Colorado Travel News

{ May 1, 2008 @ 6:20 am } · { Colorado }
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Colorado Travel News

20 Comments »

  1. Caitlin Said:

    on May 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    Hey All,
    My name is Caitlin and I have lived in Colorado my whole life. Recently I moved to Steamboat for college and I never want to leave. Steamboat is such an amazing town, the locals are so friendly and laid back. As for the ski area, oh man, it is so amazing! This year all snow records were broken and when they say “champagne powder” they mean it. The powder there is fluffy and soft and so much fun to ski in. Well that’s all I have for now, if any one would like to know what to do while in Steamboat I would be more than happy to suggest something. Have a great day!!

    Reply

  2. Marian Said:

    on May 18, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    I too have lived in Colorado most of my life, yet I never tire of being in the mountains. Even the area where it is the foothills with the evergreen trees and the view of the white peaks against the true blue sky. Friends that visit comment how blue the sky is.

    Reply

  3. Marian Said:

    on May 18, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    I have lived in Colorado almost all my life. I love the foothills with the evergreen trees and the white capped mountain peaks with the vibrant blue skies. Spring has arrive in Denver but the foothills are just showing the first signs of spring. I saw my first bloom – Pasque flower and the aspen is showing their little fuzz before the leaves. The foothills are close to the city to take in the city activities and close to the mountains to be awed with creation.

    Reply

  4. Johnny Said:

    on May 23, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    Big Thompson Flood 1976

    Howdy I’m Johnny Walker, my first wife and I had driven from Greeley to have dinner in Loveland with another couple. When we got there we waited around but they never showed up… So we went to the KFC and got a bucket of chicken to take up to the Loveland Water Works for an impromptu pic-nick.

    We were driving a new Chevrolet Caprice that had a very powerful CB radio mounted in the trunk. Anyhow, we went on up through the narrows to the water works and got out under one of the old CCC pavilions there. It was dark for the time of day and it was raining like cats and dogs, the water was high… but not alarmingly so…. kinda like the spring runoff… more pretty than scary. That was about to all change.

    It was windy and getting cold and we didn’t want to hang around in the rain, so we headed down to town to see if our friends had ever come home. I remember thinking how we hadn’t seen any other cars on the road… unusual for Hwy 34 in the summer… As we came out of the narrows I started fiddeling with the CB radio. We were just passing Merlino’s Cider and crossing the river bridge when a Sheriff’s Deputy came on the CB with a warning… he said a 30′ wall of water was coming out of the canyon and had just passed the Dam Store. We couldn’t believe what we were hearing, haven driven past there mere seconds before or a couple of minutes before, it’s less than 1.5 miles at the most. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the water came down… I believe to this day that we were the last car to come out of the Big Thompson canyon that night.

    Unbeknownst to us at the time, my brother Allen Walker and his best friend Chester Hitchens were returning from camping in Steamboat Springs. They just happened to pick Hwy 34 to come home on that night and just happened to be on some high ground by Grandpa’s Retreat when the road washed out in front of them and behind them. They said it was raining so hard that it was washing boulders the size of cabins down onto the road, they figured they would be crushed at any moment or washed off the road and into the Thompson.

    The next day the National Guard was able to helicopter survivors out but I don’t know what ever became of Chester’s abandonded car. My Brother Allen and his friend were among the very lucky that night, 144 others perished.

    Those signs that everyone makes fun of in the canyons that say “In Case of Flood Climb To Safety” Really do mean what they say!

    Reply

  5. Johnny Said:

    on May 24, 2008 at 8:14 pm

    Denver Democratic National Convention thousands of delegates and protestors are expected to be coming here In August….

    Get your room reservations now!
    http://www.denverdemocraticnationalconvention.net/

    There is no longer any doubt, Denver and all of the suburban corridor hotels and motels will fill up. Here is a list of all the “decent” hotels and motels in the Denver area. BE SMART reserve your rooms now online at http://www.denverdemocraticnationalconvention.net/

    Reply

  6. Johnny Said:

    on May 24, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    While you are here in Colorado remember that the price of GOLD is set at $924.60 per troy ounce!
    Take a look at the price and consider that the mineral belt of Colorado is right where the best fishing and camping is! Help yourself out read all about how to be successful at finding some Colorado Gold.

    http://www.learngoldprospecting.com/

    Take a few extra minutes to look at the lost Treasure storys… on Your Colorado Adventure Vacation you will very likely be going right by a lost miner’s stash of gold and bandit’s hidden treasure!
    http://www.learngoldprospecting.com/index.cfm?var_file=treasure-hunting.htm

    Reply

  7. Johnny Said:

    on May 24, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    Finding diamonds in Colorado is one of the best reasons to grab the kids and dogs and go run in the forest and perhaps find a true Colorado Diamond.

