Livin’ the Dream … The Diaries of a Madman

[KOWBOY]

Right on up to the treeline.

Here’s lookin’ down into the end of the valley. Small minin’ shack in lower center of pic that I used my computer to zoom in on.

Lake I wanna get to is up and over the Continental Divide. That’s right … you read that correctly. Pretty aggressive thinkin’ on my part. I’m figurin’ the saddle in front of me must be the pass. And I ain’t drivin’ this time. Did I mention it’s hard to breathe up here?

As I get closer, I’m becomin’ more and more concerned ‘bout all the snow I’m lookin’ at.

 

[KOWBOY]

And in fact I soon enuf come across the first snow drift. There was tracks across it so I ventured on across. I didn’t like it. Didn’t like it one friggin’ bit.

But on the other side, the trail briefly cleared up and then just barely skirted the next snow drift.

Then I was lookin’ at a much, much worser snow drift. Again there was tracks across. Long way across. I took ‘bout 6 steps out onto the snow pack and gotta screamin’ case of the heebie-geebies as my balls somehow shrunk up to nuthin’ and left me standin’ there scared. I very slowly backed off onto the trail. I salute whoever the hell left them tracks.

Defeat is not an option here Folks. My goal is to get to the lake. Just need me a plan B. Sit down and regroup for a minute. Can’t go forward. Can’t go up. Refuse to go back. Means I gotta go down. Figure I can go down into the valley and circle around the bottom edge of the snow drift and fight my way back up to trail level on the other side of the snow drift. Seemed like a feasible idea at the time. Here I am at the bottom in the valley and start going around the drift.

 

[KOWBOY]

Now I gotta go straight up. Only bout 10 feet across a snow bank and it’s goin’ up instead of across. Just took my time and dug in some good footholds as I crossed.

It was a very strenuous scramble to get back up to the trail. Very strenuous. But I made it. And I can prove it.

Which brought me round the corner to the worst snow drift yet. Weren’t even no tracks ‘cross this one. So down I go. Here I am at the bottom and lookin’ at that rock chute as a way back up.

And here’s lookin’ straight up my selected course.

Man them rocks were hard to climb. Imagine a stair stepper machine where each step is a dif’rent height and slightly off to the side. And the steps move as the rocks slide. And ya can’t breathe. But I made it. And I’m way up and lookin’ at the pass. Looks like a possible route over on the left side of the snow bank.

 

[KOWBOY]

And in fact, when I get over there, I’m reunited with the trail. Most excellent.

And the summit. No signs I reckon on a hikin’ trail. But I done googled it and this unnamed pass is at an elevation of 12,445 feet. No wonder I can’t breathe. And it’s cold.

And my first view of my objective on the other side … Hope Lake. Most folks that hike here come up from below the lake rather than up and over the Divide like I did.

Lakes at an elevation of 11,880 feet. So down I go. Trails all fubarred with snow drifts but you can see a clear path straight down to the lake. Gettin’ closer.

… and closer.

 

[KOWBOY]

I zoomed in on this last pic to show the dam on the other side of the lake. Trail goes around there to it but ain’t no way it was passable just yet.

And standin’ on the shoreline. I made it!

First lookin’ left … then right. Simply beautiful.

Hope Lake. As in “I hope I can get my sorry ass back over that Divide and to my home in the meadow far below.”

I’m pretty good at cypherin’. Pass is at 12,445 feet and this here lake’s at 11,880 feet. Therefore I gotta go 565 feet straight up. No elevator. No stairs. Not even a trail. Course I didn’t know all them calculations when I was standin’ on the shores of Hope Lake. I just knew it was a long ways up. And off I went.

I remembered an article I done read ‘bout a billionaire fella that paid millions of it to be escorted up Mt. Everest. He said all he could think of was puttin’ one foot in front of the other. And his goal was to have each step gain the ground of the length of his foot. Take a full step. No more … no less. Good thinkin’. And I fought my way back to the Divide. Here’s lookin’ down the valley I gotta go.

 

[KOWBOY]

I retraced my route down around the snow drifts. Goin’ down them rock chutes was troublesome to say the least. Each and ev’ry step had to be plotted out and balance was critical. One slip and fall here could easily cause bodily damage and severely hamper my efforts of gettn’ back to my house. It was real slow go.

Here’s another shot down the valley after successfully gettin’ ‘round the drifts and back on the trail headed down to the trees again.

It was really an emotional boost to be back down in the trees. As I was headin’ back down, it was amazin’ to me that I actually climbed up this trail.

‘Bout half way down thru the trees I came across this merry band.

Wife in the lead, 3 llamas, then the husband. Retired in Colorado and travel these mountain trails with their critters. Each critter carries 60 lbs. That’s 180 lbs of gear! And they said that was only good for the night. Multi-night trips take more llamas. Wow. Gentleman claimed they camped safari style with a big-ass canvas wall tent, tables, chairs, cots, gourmet food, wine, etc. Love to see that campsite. Wonder how long it takes to set up??

The first sightin’ of my home down in the meadow was a VERY welcome sight! Barely make it out in the lower left center of the pic.

