Sunday, May 5, 2019
Having completed our first
weekend of work at Ridgway State Park, we’re getting settled-in for the summer.
The Park (3,000+ acres) is in the Uncompahgre River Valley, nestled in the San
Juan Mountains, a high and rugged mountain range in the Rocky Mountains, of
southwestern Colorado. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk (Ute word for Cow), our campground is
situated on the rocky, clear, cold, fast Uncompagre River, and it is very
scenic.
Normally we work together, so
this is the first park where our assignments are separate. Terry works the
Visitor Center at Dutch Charlie and I work the kiosk at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
campground. Ridgway State Park is very well organized, even the volunteers are
classified. Terry and I usually specialize in working the desk, processing
computer- reservations and point-of-sale, as camp-hosts. Here, we’re called
“revenue staff”! We’re located on US 550, between Montrose and Ouray, so come
on down and experience the snowy Colorado Rockies and southwest Colorado.
As usual, I have begun
selecting e-books about our location, and my favorites are of the historical
aspects. From my perspective, archival material surpasses any fiction ever
written. It’s true, never dull and the archives contain the immortal portion of
those who have preceded us and are now dust, but the immortal part, which was
their minds, remains with us in their historical writings. My current book (“Unbreakable
Dolls of Colorado” by Julie McDonald) is a collection of short stories about
pioneer women who represent Colorado history, through their eyes, as they lived
it.
With three days on and four
days off, we’ve started making plans to get out-and-about Colorado. So much has
changed since we lived in Colorado, but the mountains and natural wonders
remain. Having been very familiar with the State, we want to plan some things
that are new and different to us, so we’re looking at the attractions and
trying to ascertain things that propose a more detailed investigation. When we
lived in Colorado, we crossed all of the major mountain passes in Colorado, so
now we will find some scenic drives over the less-improved passes, and through
more remote canyons and valleys. According to the guides, we will find some
great vistas, hikes, and natural attractions, in the more-remote areas. While
exploring the glory of southwest Colorado, we plan on adding some waterfall
visits to our day-drives, hiking trips, and adventure-seeking plans too.
As I look out our window, I
see a large herd of Mule Deer grazing around the campground. They are our
constant companions around the campground, and we enjoy watching their
activities, along with the birds. The Park also has an extensive trail system
and we have begun to experience the mountain trails, along with all the other
features of the Park. The more we know, the better we can serve our visitors
and answer their questions.
Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack
Reservoir are situated along the 4WD route between Ridgeway and Cimarron. John
Wayne loved this country, and so did we! Scenes from “How the West Was Won” and
“True Grit” were filmed along this magnificent route, winding through national forest
and river basin country. The stunning peaks of Chimney Rock and Courthouse
Mountain pierce the blue Colorado sky as you journey along this 1885
cattle-drive trail. Tall white-barked aspen trees, spruce and fir, rivers, tarns,
reservoirs, and seas of wildflowers, nestled among towering peaks, is the
setting for the Owl Creek Pass drive.
Sunday, May 6
We shopped Montrose and found
so much more that we had remembered from our previous residency in Colorado. Of
course, Montrose has boomed over the years and is now a major tourist destination,
offering abundant outdoor recreation, along with all the usual goods and
services.
We visited the Ute Indian
Museum which celebrates the history of Colorado’s longest continuous residents
and features extensive collections of Ute objects. The grounds along the
Uncompahgre River, have beautiful gardens, historical commemorations, a
memorial park, and Chapeta’s grave. We wondered why Chief Ouray was not
reinterred with her.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Today, we drove down to Ouray,
(Elevation 7,792 feet) frequently referred to as the "Switzerland of
America". It’s surrounded by towering mountains!
We hit the coffee shop and
then strolled the entire town, investigating all of the shops, restaurants, and
points of interest.
My favorites were:
Wright Opera House
D&RGW Railroad Station
Elks Lodge
Court House
Beaumont Hotel
Next, we hiked up to the
Cascade Falls, plummeting 450 feet, through the geologic layers of sandstone in
the towering cliff, overlooking Ouray. We felt the elevation but the hike was
well worth the effort.
Not to miss anything, we also
visited Box Canyon Falls, a thundering, 280-foot fall located at the end of a
high path, overlooking the canyon. This walk was a bit frightening and with the
heavy snowpack, the runoff made the falls deafening. It was fun! After we
recovered from vertigo, we had a nice picnic lunch at the falls picnic area. We
also saw our first Cassin’s Finch, a new addition to our life-list or Field
Guide list.
On the way home, we stopped
off at the Dennis Weaver Memorial Park in Ridgway. The Poem Rock just inside
the park is inscribed with a lovely poem written by Dennis Weaver:
I saw an eagle in the sky
today
Flying free upon the wind
In my dreams I touched its
wings
Caught the wind and flew with
him.
Oh, what glory it was for me
Flying free up in the sky
For dreams become reality
If in our souls they never
die.
