Up and Over: The View Above Creede

Today was a spectacular morning -- perfect for hiking the Up and Over trail above Creede.

The view of Creede from about halfway up.

Look carefully and you can see the old silver mines hiding in the shadow of the rock.

No filter needed on the blue Colorado sky.

On the way down, two trails converge in the wood...

Mining has colored the flume yellow, and left giant piles of tailings to traverse.

All total, including the walk back through town: 3.9 miles, 9,858 steps,
equivalent to 52 floors vertical climb. Best way to exercise @9000ft.

Our "Neigh"bors

Burros and Burning

It's been a full day in Creede on a sunny summer Saturday in June. In the morning, some brave high-altitude athletes ran in the Runoff Runoff marathon along the Rio Grande. No, I didn't run, but I did serve bananas, energy snacks, Gatorade and water at the aid station along the route. The race is a benefit for local water reclamation, so I was happy to support.

After the race, I headed into town to see the start of Creede's annual Burro Race -- 10 miles up the Bachelor Loop -- and you can't ride your donkey, you have to pull him! Everyone was dressed up for the event, even the donkeys.

Sadly, while we had a fun weekend in Creede, the 416 Fire in Durango spread to 16,000 acres. It's 50 miles away, but late Saturday, smoke filled the skies here in the valley. 

 Sunday is the Gravity Derby, followed by a community cookout. Never a dull moment...

BEAR!!!

So, we go for a walk after dinner. We see a bear in our path. It's right in the road. It has to be 300 pounds. We freeze. We point. I have no idea what to do. Throw a rock? Back away? Run?

Then John runs right at the bear! 

He's not going to let the bear escape without taking some pictures.

Oh no! A human! The bear runs from John...

Help! A man is chasing me!

I'd better get out of here!

See ya!