Friday, August 5, 2011

Fantastic Friday at Piedra Falls

[Friday pictures]

Friday dawned bright and clear.  Matt started out with a refreshing and kind of intense bike ride around the lakes around the area.  A doe and her two fawns walked right across the road in front of him.  Upon his return the balloon was going up again and passed right overhead (giving a unique photo op).

We had homemade McGriddles for breakfast as we try to clean out the fridge (frozen waffles toasted with an egg, cheese and bacon in the middle).  Yummy!

We made the journey to Piedra Falls to the end of County Road 637.  It's the longest 8 miles that we've ever driven because it's so full of twists and turns.  Oh - it's also one lane!  We were the first people in the parking lot though a family was striking a campsite (they'd obviously stayed the night).

We were actually able to cross the Piedra River below the falls (for the first time).  Again - it made for some photo opportunities that we've never had before.

We hiked up to the falls and had a lot of fun taking pictures from all different places and angles and poses.  That's probably obvious from our photo gallery for the day...

We wrapped up the day with a couple of errands and activities (besides getting our stuff ready to go).
We made our pilgrimage to the Choke Cherry Tree and sampled the delicious comestibles therein.  And of course had to buy some of them...yum yum and double yum.

We found a great recipe for homemade energy bars (the ones you eat - we're not splitting atoms or anything...).   It was in the Prevention magazine.  We made four batches in preparation for the family gathering next week in Flagstaff - we'll share them with everyone on our appointed meal day (Monday).
You start with a base of some cereal (rice, wheat, corn, muesli) and add a little flour.  Then you can add two or three extras (they suggest a nut and a dried fruit).  You glue it together with sugar/honey/brown sugar (your choice), egg whites, salt and optional vanilla or almond extract.

Here's the flavors we made...
- "It's Just Nuts" - Rice cereal with almonds, pecans and walnuts
- "Rooty Tooty Fruity" - Rice cereal with dried blueberries, tart red cherries, pineapple and mango
- "Cran Ban Coco" - Muesli with dried cranberries, banana chips and shredded coconut
- "Blue Cran Almond Joyful" - Rice cereal with almonds, dried blueberries and dried cranberries

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Muddy Buddy Thursday on the Piedra River trail

[Thursday photos]

We've continued to get the daily "monsoon" rainfall here in Pagosa Springs and in the high country to the north.  This makes the hiking trails a little soggy to say the least.

Our chosen hike for today was the Piedra River - which is one that we've done before several times in varying degrees.  Amy and Matt have hiked the whole thing from end to end (they says it's 11 miles) from the First Fork trailhead to the Piedra River trailhead.  But typically we start at the Piedra River trailhead and do an "out and back" hike where we stop at some point in the middle and come back.

It's a fantastically diverse trail with something to please (and potentially make nervous) everyone. On this trail you get to...

  • walk right along the rushing rapids of the Piedra River - even dip your toes in if you are so inclined
  • hike hundreds of feet above the River on narrow cuts into the hillside
  • make your way across big wildflower meadows alive with insects and birds
  • walk/scamper over huge rocks
  • make your way through boulders as big as a house
  • cross rushing rivers on iron bridges that had to be helicoptered in
  • explore rock formations of all different colors and types
  • make your way through mushy marshy bits
  • tiptoe through thistle gardens
  • climb up to amazing heights and amazing views
Unlike some other hikes this one doesn't have any specific "reward" that awaits you (like a waterfall or lake or rock formation).  But in its place it has all the wonderful nuggets mentioned above.  You hike this trail just for the joy of discovering what's "just up ahead".  

Even though they call it an easy hike - you need to have the proper footwear and clothing.  As you make your way across the variety of terrain you'll encounter gravel, sand, mud, loose rocks, big rocks, grass, thistles, plants taller than you.  There are several spots where it's "one lane" and you should be prepared to meet other hikers or allow faster folks to pass you by.  You'll have to step up, down or off the trail to do this.

We got going about 8 AM and hit the trailhead about 8:30 or so.

But enough background stuff...we decide to hike Trail 596 from the Piedra River trailhead to what we're calling the "Switchbacks".  It's a cliff where you wind your way down to a metal bridge that crosses the Weimenuche Creek (which empties into the Piedra River).  It's the point at which Trail 595 branches off to the north.  To get there you drop down into the Piedra River Valley and basically keep the river on your left.
As you drop into the valley you encounter almost all of the items I mention in the list above.  Then you encounter a metal bridge where Williams Creek empties into the Piedra.  That's a favorite turnaround point for many (a 3.5 mile round trip) so the trail beyond is less used (but still very visible).

