Camping Colorado: Twin Lakes Reservoir Family Edition

From The Web: Venture Out

Shot and edited in the winter of 2009 in collaboration with the Telluride Visitors Center, Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, Telluride Ski Resort and Telluride Mountainfilm in hopes of giving viewers a soulful, non-commercial look at the winter experience in Telluride. Filmed & edited by Ben Knight | Music by Explosions in the Sky

From The Web: Fly Fishing Texas' Gulf Coast

A great shot of Tyler Bowman along Texas' Gulf Coast from the Guys at Front Range Anglers, Boulder, CO.
Via Their Blog:
Flyfishing for Texas Redfish on the Cheap

Camping Colorado: Monarch Lake & Arapaho Creek

A small waterfall on the Monarch Lake trail.

Trailhead Location: From Granby take U.S. Highway 34 to County Road 6 (Forest Service Road, FSR 125 or Arapaho Bay Road). Follow this road for 10 miles to the Monarch Lake parking area.


Monarch Lake just outside the northwestern boundary of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Lake Statistics:

Area:	142 acres
Shoreline:	2.6 miles
Elevation:	8,340 feet
Maximum depth:	8 feet
Fish species:	Cutthroat trout
	Rainbow trout
	Brook trout
	Brown trout
	Arctic Grayling
	Sucker

A Canadian Geese family on the Arapaho Creek.


A Calypso Orchid off the Monarch Lake trail.


The remains of a "steam donkey" on the Monarch Lake Loop Trail.
Used in the late 1800's by loggers to haul logs out of the forest

Sweetgrass Productions from Hokkaido, Japan

via- SWEETGRASS PRODUCTION’S SIGNATURES
Every Turn Has it's Own Personality
Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan – June 11th, 2009

"After an entire winter of filming deep in the hardwoods of Hokkaido, Japan, the Sweetgrass family brings you Signatures, a story of expression, and the art of riding on snow. Every turn has a personality, and every personality has it's own unique style: the air, the turn, the spin, the grab, the laid-out cutback carve.
At the heart of this lovely tale of deep powder mystery: the seasons. In Japan there is a cultural connection to the different Signatures of our terrestrial home- a sense that the rhythm of fall, winter, spring, summer, influences the rhythm of the person, their energy, their style, and the lines they choose. Niseko local photographer Yoichi Watanabe explains, “As a photographer, the change in season brings a change of subject. I have to be ahead of this change in nature, like I have to be thinking about flowers before they actually bloom in order to capture what really goes on. I can say the same about the snow as well.”
Powder riding is only part of it. In spring we fire up the barbeque and laugh about the deliciously deep turns in January, about Matt Philippi spinning into the setting Japanese sun. We talk about Nick Devore and Will Cardamone cowboying 50 degree spines that only the local locals know about, about the the slough, the sounds, the snow, the tomahawk. We hike up in our t-shirts and breath deep, riding corn snow down to the waves of the Japan Sea. The trees bloom, and our bodies sink deep into lawn chairs under the heat of the spring sun. Between slurps of cheap beer, we mutter about the fly rod, about the 29er, about rivers, the cold water. We look up at lines that used to be buried under 20 feet of snow, now covered in bamboo and lush green. Every season has it's Signature, it's emotion, it's rhythm, and it's influence on the skiers, the riders, the surfers, the bikers, the boaters, and the fat tire crowd that call the mountain and sea home.

Signatures premiering Sept. 18th, 2009 in Montreal at IF3 Festival, on tour in the US, Canada, and Japan, and available on DVD this fall. www.sweetgrassproductions.wordpress.com and www.Sweetgrass-Productions.com for updates and the latest beat from the Sweetgrass family."

From the Web: Photographer, Andrew Curtis

Yellowstone from Andrew Curtis on Vimeo.

