tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23796217536558977762024-03-12T22:04:11.148-06:00Arroyo LizardLee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-62540217724738904242019-10-27T16:59:00.001-06:002019-10-27T16:59:10.493-06:00Stardate 2019.822<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-cSCmHMR/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-cSCmHMR/1/c626ebc9/L/IMG_1183-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Brisk and Misty Morning</span></b></i><br />
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An invigorating morning walk along the South Platte River with an iPhone.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-hqhB3nN/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-hqhB3nN/1/b6ea96e0/L/IMG_1181-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Today’s hot chocolate is going to be quite good!<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-kf5KCqB/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-kf5KCqB/1/bb3c7e79/L/IMG_1179-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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I hope you enjoyed the pics.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-9R947sh/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-9R947sh/1/1eb90059/L/IMG_1180-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Lizard: 15<br />
Parkinson’s: 0<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Adios!</span></i><br />
</center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-76125590167971353182019-10-24T21:31:00.001-06:002019-10-24T21:37:39.581-06:00Stardate 2019.814<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-bZcCgVD/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-bZcCgVD/0/a5cae67b/L/28Sep19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">On The Keyboard Again</span></i></b><br />
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Hmmm... I seem to have forgotten how to code. Nonetheless, we'll see if I can come up with something.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-VWgj2Gt/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-VWgj2Gt/0/ce953904/L/28Sep19_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Fall has been warm, and we could use some precipitation, although it's been mountain bike heaven.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-qSCFQxC/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-qSCFQxC/0/823aa287/L/3Oct19_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-hZQKHbt/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-hZQKHbt/0/01d628c0/L/4Oct_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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A change is in order; I wonder if these bighorn ewes could sense it?<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-kMXktrz/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com
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Several days later, a handful of little Fahrenheits, sporting their finest smirks, set a new record low temperature of 8 degrees, beating the old record of 22 by 14 notches. Then, most leaves lost color and dropped.<br />
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<center>Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-SzkzSV8/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-SzkzSV8/0/de9080c2/L/10Oct19_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-QfmpwCX/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2019/i-QfmpwCX/0/c0f06ac3/L/10Oct19_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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That's it for now.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center><br />
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Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-85166125258491692342019-07-20T19:30:00.000-06:002019-07-20T19:30:27.027-06:00Stardate 2019.551<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-HKmx6N2/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-HKmx6N2/0/b3a66875/L/14Jul19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Crested Butte</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi folks! Recently, Snowcatcher and I visited one of our favorite haunts. Crested Butte sits at the base of the West Elk Mountains on the west, the Elk Mountains to the north, and the Sawatch Mountains to the east.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-7Lh33Fp/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-7Lh33Fp/0/17dbe6ce/L/14Jul19_1-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
We arrived midday and had a beautiful afternoon ride. It was crystal clear all afternoon — no wind, no thunderstorms, dry trails, and lots of wildflowers. The following pics were shot from the Upper Lower Loop trail.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-gLmFV4N/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-gLmFV4N/0/1b1e2743/L/14Jul19_5-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Crested Butte is considered by many to be the wildflower capitol of Colorado. Perhaps. Several hours to the southwest, in the San Juan Mountains, are some pretty awesome wildflower beds as well. Nonetheless, Crested Butte’s flowers are spectacular.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-HXj5JWn/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-HXj5JWn/0/051a541c/M/14Jul19_8-M.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-Fr2NB5k/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-Fr2NB5k/0/1aedf01a/M/14Jul19_7-M.jpg" alt=""></a></center><br />
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Below is Mount Crested Butte from the Slate River. We were riding the Lower Lower Loop trail, which begins in town and heads toward the snow. We didn’t have the time to ride to the snow, but it was close. Mount Crested Butte touches the sky at 12,162 feet.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-XG5RHdd/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-XG5RHdd/0/a97e33b3/L/14Jul19_4-L.jpg" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-mDV8v55/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-mDV8v55/0/a788b6a9/M/14Jul19_3-M.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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In the background and several ridges over is Gothic Mountain, rising to 12,625 feet. It towers over the Rocky Mountain Biological Research station and the East River.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-8f8Mgp5/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Summer-2019/i-8f8Mgp5/0/ef51c574/M/14Jul19_9-M.jpg" /></a><br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-67326056664478016572019-04-30T20:47:00.002-06:002019-04-30T20:47:45.021-06:00Stardate 2019.329<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-Q7c2Vmr/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-Q7c2Vmr/0/409d2e29/L/02Apr19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sandstone Dreamin' On Such An April Day</span></b></i></center><br />
Hang-on, I think there may be a song in the above.<br />
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Currently, I'm very spotty on my posting. I blame it all on being tied at the hip to Parkinson's. In short, I can't sit still long enough to write. I'm like a snake trying to shed its skin, but can't escape. So, I get frustrated and go harass Snowcatcher or take the bicycle out or something. But, rest assured, I'm working on my body's attention span. The following pics are of a small lemon-squeezer that provides a more sporting line-up through a favorite cliff band.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-WRJQD49/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-WRJQD49/0/b0ed0329/L/02Apr19_3-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Today's post takes place at Colorado National Monument, just southwest of Grand Junction, Colorado, my home town. Numerous other sandstone cliffs and towers call out to the avid scrambler and climber. The red hatched line approximates the lemon squeezer. The hatched line also represents the route being behind stone.<br />
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<center>Cliff Band<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-HCRSK9x/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-HCRSK9x/0/329edd48/L/02Apr19_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Route<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-g7q5HgR/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-g7q5HgR/0/fcea77f2/L/02Apr19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Entrance<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-KKSXHg6/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-KKSXHg6/0/18e8c924/L/02Apr19_4-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Not shown is another "cave" located after scrambling out of the terminus of the lemon-squeezer. The "cave" deposits you on top of a higher cliff band.<br />
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<center>That's it for now. I think I'm going to take a brief hiatus from blogging until we can buy a new computer. This one is very overheated, tired and unpredictable. I hope to be back in about a month or so... Thanks for reading.<br />
