Ivy Creek Hike

It seems that every hike we go on here in and around Creede is more beautiful than the last. Yesterday's gem was walking along Ivy Creek in the Weminuche Wilderness. It's a lush, wet, wildflower-filled walk along rushing waters filled with brook trout. Check it out!

They're Not Lincoln Logs

We're learning what it takes to maintain a log cabin...

... which involves scraping the bark off the logs...

... filling in and caulking between the logs...

... and, to come, oiling the logs so they don't dry out. Also happening in July, new exterior doors!

Ojo Caliente

Psst... we snuck away from Creede for a romantic weekend at Ojo Caliente spa, with hot sun, smokeless skies, mud treatment, mineral (iron, lithia, arsenic and soda) baths, massages, yoga, New Mexican cuisine, reading for pleasure and chocolate truffles. What a treat!

Clear Creek Waterfall

I don't know anything about geology, but according to those who do, the La Garita and San Juan mountains formed about 30 million years ago. Eruptions from massive volcanoes, like the Creede Caldera, were followed by tremendous flows of ash and mud. As the layers of volcanic debris cooled, crystals and mineral ores collected into veins and pockets and created extensive mineral fields.It is because of these ancient volcanos that we find several beautiful waterfalls in this area, including the Clear Creek waterfall, which we visited last week. From Clear Creek, we can see the western side of Bristol Head mountain in the distance. The eastern side of Bristol Head is the view from our cabin window and the namesake of our neighborhood.

Denver

Spent an-all-too-short weekend in Denver with Charlotte and Hannah. Can't rave enough about The Brown Palace Hotel -- it's The Plaza of the West. Continuously open since 1892, it features stunning architecture, Mexican onyx stonework, and cast-iron railings around an eight-story atrium, where they serve high tea every afternoon. We ate one dinner at the hotel's Ship Tavern, a Prohibition-Era bar with great food and service.

Didn't take many pix, but some of the highlights from the weekend included Union Station, the Farmer's Market...

... buying shirts at the original flagship Rockmount Ranch Wear store (circa 1909)...

...dinner at Sushi Sasa, walking around Lower Broadway, 

a hot afternoon at the Botanical Gardens... 

... and, of course, spending time with my two favorite peeps! 

I miss them already.💔

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! 

Quick Trip Back to Cali

Spent Memorial Day weekend in SoCal, where we saw lots of cousins who were in town to celebrate Brendan and Claudia's wedding. Here are some highlights:

Claudia and Brendan celebrate after they conclude their vows.

Benjie and Hannah at lunch overlooking the ocean.

John, me, Hannah, Benjie, Carrie, Floyd and Marcia.

More posing in the photo booth at the wedding reception.

Richard sings karaoke as Brendan, Dennis and Justin cheer him on.

And on our way back to Creede, this classic tourist shot at the Four Corners.