Where are the flashlights? Not where they usually are. Oh, damn. I remember that I used them all on the camping trip last week. They are in the RV way out back… in the very dark. Okay. I know I have candles, yep. there’s one on the piano. I’ve got my hands on it. Now the matches are in the kitchen closet. It’s here… I’m a Helen Keller now, feeling my way to the shelves, around the bread machine, over the blender. Yea! Finally the big box of kitchen matches are in my hand that is not holding the candle. Found the dining room table. Strike that match on the side of the box, a lovely spark, then the flame. Lighting the wicks, a tiny area lights up, but enough so that I can hold the glass container and move around the room, finding other candles, lighting them. I’ve got light.

Over to the window, I still see no other lights in any of the nearby houses. The lights are still out over the entire town, but now a full moon is making its way over the black mountain tops casting white shadows over the lawn, deck and outside furniture. The cushions are turning into weird patterns. Are they moving? Come on. Who knew that there were white shadows. Okay, maybe grey, but it’s definitely lighting up my RV, some of the big boulders, pine tree branches. Oh…

You know… I’m getting a little scared. There’s not a soul around, and there’s no sound. Well, I’m guessing it is after midnight. I can’t even hear my little dog, Luc, but get the sense of movement as he follows me around. Or… gosh, I hope it’s Luc. I’m very scared now. Imagination on overtime. My dusk to dawn soft up-lights are gone. It’s dark. I’m waiting for the lights to come back on. It’s dark. Now my little Luc jumps onto my lap as though he knows I need a warm body, no matter how small.

Waiting as the candles burn down and get dimmer. Okay, I’m going to bed. This is silly. If the lights come back on, I certainly don’t want all the lights on all night long. Let me guess… I think the back porch light was on, is the switch up or down for off? I do switch off the lamp by my chair. Funny, switch off when there is no light on. I wander through the house trying to figure what was on, turning it off.

Up the dark stairscase and one more look outside. Boy, what a perfect take over for some evil genius. Seriously, fighting my beating heart. Talking to myself now. Finding my nightgown hanging in the closet, pulling back the covers and climbing into bed. The stars are really bright in my skylight. I gather what comfort I can from their beauty and slowly slip into sleep.

Bright lights blasting, the ceiling fan is going full blast. I’m up. Yep, all the lights are back on, stairway lights, the TV is droning on again as I go downstairs to turn everything off and back into my bed, snuggling in.

All is well again and I… have had a wonderful adventure in the dark.
Posted by dawnandluc at 6:28 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
End of the Day
A wall of windows peak toward the southern skies in my house. Although I tend not to even notice the view, it’s always there waiting for me. Out of the corner of my eye, a movement catches my attention, and the very frenetic hummingbirds, dip and whirl around each other vying for position on the many feeders.

Tonight, I just happened to glance up and in the twilight, an unbelievable color bathed everything as though you were looking through rose colored glasses. Intensifying the greens of the pines, the ochre and umber of the rock, and most of all the incredible blue of the sky. The clouds slowly turn from light orange, to amber, to pink, and then finally a perfect raspberry rose. It reaches into the deepest joy of my soul and adds a dimension of calm and happiness.

Isn’t it true in life, we sort of get caught up in our own mind and really the beauty that goes on all around is just not seen.
Posted by dawnandluc at 7:52 PM 0 comments
Crispness of early morning.
My sister in Northern California stays up late and gets up late. For me, I’m light sensitive and awake when the sun comes up. Makes it really hard to call her in the morning for I’m in Colorado and one hour later. From 6 am until 9:30-10 am, I’m watching the clock tick slowly around. I’m afraid I’ll get busy and forget to call her and sometimes I do. Then when I can’t wait any longer, I’ll call only to find, yes once again, I woke her up. She’s grumpy when she first gets up. Damn! Oh, well.