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Lizard:11 <br />
Parkinson's:0 <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-12106149185402347102019-03-25T21:55:00.000-06:002019-03-25T21:55:04.991-06:00Stardate 2019.230<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-q2Wzqsw/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-q2Wzqsw/0/0d5d70d1/L/25Feb19_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Very Large Array</span></b></i></center><br />
I have always wanted to visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in central New Mexico. Yes, New Mexico is a US state. I finally got my chance during my recent road trip through New Mexico with Snowcatcher. A fun tidbit is that the Jodie Foster/Matthew McConaughey movie "Contact" was filmed here.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-qSZTC3L/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-qSZTC3L/0/b3573b65/L/25Feb19_2-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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From the Land of Enchantment to the high tech VLA (Very Large Array), this part of New Mexico has a lot of scientific research going on. New Mexico Tech is just down the road in Socorro. <br />
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According to the VLA, scientists there have made more space findings than any other telescope on earth. All of the immense dishes are used to collect radio waves (non-visible light) emitted in space. They are used to research star birth, galaxies and black holes.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-p8hmxXZ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-p8hmxXZ/0/e549c4a8/L/25Feb19_5-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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The gigantic dishes are moved around on a rail system and can be spread out over 100 square miles of desert terrain. The dishes are re-positioned every four months.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-qwZ26tn/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-qwZ26tn/0/b7ee43f8/L/25Feb19_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-C9cp9sD/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-C9cp9sD/0/2a887cdd/L/25Feb19_3-L.jpg" /></a></center>I apologize for the graffiti and defacing of the kiosk. Vandalism seems to exist everywhere these days, even in the middle of "nowhere" and surrounded by all types of workers and scientists.<br />
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<center>This was the end of our last day in New Mexico, and we captured a colorful Albuquerque sunset.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-6D5N7sP/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2019/i-6D5N7sP/0/f277925c/L/25Feb19_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Lizard: 10<br />
Parkinson's 0<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-66809310284507885682019-03-13T17:50:00.002-06:002019-03-13T17:50:55.122-06:00Stardate 2019.197<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-xF6nJKq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-xF6nJKq/0/2c4f1ba6/L/24Mar19_10-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Southern New Mexico's Dripping Springs Natural Area</span></b></i></center><br />
Along the northern fringes of Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the base of the Organ Mountains, lies Dripping Springs Natural Area. Dripping Springs is a great place to hike easy trail into history or anything else the Chihuahuan Desert has to offer.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-fQM2hvn/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-fQM2hvn/0/5b76bc41/L/24Mar19_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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In the 1870s, Dripping Springs Resort was built by Colonel Eugene Van Patten at the foot of the Organ Mountains. The resort was originally called Van Patten's Mountain Camp. Nearby Dripping Springs was the camp's water supply and was carried to the resort in ollas (non-glazed ceramic jars). The resort boasted 16 rooms, a dining room, and a music hall.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-XHG38vd/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-XHG38vd/0/c76aa3d7/L/24Mar19_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-7dmVxGb/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-7dmVxGb/0/665d6ea6/L/24Mar19_4-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Dr. Nathan Boyd bought the resort from a bankrupt Van Patten in 1917. Boyd's wife contracted tuberculosis, and the resort was developed into a sanitarium. Additional housing was built as well.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-mhm3HKH/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-mhm3HKH/0/6533c4ff/L/24Mar19_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-TNfwJfj/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-TNfwJfj/0/d5bfd62e/L/24Mar19_3-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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A Las Cruces physician, Dr. Sexton, bought the property from the Boyd family and continued to operate it as a sanatorium. The dwellings lasted until about 1946, at which time scavengers raided the area for building materials. All that exist today are ruins. <br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-F8hPnBW/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-F8hPnBW/0/0f413d0e/L/24Mar19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-Q6V5S5c/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-Q6V5S5c/0/7316fbaf/L/24Mar19_9-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-9ttxtX6/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-9ttxtX6/0/3ae8c80e/L/24Mar19_8-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Thanks for visiting this hidden jewel with me. See ya next time!<br />
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Lizard: 9<br />
Parkinson's: 0<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios!</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-20391264571369722672019-03-07T19:00:00.000-07:002019-03-07T19:00:00.768-07:00Stardate 2019.181<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-n3xgHxg/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-n3xgHxg/0/27cd2ada/L/23Feb19_8-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Mexico's White Sands National Monument</span></b></i></center><br />
A fun thing to do while visiting the Alamogordo area is to visit White Sands National Monument. The following pics are from White Sands. The dunes are wind-blown deposits of gypsum originating from an ancient Permian Period Sea that occurred sometime during the late Paleozoic era 225 to 280 million years ago. Over time, mountains rose carrying the gypsum with them. Rain and glacier melt dissolved the gypsum and transported it back down to the Tularosa Basin.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-4VSFbGW/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-4VSFbGW/0/82ec780c/L/23Feb19_5-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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As for sand, wind and sun de-water and break down the gypsum into selenite crystals. Wind and water continue to break down the crystals into sand. Finally, southwest winds keep the dunes moving.<br />
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A rarity in this region is snow, which we actually had the night prior. Regretfully, it melted before we got to the dunes. According to locals, the dunes are actually a light brown color when compared to fresh snow. Nonetheless, it was nice and bright out.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-s7Rd3r6/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-s7Rd3r6/0/6118df3d/L/23Feb19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-fRdBgVc/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-fRdBgVc/0/53eaf1c8/L/23Feb19_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-3TfLj3p/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-3TfLj3p/0/1ab18e56/L/23Feb19_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-vKtQZVw/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-vKtQZVw/0/df8f87c7/L/23Feb19_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-V9zmzmb/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-V9zmzmb/0/c50d91d7/L/23Feb19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-TzKjLk3/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-TzKjLk3/0/e31d758c/L/23Feb19_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
Lizard: 8<br />
Parkinson's: 0<br />
<br />
Thanks for viewing.<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-35225145497025215872019-03-04T11:02:00.001-07:002019-03-04T11:02:24.548-07:00Stardate 2019.173<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-4LwQKp5/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-4LwQKp5/0/a98a060d/L/21Feb19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chihuahuan Desert Southern New Mexico Style</span></i></center><br />
