Tree Planting at our new home

Today is the day to plant some trees in our yard.  We have been in our new home for almost one year now.  We had sod laid before we moved in but there are no trees for shade in the yard.  We wanted to break up the yard with plantings, but had not decided what to do yet.  This week we shopped for trees at the local nursery.  We chose a Sensation Box Elder Maple that will be red for almost 10 months of the year and a viburnum.  Holes were dug yesterday and trees were picked up today.  Peter did the honors of planting.  We will be getting more to go along the neighbor's fence line in a couple of weeks.

Sunday in June

Peter awoke early this morning.....3AM to be exact with plans to leave the house by 4AM.  Today is the day that he and Doug (along with 2 other friends) will be taking an all day hike/climb to Mt. Bierstadt.  Mt. Bierstadt's elevation is 14,060'  It is in the Mount Evans Willderness area and 2 miles west of Mt. Evans (a popular tourist area where one can travel by vehicle to almost the top.)
Mt. Bierstadt can be seen when taking Guanella Pass from Georgetown along Interstate 70.

This hike/climb is preparation for their August trip to the top of Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Peter has wanted to do this for some time and it is good that he is getting the opportunity to do it along with Doug and Heidi.

So this morning he left for his day long hike.  The weather in Fort Collins is delightful.  In the mid 70's with the sun shining.  He packed his winter clothing and has plans to use snow shoes if necessary.  What a difference a few thousand feet make weatherwise.

Needless to say, I stayed home and opted to go for a long walk in the nice weather.  I headed west along a gravel road and quickly realized that I had forgotten my water.  Not a good idea with the temps and the warm breezes blowing.  Every time a car passed, I had to turn my head to avoid a mouthful of grit.  No singing on this walk.  Content enough to listen to my I-Pod and "Car Talk".  Tom and Ray are good walking companions and make the journey go easier. 

Today is a day to catch up on household things to do, plan for our June and July trip and generally relax.  Peter will be home late this evening with sore muscles, many pictures and stories to share. 

Prospect Ponds Hike

Today we headed to Prospect Ponds for a hike/geocaching adventure. The area is about 10 minutes South of our home. It is a natural area that is popular to hikers/walkers/bikers/dogs.
We took advantage of the cooler weather in the morning to head out. By the time we were done, it was getting very warm and we were glad to head home to cool off.

The first part of our day took us on an easy hike around the ponds. We found the cache easily, signed the log and headed back to get our next cache. The next one was about 1.5 miles from the first so we chose to drive part of the way. We parked at the CSU Environmental Learning Center.

Leaving the parking lot, we walked across a swinging bridge. Of course Peter had to be the funny man and shake the bridge as I was going over. Hmmmmm! Children! Do they ever grow up?! Let's hope not.

We followed the trail to get to the next multi cache at the south end of the Center. Along the way we came across fields of phlox being munched on by deer. Deer that were so used to humans, that they stood still (for a bit) to have their pictures taken. We continued on. Arrived at the coordinates and began our search. We had to get through some high grasses and swat a couple of dozen mosquitoes, but Peter's eagle eyes spotted the clue! It gave us coordinates to the 2nd part of the cache. We again went off trail for a bit and headed toward the La Poudre River. The water was high and flowing rapidly. Spring thaws have brought a lot of water down from the mountains. We found the cache, signed the log and returned to the parking area. There was one more in the area, but we chose to leave that one for another time. We went home to clean up and get some bug lotion for our bites. Another great day enjoying the great outdoors. What a joy it is to live in an area where all of this beauty is nearby and just waiting to be found!

Visitors from Wisconsin

This week our dear friends Paul and Maris Fried stayed with us in Fort Collins, Colorado. They drove one thousand miles to visit and spend time together. We had the opportunity to show them around the Front Range and do some hiking in the Poudre Canyon. They joined us seeking out geocaches in town and in the surrounding regions.




Paul and Peter took the hike to the top of Horsetooth Rock and Renée and Maris hiked the trail to Horsetooth Falls.

Paul was able to complete a Earthcache with information he gained from signage at the top of the Rock.

The Rock overlooks the City of Fort Collins to the north.

Paul and Maris' visit to Colorado

In May 2011, Paul and Maris drove from Milwaukee to visit us.
During their visit with us, we introduced them to our surroundings as well as our newest hobby...geocaching.

On one of the first days they were here, we took them for a drive north and Wwest of Fort Collins on a road that runs along the Poudre River and through the canyon.  No matter what time of the year we head out in this direction there always seem to be new sites to see.  On this trip, we noticed that the river was beginning to swell.  Rafters were enjoying the exciting ride.

