May 28. 2011 by Merilee.

May 25, 2011

Littelton, Colorado

Our stay at Chatfield State Park was very relaxing and enjoyable.  The 5,600 acre recreation area is packed with fun.  The endless trails are a joy to explore on foot, bicycle or horse back.  The reservoir and marina are a jewel against the Hogback Mountain backdrop.  I enjoyed bird watching a great variety of birds that are attracted to the Platte River and the prairie.

Large areas of open space and the diversity of terrain and vegetation at Chatfield provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife. Deer, elk, bald eagles, and bear are among the wildlife that has been spotted in the park.

Three hundred and five bird species frequent Chatfield either as permanent residents or migrators.  A rookery at the mouth of the Platte River  provides nesting habitat for the Double-crested  cormorants and approximately 80 pairs of Great Blue Herons.  The  Bald Eagle, White Pelican and elusive Burrowing Owl may be observed either as migrants or winter or summer residents. Small and large mammals, including Whitetail and Mule deer, Coyote, Red Fox, Cottontail rabbits, Prairie Dogs and Weasels, frequent the park. Anglers are attracted to Chatfield by warm- and cold-water fishing opportunities that include walleye, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, green and blue sunfish and blue and channel catfish.

Posted in Colorado | Print | No Comments »

May 15. 2011 by Merilee.

May 15, 2011

Fort Collins, Colorado

Spring has been slow to arrive in Fort Collins this year.  We have had 4 days of cold rain in the last week.

The scenic drive up Colorado 14 along the wild and scenic Cache la Poudre River is just a delight.  There are many places to stop with river access and photo locations along the way. This footbridge crosses the river to allow access to the Gray Rock trail.  While I was set up on the bridge taking pictures, a forest ranger crossed the bridge and said she has spotted a mountain lion about a mile down the trail!  Yes I would love to get a pic but I am just not that brave.

The river’s headwaters are in the Front Range in Larimer County, in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The river descends eastward in the mountains through the Roosevelt National Forest in Poudre Canyon. It emerges from the foothills north of the city of Fort Collins.

The name of the river means “Hide the powder” in French. It refers to an incident in the 1820s when French trappers, caught by a snowstorm, were forced to bury part of their gunpowder along the banks of the river.

The river is a popular summer destination for trout fishing, whitewater rafting, tubing, and kayaking in the Poudre Canyon.  I am certain many of my extended family will remember the rafting trip I took them on during a family reunion in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Posted in Arizona | Print | No Comments »