Snowcatcher and I recently spent a week in southern New Mexico. We attended the Quinceañera of her great niece. We enjoyed the festivities in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Alamogordo is a handful of miles northeast of Lac Cruces, New Mexico.<br />
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Southern New Mexico also is home to pecan and pistachio farms, White Sands National Monument, International Space Hall of Fame, Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range and Trinity Nuclear Test Site (first nuclear bomb test). The city of Alamogordo (which means fat tree) lies between the Organ Mountains to the west and the Sacramento mountains to the east.<br />
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<center>Our first stop was the Valley of Fires lava flow.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-CqMNKbX/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-CqMNKbX/0/d24fdfce/L/21Feb19_2-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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In Alamogordo, I like to spend time at the International Space Hall of Fame. I could spend an entire day here. Years ago, many people journeyed to "Alamo" to witness a space shuttle landing at Holloman — how's that for cool?<br />
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The first trained test animal (chimpanzee) to go into space was Ham. Ham's name was an acronym for Holloman Aero Med (Holloman Aerospace Medical Center). Ham was selected from 40 candidates and made his journey toward the heavens on January 31, 1961. Ham was able to push certain levers while in flight, demonstrating it was possible to work in space.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-p9r9KrM/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-p9r9KrM/0/dd9a20de/L/22Feb19_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
</center><br />
Ham was perched atop an 83-foot Redstone rocket launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida. His top speed was 5,800 miles per hour at an elevation of 155 miles. Ham's flight lasted 16 minutes, 39 seconds. Later in the day, Ham was fetched out of the ocean 420 miles down range from the launch site.<br />
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Ham died in North Carolina in 1983. His body was sent back to Holloman and buried at the foot of the International Space Hall of Fame.<br />
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<center>Lots of rocket/space-type static displays are scattered on the Hall's grounds.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-scPtDBS/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-scPtDBS/0/43f7494a/L/22Feb19_2-L.jpg" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-BgZ7Zt9/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-BgZ7Zt9/0/5eacb045/L/22Feb19_1-L.jpg" alt=""></a><br />
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<br />
That's it for now. Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Lizard: 7<br />
Parkinsons: 0<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-28168620774830768832019-02-16T14:25:00.002-07:002019-02-16T14:36:50.953-07:00Stardate 2019.129<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-Lczb4Z5/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-Lczb4Z5/0/3033d2e8/L/13Feb19_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Is That Spring in the Air?</span></span></b></i></center><br />
Not quite; albeit I was in shorts and long sleeves today. Not bad for February 13th. Our snowiest month, March, is still to come. We can get some cold temps, too. Nonetheless, a lot of melt was taking place. Locally, all but the northerly aspects are snow-free. The Denver Water access road up Waterton Canyon was mostly dry with a few icy and muddy spots.<br />
<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-2rTVPtL/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-2rTVPtL/0/46a415fe/L/13Feb19_3-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Today may have been my best ride since being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last August. I hate the word disease! Don't you? It is what it is. Better yet, I felt good and strong throughout the ride. Take that Parkinson's! Following are a few more pics from the ride. Enjoy!<br />
<center><br />
<br />
Looking upstream at impounded water behind one of several diversions.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-RhDL9rN/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-RhDL9rN/0/60e89adf/L/13Feb19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The diversion dam is downstream in the distance. Can you pick it out?<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-nCfBnJf/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-nCfBnJf/0/f13dd008/L/13Feb19_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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There is lots of shore ice.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-RCtnk8c/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-RCtnk8c/0/0c87f396/L/13Feb19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Main channel ice development is ice buildup on large in-stream boulders.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-jnRvGw2/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-jnRvGw2/0/69bb3a93/L/13Feb19_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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That's it for now. Think spring!<br />
<br />
Lizard: 6<br />
Parkinson's: 0<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-84087885640795445412019-02-05T08:00:00.000-07:002019-02-05T08:00:00.313-07:00Stardate 2019.099<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-mrTHG6B/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-mrTHG6B/0/6c7ed046/L/05Feb19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's Gone!!</span></b></i></center><br />
Every October the grub stores stock up on a seasonal product — Count Chocula! We buy a lot of the cereal as soon as it arrives because it sells out fast. In fact, I've been told some craft breweries use it in their seasonal beer, which is another reason it goes so quick.<br />
<br />
I've reached the end of my last box. It's a sad, sad day! Until next October, rest in peace Count Chocula...<br />
<br />
<b>Lizard: 4 (5 with two-fer-Tuesday point)<br />
Parkinson's: 0</b><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-15018353634813966882019-02-03T11:14:00.001-07:002019-02-03T11:14:34.682-07:00Stardate 2019.093<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-cSKZbFB/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-cSKZbFB/0/be5cb0c2/L/28Jan19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mary Carter Greenway and January's End</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi all,<br />
<br />
Our January ended with some snow. However, as the eastern half of country freezes to death, the west half has remained quite nice. Highs have been in the 40s along Colorado's Front Range. Nonetheless, following are pics from January 25th (ski track) and 28th.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-tk2vtKF/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-tk2vtKF/0/07cc2c86/L/25Jan19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The dying ski track was covered in new snow several days later.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-tQhpH2x/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-tQhpH2x/0/e472927a/L/28Jan19_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Yes, many of our bike paths are plowed after a storm — we're spoiled.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-kbF6N7C/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-kbF6N7C/0/4da4a880/L/28Jan19_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The trees look to be huddled together for warmth.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-hpFKFWD/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-hpFKFWD/0/25b1c6cc/L/28Jan19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
That's it for now, short and sweet. Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lizard: 4<br />
Parkinson's: 0<br />
<br />
Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-30178537307497549562019-01-22T19:00:00.000-07:002019-01-22T19:00:07.998-07:00Stardate 2019.055<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-MzCrPWF/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-MzCrPWF/0/42691950/L/21Jan19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Calm Before The Storm</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi folks! Here's a small post about a stroll Snowcatcher and I took yesterday afternoon. The day was springy with Fahrenheits dancing into the upper 40s. Better yet, we received several inches of overnight snow, making for a fabulous morning to run a snow shovel.<br />
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Mary Carter Greenway is a revitalized riparian area (urban and suburban reaches) along the South Platte River and surrounding gravel pits. The ecology gods were successful, and it's a very nice place to visit.<br />
