Finally starting to feel like Winter at the cabin

I headed up this past Thanksgiving week to the cabin. It was a quick visit. Heading up after work and back down again early the next morning to finish off the work week. It felt good to get up there, having not been up at all for November. I managed to get up to the Upper Meadows above the pond and check out the logging progress before night set in. Afterword’s, I settled into the “Winter Quarters” for the night and enjoyed a toasty fire.

Didn’t get many pics from this outing. Silly me forgetting the fully charged camera battery’s at home- the one in my camera was pretty much dead. So had to use the cell phone.

A much needed night away.

As I passed through the gate to the property, I heard that all to familiar sound and after a short look around, spotted the flock of wild Turkey that hangs around the property.

A closer look with the cell phone.

Always have to stop and take in my favorite view, even if it’s covered in clouds.

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Something a bit different

I headed up last weekend with a good friend to Devils Thumb Ranch. Definitely a different kind of outing for me, but still most enjoyable one. It was great to be there for a friend and not gonna lie, it was kind of nice to be spoiled for a bit- was treated to a 50 minute deep tissue massage (apparently I had a bit of stress). A few pics from the outing.

A place you don’t usually see my 4runner.

First evening at the ranch. Dinner time views. Winter Park in the distance.

Mountain vistas.

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Last bit of Fall at the cabin

Crazy to think my last visit up to the cabin was in mid August. September seemed to be busy with treks down to New Mexico. I Headed up to the cabin after work this past Thursday for the night. Sure felt good to get back up there. The air was cool and most of the Aspens either done for the year or just past there peak. The Loggers are making great progress and currently just past the pond in the Upper Meadows. Friends joined me for the night, felt great to be back at the cabin hanging around the fireplace with good company.

Mt. Evans in the distance.

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Enter New Mexico- Steam trains, fall colors and Chama time

It’s hard to believe I’m already three years in for my post Open Heart Surgery Anniversary. After getting out for last years anniversary (Fall time bliss on Kebler Pass) I decided to make it an annual trip to go out and celebrate the anniversary. With work kindly letting me take a day for a long weekend, even though I was just down in New Mexico for a week for this years Outlaws Run, I headed down to Chama, NM to celebrate.

I’ve been to Chama a number of time, especially since we started chasing the Cumbres and Toltec with the club a few years ago. Yet, I’ve never enjoyed Chama as it seems were always in a rush passing through to get back to camp. Needles to say it was great to spend a few days in town. Chama is definitely in its own world. Current hours for the Boxcar Cafe: 9-3pm.

Even got to spend some time with family and friends while there:).

Getting ready for the days trip to Antonito from the Chama train yard.

A full open air car and the Lobato Trestle.

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Exploring the Gila. Outlaws Run 2021

Another Outlaws Run in the books. 9 days, 1800 miles, great pals and lots of fun times! Having missed last years run, it was great to get back out with the gang. We headed down to the Gila National Forest for this years trip. It’s been a place I’ve been wanting to check out for some time, seeing that Alma, NM was an important stop along the “Outlaw Trail”. A place Butch Cassidy spent a bit of time at- working on the WS Ranch just outside of town. It’s a haul to get down to the Gila from Denver, and it seems we only managed to touch the surface of this fine part of NM.

Some of my favorite pics from the trip. Enjoy!

Emery Gap. Enter NM.

Folsom Hotel. Hosted many of the famous Outlaws during it’s heyday.

Camp views.

New Mexico Sunrise:).

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Be still my heart- Sublime days of Summer 2021

Summer has definitely become my most favorite times of the year. With the longer days, yet short months, seem to pack in as much as possible before cooler temps arrive. This summer definitely was a productive one. A look back to another productive summer:)

Indian Creek Park Ranch, spring, early summer 2021. Logging operation began in the Spring time. Tried to get up as much as possible to check out the progress.

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Argentine Days. Back to the Santiago Mine

This past Friday, I headed up to my clubs (Rising Sun 4×4 Club of Colorado) Adopt-A-Road, Argentine Pass. To be honest, it’s one of my favorite trails. Close to Denver and full of history. Way back in ’03/’04 when I was Event Coordinator for the club, I got the club to adopt Argentine pass, working with the Clear Creek Ranger District. I headed up Friday with the plan to check out an area that I’ve been curious about for a long time- an old mine at the base of Mt. Wilcox. After getting the truck I headed for Georgetown, all the while being informed by the parents that I left my backpack and hiking boots at there house ( bonehead move). So instead of the hike, ended up over at the Santiago Mine. Been a while since I’ve been there Was nice to spend some time there an wander around the place again ( as best as I could with the current closures). I had the place to myself for a few hours. a nice treat.

After realizing I left the needed essentials at the parents house, I buzzed up to the Silver Plume Depot with the hopes of picking up a hoodie from the gift shop, instead was invited in by the shop Forman to take some pics.

Along the old grade of the Argentine Central. Stopped to check out some of our signs.

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A Friday night escape from the heat and smoke

After A hot week of work (outside), I snuck up to the cabin this past Friday for the night. Hadn’t been up since before this years Ghost Town Run in July. It felt good to get up to the property again. Spent the afternoon with various projects (and a nap) before taking my pal Dan and his girlfriend Nancy for a drive around the property and to the Wilderness Boundary, with a fine sunset on our way back to the cabin. We spent the rest of the evening hanging out. Didn’t even get a fire going. Next morning we woke early to catch the sunrise overlooking the property. I love summer.

Fireweed.

Looking North from the cabin.

Views from the pond in the Upper Meadows.

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