Favorite 6 seconds: 2:47-2:53

From the Web: Photographer, Tom Murphy

Winer in Yellowstone, by Tom Murphy.
via-www.lifeonterra.com
"Over the last 30 years Tom Murphy has ventured out into Yellowstone's winterscape to experience the ecosystems harshest of seasons. In part 1 of a series on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, join Tom Murphy as he journeys into the backcountry and communicates his insight into this special time of year. Tom's winter travels have allowed him to connect to this place in a unique and deeply meaningful way. His photographs and his philosophy convincingly argue that we must do all we can to ensure this place and its inhabitants continue to exist well into the future."

From The Web: National Geographic Photo of the day.

A Sunset at a CU game posted by Nat. Geographic Photo of the Day.

From The Web: Eastern Rises

Eastern Rises | teaser from felt soul on Vimeo.

Jaw dropping footage...Drooling puddles.
Favorite 5 seconds 3:28-3:33

From the Web: Photographer, R. Valentine Atkinson

Amazing imagery by R.Valentine Atkinson.

Camping Colorado: Twin Lakes Reservoir

Parry Peak (13500ft) just north of the Twin Lakes Reservoir transforms in the spring months.

Nestled between the headwaters of the Arkansas River and Twin Peaks mountain (13200ft) along CO HWY 82 lays the Twin Lakes Reservoir. Twin lakes Reservoir is two lakes connected by a small channel and surrounded by high mountain prairie. There are four campground clusters located north of the water, two boat dock, ample fishing, both lake and stream, plenty of peak bagging opportunities, including numerous 13ers a trail to Colorado's highest 14er, Mt.Elbert (14,440ft).
The area also includes a section of the famed Colorado Trail which stretches from Durango to Denver.


Nell chills by the lake and posses for a snapshot.
We rode the Colorado Trail section, then along the beach while the weather held on Day 1.

The Doors tune “LA Women” played early that morning while the ipod was on shuffle. We drank coffee and ate breakfast, it set the tone and tempo for day.

One of the best parts of the Campgrounds was the walk in site for tent camping only. These site usually attract a mellower crowd. They went unused on our visit. We have the site Ridge #36.

The surrounding snow capped peaks slowly melt and feed the numerous creeks and streams in the area. Eventually that water makes it's way to the reservoir which is murky and cold during this time. Bright lurkers and flies are recommended for anglers.

A Colorado Mountain Bluebird visits in the early morning hours.

A comfortable yurt sits next to the Twin lakes for traveler walking or riding the Colorado Trail. It was empty this week as the high country is undoubtedly still snow packed and difficult to travel with heavy packs....A Slushfest.

Nell reads excerpts of "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" (one of her favorite that shes read many times) aloud while the morning coffee steeps.

The new camper.

...well new for me anyway. The 1996 Thor Skamper 100SC.

Do you remember that part in Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, where the emperor informs Luke that the Death Star is "fully operational"?

The Skamper took its maiden voyage this memorial day weekend.

Rig Vitals: (according to the user manual)
Sleeps: 4
Length: 14'2"
Width: 7'4"
Height: 7'1"
floor length: 10'
UVW: 1410lbs
Wet Weight: 1849lbs (Full Systems)
Propane tank: 20 lbs (standard bbq tank)
Water Capacity: 25 Gallons
Grey water: 12 Gallons
Black water: 10 Gallons
Jacks: 4 manual

Equip with these Options:
AC/DC Power Converter 20-amp
3 Burner LPG stainless steel stove
Dometic 3 cubic foot Refrigerator(LPG/12volt/110volt)
16,000 BTU electronic forced air furnace w/Thermostat
Exterior shower
6-gal LPG water heater and water pump.


The interior.
A queen size bed hangs over the truck cab. While it is not the most comfortable queen size bed I've ever slept on... it is the most comfortable queen size bed I've slept on while "camping". It beats the ground and my Thermorest anyway. A lot of people call these kinds of campers cab-over campers for this reason. Others call them slide-in or pickup campers.

The layouts of these rigs are usually similar regardless of manufacturer and include a queen size bed, a twin or full size bed, a kitchen, a bathroom, a dinning table, storage and utility space.