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<center>One of numerous hidden gravel ponds and floating residents.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-CqZm7KM/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-CqZm7KM/0/ec83e71c/L/21Jan19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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A designed rock weir helps create slack water areas and possibly helps to mitigate minor flooding. Major flood control is several miles upstream in the form of Chatfield Reservoir.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-qpqK5xW/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-qpqK5xW/0/a83bee5d/L/21Jan19_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
Enhanced habitat, including less predation, may be several reasons why the Canada Goose winters here.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-rnzV4Vx/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-rnzV4Vx/0/24f8021a/L/21Jan19_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
Lizard: 3<br />
Parkinson's: 0<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-37521999641291632142019-01-12T19:05:00.000-07:002019-01-12T19:05:10.675-07:00Stardate 2019.030<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-czx5nWj/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-czx5nWj/0/da1947ec/L/11Jan19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Finally</span></b></i></center><br />
Greetings!<br />
<br />
We finally received some snow at lower elevations. It was the heavy wet stuff that falls at warmer temperatures; a good ground soaker. When said and done, we had a little under a foot of snow. Believe it or not, I was on dry rides in shorts and long sleeve jersey as recent as January 10th. We need some winter! However, north aspects are still dicey in spots and require some hike-a-biking.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-SNZ9DZx/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-SNZ9DZx/0/828ba36a/L/10Jan19_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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There's still a fair amount of shore ice along the South Platte River.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-JHXCprK/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-JHXCprK/0/6ca33a3a/L/05Jan19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-w7kHCHx/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-w7kHCHx/0/58a6488d/L/05Jan19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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How about some bighorn sheep skating?<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-2K2SVXX/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-2K2SVXX/0/26cf57b0/L/10Jan19_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-58rdk3J/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-58rdk3J/0/e9f1dbf2/L/10Jan19_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
Here's a little plug for Giant Bicycles. It's a fun 29er.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-xQ6S384/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Winter-2019/i-xQ6S384/0/d70f7c1f/L/05Jann19_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Lizard:2<br />
Parkinson's:0<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-63806588826973041712019-01-08T19:18:00.000-07:002019-01-08T19:18:18.094-07:00Stardate 2019.022<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-jSVHrRJ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-jSVHrRJ/0/e5e6136d/L/05Apr18_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
Cambria Bluffs<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>2018... The Good The Bad And The Now What?</b></i></span></center><br />
Lizardly greetings!<br />
<br />
<b>The Good...</b><br />
A very brief 2018 summary follows. I wish I could blame the lack of blog posts on traveling the globe, but I can't. Now that I'm semi-retired — as of 11 days ago — I hope to do a better job posting. I certainly need the writing and grammar practice.<br />
<br />
<center>Off we go! January 2018 started with a lack of snow, allowing for mountain biking Front Range trails well into early winter.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-zf4bC3W/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-zf4bC3W/0/8e47acf4/L/13Jan18_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
Post fall rut and everyone was back to being friends.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-TtpctN7/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-TtpctN7/0/50714d0d/L/20Jan18_1-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
April deposited us in California for a wedding. We visited two of our favorite coastal towns — Morro Bay and Cambria. Much of the coastal California Lupine was 3 feet in height, much taller than back in Colorado.<br />
<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-nJDMNkR/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-nJDMNkR/0/a6aeab01/L/05Apr18_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cambria<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-CqpBJfj/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-CqpBJfj/0/ef6d1d2c/L/05Apr18_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cambria<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-TDXZL6n/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-TDXZL6n/0/0adf679b/L/05Apr18_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Mom eventually got junior out of the water.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-PfkqMjQ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-PfkqMjQ/0/c04a6a8f/L/05Apr18_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Morro Rock dominates the view from the southern end of the bay.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-FP5LSNv/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-FP5LSNv/0/8a7c3ce2/L/05Apr18_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Northern half of Morro Bay marina<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-3fSPQzb/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-3fSPQzb/0/b2e4a388/L/05Apr18_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Mid-July took us to 14,150-foot Mount Sneffels, my favorite 14er.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-dpWZ7nq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-dpWZ7nq/0/d76d6038/L/28Jul18_5-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<b>The Bad...</b><br />
After a miserable summer progressing in body tremors and the "need" to crawl out of my own skin, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in early fall. A decent med coupled with my long-time existing, and active, lifestyle has brought me back to life, and I hope to chronicle "things" a bit via this blog.<br />
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<center>September and available food-nuts brought out foraging bruins.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-R8X6425/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-R8X6425/0/4e03cdb7/L/08Sep18_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The boys are back in town and waiting for the girls to arrive...<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-989jsQq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-989jsQq/0/13d4b4c1/L/26Sep18_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Mountain snow arrived in October. Lower elevation mountain biking was sublime well into December.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-rRFFZdM/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-rRFFZdM/0/814b7604/L/30Nov18_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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An eerie harbinger of what came in November.<br />
<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-HSCnvMp/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-HSCnvMp/0/420ed58c/L/17Nov18_2-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<b>The Now What?</b><br />
Take out Parkinson's Disease with extreme prejudice. I will make a great Parkinson's enemy!<br />
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Thanks for reading! I wish you all cheery and exciting 2019!<br />
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<center><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Adios</b></span></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-15812315046812942122018-11-09T21:00:00.000-07:002018-11-09T21:00:02.584-07:00Stardate 2018.858<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-vXMtqvm/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-vXMtqvm/0/aa57de9c/L/29Sep18_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Fall 2018 Is Going Strong</span></i></center><br />
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Doing a blog post a week didn't get far, did it? Oh well, I blame it on Parkinson's. However, in all fairness to my new disease, I've had a busy fall as well. Snowcatcher and I spent two weeks in travel to California and back. Both of us have been very busy at work. Instead of blogging, I've been watching old original series Star Trek episodes, et cetera, et cetera.<br />
