Colorado Rockies vs. Chicago Cubs

July 30, 2010 We've had a great week with Ben and Myka. They fixed a very tasty pasta dinner for us one evening, a real treat. We also had some spirited games of Farkle and Apples to Apples. This was the last day for them at the cabin. We capped the week off with attendance at the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs baseball game in Denver. We rode the light rail to the stadium, which sure beats fighting game traffic. There seemed to be as many Cubs fans as Rockies fans - it made for a great atmosphere. However, the Rockies issued a severe beatdown to the Cubs, 17-2, and in doing so set several team records. Eleven straight hits and 12 runs scored in the eighth inning. Fun game for a spectator (unless you are a Cubs fan). We sure hate to have to take our kids back to the airport today, but are looking forward to future road trips with them.

Georgetown Railroad

Most of our fishing opportunities were dashed by unusual rainy days and nights. So we filled in the days with shopping and sightseeing. We decided to take the Georgetown Loop railroad ride. After having taken a train trip through the Royal Gorge Canyon previously, the Georgetown trip was disappointing. Although the scenery was very nice,the trip did not offer anything unusual or differing from what could be observed from the highway. In fact, the ride was 15 minutes to Silver Plume, sit idle at the station there for 30 minutes, and then 15 minutes return on the same track as the ascent. But, with Ben and Myka along, we had an enjoyable day nevertheless.

Snowball??

For the past few years, we could always count on a visitor at the cabin every evening around dinner time. We missed her the first couple of nights, but last night after dinner was finished, we heard her calling us. We were happy to see her and know she was OK. "Snowball" is the given name from one of the group sometime back - we don't know her real name, but know that she permanently resides a couple of cabins down the road. We will have to be sure to save some table fare for her for the rest of our time here.

Eleven Mile Canyon

July 26, 2010 Another of the can't miss destinations in South Park. The scenery, wildlife, and fishing draw us back year-after-year. This time was particularly good for fishing. Ben and I hooked many quality fish - not all were landed because these are spunky wild fish that rocket across the stream when they feel the hook. The best fish, a 16" wild brown trout, got away before we got the picture - I had been working to remove two other flies that remained from a previous break-off, and was too concerned with getting the fish back in the water so did not have him secured long enough for the photo. Charlcie and Myka were very patient to stay on the bank and read while Ben and I were involved with the fishing. So tomorrow is shopping day.

Evening Trip up to Weston Pass

July 25, 2010 We did go up a pass, but in the truck.! Those of you that have been out here will recognize many of the photos. An evening trip up Weston Pass is a favorite of ours for the scenery, wildlife, and the serenity. Making this jaunt just never gets old – as with most places out here, depending on the weather, time of day, time of year, etc., the scene never repeats itself. A bluebird family in the old log structure (the favorite photo op spot) was an extra treat this time.

Get your Ass Up the Pass: Burro Days!

July 25, 2010 We picked Ben and Myka up at the Denver Airport yesterday and we are excited they are here with us for the upcoming week! We are going to try to cram in a lot of fun activities this week. We started off right with the 62nd annual Burro Days, right here in Fairplay. The highlight of the week-end event is a Pack Burro race from Fairplay to Mosquito Pass and back, a grueling run that involves a human running with a tethered burro on highways and jeep trails for at least 5 hours. And for those familiar with Mosquito Pass, we’re talking a steep mountain with a summit of approximately 12,000 feet. The official slogan of the week-end is “Get your Ass up the Pass”. We didn’t, but we did get to pet some asses……as well as enjoy the parade, the 140 arts and crafts vendors, and the food tents. This small town comes alive for this week-end.

Ben and Myka's 2nd: July 19, 2010

We miss them but are looking forward to celebrating with them when they are with us out here next week!

Ultra-Cool Library

When looking for wi-fi availability now, we bypass the coffee shops and eating establishments. We are now going to the local libraries - they are free, welcoming, relaxing, and unrushed. As a bonus, some have very pleasing interiors. The photos here are of the Carbondale, Colorado library. Of course fish are favored subjects, but this hanging display was just too cool.

Show-off Aspen and a hole in the sky

Things noticed while immersed in total stress-free idle-brained state-of-mind: A curious pattern on a young aspen and a hole in the sky. Having watched no Television except for a game and a half of world cup soccer, we are rewarded with seemingly extra-long days that aren't sucked away in 30-minute segments of mostly nothing worth recalling - and we have time to notice those holes in sky. Are we having fun!

Ruedi Reservoir

Ruedi Reservoir: The Fryingpan River fills it, and continues below the dam. Flyfishing above and below the dam, boating and sailing in the reservoir, and camping, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing all around. We happened to be passing by on Sunday, when the Aspen Yachting Club was having sailing races; an event we don't understand, but a pretty sight as viewed from above. Their scheduling was perfect - this was the only day we observed conditions perfect for sailing. Otherwise, the large motorboats rule the lake and waterskiing is the sport of choice. A perfect setting for any endeavor.

Evening trip to Hagerman Pass

We didn't make it the full 14 miles to the summit, but did make over 9 miles on this Forest Service dirt road that at its widest might be 1 1/2 car widths - no guard rails. If we were Colorado residents, we would have to have a dependable jeep to explore the countless 4-wheel drive back roads out here. Well, might have to have a mild dose of Valium to overcome the anxiety associated with sheer drop-offs on many of these. Notice in some of the pics, we are above the power lines that run over the mountain.

We're lichen our campground!

The scattered boulders with all the colors, textures provide nice surrounding to our campsite. Did I mention that it doesn't take much to entertain us?