Our goal for the day was to head about 20 miles west to pick up 3 new caches that had been placed in the canyon along the road.  The first one had us (not Renee) climbing down the steep slope in search of the elusive cache.  We never did find this one and actually have been back since with no luck as well.  Giving up on that one for the moment, we headed back east to pick up the remaining 2 and have our lunch.  Success!  Both were found in record breaking time.  We had our lunch along the river and headed back to town.  Along the way, we were all treated to a small grouping of Big Horn Sheep that had progressed down from the mountains to feed on the new grasses.  Great photos.

Reconnecting with Family

Wednesday morning we rose slowly. Sue and Tony still had to rearrange their personal clock for mountain time.

Following breakfast and of course the puzzles, we started to look through old pictures that had been stored in a trunk for many years. These were a mixture of pictures from Grandma and Grandpa Skiba, Sister Gabriella etc. They had at one time been in Grandma & Grandpas house. When their house was sold, we became the keepers of these memories. It was time to share with other family members who would appreciate these mememtos. Peter & Sue took charge of sorting out the pictures, and putting them into different envelopes for siblings and cousins. Sue and Tony will bring them with them when they return home. Some will be dropped off in Albuquerque on their visit later in the week to see John & Pat. John & Pat moved from Milwaukee in Spring of 2010. Seems like the entire Skiba clan is moving away from Milwaukee. Can Sue and Tony be far behind?

Weather had warmed by noon and looked to be a delightful day. We headed West a couple of miles to explore one of Fort Collins' Natural sites. Our hike was to be in conjunction with discovering a couple of caches along the way. We figured we must have put in about 4 miles traipsing up and down the trails, fighting the weeds, the brambles, crossing the river a couple of times........

When the outdoor escapade was completed we headed into Old Town Fort Collins for a treat. What better place to go then Ben & Jerry's? Peter & I were able to find a wonderful smoothie that was dairy free while Sue and Tony indulged themselves with some ice cream. It was even warm enough by then to sit in the square and enjoy our treat. But we couldn't go home yet....oh no! One more cache to find a couple of blocks from where were sitting! Euraka! That completed, we headed home for dinner and news and a game of Dominoes.

A delightful day. Tomorrow we head to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program

Peter and Renée visited the Environmental Learning Center while geocaching in Fort Collins on Wednesday. They noticed that the were fenced in enclosures on the premises that had wild birds of prey within. Pretty cool wild birds!

Two geocaches remained to be found when we quit for the day. We returned on Thursday and found the caches on the trails nearby. When we returned to the parking area we noticed some volunteers near the enclosures with something flapping huge wings. As we approached we saw that the flapping wings belonged to a golden eagle that we learned was ill and unable to fend for itself in the wild. It is being kept and trained as an educational ambassador for the Program. We were treated to a special opportunity to learn about this eagle and about the Program which has a rich and successful history. Originally linked to the University (CSU) it was spun off and now has a home of its own right here in Fort Collins. Volunteers travel the State with the birds and provide educational opportunities for lots of folks. They treat and release raptors like eagles, owls, hawks and falcons. Since 1979 the have cared for over 5,000 injured raptors.

64th birthday celebration

This January 14th marked the 64th birthday of Peter. This is momentous because it is Peter's first birthday celebrated in Colorado and the first time it was celebrated with all members of his immediate family. Andy and Tara and the girls traveled from Lander and stayed the weekend and Doug and Heidi joined us on Saturday. A wonderful Packers victory was another gift.

The dining room table was twice surrounded with smiling faces admiring birthday cake complete with lit candles, once on Friday and again on Saturday.

Time was spent with granddaughters, Hailey and Emily, playing at the playground and on the living room floor.

Time was also spent with sons, Doug and Andy, being introduced to frisbee golf.

Renée planned the event and was instrumental in pulling off it off.

The girls helped Peter open gifts of a rust colored shirt, slippers to replace my holey ones and a new chalk bag for climbing. Andy and Tara hid their gift before returning to Lander.

First Winter Hike

Fort Collins has wonderful Natural Areas that are both supported and patronized by the citizens of the city. The Gateway Natural Area was the spot I chose to explore, hike and photograph. Historically this site functioned as a water treatment facility that outlived its original usefulness. This spot is where the North Fork and the Cache La Poudre River meet.

I took a short and steep hike up the Black Powder Trail to the summit of 5800 feet. The trail runs up a rock and dirt trail through ponderosa pine, rocks and grasses. The dam creating the Seaman Reservoir is visible along the upper reaches of the hike. There is evidence of past fire with the charred tree bark and trees fallen and burned.

The water of the North Fork River flows out of the Seaman Reservoir to the north and joins the Cache La Poudre at the Park Area. There is a parking area with restrooms available.