I’m happy when I get up, my little long-haired Chihuahua, Luc’s tail is wagging, and he’s smiling too. Sometimes, if I don’t just jump out of bed, he’ll come up and give me a quick, dry lick. Always makes me smile. We have our routine. Potty first for both of us, make the bed, open the drapes and windows, get dressed (me not Luc,) down the stairs, dish out Luc’s dry food with a little hot water to make it softer, espresso machine engaged. Then with coffee in hand I’ll read for a while by the bay window or turn on the computer to see my Twitter world, check my E-mail and Facebook. Sometimes I’ll turn on the TV for the news. Then out to water my plants, tiny green lawn and let Luc do his sniffing, and other necessities. I’d say poop, but one of my friends tells me I’m obsessed with that word. My favorite swear word is, sh#%! Maybe I’ll use the word, Ka Ka. Ha.

Here in this narrow valley surrounded by mountains at 8,500 feet, the sun rises in the West. I mean I watch the sun catch the top of the mountain to the west first then slowly light up the mountain downward. The sun doesn’t hit my south-facing deck until after 10 am. The early morning air is crisp and wet, sometimes just plain cold. It smells green to me in the morning. In the afternoon heat, the wonderful smells of pines fills the air as the sap rises in the huge trees around my house.

When I first moved to this small town, I was walking around the lake, tears dripping down my checks, despondent about moving from my horse farm in Oregon and my life there, thinking what a bad mistake I’d made by moving here. Thunder started over the mountain and a few huge drops joined the ones on my cheeks. Turning to get back to the house, I looked up to see a light show in progress. The setting sun has turned the tops of the mountain a golden rose color under the dark gray storm clouds. Thunder was roaring and lightning was flashing in a wild and furious dance on the mountain top that I’d never seen before. Then I knew why I was here. My soul has always lived here in the mountains around Georgetown, Colorado. I’d just come back to reclaim it.

Only one of my friends is an early riser like me but she has to go to work early. So I’m into enjoying myself and my dog for hours before anyone else gets up. Now I’m really excited because I have this blog and can talk to you. Thanks for being there for me.

Posted by dawnandluc at 6:51 AM 0 comments

Last summer I went to Red Feather Lakes. Ft. Collins has a quaint downtown area and I enjoyed the ride up the canyon. There is a Hill Top General Store that has a country feel. They have a cabin or so to rent. Then there is Beaver Meadows Ranch Resort down the road where I ate while watching the ducks on the lake and the wranglers were hitching up some horses to a covered wagon. You can check both of them out at http://www.ColoradoResort.com.

cheers, Promontory!

I’m a Colorado native who’s traveled quite a bit and still love to call it home. One of my favorite spots in the state is Glenwood Springs. If you’ve never been there, check out the Glenwood Chamber website for some good info.

Just a scenic 2.5 hours from Denver, Glenwood features the world’s largest natural hot springs pool, in addition to a bevy of accessible hiking trails, a 16-mile long bike path that runs along the Colorado river, a family-oriented ski resort, and a cozy downtown area that you could just snuggle up with!

Although my husband and I used to visit Glenwood a couple times a year, it had been awhile since we’d made the trip. We usually stay at the Best Western Antlers, but this time we decided to take our two boxers, so the first task was to find a place where they would be welcome.

Although there are quite a few motels, hotels, cabins and campgrounds that accept pets in Glenwood, we chose the Red Mountain Inn, in part because of their affordable rates (accommodations are a bit more pricey during the summer season in Glenwood). As it turned out, our room was clean and spacious enough for two large dogs and two good-sized people. It even had a mini-fridge and a microwave – bonus!

During our stay, we discovered that Glenwood had grown a bit since our last visit. A brand new shopping area, Glenwood Meadows, now graces the foothills of the stunning red mountain that overlooks town. In addition to stores the locals must be loving (Lowe’s, Target, PetCo, Pier One, and more), the two-block “market shops” area features a pedestrian-like mall with smaller local and chain establishments.

We also discovered several new restaurants on this trip. Typically, we make sure to visit Pepponino’s for home-cooked Italian meals, Juicy Lucy’s for mouth-watering steaks, The Bayou for “food so good you’ll slap yo mama,” and the Daily Bread cafe for breakfast that’s worth the wait. This time, we were eager to try a few new places.

As luck would have it, our motel was right next door to the Charcoalburger Drive-in. Imagine our surprise (and delight) when we discovered buffalo burgers on the menu (our favorite!), in addition to single and double hamburgers and even elk burgers. We actually ate there twice it was so good. A word of warning, though – if you order the chili cheese fries, bring a friend, or three, to help you with the huge portion!

