Hoover Dam

Given the warm temperatures predicted for the area and despite the possibility of large crowds at the Hoover Dam on a Sunday, we chose to check out the historical landmark.

We drove from Las Vegas and headed South through the town of Boulder City and on to the Dam along with many, many other visitors. We stood in line, had our picture taken, went through the scanner and then on into the heart of the dam. There were 2 tours to choose from. We opted for the briefer one that began with a short video show depicting the history of the Hoover Dam. We then boarded an elevator for a 500 foot descent to get an up close look at the power plant generators housed at the base of the dam. Some of the cranes inside the Dam were made in Milwaukee at the PH Harnischfeger Corp. We were also able to see and walk through the original diversion tunnels and stand atop a giant 30 foot pipe where we could feel the rumble of the Colorado River racing below us.

After being inside we walked around the outside to a site that overlooked Lake Mead, the country's largest man-made reservoir. Lake Mead can store up to 9.2 trillion gallons of water. We stopped for a bite to eat at the local deli and then went outside again to get our car. We drove a short distance to another parking area where we could view and walk over the newly completed Hoover Dam Bypass. The Bypass was begun in late Jan. 2005 and completed on Oct 19, 2010. It spans the Black Canyon and connects the Arizona and Nevada highways nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River.

It was a very windy day when we chose to walk across the Bypass. As Renee does not like heights or bridges that tend to sway, she had some hesitation and walked on the inner most side of the walkway. After a few moments however she knew the bridge was stable and she walked to the other end taking pictures as she went along. Peter also took many pictures (all of the ones posted here are credited to him. Both enjoyed the site very much. These are just a few of the many pictures that we took on that day.


Inside the Dam.

On the outside, overlooking Lake Mead and the original visitor's center.

Before our walk over the Hoover Dam Bypass - Mike O'Callaghan and Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Overlooks Lake Mead and the Dam and spans an area between Arizona and Nevada.


Peter standing in approximately the middle of the bridge looking down at Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.

A look at Lake Mead and the Dam from atop the Hoover Dam Bypass.


After completing the walk across the bridge and arriving back on the Nevada side.

Doug's Birthday

On Sunday Oct 24th, Doug turned 39!
Wow! How did that happen when we weren't looking?

Peter & I met Doug, Heidi and their friend Tom at a climbing gym in Thornton, Co.
Peter had not been climbing for some time so it was a time for a refresher course.
Doug also showed Tom the "ropes" of climbing.
And of course Doug showed us all what a fast monkey he is climbing up those walls.
Peter was not far behind.

Enjoyable morning.


Peter, Tom & Doug scaling the walls.


The family after the climbing.

Flat Tops Wilderness Area

Drove south from Steamboat Springs this AM.
Destination - Flat Tops Wilderness.
We rediscovered Cold Springs Campground. Took photos here last year that were sold for the Columbia/St. Mary's Hospital project in Milwaukee.

Along the way we came across sheep grazing near Stillwater Reservoir.

Did a short hike to Smith Lake and took pictur4es of the Devil's Causeway.
Sheep were all around us.
Great!

Fish Creek Falls

On Sunday, Sept. 5th we drove a short distance out of town to Fish Creek Falls. We had been to this same trail in 2009.
Renée walked up the paved route to the Falls and then back to the car to read and watch other hikers in the parking lot. It was a busy day there as the weather was beautiful and it was Labor Day weekend. Parking spots were at a premium!

Peter to the longer trail with the intention of getting to Long Lake. He tried this a year ago but only got as far as the upper falls. A local along the way suggested using the "Hike the Boat" for good places to hike and explore.
Peter followed the trail about 6+ miles to Long Lake Reservoir, a water source for the town of Steamboat Springs. He traveled through a marshy area and got his boots full of mud. Met mountain bikers along the way riding down the path either from Dumont Lake or from Buffalo Pass. Long hike, but happy he made it.

Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Rose very early on Monday morning.....3:30AM to be exact.....and headed out to RMNP hoping to be there in time for a sunrise. We arrived so early that no one was even at the gates when we passed through. We drove to the part where we had seen elk before and were treated to a large herd grazing and drinking from the river. Of course it took time to set up the tripods etc, so by the time that was done, they had moved farther on up the field. Did get a couple of pictures of the sunrise. The best part of this sunrise was the fog bank that hung over the field.

As the elk moved on, we moved on as well. Getting so good at following them. Just observing their behaviors is a thrill. We even heard a little bugling before we left that spot.

Our main destination for the day was to do a hike near Bear Lake. The plan was for Renee to hike around Bear Lake while Peter headed farther up the mountain range. His goal for the day was to reach Lake Haiyaha. We both began at 7am at the parking lot. Peter going one way and I going the other. We had our walkie talkies on hand to stay in touch. We began at an elevation of 9475'. My walk was only an elevation gain of 20' and easy enough for me. Stopped many times to take pictures around the lake. Wonderful reflections and a perfect time of the day as the path was not littered with other hikers. About 1/2 around, it began to rain and the look completely changed. No reflections. Water very unsettled.

After my walk, I went back to the car and had a granola bar and sat and read for a bit knowing that Peter would still be several hours longer in his hike. While waiting, the hikers came in waves being dropped off by the shuttle bus. No more peaceful walk around the lake. I was glad I started early.

As the day progressed, so did Peter and he kept me informed by walkie talkie. He hiked first to to Nymph Lake (about 1/2 mile) and then on to Dream Lake (another 1/2 mile). Elevation at this point was about 10000'. From there he went on to Emerald Lake stopping many times for pictures. When he reached Emerald Lake he had to backtrack on the trail to get to his final destination, Lake Haiyaha. He said his legs felt fine and this was good practice for his next trip with Doug in a week.

