July 3, 2007

Once again, lots going on around here. I'm relying mostly on photographs to show you.

To save effort on my part, I'm pasting in the article I wrote for our club newsletter about my outing with "the guys" on the Green River.

Green River Canoe/Kayak, Utah
June 3-9, 2007
Submitted by Betsy Cotton

I have to admit that I was slightly anxious about being the only woman along with nine men on this week long outing. I decided I would go in the spirit of being “one of the guys.” I expected pork ‘n’ beans, drunken foolishness, and colorful language. I was prepared. I had practiced scratching, farting, and cussing for at least a week ahead of time, to my family’s disdain. What I experienced was quite a surprise that the rest of you ladies might like to hear about.
First of all, let me say that I actually had to clean up my language around those guys. I think the only colorful language came during Bob's “McGregor” joke, one well worth hearing I might add. Oh, there may have been one damn here or there such as - “Don’t touch my damned steak.” or some such. Pretty mild stuff.
And I saw no scratching going on. I can’t say what went on inside tents. Based on the interesting array of sounds, it could have been almost anything but I'm sure those could have been snores. I am not the one to judge as I camped at some distance from the general male slumbering area. I did venture to camp closer to the boys one night. I thought I'd never get to sleep because I was laughing so hard. I have never heard such grunts and groans as those fellas settling in for the night.
I did see some rather impressive cooking and cleaning during the week. I never knew how fastidious some men can be. It kind of made me ashamed of myself, representing the female gender and all.
I can tell you that I had a fantastic time with Doug Farmer, our fearless leader, Jim Scott, Ken Long, Mike Watkins, Mike Schneider, Bob Harrington, Jack Passant, Al Olson, and Amond Hanson. In spite of Ken, Al, and I overshooting the first campsite by about five miles, a whopping wild wind storm one night and day, and Jack dunking himself fifteen minutes before our shuttle pick up, I think everyone enjoyed the constantly changing cliffs and formations, the camaraderie, and the wacky stories.
I can recommend this trip to anyone who likes the water, camping, and using a porta-pooper. I thank Doug for arranging all the details and putting up with us unruly beings. To all the wives of these fellas - while a few of you have some interesting challenges, I’m sure, and you know who you are, you’re married to some great guys. I’ll let photos tell the rest of the story.


The motley crew at our campsite before the big blow. I ended up sleeping wedged between five large stones in an attempt to keep my tent from taking flight that night.

The guys couldn't quite get a handle on how I could eat out of those little bags of that dehydrated stuff. They kept offering me elk steak and hamburgers. Safe offerings considering I don't eat meat! That bucket was a treasure I found along the way. Nice to have something to sit on.


Leave it to Amond to snag the most comfortable rock for a nap.


The canyons and formations were beautiful and ever-changing. The sunlight spread across them like a great canvas.


Getting ready to load up and head out again. My little kayak, Lucille, was perfect for the trip even after adding my two bucket "finds" along the way.

I couldn't resist showing the beautiful water with canyon wall reflections. This was a perfect day.

Group picture on our last day out.

A couple of days after my return, Ralph and I decided to go on a "little hike" which turned into a six hour bushwack to the top of Nipple Mountain. Wasn't there a trail? you ask. Why, yes, turns out there is one but we didn't take it. We rarely do.

This is part of OUR trail.

The views were magnificent long before we reached the top.

View on the other side of the range we were on.

As usual, I ended up with a few more bruises from sliding, etc. and this time from a careening rock that I wasn't quite fast enough to avoid. Won't make that mistake again. But, it was a great hike. We slid down the snow coming down and had a great time overall. The next day was spent at the hot springs. And I mean ALL DAY the next day.

A couple of days later I went on an overnight ladies backpack. The purpose was to introduce a few newbies to backpacking. We hiked the Piedra River Trail and had a beautiful campsite at the junction of Sand Creek into the Piedra.

Three of the women. I like Charleen's T-shirt!

The following few photos were taken on the hike out. They are all along the Piedra River which changes in character during the 5 1/2 miles. It's so lovely, I wanted to share it with you.

A few days later Mom, Ralph, Bonnie & I drove out the East Fork Forest Road because we heard there was a nice waterfall out there.

Ralph & me with Bonnie in tow.

This is Silver Falls. I'm perched on a boulder to give some scale. Definitely worth the hike up.

Mom and Ralph hiking back down the trail.

I attended another drawing class at our Community Center. They are always a pleasure and, miraculously, I end up with something not bad.

This was my result, with some help from Randall, of course.

Mom, Bonnie & I headed out in Minerva for a few days last week. We stopped first in Cripple Creek. Such a picture perfect looking little town. We had visions of perusing the quaint shops and restaurants when, to our surprise, we found nothing, and I mean nothing but casinos in all the buildings. We moved on to Colorado Springs the next day and visited the sights there.

Me snacking while viewing the Garden of the Gods which are very interesting formations in the middle of this area. The drive on Hwy. 24 is quite beautiful, as well.

We visited Seven Falls waterfalls. They had steps that went to the top but we opted for the elevator that was built inside a nice cool cave. Our mamas didn't raise no fools!

During our stay, a very strong hail storm came through the area. This is our snowy-looking campsite with Minerva covered with leaves from the previously-lush trees. In some areas, the hail was 3-4 inches deep!

After leaving Colorado Springs, we headed west toward Buena Vista and Gunnison to see the Black Canyon. Along the way we passed through the Curecanti Recreational Area which is a more arid area with a large, very long reservoir. I can't show you photos of the Black Canyon but you can look it up on the internet and see some, I'm sure. We simply could not capture the immensity, depth, and sheerness in a photo. It is quite something to see, I assure you.

On our southern leg through Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, & Durango, Mom took some beautiful photos of the mountains, many still snow-laden.

Taking a little break at Molas Pass south of Silverton.

We made it home without incident and have been having some really warm weather. We open our windows at night to take advantage of the cool night temps. Fortunately, the house stays around 71-72 all day.

Doug & Laura came up for a visit in their RV this week. We're looking forward to a visit from Tom & Wade and some 4th of July festivities along with a bit of golf. Hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe 4th.