ms Autumn's Last Hurrah: Dwarfed By Aspen—Drenched In Color—Dog-Ass Tired <p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvfhIHQAasU/YWnZsfu4V6I/AAAAAAAA7Js/Y66bHwhFtg0C3mfrfmtMODxDgNEI2f3cACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvfhIHQAasU/YWnZsfu4V6I/AAAAAAAA7Js/Y66bHwhFtg0C3mfrfmtMODxDgNEI2f3cACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0857.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><span style="font-size: large;">Fall collapses into winter as I pen this post. Higher up, aspens and oak brush beat a retreat to dormancy. Leaves are fast to lose their grip on color when fall yields to the calendar. Every year, pre-winter winds strip Ms Autumn's golden leaves in a death-spiral, where they lie in rot in the muck of muddy trails. Thus, I am thankful that we caught Ms Autumn at her brightest, wandering in her radiant light, filtered through warm golden hues that never fail to usher joy, a joy to just be outside and alive.<span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">Color ranged from green to gold to orange on this vertiginous hike into the upper reaches of Corbett Creek's abundance of aspen groves. There were enough New Dots to keep us motivated, eager to climb and see what lies around the next corner.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">L</span><span style="font-size: large;">ike human sponges, we soak in a Autumn's warm bath of color. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Above, drifting in and out of mists of clouds, Whitehouse Mountain shows off a blanket of fresh snow. It'a a dreamy fairyland trek, with nearly 3000 feet of elevation gain...and, unfortunately, loss. Knees will pay for this, but this experience is worth every painful penny. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3sLzg1yccA/YWnWJIRZ37I/AAAAAAAA7Fg/UIJ2i0_caLMbU4Mn7QKAEpHFlcI4iVrNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0778.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3sLzg1yccA/YWnWJIRZ37I/AAAAAAAA7Fg/UIJ2i0_caLMbU4Mn7QKAEpHFlcI4iVrNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0778.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Headed for Gold: The trail above Corbett Creek</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpwmRsVXEd4/YWnWJO4Um4I/AAAAAAAA7Fk/JGqUzkgun_gSSIMUZhJ64j1_kbh1CFyUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0779.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpwmRsVXEd4/YWnWJO4Um4I/AAAAAAAA7Fk/JGqUzkgun_gSSIMUZhJ64j1_kbh1CFyUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0779.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Negligee clouds teased, limiting our view of "teton" peaks</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1t6P-CiJDgw/YWnWCn3aOpI/AAAAAAAA7Fc/kQ0PGm1admIArjtdgfUebm82scovUyEhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0781.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1t6P-CiJDgw/YWnWCn3aOpI/AAAAAAAA7Fc/kQ0PGm1admIArjtdgfUebm82scovUyEhACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTW7fWZ50-0/YWnWKLIAriI/AAAAAAAA7Fo/EakVzXgKWhgd0bIupTaV7N-9UsR5KihrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0782.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTW7fWZ50-0/YWnWKLIAriI/AAAAAAAA7Fo/EakVzXgKWhgd0bIupTaV7N-9UsR5KihrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbS4vw-m9uI/YWnWYx_9RXI/AAAAAAAA7Fw/N2wDjwXEyt8uLrYmiiDW_ZeqcJvoUME2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbS4vw-m9uI/YWnWYx_9RXI/AAAAAAAA7Fw/N2wDjwXEyt8uLrYmiiDW_ZeqcJvoUME2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0783.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0wYUrQdKOI/YWnWZp5arvI/AAAAAAAA7F0/hKXJJtioQHk4OODfmtLKPev_xDDfoZL-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0wYUrQdKOI/YWnWZp5arvI/AAAAAAAA7F0/hKXJJtioQHk4OODfmtLKPev_xDDfoZL-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0785.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lg1SplSDvk/YWnWmMMZ87I/AAAAAAAA7GA/Vn_ccn2TOHQ4Ty9P8oQhfu8Sm5gPzIHkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2048" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lg1SplSDvk/YWnWmMMZ87I/AAAAAAAA7GA/Vn_ccn2TOHQ4Ty9P8oQhfu8Sm5gPzIHkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h338/IMG_0786.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When done as a clockwise loop, Corbett Creek's relentless trail will break a sweat. Both views and sunlight are plentiful on this cool day, and layers are shed down to t-shirts.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, Corbett trail mellows into an upwardly mobilem meandering forest of aspen. Super Colossal trees tower overhead as they compete for sunlight by trying to out-grow the competition. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Gazing</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>skyward I</span><span> feel small, dwarfed to insignificance, as I try to capture every precious scene and feeling in memory...something to keep me warm throughout December's chill that will soon land on our doorstep. </span></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2W_3n3OPAdI/YWnWzSwFW3I/AAAAAAAA7GQ/DmnnUK582L08CW4BYeBJI5gJDcUJ1GjLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0788.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2W_3n3OPAdI/YWnWzSwFW3I/AAAAAAAA7GQ/DmnnUK582L08CW4BYeBJI5gJDcUJ1GjLACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0788.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The autumnal warmth of filtered light...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trCpCY_rZfE/YWnWvgx_oPI/AAAAAAAA7GM/-5UiXoBj9pENej_gO_2smgL5tuCdQlk9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0790.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trCpCY_rZfE/YWnWvgx_oPI/AAAAAAAA7GM/-5UiXoBj9pENej_gO_2smgL5tuCdQlk9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0790.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdN9VJkWGew/YWnW8dC-_4I/AAAAAAAA7GY/qSbq_of1UcUPUTm9SctQZe9kqP3YbEy7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdN9VJkWGew/YWnW8dC-_4I/AAAAAAAA7GY/qSbq_of1UcUPUTm9SctQZe9kqP3YbEy7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0792.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fB5Z_AmIR8/YWnW_jcOChI/AAAAAAAA7Gg/9PDylVitLzosuTP7xebtfEOgeMPvK9nnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fB5Z_AmIR8/YWnW_jcOChI/AAAAAAAA7Gg/9PDylVitLzosuTP7xebtfEOgeMPvK9nnwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0793.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0_nEAvhqik/YWnXGLQK39I/AAAAAAAA7Gk/4TsajcMfxbUxtR3wnFU_jsC2aUwXjFoaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0795.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0_nEAvhqik/YWnXGLQK39I/AAAAAAAA7Gk/4TsajcMfxbUxtR3wnFU_jsC2aUwXjFoaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0795.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLkE2hGQq8Q/YWnXTe-o5II/AAAAAAAA7Gw/pPj3iwjgu10ay8kQjTKCXPRh2xcHlQnrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLkE2hGQq8Q/YWnXTe-o5II/AAAAAAAA7Gw/pPj3iwjgu10ay8kQjTKCXPRh2xcHlQnrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0797.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIPgkthrbrE/YWnXV72JTzI/AAAAAAAA7G4/EGpp8DOu09QbYLqQixyw8AGTJ8Jt-3mawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0798.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIPgkthrbrE/YWnXV72JTzI/AAAAAAAA7G4/EGpp8DOu09QbYLqQixyw8AGTJ8Jt-3mawCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0798.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mazKW298Ltg/YWnXchHtpoI/AAAAAAAA7G8/CfZkahN9Yk4zkFvMHP2V4Ol9YcEecok5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mazKW298Ltg/YWnXchHtpoI/AAAAAAAA7G8/CfZkahN9Yk4zkFvMHP2V4Ol9YcEecok5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0800.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWKiTeqwQjE/YWnXmCXNcXI/AAAAAAAA7HI/bkr-W2Y2HZIt7rKSWmbjF6fgjnkevq1KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2048" height="504" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWKiTeqwQjE/YWnXmCXNcXI/AAAAAAAA7HI/bkr-W2Y2HZIt7rKSWmbjF6fgjnkevq1KwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h504/IMG_0801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhug8ftQMso/YWnXp8-oKsI/AAAAAAAA7HM/0KoCclzne04wThMVf5DG3qdPmHt8LyuGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhug8ftQMso/YWnXp8-oKsI/AAAAAAAA7HM/0KoCclzne04wThMVf5DG3qdPmHt8LyuGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0805.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSyMPlxH7pE/YWnXwZ9KEkI/AAAAAAAA7HY/Kr5ugzE24gQK_7UcWl4LitJTYum0v2oCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="2048" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSyMPlxH7pE/YWnXwZ9KEkI/AAAAAAAA7HY/Kr5ugzE24gQK_7UcWl4LitJTYum0v2oCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h394/IMG_0813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our golden ascent offered frequent fair and far views of distant snowcapped peaks that rise with majesty above Lovely Ouray, the most beautiful place on earth.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7Jsm2pvjxc/YWnX9JvodxI/AAAAAAAA7Ho/PscejvehOtsBHS3vyv1TJC4VPPM0N6smgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7Jsm2pvjxc/YWnX9JvodxI/AAAAAAAA7Ho/PscejvehOtsBHS3vyv1TJC4VPPM0N6smgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0818.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Though miles from County Road 17, upper Corbett Creek's precipitous grade is a mail chute for enormous boulders. Flash floods frequently usher them all the way down to the backroad to Ridgway, blocking and flooding it to impasse. </span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kw8HZK054Q/YWnX9C3ho2I/AAAAAAAA7Hk/CbrXr3rNYEUwt7KgInaTMAVzFa0jPUl4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1882" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kw8HZK054Q/YWnX9C3ho2I/AAAAAAAA7Hk/CbrXr3rNYEUwt7KgInaTMAVzFa0jPUl4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w588-h640/IMG_0821.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie and Ruthie cross upper Corbett Creek...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kYrYi7tpl4/YWnYPfEpWVI/AAAAAAAA7H4/qB7W24DmyfoOzt1q7fne2VGUY-g7wQolACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kYrYi7tpl4/YWnYPfEpWVI/AAAAAAAA7H4/qB7W24DmyfoOzt1q7fne2VGUY-g7wQolACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0826.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNHoHu-5-tY/YWnYRDyZIuI/AAAAAAAA7H8/MCyHohhSGJ002V5O8Z5H1K7mbIUEd6rogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNHoHu-5-tY/YWnYRDyZIuI/AAAAAAAA7H8/MCyHohhSGJ002V5O8Z5H1K7mbIUEd6rogCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0827.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QffH5Uf9JdI/YWnYXKAny1I/AAAAAAAA7IE/IkYRUt-izIMZ8D9kzLnIdSd6wdEOuONWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QffH5Uf9JdI/YWnYXKAny1I/AAAAAAAA7IE/IkYRUt-izIMZ8D9kzLnIdSd6wdEOuONWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0831.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I thought we had hiked every trail in and around Lovely Ouray. But this lesser known connector segment that joins Silver Shield to Corbett turned out to be New Dots. Its color, views, atmosphere...not to mention that it's a loop-hike...makes it now my favorite fall hike and something of a must-do from now on.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q1DnmOsDb4/YWnYkWdTLZI/AAAAAAAA7IU/9HaHuEulbq4vur-TKEKd2OvsYHoyJgJiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q1DnmOsDb4/YWnYkWdTLZI/AAAAAAAA7IU/9HaHuEulbq4vur-TKEKd2OvsYHoyJgJiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0833.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTCOy4tclU/YWnYhXbNA8I/AAAAAAAA7IQ/Jod3VST_VioyGiFkZjhFHaNVlVLYRLIyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTCOy4tclU/YWnYhXbNA8I/AAAAAAAA7IQ/Jod3VST_VioyGiFkZjhFHaNVlVLYRLIyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaVoXQYYJ2I/YWnYsq3vl0I/AAAAAAAA7Ig/v9hVHfa8tJIZqdE_VgLEMMU1blRqfOL0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0838.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaVoXQYYJ2I/YWnYsq3vl0I/AAAAAAAA7Ig/v9hVHfa8tJIZqdE_VgLEMMU1blRqfOL0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0838.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Note the "ridge to the bridge" of Heaven, cross canyon and just above the aspen grove.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">With apologies for "redundancy," I will now flash flood readers with a "novella" of photos that reflect my inspired mood. See if you can spot the subtle cloud movements and slight changes in angles of view. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, inhale deeply, hold it, and slowly exhale. Time to soak in the details.<b> (Note/Reminder: for a highest quality photo viewing experience, double click on any photograph to view and toggle through the entire collection in "Studio" mode)</b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5V-y0t_-ZU/YWnYzJblMEI/AAAAAAAA7Is/-NZSERiKVEw1QsWLVwrZuUUGvq9N3rAnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5V-y0t_-ZU/YWnYzJblMEI/AAAAAAAA7Is/-NZSERiKVEw1QsWLVwrZuUUGvq9N3rAnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xav1TvZ4mAo/YWnZiTnSQOI/AAAAAAAA7Jk/UW3697aL1cAhh6JN8fzy0mEWxHuzkQoQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3112/IMG_0844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55cuPiStxog/YWnaU9x_lLI/AAAAAAAA7Kw/LZRAVDyJXGEXQMrsbFBO8r16pUH02mDCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0877.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55cuPiStxog/YWnaU9x_lLI/AAAAAAAA7Kw/LZRAVDyJXGEXQMrsbFBO8r16pUH02mDCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0877.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>An avalanche chute littered with snapped off trees</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbJInaMVa7Q/YWnaSIQKdmI/AAAAAAAA7Ks/1NK0LrU7TVMw6VTE9oPJc2KoRho95m9vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbJInaMVa7Q/YWnaSIQKdmI/AAAAAAAA7Ks/1NK0LrU7TVMw6VTE9oPJc2KoRho95m9vwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsG6Iax1LIQ/YWnaMnG7HWI/AAAAAAAA7Kg/D9Vdjhm46AItw7r1wvBOkvffaQQAYOIawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsG6Iax1LIQ/YWnaMnG7HWI/AAAAAAAA7Kg/D9Vdjhm46AItw7r1wvBOkvffaQQAYOIawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdQZNfW2_Qg/YWnadHsht6I/AAAAAAAA7K8/XP41dPdFm2gGS58pcBd1ap0Klty2EGHnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0881.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdQZNfW2_Qg/YWnadHsht6I/AAAAAAAA7K8/XP41dPdFm2gGS58pcBd1ap0Klty2EGHnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0881.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqOcVHAoeAM/YWnafkoVIzI/AAAAAAAA7LA/9L8ePXb3_fsMZbhIBIyYRd_gWcsk0PXNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0882.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqOcVHAoeAM/YWnafkoVIzI/AAAAAAAA7LA/9L8ePXb3_fsMZbhIBIyYRd_gWcsk0PXNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course we're all familiar with the adage, <i>what goes up, must come down. </i>Going UP, we can do all day long. But coming DOWN, well, it becomes a little more unpleasant with each passing year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, I'm told, New Dots combined with elevational hikes through autumnal mountains are reminiscent of "childbirth," <i>you forget the pain and do "it" again. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For every sad ending, be it seasonal or personal, a new beginning awaits to take its place. The Universe has a nifty way of replenishing, recycling and rejuvenating. There will be "joy in Mudville" this winter...outings in knee-deep snow and treks up and down the slopes of our beloved Red Mountains, soon to be snugly wrapped under blankets of white powder. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So yes, this fall marks a departure for your's truly. Normally, I would be headed west to Utah by now, to mountain bike mountain backroads around Monticello. Sometimes I'm even gone before Ms Autumn's annual "shed" in Lovely Ouray. It's my way of extending her stay, as fall in Utah lags conveniently behind Colorado. What can I say? I have ants in my pants...er, <i>shorts.</i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For me, to follow Ms Autumn's retreat south and west is one of life's greatest treats. Like a bottomless bowl of ice cream, I try to get my fill by making such pleasant indulgences last. But, as mentioned, this year marks a departure for my departure. <i>It's all good, </i>as Nephew Darin likes to say. The way I see it, I'm at the "dessert stage" of life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">With sacred goals and achievements beyond my wildest childhood dreams, I'm satisfied now to just recreate every damn day...no matter where I wake up. If it's December in Colorado, I'll snowshoe or snow-hike or even ride the friggin' exercise bike when elements do not meet expectations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thus my summer shorts and winter gaiters stand at the ready. My <i>Life Is Good</i> hat reminds me that attitude is everything, and that my "cup" runneth over with good fortune. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's all good,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">mark and bobbie </span></div></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-38065949668486429552021-10-13T08:11:00.001-06:002021-10-13T08:13:47.889-06:00The Two Old Broads and Crash Hike Smack Dab Through Ms Autumn's Palette On Cutler Trail <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzT_zMmLSlw/YWWMJNSIotI/AAAAAAAA6_o/toBNvlRklIkaCnxw9kBajQu0V95LoAv7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzT_zMmLSlw/YWWMJNSIotI/AAAAAAAA6_o/toBNvlRklIkaCnxw9kBajQu0V95LoAv7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-size: large;">"...if I were a bird, I would fly about the Earth seeking successive autumns." </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>George Eliot<span><a name='more'></a></span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know, I know. Brevity makes for a fond heart. But seriously, folks, if only fall would last as long as winter, well...wouldn't that be something?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69z-zytICk0/YWWL7s9rCYI/AAAAAAAA6_c/oct-6gscOQIjQUOkABBC82usayMkWSFYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69z-zytICk0/YWWL7s9rCYI/AAAAAAAA6_c/oct-6gscOQIjQUOkABBC82usayMkWSFYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Following an all-night sprinkle-fest, a</span><span> ceiling of misty clouds rolled over mountains and ridge lines on a soft breeze.</span><span> A bone chilling dampness hung in the air as w</span><span>e donned packs at Cutler's Trailhead. The mood kinda fit the change of seasons, a prelude to winter, one might say, as we set off for a taste of Ms Autumn's annual "brushwork."</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y2htgicPCY/YWWMAJITbAI/AAAAAAAA6_g/ND42WbIDyOcIRrsz01jG62taia4diBJaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y2htgicPCY/YWWMAJITbAI/AAAAAAAA6_g/ND42WbIDyOcIRrsz01jG62taia4diBJaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Cloud-filtered light popped the glow of aspen against subdued backgrounds of dark timber. Perhaps erratic best describes Ms Autumn. Like an unpredictable mother-in-law, she might hang around anywhere from a few days to a month, before packing bags and moving south. The wake of her exit always seems to kick up winds that strips color from hillsides, leaving behind a bland 50 shades of grayness that sets the tone for six long months of winter. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0J6TIO_0pc/YWWMQx6A-SI/AAAAAAAA6_0/8AjY-SfRG5wb4XuAeekW0EcZZAFpdpk5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0J6TIO_0pc/YWWMQx6A-SI/AAAAAAAA6_0/8AjY-SfRG5wb4XuAeekW0EcZZAFpdpk5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYk0Vy-RDr4/YWWMTsssAjI/AAAAAAAA6_4/NevI7r3CU6w7917Eodl9ncUhfSJKWMoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYk0Vy-RDr4/YWWMTsssAjI/AAAAAAAA6_4/NevI7r3CU6w7917Eodl9ncUhfSJKWMoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0661.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prC4SHMTTNk/YWWPbiRieeI/AAAAAAAA7Ek/cdN0Sr5HRHofws4yz1RA_rM0xyho5WHUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prC4SHMTTNk/YWWPbiRieeI/AAAAAAAA7Ek/cdN0Sr5HRHofws4yz1RA_rM0xyho5WHUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IhacJCXGjI/YWWPmsB4RXI/AAAAAAAA7E0/vyk4WhD1KIcYQhXO7YrnN6jQqYFG7MF7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0768.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IhacJCXGjI/YWWPmsB4RXI/AAAAAAAA7E0/vyk4WhD1KIcYQhXO7YrnN6jQqYFG7MF7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0768.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x7CMBgM4B4/YWWPgNADt4I/AAAAAAAA7Es/GvPvkt4j7lIWqmmUFfpD3gHhs9hyrFaIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x7CMBgM4B4/YWWPgNADt4I/AAAAAAAA7Es/GvPvkt4j7lIWqmmUFfpD3gHhs9hyrFaIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/IMG_0771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-gX4_ttDAw/YWWPn25KfgI/AAAAAAAA7E4/I9s9_mIsoAQWv7Xy4hCtkfvpVmy9WIQcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0773.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-gX4_ttDAw/YWWPn25KfgI/AAAAAAAA7E4/I9s9_mIsoAQWv7Xy4hCtkfvpVmy9WIQcACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4hCoYFG_M/YWWPvWd5YPI/AAAAAAAA7FA/dOKyL0gnZJEgMTycucjMpR4U6a8tZBSVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4hCoYFG_M/YWWPvWd5YPI/AAAAAAAA7FA/dOKyL0gnZJEgMTycucjMpR4U6a8tZBSVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out!</span><div><span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check in for a chuckle on Bobbie's weekly youtube videos, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">Getting High With Two Old Broads</a>."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">check back here for one more fall hike through New Dots!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">mark and bobbie</span></div><div><p><br /></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-63415378921081787732021-10-11T12:56:00.002-06:002021-10-12T13:00:53.987-06:00The Perilous Path: A Deep Backcountry Reprise<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5y34dGWV8M/YV22Im4coAI/AAAAAAAA6_U/SPtN-tKa2vwgW2WJ4bkRG_kOzu0ct-AuACLcBGAsYHQ/SenatorBasiin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="3173" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5y34dGWV8M/YV22Im4coAI/AAAAAAAA6_U/SPtN-tKa2vwgW2WJ4bkRG_kOzu0ct-AuACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h200/SenatorBasiin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;">To me, and hopefully most of my dear outdoor type readers, the most appreciable aspect regarding hiking, biking or even walking (yes, walking), is that there's always a trail or road or park path to suit even the most surly outdoor snob (me), a place where one gets to pick their preferred resistance and difficulty level. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;">Bobbie and I appreciate, not to mention, <i>somewhat surprised</i>, at our good fortune of being able-bodied enough to still achieve a long, formidable ass-kicker trek like the one in this post. It's an 8 hour grunt, with near vertical climbs, stunning vistas and (the hard part) 4,000 feet of toe-jamming descent. But here's the good news. Studies show that there's nearly as much health benefit from a brisk walk as there is in climbing and descending mountains. Far less risk, too, eh Jen? Plus, it's easier on old bones. </span></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;">But truly, <i>what is a Life without risk</i>? I guess individuals must answer that question for themselves. I do know this, though, because I've seen it in myself, my family and my friends: whether it's business, sports, mountain biking or climbing mountains, the straightest path to inner growth is to bite off a little more that you can chew and take the difficult, albeit, <i>oft perilous</i>, path.<br /><span></span></span></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;">We invited a couple friends along for this hike. Mike Boruta, famed for his glorious photos an drone shots (see <a href="http://www.ouraybyflight.com" target="_blank">Ouray By Flight</a>) came along, and so did our friendly neighbor, "J".</span></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfgKYdohHa4/YV2slTkb14I/AAAAAAAA67U/cSu2z4w2G-UMToMT7sn5PVQb2y9KeQEtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfgKYdohHa4/YV2slTkb14I/AAAAAAAA67U/cSu2z4w2G-UMToMT7sn5PVQb2y9KeQEtACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0555.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Avalanche cute, where only the young and limber survive</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Being a long and elevational one-way hike, we departed early so we could drop a vehicle at the "bottom" trailhead (our destination/end point). Then we drove on up to a point a few miles short of Yankee Boy Basin to begin our hike. The trail—if one could call something so obscure and hit-and-miss a trail—began by winding its way up a significant avalanche chute that's well populated by young aspen saplings, trees still limber enough to withstand </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>violent snow slides that roar down from on high.</span><span> Older and larger aspen and pine become brittle with age (kinda like us) and get snapped like toothpicks as snow slides sweep down-mountain at speeds known to reach 200 mph.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z74h50gRigA/YV2smAGTb9I/AAAAAAAA67Y/LHeoDQLJJQoIqyCxxwKHDA4QxXAqJXO9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z74h50gRigA/YV2smAGTb9I/AAAAAAAA67Y/LHeoDQLJJQoIqyCxxwKHDA4QxXAqJXO9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Though crisp early on, the day blossomed into a beautiful Indian Summer affair. The forecast (if you believe in "fake news) called for morning sun with afternoon clouds moving in. Having already had a few snows higher up, we felt seasonal pressure to get this hike done before Old Man Winter put it off till next year. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz2AVYpYEH8/YV2szR71EuI/AAAAAAAA67g/EAqfT5RdOwEFykWqf1Jz9f89hTqqAPf5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz2AVYpYEH8/YV2szR71EuI/AAAAAAAA67g/EAqfT5RdOwEFykWqf1Jz9f89hTqqAPf5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We stopped by an old miner's cabin on the way up. While slumping on the outside, it had a few antiquities strung randomly about on the inside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta2aFND14uY/YV2shJUKuWI/AAAAAAAA67Q/f3fYPfVnGl8s5IVGpSG0FsOOjJRHCd3NgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta2aFND14uY/YV2shJUKuWI/AAAAAAAA67Q/f3fYPfVnGl8s5IVGpSG0FsOOjJRHCd3NgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0558.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Old cookstove...likely used for heating, too.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgMUj0oPrc8/YV2s54ds8BI/AAAAAAAA67o/pA10vEvxgd0MppVneWYchTSnoajo19h8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0563.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgMUj0oPrc8/YV2s54ds8BI/AAAAAAAA67o/pA10vEvxgd0MppVneWYchTSnoajo19h8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0563.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie digs in her poles on the skinny trail...cut into a steep slope </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BLOF44LVUU/YV2s8Mo01iI/AAAAAAAA67s/Jslj4mitryIrVPmoF9MmOdsncEAKCEBmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0564.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BLOF44LVUU/YV2s8Mo01iI/AAAAAAAA67s/Jslj4mitryIrVPmoF9MmOdsncEAKCEBmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5BkO_DJOks/YV2tD-Yy_MI/AAAAAAAA670/2G8YXOO00cw6M3ctSrB0cse2mDYAxsfKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0565.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5BkO_DJOks/YV2tD-Yy_MI/AAAAAAAA670/2G8YXOO00cw6M3ctSrB0cse2mDYAxsfKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/IMG_0565.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The slope-side gang </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuWkqJ2ojdo/YV2tM0fVWEI/AAAAAAAA68A/GkvzM59awokXh4hdvoFVDAd1pzLQK0tRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuWkqJ2ojdo/YV2tM0fVWEI/AAAAAAAA68A/GkvzM59awokXh4hdvoFVDAd1pzLQK0tRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0567.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Experienced guides (it was our third or fourth time) helped avoid a few "bumps," things like wrong turns down the wrong drainage (sigh). There are a number of confounding game trails, too, some more traveled than the "right trail" that can lead one (me) offtrack. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We pressed on, cutting up toward the ridge line below and to the right of the rocks in the above photo. And OMG, what a view...</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nk7t8yudNWk/YV2tyujCEjI/AAAAAAAA68k/eex1LekBncU5OXxeZJmM53dfkAHKRlFnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3173/IMG_0569.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="3173" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nk7t8yudNWk/YV2tyujCEjI/AAAAAAAA68k/eex1LekBncU5OXxeZJmM53dfkAHKRlFnwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h200/IMG_0569.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The "ridge line"and Elk Shit Basin. What campsites...take your pick.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We decided to rename the above <i>Senator Basin</i> to <i>Elk Shit Basin</i>...mostly because it's chock full of elk shit, and, we've yet to meet a Senator (or anyone, for that matter, which is why we love this hike). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5y34dGWV8M/YV22Im4coAI/AAAAAAAA6_U/SPtN-tKa2vwgW2WJ4bkRG_kOzu0ct-AuACLcBGAsYHQ/SenatorBasiin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="3173" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5y34dGWV8M/YV22Im4coAI/AAAAAAAA6_U/SPtN-tKa2vwgW2WJ4bkRG_kOzu0ct-AuACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h200/SenatorBasiin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Our route, roughly penciled in. Though the far section is a near vertical climb, tuffs of tundra turn it into a long series of steps. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IDGkvalLXA/YV2tXnA8LwI/AAAAAAAA68I/OqqNCOpRB5sBpQ-cmqiBUZizufvfSNxagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0570.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="2048" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IDGkvalLXA/YV2tXnA8LwI/AAAAAAAA68I/OqqNCOpRB5sBpQ-cmqiBUZizufvfSNxagCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h488/IMG_0570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Bobbie leans into the slope, while Mike takes in a dramatic view of ragged peaks that soar overhead. A couple hundred feet more and we cut up and left...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OF1R7-Ihv50/YV2tiFa06fI/AAAAAAAA68Q/sTTFG3472NAm7ZaLfpjk0Zslx7RRYqFvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0571.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OF1R7-Ihv50/YV2tiFa06fI/AAAAAAAA68Q/sTTFG3472NAm7ZaLfpjk0Zslx7RRYqFvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0571.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">...only to top out in a basin that turns out to be a "</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>false summit." We need to trek up one more level to a saddle, the one that drops (and I mean "</span><i><span>DROPS</span></i><span>") us into yet another bottomless drainage that leads us to our "return vehicle." Whew. 4,000 feet of knee jarring elevation loss. </span></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1g69_fKevU/YV2tqH2MYyI/AAAAAAAA68Y/w9nYe2Loaq0u8FQwRMYDhb2G2sT9Y6oZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0572.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1g69_fKevU/YV2tqH2MYyI/AAAAAAAA68Y/w9nYe2Loaq0u8FQwRMYDhb2G2sT9Y6oZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0572.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>View from the "false summit" basin</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVcf8o1dwAA/YV2tx929-VI/AAAAAAAA68g/cCDMgyjARFkWRsvKakzHerC03WB-afdcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0573.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVcf8o1dwAA/YV2tx929-VI/AAAAAAAA68g/cCDMgyjARFkWRsvKakzHerC03WB-afdcACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0573.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mike and Chester top out on the "false" basin. To the left and close behind is Bobbie, with a little work left to do. What a view!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixldsf5EsL0/YV2t-9Us1_I/AAAAAAAA68s/JAETtdRqkCMn_aZcTb75-4PcDkCha_XtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0576.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixldsf5EsL0/YV2t-9Us1_I/AAAAAAAA68s/JAETtdRqkCMn_aZcTb75-4PcDkCha_XtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0576.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mike takes a breather, while Chester waits on "Dad" to get moving.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPhtBtDPOeM/YV2uBxjK-HI/AAAAAAAA680/1x4Z4I8pTGkQafezgvnuR9_2jvRDaHHMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0578.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPhtBtDPOeM/YV2uBxjK-HI/AAAAAAAA680/1x4Z4I8pTGkQafezgvnuR9_2jvRDaHHMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>After a brutal, near-vertical climb, we ultimately realize the uppermost</span><span> saddle </span>and break for refreshments. Mike flew his drone, both for our entertainment and to get a bird's eye view of Potosi's summit,</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> to see if there is a safer route to the top than what's apparent from our position on the saddle. We study the scant line of the trail, </span><span>etched into the hillside till it drops through a rocky vortex that we must soon navigate.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkNd892W5P4/YV2uPfzaL7I/AAAAAAAA69I/314YOd4P27kQI_1SnPrX8ZlJOzgM8wnWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0581.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="2048" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkNd892W5P4/YV2uPfzaL7I/AAAAAAAA69I/314YOd4P27kQI_1SnPrX8ZlJOzgM8wnWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h496/IMG_0581.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I always thought the cliffs in the above photo were Potosi. Mikes drone reveals that Potosi actually is hidden behind these cliffs. Another false summit...but from his video footage, it looks like a doable summit route is on the other side.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glNPnrkuf7M/YV2uHGNynWI/AAAAAAAA688/GTFGmuRAgQUYbLE4wUNgHWqIrUw9hWu5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glNPnrkuf7M/YV2uHGNynWI/AAAAAAAA688/GTFGmuRAgQUYbLE4wUNgHWqIrUw9hWu5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h324/IMG_0582.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TYhCtnYDCc/YV2uRfsDiTI/AAAAAAAA69M/XW-ikAeSGGwJXwyDH7Ye3jCMkLGBPn3ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TYhCtnYDCc/YV2uRfsDiTI/AAAAAAAA69M/XW-ikAeSGGwJXwyDH7Ye3jCMkLGBPn3ZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h456/IMG_0587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EjT3mM-9gk/YV2ubzW2EJI/AAAAAAAA69c/yITa7nMySmYWfPTCP_vDfwbo2EdacxXQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0588.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EjT3mM-9gk/YV2ubzW2EJI/AAAAAAAA69c/yITa7nMySmYWfPTCP_vDfwbo2EdacxXQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0588.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>While we were on the saddle having lunch, three hang gliders, catching a good upward draft, soared far overhead</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoPqIpvUaNM/YV2up13gX8I/AAAAAAAA69k/QHaLXZfP3CYsttBRMlvuUXgAWIOua7P5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0589.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoPqIpvUaNM/YV2up13gX8I/AAAAAAAA69k/QHaLXZfP3CYsttBRMlvuUXgAWIOua7P5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0589.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Time to start the long trek down...over the saddle and a wild ass slide down steep slopes of bouldered scree. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg-UXpEhgqk/YV2uqRvnmyI/AAAAAAAA69o/4mD12dfW5OcIuncoxXysv8fQ2mTkprVwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0590.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg-UXpEhgqk/YV2uqRvnmyI/AAAAAAAA69o/4mD12dfW5OcIuncoxXysv8fQ2mTkprVwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0590.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>It's a dream back country hike, to just about this point, anyway. Mike and Neighbor "J" have no idea what's coming :).</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQa4AVAQgtg/YV2u3uaPxZI/AAAAAAAA694/BuA2nkV1F782jJajrHfAkPloOuC7KYXCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0591.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQa4AVAQgtg/YV2u3uaPxZI/AAAAAAAA694/BuA2nkV1F782jJajrHfAkPloOuC7KYXCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0591.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie surveys the waterfall rockslide for the best way down. This is the "risk" part I mentioned earlier, not necessary, really, but something that gets our "juices" flowing, for sure. These kind of hikes have "numbers" on them. We know that the best way to keep doing them, is to <i>keep doing them.</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8jf5U28rwU/YV2u2Tq4uhI/AAAAAAAA690/7Z0KX7NWsZoOBZcC8glDMYdbKA938hXMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8jf5U28rwU/YV2u2Tq4uhI/AAAAAAAA690/7Z0KX7NWsZoOBZcC8glDMYdbKA938hXMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0592.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToimJmr-sZM/YV2u10gjFBI/AAAAAAAA69w/HqhZIjLdqDkrnK0GCB6dbacmtzqav8fWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0594.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToimJmr-sZM/YV2u10gjFBI/AAAAAAAA69w/HqhZIjLdqDkrnK0GCB6dbacmtzqav8fWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0594.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Neighbor J starts down, while Mike launches his drone to get some shots</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtTwPO8BRBo/YV2vvXkBwpI/AAAAAAAA6-4/7sDXzOUO8Bc3WFyNd2wKnt5ZqwiDbscyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9193%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtTwPO8BRBo/YV2vvXkBwpI/AAAAAAAA6-4/7sDXzOUO8Bc3WFyNd2wKnt5ZqwiDbscyACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9193%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie finds the best way down. At the very bottom, near the pines, is where we need to go. It's a time consuming descent...occasionally out of control.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw4XhXFe1C4/YV2vCArui5I/AAAAAAAA698/94k0_dbzvl4ElX9w6OTZCg2t0K3tByvfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0595.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw4XhXFe1C4/YV2vCArui5I/AAAAAAAA698/94k0_dbzvl4ElX9w6OTZCg2t0K3tByvfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0595.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Views on the way down</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYiDCmLzBco/YV2vF2H0wWI/AAAAAAAA6-E/-ymkn2hmzb4CEX3DYiOVZBfd4XhxWYDcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0596.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYiDCmLzBco/YV2vF2H0wWI/AAAAAAAA6-E/-ymkn2hmzb4CEX3DYiOVZBfd4XhxWYDcACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0596.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie's making great progress...I can't keep up with her, never could!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxN7YHjK4SM/YV2vMoDs01I/AAAAAAAA6-I/QusvRXmSDc8H3CS_jO13XdUwUGtpLdXPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxN7YHjK4SM/YV2vMoDs01I/AAAAAAAA6-I/QusvRXmSDc8H3CS_jO13XdUwUGtpLdXPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0597.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>One more slippery slope and we'll be off the scree and marbles. Still, a long way to the car, though (sigh).</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2It6Qz8V72g/YV2vaBl1RTI/AAAAAAAA6-U/4PJdI79QG3EHmBORTa0rQzNX1TfZlfqdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2It6Qz8V72g/YV2vaBl1RTI/AAAAAAAA6-U/4PJdI79QG3EHmBORTa0rQzNX1TfZlfqdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The forecast proved true as cloud puffs began to move in from the west. But the basin is so lovely in "light and shadow," enough to literally blow our minds.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-Mpm4Js8Qw/YV2vOPhet6I/AAAAAAAA6-M/DQb2yomWLxY2B00XQYUMk6hXTESVajl9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="2048" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-Mpm4Js8Qw/YV2vOPhet6I/AAAAAAAA6-M/DQb2yomWLxY2B00XQYUMk6hXTESVajl9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h326/IMG_0599.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-tirhWFk8A/YV2vyImfauI/AAAAAAAA6_E/f_NfQsVJ6vk5a_jeFuPRrAYLAXMATJ9aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9220.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-tirhWFk8A/YV2vyImfauI/AAAAAAAA6_E/f_NfQsVJ6vk5a_jeFuPRrAYLAXMATJ9aQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Though the photo doesn't really show it, the final plunge down tundra is steeper than it looks.s</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8mTdLRv1PY/YV2vdkIUK8I/AAAAAAAA6-g/uma44BIJhHcHH3uhF-NPkY_M2Mmc0-gfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8mTdLRv1PY/YV2vdkIUK8I/AAAAAAAA6-g/uma44BIJhHcHH3uhF-NPkY_M2Mmc0-gfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The final plunge is blessed tundra. Finally,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">traction...</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">footing we can trust. The basin valley below eventually funnels us alongside a noisy creek, through both downed and upright trees, always down, down, down, though, then down some more. </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMoHha65sTU/YV2vdfBX33I/AAAAAAAA6-c/fjBqs238UvcCiR07i_OiRe5AX2krV9V4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMoHha65sTU/YV2vdfBX33I/AAAAAAAA6-c/fjBqs238UvcCiR07i_OiRe5AX2krV9V4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0608.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard">Honestly, minutes can feel like hours when toes are raw and quads weak. 4,000 feet is such a long, long descent. But this is the hard work that always seems to be the price of "Glory," and what you must do if you want to keep doing such perverse back country treks.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard">We hope you enjoyed this foray into Colorado's backcountry.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard">Peace Out, and remember, Lovely Ouray is now on the cusp of fall. Stay tuned!!!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard">Also, be sure to check out Mike's drone photography at Ouray By Flight.com. And, be sure to check out "Ohio Peak," Bobbie's new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hovmgcYcFKk" target="_blank">"Old Broads" video.</a> It includes Mike capturing dramatic drone photos and videos from the summit.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard">Stay tuned...</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="-webkit-standard">Mark, Bobbie, Mike, and Neighbor J.</span></span></p></div><p></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-20617079132551234882021-10-04T07:14:00.011-06:002021-10-04T08:11:07.295-06:00Abandoned Mines and Ghost Towns: A Dazzling Autumnal Color-Trek In The San Juan Mountains<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIVuHYf96X4/YVW2CoKMEtI/AAAAAAAA628/d4Jl6pbTaGoptp80gpOIkBWh298hILSjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIVuHYf96X4/YVW2CoKMEtI/AAAAAAAA628/d4Jl6pbTaGoptp80gpOIkBWh298hILSjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0472.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div><span style="font-size: large;">I suppose it's curiosity that drives Bobbie and I to push deeper into mountainous backcountry...that and a compulsion to be alone.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As most of you know or will eventually find out, backcountry solitude is a scarce commodity these days and, with the growing popularity of ATV's, silence even more so. </span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35UZ4yjH23c/YVW1mpJ-wPI/AAAAAAAA62k/RWlVSs3OTZcpWpbAqxJW5XmoUNAlsDxqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35UZ4yjH23c/YVW1mpJ-wPI/AAAAAAAA62k/RWlVSs3OTZcpWpbAqxJW5XmoUNAlsDxqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h384/IMG_0456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It helps to be an early riser, as well as indifferent to "the elements," if you want to have a trail all to yourself. Our languid, to downright slothful, transition to autumn this year caught me by surprise. I was woefully underdressed for this outing, in my usual shorts and a light weight T-shirt. We exited our car up near Red Mountain Pass well before sunrise, our breath hanging like vaporous clouds in the gelid, high altitude air. To make matters even more frosty, our hike was on the shady side of Mount Sunblock. Of course Bobbie had everything she needed to be warm as toast. Never a Cub or Boy Scout, I'm seldom prepared for winter. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yq18WTJi6g/YVW1zPGHwpI/AAAAAAAA62s/NeJY2HoXoCYbTbJNbVOhY78TD6lsuxv-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0461.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yq18WTJi6g/YVW1zPGHwpI/AAAAAAAA62s/NeJY2HoXoCYbTbJNbVOhY78TD6lsuxv-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0461.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Being somewhat tired and sore from the previous day's outing, we left our plan loose...more set in Jello than cement. With temps in the 30's, shivers had me casting a lustful eye over my shoulder, aching for the warmth of our car. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"Did you forget something?" Bobbie finally asked.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"Yeah, adequate <i>clothing</i>."</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp23GHhOnQQ/YVW2ARCPwTI/AAAAAAAA624/LrmxsLmUkrgc8f6ypxIatkMNTXP88kniACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="2048" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp23GHhOnQQ/YVW2ARCPwTI/AAAAAAAA624/LrmxsLmUkrgc8f6ypxIatkMNTXP88kniACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h358/IMG_0463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The day's first stop was at the Colorado Boy Mine. This mine is one of only three intact vertical mine shaft structures in the Red Mountain Mining District. It can be viewed cross canyon from the Million Dollar Highway, a San Juan Skyway National Scenic Byway. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The Colorado Boy dates from the 1880s and was never a big producer. </span><span>Over decades the head-frame began to suffer from the effects of time and heavy winter snow loads. In 2001 a partnership between the Colorado State Historic Fund and the Ouray County Historical Society was formed to fund stabilization the Colorado Boy's failing head frame. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This area is somewhat protected from avalanches, and thus one of our favorite places to snowshoe during winter. I do wish it was on the "sunny side" of the mountain, though.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6utB1qGj8kQ/YVW1wvXVPYI/AAAAAAAA62o/sPTCbf5_S0wDJZx7FtlpUbL5adaA03HWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6utB1qGj8kQ/YVW1wvXVPYI/AAAAAAAA62o/sPTCbf5_S0wDJZx7FtlpUbL5adaA03HWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yU6fksJ4VC0/YVW2EGbjD-I/AAAAAAAA63E/uwvjUb-OnCIruGA3YY4y9uTpQQS0L8J0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yU6fksJ4VC0/YVW2EGbjD-I/AAAAAAAA63E/uwvjUb-OnCIruGA3YY4y9uTpQQS0L8J0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Beyond the Colorado Boy, we set our sights on the American Girl Mine...another couple miles and higher up on the mountain. The views of autumnal aspen had a fevered glow as we gazed from our shaded trail to the sunlit side. It's an area where we have explored virtually every trail, nook and cranny, till we know pretty much know every bump, peak and drainage by name.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbBb2HZx8mQ/YVW2SZRTqCI/AAAAAAAA63Q/tg5fN9r7S64cioF5fIhycSUxaJB3i_YXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbBb2HZx8mQ/YVW2SZRTqCI/AAAAAAAA63Q/tg5fN9r7S64cioF5fIhycSUxaJB3i_YXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0474.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP-hI2OgJH0/YVW21YW4BtI/AAAAAAAA63w/20Bso8mIRhEXxAgd5fL-j4GGY8ch_ddxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2760/IMG_0475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="2760" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP-hI2OgJH0/YVW21YW4BtI/AAAAAAAA63w/20Bso8mIRhEXxAgd5fL-j4GGY8ch_ddxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h264/IMG_0475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As Bobbie stands on a massive mound of mine tailings to get an open photo of aspens in all their glory, we see evidence of efforts to remediate/reduce the amount of polluted runoff from toxic piles of mining ore. I would have to be dying of thirst before drinking from streams around here. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OnsDJTjgqE/YVW2YqQdBbI/AAAAAAAA63Y/cLBKIRKEjcYe_xppZGD_R-2MziPdS5ScwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OnsDJTjgqE/YVW2YqQdBbI/AAAAAAAA63Y/cLBKIRKEjcYe_xppZGD_R-2MziPdS5ScwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0476.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZg7icxEUFQ/YVW27kdKGGI/AAAAAAAA634/-YLRdUABu_Q0-a6ICy7MK7Vm398rY4pvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0489.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZg7icxEUFQ/YVW27kdKGGI/AAAAAAAA634/-YLRdUABu_Q0-a6ICy7MK7Vm398rY4pvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0489.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>An old boiler...for producing steam to power drilling and associated mining equipment</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbY1huks74c/YVW2y8l9KmI/AAAAAAAA63s/NZuBJjhupqkYLBNviN2ss12fN_gxcfnmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0490.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbY1huks74c/YVW2y8l9KmI/AAAAAAAA63s/NZuBJjhupqkYLBNviN2ss12fN_gxcfnmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0490.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>American Girl Mine</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The trail that cuts over to the </span><span>American Girl Mine is barely visible and easily missed. The forest surrounding the mine is extremely dense, if not protective, with copious amounts of deadfall, tangles and a few open pits where miners once probed for a lucky strike. </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4C78xD9dUN0/YVW2_cx-bKI/AAAAAAAA638/rGOkbxPGYhco_ZjS9Bk0SsRie1DKrMzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4C78xD9dUN0/YVW2_cx-bKI/AAAAAAAA638/rGOkbxPGYhco_ZjS9Bk0SsRie1DKrMzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">With morning finally breaking over Mount Sun Block, we found a warm patch of sunlight from which to view the American Girl's head-frame and the expanse of golden aspens, glittering in the breeze. </span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--daIqVERer0/YVW3KLpxqXI/AAAAAAAA64E/P4VCC4fcmX82oOW8OwhqCoPAUE3DZYfAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0494.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--daIqVERer0/YVW3KLpxqXI/AAAAAAAA64E/P4VCC4fcmX82oOW8OwhqCoPAUE3DZYfAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0494.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie surveys Ms Autumn's glory from our patch of sun</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfu-MRslNV8/YVW3UftAjVI/AAAAAAAA64Q/F3SHNKY1ANov6C1AZ9EYcZcQLcGVcwxewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0496.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfu-MRslNV8/YVW3UftAjVI/AAAAAAAA64Q/F3SHNKY1ANov6C1AZ9EYcZcQLcGVcwxewCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0496.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmZTe6M4Epg/YVW3ciSajaI/AAAAAAAA64c/BxvC6D51WJ8mwCKUjW2aoYsyAEN52q1SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmZTe6M4Epg/YVW3ciSajaI/AAAAAAAA64c/BxvC6D51WJ8mwCKUjW2aoYsyAEN52q1SgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0497.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhMoDfVF1uE/YVW3Y7hWhEI/AAAAAAAA64U/AAQe92w__JQkppgc8aJrX65zpjT9jy7ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1699" data-original-width="2048" height="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhMoDfVF1uE/YVW3Y7hWhEI/AAAAAAAA64U/AAQe92w__JQkppgc8aJrX65zpjT9jy7ewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h530/IMG_0505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpxAeiBOTrE/YVW3oEvONFI/AAAAAAAA64k/wjTuoZDv5uMuMCLA5t58h4w8byoM7ruDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpxAeiBOTrE/YVW3oEvONFI/AAAAAAAA64k/wjTuoZDv5uMuMCLA5t58h4w8byoM7ruDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0507.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkdDAECzKMk/YVW3jaGC-dI/AAAAAAAA64g/krFjY8mcp1wi7NYvCyvQNDvxDF-904N_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkdDAECzKMk/YVW3jaGC-dI/AAAAAAAA64g/krFjY8mcp1wi7NYvCyvQNDvxDF-904N_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0511.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzJ_TC_uShg/YVW3qmZdZnI/AAAAAAAA64o/YnA4imhxaRMLdL9_ARbg6MjCtpQOq_evACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzJ_TC_uShg/YVW3qmZdZnI/AAAAAAAA64o/YnA4imhxaRMLdL9_ARbg6MjCtpQOq_evACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0512.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike the Colorado Boy, attempts to shore up the larger and heavier American Girl Mine are piecemeal and crude at best. Gravity never sleeps on steep sloped mountainsides, and that, along with the burden of winter snow-loads, spells doom for old mining structures. Inside American Girl I felt as if it was on the verge of collapse. </span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLMzkXW7Pkk/YVW3uqW1A5I/AAAAAAAA64w/GE5g0Ivq37UehqLo4kI64TVB2nG7yT9IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0517.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLMzkXW7Pkk/YVW3uqW1A5I/AAAAAAAA64w/GE5g0Ivq37UehqLo4kI64TVB2nG7yT9IgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0517.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A photo up through the timber framed rafters. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZS33HLjmYA/YVW3yxoi8OI/AAAAAAAA640/oujrzjeNS44uiYiBxWx6K22hB1QU-6CMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0518.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZS33HLjmYA/YVW3yxoi8OI/AAAAAAAA640/oujrzjeNS44uiYiBxWx6K22hB1QU-6CMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0518.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Another boiler for steam, this one inside the head frame where miners could come in out of the cold to warm up.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU4j3R2rOfs/YVW35WlftEI/AAAAAAAA648/Un-jTyQhBVkz26_PMLub7V0ZFw4arrOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU4j3R2rOfs/YVW35WlftEI/AAAAAAAA648/Un-jTyQhBVkz26_PMLub7V0ZFw4arrOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0519.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gMDapBt3wY/YVW4H7QkfKI/AAAAAAAA65M/e2Jb66mBNVwg8y8AHEuLWuO_mjlP01ulACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gMDapBt3wY/YVW4H7QkfKI/AAAAAAAA65M/e2Jb66mBNVwg8y8AHEuLWuO_mjlP01ulACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnnqVNX2yPg/YVW4BXWJebI/AAAAAAAA65E/rLSfQ-aScGEzCYy3P4AZR2JWdfJOeAU9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnnqVNX2yPg/YVW4BXWJebI/AAAAAAAA65E/rLSfQ-aScGEzCYy3P4AZR2JWdfJOeAU9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0521.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Time to head back down. At least the sun came out for our return trip.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y-rc1Gunng/YVW4O0L986I/AAAAAAAA65U/tFyPZ4pGUekgHp6m7Zwd-BWFfelTkWUPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y-rc1Gunng/YVW4O0L986I/AAAAAAAA65U/tFyPZ4pGUekgHp6m7Zwd-BWFfelTkWUPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5SYsbaXgp4/YVW4UwtTbFI/AAAAAAAA65c/w5oZCZ8RkNstNac3bh52WBUf5Z6D8_ZogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5SYsbaXgp4/YVW4UwtTbFI/AAAAAAAA65c/w5oZCZ8RkNstNac3bh52WBUf5Z6D8_ZogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6ctFRR8oFc/YVW4hXZkivI/AAAAAAAA65k/l8Gl4Fr6NZ8LgAxV-jqHMIn1H6IzsKwpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6ctFRR8oFc/YVW4hXZkivI/AAAAAAAA65k/l8Gl4Fr6NZ8LgAxV-jqHMIn1H6IzsKwpACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0539.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9Jki8PDSBA/YVW4lh9VGcI/AAAAAAAA65s/lephV95C-2M6nF4ZYqVcIasX4WGG21ZXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9Jki8PDSBA/YVW4lh9VGcI/AAAAAAAA65s/lephV95C-2M6nF4ZYqVcIasX4WGG21ZXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0540.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We chose a route down that took us through Ironton, where remnants of a ghost town continue to wage war against time and weather.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBYJweYXIBQ/YVW4mkfrzCI/AAAAAAAA65w/4w6jxNMu20kGBjoJgScmW6E8iNMqhFlYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBYJweYXIBQ/YVW4mkfrzCI/AAAAAAAA65w/4w6jxNMu20kGBjoJgScmW6E8iNMqhFlYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0547.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pT8xawqzZYg/YVW4yqJ7xxI/AAAAAAAA654/FL_SZen9bZIb9xRc1e2pOHJNwDLx0Nc_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pT8xawqzZYg/YVW4yqJ7xxI/AAAAAAAA654/FL_SZen9bZIb9xRc1e2pOHJNwDLx0Nc_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0548.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXtUVnQT0CM/YVW41OW_wwI/AAAAAAAA658/hSSdjtjKcYAWQinhZzSPwtMpdVn0AKRuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXtUVnQT0CM/YVW41OW_wwI/AAAAAAAA658/hSSdjtjKcYAWQinhZzSPwtMpdVn0AKRuACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0550.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Aspens pushing up through a building's collapsed roof</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtHiWmX_R7A/YVW4-UL4XII/AAAAAAAA66I/nYK6KOeeO-8w39SqFMnFgH2udk1A7eWNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtHiWmX_R7A/YVW4-UL4XII/AAAAAAAA66I/nYK6KOeeO-8w39SqFMnFgH2udk1A7eWNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0552.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJdXrmdnxBc/YVW4_jfa0kI/AAAAAAAA66M/L5nbmrZDXWQORwERV20NORIsdeGuju3owCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJdXrmdnxBc/YVW4_jfa0kI/AAAAAAAA66M/L5nbmrZDXWQORwERV20NORIsdeGuju3owCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88HEE8f6fQE/YVW5Cjdm6hI/AAAAAAAA66U/IrwVW-VhaSQAGR9Xg3K2viazN-lC7OG0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88HEE8f6fQE/YVW5Cjdm6hI/AAAAAAAA66U/IrwVW-VhaSQAGR9Xg3K2viazN-lC7OG0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for several more fall posts, some of which include New Dots that will knock your socks off. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie</span></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-15604638338193798352021-09-29T07:32:00.003-06:002021-09-29T07:40:26.438-06:00Recent Random Rambles <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PPrEULJJiI/YVRhJ5e2DXI/AAAAAAAA61E/AYhrPhtwXjkX6raL_-ayykEmL1vbw4xjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PPrEULJJiI/YVRhJ5e2DXI/AAAAAAAA61E/AYhrPhtwXjkX6raL_-ayykEmL1vbw4xjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">"From dream to dream and rhyme to rhyme I have ranged / In rambling talk with an image of air: / Vague memories, nothing but memories." </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>William Butler Yeats<span></span></b></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I just sit here telling stories as though I can't help it. There's always something in the day that reminds me, that sets me off all hot and guilty and scared and rambling and wistful..." </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tim Winton </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kPReUdfj-8/YVRgJ68KPSI/AAAAAAAA6z4/rS0xDq4aRf8_Z4m9wJcEgjW6JacaaVlywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0375.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kPReUdfj-8/YVRgJ68KPSI/AAAAAAAA6z4/rS0xDq4aRf8_Z4m9wJcEgjW6JacaaVlywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0375.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbhFrpv6AWI/YVRgEoAyE5I/AAAAAAAA6zw/o_oHxDj_XRYXZk3Yve6nmEF420bciUA-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbhFrpv6AWI/YVRgEoAyE5I/AAAAAAAA6zw/o_oHxDj_XRYXZk3Yve6nmEF420bciUA-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wlYzFQSgoM/YVRgbnVjJ4I/AAAAAAAA60Q/RdGyfSHunW4yTAMBZVGEF6K_MOYjNnojgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0399.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2V0usZgc1g/YVRgZ6_ZLRI/AAAAAAAA60M/_ukN8shLRfklIIYD5rBUSaUzLpLiqiPKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2V0usZgc1g/YVRgZ6_ZLRI/AAAAAAAA60M/_ukN8shLRfklIIYD5rBUSaUzLpLiqiPKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OggfTHoB5CY/YVRgR-KQAII/AAAAAAAA6z8/yB16cc_6vfAc2SH4NLjsNxI6eS-mtVqWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="2048" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OggfTHoB5CY/YVRgR-KQAII/AAAAAAAA6z8/yB16cc_6vfAc2SH4NLjsNxI6eS-mtVqWACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h490/IMG_0410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaIaSdNdxfs/YVRgn3SLNYI/AAAAAAAA60g/WCkO4YnflkERJ-9RyDQC4YVQieLk957nACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h402/IMG_0419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2RvLGhnFgE/YVRgmHFeB3I/AAAAAAAA60Y/fMVV3f3QOyYbVFKO1zXol4d4C9p7V0asQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2RvLGhnFgE/YVRgmHFeB3I/AAAAAAAA60Y/fMVV3f3QOyYbVFKO1zXol4d4C9p7V0asQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pM9u-spM0hk/YVRg8azk0uI/AAAAAAAA604/u8dAxGPwe4QG7_Q5cUS8UtbTOcsiG32ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pM9u-spM0hk/YVRg8azk0uI/AAAAAAAA604/u8dAxGPwe4QG7_Q5cUS8UtbTOcsiG32ggCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0426.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Views from a hike to Whipple Mountain's summit, not far from Telluride...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIcyHvOK0f4/YVRhENChJTI/AAAAAAAA61A/pdYAFdF-TwIABqH6PjxiYuMD2HpVVO8zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIcyHvOK0f4/YVRhENChJTI/AAAAAAAA61A/pdYAFdF-TwIABqH6PjxiYuMD2HpVVO8zgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiIjFRwws_4/YVRg7-q0qyI/AAAAAAAA600/r9HU_-X40koNvVAzhhLyxgdI2jozaK-bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0431.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiIjFRwws_4/YVRg7-q0qyI/AAAAAAAA600/r9HU_-X40koNvVAzhhLyxgdI2jozaK-bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0431.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-j8Mlc-KKI/YVRhLai67cI/AAAAAAAA61I/zvMNBcIsXuQIcaytlW4m79WVBMolKmQLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-j8Mlc-KKI/YVRhLai67cI/AAAAAAAA61I/zvMNBcIsXuQIcaytlW4m79WVBMolKmQLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ykN5LizBk/YVRhe6n4CzI/AAAAAAAA61k/16nMF80Yv4sd3daU5GxgmHMjrtTaPYWcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ykN5LizBk/YVRhe6n4CzI/AAAAAAAA61k/16nMF80Yv4sd3daU5GxgmHMjrtTaPYWcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pP47_5x_aaA/YVRhdH_MudI/AAAAAAAA61g/I5NncCQb8UMDJIOoVU4nhgLH1hQbjg2gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pP47_5x_aaA/YVRhdH_MudI/AAAAAAAA61g/I5NncCQb8UMDJIOoVU4nhgLH1hQbjg2gwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A7ZjJv92AI/YVRhyRTB8YI/AAAAAAAA610/REVP8Npp5Sw3tQNUYXChpxeAN9h3I9qXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A7ZjJv92AI/YVRhyRTB8YI/AAAAAAAA610/REVP8Npp5Sw3tQNUYXChpxeAN9h3I9qXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKzuw6Q3pK8/YVRiCBp-PdI/AAAAAAAA614/RxJHkLlWGuE9iNmk3CQaXFFUSel0F95VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKzuw6Q3pK8/YVRiCBp-PdI/AAAAAAAA614/RxJHkLlWGuE9iNmk3CQaXFFUSel0F95VACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McqIDW7OEmw/YVRso6BI6dI/AAAAAAAA62c/PdJr40ahw60a3kr7pks9IxbpXwlwmsqogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/JPEG%2Bimage-7088ED506CDD-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McqIDW7OEmw/YVRso6BI6dI/AAAAAAAA62c/PdJr40ahw60a3kr7pks9IxbpXwlwmsqogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/JPEG%2Bimage-7088ED506CDD-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Panorama: Scroll ⇨</span></b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJOenfBQe6A/YVRiHKxRszI/AAAAAAAA62A/C9Nq0txgh-A4wFMoIK-gkEwWP3_dcSTzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3432/IMG_0442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="3432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJOenfBQe6A/YVRiHKxRszI/AAAAAAAA62A/C9Nq0txgh-A4wFMoIK-gkEwWP3_dcSTzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_0442.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-37387090774726229392021-09-27T07:27:00.013-06:002021-09-27T08:35:02.177-06:00Plan B<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iv5697x1gYE/YU3Oumb1i-I/AAAAAAAA6w4/wib0fWnAYuMGzbmrs9A7vi6MzzZdpVhowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iv5697x1gYE/YU3Oumb1i-I/AAAAAAAA6w4/wib0fWnAYuMGzbmrs9A7vi6MzzZdpVhowCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Success is not so much determined by how one carries out Plan A, as it is how one copes with all of life's Plan Bs.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We all know, anyone over 5 years old, anyway, that God laughs at our measly plans. We (Mark, Bobbie, Jen, and drone photographer extraordinaire, Mike...along with good dogs Sunday and Chester) had Planed to guide Mike and Jen on a little used 8 mile backcountry trek left over from olden mining days when pack mules were used. Bobbie and I, now experienced with all the F-ing nuances of this confusing route, volunteered to play Guide Noir for Mike and Jen (and dogs Chester and Sunday) so they could once and for all notch this trek on belts or bedposts or where-ever...or get it tattooed in bold font someplace highly visible. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In spite of previous faux pas attempts, including but not limited to, thrice times lost and an emergency SPOT call to Ouray Mountain Rescue after Jen fell off the trail and broke her leg...a rescue that stretched into the midnight hours as she had to be <i>carried </i>on a stretcher down the mountain and then transported to a hospital in Montrose. If you've never been severely injured enough to require rescue, being lowered miles from a mountain accident...<i>in the dark</i>, in manic pain, with every jostle shooting pain... to get you and your injured body part to a patiently waiting ambulance, then you can neither understand nor appreciate the organization required from experienced volunteers that risk their lives to come to your aid. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why in the Hell would a normally sane person like Jen choose to double-dog dare fate and spit in the eye of Gawd Almighty to again attempt this same 8 hour backcountry trek that broke her body? Well that's Jen...a military Jag who served her country and risked life and limb in middle east wars. <i>Hoo Yah! </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As for Mike, who knows the entirety of Jen's backcountry mishap, he's still eager to notch this route. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Almighty Gawd still chuckles as I write about our "Plan," a plan so long in the making (due to schedule conflicts/weather, etc.) only to be detoured once again by the annual Imogene Pass Race, which was also happening on this particular Saturday. Even though we beat the race's start gun by a full 5 minutes to Camp Bird Road, our access point, it was already gated for the runners safety. There were even guards posted to enforce the closure this year. Oh well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So Bobbie reached in to our satchel of "Plan Bs" and pulled out Ohio Peak.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Packed and primed for a hike, Mike and Jen jumped on our suggestion to climb Ohio... a first ascent for both. Forty minutes later we put boots and paws to trail, four humans, two dogs on a mild, sunny day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here are highlights from our high altitude "Plan B" hike...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rk0irp47DP0/YU3OUqeNCDI/AAAAAAAA6wY/PRTGNhVEWN8IusJv2XLwn8nZ_1ob4T9_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rk0irp47DP0/YU3OUqeNCDI/AAAAAAAA6wY/PRTGNhVEWN8IusJv2XLwn8nZ_1ob4T9_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h386/IMG_0334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4wQASFmrYY/YU3OSosBgpI/AAAAAAAA6wU/4x_vli55jYYb6lXqYDGaeXUtkxBBcO_HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4wQASFmrYY/YU3OSosBgpI/AAAAAAAA6wU/4x_vli55jYYb6lXqYDGaeXUtkxBBcO_HgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUe8B42a328/YU3OVMJHWVI/AAAAAAAA6wc/zfTIS3PT1NIQElvq0vpKvrmdqIdGwyjZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUe8B42a328/YU3OVMJHWVI/AAAAAAAA6wc/zfTIS3PT1NIQElvq0vpKvrmdqIdGwyjZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYhyo1kyJ9Y/YU3Odp-VS3I/AAAAAAAA6wg/4O4fKd3ItQQc4PBO-6QZpQbgz81lmjEXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYhyo1kyJ9Y/YU3Odp-VS3I/AAAAAAAA6wg/4O4fKd3ItQQc4PBO-6QZpQbgz81lmjEXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu6B0cpj_X0/YU3PSiaG9CI/AAAAAAAA6xs/6khz2ff8K2A_yUf4igubIQqe5SCrZdDbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu6B0cpj_X0/YU3PSiaG9CI/AAAAAAAA6xs/6khz2ff8K2A_yUf4igubIQqe5SCrZdDbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xo-_eVVETsg/YU3PXwXRQ_I/AAAAAAAA6x0/lXv2XpVUqwYWhVJd6Kjd-uF8wkvRicWCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xo-_eVVETsg/YU3PXwXRQ_I/AAAAAAAA6x0/lXv2XpVUqwYWhVJd6Kjd-uF8wkvRicWCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr1rCKdMqXM/YU3Pb6rsAYI/AAAAAAAA6x8/nrBwJEnWsYA5wTXB_trsRXi5F50cGfRygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr1rCKdMqXM/YU3Pb6rsAYI/AAAAAAAA6x8/nrBwJEnWsYA5wTXB_trsRXi5F50cGfRygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvjE66HCNtE/YU3PiUXjcII/AAAAAAAA6yI/jeU_07gSIIAzxlXbKO3uRdOlxl1HTIahACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0361.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvjE66HCNtE/YU3PiUXjcII/AAAAAAAA6yI/jeU_07gSIIAzxlXbKO3uRdOlxl1HTIahACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0361.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Drone Man</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttDd0_GmFeE/YU3PsekD6lI/AAAAAAAA6yU/1KGM4lH4QowXtzf8haB1UeNfjIRrr0xSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0362.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttDd0_GmFeE/YU3PsekD6lI/AAAAAAAA6yU/1KGM4lH4QowXtzf8haB1UeNfjIRrr0xSACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeM8gVVKM5k/YU3P4yvrE6I/AAAAAAAA6yg/l-by45n8lGck1D7HzcQkp3n3G3G6L0CvACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeM8gVVKM5k/YU3P4yvrE6I/AAAAAAAA6yg/l-by45n8lGck1D7HzcQkp3n3G3G6L0CvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0365.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVL7Lqt-2Eo/YU3P8R_w0BI/AAAAAAAA6ys/3ja_IHZtzH0rhGhzfu7Qkd524Dr4yS71wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVL7Lqt-2Eo/YU3P8R_w0BI/AAAAAAAA6ys/3ja_IHZtzH0rhGhzfu7Qkd524Dr4yS71wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0366.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxSpvNuwKJA/YU3P5PjUBCI/AAAAAAAA6yk/ycvz_7iXUPc7DPiHI-p6rjlECY6nXn0dACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxSpvNuwKJA/YU3P5PjUBCI/AAAAAAAA6yk/ycvz_7iXUPc7DPiHI-p6rjlECY6nXn0dACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWhsiKBX4aE/YU3QEq9azOI/AAAAAAAA6y0/ENErfi6CHSg3YtA6Y5k4T-y936CpohnuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWhsiKBX4aE/YU3QEq9azOI/AAAAAAAA6y0/ENErfi6CHSg3YtA6Y5k4T-y936CpohnuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0DeMCu6eS8/YU3QQ5ibdOI/AAAAAAAA6zI/xVwQM4RM09cbfHmxsby7vh2Y_78Glcc0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0DeMCu6eS8/YU3QQ5ibdOI/AAAAAAAA6zI/xVwQM4RM09cbfHmxsby7vh2Y_78Glcc0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zuof69iYYY/YU3QWk8_ZYI/AAAAAAAA6zQ/RkU2psLLghs6tKV6Dt5y1MP0yij4vK5MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zuof69iYYY/YU3QWk8_ZYI/AAAAAAAA6zQ/RkU2psLLghs6tKV6Dt5y1MP0yij4vK5MgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0373.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">For readers out there who are curious, the Plan A hike has been rescheduled... a real doozy, so be sure to check back!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out from Ohio Peak,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The gang, Mark, Bobbie, Mike and Jen...and dogs Chester and Sunday! </span></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-63872790958479461112021-09-23T07:13:00.005-06:002021-09-23T07:18:06.793-06:00Another "New Dots" Hike Requires A Wade Across The Animas River<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nwn0g7eEoE8/YUna3_KrMEI/AAAAAAAA6ug/rJezk8L8RLIHFWI-gATti2DDACwcgmoVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nwn0g7eEoE8/YUna3_KrMEI/AAAAAAAA6ug/rJezk8L8RLIHFWI-gATti2DDACwcgmoVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0292.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">For every sortie into new territory, we connect more new dots that reveal the lay of the land. It's slow, painstaking work that requires an investment of decades. But we love every step, as, one by one, the rugged San Juan Mountains reward us with secrets. Who knows, maybe someday all these new dots will complete the "puzzle" and we can throw away our hiking maps and apps.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the heels of a vertiginous hike to Hematite Lake, we head south over Red Mountain once again, almost to Silverton, where we set out to explore another "new dots" hike up Bear Creek. Right out of the gate there is a river to cross, the Animas, who's flow, thankfully, is at its usual autumnal low.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT426lV4jjI/YUna1KhkonI/AAAAAAAA6uc/iWgggTABqiMse0fhrm4HZgukne7pP0NjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0290.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT426lV4jjI/YUna1KhkonI/AAAAAAAA6uc/iWgggTABqiMse0fhrm4HZgukne7pP0NjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bobbie starts her Gaia app to record miles and elevation stats</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A short hike from the car lands us on the banks of the Animas River, it's clear water tainted by a slippery brown scum on submerged rocks. Bobbie and I stop to swap boots for water-shoes, then wade the ice cold water (squeal). See video below...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='369' height='307' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyM4XLGOkRPx3G5z7TvAMaJ54iJ9bUWpNqpibAKdDTmPNbffkedS4bpBg1CBYQcvxdmyosagW2D6w4kJLHmeg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">We slip/slide across, managing somehow to stay upright and dry. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After a couple short, steep climbs the trail moderates to a gentle bikeable grade. We note knobby tire tracks on the trail, but not sure which way they were going. As best we can tell, Bear Creek's Trail ends up connecting to the Colorado Trail near the Molas Lake area about eight to 10 miles, give or take. The CT from Molas toward Durango is popular and well used mountain bike trail nowadays. So the tracks on Bear Creek Trail might be "down-hill" thrill-seekers, especially since BCT comes out on Highway 550 only a few downhill miles from Silverton's Avalanche Brewery. Great IPAs and pizza!!!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KYvVmaurKY/YUna3-Dy4zI/AAAAAAAA6uk/Nw4Z2Qcvkv8HpyY7gZcPiaR_JmVPpHGbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0302.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KYvVmaurKY/YUna3-Dy4zI/AAAAAAAA6uk/Nw4Z2Qcvkv8HpyY7gZcPiaR_JmVPpHGbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, all good things must come to an end. We can't imagine anyone pushing their bike up through the kind of boulder fields we suddenly encountered. Yep, those tire tracks are down-hillers from the CT, looking to make Gravity and tricked out suspensions to work for them. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4eRK-BhVVM/YUnbFmMeWxI/AAAAAAAA6uo/IzS_l-ZH4OcSyRbXJ0FIxQuuQHLECKGEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4eRK-BhVVM/YUnbFmMeWxI/AAAAAAAA6uo/IzS_l-ZH4OcSyRbXJ0FIxQuuQHLECKGEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdH3K5mXWKk/YUnbKjygd5I/AAAAAAAA6u4/riudxmdcTRML3uXQkdOI7dPoj2q_A4CdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdH3K5mXWKk/YUnbKjygd5I/AAAAAAAA6u4/riudxmdcTRML3uXQkdOI7dPoj2q_A4CdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0304.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Piece of cake! Between boulder screes the BCT returns to a nice, albeit narrow, trail with a red mountain luring you homeward and dazzling peaks. Ms Autumn is just now beginning to add touches of color from her palette.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVbfpDELerQ/YUnbXJ8Re7I/AAAAAAAA6u8/YGoPYf9isS0NQhmdUXTMH2CS6XkdtI3NgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVbfpDELerQ/YUnbXJ8Re7I/AAAAAAAA6u8/YGoPYf9isS0NQhmdUXTMH2CS6XkdtI3NgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0epmnFyw7w/YUnba6ryDlI/AAAAAAAA6vE/3pNV99XrkxAP98BBM4x-8jDJ8brSRICNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0epmnFyw7w/YUnba6ryDlI/AAAAAAAA6vE/3pNV99XrkxAP98BBM4x-8jDJ8brSRICNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVaTtUXylEU/YUnbcDgZRLI/AAAAAAAA6vI/XrJ28Us5VQIDUAOF-jlm4dtz3u0u9i2cQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVaTtUXylEU/YUnbcDgZRLI/AAAAAAAA6vI/XrJ28Us5VQIDUAOF-jlm4dtz3u0u9i2cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJHigBgpII/YUnboGqm4MI/AAAAAAAA6vQ/yLf_jF9LdZoKwwdVwfLAWprwxfpGGzQNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0319.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJHigBgpII/YUnboGqm4MI/AAAAAAAA6vQ/yLf_jF9LdZoKwwdVwfLAWprwxfpGGzQNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>We didn't see any bikers on Bear Creek. It would have been interesting to see them navigate those boulder sections.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpfC22t6FqY/YUnbpeeEeqI/AAAAAAAA6vU/jh5eaZo9Ib4254o0q_-3kiRBi3X4eJ5-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpfC22t6FqY/YUnbpeeEeqI/AAAAAAAA6vU/jh5eaZo9Ib4254o0q_-3kiRBi3X4eJ5-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMnjvPoMNWc/YUnbqVEiyEI/AAAAAAAA6vc/LybjniocAhIEkys3jvuEtRxKKeLOL5acQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMnjvPoMNWc/YUnbqVEiyEI/AAAAAAAA6vc/LybjniocAhIEkys3jvuEtRxKKeLOL5acQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhV_LgjKkd4/YUnb3vXhypI/AAAAAAAA6vo/EfL7tgJx14AQ3rpVXTsxeAQCuCILjTPGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhV_LgjKkd4/YUnb3vXhypI/AAAAAAAA6vo/EfL7tgJx14AQ3rpVXTsxeAQCuCILjTPGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv31Bdh520o/YUnb31CxgpI/AAAAAAAA6vs/MEWYNX2HRNIuwsWuqn9Nsl2hJTHJmLt2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv31Bdh520o/YUnb31CxgpI/AAAAAAAA6vs/MEWYNX2HRNIuwsWuqn9Nsl2hJTHJmLt2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Our goal of making it "somewhere," maybe the CDT or at least a saddle of some sort, is not to be on this day. We settle for a 9ish mile hike through New Dots and a plan to return for a reverse hike starting at Molas Lake and taking the Colorado Trail to Bear Creek Trail. This will require a vehicle drop at Bear Creek's Trailhead, which will be used to get us back to the vehicle left at Molas Lake. But hey, we've got adventurous friends!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eLs47a-ZEdQ/YUx6zOiMX9I/AAAAAAAA6wE/UdCicY-RZcUSO7b2ZDIJa-GcCf55w5s4ACLcBGAsYHQ/GoogleEarth_Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1040" height="511" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eLs47a-ZEdQ/YUx6zOiMX9I/AAAAAAAA6wE/UdCicY-RZcUSO7b2ZDIJa-GcCf55w5s4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w813-h511/GoogleEarth_Image.jpg" width="813" /></a></div><br /><span><span style="font-size: large;">It is in mountains that Bobbie and I feel most at home and connected. What landscape makes you feel most at home and connected?</span></span><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out,</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;">mark and bobbie</span></span><p></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-44255728837020197612021-09-18T09:33:00.006-06:002021-09-18T09:47:31.363-06:00New Dots!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_PT50b9sLw/YUXeqZ1qNRI/AAAAAAAA6to/yXo8RXBuJ1YRkZ9UhVwmbDIdZCew-CnRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0283.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_PT50b9sLw/YUXeqZ1qNRI/AAAAAAAA6to/yXo8RXBuJ1YRkZ9UhVwmbDIdZCew-CnRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0283.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Studies show that </span><span>human beings crave/need</span><span> novelty, lest we wither on the vine of life. While Bobbie and I love the excess and convenience of nearby trails, there's nothing like "New Dots" to recharge legs and soul. It fends off boredom (stagnation?) to climb out of comfy grooves every so often and break some new ground...be it a trail, changing jobs, new relationship or uprooting to someplace different. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coming off a busy week of mountain hiking and mountain biking, our legs were pleading for a break. We decided to take a drive south, over Red Mountain Pass to the Silverton area (AKA, ATV/Motorhead capitol of the world), maybe check out Ms Autumn's progress and try to locate a couple of obscure new-to-us trailheads we'd heard about. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first trail we tried to find was in the Bear Creek drainage (the one near Silverton, not Ouray). While it showed on our map, it proved to be quite difficult to find. We drove up and down a couple mile section of Highway 550 several times, stopping here and there to scout along the Animas River. Finally we parked, Bobbie went south and I went north. After 20 minutes or so I got a text from Bobbie. "I think I found it."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure enough, an unmarked gap in a thick patch of willows soon turned into a faint trail. We followed it about a hundred yards to the river, but could see where it started up again on the other side. The water was low, but still over our boots in places. We decided to return with Crocks, to better ford the creek and keep our boots dry.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We drove to Silverton and continued out of town toward Howardsville on a dusty gravel road that streamed ATVs going full tilt balls-to-the-walls, as if in a race to get where they were going. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The map showed the general area for a trail to Hematite Lake. But again, there was no official Trailhead and thus no signage. We drove past a couple unmarked paths, then turned around to try the first one.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Both of us had a case of flat legs, so we only wanted to hike far enough to assure that this path was indeed the trail to Hematite Lake. We had heard it was an extremely steep climb. After about a quarter mile of gradual uphill, the trail shot skyward, up the side of a rocky drainage where steep switchbacks ensued...hard-packed and sprinkled with "marbles." Having only come a short distance, we decide to go a little farther. Yeah, right... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0biiaqhiDAA/YUXdtzE_YZI/AAAAAAAA6ss/7EgcD5hkSf4aQJZLn0Jt-pO2cHFa4tU3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0biiaqhiDAA/YUXdtzE_YZI/AAAAAAAA6ss/7EgcD5hkSf4aQJZLn0Jt-pO2cHFa4tU3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Funny thing, how weary legs seem to revive after walking around a bit. But, of course, it proved to be a false revival. In addition to flat legs, the slope was south facing and it felt as hot as Phoenix in July. Sweat began to pour, stinging eyes and streaking sunglasses with rivulets of salt water. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waCV-IyGHvs/YUXdtpvMrYI/AAAAAAAA6so/sLSvWwjoTP8kpgfCzQSbix9SxpS89tHSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0269.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waCV-IyGHvs/YUXdtpvMrYI/AAAAAAAA6so/sLSvWwjoTP8kpgfCzQSbix9SxpS89tHSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0269.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>At this point I'm guessing the trail will take us up and over the above mountain. We push on...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqcZJldUcp4/YUXdtuKb3uI/AAAAAAAA6sk/3vD0SVAY8mYDBFjXgNkA6mPn_XKIxsCmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0270.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqcZJldUcp4/YUXdtuKb3uI/AAAAAAAA6sk/3vD0SVAY8mYDBFjXgNkA6mPn_XKIxsCmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0270.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Getting closer....but oh so slowly. Did I mention how hot it was???</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mEAuMJZH78/YUXeCE4KrDI/AAAAAAAA6tE/Pi3ezQUrG8MEeRAFeHn9Hvtr4hjrMq6IACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0271.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mEAuMJZH78/YUXeCE4KrDI/AAAAAAAA6tE/Pi3ezQUrG8MEeRAFeHn9Hvtr4hjrMq6IACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0271.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Steep!!!! and Loose!!!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2u12vo9LOw/YUXd_lAf03I/AAAAAAAA6s8/pGzw3JkNWzYLf-ahEBjYVQPimy9Cx4cEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0272.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2u12vo9LOw/YUXd_lAf03I/AAAAAAAA6s8/pGzw3JkNWzYLf-ahEBjYVQPimy9Cx4cEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0272.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Looking down and cross-valley. Our car is at the bottom (sigh).</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xT7pjHtrLgg/YUXeBt_RnUI/AAAAAAAA6tA/gaEWo8yANwcEh9r9DBUun8gfBBbii9EAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xT7pjHtrLgg/YUXeBt_RnUI/AAAAAAAA6tA/gaEWo8yANwcEh9r9DBUun8gfBBbii9EAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0273.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our trail abruptly changed course, veering left and away from the mountain I thought (feared) we were headed for. Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, another mountain grew out of the horizon. God. WTF?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBOGfEEg_0s/YUXeWXDJmzI/AAAAAAAA6tY/I-g7xKxr5mc8kZaBlF1XUnfmIK68bIuUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0276.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBOGfEEg_0s/YUXeWXDJmzI/AAAAAAAA6tY/I-g7xKxr5mc8kZaBlF1XUnfmIK68bIuUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0276.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>You can grasp how steep it is by the angle of the trees against the slope</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3w03bEOIcg/YUXeVSkZ_jI/AAAAAAAA6tU/9pgC1CZOBospP8DIwrFaiJeFjJCPCuP0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0277.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3w03bEOIcg/YUXeVSkZ_jI/AAAAAAAA6tU/9pgC1CZOBospP8DIwrFaiJeFjJCPCuP0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0277.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z75SAwa3Mg/YUXeat5-h-I/AAAAAAAA6tc/t-XHYaEiqZ8AohTp_O5eggi7lnthw_abgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0278.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z75SAwa3Mg/YUXeat5-h-I/AAAAAAAA6tc/t-XHYaEiqZ8AohTp_O5eggi7lnthw_abgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0278.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Climbing higher, and higher, and higher. Unrelenting verticality...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23IwvAZAFko/YUXerHYe5pI/AAAAAAAA6ts/FJOqEyqpQeweQM_4Up8sdZXzA5E3V9pAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0279.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23IwvAZAFko/YUXerHYe5pI/AAAAAAAA6ts/FJOqEyqpQeweQM_4Up8sdZXzA5E3V9pAACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0279.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">2,000 vertical feet higher, Bobbie and I meet a young couple and their dog coming down. We must of looked like we just spent two hours in a sauna. They took pity and mustered words of encouragement: "Almost there." Needing a breather, I asked them where they were from. Turns out they drove all night from Evergreen to hike this trail. Of course you did. Youth. No limits, no boundaries.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, over the next rise, sopping wet and dreading the descent, we laid eyes on the prize...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igAqsg-FWFQ/YUYFEeDBMGI/AAAAAAAA6uU/wbv6SxSg0Jcyc_3-ed6P3ytJ4_9Fc500wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0283.jpg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igAqsg-FWFQ/YUYFEeDBMGI/AAAAAAAA6uU/wbv6SxSg0Jcyc_3-ed6P3ytJ4_9Fc500wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBAInLCmAHw/YUXfJWJnIKI/AAAAAAAA6uE/f76AGN-QBJQjxnZa0-dRUKCkb7InVolywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0287.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBAInLCmAHw/YUXfJWJnIKI/AAAAAAAA6uE/f76AGN-QBJQjxnZa0-dRUKCkb7InVolywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0287.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Heading down, down, down...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Panorama: Scroll Right...🔜</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-CB4dlN8mY/YUXfIT9QZSI/AAAAAAAA6uA/tNprzSdSY64yRODunXaEyF7ABU9d-dxyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2849/IMG_0282.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="2849" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-CB4dlN8mY/YUXfIT9QZSI/AAAAAAAA6uA/tNprzSdSY64yRODunXaEyF7ABU9d-dxyACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_0282.