    Here is what Professor Dan Hausel has to say:
    Although not of the same scale as Africa, there is little doubt that thousands of diamonds occur in some streams in Colorado and Wyoming. In the Colorado-Wyoming State Line district south of Laramie, a minimum of 40 diamondiferous kimberlites has been eroded over a period of 300 to 600 million years. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of diamonds must have escaped these pipes during erosion. According to some early work by McCallum and Mabarak (1976), the state line diamond pipes may have lost 2,500 feet of vertical column of diamond-bearing rock (the Iron Mountain district to the north could have lost even more, possibly 4000 to 5000 feet) – yet where did all of these diamonds go? Many should still be found in nearby creek and riverbeds, waiting for someone to pick them up. A prospector has a much greater chance of getting rich by finding a valuable diamond panning in these streams than by winning the Colorado lottery.

    For example, the largest diamond recovered from the Kelsey Lake mine along the Colorado-Wyoming border, weighed 28.3 carats, and a fragment from a broken diamond was projected to have come from an 80 carat stone (Howard Coopersmith, personal communication, 2002). So one should be able to find some large diamonds downstream.

    Only a few placer diamonds have ever been reported in this region. During some of the early testing of the Kelsey Lake kimberlites, a 6.2-carat diamond was found in Fish Creek (Howard Coopersmith, personal communication (1998) (Figure 2). Earlier, some diamonds had been recovered on Rabbit Creek adjacent to the Sloan 1 and 2 kimberlites by a prospector searching for gold (Frank Yaussai, personal communication, 1977). Using only a gold pan, another prospector recently panned a diamond from the Poudre River (Vic Norris, personal communication, 2002).

    Find the whole story and pinpoint locations at our gem collecting site:
    http://www.learngoldprospecting.com/index.cfm?var_file=placer-diamonds.htm

    Reply

  8. Alyssa Said:

    on May 26, 2008 at 5:24 pm

    Hi all,

    I’ve grown up in Colorado like many others who’ve posted. If you’re going to visit the Denver area I suggest you make a trip out to Golden and up to Morrison. Golden is definitely a Denver suburb, but it is very nicely secluded from the city bustle and hidden by North and South table mountains. I suggest you park the car and walk the town, hit the trail along Clear Creek and walk through the Colorado School of Mines Campus. Also, don’t miss the Coors brewery tour – free beer!! If you like to hike, I suggest going up to Morrison. After you’re done on the trail, you can walk through the quaint little town which is spotted with excellent bakeries and ice cream shops.
    Cheers and I hope you enjoy Colorado!

    Reply

  9. dino3535 Said:

    on May 26, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    Rivers, mountains, valleys, orchards, vineyards and more. It’s Delta County – an adventurous, undiscovered getaway offering golf, Gold Medal waters, hiking and three Scenic Byways. Surrounded by national forests and wilderness areas, we’re year-’round rated for recreation. Visit our 4 museums including Ft. Uncompahgre Living History Museum, Pioneer Town, Delta Historical Museum, the historic Bowie Schoolhouse and a variety of art galleries. Winter activities include snowmobiling, alpine and cross-country skiing. Tour the Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway the West Elk Scenic Byway or a side trip on the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Byway. Enjoy rafting, Gold Medal fishing, watchable wildlife, 2 golf courses, summer festivals, and rodeos. Stop by an artist’s studio, antique store or winery for a sampling of our culture.

    Cedaredge

    Cedaredge is the gateway to the matchless Grand Mesa, the flat-topped mesa the Ute Indians called “Thunder Mountain.” Join us for Applefest each fall, celebrating world-renown products from nearby orchards, which are among the world’s highest.

    Crawford

    Catch the spirit of the Old West in the town nestled in the heart of cattle country, between the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnsion and the alpine peaks of the West Elk Wilderness. Explore miles of trails, play at Crawford Reservoir State Park, shop in unique stores and studios and enjoy old-fashioned friendliness!

