Colorado Trail Happiness

This is a lovely section of the Colorado Trail from Kenosha Pass to Jefferson Lake. It was six miles of beautiful aspen trees and awesome vistas of the South Park area. It would be incredible during the changing fall colors.

Weminuche Wilderness; Pagosa Springs, CO

Last week, Kim and I took a five day camping trip to the Pagosa Springs area. We had never hiked in the Weminuche Wilderness area. It was beautiful! We hiked daily to several waterfalls; none of my pictures of the falls were to my liking but the falls provided some amazing beauty and inspiration. Each night we heard coyotes howling during the rainfall.







This church was in nearby Pagosa Springs with a sign in front asking for an investor to keep it going. Hopefully, someone will step up.

Welcome Pumpkin

Kelsey is holding the latest addition to our family; a 12 week old kitten who will bring us joy in the years to come.

Camping is Living

We enjoyed camping last weekend with friends next to the Gunnison River (betweeen Gunnison and Lake City). It was a spectacular spot (Gate Campground) and it was very remote. Only two other campers in the campground. Our pop-up tent camper was just a few feet from the river.





Near the campground, I jumped a fence in order to get close to several cabins and structures. I love to explore old ruins. The structures were built in the 1870's and sold to the Carr Family in the 1890's. Three generations of the Carr's lived there until the 1960's. At one point there was a saloon in full operation. This is a very remote area out in the middle of nowhere. Below is a piece of machinery that I found interesting. I have no idea what it is or what it was used for.

The Great Sand Dunes

The last weekend of May, a group of friends and I spent a weekend camping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park in central Colorado. I had been there a couple of times before but never had I hiked to the top of the dunes. It was very difficult to hike in sand. Kim made it halfway with our friends. I was able to make it to the top which was a big accomplishment. This picture was taken (of Janice) at sunset, the evening before the ascent.

Colorado Trail Happiness

I hiked the 5th segment of the Colorado Trail last Friday. It was a beautiful day and a great seven mile hike. Anne and I did a car shuttle as we did on segments 2 and 3 so as to avoid repeating our steps. It was a perfect summer day. There was not a cloud in the sky; perfect temperature (in the low 70's) and a great trail in and out of aspen and pine forests with awesome views of the south park valley. It was the finest summer day I have experienced since last year. I just wish my pictures would have turned out as well as the summer day. The above picture was taken from my car on the way out of the trailhead.

Early Morning Visitors

We woke up to a momma bear and her two cubs on our patio recently. They were all looking for a cheap and easy meal. It was a delight to see them. The second cub is out of range of the camera. We live nearby a small cave which we think they might live in. It took me a while to fetch my camera to shoot this picture. When I first got up to look out, they were all within 6 feet of me (with a sliding glass door in between us).

Sights of Oregon

In late May, Kim and I spent a weekend with friends in Oregon. Below is a picture of one of the nine waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park (near Salem). We hiked on a gravel trail to five of the nine falls. All were spectacular in their different shapes. All were very large falls over 100 feet. Well worth the side trip if you are near central Oregon.


I love taking pictures of old churches. This was an United Methodist Church out in the middle of nowhere near Silver Falls State Park. The church sign had the following words on it: "Happiness is a choice." I couldn't agree more.





I love the rocky coast of Oregon. These pictures were taken along the coastal highway (101) near Heceta Head Lighthouse. We spent a night on the coast at Yachats, 100 yards from the water.

Colorado Trail Happiness

Anne and I set out last week on a mission to accomplish a goal: we are going to hike the Colorado Trail which consists of 460 miles from Denver to Durango. Yes, it's a lofty goal. It will take 5-7 years to complete. It's divided up into 28 segments and the segments closer to Durango will be "supported" trips which will require hiring guides. But we started with Segment 2; it was 11.5 miles long and it was beautiful!! Below are pictures from near the trailhead. I didn't even know that there was a semi-ghost town near Conifer (which is where the trailhead is). I'll be reporting on my adventures after each segment. Stay tuned.

Wild Horse Canyon and Goblin State Park, Utah

This is one of the most popular slot canyons in Utah. Over Easter weekend, Kim and I took an 8 mile hike through this incredible canyon. It was very narrow in many spots. We had to climb up and down major rocks and we couldn't have made it without the help of two teenaged girls! It was well worth the effort and pain the next day. The only problem is that Goblin State Park is out in the middle of nowhere. There are only a few camping spots with water/restrooms but many primitive areas where one can camp without any services.

A western scene

I was on my way to nordic ski at Breckenridge last week when I drove by this old barn and windmill. It's along Hwy 285 near Fairplay, CO. I have enjoyed this view for years now. It's a different look after a fresh snowfall. I love wide open spaces and western fronts. Perhaps it reminds me of my native Texas (minus the mountains).

Lonely bench

I took a hike up the mountain at Myer Ranch yesterday. The path was snow covered all the way. I loved the empty bench in the snow. It reminded me that all things are waiting for spring.

historic view

This is the First United Methodist Church of Salt Lake City where my mom attends. She took us inside so that we could take some pictures of the historic building. The stain glass windows were amazing.

Family

Over the weekend, I went to visit my extended family in Salt Lake City. I took this picture of my niece who has guided me all the way in my pursuit of photography. Below is a quick pic I took of her daughter on the run.

an uncompromising view

I came across this picnic area on a recent hike in Douglas County Open Space Park. Budget cuts or modern design? Nice view from the inside.