We continued on past the first bridge across a marshy meadow and had some fun cliff-hugging bits that caused us to tread carefully on the narrow path.  We encountered a healthy thistle forest that made us wish we wore long pants.  Though the sun and beautiful mostly sunny sky made us happy we opted for the shorts.  What's a few scratches between friends?  

A stock trail called Trail 583 branches off to the north and parallels our 596 trail for a bit.  The thistle blooms and butterflies and bees were particularly active along this stretch and provided plenty of photo opportunities.

The 596 and 583 trail have a "Y" and the 583 goes off to the left and crosses the Piedra River on a metal bridge.  We opted for the 596 trail and came across some dramatic black rock formations and some more cliff-hugging.

Eventually we topped the ridge and found our switchbacks.  We hiked out to the end of the promontory and snapped some photos to show that we reached our destination.  It was also time to empty the shoes and try to dislodge some of the mud we'd picked up on the way.  We're not sure but this looks like it's about 4.5 miles from the trailhead - so this definitely is our longest (though not most strenuous) hike of this trip.

With our footwear loads thusly lightened and a little rest - we headed back the way we came and checked out all the scenery that was in our rear-view mirror on the way in (figuratively speaking).  Once again we were thankful that the Lord led us to make an early start - because the summer sun was kicking in by then (about noon).  We met a lot of people coming into the trail (and passed some heading out).

We returned and had lunch - and looked out the window to see dark blue over that area.  I hope everyone had their rain gear because I'm sure they were getting another downpour.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wonderful Wednesday at Four Mile Falls

[Wednesday pictures]

Wednesday brought a little different agenda with it.  Instead of an early morning bike ride for Matt and a "whenever we get up" schedule we decided today to tackle the toughest hike on our list - Four Mile Falls.  Amy opted out and so Matt and Isaac saddled up and left at 7 AM.  The trailhead is about 22 miles north of town on some winding gravel roads so we knew it would take about 40 minutes to get there.

We were distracted by some dramatic mists and clouds over the lower parts of town and took a few pictures.  Last night we had more rain in the early morning hours so everything was kind of drippy.  And humidity was still high.  No worries as the temperature was 50 degrees and it felt wonderful!



The Four Mile Falls trailhead is literally the end of the road for "Four Mile Road" also known as Forest Service Road 645.  There is a horse trailer parking area and a car parking area - both with nice new unisex cement outhouses.  Upon our arrival there were two horse trailers and several cars already there - so our fears of it being too muddy and wet (after yesterdays deluge) were unfounded.

There are actually two trailheads here - they form a large 12 mile loop.  The Anderson Trail is a steep strenuous trail that climbs from about 9000 feet to 11600 feet - just 800 feet below the summit of Pagosa Peak.  It sounds like something we may try someday if we're up to it.  It's a "stock trail" and is recommended for people on horseback.

The other trail is Four Mile Trail.  We're not sure how everything got the "Four Mile" name.  There is a Four Mile Road, Four Mile Trail, Four Mile Lake and Four Mile Falls - all in different places.  Our destination was Four Mile Falls - which is about 3 miles from the trail head.  It's described as a moderate hike (on the Easy / Moderate / Strenuous scale).  We chose our walking sticks from a nice collection that kind hikers had left behind.  (and we're glad we did...they came in handy)

Let me tell you - it's a great hike and a fantastic workout.  A lot of up-and-down and everything in between (rocky bits, meadows, flat dirt bits, water bits).  Isaac said it's a life trail - lots of ups and downs (wise words from one so young...).  Matt and Isaac were both hoping (upon our return from the falls) that that next hill would be the last hill (and it eventually was).

Overall the hike climbs about 600-700 feet to the base of the falls.  So it's much more "up" on the way there than it is on the way back.

Even though the parking lot had vehicles in it - we only met one group of three guys (a dad and two boys) on their way out as we were coming in - we were probably 1/3 or 1/4 mile from the falls at that point.  We did see a LOT of horse "nears" (if you've seen the movie Private Eyes you'll know what I mean) on the trail.  Had to watch our step all the way.  But never once did we see a horse.  They don't recommend horses on the Four Mile Falls trail because beyond the falls the rest of the trail is too dangerous (steep rocky stuff) for them.

There were several small water crossings on the way in.  The rainstorms come pretty much daily here in August - usually in the afternoon/evening hours (they call it the "monsoon" season).  So there were muddy bits to avoid and/or enjoy (depending on your perspective).