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p> <span style="font-size: large;">Peace out,</span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">mark and bobbie</span></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-33735680874416893672021-09-10T15:28:00.016-06:002021-09-11T06:05:09.589-06:00Happiness Is Finding A Hidden Lake...In A Secluded Basin...With A Challenging Ridge Line Summit <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mq_LhB3-b4/YTddMjECTpI/AAAAAAAA6qo/amU_l54FtykiKKHnBkNVDr6B0smVhsAfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0170.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mq_LhB3-b4/YTddMjECTpI/AAAAAAAA6qo/amU_l54FtykiKKHnBkNVDr6B0smVhsAfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0170.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> <span style="font-size: large;">The route is vertiginous, to the degree that you can almost feel the flow of talus underfoot. That the the whole hillside doesn't give way and slough downhill and close the Jeep road access is beyond me.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCEgkAWe6BY/YTdb3vg1mQI/AAAAAAAA6o0/V6kQTV_mY68t_igh6oM39OlWr662oh2iQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCEgkAWe6BY/YTdb3vg1mQI/AAAAAAAA6o0/V6kQTV_mY68t_igh6oM39OlWr662oh2iQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0139.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The landscape is surreal, Mars-like, if you will, utterly barren and devoid of vegetation. Maybe it's the thin air, but I swear I can feel life being sucked from my being. It's not all that much different across the pass, except for a patch or two of stunted pines that, evidently, found soil enough to support a fledgling root structure. My oh my. These San Juans are nothing if not <i>rugged.</i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsHyD4Wj2Ro/YTdb3OgoZbI/AAAAAAAA6ow/ECXa_KL45LIN1W-6BhUqXZa2nJPg-EjiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0140.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsHyD4Wj2Ro/YTdb3OgoZbI/AAAAAAAA6ow/ECXa_KL45LIN1W-6BhUqXZa2nJPg-EjiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1w_M-VzhIM/YTdb32VRBJI/AAAAAAAA6o4/Z5HujvG9iJUajT9Xjmo0XlDSOT_J3RJ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1w_M-VzhIM/YTdb32VRBJI/AAAAAAAA6o4/Z5HujvG9iJUajT9Xjmo0XlDSOT_J3RJ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0142.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The grade eases up a bit. There's sterile dirt here and there, powder-dust, most likely from rock on rock abrasion. It doesn't support life, that's for sure. But the minerals, especially iron, supports a wide variety of color.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h70l8DPgrkQ/YTdcGMqsetI/AAAAAAAA6o8/X3huMAsHUTMHGHOQC88S3HadTm3zqdPLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h70l8DPgrkQ/YTdcGMqsetI/AAAAAAAA6o8/X3huMAsHUTMHGHOQC88S3HadTm3zqdPLACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gorgeous Gals with a gorgeous backdrop</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hm1LnmjnG8/YTdcKzK1xXI/AAAAAAAA6pQ/48CDUp8DIOMA9K8-qoGJostHGdz3f7YjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hm1LnmjnG8/YTdcKzK1xXI/AAAAAAAA6pQ/48CDUp8DIOMA9K8-qoGJostHGdz3f7YjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, we stumble across a smattering of tundra. It feels better on our feet, like going from stones to carpet. Then, all tucked away, out of sight except for aircraft, a hidden lake appears. I wonder how it holds water set in porous talus?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NshKb1aj4xY/YTdcH-fdF6I/AAAAAAAA6pM/ynpLwRBvFD8DaZoXCsNbPilu2GKGxwHhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NshKb1aj4xY/YTdcH-fdF6I/AAAAAAAA6pM/ynpLwRBvFD8DaZoXCsNbPilu2GKGxwHhACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Rising above this gem of a lake, a half-circle basin, the shedding source for all the talus. We are compelled to ascend, try to gain the ridge to see what's on the other side!</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mZuvLDkzDY/YTdcYWrdESI/AAAAAAAA6pg/VpAfUTRmxyYCMgTMfb_OdehacpibsnZbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mZuvLDkzDY/YTdcYWrdESI/AAAAAAAA6pg/VpAfUTRmxyYCMgTMfb_OdehacpibsnZbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>To some, this kind of country feels sterile. But, in my book, it doesn't necessarily take vegetation to warm my eyes and heart. This is wild county, a visual circus of vicious coloration and dazzling rock formations. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADuxRNjK_8w/YTdcYY33zKI/AAAAAAAA6pk/R2Q3RzWnumUy7p2RPfeVEN-9SHYxNN7FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADuxRNjK_8w/YTdcYY33zKI/AAAAAAAA6pk/R2Q3RzWnumUy7p2RPfeVEN-9SHYxNN7FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The sun comes and goes. Puffs of clouds cast playful shadows that move across the landscape. Above, the girls are lit, while beyond, the lake and mountains grow dark and mysterious. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BECFSzoilIU/YTdcqv4_rZI/AAAAAAAA6p4/uzDGBhj4oM8qpYqG_1K_pw-iOr6GfOWNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BECFSzoilIU/YTdcqv4_rZI/AAAAAAAA6p4/uzDGBhj4oM8qpYqG_1K_pw-iOr6GfOWNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The basin rises above, steepening and sporting an in-spired ridge line. It peaks our interest. Can we get up there? Is it too steep and loose?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pychtwj3rg/YTdcteuqzGI/AAAAAAAA6p8/KlES1rAVByMAPNPvIXnH9E1Z2nP7QU2YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pychtwj3rg/YTdcteuqzGI/AAAAAAAA6p8/KlES1rAVByMAPNPvIXnH9E1Z2nP7QU2YQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We decide to ride a tundra trail as far as it will take us, then see how it goes on the rocks.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYRBAOE3qhA/YTdcy3DZAuI/AAAAAAAA6qE/smkdnx8ourcE21dMrNACUINTMXW_DDEPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYRBAOE3qhA/YTdcy3DZAuI/AAAAAAAA6qE/smkdnx8ourcE21dMrNACUINTMXW_DDEPACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0160.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The lake seemingly shrinks as we rise higher and higher in the basin.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWG3aUChxBA/YTdc8puLGfI/AAAAAAAA6qQ/eLxrHAf408MhvvODfE3quniH1G6dqs0KACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWG3aUChxBA/YTdc8puLGfI/AAAAAAAA6qQ/eLxrHAf408MhvvODfE3quniH1G6dqs0KACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We're getting close. It's crunch time now, choose your own route and navigate by the seat of your pants...literally!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTMjySEQlc0/YTdc5OfvF3I/AAAAAAAA6qI/yHzbXBJRRfY1DxS3yRV3Ls-9uRy4jxg9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0165.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTMjySEQlc0/YTdc5OfvF3I/AAAAAAAA6qI/yHzbXBJRRfY1DxS3yRV3Ls-9uRy4jxg9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0165.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As usual, the last hundred feet is the most difficult. B</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">eing so close, w</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">e don't want to turn back. But the dirt is hard-packed and sprinkled with "marbles." Every rock we tug on gives way and slides downhill.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXsFY4nqzuc/YTdc93JnTyI/AAAAAAAA6qY/TxDbEAnZe60UlfM1m4pfb7U7UonrDl68gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0168.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXsFY4nqzuc/YTdc93JnTyI/AAAAAAAA6qY/TxDbEAnZe60UlfM1m4pfb7U7UonrDl68gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0168.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Finally, we all make the figurined ridge line </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLtm1pMxV00/YTddFJZTC9I/AAAAAAAA6qg/PfDO2Ub45vE2AOv3feFSQIS-f77mEq4MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0174.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLtm1pMxV00/YTddFJZTC9I/AAAAAAAA6qg/PfDO2Ub45vE2AOv3feFSQIS-f77mEq4MQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0174.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The view on the other side of the ridge sports 14ers Wilson, Wilson Peak, and El Diente (the "tooth"). How Bobbie and I fondly recall each of those climbs...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rWNeRkteW0/YTddHCIQoKI/AAAAAAAA6qk/MzKAARi-_dsRl4RxrvQXZo5M-_tr7YLWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0176.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rWNeRkteW0/YTddHCIQoKI/AAAAAAAA6qk/MzKAARi-_dsRl4RxrvQXZo5M-_tr7YLWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0176.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>But the mountains in our immediate neighborhood are nothing to scoff at!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpfL8CyEgbQ/YTddNcWq7XI/AAAAAAAA6qw/sEPrO-D57YUa0HlfRbhVK83xVl2snLEIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpfL8CyEgbQ/YTddNcWq7XI/AAAAAAAA6qw/sEPrO-D57YUa0HlfRbhVK83xVl2snLEIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0177.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAkbE2zbnyc/YTddYHGQ8bI/AAAAAAAA6q4/A4ZAjyJPcpsd449lxPK02dDuFy7fJTRcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAkbE2zbnyc/YTddYHGQ8bI/AAAAAAAA6q4/A4ZAjyJPcpsd449lxPK02dDuFy7fJTRcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0180.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spying an unnamed peak, we take on the ridge, moving slowly across rotten rock that tumbles downward at the slightest touch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdczjiWW9bw/YTdePKMrT8I/AAAAAAAA6rU/h9JgoSG-La4DdsQ4MgmV19yEL7mn0slUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0191.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdczjiWW9bw/YTdePKMrT8I/AAAAAAAA6rU/h9JgoSG-La4DdsQ4MgmV19yEL7mn0slUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0191.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Our surround is both magnificent and dramatic</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Panorama: Scroll Right...</span></b></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ch4YXYAXU3E/YTdeMC4vnuI/AAAAAAAA6rM/vR9_UqLz40A63k3bfstDxhopP5Gf5VNywCLcBGAsYHQ/s3618/IMG_0186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="3618" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ch4YXYAXU3E/YTdeMC4vnuI/AAAAAAAA6rM/vR9_UqLz40A63k3bfstDxhopP5Gf5VNywCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_0186.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ruthie, Bobbie (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">The Two Old Broads</a>), and I summit our little no-name peak and have a last look at the 360 degree panorama. Time to begin the long, loose, slippery descent. We hoped would be easier than the way we came up, but instead, it turns out to be sketchy, worse...if that's possible. </span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52q0kjsE6iQ/YTdeb5yRISI/AAAAAAAA6rk/yN4suNE8RkcVE5OnAHd8F3ZK3-47-Q0YACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0195.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52q0kjsE6iQ/YTdeb5yRISI/AAAAAAAA6rk/yN4suNE8RkcVE5OnAHd8F3ZK3-47-Q0YACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0195.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bobbie and Ruthie, running the ridge...which is easy peasy at this point</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTVBVoiRTHE/YTdea9pMKOI/AAAAAAAA6rc/mK6tUPntGPYHzriTpCtIabQNmLOwtyCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0196.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTVBVoiRTHE/YTdea9pMKOI/AAAAAAAA6rc/mK6tUPntGPYHzriTpCtIabQNmLOwtyCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0196.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Still easy, but Bobbie spots a drop off...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EYRrhj_TlU/YTdefBkS_xI/AAAAAAAA6rs/7_JdLgiiNaU-Wj2X60E7XENZa3okJCdcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EYRrhj_TlU/YTdefBkS_xI/AAAAAAAA6rs/7_JdLgiiNaU-Wj2X60E7XENZa3okJCdcACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0197.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Nobody likes to retrace steps, so we decide it's doable. Might have to sit down in a few places and do the B<i>utt Scoot Boogie.</i> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd2kZBYNaPw/YTdeqQYd7uI/AAAAAAAA6r0/8-dWRfkVRaoM0RS2UYv9SJfZA5eJ-n2YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd2kZBYNaPw/YTdeqQYd7uI/AAAAAAAA6r0/8-dWRfkVRaoM0RS2UYv9SJfZA5eJ-n2YgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0199.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbGZQao2L8E/YTdepCp5NqI/AAAAAAAA6rw/NlTKdDYAFGUP35dNwHJLo7EYlws2Pm_agCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbGZQao2L8E/YTdepCp5NqI/AAAAAAAA6rw/NlTKdDYAFGUP35dNwHJLo7EYlws2Pm_agCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxG7rOwnpG0/YTderBEPUII/AAAAAAAA6r4/G5_egbw8PVkciSCEofYMzpFL3wN58xdVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxG7rOwnpG0/YTderBEPUII/AAAAAAAA6r4/G5_egbw8PVkciSCEofYMzpFL3wN58xdVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lots of game trails...big horn sheep and elk, most likely</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Another fine day above timberline, where the views go on forever and coloration is a near LSD experience...not that I would know, understand :0</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie. </span></div><p><br /></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-66381434320247703552021-09-03T10:53:00.003-06:002021-09-03T10:57:41.825-06:00Exploring The Upper Reaches Of Blaine Basin, Below Mount Sneffels Seldom Trekked North Face<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYLweGroKSA/YTDHGaH8LqI/AAAAAAAA6oI/LgBFedhdN5Q5ydrMYGS4XClv7rRy8iY7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYLweGroKSA/YTDHGaH8LqI/AAAAAAAA6oI/LgBFedhdN5Q5ydrMYGS4XClv7rRy8iY7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is said that "<i>familiarity breeds contempt</i>." Perhaps that's why the grind up to Blaine Basin is among my least favorite hikes, that and the fact that a good 80 percent of it winds through monotonous <i>can't-see-the-mountains-for-the-trees </i>forest. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Thus, I almost begged off the invitation to accompany Bobbie and good friend, Martha. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I needed to come up with a compelling reason to tag along for an </span><span>umpteenth time redo of </span><span>Blaine Basin. Don't get me wrong, Blaine is a pleasant enough destination. It's just that it requires a dreadful, suffocating, viewless woods-hike to get there (yes, I'm a view-snob). </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aside from three "balance-test" creek crossings on sketchy logs, there's little drama till you get to timberline.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to set my sights a little higher...above and beyond Blaine Basin's upper level to where I could get up close and personal with Mount Sneffels North Face, maybe lay eyes on the Class 4 and 5 approaches I've heard about.<i> </i>If I pushed hard enough, maybe I could catch the gals on their way back down so they wouldn't have to wait for me at the car.<i> </i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MbSZ3WPVH4/YTDFInT_s7I/AAAAAAAA6l8/a_jEA8vy0E451WIPZDWLiirVn4px93-gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0089.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MbSZ3WPVH4/YTDFInT_s7I/AAAAAAAA6l8/a_jEA8vy0E451WIPZDWLiirVn4px93-gQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0089.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Certainly, the drive to the trailhead is pretty enough! A spectacular aspen/conifer mix that, come autumn, will break your heart as well as your camera.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VJZJXAt0xM/YTDFFtmyoRI/AAAAAAAA6l4/VLNnsaBqyzUzPz2GqncwtnNDTiyqdzfGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0090.jpg" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VJZJXAt0xM/YTDFFtmyoRI/AAAAAAAA6l4/VLNnsaBqyzUzPz2GqncwtnNDTiyqdzfGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h478/IMG_0090.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bobbie reminded me that, years ago (maybe even decades, sigh, possibly on our first hike to Blaine) we explored another thousand feet above Blaine Basin's timberline elevation, only to be turned back by a steep-walled ridge climb up loose talus and tipsy boulders. </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh yeah...</span></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remembered the disappointment at not gaining the view from that ridge line and not seeing what lays beyond. I've since explored that area extensively on Google Earth, and now know that the ridge top looks down on the two highest (of three) Blue Lakes. Caught a nice Cutthroat in that uppermost lake once upon a time, long, long ago. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1IpiTgh9lg/YTDFJwwMDwI/AAAAAAAA6mA/_Ev4n7fb5Hkxs2SiUEJkQZKv7VEFiECkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1IpiTgh9lg/YTDFJwwMDwI/AAAAAAAA6mA/_Ev4n7fb5Hkxs2SiUEJkQZKv7VEFiECkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0091.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Finally, rising above the dark, dismal forest of trees. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnw3c2ID92w/YTDFSN4pp7I/AAAAAAAA6mE/YMeX44Fl1AsJtz0DULug0koVe9MNMTb6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0092.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnw3c2ID92w/YTDFSN4pp7I/AAAAAAAA6mE/YMeX44Fl1AsJtz0DULug0koVe9MNMTb6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0092.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;">The last mile of the trail to Blaine Basin "all business," as it steepens considerably and is somewhat relentless. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moZOvpg-8RQ/YTDFgYtuXEI/AAAAAAAA6mQ/bGeMJXdOsWIL-vNEWfSSSp7LAGRfVM0HACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0094.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moZOvpg-8RQ/YTDFgYtuXEI/AAAAAAAA6mQ/bGeMJXdOsWIL-vNEWfSSSp7LAGRfVM0HACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0094.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Blaine Basin, with the north face of 14er, Mount Sneffels, in the distance.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY_IulYuaao/YTDFdw1QQsI/AAAAAAAA6mM/gT2O29MzrcsGi2x6CgOuOYEGi6rELCPKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY_IulYuaao/YTDFdw1QQsI/AAAAAAAA6mM/gT2O29MzrcsGi2x6CgOuOYEGi6rELCPKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0104.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Heading up to the next level above Blaine's pleasant and relatively level valley floor. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCyw1wqiqFg/YTDFl6vtC2I/AAAAAAAA6mU/M-gkl_ugvgsSupx7H4vBvIWRLlB86l1uACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCyw1wqiqFg/YTDFl6vtC2I/AAAAAAAA6mU/M-gkl_ugvgsSupx7H4vBvIWRLlB86l1uACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next level up is at timberline. It affords far hundred-mile views to the northeast...towards the West Elks mountain range that occupies a vast sector of wilderness between Paonia and Crested Butte. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-QTf5kfZBk/YTDFrCvhXCI/AAAAAAAA6mY/V5ROaduVhGoat2gxyDjAST40tL7o70l4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0106.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-QTf5kfZBk/YTDFrCvhXCI/AAAAAAAA6mY/V5ROaduVhGoat2gxyDjAST40tL7o70l4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0106.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rising above the dismal forest...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s5fyMeK8b8/YTDFrYeBdJI/AAAAAAAA6mc/U7vgs1EYk38hLpOK4YDgCzXMrZRz1aEqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s5fyMeK8b8/YTDFrYeBdJI/AAAAAAAA6mc/U7vgs1EYk38hLpOK4YDgCzXMrZRz1aEqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;">The photos don't do justice in demonstrating the precipitous incline. Let's just say it was a considerable grind, and it put my grand plan to a test of "<i>Just how bad do you really want it, Mark</i>?" Fortunately, the slope was mostly tundra and grass, so traction was not a problem, even sporting a heavy pack. Eventually I stumbled across a faint come-and-go trail that switchbacked it's way to the next level.</span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SO_hPYBD5Q/YTDGGdynfgI/AAAAAAAA6m0/gBNqczDqwU8yZ9QGJRmbsoG8M37C8c7jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SO_hPYBD5Q/YTDGGdynfgI/AAAAAAAA6m0/gBNqczDqwU8yZ9QGJRmbsoG8M37C8c7jgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mount Sneffels North Face</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"></p></blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoP3BV574R4/YTDF-nhAiHI/AAAAAAAA6mw/BikNOO1cLt8Rgi9Q4E0AqRnG2OmfrOtgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0110.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoP3BV574R4/YTDF-nhAiHI/AAAAAAAA6mw/BikNOO1cLt8Rgi9Q4E0AqRnG2OmfrOtgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Opposite Sneffels: A jagged, rotten rock-shedding series of jutting peaks</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhIjlCzE6Pg/YTDGSWy20xI/AAAAAAAA6nE/KZdvNoLTShcdAvfWKQ2vq1nka2zGVWogQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhIjlCzE6Pg/YTDGSWy20xI/AAAAAAAA6nE/KZdvNoLTShcdAvfWKQ2vq1nka2zGVWogQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0114.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWsK9CqIdDs/YTDF3hESSiI/AAAAAAAA6mk/dnjjhVt2sAslpxS-1al0UiuZEbO3vPddACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWsK9CqIdDs/YTDF3hESSiI/AAAAAAAA6mk/dnjjhVt2sAslpxS-1al0UiuZEbO3vPddACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Soft tundra and grass begin to transition into a flowing moraine of talus and boulders. </span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWkSFWYxHYc/YTDGXQy7UqI/AAAAAAAA6nI/BsDOVhTf60cHAZvfB6RWZD5ohErrrBg3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWkSFWYxHYc/YTDGXQy7UqI/AAAAAAAA6nI/BsDOVhTf60cHAZvfB6RWZD5ohErrrBg3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0117.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This photo better represents the steep incline that must be navigated to climb from upper Blaine Basin</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm0qhNfdB-k/YTDGgL_BUjI/AAAAAAAA6nU/okepI2_rlQ47xcCMQjz1KmA5J2lTrPF6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm0qhNfdB-k/YTDGgL_BUjI/AAAAAAAA6nU/okepI2_rlQ47xcCMQjz1KmA5J2lTrPF6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">When the tundra and grass petered out, this is what's left...