It appears that trout fishermen try their hands year round stalking their version of rainbows.

In Search of Moose

On Friday, Oct 22nd we decided to take Hwy 14 from Fort Collins and head west along the Poudre Canyon. We had taken this twice before when we went to Steamboat Springs, but this day was intended to be a leisurely trip to catch the last golden hues of fall and a few moose grazing.

We were not disappointed along the way. The colors were obviously less than a couple of weeks ago, but what remained was brilliant.

Our destination for the day was to be Walden, Co (the moose capitol of the US). We had seen moose in the area before so we hoped we would again be lucky enough to catch sight of a few (or even one!). Alas, it was not to be so. No moose in the area today. We stopped several times for some geocaching along the way and our last stop for the day was to Cameron Pass TH. By the time we arrived there the snow was just beginning to fall gently. Along the trail, it began to come down heavier. The quiet in the woods was wonderful. All you could hear was the snow pellets off our hats and coats. We gave up for the day and headed back home. Perhaps the moose had been warned of our imminent approach? We will try again.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Peter & I got off to a very early start this morning. Alarm went off at 4AM. Our plan was to get to RMNP for a sunrise. We arrived at about 6:30AM. Drive into the park was uneventful....no large animals in the roadways! Arrived in the park before the staff was there to check us in. Our plan was to look for elk today, photograph a sunrise and do some geocaching.

Initially went to Bear Lake for the sunrise. On the way up to that point we first came across some wonderful glistening frost on the low lying plants. As we progressed farther up, the frost turned to snow. Lovely to look at with the aspen trees still glowing their beautiful golden hues. There were about 4 other cars in the parking lot when we arrived. One was covered with snow so we presumed that the occupant (s) had spent the nite up higher on an overnite hike.

Peter proceeded to walk to Bear Lake along with another photographer who arrived at the same time. Said the water was not calm, so not terrific for reflections, but still beautiful with the recent snowfall.

Sunrise at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park


Sunrise showing alpenglow at Bear Lake a few minutes after the initial shots.


Large bull elk taking a rest. Alone. Before or after his harem duties???!!!

As our car was almost empty of fuel, we then headed back to Estes Park to refuel the car and ourselves. We stopped for breakfast at a small restaurant called "The Other Side". Hearty breakfast of shared Denver Omelet, Blueberry Pancakes and coffee.

Following breakfast we decided to do some geocaching in the area. I had looked up about 10 places the night before. We were ready. We found all but one. Perhaps it had floated down the river or been taken by someone? Will never know. But the places we did get to were interesting.

Left this morning when the temperature was a mere 28 degrees and returned to Fort Collins where it was 70 degrees! What a pleasant way to spend a fall day!

First Fridays

Last nite Peter & I had a chance to go to First Friday Art Walk in Fort Collins.
Was an enjoyable evening. Good to talk with other artists and see what is happening in the local art world.
Pleasantly warm and many folks were outside eating their meals. CSU marching band was strolling downtown entertaining those looking at art.

Return to Fort Collins

We left Steamboat Springs this morning and returned home to Fort Collins.
Passed Rabbit Ears Pass on the way. Stopped at the State Forest State Park.
Area is known for their moose, but unfortunately they did not show themselves for us!

Arrived home, washed the filthy van and drove to Golden to have dinner with Doug and Heidi and deliver a chair. Home late.

Cold

I am spending the day trying to fight off this miserable summer cold. Not sleeping well at night.
Peter is off doing errands before he heads to Doug & Heidi's for the night. They will be starting off very early tomorrow morning to do their hike on Quandry Peak. Over 14,000 ft. I can't even begin to think about that! Way beyond me. But he is anxious to do it.

Kingfisher Ponds

On Friday morning we set out about 9AM and headed South on Timberline Road to get to our new hiking destination for the day. We are trying to do at least one different hike each week. We stopped across the road from the Riverbend Ponds that we went to earlier in the week. This one seemed to be mostly paved and suitable for when we wanted to return with our bikes.

As we followed the pathway we noted the tremendous amount of grasshoppers in the walkway and in the fields. Constant movement underfoot. Perhaps this is why they are crop dusting in the area? We continued on the pathway until we came to the information building. We picked up a few more maps and informational booklets (can never have too many of these!) and began our return trip. This part of the trip was a bit more interesting than the first half as we went past the Kingfisher Ponds. We saw a kestrel hawk sitting in a tree chirping away. No camera. Will have to come back with camera in hand one of these days.

Very hot morning, so we were both happy to return to our car that unfortunately was parked in the sun.