We saw a lot of little ground-based birds on this hike - perhaps grouse or plover or some such (we're not birders...).  Lots of mommy birds out with the kids.  The mom would fly up and make lots of noise attempting to distract us from the kiddoes - who remained running on the ground.

We hiked this trail for the first time last year in early June.  There was still snowdrifts on the trail and the water crossings were reasonably exciting.  The falls itself was flowing heavily and had a huge ice/snow drift at it's base that the water ran into, through and out of.

This time - though it was a whole different story.  There was no snow in evidence and all the water flows were down considerably.  As you can tell from the pictures - we walked right up to the falls and could practically have taken a shower in it.  It's still falling from 300 feet up the cliff but it takes several steps on its way down and creates a dramatic "weeping wall" in addition to the lower falls bit.  It was a privilege to get so up close and personal to something that quite honestly was "raging" last June.

We're very glad we started early - because though it felt a bit chilly at the start - we warmed up quickly and the day did too.  By the time we finished (11:30 AM) it was getting warm on the trail.  We met several groups coming in as we were coming out.

We hit the road and got home by about 12:15 for lunch.  A soak in the hot tub was very welcome after today's strenuous activities.  After that Matt and Isaac watched the Kraftwerk Minimum-Maximum concert DVD.  If you're a Kraftwerk fan you'll love it.  If you are not - you will wonder just how nuts these Kraftwerk fans are.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Terrific Tuesday at Opal Lake and more

A calm and sunny Tuesday morning greeted us.  Matt was out biking and caught the hot air balloon just filling up and lifting off.  (more pics)

We had a new destination in mind today - a hike to Opal Lake (full pics here).  It's the first hike south of Pagosa Springs that we have attempted.  The trail head is 20+ miles out of town and most of it on gravel roads.  We headed out of town on Highway 84 (same one we came into town on) and saw the tents for the Archuleta County Fair (starts on August 4th) being set up.  We turned left onto Blanco Basin road and twisted and turned for 10 miles.  We followed (and were followed by) several semi trucks with hopper traillers up to the point where we crossed the Rio Blanco river.  We passed by 7 trucks who were waiting to drop their loads at a ranch and continued on a forest road (660) to the Opal Lake Trailhead.

The description says that it starts out as a strenuous hike that ascends about 800 feet up to the meadow where the lake resides.  Yes - strenuous is a good adjective.  It was a well marked and well-travelled trail (there were many people coming and going).  It was steep in some spots (tempered with flat stretches) and there were a couple of water crossings.  Even a bit of trekking through the Riparian jungle - we felt like those adventurers in the jungle movies.  Opal Lake is called that because of it's milky color.  It is fed by some very mineral rich springs and the water really looks like a milky-blue opal - even when flowing out.

There is some kind of art show affiliated with the county fair.  All week we've been seeing artists out in the wilderness painting.  They've all got their easels and kits set up - grabbing their vision and version of this incredible landscape that God has assembled.  We met someone who had finished his work (or perhaps was escaping the impending raindrops) as we were coming up to the second water crossing.  He said the lake wasn't too much farther...yay.

This second water crossing was the most exciting.  You had three choices.  Ford the flowing water - which was only about 4-5 inches deep at the shallowest bits.  Or walk across a 20 foot balance beam of a fallen tree.  Or gingerly use a couple of smaller fallen logs that wobble a lot.  Isaac went for the smaller fallen logs and also did the balance beam just to show us he could.  Matt and Amy went for the fording the stream option - less risky.

Part of the hike was through an absolutely breathtaking stand of Aspen trees.  They had to be 80-100 feet high and it felt like walking through a natural cathedral.  The camera couldn't take it all in.  We tried with the video camera and will try to get that video uploaded.

The wildflowers are fantastically in bloom and in full evidence on this hike.  There were some delightful butterflies (or perhaps moths) that were enjoying the yellow blooms.

We finally arrived at the lake (which was not really large - but had great quantities of water flowing in and out.

Astonishingly someone had either rode or carried his mountain bike to the lake.  He also had a big backpack. A true hiker/biker/camper.  We're not worthy (but then we don't claim to be...).

We got a few photos at the lake and then it started to thunder a bit.  So we started back.  The best part of the return trip was the fact that we were descending.  Boy are the fronts of my shins getting a workout!  One of those nice collapsible but strong walking sticks is looking like it might be a good investment for the future...

Opal Lake - a definite addition to the list of great Pagosa hikes - as long as you feel energetic and have the proper footwear!