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I've been doing lots of work overtime too, which needs to stop because it enhances Parkinson's irritation. I've now experienced two types of fatigue; the good fatigue, such as doing a 120-mile bike ride and being dog-tired, yet feeling good about it. Then the second type of fatigue is being dog-tired for no good reason and wanting only to curl up with depression and sleep for hours on end, feeling good about nothing.<br />
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Nonetheless, my mountain biking skills are slowly getting better. However, I don't, at this point, expect them to be where they once were. Time will tell.<br />
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Anyway, following are a handful of pics taken this past September and October. I would have taken the mountain bike out today, but I'm not quite ready for temps in the 30s. At least the sun is out. The first photo is of Waterton Canyon resident bighorn sheep lounging around chewing their cud pre-rut season. Currently, they're busy chasing the girls. Enjoy the pics.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-989jsQq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-989jsQq/0/13d4b4c1/L/26Sep18_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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We all know this girl. If you require a hint, she's the S*********r.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-B42M65c/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-B42M65c/0/a54da94b/L/30Sep18_3-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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I grew-up skiing at a small ski area in western Colorado called Powderhorn. Below rises its eastern lift. I miss those years of skiing a lot. Things were different then.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-X3M6FgG/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-X3M6FgG/0/970ad7d7/L/30Sep18_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The middle section of the ski area is kind of rolling.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-R8qVdvD/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-R8qVdvD/0/cef6f6a0/L/30Sep18_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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I love seeing kids start so early. You go girl!<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-2wNJHk5/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-2wNJHk5/0/5cc7bdcf/L/30Sep18_6-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Cedar City, Utah, is almost halfway between Denver, Colorado, and Bakersfield, California. The town is on our retirement short list. It lies at the base of Utah's Markagunt Plateau and north of the whopping 20-mile drop onto the northeastern Mojave Desert. Many, many, years ago I thought I'd landed a job in Cedar City as a hydrologist for the Forest Service; it didn't happen. I've also spent time here doing geomorphic field work with a buddy working on his PhD.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-vL3QTR4/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-vL3QTR4/0/361c5198/L/8Oct18_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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See you next time!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-89971941750626327122018-09-23T18:00:00.000-06:002018-09-23T18:00:10.853-06:00Stardate 2018.729<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-VpfLx4n/A"><img title="Fall is in the Air" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-VpfLx4n/0/2bdef90a/L/08Sep18_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fall Is In The Air</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi guys! Post Parkinson's blog number two. Nothing has changed. I have not yet discovered a cure. Give the Lizard some time. On the other hand, I'm learning strategies that make it easier to function normally, more or less. The number one thing to do/learn is to be very, very active. That will be easy for me. See, I'm already ahead. It's amazing what you can do with a tennis ball and walking, or a medley of aerobics moves, and even balance moves on my bicycles. Parkinson's is progressive over time and a major goal is to slow down its progressive nature.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-DRrkDSC/A"><img title="autumn air" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-DRrkDSC/0/ea09b49b/L/08Sep18_2-L.jpg" /></a></center>Things are starting to look like fall, even though temperatures are far above normal for this time of year. As for leaf color, the high country (above 8,000 feet) is peaking, or has peaked. The higher terrain has already been blanketed in snow as well.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-R8X6425/A"><img title="bear sign" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-R8X6425/0/4e03cdb7/L/08Sep18_3-L.jpg" /></a></center>We have a good assembly of bears in Waterton Canyon. Occasionally you see one or two. However, those bears marauding tent and camp sites get a sign for having aggressive tendencies. Yes, I do have a loud bell on my mountain bike.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-FPm8ZX2/A"><img title="Upper Lenny's Bench" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-FPm8ZX2/0/9e78638c/L/21Sep18_1-L.jpg" /></a></center>Upper Lenny's Bench is being replaced with a new memorial. Bears, bikers, hikers and time have all but demolished the existing maker. Lenny was kid doing service work in the area when he was killed in an accident. And, that's all I known about it.<br />
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That's it for now. See y'all on the next round. Be good!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></div>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-42129840261183128882018-09-16T18:00:00.000-06:002018-09-16T18:28:27.513-06:00Stardate 2018.710<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-dpWZ7nq/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-dpWZ7nq/0/d76d6038/L/28Jul18_5-L.jpg" alt=""></a><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">29 August 2018<br />
Do I Have Enough Derailleur For Life's New Gearing? Why Yes, I Do!</span></b></i></center><br />
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Mid-afternoon August 29th, my life changed course forever—I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Things could have been much, much worse!! As such, I'll continue living out a good life. Things will just be slower. My days of aggressive cycling and mountain climbing are most likely on the decline.<br />
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Take note, Parkinson's, I make a good enemy! I'll post more on my new "adventure" as I learn and experience more. Fall colors are appearing; how ironic. Stay tuned!<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-TTq9Rht/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-TTq9Rht/0/2209c4ea/L/28Jul18_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
13,809 ft Dallas Peak</center><br />
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Wow, it's been almost a year since I last posted. I'll try to change that. I need to get back into writing anyway. Snowcatcher and I didn't get into the high country this year as much as we usually do. Nonetheless following are some July pics from the north San Juan Mountains.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-pxvGrHV/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-pxvGrHV/0/d3f2fc95/L/28Jul18_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
L to R: 13,819 ft Teakettle Mountain, 13,686 ft Cirque Mountain, and 14,150 ft Mount Sneffels</center><br />
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The East Fork Dallas Creek is a jewel. However, the area has been discovered and can be quite busy. Pre-1990 only 2 or 3 impromptu parking spots were available. Room via forest clearing has been created for at least 50 vehicles.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-PR9vhGS/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-PR9vhGS/0/ea36e3a6/L/28Jul18_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
Three climbers enjoying the summit of Mount Sneffels before weather moved in.</center><br />
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I've summited Mount Sneffels on several outings. I've climbed the standard southern route as well as the deeply inset Snake Couloir snow route on the north face.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-kkv7qjZ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2018/i-kkv7qjZ/0/9637affc/L/28Jul18_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
An old zig-zag sheep fence along East Dallas Creek brings in some southwest nostalgia.<br />
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Later gator!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-84730766729032790122017-09-29T09:55:00.000-06:002017-09-29T09:55:34.735-06:00Stardate 2017.745<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-55R3NFP/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-55R3NFP/0/a293ec55/L/23Sep17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Here Today</b></span></i></span></center><center><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Gone Tomorrow<br />
