Inspiration Peak

Today we attempted one of the hardest hikes in my hiking history. It begins at Willow Creek in Creede on a trail we've done before called the Up and Over. Then the trail branches off and climbs way above town. Here's John stopping for a snack about halfway up. You can see Inspiration Point in the background.

The hike traverses numerous rock fields, wooded areas, an old logging road and eventually through the trees to the rocky peak at 11,200 ft. -- an increase in elevation of about 2,400 feet in under five miles. We were super exhausted by the time we reached the peak, but the views of Creede and the valley are pretty spectacular.

My iphone calculated the round-trip journey at 8.9 miles, 22,866 steps and 45 floors, after which we stopped for beers and tacos at Kip's. This afternoon's activity: snoozing with Squeaky!

Loaves and Fishes

Such a fun and busy weekend here in Creede!

Isaac Grody-Patinkin (in the hat) invited us to shabbat dinner Friday night, where we lit candles and had a great meal and conversation with Isaac and Manuel Zarate. 

Who knew there were Jews in Creede?

John made this bench for our porch...

And a wall rack for our fishing poles.

Wildflowers from our yard are cut and ready to bring to Johamy and Matt, who's cooking dinner for us tonight. 

And here I am at Sunday morning church on the river. I'm getting the hang of casting with a fly rod and can now walk on water, but the fish are still proving to be elusive. 

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...