    Delta

    Surrounded by sheltering walls of snow-capped mountains and fed by the confluence of two rivers, this lush valley serves as what is affectionately called the “banana belt” of Colorado. An alpine hike, desert bike ride or family rafting all begins in Delta. Discover dinosaurs, take the tour of murals or historic buildings and enjoy a round of golf all year long.

    Hotchkiss

    Rodeo, prize-winning 4-H animals, blue ribbon pies and farm fresh vegetables help celebrate the agricultural heritage of this community. Hotchkiss is host to the annual Delta County Fair and home of quaint antique stores, bountiful orchards and unique shops.

    Paonia

    Up in the North Fork Valley of Delta County, cattle ranches, orchards and organic gardens dot the countryside. Tour a winery or visit an artist’s foundry. Celebrate the 4th of July at Paonia Cherry Days. Historic lodges and inns provide a unique lodging experience.

    Delta County Visitor Bureau
    P.O. Box 753
    Delta, CO 81416
    (877) 825-7514

    Reply

  10. Johnny Said:

    on May 27, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    🙂 IMPORTANT MUST READ :-)I’d like to share a couple of pointers about hiking and camping in the Colorado Rockies. It is very important to do a few things when you are getting ready to put on your backpack and head off into the wilderness . Lots of folks every year find out the hard way that a little planning can save you a lot of aggravation and maybe even your life!
    🙂 GO HERE AND READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE!:-)
    http://www.rockymountaintravel.net/colorado-journeyer/index.cfm?var_file=www/hiking.htm

    Reply

  11. Johnny Said:

    on May 27, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    Proposed New Forest Service Rules 5/27/08

    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

    Reply

  12. dino3535 Said:

    on May 28, 2008 at 3:11 am

    Overview
    CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair was chosen as “Best Annual Festival – City, 2006” by Rocky Mountain News Readers in “Top of the Rocky” Awards!!!

    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.

    Reply

  13. johnnycolorado Said:

    on June 2, 2008 at 8:38 pm

    Are there enough RV Parks in the Denver / Greeley area?
    As far as I know every space in every park is spoken for… especially in August during the Democratic National Convention
    http://www.DenverDemocraticNationalConvention.com

    Reply

  14. Bill C. Said:

    on June 2, 2008 at 10:20 pm

    Hi Y’all Bill here… Hillary and me will be towing a FEMA trailor to… Let’s see… I think dats it the Prospect RV park somewhere west of town. You seee. we about 20 million in debt. Either way will be hosting the pancake breakfast and prospecting for votes. So Y’all com and see us… and bring your checkbook too.

    Reply

  15. johnnycolorado Said:

    on June 2, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    Howdy Bill C. you ought to consider semi-retiring and go into the RV Park business.
    take a look at http://www.ColoradoResorts4sale.com

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

    Reply

  16. dino3535 Said:

    on June 7, 2008 at 6:38 pm

    6/6/2008
    Division of Wildlife

    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.

    Reply

  17. expresstravel Said:

    on June 18, 2008 at 2:53 pm

    Hi everyone,

    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!

    Reply

  18. Promontory Said:

    on June 19, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation 🙂 Anyway … nice blog to visit.

    cheers, Promontory!

    Reply

  19. Marian Said:

    on July 25, 2008 at 5:04 pm

    You Obama fans out there. The Democratic Convention has scheduled Obama’s acceptance speech to be at larger venue so more people can experience the monumental moment. Get a ticket and find a place at the web sit http://www.ColoradoResort.com. While your here, take some extra days to experience the mountains.

    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.

    Reply

  20. dino3535 Said:

    on August 6, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    Wednesday, August 5, 2009
    When the Lights Go Out in Georgetown
    TV’s droning on in the background. My fingers are flying over the keys of my laptop. I’m trying hard to get photos to Alice via E-mail. Poof, TV goes out, all the lights on the deck go out, my lamp next to my chair goes out. Is it my imagination, or did it just get utterly quiet? No traffic noise. Absolutely dark everywhere except for the neon kind of light from my laptop that just went to battery. I get up slowly make my way to the deck door to look out. Man, the lights are out all over Georgetown. It is dark. I can barely make out the houses across the street. I can see two tiny headlights lighting up the road far away. Nothing more.

    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

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