Stardate 2015.581

The Crystal Mill

Snowcatcher and I took a little mountain bike ride out of Marble, Colorado, several days ago. Our route was a jaunt along the narrow 4x4 trail adjacent to the Crystal River. We turned around just beyond the historic 1881 ghost town of Crystal. A handful of buildings still exist and are occupied during the summer months. Enjoy the pics.



During the icy season, getting to Crystal would take some snow sense in terms of safely navigating avalanche terrain. Nonetheless, with copious amounts of snow, Marble is a magnet to backcountry skiers. If you like to earn your turns, check out Louis Dawson's book, Colorado Backcountry Skiing, Cruisers to Couloirs. The book encompasses the Glenwood Springs, Marble, Crested Butte and Aspen area backcountry skiing.



Marble is an intersection of the Elk Mountains to the east and the West Elk Mountains to the south. Two wilderness areas are within throwing distance. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area lies to the East, and the Raggeds Wilderness Area to the south. Crested Butte may be reached from the north via Crystal Township and the deadly Devils Punchbowl 4x4 route up Schofield Pass, followed by a drop into the busy ghost town of Gothic, just north of Crested Butte.




Fireweed
Epilobium angustifolium
Evening Primrose family


Rustic


This jewel requires no introduction!



The Crystal Mill
Sorry about the bad lighting. This mill photographs best with low sun angle and yellow leaves.



Notice the difference in tree heights along the stream and above the stream on each side. In addition to draining Bear Mountain and Little Bear Mountain during warm months, this is an avalanche chute during the winter. The snow slides keep the trees groomed.



The Crystal River



Crystal River Gorge



Lizard Lake



The view across Yule Creek




Marble horses




Marble bighorn sheep




Marble bears
The quality of quarried marble is supposed to be of excellent quality and is shipped around the globe. The marble has been used in the Tomb of the Unknowns, Washington DC Lincoln Memorial, buildings in San Francisco and the Equitable Building in New York City. As a cost example, the above bighorn sheep carving is about four-feet tall and sporting a price-tag of $7500.00.

Thanks for visiting. Coming Soon – Searle Pass

Adios

Stardate 2015.559

Wildflower Season is Here!

Snowcatcher and I took a jaunt to one of our favorite haunts recently. We spent two days in the Crested Butte, Colorado area. Early monsoonal rain has helped to yield a spectacular crop of wildflowers. During our foray, we encountered a bit of everything, from rain and sun to washing bicycle wheels off in the creek before riding because the 4Runner's tire spray had entombed them in mud. The mountain gods are keeping things fresh and exciting.



In the distance, Avery Peak (12,366 ft) rises above the headwaters of the East River.



Flowers were dancing in the breeze all over the place.



12,625-foot Gothic Mountain



Mount Bellview reaches 12,519 feet. The left and right sub-peaks are 12,473 and 12,445 feet in elevation, respectively.



The west face of Avery Peak watches over the beautiful lush subalpine forest beneath.



The alpine basin in the upper right background is Rustler Gulch. This probably is a fitting title, considering the past 100-plus years of ranching in this region.



Mount Bellview (12,519 ft)



The East Brush Creek jeep trail looks a bit ordinary. However, not far beyond this spot, after a major stream crossing, the road turns into a real 4x4 jeep track that meanders all the way up to 12,705-foot Pearl Pass. From Pearl Pass, the jeep route continues down Castle Creek to posh Aspen.



It's day's end along East Brush Creek. The peak to the left is Teocalli Mountain (13,208 ft, state rank #478). The high peak in the far background is Castle Peak (14,265 ft, state rank #12).

Thanks for reading. There's more Crested Butte coming.

Adios

Stardate 2014.521

Ahoy mates!

July greetings! How about another training blog? My preparation for the Double Triple Bypass has been better than I originally thought. Most likely, I had a good winter fitness base from which to build, albeit it didn't feel like it. I've also spent more time on the mountain bike than in the past few years. This is a good thing, because I like mountain biking over road biking. Yet, all my events are on the road bike—go figure! Actually, it's been a good nuptial because I don't have roadie burn out.


I live adjacent to a National Forest and spend a lot of time in it. The result is mountain bike training at its finest. Moreover, Team Snowcatcher had a very successful MS ride this year. Thanks to all of you who donated to our/my cause. It has quickly become one of my favorite rides. The MS event also is a great measuring stick of fitness. I rode 102 miles on Day One and about 77 miles on Day Two and felt quite well. I was pleased. Sorry, but I have no MS photos. You'll have to redirect to Snowcatcher or Mrs. Micawber to see what I saw.

Onward and upward we go. Snowcatcher and I have spent more time riding at altitude this season, and Vail Pass has become our favorite workout site. On this trip, I went up once, descended, then went up and over again to Copper Mountain Resort. I rode down and around the northern end of the Ten-Mile mountain range toward Breckenridge Resort, where I hooked back up with Snowcatcher. Perfect timing I guess, the last 10 miles were spent battling small hail and rain. Once again, no photos were taken.


We spent the Fourth of July weekend in one of my favorite mountain areas – Crested Butte! Yes, I have photos! Enjoy! Why yes, the training went fairly well, too.


Crested Butte considers itself the Wildflower Capitol of Colorado. Those are big words, for I know of some other hidden jewels as well. Nonetheless, if you hit it just right, Crested Butte might actually be on to something. This year, flowers are late following a very good/ deep snow year. The Lupine are in high gear.


In addition to riding bikes, we like to 4-wheel a bit and drive up to Schofield Pass. The Schofield Pass road is a 4x4 connector route to Marble, Colorado. We were stopped short of the pass by remnant avalanche snow and debris covering the road. Some 4x4 vehicles had made it across, but not many. I didn't even try. We knocked off a quick 8-point turn and headed down.


Schofield Pass is by no means a shortcut through the Elk Mountains. As the crow flies, posh Aspen is but 30 or so miles away, and several 4x4 routes allow access to Aspen from Crested Butte. However, the passenger car route boasts two or three hours of driving around the Elk Range to connect with Aspen.


Avalanche Lilies were abundant. They are beautiful, delicate and a treat to find as they don't appear as frequently or as widespread as other species.


We got some energetic rides in, too. All you have to do to get the tell-tale of a good ride is look at your feet. Happy trails amigos...

Adios!