Another Secret Stash</b></span></i></span></center><br />
Snowcatcher and I made a mad dash to the west slope for some aspen color in some of the state's better autumn color palettes. Old man winter just edged us out in places. Despite lots of wet and white, we still took in some color. The day was very long; yet it was worth every minute.<br />
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We'll start the post at about the 10,000-foot level of elevation. This is the transition elevation between the Montane (aspen/spruce) and Subalpine (spruce) forests at this latitude. The weather was cold, windy, slippery, and taking a toll on leaves. Onward and upward into the clouds...<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-KwFjFxK/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-KwFjFxK/0/e653125e/L/23Sep17_2-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Needle Rock: To the left, and out of view, is the English mansion and estate of the late Joe Cocker (think 60s music and Woodstock). He operated a restaurant in nearby Crawford for years. Peaks of the West Elk Wilderness rise in the background.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-FB6b7jt/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-FB6b7jt/0/2b836474/L/23Sep17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This pic is from high on the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-jMrWMh6/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-jMrWMh6/0/a0b31f08/L/23Sep17_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Below is a short reach of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-nFRNMF9/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-nFRNMF9/0/2582b90f/L/23Sep17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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North Rim of the Black Canyon<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-hTfpVvn/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-hTfpVvn/0/249a60f8/L/23Sep17_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Ditto<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-HrHscZg/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-HrHscZg/0/6583c5b9/L/23Sep17_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Dusk caught us at the base of 13,822-foot Mount Silverheels. This is the 96th tallest peak in Colorado.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-gW3gsLQ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-gW3gsLQ/0/9c9f133c/L/23Sep17_8-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The End!<br />
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Hopefully more leaf adventures to come.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></span></center><br />
Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-26806385679868841972017-09-16T12:11:00.001-06:002017-09-16T12:11:50.110-06:002017.710<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-xcWKX6j/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-xcWKX6j/0/f8f2115a/L/15Sep17_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
12,987-foot Peak 8<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seasons Be A Changing</span></span></center><br />
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High country leaves are beginning to change, and fall is in the air! I wanted a late season ride at altitude. Off I ventured to the Tenmile Range to prospect some colored, two-wheeled fun. I was a bit early; leaves in this area still have 1 to 2 weeks until peak color.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-PWKj3MB/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-PWKj3MB/0/4bbd0f1a/L/15Sep17_2-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Initially I rode the Breckenridge Ski Area Peak 9 access road to hasten the climb to more than 12,000 feet in elevation. My plan was to ride the access road to the Wheeler Trail, hook up with the Colorado Trail on top, drop to Copper Mountain Ski Resort, then swing around the northern terminus of the Tenmile Range on a bike path, ultimately catching the Peaks/Gold Hill trails to my vehicle.<br />
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If that sounds like a haul, it is; I didn't quite make it. I needed another 2 to 3 hours of time. As you'll see below, I was close. Nonetheless, I had a 2 p.m. turnaround because I needed to be back in the Denver metro area by 5:30. The following pic portrays a diminishing 4x4 route reaching treeline on 13,195-foot Peak 9.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-jtH5Xf3/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-jtH5Xf3/0/2eceb11c/L/15Sep17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Breckenridge Ski Resort is huge. Adjacent to my north was the Ski Area's Peak 8.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-SM2tJLb/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-SM2tJLb/0/a67b5cb6/L/15Sep17_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Below is a juvenile stand of bristlecone pine. This species occupies the krummholz and can live thousands of years.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-dwFXFrQ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-dwFXFrQ/0/e7dd32d4/L/15Sep17_8-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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The following zoomed pic shows what I needed another hour or two to accomplish. After leaving the 4x4 track, the switchbacks of the Wheeler Trail top out at 12,400 feet, at which point I could light the afterburners and quickly drop into Copper Mountain. Nonetheless, the bewitching-hour had arrived, and I disappointingly aimed the Black Pearl down.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-vsT2LGn/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-vsT2LGn/0/95dd9722/L/15Sep17_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Breckenridge lies at the base of the lower slopes of Peak 9.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-tjB83MC/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Autumn-2017/i-tjB83MC/0/34736ea2/L/15Sep17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Hopefully there will be more leaves to come.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adios!</span></span></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-15724089082573385942017-07-21T21:15:00.000-06:002017-07-21T21:15:16.890-06:00Stardate 2017.553<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-rFDjJ39/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-rFDjJ39/0/29ed1a22/L/15Jul17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>Enchanted Wedding Bells of the Chihuahuan Desert</b></i></span></span></center><br />
Ahoy mates! Snowcatcher and I traveled southwest to Las Cruces, New Mexico, for the marriage of her neice. The southwest, especially New Mexico, is quite enchanted. New Mexico's slogan—Land of Enchantment—is also quite apropos.<br />
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We caught a flight out of Denver International Airport to Albuquerque and drove the rest of the way to Las Cruces. Snowcatcher spent her youth in Alamogordo, an hour and a half east of Las Cruces. Thus, she made a great tour guide for me. She knew the good eateries along the way as well. If you're ever in Socorro (home to New Mexico Tech), try the Blake's Lotaburger (I understand it's been there since God was a boy) and make sure to get it smothered in Hatch green chili. Mmmm...............<br />
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<center>Anyway, enjoy the pics, starting with a cleared for take-off from DIA shot.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-S2hdPJQ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-S2hdPJQ/0/f38438ce/L/14Jul17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Good morning sunshine!<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-c6tSJWq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-c6tSJWq/0/8dcdafc2/L/14Jul17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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At a cruising altitude, we were high and dry above a fog bank.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-BjT6x43/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-BjT6x43/0/7fb244e3/L/14Jul17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The wedding aisle awaits its chairs, guests and wedding party.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-hhjZJ7h/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-hhjZJ7h/0/3b09f269/L/15Jul17_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is a real century plant (yucca family). Every 100 years or so, it blooms.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-TJD34fN/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-TJD34fN/0/2b01e7db/L/15Jul17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The Chihuahuan desert is stark, beautiful and deadly, all wrapped up in one package.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-RBvg8H8/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-RBvg8H8/0/a22306df/L/15Jul17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is a rain squall delivering the goods to a parched landscape.