The fold-out twin bed.
Sleeps one adult or two kids.(where they get "sleeps 4")

The Skamper's very capable kitchen.
The kitchen is getting outfitted with odds and ends.
Like Nell's Halloween mug, a thrift store tea kettle, countless work cafeteria silverware (from god knows where),rogue steak knifes,a second hand bbq set, can opener and cheese grader. Ancient dish towels, plastic salt and pepper shakers, melted spatulas, plastic plates, and hand-me-down kitchen keepsakes that will truly add to the magic of this little space.

Note: The three-way refrigerator/freezer using the propane source froze the chicken we had brought for BBQ night. I had set the internal thermostat too cold expecting the process to be relatively ineffective with propane. Was I wrong! How burning propane freezes and refrigerates.


This model has a small bathroom with a sink, a shower and a toilet (covered by dog beds).

The black water system in this unit is 10 gallons, hope to never fill it. While brushing my teeth, hand washing and even a Sunday night shower were great in this area, I can not imagine pinching one off in here. I mean the only thing separating you and your business from the rest of the camper is a thin vinyl wall, AND you have to deal with it later with emptying the tank. Maybe if I was alone or if it is snowing outside, but I will probably never use this feature.

Besides there is nothing like a brisk morning walk into the forest to dig a hole and relieve the being. It is one of the most rewarding parts of living in the backcountry, an experience that makes me feel connected to the earth and entirely human, with clunky flesh and venerability.

I love keeping in touch with my inner caveman.

From The Web: Lens

Lens, the new photojournalism blog by the New York Times.
I saw this today on my daily visit. I love these sorts of sites. They spark my creativity, humble my inner photographer and speak a thousand words.

A couple shots from this morning.

Colorado texture

A couple youngsters who visit in the early morning.

Going Home.

Chris stopped by with Kyha tonight so that I could say goodbye. She is leaving us this evening, an appoint with the vet is later tonight. She is going home.

Her condition has gotten to a point where the people that love her most made the call. Chris was noticeably somber. Thank you Chris for the opportunity.

Kyha gets steak and ice cream tonight as much as she can eat.

2009 ACL Stoke

From the Web: Danny MacAskill

Colorado Powder Day: Coal Creek Canyon

After the snow storm first 24 hours we had a little over 3 feet at the house...and it kept coming.
Colorado was hit by yet another huge snow storm leaving a grand total of 46 inches in Coal Creek Canyon in 3 days. The power went out after the first 12 hours of absolute blizzard conditions in the high country with trees snapping under the weight of the spring snow and pulling down power lines. I knew we would have to hunker down after a “reverse 911” call from the sheriff’s department declaring a state of emergency after the first day of snow. The message stated that roads would not be maintained and traveling should be limited to emergency situations only. The road crews, although top notch in the canyon, just could not keep up with the rate of accumulation.
The wood burning stove was literally our saving grace for almost three days. With no electricity the house was without forced air heat, water (electric well pump) and kitchen appliances. Nell and I cooked, melted snow for water, dried our snow gear, and maintained about 65 degrees house temperature just using the wood burning stove. That is not to say we were “roughing it”. In the picture above pork chops sizzles and asparagus steams to perfection, over the three days we also prepared on the stove: steamed prawn, Spanish rice, omelets and toast, egg sandwiches, chocolate covered bananas and of course coffee.


The morning hours of the storm, day 2. This sled was above the snow pack when it was parked the night before.

The fun is wasting the day on the snowmobiles in the neighborhood. Since the plows and road crews were on hold, we had all the roads to play on. Nell and I explored the sub divisions and discovered side roads and loops that I had not known about. We spent the day wearing out the dogs (they liked to chase the sleds), getting stuck and playing in the snow. After the second solid day of blizzard conditions the snow kept coming into the night.


The snow finally stopped in the morning hours of day 3 to bluebird skies and warmer temperatures (40+F).
It took the good part of the morning to dig out the vehicles and parts of the deck. The snow plows and heavy equipment arrived about noon to clear the roads. The magnitude of the storm could be seen by towering snow piles from the plows, the many down trees and ditched vehicles scattered throughout canyon.

