Life in Colorado: July 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Another Post in the Blog (Part 1)

Today, I climbed Chief Mountain (11,709 Ft.). If it sounds familiar, I was here in August of 2007 with some friends. It is an easy, short hike near Evergreen. So it is quite close, and it is also a beautiful hike. It was nice to breathe in the thin air and enjoy the scenery. Five 14ers are visible from the summit.

Mt. Flora, where I hiked last week, is on the horizon above my head

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Dividing Line

I took a walk on the Continental Divide Trail today. I drove to Berthoud Pass, which is about an hour's drive from my place. From Berthoud Pass, I hiked up to Mt. Flora (13,132 Ft.) The mountain has two peaks. I went to them both, but I couldn't tell which one was higher. The hike was a round trip of about 5 miles. It was a pretty easy hike. Lots of sun and wind. Here are some pictures from the hike.

Looking back at Colorado Mines Peak & Berthoud Pass

On top of Mt. Flora. Looking at Mt. Flora's 2nd peak and a couple other 13ers

In the saddle between the peaks

Ethel Lake

The towns of Fraser and Winter Park. The Winter Park/Mary Jane ski slopes are visible. Lunch Rock can be seen as well.

Flowers & mountains

US 40 (The road to Winter Park)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Hail, Hail

There was a hail of a storm last night at my place. Around 10:15 - 10:30 P.M. last night, the skies unloaded. The trees were sideways and hail was smashing against my apartment. It was extremely loud. There had been all kinds of extreme weather in the Denver during the month of June, but it had missed my place for the most part. It didn't miss this time. Although other parts of town got it worse.

Hail that is piled up on my deck.

Hail below my deck and at my front door. The hail is about 2 inches thick down there

Left over hail on my deck the next morning

Left over hail the next morning. 10 hours after the storm.

It is 2:40 P.M. on Tuesday now. There are still some piles of hail in shady spots. It is a beautiful day. I think it just now reaching 70° F.

-MM

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Only Time Will Tell

The economy hasn’t been kind to me this year, but I decided to give myself a musical treat on Sunday despite my troubles. I went to the Yes/Asia show at the Paramount Theatre for some old guy rock. Asia had all of its original members. Even John Wetton who had heart surgery in 2007. Asia opened the show. Great set! Drummer, Carl Palmer, was mesmerizing. He is the best drummer that I have seen in person. The biggest surprise song of their set was their cover of “Video Killed the Radio Star”. Keyboardist, Geoff Downes, was one of The Buggles. Yes followed Asia, and Steve Howe played guitar for both groups. Not bad for a 62 year old. Yes has constantly changed band members during their 40 years as a band. They are currently performing with a singer that they found on YouTube. While his voice is pretty close to Jon Anderson (original lead singer), there is difference. He is not bad though. The benefit to having the new singer is that he will sing songs that Jon Anderson wouldn’t. I have seen Yes quite a few times over the years, so it was fun to hear songs that I haven’t heard live before. The other major change in the Yes line-up was with the keyboardist. Rick Wakeman, who is probably the fan’s favorite keyboardist for Yes (there have been a few), retired from touring. So his son, Oliver, has taken over as the latest keyboardist for Yes. Anyway, it was a fun show. I am glad I went.

As for today’s adventure, I hiked to Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake. The trailhead is accessed via the Guanella Pass Road. I got above 12,000 feet when I crossed the divide that separates the lakes. It was a beautiful hike. Lots of wildflowers. Round trip for the hike was about 6 miles. My knee bothered me a little bit on the way back. The good news is that my knee feels good now that I am home. Here are some pictures of the hike.