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-KWxGTQf/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-KWxGTQf/0/a3643235/L/15Jul17_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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There are a lot of different cacti here, including this large stand of prickly pear. Snowcatcher expressed interest in canning these. Another time.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-8tNVDNd/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-8tNVDNd/0/7f12efda/L/15Jul17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro vicinity)<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-sfDRxrs/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-sfDRxrs/0/149d73a0/L/16Jul17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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That’s it for this round. Thanks for reading!<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></span></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-54162552088086179462017-07-04T16:18:00.001-06:002017-07-06T16:55:20.018-06:00Stardate 2017.507<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Treasures/Civilization/Red-White-and-Blue/i-9f7hFm9/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Treasures/Civilization/Red-White-and-Blue/i-9f7hFm9/1/5a9853d9/L/healingfields-L.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Snowcatcher Photo</span></span></span></b></i></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>PLAY'N HOOKY</b></i></span></center><br />
Ride the Rockies is Snowcatcher's gig! She got me into it — I've done 6 now — and it's something you need to check out if you're a cyclist. I think you'll find yourself wanting more. Sadly, orthopedic conditions sidelined Snowcatcher from this year's ride. However, she did SaG (Support and Gear) and escort me around host communities and lodging, which was nice.<br />
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Day 4 of the Tour had been a huge day. It tossed me 84 miles of mountain riding over three passes. Much of the route was above 9,000 feet in elevation. Consequently, Coal Bank Pass (10,640 ft), Molas Pass (10,910 ft), and Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft) took their toll on my aging legs. I just wanted to enjoy the awesome B&B Snowcatcher secured for us in advance. The following pic is looking south from our B&B toward the Sneffels Range, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. As a side note, I grew up about 1.5 hours to the north of here, and the locale made me a tad homesick.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-rDZFvtW/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-rDZFvtW/0/f012dd28/L/15Jun17_1-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Day 5 was a short "rest ride" along a scary, high-use roadway (State Highway 550). So we played hooky instead and journeyed to one of our favorite areas — the East, Middle, and West Forks of the Cimarron River. Twelve years ago I proposed to Snowcatcher high in the Middle Fork Basin, and as they say, "the rest is history."<br />
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Following are more pics from the area. All three basins were still snowed in. They should open up for access in early July. The Cimarron Forks begin high in the Uncompahgre Wilderness Area. This area initially was called the Big Blue Wilderness, which I liked much better. Uncompahgre, loosely translated, means dirty water. Oh well... Enjoy! <br />
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The next pic is from Owl Creek Pass (11,120 ft) and the access road to lower West Fork Cimarron.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-RWvW8L2/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-RWvW8L2/0/c67d9d11/L/15Jun17_2a-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Precipice Peak (13,144 ft, rank 529) is framed in the background. My marriage proposal occurred on its backside, high up the Middle Fork of the Cimarron.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-DnJDGT2/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-DnJDGT2/0/5ecac03e/L/15Jun17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Snow temporarily marked the end of the West Fork road. There's still jeep road before reaching a trailhead.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-dDrBpDC/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-dDrBpDC/0/bac9f19f/L/15Jun17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The airy summit of Chimney Rock rises to 11,781 feet.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-WLPQCgZ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-WLPQCgZ/0/ee27557d/L/15Jun17_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Numerous volcanic rock formations line the West Fork. The volcanism in this area is often beyond spectacular.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-mfnnLPh/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-mfnnLPh/0/45167356/L/15Jun17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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A member of the Lily family — Veratrum tenuipetalum<br />
Also known as False Hellebore, Skunk Cabbage, and Corn Lily; it will average 4 feet in height.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-Bww5Gsm/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-Bww5Gsm/0/fb5c7119/L/15Jun17_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The East Fork Cimarron is on the left, and the Middle Fork is on the right.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-C6qLtJ3/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-C6qLtJ3/0/e0b712a2/L/15Jun17_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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I love how dandelions enhance high Montane meadows. Do you?<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-MHTHpDg/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-MHTHpDg/0/bb142986/L/15Jun17_8-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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That's it for a while. Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-19584702708391603202017-06-06T00:30:00.000-06:002017-06-06T00:30:24.495-06:00Stardate 2017.430<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-3sDZzNq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-3sDZzNq/0/fe669152/L/03Jun17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
During a recent evening ride, the moon slowly ascended over Waterton Canyon, sharing a portion of its perpetual journey.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Spring is Giving Way to Summer</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi folks! I haven't been writing because I've been busy doing other things during the evenings, plus I wanted to take a breather from the computer. Nonetheless I have a few pics taken during recent bike rides. So, let's let the show begin with my usual bike-in-the-road shot.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-8FxQdCc/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-8FxQdCc/0/b15255c1/L/24May17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Vegetation has greened nicely.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-bgW78pv/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-bgW78pv/0/b79ba733/L/02Jun17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The farther up the canyon one travels, the more complex and wild the views become.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-fL2mzNF/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-fL2mzNF/0/76b806bd/L/02Jun17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Evening low-angle light is sharp, yet a tad nebulous as a whole.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-jhhKgg2/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-jhhKgg2/0/f5bc1f1c/L/03Jun17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Bike cockpit...<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-LCxbjLf/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-LCxbjLf/0/dfdc7ec0/L/28May17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This book was at my turnaround. Not my type of reading, but if you have any insight, do enlighten us.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-vpvs2jx/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Lizards-PODs/i-vpvs2jx/0/814d8f1e/L/25May17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-7132733419076151432017-05-07T00:30:00.000-06:002017-05-07T00:30:24.029-06:00Stardate 2017.348<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-3pzrC5L/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-3pzrC5L/0/aab0d4ea/L/05May17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
Juniper Pass<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Juniper Pass — Where's the Juniper?</span></b></i></center><br />
I took a road ride from Bergen Park to Juniper Pass via State Highway 103. Bergen Park is a stone's throw west from the Denver Metro area at an elevation of 7,791 feet. Juniper Pass sits at 11,140 feet elevation; a bit high for juniper, I believe. It was a bluebird day - warm even at 11,000 feet. The elevation gain for the ride is 3,349 feet over 15.1 miles.<br />