We headed North again and stopped at a furniture store to look at some new furniture for our new home. Ended up choosing a new dining room table and chairs, an entertainment center and a server/hutch. We plan on returning to choose the sofa and chairs at a later date. Soon our home will have comfortable chairs to sit on. We will then be ready for company.

Tonite we will have dinner and watch a movie. Peter is headed out to Quandry Peak tomorrow to do his first 14er with Doug, Heidi and some of their friends. Sure he will take some pictures along the way that we can post.

Riverbend Ponds

On Wednesday morning Peter & I ventured out to a new area to take a morning hike before it became too hot and before the afternoon rains came.

We headed a bit south from home and parked at the trail head of Riverbend Ponds.
Reading the brochure before leaving home, we found that Riverbend Ponds offers a lot of diversity with a stretch along the Poudre River, several ponds and wetlands.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks the ponds with warm-water species (usually largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish). Birders enjoy Riverbend Ponds- over 200 species of birds feed, rest, nest, and migrate through this area including green herons, a wide variety of ducks, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and others. On our walk we were privileged to see several ducks, geese and a great blue heron who was looking for a morning bite to eat. Riverbend Ponds have flat trails with loop options and we passed several other walkers along the way.
We do intend to go back to the area again and again at different times of the day and in different seasons.

Crop Dusters

Woke up to crop dusters flying low over our home this morning. 6AM.
New alarm clock?

Red Wing Marsh

We took a drive west to Red Wing Marsh tonite. Took a 30 minute walk around the area. Found a fisherman trying his hand at catching bass --- no luck.
Looks like a great place to explore in the early spring.
Will be back.
Many red wing black birds singing in the weeds.

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

On Monday evening, we decided to explore one of the Open Space areas in the Fort Collins Area. We drove about 25 miles southwest to the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area for a short walk and hopefully a great sunset. Area closes at sunset so we knew we had limited time for this walk.

The drive to the Natural Area took us on a road that led around the perimeter of Horsetooth Reservoir. Very beautiful. A busy area of boaters and campers. We put on our long sleeves, sprayed on the bug repellent and set off down the trail. Either the repellent worked or there were no mosquitoes here at all. We lucked out! Good paths to walk on and someplace we will definitely come back to in the future when we have more time to explore.

A bright full moon led us home! Beautiful orange in color. No camera available so you will have to use your imaginations.
However, we do have these pictures to share of the Natural Area.

Another drive home to Colorado

On Saturday, July 24th, we started out early from the "Fried's B & B" in Waukesha and headed to Oak Creek to drop off some moving straps that we had borrowed from Jason W. Also wanted to see if he needed any help because of the heavy rainfall the night before. He said the family was doing ok even though they had lost power temporarily.
Basement flooding - a real problem sometimes.

We took off for Colorado about 8:30AM and our destination for the evening was somewhere around Omaha, NE. Not knowing what was planned in Omaha, we did not know if there would be rooms available. Instead of taking our "normal" route heading South and West along 43, 39 and then HWY 80 we decided to take a more scenic route for a change. This came about because of a discussion we had with the Fried's the night before as to how they came back to MKE the last time they were in Colorado. The route along 151 and 20 proved to be much more scenic and great for a diversion.

We listened to an audio book on the way (Peter did and I napped off and on. Always waking up when something important happened! Peter did fill me in). Only made stops for the bathrooms, water, ice, coffee and gas along the way. Made good time and arrived in the Omaha area around 6PM. As we began checking motels for a place to stay that night, we soon found that there were several major activities planned for the weekend and we would find it very difficult to find accommodations. We plugged in motels on our GPS in nearby locations and came up with Goodman, NE. Very small town with not much going on. We were tired, hungry and did not care at that point, so we took the room. Stopped at the local cafe for a bite to eat before hitting the bed.

Took off early on Sunday morning hoping to arrive back home in Colorado by mid afternoon. Weather was much cooler than our last trip making the drive more pleasant. We continued to listen to our book....this time I stayed awake! Arrived home by 4PM and unloaded our van. Looking for something cold to drink, we opened the freezer to get some ice only to find that the freezer/refrigerator was not working! We called management and were told that we would have to wait until Monday to check on a repair. Luckily we still had our other freezer stored in the garage, so we plugged that in and put our foodstuffs in there. Better freezing it than having it spoil I guess!

Monday came with a repairman. But we were told that he did not service our brand, we would have to get service from Sears. Another call to management told us that we would have to wait until Thursday afternoon to get it repaired. We were not happy to say the least, and after another call we were told that they could come out on Tuesday morning. That they did! And now we have a working refrigerator/freezer. Headed out to the store to replenish our larder. So much fun in 2 days!