"It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – In finding themselves". Andre Gides.
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4 Comments on Clouds make a great sort of music. Some of my favorite sunrises from work for 2022Some of my favorite sunrises from the past year while at work. Though my start time is early, and wake up time even earlier, I’ve come to love catching a good sunrise while cranking away. Being out at the airport (DIA) and a bit exposed, it seems we get a lot of great sunrises. Here are some of my favorites from the past year.
Enjoy! I know I did!
December, 2021
With our original plans for this years Outlaws Run not working out as planned, we decided on a long weekend in November to NW Texas. With the hopes of some warmer weather. This would be my first time exploring that part of Texas. Always fun to see new country. We spent most of our time around Lake Meredith. For our last night, after breaking up the drive North, we camped outside Springer, NM.
Crossing into the panhandle of Oklahoma.
A moody evening across Oklahoma.
Finally into Texas.
First nights camp near Lake Meredith.
Living in Downtown Denver, I didn’t feel like dealing with all the noise from the Halloween weekend. So, even though I work on Sunday, decided to sneak up to the cabin for a night. The weather was perfect. Tried to make a visit to my favorite tree only to be turned around by some trees that been blown over on the road. Back at the cabin, I got a fire going in the Winter Quarters and settled in for the night. Up at 2am to make my 5am start time at work ( I clocked in at 4am). A much needed night at the cabin.
Crazy to think that this was my first visit to the cabin since mid August….
Mt. Blue Sky.
Had the chance to sneak up to the hills with a good friend this past weekend to ride the Georgetown Loop and enjoy the Fall colors. We rode the Loop during a cool Friday morning, after making a stop at Cabin Creek Brewery. Saturday, before heading back down to Denver, I stopped in Silver Plume for a quick stroll along the old grade of the Argentine Central to enjoy the Fall Colors. As I was taking in the Fall colors, noticed that it snowed the night before, with that fresh white stuff around 10k ft… A much relaxing weekend.
First train ride of the day on the Georgetown Loop. Cool temps and fall colors.
Morning light on #111 as it crosses over the Devels Gate High bridge.
The Triple By Pass run has been one that I’ve always wanted to do, yet it never seemed to work out for me to be able to go. With this years run honoring our good friend, Bruce Miller, I was excited to finally be going on this most fantastic run.
We had eleven we built rigs for the day. Covering 76 miles over 11 hours, we crossed three mountain passes; Italian Creek, Pearl and Taylor Pass in one day. Highest point being Pearl Pass at 12,705 ft. The weather was perfect, scenery fantastic and the company even better. It was a bit humbling for me to know that most of us on the trail that day had been wheeling together for almost 20 years. My good pal Ross did a fantastic job leading the group. Everyone was well set up for the trails and nice to get through the day with no mechanical issues.
Back at camp, my pal Nathaniel had a big pot of Slumgullion Spaghetti ready for us along with some delicious beer from his own brewery, Big Choice Brewery. We hung around the fire talking about Bruce and all the runs we have done with the club over the years. A great way to end a long day on the trail, and a great way to celebrate our good friend Bruce. Thanks to my pal Matt for letting me ride along for the day so I could take pics.
Enjoy!
Camp.
Evening sets in.
Matt.
After leaving the Great Sand Dunes, I set out to explore more of Colorado. With Creede, Lake City and Marble being highlights for this leg of the trip. For all the times I’ve driven over McClure Pass and what few times i’ve spent in the San Juan’s, this would be my first time visiting Lake City and Marble. Nice to have a few days in each place and not be so rushed.
Enjoy:).
Evening stroll around Creede, CO. First night in town.
I had originally planned to check out Wheeler Geological Area during my full day in Creede, but with all the recent rain and folks getting stuck on the road in, the Forest Service closed off the road. So instead, I spent some time photographing the Commodore Mine. A most fantastic mine just outside of town.
The Commodore Mine started operating in 1892. Finally closing in 1976. By 1902, the Nelson Tunnel connected the Bachlor, Last Chance, New York, Amethyst, and Park Regent Mines and was some 11,000 feet long. Currently, the level 5 Nelson Tunnel is a Superfund Site. So much to see at the Commodore Mine. This is just the tip of what’s in Creede:).
I originally had it planned to visit Moms family in Seattle ( along with Olympic and some other areas) for this years summer trip, but as August got closer and gas prices continued to rise ( gas was going to be more than half my budget for the trip) I decided to stick closer to home. A bit of a bummer to not be able to see moms fam, but it was fun hanging out in my home state. Seeing a good mix of old and new to me places.
A night at the cabin seemed a fitting place to start my trek through Colorado. From there, I’d wind my way through out the state, with my last two nights in Marble. Over 900 miles, one bad radiator cap and a lost Ham Radio antenna (fell off 🙁 ). I took over 700 pics, so making this a two part post.
Lots of good fun.
Enjoy:).
Still one of my favorite views in CO. Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans) from the road into the property.
Enjoying a cool afternoon in the Upper Meadows.
This past Friday I joined the club for a night run over Red Cone. Having never done Red Cone before and it being a trail that’s been on the bucket list for a looooong time, I was excited to finally get out and do it. I rode along with my pal Travis to take pics. We got to the top of Red Cone ( 12,801 ft) just as the sun was setting behind the peaks. The views at the top were stunning! We dropped down off Red Cone and onto Webster Pass, taking the road into Montezuma.
Middle Fork of the Swan and Georgia Pass would help get us into Jefferson. Stopping a few times to soak in the star filled night. Back over Kenosha Pass, Travis was kind enough to let me take a spot in there campsite. Finally around 1am I climbed into the driver seat of the 4runner with a blanket and drifted to sleep (ish). Alarm went off at 5am and I headed back down the hill.
In all we had about 7hrs of trail time. A great way to spend a Friday night!
Andy in his FJ80 in the trees.
Working our way through a rocky section of the trail.
Another awesome Ghost Town Run in the books. Nothing better than a long weekend in the hills with good pals. Rained every day on us. A wonderful weekend with good company. Pitkin might be my favorite.
Fine views from camp (after what seemed like an extra long drive to get there). Looking up the Middle Quartz Valley. In the distance, you can make out the old railroad grade of the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad.
Some great light for my first evening at camp!
Had the chance to sneak up to the Cabin this past Friday after some dental work. Brother came to visit the cabin with a friend. A most needed evening. We took a drive to the wilderness boundary, stopped at my favorite tree then told story’s of the Loughridge’s and our shenanigans at the property over a fine dinner.
I love this place.
Coming into the property
Moody.
Columbines in bloom.
My favorite spot.
