Wanderin' the West

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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:).

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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!

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

Managed to get up to the hills with a friend this past Saturday for a most enjoyable hike to Pavilion Point. It’s a mild hike, following along the old grade of the Argentine Central Railroad.

Edward J Wilcox, A pasture turned miner turned railroad owner, built the Argentine Central Railroad to service the mines within the East Argentine Mining District (Argentine Pass). Remnants of the old grade can still be found. In the later years of the railroad, a dance hall and pavilion at the top of Leavenworth Mountain. After staying the night, one could continue on to McClellan Mountain with fine views of Grays and Torys Peaks.

For most of the day, we had the trail to ourselves. An added bonus seeing that it was the 4th of July holiday weekend.

Colorado Columbines. They seemed to be especially happy on this hillside.

One of many old mining structures along the old railroad grade.

Continue Reading

Invited friends from the club for the annual sleepover at the property. With temps in the 100’s this past Friday, it was mighty enjoyable sneaking up to the Upper Meadows of the property to enjoy the cool temps and raise a pint or two to an almost Summer Solstice. Nine friends from the club were able to make the evening get together. After a drive to the wilderness boundary, we settled in for a most relaxing evening with good company around the propane fire (Clear Creek County put the fire ban back in place during the past week).

Saturday, we enjoyed a mellow start before heading back down to the heat of the city.

Columbines in bloom.

Soaking in the views.

Continue Reading

Went up to the cabin this past Friday for the night. Definitely starting to feel like Summer up there:). My favorite time of year! Managed to get up there mid afternoon after picking up the 4runner. Spent some time chopping wood a most enjoyable past time. I then headed off to the Upper Meadows. Didn’t make it to my favorite tree, but did manage a lot of time at what’s becoming my favorite spot. The pond, along with the rest of the property is looking a whole lot better since my last visit two weeks ago, thanks in part to the late Spring storm that brought over two feet of wet and much needed snow.

I spent quite a bit of time at the pond (the frogs seemed to be quite happy) in the Upper Meadows- a place that’s becoming my favorite spot. I even snuck back over for sunset. Up early the next morning, I headed out to a spot that provides a great overlook of the property for sunrise. A much needed visit.

Good to see snow on Evans ( now called Mt. Blue Sky)

An always enjoyable drive through the Upper Meadows.

Meridian Hill.

Continue Reading