I realize it has been some time since my last post. Some of you have let me know it, too! I haven't done a whole lot of photo-taking so don't have a lot to show you even though we have managed to stay busy the last three months.
I've been training in my volunteer position for the Upper San Juan Search & Rescue group. We had a training mission in September where we hauled our gear, the litter, etc. up Pagosa Peak which is quite a climb, I'm here to tell ya. Since I was the only one present that had not summited the peak, we all went up so I could experience the top. Quite a view from 12,640 ft.! Our next goal was to assemble, load, and get the litter down the mountain which was quite a feat as it is rather steep and narrow. Glad we didn't have a real person in there for this go 'round cuz it was some rough going. I thought we should put a big sign at the trail head that reads "If you climb this mountain and get hurt, nobody is coming to get you."
Little ole me on the peak.
Terry, Leo, Kim & I on the peak.
We've been fortunate enough to have had some visitors in Pagosa. Doug and Laura have been up looking for land. They're hoping to find some acreage in the Durango area so wish them luck. Wade has been able to spend some time with us which is always nice. We went on up to Ouray on his last visit and took a jeep tour to Yankee Boy Basin.
Eddie & Arvie of the Anderson clan visited a couple of times during their summer gig at a nearby RV resort. Larry & Velda of the Anderson clan came over from their get-away place in Platoro, a small mining town south and east of us. Last but not least, my cousin, Gene, joined us for Thanksgiving day which rendered the day much more enjoyable.
We've had some automobile changes. Minerva, the RV, had a transmission replacement which, in mountain time i.e. Pagosa time, takes about 4 weeks. Don't ask. I recently traded in the Honda Element for a Jeep Liberty. I could not handle the fact that there existed many roads around here which I couldn't drive on because I didn't have 4 wheel drive. That simply was not acceptable. The Jeep is easily towable as was the Honda so we'll be fully functional again as soon as I get the tow plate, etc. put on which is happening tomorrow (Fri. 12/7) in Albuquerque.
I drove down to west Texas in October to join some gal pals on a backpack trip through the Lower Madera Canyon which is under the auspices of The Nature Conservancy. Seems we were the first all-woman group to make that trek. If you think west Texas is all flat and boring, you haven't seen this area. It's near the Davis Mountains and absolutely beautiful, albeit rugged. Our trail was a diverse mixture of rock, stone, river with a surprising variety of trees. At one point we were under quite large ponderosa pines! I thought I 'd left those in Colorado.
The gang eating dinner on our last night out.
One of several beautiful swimmin' holes along the canyon stream that we followed.
A view from the top of the canyon as we were leaving.
Not what you typically think of when you think West Texas.
Later that month I decided I hadn't experienced enough self torture so Ralph and I hiked/climbed up Indian Head Mountain one afternoon. I wanted to perch on his forehead but I think I only made it to his cheek. The view was nice no matter from which facial feature it was viewed.
This is our view overlooking Williams Reservoir. We began on the left side of the lake.
This little Abert's squirrel visits us from time to time to partake of the refreshments and scurry around in the trees. He has tufted ears and a silver tail which make him quite cute.
This is the morning after Thanksgiving, our first snow! We had been waiting impatiently. We received about 7-8 inches that night and it continued throughout the day.
Last weekend, 12/1, we were in Colorado Springs getting the Jeep and our trip home ended up being across the pass in 4x4 with chains because the mountain had received around 40 inches of snow. That was exciting. And weren't we glad we had the 4 wheel drive, huh?!
So, of course, Ralph and I soon went on our first snowshoe outing of the season. This is up near the summit of Wolf Creek. Fantastic snowshoeing and, as you can see, no coat or gloves required! It doesn't get much better.
Ralph
Me
One of my other weekly activities is laying a track for Holly. She is a German Shepherd that my friend and SAR team member, Les, is training to be a tracking dog. I get to be the subject or, as Mom likes to say, the fox. She's pretty amazing and easily tracked me on this day through multiple turns and snow. Quite a schnoz on that dog!
Holly being rewarded with her chew toy after successfully tracking me.
Last Wednesday, 12/5, was local day i.e. cheap day at Wolf Creek so Ralph and I headed on up there. I now own downhill skis and was quite anxious to try them out. It was a fabulous day as there were no crowds, we could ski right onto the lifts, beautiful snow, and I managed to stay upright the entire time. Okay, except one crash but that just means I'm pushing the envelope and learning, right? RIGHT?! Sorry, no photos on that day. Too busy staying upright.
As we move into December and the holidays, Mom and I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year! Let us hear from you and we hope you can come visit in '08!
Snow, snow, snow.
Snowy mountains.
Ralph on our latest snowshoe outing.
Bets having a snack.
Our Christmas Eve sleigh ride.
Peg on the sleigh.
Our three trees. Something a little different this year.
Peg working her culinary magic. Now, the fire alarm DID go off but it wasn't her cooking this time. Candles in a candelabra burned down and melted some plastic holly berries. Ugh. Smelly.
The aftermath.
Slash says Meowy Christmas.
Sassy says Touch one thing and your mince meat.
Bonnie says Give me that dog biscuit.
Proof that miracles do happen. Bonnie & Sass don't like one another.
Merry Christmas!