We also had a fantastic dinner at Fin’s Grille. The food and service were comparable to experiences we’ve had in Denver and Boulder. The bread came with a whole roasted garlic – heaven! The assorted cheeses with jalapeno jelly appetizer was an experience in itself, and big enough to share. The trout was wonderful, but we accidentally ordered the angel hair pasta with ”fritti misto” (fried seafood), which was a bit bland and heavy on the palate. When we shared our lack of enthusiam with our attentive server, she happily replaced it with a lighter dish at no charge. It’s too bad we didn’t save room for dessert, but we’ll definitely pace ourselves better next time!

One other honorable mention is the Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse that allows dogs both inside and on their sidewalk patio. They even offer complimentary dog biscuits! For two-legged clients, they have a wide selection of bagel sandwiches, pastries, smoothies, and, of course, great coffee.

Just so you know, we did do more than eat. But I’ll have to save that for another post!

Illegal Outfitter Fined; Hunters Reminded to Hire Only Registered Outfitters

As hunters prepare for the 2008 big game season the Colorado Division of Wildlife advises those who are considering using guides to be sure that they hire outfitters who are registered with the state of Colorado. Hunters who hire illegal guides could lose thousands of dollars, unknowingly violate hunting regulations and even lose their hunting privileges in Colorado and 25 other wildlife compact states.
Prospective outfitters who are considering guiding hunters should be sure to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Illegal outfitters could be given substantial fines, lose their hunting privileges and even face jail time.
The case of a Durango-area man convicted of outfitting illegally for the second time late in 2007 illustrates the potential dire consequences for hunters and unscrupulous guides. Clarence W. Miller, a La Plata County resident, pleaded guilty to a Class 6 felony in October 2007, was ordered to pay $19,242 in fines and served 30 days in the La Plata County jail. As a convicted felon he is not allowed to carry a firearm or a bow, therefore he will never be able to hunt legally again.
“We take illegal outfitting violations very seriously and we will prosecute those breaking the law to the fullest extent,” said Tom Spezze, southwest regional manager for the DOW.
This was a very complicated case that required nearly two years of investigation. Colorado Wildlife Officer Cary Carron interviewed more than a dozen people and followed leads in several states.
“This is the kind of case that requires outstanding game warden’s instincts and tenacity,” said Patt Dorsey, area wildlife manager in Durango. “Carron is a veteran officer who stayed on a tough trail to get this conviction.”
Miller’s violations started in 2004 when he was convicted for the first time for guiding hunters illegally because he was not registered with the state of Colorado. He was charged with a misdemeanor for the first violation. After that conviction he continued to solicit hunters, even though a second violation would be charged as a felony.
The most recent case against Miller started during the 2006 hunting season when a private landowner found a California man hunting on his property southwest of Durango without permission. The hunter said that he had hired Miller to act as a guide. Miller had brought him to the property and told him the landowner had given permission.
DOW officers looked up records from the previous conviction and found that Miller had charged hunters $3,500 each to serve as a guide.
The investigation continued into 2007 and DOW officers learned of hunters from Michigan who had hired Miller through a private broker. According to the investigation, Miller had promised the men that they would hunt on private land south of Pagosa Springs. When the hunters met Miller in Durango he told them that the private land wasn’t available and instead took the men onto other private land, to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and to BLM land to hunt.
One of the men complained to the DOW and the investigation into Miller’s actions grew. The hunters were charged at least $2,000, according to the investigation. All of the men provided statements to the DOW officers investigating the case.
Miller eventually entered a guilty plea on Oct. 26, 2007, in district court in Durango. He started serving his jail term on Jan. 15, 2008.
To operate legally, Colorado outfitters must register with the state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies, explained Tim Mikesell, president of the Colorado Outfitters Association and owner of M&M Outfitters in Craig. The association has 170 members.
Registered outfitters are not required to be members of the association.
Mikesell explained that anyone hiring a hunting guide should ask for the outfitter’s state registration number and to get copies of any public land permits the guide says he holds. Hunters also should require a contract that details the services that will be provided.
“If you deal with an illegal outfitter your hunt could be cancelled and if you have game it can be confiscated,” Mikesell said. “There are plenty of good outfitters in the state that operate legally.”
Hunters also must understand that vouchers for private land hunts can no longer be purchased through a broker. They must purchase the vouchers directly from the property owners, and the landowners must allow hunting on their property.
To check on any outfitters’ Colorado registration, go to the web site http://www.dora.state.co.us/outfitters; or call (303)894-7799.
To view a list of guides who are members of the Colorado Outfitters Association, go to: http://www.Coloradooutfitters.org. All members are registered with the state.
Anyone who has concerns about an outfitter should contact the nearest DOW office or call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648.

