Winter Hiking Options

[Denise]

Hiking in the winter sure is a different kind of experiance, and living at almost 10,000 feet in Colorado really makes it interesting. I dont go out for long in the winter, just enough to get a good workout.

Heading out today temps were at about 30 near the house, sun was shining bright and the sky was blue.

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[Denise]

The wind had the snow peeled off of some spots where I was walking, but other spots is where the snow ended up...hehe

This picture shows how the wind monipulates the snow on the ground.

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[Denise]

Wind was so bad I decided to turn back (cam said -18 windchills)...was only gone about 20 minutes, but the wind had already covered over my prints.

This picture shows once I top this tailings pile, Im in for some wind.
Blowing snow had it at white out conditions and was coming in sideways steady.

Going down the tailings was easy.....just kind of ski your way down.
Coming back up was tricky......Falling through the snow I would find myself waist deep, and still not hitting bottom.

I sure love Colorado! Can get a great workout any time of year here.


Have fun out there, and stay safe!

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[faaus]

Sure looks like a BRISK hike! Shows some of the wild side of western weather nicely.

Thanks,
faaus

[jim]

You are one brave lady. -18 is not the kind of temps for anyone to be in.Not even for 20 minutes. But then I can understand that being cooped up can drive someone nuts too. Especially someone as active in the outdoors as ya'll are. Hopefully the weather will warm early and you can get back out there.

[russau]

it sure wouldnt be hard to keep your beer cold there!

[Denise]

Definately shows Colorados wild side Faaus.

I like to enjoy all that Colorados seasons have to offer, but am very careful
when I go out. Thats why I turned back only after 20 minutes.

Its an amazing place...I cant help myself.

[Denise]

Sure miss the flowers though.......so here is one to warm up this thread some and remind us spring is on its way.




Columbine....Colorado's state flower.

[Denise]

Im sure this little guy is ready for the thaw again also.

[jim]

Thank you denise for a little bit of spring. It seems like every year the winter gets longer. Being cooped up here in the house sure does get me down. Here in this last week the weather seems to be improving some so that helps. Jim

[faaus]

Thanks for the purty posey and the little ground squirrel (marmot?)

God made us such a beautiful world. More people should take the time to enjoy it like you do.

faaus

[Denise]

Thanks Faaus!

Actually that is a baby prairie dog.
Little thing was so trusting, and very willing to have his pic taken.

[Denise]

Guess we were in a state of emergency Tuesday.....
The "near-hurricane-strength" like winds had the snow drifted as high as 24 feet,
trapping people in their homes..

Colorado sure can keep you on your toes!


Here is the news article about it.
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080212/NEWS/514987692

[Denise]

Reminds me of the day this picture was taken.

[Denise]

You know what they say about Colorados weather....Dont like it...wait 10 minutes, and it will change....hehe

We received over a foot of snow Thursday, but yesterday was awesome!

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[cornwall84]

Great photos Denise.

[Denise]

Thanks Alan! Today was a much nicer day, into the 40's.
So nice the guys were able to get out with me.

Here are a few pics I took while we were out.

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[Denise]

One of the guys up on top of a tailings pile.

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[CP]

Look! It's a Rockhead on the rocks!

Is it spring time yet!!?? SHEEEEESH!!

CP

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[faaus]

Thanks for the great pictures folks! Glad y'all had fun!

Have you checked many of the tailing piles with a detector yet? What sort of material was being mined that produced those tailings?

Happy Trails,

faaus

[CP]

No we haven't checked them at all with detectors and we doubt that very many have ever had the chance since it's private land. The tailings were produced by large scale bucket dredges in the 1880's mining gold!

CP

[russau]

Denise youve got to learn how to stand at attention while saluteing us! haha but you really dont have to salute us at all! great pictures! 10 months and counting!

[Denise]

I was actually thinking......."Why is that good looking guy taking my pic?
He should get down here and smooch me."

[Denise]

Here is a cool looking place to hike.......How about I climb waaaaaaay up to the top of that big rock on the left, and Dan can get a picture of me.
Want to see?

Dan said there is no way in heck he is going to hang his butt off that big rock.......unless there is a big pocket (vug). But he will take a picture.

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[jim]

ARE YOU CRAZY?????????? You best get ideas like that outta your head.
Dan ....if ya have to ......put a dang tether on that nutty wife of yours........dang
Denise.......think about th kids....and poor ol dan
no..better..............chain her to a big rock........its for her own good
LORDY LORDY shes out to snuff herself..
now see what you have done.........ima nervous wreck now

[Denise]

You crack me up Jim!
That rock would actually take climbing gear, and I only free climb
so that rocks out of the question for me....hehe

Here is a picture of me enjoying another adventure yesterday.



You only live this life once Jim.......Im living it to the fullest while Im here.
Its the adventureous side of me that loves to explore...........No holding that back.

[Denise]

Wasnt mush snow this winter....

Its going to be a dry summer, so hang on and hope for some moisture before the heat really hits us here in Colorado.

[Denise]

Not near as much snow in the San Luis valley. Weather has been fantastic!
Temp has even been reading 65-70 in the sun the past few days, with no wind.
Definately weather worth getting out and hiking in.

Here is a cool shot of a rock that seemed to be trying to blend in with its surroundings.



The weather has even been nice enough to continue digging, so you know us.



Stay safe out there everyone, and enjoy this great weather!

[Denise]

Over a foot of snow this morning. Guess now we can really call it winter hiking.