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There was a fair amount of sand on the road, causing the descent to be a bit slower than usual. Nonetheless, it is a well-earned descent. Moreover, this pass is the first major ascent in the Triple Bypass, an event I've ridden numerous times. The first photo is the start of Highway 103, just outside of Evergreen, Colorado.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-DW8gCFb/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-DW8gCFb/0/8f2899f6/L/06May17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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My obligatory bike in the middle of the road shot.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-sRtmhD4/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-sRtmhD4/0/7304e778/L/06May17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Squaw Pass sign indicates you're more than halfway. In common English, you know the cat's in the bag. Although there's yet another 1,333 feet of elevation gain.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-VfJcQkH/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-VfJcQkH/0/f22a0b42/L/06Mat17_4-L.jpg" alt=""></a><br />
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The Front Range comes into view.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-Dz5twWf/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-Dz5twWf/0/ca2bd604/L/06May17_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-XsPNmSq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-XsPNmSq/0/c545f8ff/L/06May17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Grays Peak (14,270 ft, rank #10) and Torreys Peak (14,267 ft, rank #12 ) come into view as well.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-B5qwsf7/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-B5qwsf7/0/5c243a0e/L/05May17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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As the pass approaches, so does 14,264-foot Mount Evans, the 15th highest peak in Colorado.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-Zmq4VTC/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-Zmq4VTC/0/060026ff/L/06May17_7-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This road used to be fairly weathered. Now, it's baby-butt smooth asphalt.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-mL86kSR/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-mL86kSR/0/1d37305e/L/06May17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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That's it for now. Thanks for reading.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-55453263782194283622017-04-21T00:30:00.000-06:002017-04-21T17:25:38.472-06:00Stardate 2017.304<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-JS5xSpn/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-JS5xSpn/0/L/16Apr17_2-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Coming to Life</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi everyone, I think spring has sprung. The bighorn sheep — both ewes and rams — are lounging together. Other reclusive ewes will soon be showing off reasons for being solitary in the form of little newborn lambs with doey wide eyes full of wonder. Rattlesnakes are sunning themselves. The ubiquitous anglers are infiltrating Waterton Canyon. And, more and more cyclists are enjoying the warming days. Following are several rides worth of pics. I hope you enjoy them.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-299kXbd/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-299kXbd/0/L/16Apr17_1-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Warming days become lazy days...<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-Gbj2J5t/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-Gbj2J5t/0/L/16Apr17_3-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Beautiful and toxic, all in one package...<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-HK5cGS8/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-HK5cGS8/0/L/18Apr17_1a-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-HvJxqhH/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-HvJxqhH/0/L/18Apr17_2a-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Classic singletrack zigging and zagging through the forest...<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-wk8RGvr/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-wk8RGvr/0/L/16Apr17_4-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Late afternoon light wafting through coniferous tree boles...<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-GW65ck6/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-GW65ck6/0/L/15Apr17_6-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Always be on your toes...<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-xcjHkzf/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-xcjHkzf/0/L/16Apr17_5-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Stay tuned!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379621753655897776.post-39583055097771313832017-04-11T21:32:00.000-06:002017-04-11T21:32:05.878-06:00Stardate 2017.277<center><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-bV5kmRK/0/L/Ranches%2008Apr17-L.jpg" /><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lay It On The Line</span></b></i></center><br />
Hi, people! Lay it on the line doesn't really have anything to do with the ride. I just had the old Triumph song from 1979 on my mind. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz26fcmq3S8" target="_blank">You can listen to it here.</a> On to business at hand. Ever so slowly we are getting our cycling legs in tune. This past weekend we did a half road and half mountain bike ride for about 40 miles. That's not far, but not too short either. The mountain bike was used for both legs of the trip. Moreover, I have spring fever something terrible. We've been able to get out quite a bit, and I pulled some older helmet cam videos for fun.<br />
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<center><iframe frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="640" height="480" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/3459612361_zbT5pXz?width=640&height=480&albumId=17303734&albumKey=HXK8kV"></iframe><br />
<i>Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park (road bike)</i><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="640" height="360" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/2301396155_FZfk67b?width=640&height=360&albumId=17303734&albumKey=HXK8kV"></iframe><br />
<i>Kokopelli Trail, Western Colorado (mountain bike)</i></center><br />
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Our ride was good, although my toosh was sore from the previous day's ride. We saw a lot of bighorn sheep (as usual) while in Waterton Canyon, with some good-size rams. On a side note, we're also playing with food. I can hardly get down and stomach an energy bar these days. Instead of high-dollar energy foods, we're drying our own fruit, thanks to Snowcatcher. The day's snack was apple and peach slices covered in cinnamon. The cinnamon dries into the fruit. MMMmmmmm...<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-qzH92cb/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-qzH92cb/0/L/Dried%20Fruit-L.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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I turned around at upper Lenny's Bench. It was down to the flats now. I don't write much here as I'm always writing about Waterton Canyon and surrounds. I'll talk about several things along the trail. The Chatfield area had a surprise or two.<br />
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<center><a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-9vt5K5L/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-9vt5K5L/0/L/Down%20to%20the%20flats-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This little character had some nice markings.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-w53Qg2s/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-w53Qg2s/0/L/Turtle%2008Apr17-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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The last of the snow was going, going, soon to be gone!<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-wGWs4mG/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-wGWs4mG/0/L/Snow%2008Apr17-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is a bull snake; rattlesnakes are on their menu. This particular specimen would stretch out to 4 or 5 feet.<br />
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<a href="https://snowcatcher.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-bn6Gg3C/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Lair-of-the-Lizard/Spring-2017/i-bn6Gg3C/0/L/Bullsnake%2008Apr17-L.jpg" /></a><br />
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That's it for now. Thanks for reading and viewing!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adios</span></b></i></center>Lee Zardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566785434995611198noreply@blogger.com1