Colorado's Peace of Art Cafe

Customers at the Peace of Art Cafe, Del Norte, Colorado. 2009
Photos: Nell
I had the lunch special of the day. It was a turkey Panini sandwich with roasted red peppers, red onion, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and a side of blue corn tortilla chips. The sandwich was toasted hot with the cheese melting into the roasted red peppers, the vegetable were crisp and cold. It was a robust sandwich with great taste and texture. Absolutely delicious and hit the spot for the drive home. I finished lunch with a small double mocha which was also very tasty with good milk foam, a perfect temperature and not too much chocolate sweetness.Well done Peace of Art Cafe, I have a feeling this will be a regular stop in our journeys to southern Colorado.

Cordwood and recycled Glass bottle construction.


Via Peace of Art Cafe.

Wine bottles and "standing-dead" Cottonwood trees in the walls.

Fishing Colorado: The Dream Stream.

From the guys at Front Range Anglers here in Boulder.

Colorado Powder Day: Wolf Creek

Sledding near tucker pond, 2009. There is a 600lbs Yamaha Apex in there somewhere.

Just days after I got my mountain bike tuned and oiled for the spring season it started to snow again in the Colorado Rockies. Thankfully so, the high country seemed eerily dry the last few weeks and I noticed the snow pack withering.
The latest storm cycle dumped on Wolf Creek Colorado; we received some 30+ inches in less than two days making for hip deep delight on the sleds.


Nell on her Polaris RMQ (Rocky Mountain Queen) slays the powder like never before; her first super deep day on a sled she handles with flying colors. Her riding is really progressing, her flow and comfort level on the machine is to a point where she is confident riding backcountry terrain.
Deep powder is a whole different experience on skis, a snowboard and/or a sled. One almost has to relearn things. It can be scary at first; the rider must make certain adjustments that are difficult to do initially.
Most powder hounds describe the adjustment as obtaining the feeling or flow to maintaining a speed faster than usual. This is necessary to achieve a cascade of momentum making it possible to glide atop the snow, instead of sinking into it. I've heard it described, "You just got to go for it."
If you can’t get there, deep snow is frustrating and exhausting, it will quickly sap your strength.
Ask any powder enthusiast, once you "Adjust or tune in", you’re hooked and no other conditions really compare.
"It is why we are out here."




Little Ez was along for the trip. Although too young to shralp the powder he was amazed at seeing bubbles for the first time.

From The Web: JonesExperience

via Jeremy Jones
Favorite 3 seconds-> 2:54-2:57

Colorado Backcountry: NOCO Slay day

JP does his signature tail butter. I call it "The Rodeo".
It is always a good day on the ski hill when there is utter mayhem and carnage on the way there. An upslope storm cycle (my favorite kind of storm cycle) just hammered the front range before the weekend. These snow storms send traffic into chaos plucking the unfortunate or sometimes ill prepared commuter. Only the hearty are out in conditions like these.
Our commute up to northern part of the state was a labyrinth of ditched rigs, fender benders, serious accidents; one accident involved 6-7 vehicles and continuous in-cab defrost. The white knuckle drive included some fierce ice and snow pack that made for slow going, tedious driving. The worst of leaving town.
Our motivation was skies that continued to clear as winds calmed into the morning hours, the storm cycle which stared only two days before and was brutal, leaving feet of snow, losses grip and its bounty(~30+ inches powder) there for the harvest.

This Pringles right here Manie.

JP liftoff.

Jordan rockets.

Jay with helmet cam slashes.

Bennie and sled in a tree well.


By the time we got back to the trucks, done sledding and snowboarding for the day it felt like spring again. Blue bird skies and the snow pack had melted off the truck into that black pile of slush that forms under the wheel wells. The parking lots were muddy and flowing with snow melt. Somebody said "man that is some muddy water".
Today was anything but Double Trouble.

Snow Day 2009; 2 feet in 12 hours.

text to come...

Colorado Pottery: A watercolor dish

A Trax Jordan original piece. This watercolor dish holds different size brushes and has a reservoir of 3 cups. It's oval in shape and about 7 inches long with blue and light green glazing.