</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsgbh8nK8TA/YTDGl66tUUI/AAAAAAAA6nc/N4pRa4SyU280M-Sg5m139NCezTO8ltG6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsgbh8nK8TA/YTDGl66tUUI/AAAAAAAA6nc/N4pRa4SyU280M-Sg5m139NCezTO8ltG6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgzXznGCJa0/YTDGlcVI9fI/AAAAAAAA6nY/GpVVH5ihC78nH351FBbmPr4kJFZdpuGmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0123.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgzXznGCJa0/YTDGlcVI9fI/AAAAAAAA6nY/GpVVH5ihC78nH351FBbmPr4kJFZdpuGmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0123.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Snow marks a couple access routes to Mount Sneffels summit via the North Face...depending on skill level and proper equipment.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYLweGroKSA/YTDHGaH8LqI/AAAAAAAA6oI/LgBFedhdN5Q5ydrMYGS4XClv7rRy8iY7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0130.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYLweGroKSA/YTDHGaH8LqI/AAAAAAAA6oI/LgBFedhdN5Q5ydrMYGS4XClv7rRy8iY7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>If you love "rock-hopping" on tipsy boulders, you'd feel right at home up here.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v09UAGIt8Q/YTDG1pSJPbI/AAAAAAAA6n0/u9Azs19cJzMhbq-AOh_ExkjuoQmcS0J-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0124.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v09UAGIt8Q/YTDG1pSJPbI/AAAAAAAA6n0/u9Azs19cJzMhbq-AOh_ExkjuoQmcS0J-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0124.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sneffels "rotten rock" neighbor, in a perpetual state of shed...</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaMffHVmPao/YTDG15KT1EI/AAAAAAAA6n4/tcqB2039GSYRLAoiLf2DZ4M2N3dw5ihEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaMffHVmPao/YTDG15KT1EI/AAAAAAAA6n4/tcqB2039GSYRLAoiLf2DZ4M2N3dw5ihEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXh9ZW6x_SY/YTDG1L1IeMI/AAAAAAAA6no/sth83p5rMDIoV_qD_3_hN2dX7g-S607QgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXh9ZW6x_SY/YTDG1L1IeMI/AAAAAAAA6no/sth83p5rMDIoV_qD_3_hN2dX7g-S607QgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Time to head down, see if I could catch Bobbie and Martha.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Peace Out till next time,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">mark, bobbie and martha</span></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-76909546592228017942021-08-26T08:53:00.010-06:002021-08-26T11:09:28.616-06:00Reflections At "The Ponds"<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iD78a1WB7mw/YSJsHvvURvI/AAAAAAAA6ks/89I8kJV4Dlw5e67M6auC7qPhiOx0MeN9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0045.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iD78a1WB7mw/YSJsHvvURvI/AAAAAAAA6ks/89I8kJV4Dlw5e67M6auC7qPhiOx0MeN9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>A negligible western wildfire haze softened the atmosphere , lending a pastel painting ambiance to our Red Mountain surround. S</span><span>ummer's lush green grass a</span></span><span><span style="font-size: large;">t "The Ponds" was on the wane, as chlorophyl beat a slow retreat to dormancy. In a week or two, our above-timberline mountain playgrounds will fade to slopes of tawny gold, and remind us of Ms Autumn's steady approach.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bobbie and Martha became nervously excited as I read a couple notes left by previous hikers at the trail register. A moose had been spotted up near The Ponds, followed by two sows with cubs in scampering through trailside woods. Shouldn't pose a problem, unless one gets careless and hikes between mama sow and her cub. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpy2lEVMgbg/YSJsb_j9TJI/AAAAAAAA6lI/5z6ZjtR2Qzov5_KeYbplOj2LshZBfSIHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpy2lEVMgbg/YSJsb_j9TJI/AAAAAAAA6lI/5z6ZjtR2Qzov5_KeYbplOj2LshZBfSIHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h438/IMG_0052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I pushed ahead of the girls in hopes of squeezing in a quick summit on the <i>always gorgeous</i> Red Mountain 1. But it's difficult to be on "bear watch" while power hiking, especially when rivulets of sweat find eyes and Old stumps morph into enormous bears poised to attack. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkO9ulnvLKY/YSJr2eroiII/AAAAAAAA6kQ/qDBRIoH4H9ougdt_YOvEAWgdlWkjizf6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkO9ulnvLKY/YSJr2eroiII/AAAAAAAA6kQ/qDBRIoH4H9ougdt_YOvEAWgdlWkjizf6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Trees suddenly thinned as I escaped the smothering darkness of forest near timberline. <i>Finally, some daylight. I can actually see beyond my nose.</i> Above and to the south, Red Mountain One's rugged ridge line streamed a feast of ochers, yellows, reds and orange. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDTIYp0kyfI/YSJrzG1P9SI/AAAAAAAA6kM/2wjADzgY9fMxwx0NOvhDFmRA8urSKBQrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDTIYp0kyfI/YSJrzG1P9SI/AAAAAAAA6kM/2wjADzgY9fMxwx0NOvhDFmRA8urSKBQrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h438/IMG_0043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">With gusts ruining any opportunity for a decent reflection shot, I munched on a PBJ while waiting for a pause in the winds. Wouldn't you know, just as fingers were coated with peanut butter and jam, the wind died. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Bingo, although the camera would need a good wipedown. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bBjGHJAGlU/YSJsHqc5NXI/AAAAAAAA6ko/cWsh1CYPih4tHb_KLGDWPpKICDKgmtTSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bBjGHJAGlU/YSJsHqc5NXI/AAAAAAAA6ko/cWsh1CYPih4tHb_KLGDWPpKICDKgmtTSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0046.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcEVNr4T8pw/YSJsMemEpRI/AAAAAAAA6kw/HXTjIQlX4D8mwlybfbMiIIFLPhZPrOTgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcEVNr4T8pw/YSJsMemEpRI/AAAAAAAA6kw/HXTjIQlX4D8mwlybfbMiIIFLPhZPrOTgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfBdAzeYYJw/YSJsVKkDoxI/AAAAAAAA6k8/jmyKoqpbWxsB5MBerWbr8sj9UWZUQ3ptACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfBdAzeYYJw/YSJsVKkDoxI/AAAAAAAA6k8/jmyKoqpbWxsB5MBerWbr8sj9UWZUQ3ptACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bpzTEWwkfI/YSJsTp1i7HI/AAAAAAAA6k4/rODMVXpY3dkdzJJwpY7BPzQBhOk6yXdDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bpzTEWwkfI/YSJsTp1i7HI/AAAAAAAA6k4/rODMVXpY3dkdzJJwpY7BPzQBhOk6yXdDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne_gZG1aGOw/YSJsZdRzyRI/AAAAAAAA6lE/HWlj-MSYvpMSj4kYSt4vJ6Rh2Xd1QzzcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne_gZG1aGOw/YSJsZdRzyRI/AAAAAAAA6lE/HWlj-MSYvpMSj4kYSt4vJ6Rh2Xd1QzzcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I watched a sudden thunderhead boil up over Red's ridge line. It appeared isolated and harmless enough, thus, of little concern (famous last words). I took a moment to reflect on my good fortune at living in the middle of such a recreational paradise. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">After lunch the wind picked up. I knew from experience that if it's breezy at "The Ponds," gale force gusts await on Red One's summit. Not a fan of wind, I decided to sit this one out and just kick back and smell a few "roses." Who knows, maybe a bear and/or moose will amble by (not).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out from Paradise,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie...and, of course, Martha.</span></div><p></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-5997124613653316872021-08-19T10:17:00.008-06:002021-08-21T07:36:41.777-06:00Old Dog, New Tricks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCpKWXBiLmc/YRcv9KPOmhI/AAAAAAAA6hU/k46ZBR-Pujoxt3HI18L6v1xOWLY9WacuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCpKWXBiLmc/YRcv9KPOmhI/AAAAAAAA6hU/k46ZBR-Pujoxt3HI18L6v1xOWLY9WacuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9964.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When it seems like you can't change what's going on around you, it might be time to consider changing what's going on inside. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've noticed that the older I get, the more rigid my attitudes and perspectives become, things that, when left to simmer on the back burner, congeals into a stew of anger and, dare I admit it, hatred. Let's face it, our Nation has not been this divided since the Civil War, and, as Lincoln once famously prophesied, <i>A house divided can not stand. </i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If it is true that <i>wisdom comes with age, </i>I'm getting pretty damn wise. But, based on personal experience and keener powers if observation, I'm beginning to think that it's religio-political rigidity more than wisdom, that comes with age. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That I wake up every morning to find myself fully and firmly ensconced in septuagenaria, a body worn and torn from from decades of too much fun and abuse, is both a blessing and a curse. Thus I have more recuperation time these days, time to ponder philosophical questions and realities for which there seems to be neither answers nor explanations. Why, how and for what salient reasons, does citizens of the richest, most fortunate Nation on earth choose to polarize when it comes to religio-polictical camps, two things that, in principal, should unite us? The separation is undermining the very foundation of what this country is founded upon? I can hear my mama now, as I peppered her with all the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Whys?" of</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> childhood.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>I don't know why. It's just the way it is. </i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things I'm now old/wise enough to understand, is that anger and hatred create more problems than they solve. You see, <i>anger</i> is a byproduct of <i>hatred</i>, a "side effect," if you will. Regrettably, there are are but two outlets for anger. One is to express it, the second is to repress it. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The real truth regarding anger is that it usually ends up hurting ha-ter more than the ha-tee. It takes a lot of energy to hate, something I don't have to spare these days. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a conundrum. No matter the choice, anger is either going to hurt you, hurt someone else, or both. Notice how more and more "people" are choosing to shoot others just for the fun and release? Pandemics, religion and politics sure make strange bedfellows. Thus, here we are...at the tipping point of insurrection and overthrow over election results, vaccines, masks, and "Jesus saves." It's ridiculous, like a full blown marital spat over whose turn it was to take out the garbage, and it just sucks me dry. There is too much at stake. When democracy based Nations fail to reconcile so-called seemingly </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">irreconcilable </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">politically differences, it's often a civil war that fills the vacuum. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's more a <i>treatment</i> than <i>cure</i>, but I think readers will find that regular doses of wilderness are beneficial when slogging through difficult times. This "prescription" actually comes with good side-effects, too, like <i>sleeping more than 8 hours a night, being kind to others, empathy, and donning hats and t-shirts with "Life is Good" logos. :)</i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCM_Jjkb6bo/YRcwANrT0aI/AAAAAAAA6hc/vh6Bdl7Xi9wviDlItsHuE4wN6KmndQmvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCM_Jjkb6bo/YRcwANrT0aI/AAAAAAAA6hc/vh6Bdl7Xi9wviDlItsHuE4wN6KmndQmvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9961.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A 20 minute pavement drive up to Red Mountain Pass, plus a 20 minute drive up a rocky 4WD road, followed by a 20 minute breathless hike, landed me and The Two Old Broads far above timberline on the banks of a picturesque mountain lake full of lively trout. Indulge me, if you will, while I demonstrate the power of deep breathing and imaging.<span><!--more--></span>I want you to gaze into the photo below and slowly draw two deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Now draw a third deep breath and hold it. Gaze into the photo. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Picture yourself there, alone but for a trusty fly rod, casting your cares into the water</span><span> while slowly exhaling. Feel the release? </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, some may not need a fly rod to reboot their soul to a peaceful state. Maybe a long exploratory hike is more to your liking...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmOZrcUaRhc/YRcwNlsKBTI/AAAAAAAA6hk/HNy_KyniH909ZSi0UQywC1al0xjG8lE_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmOZrcUaRhc/YRcwNlsKBTI/AAAAAAAA6hk/HNy_KyniH909ZSi0UQywC1al0xjG8lE_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KG1yYrSmE8/YRcwPtVyZKI/AAAAAAAA6ho/8Qqs4Hsip5A51s1LS1PIOTQdo5-JZGW4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9973.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KG1yYrSmE8/YRcwPtVyZKI/AAAAAAAA6ho/8Qqs4Hsip5A51s1LS1PIOTQdo5-JZGW4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9973.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Restless" points out Peak T-10 to "Ruthless," and regales her with the story of our ascent to the summit, over and around boulders as big as a house.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">...like this one, where The Two Old Broads pushed on above the lake for better views. Over the saddle to the left of Peak T-10 is Black Bear Pass Road, switchbacking its way down to Telluride. From this vantage point we can look down on the 4WD road that landed us at timberline. Note "The Reds" in the background...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tqfs9YWFec/YRcvxwQvs9I/AAAAAAAA6hI/JMbsNpAG_h0P3uSskq09OWJKOieBY4e5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tqfs9YWFec/YRcvxwQvs9I/AAAAAAAA6hI/JMbsNpAG_h0P3uSskq09OWJKOieBY4e5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But The Two Old Broads need more miles, and head off to another lake, this one bigger...and blue as the Colorado sky.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMCdhX0scaU/YRcwbPErRVI/AAAAAAAA6h4/9E5hhbIyZjIJ3yoVhP0fQnttROAoQrBjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMCdhX0scaU/YRcwbPErRVI/AAAAAAAA6h4/9E5hhbIyZjIJ3yoVhP0fQnttROAoQrBjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h412/IMG_9975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yVgbMqMLew/YRcu5JVtvgI/AAAAAAAA6gM/Qa26j1XLPWgSMDPwRAkyOLENATTzFlFGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yVgbMqMLew/YRcu5JVtvgI/AAAAAAAA6gM/Qa26j1XLPWgSMDPwRAkyOLENATTzFlFGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ruthless and Restless, with the ragged Three Needles ridge line in the background. </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Directly over Ruthless's silver mane is the ridge-line pass above the lake, where Restless pointed out peak T-10. It's less than a mile as the crow flies. But we are not winged creatures, rather, flightless human beings bound to legs and feet and doomed to plod a crooked up and down path in order to pose for the above photo. We are less than half way to the next lake, believe it or not. These Old Broads can gobble miles like teenagers gobble Captain Crunch. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZv9WGJDCh4/YRcwjITJ7ZI/AAAAAAAA6iA/6djSQj0ezYMEoVwSaT-ioXWq7ZOKpcURgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZv9WGJDCh4/YRcwjITJ7ZI/AAAAAAAA6iA/6djSQj0ezYMEoVwSaT-ioXWq7ZOKpcURgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h420/IMG_9976.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm surprised that there are still so many beautiful flowers, even though we were well into August.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTLeuKT7g5I/YRcwuT9uuWI/AAAAAAAA6iQ/TOjJlwC5wpk4PMQcLMbN4pnh7zqF3oKqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTLeuKT7g5I/YRcwuT9uuWI/AAAAAAAA6iQ/TOjJlwC5wpk4PMQcLMbN4pnh7zqF3oKqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9983.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twxDd9U427A/YRcu39a--QI/AAAAAAAA6gI/KGrxapyQ1estSAVce2jP2Tj857boF-RVACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twxDd9U427A/YRcu39a--QI/AAAAAAAA6gI/KGrxapyQ1estSAVce2jP2Tj857boF-RVACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The path is often rugged and rocky between green lawns of tundra. We rummaged around, looking for the miners trash dump. We found rusty tin cans, remnants of a couple shovels, parts of an old stove, and pieces of green, blue and purple bottle glass.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kE5QchnEqlw/YRcu1t4ueHI/AAAAAAAA6gE/F-HpBVa4zQwNhm702ZgT9he3E8z3ZP50gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kE5QchnEqlw/YRcu1t4ueHI/AAAAAAAA6gE/F-HpBVa4zQwNhm702ZgT9he3E8z3ZP50gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We take time to hang at an old miner's cabin made out of stacked stones. Above timberline and without trees, the miners made use of what they had. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We rummaged around some, looking for the miners trash dump. Down the hill we found rusty tin cans, remnants of a couple shovels, parts of an old stove, and pieces of green, blue and purple bottle glass.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhLMGH7-S4Y/YRcvH49AGFI/AAAAAAAA6gY/wBEE7qC-Rkorx63hp1EvtiybuNBI5UzyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhLMGH7-S4Y/YRcvH49AGFI/AAAAAAAA6gY/wBEE7qC-Rkorx63hp1EvtiybuNBI5UzyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ruthless holds a metal pot with the bottom rusted out.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-cXUemidAA/YRcvHIyhTgI/AAAAAAAA6gU/7uGivx-m2xg-qtNgtc2BMOMChg4GL-TIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-cXUemidAA/YRcvHIyhTgI/AAAAAAAA6gU/7uGivx-m2xg-qtNgtc2BMOMChg4GL-TIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0012.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">More flowers....</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-b1dYeMnfE/YRcvNudbwvI/AAAAAAAA6gc/_Ii9sGe3T1ksS_FpwFjrATYAAfiTgAhmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-b1dYeMnfE/YRcvNudbwvI/AAAAAAAA6gc/_Ii9sGe3T1ksS_FpwFjrATYAAfiTgAhmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJh3dUmNJ0Y/YRcvTYhBz9I/AAAAAAAA6gg/zVQIiv19ViAhyy2L5lZP3fm_Q_yqM2gSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJh3dUmNJ0Y/YRcvTYhBz9I/AAAAAAAA6gg/zVQIiv19ViAhyy2L5lZP3fm_Q_yqM2gSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJmCZFsupOc/YRcvZ3OUbGI/AAAAAAAA6go/6wepZFP97ScDJWT3tsR9exrFnM7XkIBIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJmCZFsupOc/YRcvZ3OUbGI/AAAAAAAA6go/6wepZFP97ScDJWT3tsR9exrFnM7XkIBIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgqgfCQVhlA/YRcw0P9gWtI/AAAAAAAA6iY/VTzqDhaEXAgdYKK7jbpuS2SSPuvW6hYygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgqgfCQVhlA/YRcw0P9gWtI/AAAAAAAA6iY/VTzqDhaEXAgdYKK7jbpuS2SSPuvW6hYygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmWdLVKT3do/YRcw6yCBuaI/AAAAAAAA6io/3qlfDBwHZKgoy_OfszKs62rjCsM5SbfOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9987.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmWdLVKT3do/YRcw6yCBuaI/AAAAAAAA6io/3qlfDBwHZKgoy_OfszKs62rjCsM5SbfOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2U6P88PXL1Y/YRcw5oxNFII/AAAAAAAA6ic/odBQ8zLegl8xS4TN93Hai26RgDYu1z4kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2032" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2U6P88PXL1Y/YRcw5oxNFII/AAAAAAAA6ic/odBQ8zLegl8xS4TN93Hai26RgDYu1z4kQCLcBGAsYHQ/w636-h640/IMG_9989.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A couple rocks with quartz crystals...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyAq7zch9EA/YRcw5-Yd9sI/AAAAAAAA6ig/zRsIyn9mMkoFk5fAtZDMDAIg1WYCvaXawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9990.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyAq7zch9EA/YRcw5-Yd9sI/AAAAAAAA6ig/zRsIyn9mMkoFk5fAtZDMDAIg1WYCvaXawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/IMG_9990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGEBH6q7nVM/YRcxLZJuO2I/AAAAAAAA6jA/De1u3ElgEl05VxGlfzTPQDUr-nfnd778gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9991.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGEBH6q7nVM/YRcxLZJuO2I/AAAAAAAA6jA/De1u3ElgEl05VxGlfzTPQDUr-nfnd778gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9991.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ruthless can find rugged beauty in the most austere places </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNKIkEX_zPU/YRcxJfItV6I/AAAAAAAA6i0/mC2_JpwmnIkt3GXEyt68JtebeP0KOYKswCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNKIkEX_zPU/YRcxJfItV6I/AAAAAAAA6i0/mC2_JpwmnIkt3GXEyt68JtebeP0KOYKswCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h438/IMG_9993.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQwbmOOnp3o/YRcxWABt1CI/AAAAAAAA6jE/vgJWp8ZPp24JXisSIRp5C24zdeR_qdDpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQwbmOOnp3o/YRcxWABt1CI/AAAAAAAA6jE/vgJWp8ZPp24JXisSIRp5C24zdeR_qdDpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpiU5-acspc/YRcxaJkfV5I/AAAAAAAA6jQ/aMcUuwVGVUg0pLrxdsOTKlq9YB72q2GKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpiU5-acspc/YRcxaJkfV5I/AAAAAAAA6jQ/aMcUuwVGVUg0pLrxdsOTKlq9YB72q2GKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9998.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SovJKd7Nxkg/YRcvigSfa3I/AAAAAAAA6g0/BCBZ0rsVg9APStx-WANWLZH-XE14pO3EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SovJKd7Nxkg/YRcvigSfa3I/AAAAAAAA6g0/BCBZ0rsVg9APStx-WANWLZH-XE14pO3EgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oa0ROHdmts/YRcvhCN2w4I/AAAAAAAA6gw/sFBuJbnz71MBAyl9nHN90BctJDDGVVBaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0026.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oa0ROHdmts/YRcvhCN2w4I/AAAAAAAA6gw/sFBuJbnz71MBAyl9nHN90BctJDDGVVBaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lewis Lake, Oscar Pass, and Oscar Mountain</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--reYOqq46QY/YR0Q6vyui-I/AAAAAAAA6jk/D6hbfVYzv2YLaxHUb5LNQjMlj7J47YttwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--reYOqq46QY/YR0Q6vyui-I/AAAAAAAA6jk/D6hbfVYzv2YLaxHUb5LNQjMlj7J47YttwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_4356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The cool blue of Columbine Lake at 12,700 feet above sea level...