Twin Peaks Hike...October 31, 2015

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and places to pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul."  John Muir

It had rained 2 3/4 " over the last two weeks here at my home.  That's almost unheard of for this country.  So, unlike my fellow hardy northwest hikers, I am not used to going out hiking in the rain.  I'll do it though as a last resort.  But, this day was not rainy.  However, it had snowed much more than I thought in the mountains.  I decided to take a jaunt up Twin Peaks, just to keep the juices flowing and scratch my hiking itch.  The view across the valley was a winter wonderland.

Things were looking good.  Only a few inches on the lower part of the trail.

Unfortunately, the higher I went the deeper it got.  Since this trail is fairly steep, I was beginning to wonder if this was going to work.  Oh well, if not it would still be better than sitting at home.

It didn't take long to recognize that things were getting too slippery to go on.  I'd been going to get a pair of microspikes for just such occasions but unfortunately had not done so yet.  Though I was hanging onto trees and trying to stay upright, it just wasn't working.  After several falls, I decided it wasn't worth injuring myself and possibly ruining future outings.  So, I turned around shortly after this.

It was much nicer on back down the trail and I completely enjoyed myself!

Just before the switchbacks back down, I couldn't resist a shot of my pickup parked below.  It's white and is dead center in the photo.  I had a great time in God's outdoors! PTL

 

Sneffels Overlook Hike October 9, 2015

Well, this is going to be a lengthy post I believe.  I've been all over this country where this trail is, but have never ventured up this one.  It will now rank near the top of my favorite places to hike.  I've walked past the branch for this trail many times going up into Blaine Basin.  I never took this one as I thought that it was only a hike in the trees, with no chance for mega-views like I prefer.  Boy was I wrong.  This was a perfect day - the weather was cool, the colors were changing, the tourists were gone, and there was no chance for thunder bumpers.  It doesn't get any better than that!

The sunrise was fantastic.  What stunning scenery.  Who can believe there is no God?

The sunrise was soooo good that I almost forgot I was up here to hike!  I'm not a very good photographer, but nobody could mess this up.

Sunrise on Mt. Sneffels.  Thank you Lord for sights like this.

Just more incredible beauty!

Headed up the trail.  Cirque Mountain in the background.  There are several log crossings over the creek.  It was frosty and slick on those rocks and logs.  I had to "shimmy" across stradling the logs.  Made for a cold damp backside.  But the alternative would have been colder and wetter!

Love that moss that is changing colors by the creek.

Still hiking up the trail.  I was just in awe of the beauty.

Trails like this just make me want to hike, hike, and hike some more.

X marks the spot.

As if what I'd already seen wasn't enough, the Sneffels Overlook was icing on the cake.  I stayed up there for over an hour just soaking in the beauty of God's creation.

Whoa, what a blessing to have eyes that see, legs that are strong, a heart and lungs made for high places - and a Father God who made it all!

What magnificent grandeur!  In the upper left out of the picture is Mt. Ridgway.  I've also seen this view from up there.  That reminds me that I need to get a post up on that hike.

Well, as beautiful as Sneffels Overlook was, all good things must come to an end....at least in this world.  One more glimpse of Sneffels through the trees on the way down.

A few clouds built up as I got back to my pickup.  But, no thunder or lightning - just more and more "eye candy".

I wonder if those horses know how privileged they are???  Pinch me to make sure this isn't a dream.

The parting shot on the way back down the road.  I was just praising the Lord for another beautiful day in His creation and for giving me memories that will last the rest of my life!

Soap Creek Outing 10/3/2015

It had been many years since I had been up Soap Creek.  There wasn't much of a campground up there then.  So, Joann and I decided to check it out.  Plus, I wanted to see about a couple hiking trails up there that I'll return to next summer.

It was a great place to build a fire and roast some hotdogs.

While I was down by the creek messing around, this squirrel paid Joann a visit up by the camp fire.

The colors weren't in full swing but good enough.

End of one season, and beginning of another.  I love fall, but really hate to see summer go....mainly because the hiking trails will soon be covered with snow.

The creator was sure starting to put on a show.  What an artist He is!

Mule deer doe posing for me.

It was another fantastic outing in God's creation.  Praise the Lord!