So, seize the moment which is
now
For your eagle lives within
Hold the Vision of your truth
Dream your eagle and fly with
him.
This is an attractive park
along the Uncompahgre River, with trails, cairns, wildlife, a medicine wheel,
and picnic areas. We’re glad we visited!
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
A cold, rainy day calls for
inside activities, so we did computer work, personal business, planning, and
organizing. I did manage to get in a walk between rains and I could see that
it’s snowing above tree-line. It will be June or July before some of the higher
passes are open.
Today, the hinge on our HP
laptop broke and looks unrepairable. HP had a recall but we never got a notice
AND the warranty is out, so we ordered a new Dell, a lot more computer, with
touchscreen.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
How incredibly fast May is
flying by, we work Friday thru Sunday’s and have Monday thru Thursday’s off, so
we have been working and learning, while exploring on our off-days. Montrose is
our main town for supplies and equipment, and Montrose has most of our needs.
Otherwise, we order from Amazon, like the new computer we just ordered. We get
our DVD movies mailed from Netflix, as we have no television. We do have one
radio station, out of Grand Junction and its “solid-gold country”. Their slogan
is “we have it all, Country AND Western”.
The main attraction in
southwest Colorado is mountains, valleys, rivers, mesas, and nature, which is
good entertainment, for our weekly four-days off. Hiking trails, jeep roads,
and river outfitters can get you to all of these scenic attractions.
Today, we’re headed to
Telluride, a little mountain town that we skied many years ago. Telluride is
surrounded by the greatest concentration of 13,000 to 14,000-foot peaks in
North America. The steep ski slopes above town were an intimidating and
unforgettable challenge for us, even being much younger then. Telluride Ski
Resort remains the highest vertical drop in Colorado, at 4,425 vertical feet,
plus you can ski right into the historic district. I’ll never forget beginning
the first run, with the anxiety of looking down at the town, from the top of
the ski-lift. Summers are all about hiking, climbing, whitewater, fishing,
bicycling, jeep-trekking, and indulging in fine dining.
Heading to Telluride, we took
CO 62 up Dallas Creek to Dallas Divide (8,970’), and saw a hefty herd of
scruffy Elk, just beginning to slick-off for summer. The Dallas Divide pass is
a saddle between the San Juan Mountains to the south and the Uncompahgre
Plateau to the north and divides the Uncompahgre River watershed from the San
Miguel River watershed and Ouray County from San Miguel County. We saw large
snowfields, thick stands of Gamble Oak, enormous stands of Aspens, the majestic
Uncompahgre Plateau and the snow-covered San Juan Mountains, making this is one
of the prettiest drives in the area. The first road over this mountain saddle
dates back to 1880, linking the towns of Ridgway with Telluride. Following Leopard
Creek Canyon down the west side, we saw numerous Beaver dams and lodges along
the creek.
At the San Miguel River, we
took CO 145, the San Juan Skyway, to Telluride. Telluride, like most Colorado
mountain towns relies on tourism for their economy. Every little mountain town
also has at least two Marijuana shops (called dispensaries), an Oxygen Bar or two
(individual flavored scents may be added to enhance the experience), and an
assortment of other services to help you relax and spend your money. Just give
us the FREE (Rocky Mountain high)! Walking
Telluride, we had espresso, checked-out all the stores and restaurants, (met
some friendly folks) then headed for a picnic at the town park, on the San
Miguel River.
My favorite observations Telluride
were:
First Bank robbed by Butch
Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (may have been different if they had visited the Marijuana
dispensary first)
Telluride Mountain gondolas (free
ride starts May 27 for the summer season)
Victorian houses
Original public buildings
Southern exposure of Mount
Sneffels
Via Ferrate (a two-mile
traverse of the high canyon wall, thousands of feet above the canyon floor,
using harness and slings on a cable) (NO WAY, would I ever do this)
Telluride Historical Museum
Next, we went to see Bridal
Veil Falls (10,279’), in the Telluride Box Canyon. (Stunning, inspirational,
timeless!) At 365 feet, the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest
free-falling waterfalls in Colorado. The steep trail (Black Bear Pass) was
inundated by a winter snow avalanche and heavy snow remains on the pass, so we
stopped at the beginning of the switch-backs. Black Bear Pass is known as one
of the scariest, shear-drop ledges, and most difficult 4WD passes in Colorado. Never
would I drive or even hike this Pass. It’s one-way, beginning near Red Mountain
on US 550 and ends at Telluride’s Box Canyon. Box Canyon is a popular winter
ice-climbing, and summer rock-climbing destination, neither of which we would
consider. Just seeing and hearing the Falls, the headwater of the San Miguel
River, was exhilarating for us.
Departing Telluride, we savored
an ice cream, before our return trip to Ridgway. Heading back to Ridgway, we
stopped off at Down Valley Park, a San Miguel County Park, for a hike along the
San Miguel River. This is a pleasant mountain park with ball fields, Butterfly
Garden, river access for paddling and fishing, and scenic trails for hiking. We
enjoyed the stop but I had to carry Daisy back to the truck, due to her long
day and the altitude effect. A fine day in the San Juans!