</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6IoCXw4WHE/YR0Q6s57zbI/AAAAAAAA6jo/Vz_fT9Zu6vQFd-jAiRa3QDy4xpNgc5_HACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6IoCXw4WHE/YR0Q6s57zbI/AAAAAAAA6jo/Vz_fT9Zu6vQFd-jAiRa3QDy4xpNgc5_HACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_4358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">But as clouds move in, the basin lake takes on a more sinister look.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqipd1kwhFU/YRcvvHoCSMI/AAAAAAAA6hE/jqX88Av-15kyQljdbgyAAbqSDQmHDqCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqipd1kwhFU/YRcvvHoCSMI/AAAAAAAA6hE/jqX88Av-15kyQljdbgyAAbqSDQmHDqCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-0_jJIXnDE/YRcvmWW2DzI/AAAAAAAA6g8/mFJ4xdMOxtodovO-NSkELlXeElRlH_zhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0028.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-0_jJIXnDE/YRcvmWW2DzI/AAAAAAAA6g8/mFJ4xdMOxtodovO-NSkELlXeElRlH_zhACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below is a Panorama. Scroll right to view it in its entirety... </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lh9PUdKvWo/YRcwUV9Ad7I/AAAAAAAA6hw/-RtUZ6LieiAof8CqvbLU4vMgJ3KxcYWXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3565/IMG_0032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="3565" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lh9PUdKvWo/YRcwUV9Ad7I/AAAAAAAA6hw/-RtUZ6LieiAof8CqvbLU4vMgJ3KxcYWXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_0032.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out from another above timberline hike in Colorado's high country, where unparalleled views go on forever.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK1r8Yi7-OkpEbDawYDavQ" target="_blank">The Two Old Broads</a></span></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-40327783481487462122021-08-10T15:08:00.004-06:002021-08-10T20:46:49.195-06:00Finding Purpose By Movement In The Outdoors <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRlPvkwtdA0/YQ2p89OVvRI/AAAAAAAA6dQ/1VpTzmPNBfwhHZKp5K6lddjJlchj1hOSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRlPvkwtdA0/YQ2p89OVvRI/AAAAAAAA6dQ/1VpTzmPNBfwhHZKp5K6lddjJlchj1hOSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">To say that a Mount Abram summit begins with a serious, near vertical grind is an understatement. For some reason, it reminds of my grandparents ladder-like attic stairway, a narrow, near vertical shaft constructed with 4 inch treads on a 12 inch rise. Somehow, and at great peril, I might add, my Grandma Carder could traverse up and down that contravention of ethics and "building code" in 3 inch heels. Then, as if to elevate "perilous" to treacherous, Granddad never bothered to install a handrail.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> The attic was crammed with odds and ends of</span><span> "memorabilia," boxes and boxes of artifacts destined for a "someday" yard sale that never came to pass. If there is a "bright side" to getting old and crippled, it's that it will excuse long put off chores indefinitely, which, at some point, becomes forever.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>There is an anatomical contradiction w</span><span>hen escalating a grade as steep as Abram's. Achilles tendons stretch as they warm to the task, while quads, on the other hand, begin to tighten...followed by glutes, then low back muscles. Ultimately, on such climbs, posture flies out the window as you attempt to pull yourself upward on all fours, clutching tufts of tundra grass and willow limbs for additional traction. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEWLHbzKLZ4/YQ2pVtrVpbI/AAAAAAAA6cY/AZU_6X09LAwQM9nS8_9tgu1SEuyW0DJ5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEWLHbzKLZ4/YQ2pVtrVpbI/AAAAAAAA6cY/AZU_6X09LAwQM9nS8_9tgu1SEuyW0DJ5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The route, if you can call a precipitous, rocky rolly couloir a "route," is straight up a drainage. In a "normal" year this drainage would still be holding snow, which makes for more reliable footing, believe it or not, especially when the surface is well softened by the sun on the way down. This year there is barely a sliver of snow, higher up on on Brown Mountain. This year's monsoon season has been quite active, with thunder storms and rain almost every afternoon. This accounts for all the flowers and green tundra, which helps take our minds off of the fire raging in our lungs and quads.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfO-HnQDZME/YQ2pRfbDpZI/AAAAAAAA6cU/1uyAGpzEiHUXY9RLl-Y6_tcN6Sy7wLpVACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="2048" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfO-HnQDZME/YQ2pRfbDpZI/AAAAAAAA6cU/1uyAGpzEiHUXY9RLl-Y6_tcN6Sy7wLpVACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h502/IMG_9879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwj5uDfxyN4/YQ2pWjw9yGI/AAAAAAAA6cc/3PNSAF2UBF0TGR5cPLsocbBMkm0scmthgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9880.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwj5uDfxyN4/YQ2pWjw9yGI/AAAAAAAA6cc/3PNSAF2UBF0TGR5cPLsocbBMkm0scmthgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Above and below: Bobbie and friend, Jen, grind their way upwards toward and eventual saddle. From there it is a ridge-run to Abram.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLdyqGzH8Gw/YQ2pkQkfcbI/AAAAAAAA6cs/gPmwQ0xiZSkCwzmlLsb7vDu_-pNylsWygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9881.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLdyqGzH8Gw/YQ2pkQkfcbI/AAAAAAAA6cs/gPmwQ0xiZSkCwzmlLsb7vDu_-pNylsWygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/IMG_9881.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFega4omGvU/YQ2pcpmq8kI/AAAAAAAA6cg/oAfNAB7ERkIEdwxHE2wEoZbvkuJgnAWiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFega4omGvU/YQ2pcpmq8kI/AAAAAAAA6cg/oAfNAB7ERkIEdwxHE2wEoZbvkuJgnAWiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_9883.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The bees are busy this time of year. Snow could start flying in September up here.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lvKGSTUoyc/YQ2pe5hMd6I/AAAAAAAA6ck/0LrGTwmluLwfUF9qw54-WA4z-K9PpESzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1344/IMG_9884.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1221" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lvKGSTUoyc/YQ2pe5hMd6I/AAAAAAAA6ck/0LrGTwmluLwfUF9qw54-WA4z-K9PpESzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w582-h640/IMG_9884.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2W-93-VxG4/YQ2puiat_qI/AAAAAAAA6c8/LjtWiHE39wknavo5GwZF0diZBE0a2gSpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2W-93-VxG4/YQ2puiat_qI/AAAAAAAA6c8/LjtWiHE39wknavo5GwZF0diZBE0a2gSpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h512/IMG_9888.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L0FCB2WwRI/YQ2pvnQDTpI/AAAAAAAA6dA/KluKZLuuRDQ0KTZ8pQQf9NQu2m0PEDnDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9892.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L0FCB2WwRI/YQ2pvnQDTpI/AAAAAAAA6dA/KluKZLuuRDQ0KTZ8pQQf9NQu2m0PEDnDACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9892.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00Voos99vkA/YQ2p6kwK8II/AAAAAAAA6dM/uDCTpuQ273cIaHNuu3mHfrO-GAPxzyQHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00Voos99vkA/YQ2p6kwK8II/AAAAAAAA6dM/uDCTpuQ273cIaHNuu3mHfrO-GAPxzyQHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h374/IMG_9894.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, the saddle. The "Reds" are sure showing off their colors on this day...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpuaobtoF34/YQ2p_rctwEI/AAAAAAAA6dY/m-qiMlEntAcdyblpcmsFrVrkhhIz1b9DACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9895.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpuaobtoF34/YQ2p_rctwEI/AAAAAAAA6dY/m-qiMlEntAcdyblpcmsFrVrkhhIz1b9DACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_lR7MBaBjQ/YQ2qIj7zALI/AAAAAAAA6dg/iyBFf0yojGE7f1IGYAJlsToR1Gfm0haVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9899.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_lR7MBaBjQ/YQ2qIj7zALI/AAAAAAAA6dg/iyBFf0yojGE7f1IGYAJlsToR1Gfm0haVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h390/IMG_9899.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">By definition, one must climb from a "saddle," no matter which way you go. At least the grade relents...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lteHFJi-TIU/YQ2qIKI5xHI/AAAAAAAA6dc/FbvdZs7j1ksv00WsL0OX7867OCyj0HlzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lteHFJi-TIU/YQ2qIKI5xHI/AAAAAAAA6dc/FbvdZs7j1ksv00WsL0OX7867OCyj0HlzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/IMG_9901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We started our climb from near timberline in the above photo...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fwmmz4842Q/YQ2qOmstpLI/AAAAAAAA6do/ieUhRfuqdlsGsQ3t1BeihLAdy3v_JnLKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fwmmz4842Q/YQ2qOmstpLI/AAAAAAAA6do/ieUhRfuqdlsGsQ3t1BeihLAdy3v_JnLKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On the ridge-run here, with colorful rocks and soil, and views to die for.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cat7MNXb58/YQ2qiKrufSI/AAAAAAAA6eE/Zg5aeSRb78oFPLVh88k9e0yuT7zBMuU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cat7MNXb58/YQ2qiKrufSI/AAAAAAAA6eE/Zg5aeSRb78oFPLVh88k9e0yuT7zBMuU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9909.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppJI6FzPfFU/YQ2qX2HFr0I/AAAAAAAA6d0/n-bd6lcEsU8z-iSrLHNNknD2b1cydsQiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9912%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppJI6FzPfFU/YQ2qX2HFr0I/AAAAAAAA6d0/n-bd6lcEsU8z-iSrLHNNknD2b1cydsQiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9912%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are on the final push; another grade that rivals the initial couloir, but at least we can zig zag. This up and down ridge-run started way back at the taller Brown Mountains to the left of the "Reds." </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sroPS2NN2_c/YQ2qexIdBzI/AAAAAAAA6eA/C2rrryXyJBg_NW6pTrG-PiLqF8nXziThACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sroPS2NN2_c/YQ2qexIdBzI/AAAAAAAA6eA/C2rrryXyJBg_NW6pTrG-PiLqF8nXziThACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RK4Y6EaDoE/YQ2qnvQSNUI/AAAAAAAA6eM/f1BxCrje688794y1Zd4ICnDKQwUj8oSEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RK4Y6EaDoE/YQ2qnvQSNUI/AAAAAAAA6eM/f1BxCrje688794y1Zd4ICnDKQwUj8oSEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9913.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Almost there, girls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUCrxrhX4yE/YQ2qyV6F0kI/AAAAAAAA6eY/3txA8RP-6vwvFqEVt-5UKLU1Y43ksJuGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUCrxrhX4yE/YQ2qyV6F0kI/AAAAAAAA6eY/3txA8RP-6vwvFqEVt-5UKLU1Y43ksJuGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBSWXiwLhaU/YQ2qzL-8cfI/AAAAAAAA6ec/7Z7cE5oCYmUDmEyfaOJKBcKU3JLnOfo5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9920.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBSWXiwLhaU/YQ2qzL-8cfI/AAAAAAAA6ec/7Z7cE5oCYmUDmEyfaOJKBcKU3JLnOfo5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Time to kick back and enjoy the views (Lovely Ouray in the above photo).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKjCFw0KHwE/YQ2rAOVB3tI/AAAAAAAA6eo/OT1aQ8Neqigz9aYryitJS1mbu5tVuOc8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKjCFw0KHwE/YQ2rAOVB3tI/AAAAAAAA6eo/OT1aQ8Neqigz9aYryitJS1mbu5tVuOc8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This is Jen's first summit of Abram...a peak she can see while sipping coffee or beer (depending on the hour of day...or not) from her rear deck. Jen says <i>though she may have lost a lung on the way up, it was worth it to get this summit checked off the list.</i> Now when sipping that beverage on the deck, eyeing Abram's pyramidal shape, she can say, "Hey. I've been up there." </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A peanut butter sandwich, a little bit of Gatorade, and it's time to head down...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj6sI_7MKxs/YQ2rCHJhgvI/AAAAAAAA6ew/Klpx2yY9lkE9BczPN6P2boRo7ONtjHYVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj6sI_7MKxs/YQ2rCHJhgvI/AAAAAAAA6ew/Klpx2yY9lkE9BczPN6P2boRo7ONtjHYVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9925.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA5Ed-70TUk/YQ2rGrrEPMI/AAAAAAAA6e4/ge3EK9Uq0D8h_XILft2JrBFd3nMYABFoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA5Ed-70TUk/YQ2rGrrEPMI/AAAAAAAA6e4/ge3EK9Uq0D8h_XILft2JrBFd3nMYABFoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9927.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4IICcu6kik/YQ2rRL99TwI/AAAAAAAA6fA/1gmpCaw26C4UNEZQgBofTLPB5v9sTcsEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4IICcu6kik/YQ2rRL99TwI/AAAAAAAA6fA/1gmpCaw26C4UNEZQgBofTLPB5v9sTcsEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMhnm_yPFDY/YQ2ranlWS1I/AAAAAAAA6fM/EAX94JNdUdU6PuRqcBcOCT_rFPl6RUMGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMhnm_yPFDY/YQ2ranlWS1I/AAAAAAAA6fM/EAX94JNdUdU6PuRqcBcOCT_rFPl6RUMGACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9930.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Oh boy...such a long way to go.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gsw2ByW-PI/YQ2rsFPFtOI/AAAAAAAA6fc/B499buGvCiwOvrgn9UmkjCUMvOmdkfdqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gsw2ByW-PI/YQ2rsFPFtOI/AAAAAAAA6fc/B499buGvCiwOvrgn9UmkjCUMvOmdkfdqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9931.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkJOdrNA4EQ/YQ2roqHufPI/AAAAAAAA6fU/8TeKpjHRRMYCtCJ1S22jh_Mp-z_x8dItwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1579" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkJOdrNA4EQ/YQ2roqHufPI/AAAAAAAA6fU/8TeKpjHRRMYCtCJ1S22jh_Mp-z_x8dItwCLcBGAsYHQ/w494-h640/IMG_9932.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkptb9LKZt4/YQ2rxuZl7CI/AAAAAAAA6fg/M2tCNUtHAyoocWouOcnC6OyUufWIUOOiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkptb9LKZt4/YQ2rxuZl7CI/AAAAAAAA6fg/M2tCNUtHAyoocWouOcnC6OyUufWIUOOiACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9933.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-KNlyWjNfc/YQ2r1I1T26I/AAAAAAAA6fk/tItPkxqgrq0IUOUz2dNg89_TNeLsg_LUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-KNlyWjNfc/YQ2r1I1T26I/AAAAAAAA6fk/tItPkxqgrq0IUOUz2dNg89_TNeLsg_LUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9936.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wonder Dog Sunday leads the charge down mountain. By the time we closed the doors on the truck, she was fast asleep in the back seat :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And remember; <i>a trail without obstacles is destined to disappoint...</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark, Bobbie, Jen and Wonder Dog, Sunday. </span></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-60028715920018126852021-08-02T09:23:00.001-06:002021-08-02T09:23:04.920-06:00Fun With Megan and Micheal <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VISi_oCy4yM/YQL7zMH3T4I/AAAAAAAA6bE/o0cQ_r8hXvQkgfPFXEoyC9UeqUyTg4erwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VISi_oCy4yM/YQL7zMH3T4I/AAAAAAAA6bE/o0cQ_r8hXvQkgfPFXEoyC9UeqUyTg4erwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9761.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Great niece, Megan, and spouse Micheal, dropped by Lovely Ouray for a couple of days. The Pennsylvanians were on a 4 to 6 week road trip tour of the southwest. Unfortunately, record high temps, countless forest fires and a monsoonal deluge plagued some of their camping trip, they made lemonade out of lemons and toughed it out. And to think, it was their honeymoon? <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, you can't visit Mark and Bobbie without the obligatory and breathless timberline hike :). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6TiJADMno0/YQL7igMWQ6I/AAAAAAAA6a0/VUHBmY0MyKIZFdtgvPzQaC1y-Gjr_zglQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6TiJADMno0/YQL7igMWQ6I/AAAAAAAA6a0/VUHBmY0MyKIZFdtgvPzQaC1y-Gjr_zglQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9750.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V83j7GLRiaU/YQL7iGJUobI/AAAAAAAA6aw/fuEquC9OsZglvdVZhQwYfgiaVH-OnGXMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V83j7GLRiaU/YQL7iGJUobI/AAAAAAAA6aw/fuEquC9OsZglvdVZhQwYfgiaVH-OnGXMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9753.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x22IAiTcWSY/YQL7lSDRS_I/AAAAAAAA6a4/GbT4VA0PVLInjdAWy_sItb-Nj6n9QEs-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x22IAiTcWSY/YQL7lSDRS_I/AAAAAAAA6a4/GbT4VA0PVLInjdAWy_sItb-Nj6n9QEs-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9E2BOYasPNY/YQL7259pwKI/AAAAAAAA6bI/G1g0cd7-MY8WtxMsi6gMXc4yJfsCWokNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9E2BOYasPNY/YQL7259pwKI/AAAAAAAA6bI/G1g0cd7-MY8WtxMsi6gMXc4yJfsCWokNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9759.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UgkR7KUrs/YQL7xexpXyI/AAAAAAAA6a8/wdJoDvE85-sSzgf_Znmyn57sgavcnK1OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UgkR7KUrs/YQL7xexpXyI/AAAAAAAA6a8/wdJoDvE85-sSzgf_Znmyn57sgavcnK1OQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9760.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEVf31E7mVs/YQL8GgEEI0I/AAAAAAAA6bY/3obErbrnMe0bUolUMgHnG_eXjPKPaCg4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEVf31E7mVs/YQL8GgEEI0I/AAAAAAAA6bY/3obErbrnMe0bUolUMgHnG_eXjPKPaCg4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9767.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kb83dnPo70/YQL8A2TXa6I/AAAAAAAA6bM/SysJC8xNQpET5iOv3euHlFGIW77VH_RWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kb83dnPo70/YQL8A2TXa6I/AAAAAAAA6bM/SysJC8xNQpET5iOv3euHlFGIW77VH_RWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9770.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjsvnkaqo1E/YQL8Ea7aObI/AAAAAAAA6bU/rI8T6Myl-DkE7mmWmB_c6IkaH3fo7DRcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjsvnkaqo1E/YQL8Ea7aObI/AAAAAAAA6bU/rI8T6Myl-DkE7mmWmB_c6IkaH3fo7DRcACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9780.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYip3qQAg7M/YQL8aj3EVyI/AAAAAAAA6bs/f-bxAFQUJ8UdAenUGRRtMWgkyMyoUeogQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1548" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYip3qQAg7M/YQL8aj3EVyI/AAAAAAAA6bs/f-bxAFQUJ8UdAenUGRRtMWgkyMyoUeogQCLcBGAsYHQ/w484-h640/IMG_9781.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C13JAbGJ698/YQL8bU9oupI/AAAAAAAA6bw/gEYuacGUBnsRShD3bqoG1zPCsGdaucE4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1876" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C13JAbGJ698/YQL8bU9oupI/AAAAAAAA6bw/gEYuacGUBnsRShD3bqoG1zPCsGdaucE4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w586-h640/IMG_9783.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw07A_Nhu40/YQL8ixyYInI/AAAAAAAA6b0/dIkOLbwST346tXKWmim2otjAA-92JqxUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw07A_Nhu40/YQL8ixyYInI/AAAAAAAA6b0/dIkOLbwST346tXKWmim2otjAA-92JqxUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9792.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace out, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie...</span></p>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-21473299467269519922021-07-21T07:54:00.003-06:002021-07-21T08:17:19.919-06:00On Wildflowers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NGaWpoTdOI/YPbeYfsFtAI/AAAAAAAA6F4/Fjt7yqdquSQOGpAM7pAkflWXTxN4gKxFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1891" data-original-width="2048" height="590" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NGaWpoTdOI/YPbeYfsFtAI/AAAAAAAA6F4/Fjt7yqdquSQOGpAM7pAkflWXTxN4gKxFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h590/IMG_9699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Wildflowers are the loveliest of all because they grow in uncultivated soil, in those hard, rugged places where no one expects them to flourish." </i></span><b>Micheline Ryckman <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If life was yours to live over again, what would you change?</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4HcwzHm4Hk/YPbeQU8HeuI/AAAAAAAA6Fk/7QoRizhpjaMCJ93fh1nstdrj-cNiTZXfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4HcwzHm4Hk/YPbeQU8HeuI/AAAAAAAA6Fk/7QoRizhpjaMCJ93fh1nstdrj-cNiTZXfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9680.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Let me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood</span></i></div><div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Let the smell of wildflowers flow free through my blood</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Let me sleep in your meadows with the green grassy leaves."</span></i></div><div><b>Bob Dylan<i>, 'Let Me Die In My Footsteps'</i></b></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAg10wGx5OY/YPbeQoBJAaI/AAAAAAAA6Fo/PNHoLVxhO40T0QFr0jubjq6Mo4-B7GeSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAg10wGx5OY/YPbeQoBJAaI/AAAAAAAA6Fo/PNHoLVxhO40T0QFr0jubjq6Mo4-B7GeSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9686.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Wildflowers can't be controlled, and neither can...a soul boundless as the sky, and a spirit as free and wild as the ocean." </i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Melody Lee</b></span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAjLolAFa_0/YPbeTphjy1I/AAAAAAAA6Fs/1smXtGDPb4g5XbAvOCzzvjQ1xXuB6qe6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAjLolAFa_0/YPbeTphjy1I/AAAAAAAA6Fs/1smXtGDPb4g5XbAvOCzzvjQ1xXuB6qe6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9687.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1VnRbvyLFQ/YPbee_vnPVI/AAAAAAAA6F8/ZxyvwZbR4scNoww2WWtG7Zrc2HDC4j1UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9692.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1VnRbvyLFQ/YPbee_vnPVI/AAAAAAAA6F8/ZxyvwZbR4scNoww2WWtG7Zrc2HDC4j1UQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9692.