Hurricane Pass to Mineral Creek

Posted on September 6. 2013 by Merilee

Ouray, Colorado

September 5, 2013

The scenic Corkscrew Gulch and Hurricane Pass trail passes through the old bones of the 1880 mining country.  It winds between Red Mountain #1 and #2.  Red Mountain #2 in the early morning light was surreal in the colors it presented.

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California Pass at 12,960 ft as it looks back on the road we just traveled.  From the summit, we could see Hurricane Pass and Lake Como in the vast panorama.

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After visiting the old ghost mining town of Animas Forks, the road lead us up Engineer Pass Rd to Mineral Springs.  Our lead jeep heading back down from the high country for much needed oxygen.

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Black Bear Pass to Imogene Pass

Posted on September 5. 2013 by Merilee

Ouray, Colorado

September 4, 2013

From our base camp in Ouray, Colorado, we drove to Black Bear Pass.  The elevation at the pass was 12,840 ft.  This is a view from Black Bear Pass and it feels like the top of the world.  The ride included amazing panoramic views, dramatic waterfalls and mine history.

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Here is a pic of our our new jeep friends Red, Dolly and Puff’s jeep on the ledge on the one-way ride down to Telluride.  Many of the very steep switchbacks required backing up to make the turn.

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Here is a view of the lower switchback on Black Bear Pass taken from Imogene Pass Rd. You can see the lower zigzags across the face of the mountain and Bridal Veil Falls.

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The view from Imogene Pass at 13,144 feet was very dramatic as the usual afternoon storms blew up the mountain.  This is the second highest drivable pass in Colorado.

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Here is a view from the pass as the road winds down the mountain and back to Ouray.  What a ride!

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Touring Morrow Point Reservoir

Posted on August 26. 2013 by Merilee

Montrose, Colorado

August 25, 2013

A seven mile boat tour on the Morrow Point Reservoir is a wonderful relaxing way to explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  Ranger Curt gave us informative talks on geological history, wildlife, rugged early inhabitants, the narrow gauge railroad, dams and reservoirs.  Rain kept threatening our trip but it did hold off till we tackled the mile hike and 232 steps back out of the canyon.

As the canyon walls tower above, the water flows from the dam as electricity is generated.

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Captain Orville on auto pilot  (I was worried he was napping.).

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Rain and snow clear dead trees and branches from the canyons walls to create driftwood on the reservoir.

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Yankee Boy Basin

Posted on August 24. 2013 by Merilee

August 23, 2013

Ouray, Colorado

The scenic ride up to Yankee Boy Basin at 12,300 ft of elevation was filled with historic landmarks and natural beauty.  At the trails end, a view of blue lake surrounded by 14,000 foot mountain tops and the fragile tundra ecosystem.  The fresh mountain air was cool and thin.  It was like a step back in time to pass the Atlas Mine, Camp Bird Mine, Thistledown Mine and Torpedo Eclipse Mill in the Uncompahgre National Forest.

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a view of the lovely twin falls.

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the black canyon

Posted on August 24. 2013 by Merilee

Montrose, Colorado

August 22, 2013

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a national treasure.  The words of geologist Wallace Hansen say it so well.  “Some are longer, some are deeper, some are narrower, and a few have walls as steep.  But no other canyon in North America combines the depth, narrowness, sheerness and somber countenance of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.”

The view from Tomichi Point

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The most amazing sight to me was the Painted Wall.  This is just the top of the 2,800 ft cliff.

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A ride down the 16% grade to the East Portal was filled with lovely Gunnison River landscapes.  Bring anything that floats or a fishing rod.

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triple crown burro races

Posted on August 11. 2013 by Merilee

Buena Vista, Colorado

August 11, 2013

Yes, I said burro races!  An event during the “Gold Rush Days” in Buena Vista features pack burro racing.  This is the final race of the triple crown. The race is a 13 mile event that crosses railroad tracks and the foot bridge over the Arkansas River.  It winds up into the hills and loops back into the finish line in town.  The serious runners must lead a burro loaded with 33 pounds of mining gear, including a pick and shovel on his saddle pack.

I perched above the river on a large granite rock to watch the racers run up the steep hill.  This is the first pack that were very serious about the race.

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The next group was having much more fun as she carried on a comical two way conversation with her burro.

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This is contestant #295 as displayed on his gold pan.  His runner was way behind him.

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Finally, this is Bessie.  She was in last place and did not want to cross the wooden foot bridge over the Arkansas River.  Her runner said “Come on, Bessie.  This is our chance to get out of last place.”  Have not laughed so hard to watch her dig her hoofs into the dirt .  A crowd pleaser for sure.

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Here is an early morning view of the Arkansas River from the river walk trail.  A wonderful hike…

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