Monday, May 20, 2019
At work on Friday and
Saturday, we had orientation and team-building sessions at the Visitor Center
conference room, with lunch provided each day. It was fun, getting better
acquainted with our associates, and we also had a comprehensive tour of the
park.
On Sunday, we resumed our
assigned duties, with Terry working the Visitor Center desk and me working the
PaCoChuPuk campground kiosk. With three entrances and the Visitor Center, we
have a staff of about fifty people.
With three days on and four
days off, we can explore the area and enjoy the summer season in southwest
Colorado.
Friday, May 24, 2019
Now comes Memorial Day
weekend, promising to be a full park with excited and boisterous visitors. The
previous part of May has been a “dress-rehearsal” for Memorial Day through
Labor Day, this summer. Let the “good times roll”!
The first of the week, we had
a good visit with Dave and Diane, who took a B&B in Ridgway, and hosted us
for some good food, fun, and fellowship. We dined at some good restaurants,
toured around Ridgway and Montrose, and took a tour of the Ross Reel company. Ross
Reels of Montrose manufactures expertly crafted fly-fishing reels, in a
state-of-the-art facility.
We were sad to see Dave and Diane head back to
Woodland Park but, as always, look forward to our next visit. We look forward
to our next San Juan adventure!
At the Ridgway State Park,
Memorial Day weekend has turned-out to be clear and sunny, with splendid views
of the snowy mountains, green valleys, and clear, cold, rapid rivers. The park
is full of vacationing people from the cardinal points and we meet some
interesting people who like to share their travel-stories.
A current issue involves
campers leaving food-stuffs out and attracting the Black Bears. Black is a
species, not a color. In Colorado, Black bears are blonde, cinnamon, or brown. Bears
are attracted to human food sources and don’t know they’re doing anything
wrong. Sadly, bears becoming too comfortable around people have to be
destroyed.
One bear tore into a tent to
get at food and unfortunately, because of his lack of fear of people, he was
killed to protect the people. This is a very gloomy situation because this is
bear-country and the bears are only reacting to what food presents itself. The
park staff has stepped-up warnings and citations to campers for not following
the “bear guidelines”, but some people just don’t get the concept, that their
ignorance or carelessness causes bears to be killed.
Not to be overlooked, this is
lion country too. Called Cougar, Mountain Lion, Puma, Catamount, or Panther,
they’re found where the deer are populous. Like any wildlife, mountain lions
can be dangerous, so an understanding of their habitat and behaviors, we can
coexist with them. The park provides comprehensive information of bears and
lions.
We can live with these
incredibly efficient predators if we respect the bears and lions AND their
habitat. We can fully predict what the bears and lions do in response to food
but people are impossible to predict because humans are often unpredictable. I
feel sorry for the bears and lions!
On another note, Ridgway State
Park is a mecca for bird-watchers and bird species are abundant. We have already
added three birds to our “life-list”.
Finally, below the Ridgway
Dam, the Uncompahgre River is a trout fishery gem. The tailwater section of the
Uncompahgre is in Ridgway State Park adjacent to Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground and
it is the most beautiful stretch of river in the Uncompahgre canyon. We love to
walk the river trails and watch the fly fishermen work their skills.
Cowboy Poetry Gathering notes;
Dates and locations:
Gunnison Cattleman Days July
5-14
Cowboy Poetry Gathering Glade
Park CO
Custer Cowboy Poetry
Westcliffe CO
Elko, NV National Gathering
Jan 27-Feb 1st 2020
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Tomorrow, we cruise over to
Blue Mesa and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, for a day-trip outing.Tomorrow’s forecast
is warm and sunny, so we’re looking forward to it all.
Blue Mesa, located in Western
Colorado near the town of Gunnison, is Colorado’s largest body of water and a
must-see destination. Blue Mesa Reservoir spans 20 miles and boasts over 96
miles of shoreline. Blue Mesa is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area,
with truly outstanding and spectacular scenic areas. My research says: “As US
Hwy. 50 winds through the pinyon-dotted, high-mountain desert between the rural
community of Montrose and the mountain college town of Gunnison, it opens up
into a broad landscape of sparkling blue water and talus-sloped hills. Here is
the Blue Mesa Reservoir, where the waters of the Gunnison River gather before
carving through the steep walls of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.” We have camped
on Blue Mesa and look forward to returning tomorrow!
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National
Park says:
“Big enough to be
overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of
the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and
craggiest spires in North America. With two million years to work, the Gunnison
River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this vertical
wilderness of rock, water, and sky.” We love this park because it’s like the Grand
Canyon but actually has higher precipices and has very dark night skies! "Several
canyons of the American West are longer and some are deeper, but none combines
the depth, sheerness, narrowness, darkness, and dread of the Black
Canyon."
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