“Illegal Outfitter Fined; Hunters Reminded to Hire Only Registered Outfitters.” Colorado Division of Wildlife. 06 JUN 2008. Colorado Division of Wildlife. 7 Jun 2008 .
__________________

BuckNasty Strings Shooting Staff
Bow and Ski Rack Shooting Staff and Shop Tech
VP of Piedra Bowhunters Inc.

But, above all else, I am a bowhunter.

I know of a couple of great opportunities that could be made available at a great price.

The CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair exists as a celebration of the diverse Denver urban community and its residents. As Colorado’s Premier Arts and Crafts Festival, the uniqueness and magic of CHUN’s Capitol Hill People’s Fair is created by the careful blending of great family fun, carefully selected handmade arts & crafts, delicious culinary delights, fabulous entertainment and the commitment to raise funds for and promote the missions of non-profit organizations.

CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair
June 7 and 8, 2008
Civic Center Park
Saturday – 10am to 8pm
Sunday – 10am to 7pm
FREE Admission!

Thanks to you, the artisans, musicians, volunteers, and fairgoers, the People’s Fair has raised over $900,000 for the CHUN Grants Program and the Greater Capitol Hill community.

PEOPLE’S FAIR STREET CLOSURE INFORMATION
StreetClosures2007

Thank you to our official event photographer, the Denver Darkroom!

Copyright © 2007 CHUN. All rights reserved.

Significant Proposed Changes to the Forest Service Mining Regulations are:
;-( Will you allow a 14 day limit per year in the national forest?

∙ The Proposed Rules do not allow ANYONE to be in any National Forest for longer than 14 days in a year, without an approved plan of operations. YES THIS MEANS YOU HIKERS AND CAMPERS!!!

∙ Forest Service has proclaimed that, in almost every single case, with very few exceptions, a plan of operations will be required where a notice of intent or bonded notice is required.

∙ A notice of intent, or bonded notice, is required for any mining, recreational mineral collecting,(rock hounding) or reclamation, activity (camping) exceeding the few limitations allowed.

∙ The Proposed Rules do not allow anyone to use any kind of mechanized equipment, for any, mining, recreational mineral collecting, or reclamation, activity, other than very simple battery operated equipment, without an approved plan of operations. DO YOU USE A GENERATOR?

∙ The Proposed Rules do not allow anyone to use a suction dredge, without an approved plan of operations

∙ The Proposed Rules do not allow anyone to perform any mining, recreational mineral collecting, or reclamation, activities, whatsoever, in the designated habitat of a threatened or endangered species, without an approved plan of operations

∙ Almost without exception, every part of every National Forest is in the designated habitat of a threatened or endangered species

∙ To obtain an approved plan of operations, one must provide a bond or the cash equivalent, beforehand

∙ No surety, government or private, will provide a bond to small miners

∙ Forest Service will hold the bond for 20 years

∙ The bond must provide for restoring the land to its pre-civilization condition which is very costly to do

∙ One cannot perform their own reclamation work

∙ Reclamation must restore the land to its pre-civilization condition

∙ Forest Service will not approve a plan of operations without preparing an environmental impact statement and it must be done by them (USDA-FS).

∙ Forest Service does not have the staff or budget to perform environmental impact statements

∙ Forest Service will not approve a plan of operations without performing a validity examination, and it must be done by them
(USDA-FS).

∙ Forest Service does not have the staff or budget to perform validity examinations

∙ No one has passed a validity examination performed by the Forest Service

∙ No one has passed a validity examination without an approved plan of operations in hand, beforehand

∙ Failure to pass a validity examination nullifies the un-patented mining claim(s) for which validity was sought