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers...still spring up in the middle of nowhere." </i></span><b>Sheryl Crow</b></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvYwf_sNTMU/YPbepLXQgCI/AAAAAAAA6GQ/oVBibGs1rSowEJahNdsI8uDeHxQo6gsFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvYwf_sNTMU/YPbepLXQgCI/AAAAAAAA6GQ/oVBibGs1rSowEJahNdsI8uDeHxQo6gsFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Wildflowers don't care where they grow." </i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dolly Parton</b></span><i style="font-size: x-large;">, 'Wildflowers'</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_fqWHa1D4U/YPbeoTLZr9I/AAAAAAAA6GM/xpSeKzhf3kgfW_R1X8XsIBj6aweOT65iQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_fqWHa1D4U/YPbeoTLZr9I/AAAAAAAA6GM/xpSeKzhf3kgfW_R1X8XsIBj6aweOT65iQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h414/IMG_9701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I knew I had to say hello (hello, hello)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>She smiled up at me</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>She took my hand and we walked through the park alone</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But I knew (I knew, I knew, I knew, I knew)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>She had made me happy (happy, happy)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Flowers in her hair, flowers everywhere" </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Cowsills</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuwIrzTnasE/YPbfd9-P3II/AAAAAAAA6HM/kNtZ_K6-EiE_5cm2Aydx5H-aaMhVBM2tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuwIrzTnasE/YPbfd9-P3II/AAAAAAAA6HM/kNtZ_K6-EiE_5cm2Aydx5H-aaMhVBM2tQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/IMG_9725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>If we could but see the miracle of a single flower, clearly our whole life would change</i>" </span><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Gautama Buddha</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niivJFUqH2c/YPbe1DJtdII/AAAAAAAA6GY/sRzNtWM-DxYgMBqXnLQakTWFueCO8ZuSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niivJFUqH2c/YPbe1DJtdII/AAAAAAAA6GY/sRzNtWM-DxYgMBqXnLQakTWFueCO8ZuSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"The fairest thing in nature, a flower, has its roots in earth and manure." </span><b><span style="font-size: medium;">D. H. Lawrence</span></b></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57FZvyfYaE4/YPbe9-MTYqI/AAAAAAAA6Gk/PUC8y9ZH0SUkvsd_lyo6Ekb8GmAThxvRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57FZvyfYaE4/YPbe9-MTYqI/AAAAAAAA6Gk/PUC8y9ZH0SUkvsd_lyo6Ekb8GmAThxvRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.</i>" </span><b>Oscar Wilde</b></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPxa1b3yA4M/YPbe0nyHR2I/AAAAAAAA6GU/EfyI-h4fhrQQf7NTUcx4iGmLdYw0oUi9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPxa1b3yA4M/YPbe0nyHR2I/AAAAAAAA6GU/EfyI-h4fhrQQf7NTUcx4iGmLdYw0oUi9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What I appreciate the most about wildflowers is their seasonal brevity.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PifA8a-Pl_4/YPbe4LFgHYI/AAAAAAAA6Gg/h7NUoFttep4z4qtVghJRg0yv6eMbpJIygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1649" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PifA8a-Pl_4/YPbe4LFgHYI/AAAAAAAA6Gg/h7NUoFttep4z4qtVghJRg0yv6eMbpJIygCLcBGAsYHQ/w516-h640/IMG_9712.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The world is a mess. Thus, it is our task to sow enough wildflowers to choke out the "weeds." </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULG_Geq_WEc/YPbfMbP4gCI/AAAAAAAA6G0/CxvHYSkTKw8bRQV2p0dgssiCp49aXStfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULG_Geq_WEc/YPbfMbP4gCI/AAAAAAAA6G0/CxvHYSkTKw8bRQV2p0dgssiCp49aXStfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Wildflowers are wordless poems... </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHPqRr0Dvnc/YPbfNLgyPdI/AAAAAAAA6G4/7im47CzZp5cjv4O5mCuqwjgfDjlmlsJ6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHPqRr0Dvnc/YPbfNLgyPdI/AAAAAAAA6G4/7im47CzZp5cjv4O5mCuqwjgfDjlmlsJ6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9715.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Wildflowers thrive on diversity and community. So should we...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-H4Gch9gxY/YPbfT2mpmNI/AAAAAAAA6HE/c5D8Xy2bGWYpnr_fk04Bo6dnuW-_wi9FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9718.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-H4Gch9gxY/YPbfT2mpmNI/AAAAAAAA6HE/c5D8Xy2bGWYpnr_fk04Bo6dnuW-_wi9FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>She is like a wildflower; beautiful, fierce, and free</i>.” </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Unknown</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIYxg3E4GEE/YPbfh73zpuI/AAAAAAAA6HU/mx9aPGOQdfg279vT7fmAqGhQRR_nKQpKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIYxg3E4GEE/YPbfh73zpuI/AAAAAAAA6HU/mx9aPGOQdfg279vT7fmAqGhQRR_nKQpKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9722.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-size: x-large;">“Like wildflowers you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would.” </i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lorde</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgg_4KDwq-U/YPbfTNodJ6I/AAAAAAAA6HA/lDvGRxnrJ0MTLoQFoieVVvPhChp4WZ8JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgg_4KDwq-U/YPbfTNodJ6I/AAAAAAAA6HA/lDvGRxnrJ0MTLoQFoieVVvPhChp4WZ8JwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h498/IMG_9724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">For many, columbines are considered the fairest bloom in Colorado. They prefer hardscrabble hillsides, the rockier the better. Perhaps we should take a lesson from their struggle to take root in such a hostile environment. Ultimately, hardship affects the loveliest blossoms. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hndLH6M8Bkk/YPbfZhiSFmI/AAAAAAAA6HI/_vueZNCqSz8c6QXCVW9f0WLPB8AxFP1LgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hndLH6M8Bkk/YPbfZhiSFmI/AAAAAAAA6HI/_vueZNCqSz8c6QXCVW9f0WLPB8AxFP1LgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/IMG_9726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Diversity in the garden makes for the best honey. Same with society...</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bin88rkLVtQ/YPbfj146GTI/AAAAAAAA6Hc/jA1-12m4p18775HIz1uhhv41885VY8UUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1975" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bin88rkLVtQ/YPbfj146GTI/AAAAAAAA6Hc/jA1-12m4p18775HIz1uhhv41885VY8UUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h640/IMG_9732.jpg" width="618" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxqSBOsckNc/YPbfyd_NOmI/AAAAAAAA6Hw/kqfZZny-r7A6EcFMdqmb34_O--WsNaxcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxqSBOsckNc/YPbfyd_NOmI/AAAAAAAA6Hw/kqfZZny-r7A6EcFMdqmb34_O--WsNaxcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJbNIJc1_i4/YPbfzcN_NkI/AAAAAAAA6H4/uYo82OHN7C8qyJ6esuXPzj7lReijQihxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9738.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJbNIJc1_i4/YPbfzcN_NkI/AAAAAAAA6H4/uYo82OHN7C8qyJ6esuXPzj7lReijQihxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_9738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Silverton, far below under the watchful eye of Ohio Peak</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">With no goal in mind, we settle for a ridge walk that affords views of Silverton.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q6DwvdYRLs/YPbfoy1AUII/AAAAAAAA6Hg/dsMg4Vggmjsnk9In9VHwWBbgTfS81VxnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9737.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q6DwvdYRLs/YPbfoy1AUII/AAAAAAAA6Hg/dsMg4Vggmjsnk9In9VHwWBbgTfS81VxnACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9737.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Silverton, in its valley nest, where Kendall Mountain stands out directly above town.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">There's an old mining days footrace in Silverton that carries over to this day called Kendall Mountain. In the old days miners were not bound to a set coarse so they could attack Kendall's 13,000 plus feet of elevation. First one back to Silverton wins. It was a bloody affair. Today's race follows a loose and rocky Jeep road that circles up and around to the back side of Kendall Mountain, stopping just short of the summit which must be scrambled. In our racing days Bobbie and I raced Kendall several times, swearing each time, "Never again." But, like childbirth, a year goes by and you forget the pain. Coming down was the hardest part, believe it or not. It's still a bloody affair in that regard as the first aid tent has its share of fallen runners with bloody palms and faces after taking a tumultuous tumble while racing helter-skelter back down to Silverton on a precipitous, stoney Jeep trail. 13 miles of Hell, roundtrip.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP6PcyCx5L0/YPbf23ywH1I/AAAAAAAA6H8/_26YIDQ97f0Yd3kAL3_F2pAXQuWqEzOcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9739.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP6PcyCx5L0/YPbf23ywH1I/AAAAAAAA6H8/_26YIDQ97f0Yd3kAL3_F2pAXQuWqEzOcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/IMG_9739.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Not all ridge lines are "knife-edge"</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">There's nothing like running ridge lines above timberline, with 360 degree views. A good place to keep an eye out for oncoming thunder and lightning storms.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ffr3relar4/YPbf7K__VCI/AAAAAAAA6IA/vytjnlIUqoE8qbPlEIJun3M--QMcD-SKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ffr3relar4/YPbf7K__VCI/AAAAAAAA6IA/vytjnlIUqoE8qbPlEIJun3M--QMcD-SKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9745.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A strollable mountain meadow</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0C1V1jhjNk/YPbd6xi-2rI/AAAAAAAA6FU/Dzn4eqdlBcMxfDsJzSX-RoHMpFVJW3tFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4198.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0C1V1jhjNk/YPbd6xi-2rI/AAAAAAAA6FU/Dzn4eqdlBcMxfDsJzSX-RoHMpFVJW3tFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_4198.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Just a few of the Big Mountains south of Silverton...</b></span><b>not shown</b><b> 2 more 14ers, Eolus and Windom, which we summited while on a 4 day backpacking trip which began and ended by being dropped off and picked up at the trailhead by the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.<br /><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwmoJM4DlBiVmGBwYUN2Q6VNAlAVG603gbixwZNN-8ZlkGHx1t0o8b3fgKk52Fn3c69U4tUnReuhAlMc7ALFw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>Another lovely day, another lovely hike—bike—swim—climb.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out from Lovely Ouray,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark and Bobbie</span></p></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-62531332447004401322021-07-13T09:26:00.001-06:002021-07-13T09:45:13.921-06:00Red Rovers Hike The "Reds"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05gr1N5hOZg/YOrYn6UFVmI/AAAAAAAA6A4/PyxeUMhFAhQSdk2TqQ-IVGNCw9UB-ftjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05gr1N5hOZg/YOrYn6UFVmI/AAAAAAAA6A4/PyxeUMhFAhQSdk2TqQ-IVGNCw9UB-ftjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Red was my father's favorite color. He loved red cars, red dresses, </span><span style="font-size: large;">red apples, red neckties, and, of course, Arizona's flaming </span><span><span style="font-size: large;">red sunsets. Anything red got his attention. <i>Like father like son,</i> they say, and this ole "red apple" didn't fall from the "tree."</span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Red is a primary reason for our yearly pilgrimages to Utah. As visuals go, it's hard to beat red sandstone cliffs anchored in red sand and dirt. No matter how thorough the cleaning, you'll find telltale signs of red dirt in most nooks and crannies in Rv Dazy, and carpets tinged with red buff highlights. After 4 or 5 weeks of boondocking, it takes at least 3 launderings to remove Utah's red sand and dirt from pockets, socks and boots. I think of it as souvenirs, because it reminds me of good times and total immersion in Utah. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I'm not a complete <i>red snob, </i>though, at least<i> </i>not to the exclusion of hues on the color wheel. I like skies of cobalt blue, with a smattering of puffy white cumulus clouds for contrast. And one could go as far as a couple slots on either side of red on the color wheel without being unfriended by your's truly, colors to the left like purple and violet, and a couple of shades of orange on the right, particularly <i>Competition Orange, </i>like my first two cars.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">At 16 years old my first car was a Competition Orange VW Bug. My dad had it painted before giving it to me for my birthday. I think he loved that paint job more than I did. It was so cool...cute, the girls would say. A hormonal 16 year old male, I wanted nothing to do with "cute." So I traded the "Bug" in on a muscular '69 Camaro, Competition Orange, of course. As an extra measure in the opposite direction of "cute," I added black racing stripes, a full race camshaft, high rise Edelbrock intake manifold with two 4 barrel carburetors, and a throaty duel Glasspack exhaust system. How you like me now, girls?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So now you know the story behind my (hereditary?) affection for all things Red...including Utah's desert landscapes and Colorado's Red Mountains. I'll let the pictures do the talking now...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVGpOTkTeqA/YOrbNr3RB5I/AAAAAAAA6EU/hys1NH51Ztk-OTnBLWs8u5_QVe32iU7SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9678.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVGpOTkTeqA/YOrbNr3RB5I/AAAAAAAA6EU/hys1NH51Ztk-OTnBLWs8u5_QVe32iU7SwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9678.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mining ruins, brutalized by a century of hard winters</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jgjiFBIEgY/YOrYoyCuTOI/AAAAAAAA6A8/RoH0dpfOWF0ZVIr2NuvMcUYHqemNGq7mACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9619.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jgjiFBIEgY/YOrYoyCuTOI/AAAAAAAA6A8/RoH0dpfOWF0ZVIr2NuvMcUYHqemNGq7mACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The "Two Old Broads" and an ex-JAG-turned-Hiker Babe, Jen.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AHXKKJWzio/YOrYnaeGNII/AAAAAAAA6A0/cEHC5B8Jzl0Z-nDLzYHedvRx0aT_NMj3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AHXKKJWzio/YOrYnaeGNII/AAAAAAAA6A0/cEHC5B8Jzl0Z-nDLzYHedvRx0aT_NMj3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEm56DsPTq0/YOrY16Y1tFI/AAAAAAAA6BA/Yy4jqnUu4KULs9NOGZOASv4XFDZjI89GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9628.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEm56DsPTq0/YOrY16Y1tFI/AAAAAAAA6BA/Yy4jqnUu4KULs9NOGZOASv4XFDZjI89GwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9628.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />The plan is to summit Red Mountain 3, then run the ridge over to a sub-peak of #3 and summit Red Mountain 2 (to the far left).<br /></b></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDWU0Kuc4qM/YOrZWSv8GrI/AAAAAAAA6Bs/ZtdQFwDLPdAOF9osQ-a_c5zVc_h3MEiVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9641.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDWU0Kuc4qM/YOrZWSv8GrI/AAAAAAAA6Bs/ZtdQFwDLPdAOF9osQ-a_c5zVc_h3MEiVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9641.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Running the rocky ridge of rolly rocks</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZptbKaKSvE/YOrZW-kpTrI/AAAAAAAA6Bw/CE9n-NnvFF8txpUx7J8lA7R2gNCGl74rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZptbKaKSvE/YOrZW-kpTrI/AAAAAAAA6Bw/CE9n-NnvFF8txpUx7J8lA7R2gNCGl74rgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9640.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXlk2YL3Tkc/YOrZI25dVQI/AAAAAAAA6Bk/0bKovn7ZOMY76SpvlGwcVrO26QW3Dxv-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXlk2YL3Tkc/YOrZI25dVQI/AAAAAAAA6Bk/0bKovn7ZOMY76SpvlGwcVrO26QW3Dxv-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9637.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O69SVdvxvOc/YOrZF55pFnI/AAAAAAAA6BY/0TkFlijggJMGrWZcH9srCyoM0roazde7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O69SVdvxvOc/YOrZF55pFnI/AAAAAAAA6BY/0TkFlijggJMGrWZcH9srCyoM0roazde7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsGClAqQSqM/YOrY462SE_I/AAAAAAAA6BU/ruaI3_ICdNoGnPkxWhEkNYVNQV3JYtnlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsGClAqQSqM/YOrY462SE_I/AAAAAAAA6BU/ruaI3_ICdNoGnPkxWhEkNYVNQV3JYtnlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-x0eE_LFZ4/YOrZbVRZ--I/AAAAAAAA6B4/j0V6s5wEPiMEzZOFlFnSJV99vANCma4TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-x0eE_LFZ4/YOrZbVRZ--I/AAAAAAAA6B4/j0V6s5wEPiMEzZOFlFnSJV99vANCma4TgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9642.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_RQmkHhZiY/YOrZiav4I4I/AAAAAAAA6B8/QLX7S407gU42FhqHebx8yInmtH9QNNL8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_RQmkHhZiY/YOrZiav4I4I/AAAAAAAA6B8/QLX7S407gU42FhqHebx8yInmtH9QNNL8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eEON7TZXyE/YOrZjcDR-8I/AAAAAAAA6CA/RGwXsBL0cZkSv-Rie3zI0NEr_fd6xiaPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eEON7TZXyE/YOrZjcDR-8I/AAAAAAAA6CA/RGwXsBL0cZkSv-Rie3zI0NEr_fd6xiaPACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9647.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9i9BTbPx2Pw/YOrZofwvzCI/AAAAAAAA6CI/nh_io7fOahU-DMhk-RHMa76Jj_w7wtemgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9i9BTbPx2Pw/YOrZofwvzCI/AAAAAAAA6CI/nh_io7fOahU-DMhk-RHMa76Jj_w7wtemgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_9648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSJ20iRlNEc/YOrZvPANFdI/AAAAAAAA6CM/KUgnT4rZEeECB42CK6csxjCX6eG2UShxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSJ20iRlNEc/YOrZvPANFdI/AAAAAAAA6CM/KUgnT4rZEeECB42CK6csxjCX6eG2UShxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V47gMpoaxsE/YOrZ-QwCZWI/AAAAAAAA6Cc/BCULTlp-tyACd5FVmPD8M9gG-Ave6zfAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9654.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V47gMpoaxsE/YOrZ-QwCZWI/AAAAAAAA6Cc/BCULTlp-tyACd5FVmPD8M9gG-Ave6zfAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_9654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZL3d_9QG_o/YOraOl05ClI/AAAAAAAA6C8/1mLOS3Ny7JEbxfLYD1Mm_tyGcO_05vmxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZL3d_9QG_o/YOraOl05ClI/AAAAAAAA6C8/1mLOS3Ny7JEbxfLYD1Mm_tyGcO_05vmxACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLLfS5zlhJo/YOra6um9AHI/AAAAAAAA6Dw/Cp9EQM5XmVYvaljGoHX-WC7PFZUEuW6cwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3769/IMG_9661.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="3769" height="142" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLLfS5zlhJo/YOra6um9AHI/AAAAAAAA6Dw/Cp9EQM5XmVYvaljGoHX-WC7PFZUEuW6cwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h142/IMG_9661.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A panorama from the summit of Red Mountain 2</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rNkYztpqdQ/YOrabYfUDsI/AAAAAAAA6DE/HzRI2UAU6G01Q6nkqyRgRayiU1FLxmXyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9664.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rNkYztpqdQ/YOrabYfUDsI/AAAAAAAA6DE/HzRI2UAU6G01Q6nkqyRgRayiU1FLxmXyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9664.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Corkscrew Jeep road from Red Mountain 2</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j2iyC_hkg4/YOraero53CI/AAAAAAAA6DM/Lu__-OukWIY_trV4UMPFTHfZStVvjEjNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9665.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j2iyC_hkg4/YOraero53CI/AAAAAAAA6DM/Lu__-OukWIY_trV4UMPFTHfZStVvjEjNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9665.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A few clouds move in to provide a little show of "Light and Shadow."</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If4ei5CDdSk/YOra1b2wdqI/AAAAAAAA6Do/TAc429sLcXkgJhHMS0aYfAv3iGVCJOh6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If4ei5CDdSk/YOra1b2wdqI/AAAAAAAA6Do/TAc429sLcXkgJhHMS0aYfAv3iGVCJOh6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_9669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAMRx7TBVi4/YOrazNtEiYI/AAAAAAAA6Dg/ieykzo3GvNsjA2hgtjMq8HOPGAsa07i3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9668.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAMRx7TBVi4/YOrazNtEiYI/AAAAAAAA6Dg/ieykzo3GvNsjA2hgtjMq8HOPGAsa07i3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h444/IMG_9668.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Old Broad" Hiker Babe Ruthless also loves Red Mountains</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbsX7nDVFpI/YOrapeAAwCI/AAAAAAAA6DU/wiFqQie5ZTwyzeq817fJDu1Sea1VKehAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9667.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbsX7nDVFpI/YOrapeAAwCI/AAAAAAAA6DU/wiFqQie5ZTwyzeq817fJDu1Sea1VKehAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmXp5v_TQV4/YOra-yspYPI/AAAAAAAA6D4/8Vv4kj7tqhUJ3xXWwTXaMN8jTEkd28D7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmXp5v_TQV4/YOra-yspYPI/AAAAAAAA6D4/8Vv4kj7tqhUJ3xXWwTXaMN8jTEkd28D7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w39zDYSSWgA/YOrbF9C8C2I/AAAAAAAA6EA/SkFRSJoWFe0ro6uAnglfLSwjUZfZfZsogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9675.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w39zDYSSWgA/YOrbF9C8C2I/AAAAAAAA6EA/SkFRSJoWFe0ro6uAnglfLSwjUZfZfZsogCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9675.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Making our way back up Red 3 proves more difficult than going down</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPMghXjvHyc/YOrbLmiZTuI/AAAAAAAA6EQ/QqsYzXm9DaEWM5zB4Thw_6T0aAM-DKB6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9676.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPMghXjvHyc/YOrbLmiZTuI/AAAAAAAA6EQ/QqsYzXm9DaEWM5zB4Thw_6T0aAM-DKB6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9676.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Peace Out!</span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mark, Bobbie, Ruthie and Jen</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check out the newest <i>Two Old Broads</i> video, a hike up to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtCT9cgmKOU" target="_blank">Alpine Mine Overlook</a></span></div>Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.com7