High Altitude needs

A list of things needed if you are headed to a high altitude location.
1. Cold weather clothing
2. Lots of water
3. Unscented body lotion
4. Sunscreen
5. Chapstick
6. Lubricating eyedrops
7. Saline nasal spray
Not only is there a lack of oxygen there is also a lack of moisture. Everything drys out very quickly. I can dry blue jeans outside in less time than in the dryer

Mountain Pics

An Update

We went through our day and a half orientation meeting and learned what we needed to know and work here at Snow Mountain Ranch. We learned a bunch including how to deal with encounters with mountain lions, bears, deer, elk and moose. With moose being the worst because of their unpredictability. All of these animals do not want encounters with us any more than we with them...or so they say.;-)
We learned about the pine beetle infestation and how this area and other areas of Colorado will lose ALL their pine trees over the next 3 years. Luckily they still have their aspens but these areas will look very different for the next 25 years.
We worked today for a 4 hour shift. I found some time to take more mountain pictures and will post them as soon as I finish this section. Do remember that you can click on the individual pictures to see them in larger format seeing far more detail.

Snow at Snow Mountain

We have experienced snow on more than one day upon arriving in the Rockies.
And this is one of them. See the buildup on the birdfeeder?

We had a full day of orientation today and another half day tomorrow.

What's Up?

I have been very busy as you might suspect. Still getting used to the altitude. It does seem to be getting better until I have to climb the hill to the commons where we eat. Then I get reminded real quick that I am in a high location. It is beautiful despite the pine beetle infestation which has destroyed most of the pines. The views of the mountains are spectacular and unrestricted.
Our job is Campground Host which covers a multitude of duties but after doing it for 3 days this week the bulk of it is cleaning the restroom/showers. That part of the job is done daily and thoroughly and more than resembles WORK. ;-) On the other hand who can complain with all the bennies we enjoy. I need to clean out the fridge because most everything in there needs tossed. I have yet to cook a meal since we have been here. The food is healthy, plentiful, varied and delicious. The senior volunteers usually eat together in the Commons and we have already made many new friends.
We haven't been able to establish a routine as yet but I have hopes it will happen soon.

More SMR Pics

These flowers are waiting to be planted at the Hopi Campground
where we are hosts. But we must wait for the night time temps to be higher than 30 degrees!


Our Mountain Home

A hummer at Hopi

SMR pics

The hummers are everywhere!!

The restroom/showers in Hopi Campground.
I planted the flower containers yesterday
but they will still need to be covered at night.

The snow covered part is known as "The Hand of God"
And the 'stripes' below that are ski runs of Winter Park.
You can click on any of the pictures to see a larger view.

Our view

Butch caught this woodpecker stealing from the hummingbird feeder

Sunset

The sun was setting behind the mountains to the right of this picture
and the sun was finding its way through and highlighting the trees.
Remember you can click on any of the pictures for a larger view.

SMR Arrival

This was the way it looked upon arrival at Snow Mountain Ranch

The next morning we have a dusting of snow

Butch is brushing off the tow car shield

Jason gifted us with a hummingbird feeder before we left.
It took an hour and a half for them to find it.

Latest Location

Snow Mountain Ranch
We're here! I will get some pictures on when I have a bit more time.
I am looking at a blanket of snow this morning, albeit a thin one but snow none the less.
Yesterday it rained for at least half our trip and whenever we were above 7000 feet elevation it turned to snow.
We are in the Geronimo Campground at site #14.
I am having a bit of trouble adjusting to the altitude. Headachy, sinus's acting up, shortness of breath upon exertion and more tired than normal.
Hopefully it will go away as my body adjusts. They have instructions on how to handle it so I have been drinking tons of water. Peeing excessively!
I think we will like it once we get acclimated, adjusted and acquainted. And that has all started.

Sunday Bike Ride

Brooker Boys on the trail


Jason, Sherri and Butch at the depot

Quiet Contemplation

Wild Hydrangea? Just a guess

My Calendar Girl

Click on pic for larger view

Jefferson Album

Here are pictures I have taken so far while we have been in Jefferson even though not all of them were taken here. There is one that I consider better than the rest in many ways. Can you guess which one? Remember...click on the first picture to see all of them and then you can choose to see them as a slideshow.

Jefferson '07

Quote

If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time.
- Edith Wharton

At Leo's

We are parked at Butch's brother Leo's and his wife Keri's place. And will be until we head west around the 27th. We have gotten a couple of nice walks in...always a good thing. Last night we enjoyed popcorn, wine and conversation getting caught up on the doings and happenings of friends, family and the town of Jefferson. Leo has four fat ducks waddling all over the place. Also Lexi the dog and numerous cats and kittens. A little too much animal activity for Angel.
Jason came over from Boone IA yesterday and golfed with Butch while I went shopping in the old hometown and stopped by Shirley Franey's place to assist her with a couple of computer issues. So ordinary life is taking place and we all need plenty of that in between adventures.
I have plans to get some kitty pics. The ones I have seen are fluffy little balls of energy and I am sure will give me plenty of photo ops. I understand there are some newly born ones too but they will not be out and about before we head west.
Till next time...
Barb

More Lake Anita Pics

My yarn scraps are in the robin's nest

Boys fishing with their dog

Merlin and Bevs grandson Mike

Merlin helping Mike with his catch. Merlin and Bev put their new pontoon on the water for the first time and we were lucky enough to get a tour of Lake Anita in it.