And God had a few more surprises in store for us...a thunderstorm that actually made it out of the mountains and down to the valley gave us a beautiful double rainbow!  More rainbow pics.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Reservoir Hill and Ice Cave Ridge on this marvelous Monday

[link to pictures]
Monday - the day despised by many a person - unless they are on VACATION!  This morning we started out on our adventures a little later then we normally do - but we still didn't have to rush through anything.  Which is good as some of us are still getting used to the exercise in altitude thing.  LOL

We drove down by the San Juan River and hiked what is known to most locals as "the hill".  We know it has reservoir hill.  Basically - this hill is just shorter than many of the surrounding mountains.  It is definitely bigger than hills I climb at home.  (But may be the same as some farther west in the hill country).  Isaac ran up the difficult #1 trail - twice - while waiting for his parents to switch back up the side of the hill on the easier #2 trail.  Matt decided to stay with his wife, otherwise he often takes the 1.  You climb up this side of the mountain/hill and work your way to the meadow.  Then you decide do we keep climbing up to the San Juan overlook or head back down.  We kept climbing and were rewarded with a view that is familiar to us - as we've done this hike before.  It is still pretty breathtaking.
[fyi - we didn't take any pictures on the Reservoir Hill hike]

Instead of back tracking - we continued on towards trail number 14 and wound our way down the other side of the hill.  In total - up and down - the hike is slighty more then 2 miles.  Of course then once you go down the otherside - you have the hike back to your car.  We've done this trail in snow, spring thaw and now summer dry.  You see different things every time.


After a quick meeting at the Wyndham office and lunch in the condo, we were feeling like we wanted to do a little more.  The vote came in and hiking up Ice Cave Ridge won out.  If you've been here before, you know this trail has two claims to fame. . .fissures (big holes) in the ground where ice and snow collect over the winter, and gorgeous mountain views at the top.

At the trailhead  we met 2 couples returning from their Ice Cave Ridge hike. They happen to be from San Antonio.  As greetings were exchanged and of course the comments about enjoying the non-heat here in PS, they told us to try the left fork in the trail up by one of the largest fissures.  You end up climbing about 10-15 minutes farther, but the view is so worth it.  It's right at the end of the bluff.  We were able to see down on the Piedra River, and look across it to the lunch date overlook - where Isaac geo cached and I tried to take some video that wouldn't freak Matt out (btw - I was not successful, he just closed his eyes as he was watching the video.  Sorry dear!) And as you look down towards the river you can really see the River trail - which we will be doing one of these days.

We've decided that this trip to Pagosa Springs we are checking out new trails, discovering new things about some of our favorite trails and enjoying the time with Isaac.

That's all for today.  The hot tub is calling and I'm fixing to get in!

Glorious Sunday in Pagosa Springs, CO

Hey all y'all - it happened - if finally happened.

Matt, Amy and Isaac finally hiked a part of the Continental Divide Trail.  (full pics for the day) We've been trying to do this for about 4 or 5 years, this was the first time that the road up to the Trail head at Lobo overlook was open. This overlook is across from and above the Wolf Creek Ski Area so imagine how high you start and then you go up.  But instead of hiking 3 miles up hill to get to the trail head, Lil' Red was able to get us all up there.  We ended up at 11,700+ feet at the trail head.

We hiked out for about 40 minutes and then turned around and came back.  Why? you may ask.  Well - because we realized we were going down more often than climbing up and we didn't want to wear ourselves out on the first hike in high altitude.  (that's our story and we're sticking to it).  There were many grand views and beautiful picture spots on this hike.  (FYI - our house in Austin is at 735 feet above sea level...This hike started at 11,700...)

When we finished at came back to the Radio Tower at the trail head, we walked over to the Lobo Overlook, had a snack and then climbed a very short way to the scenic view spot.  And wow was that scene view-able!


We were not done for the day.  In past years we have just done one hike a day, but since we were so close to one of our favorite scenic overlooks and to one of our favorite short and easy hikes we decided to add them in to the day's agenda.

Down the mountain we went - first stop our unnamed overlook where we did a little climbing and a little picture taking.  For a little excitement we saw a camper that had to take the run away truck ramp.  Not something I would ever want to have to do.

Then it was a stop just down the switchbacks at Treasure Falls.  We did the half mile hike up to the Misty Deck - which for the first time for us, was not Misty at all.  Isaac got brave and was climbing around below the Misty viewing area.  For those of you who have joined us on this trip - he climbed down from the falls to the bridge, jumping from rock to log and trying to stay dry.  I suppose "good" parents would not have let him do it. . . .instead we were encouraging him on with video and pictures.  It's good practice for him if his life goal is to truly become a stunt man.

Now we are back at the condo, showered, fed and resting up (not resting and fed up...) for Monday's adventures.

Take care and God bless!