When Peter reached Lake Haiyaha, he called and said he was coming down. I told him I would meet him along the way. Little did I know that the climb was so steep. Even with a walking stick it was hard for me and I made many stops on the upward path. But the destination of the first Lake (Nymph Lake) was well worth the effort. A lake with many lily pads and yellow flowers. I did not carry a camera, so had to rely on Peter's pictures. I started to head to the next lake, but my legs said "are you crazy?". I chose to wait for Peter at Nymph Lake and do a bit of people watching. By this time of the morning there was no lack of people to watch.

Eventually, Peter arrived back to where I was waiting. We then walked down to the parking lot together. Total trip for Peter was about 6 miles. At the peak of the hike he reached 10, 220'. A good morning for both of us.

From there we headed out to lunch on the fringe of the park at Trailside Restaurant. A delightful lunch on the deck overlooking the mountains. During our entire meal, we watched the hummingbirds feeding on the deck. Very active.

Having finished lunch we headed back home to Fort Collins. Along the way we encountered Big Horn Sheep on Hwy 34. Some feeding close to the roadway and others, a ram included a tad farther up the mountain. Stopped for quite some time to take pictures. Always a thrill to have the opportunity to see them up close. From there we continued on our drive home only to stop once more when we came across a herd of elk grazing in a pasture. By the time we arrived home the rain had started once again. All in all a great way to spend the day. Plans are to return again this week, weather permitting.

Lake Haiyaha

Bear Lake (left) and Nymph Lake (right) from the trail



Joshua Been, plein air painter at Dream Lake

The entire Skiba Family

All together in one place for a change!



Doug, Heidi, Molly, Hailey, Andy, Tara, Emily, Renee & Peter (the photographer who ran into the picture at the last second!)

Baking and decorating cupcakes for Emily's 3rd Birthday

Emily showing us how old she is!

A look from the balcony.....


The weather has been very warm here in Fort Collins. 90's all week. So in order to make the cupcakes for Emily's birthday I had to get up early to bake them. When the girls awoke, they came downstairs for breakfast and a little decorating time with grandma. What a hoot trying to juggle 2 girls, frosting, sprinkles etc. All turned out well and the family enjoyed the cupcakes later that evening.

Arrival in Fort Collins

We arrived back home in Fort Collins around 6PM after leaving Omaha this morning about 7:30AM. Thankfully it was not as hot today as it was yesterday. We did have the rest of our audio book to listen to so that made travel easier.
Only stops we made were to the gas station and the rest areas.
Somewhat of an uneventful day.
Happy to make it home safely. Still find it hard to believe that we are now calling Colorado "home".

We have the movers coming early in the morning to help us unload the truck. It will be good to have all of our belongings in one State at least. Andy, Tara, Hailey and Emily will arrive in the early afternoon from Wyoming to help us set up beds, shelves etc. They will be staying until Sunday morning. On Saturday we will be celebrating Emily's 3rd birthday. Cupcakes for everyone which she will help decorate.
In the evening Doug & Heidi will arrive from Golden, Colorado to spend the night. It will be good to have the entire family in one place again. Has been about 3 years since that last happened.

All in all it was a good day. We are both happy to be home and anxious to unload the truck and see our family tomorrow.

Arrival in Omaha

It's Wednesday. And we are in Omaha.
Began the day very early at the home of Paul and Maris Fried. We have been staying with them in Menomonee Falls since they picked us up at the airport in MKE last Thursday morning. It is so wonderful having friends that we can count on. Thanks again guys for your great hospitality, and we'll see you in one week. Again at the airport. Remember, you are always welcome at our new abode in Fort Collins.

So the day began early. We drove to the Penske Truck Rental store on Hwy 100 & North Ave. to pick up our 26' truck. Peter drove the truck and the 3 of us drove in the van to the storage unit on Hwy 100 and Layton. By 8AM the movers that we had hired showed up. Began by emptying the unit out and putting everything on the roadway to see how we could load the truck. Little things were sorted through and put into boxes. The 2 movers were lacking in experience for moving and really did not know how to make the best use out of the space that was available. So again, Peter had to go into the truck and rearrange all sorts of things in order to make room for everything. We did get everything in that we needed and only had to leave behind a propane tank for the grill with Paul & Maris. We will pick that up next time. (One week from now, believe it or not!)

We had it all packed, said our good byes and headed out on the road by 10AM. We were glad to have started early as it was going to be a very hot day.
Nothing exciting on the road for the first several hours. We stopped at a rest area and took a much needed nap about 2:30 and then hit the road again. The only stops we made were for gasoline and some chicken nuggets at McDonald's.
About 7PM we were about 90 minutes outside of Omaha where we planned on staying and a terrific storm started. Rain came down in buckets. Lightening all around. We slowed to about 35 mph with our flashers on. Some truckers were pulled over. But we made it. And just before getting to Omaha, the sun came out and we saw 2 great rainbows! Is that an omen or what?

Heading to bed. Up again at 5 tomorrow morning and then sleeping in our own bed tomorrow nite. Hurray!

Wed July 7th

More unpacking today.
Getting everything organized is a big job and it never seems to end.

We have some temporary window coverings up. Waiting for the blinds that we have ordered. Should be here by the end of the month.

We are packing for our trip back to Milwaukee.
We are scheduled to do the 2010 Fine Arts Fair at Wisconsin Lutheran College on Saturday July 10th.
Also will be attending (hopefully) Milwaukee's Bastille Days in East Town. Peter has plans to do the Midnight run. We'll see how tired he is after an early morning flight and lack of sleep! But for sure we will get a crepe and chocolate covered strawberry.

We are also picking up our last truck load of furnishings in Milwaukee. Will be good to have some furniture in our new home. Not very comfy sitting on the floor!