No more pics today. I gotta be honest … that hike whooped my ass. Bad. Got to the house and felt horrible. Light-headed, chilled, and very sore. Drank both my water bottles out on the trail and drank another one in the camper. Sat for an hour with the furnace on to take away the chills. Mild case of altitude sickness. Had it before back in my backpackin’ days. Didn’t have a camper back then to recover in tho. Felt much better as the evenin’ progressed.

But at the same time, I had a huge feelin’ of accomplishment. I set out on a difficult hike and it was made even more difficult by overcomin’ trail obstacles on the way. I stood on the shores of Hope Lake. And I think that’s pretty cool.

Took it real easy and read a book for the rest of the evenin’. Stumbled across a new-to-me author of westerns. Fella named Frank Roderus. Evidently he’s written a lot of stuff under a lot of names. Really good stuff.

 

[KOWBOY]

Tuesday, 01 July


Here’s a pic of the Bandora Mine on my way out in the mornin’. Although started in 1882 and then abandoned, it was bought in 1940 and worked again into the 50’s. Miners commuted up from Silverton.

And a last look back at the beautiful meadow known as South Park.

Back down into the valley and the hoards of people as the sun was risin’ over the ridge.

Hit the Million Dollar Highway and headed over Red Mountain Pass. One of the more scenic paved passes in the state in my opinion. Fascinatin’ history as many folks have given their lives over the last century and a half tryin’ to keep this route open to traffic … from mule trains right up to the modern automobile. A critical route in the development of the state.

And I hit 70 mph goin’ up. Just ‘cause I could. Sounded like the huge caterpillar air filter under the hood was tryin’ to suck the hood right in. Black smokin’ like the famous narrow gauge train goin’ down to Durango. Most excellent.

Fantabulous drive down the backside on the Ouray side with 10 and 15 mph curves. Fun stuff. And back thru Ouray. Didn’t stop but just eased on thru. And back through Ridgeway as well. Tryin’ to find me a peaceful campin’ spot that’s maybe away from the crowds on the famous trails around Ouray and Silverton. So hang a right and head towards Owl Creek Pass. Road starts out as a major gravel road thru private ranches. Then turns crappy with washboards as it continues thru private property. Gets a lil’ better as you enter Uncompahgre National Forest and head on up. Not much for campin’ spots, that’s for sure. Scenery got much better tho as elevation was gained.

 

[KOWBOY]

Up and over the pass on a dirt road suitable for passenger cars. On the other side of the pass there started to get some campin’ spots. I know this ‘cause I could see an RV in ev’ry one of ‘em. So much for gettin’ shed of the crowds.

Pretty country tho.

And on down to the very scenic Silver Jack Reservoir. With its USFS campground that was jammed up. Reckon folks were just gettin’ a jump on the holiday weekend.

Sometimes ya ain’t gotta look across to see beauty. This was at my feet as I snapped the pic of the lake.

 

[KOWBOY]

I was once again growin’ concerned ‘bout the prospects of campin’ and if I lost much more elevation it was gonna be pretty warm and outta the National Forest.

And a fella in a topless jeep with a fishin’ pole stickin’ out flagged me down. Wanted to take pics of my junk and get some info on it. And I wanted to know where to camp. He confirmed I didn’t wanna go down the road no more. In fact, he told me to backtrack coupla miles and follow the road up the East Fork of the Cimarron River. Claimed there was dozen or so spots right on the river that were very pretty. And occupied. But there’s this one …

Road up the East Fork is a simple dirt road easily negotiated in passenger cars. It goes a coupla miles and dead ends at a trailhead for a hikin’ trail. And just like the man said … pretty camp spots and all occupied. But my directions were very precise. Go to the trailhead and turn around and head back down about half mile. And look to the left. Seemed sorta roundabout but was funny as hell when I spotted it. Goin’ up the road, the access to the campspot drops off sharply on the righthand side. Without a passenger, it’s outta sight for the driver. On the way back down, it’s on the driver’s side and is evident. Drops right off pretty steep and goes 50 feet to the creek. Just enuf of a barrier to keep lesser vehicles outta the spot. Cheers to the young fella in the jeeper for the outstandin’ local knowledge!! Threw some rocks under the rear tires to get 'er level and called it good.

 

[KOWBOY]

QUICK!! … Pinch me! … I think I must be dreamin’.

 

[KOWBOY]

Lookin’ ‘cross the East Fork …

Lookin’ up the East Fork …

Lookin’ down the East Fork.

Had a few logs layin’ right in camp that the chainsaw made quick work of. Too easy.

Few cars eased on by lookin’ for campin’ spots but got real peaceful late evenin’ and was a really nice campin’ spot. Really nice.

 

[KOWBOY]

Wednesday, 02 July


Up way early. Bowl of Frosted Flakes, square away the camper, and head to the airport. Only 36 degrees. Excellent. Didn’t wanna rev up the cold engine so put the truck in stupid low so I could idle up the hill to get outta camp and back up on the dirt road. Kinda cool. Had the rear locker on as well. But the grade right at the road was loose so just spinnin’ the two rears. Locked in the hubs, threw the front lever, hit the front locker. And crawled up in super slow motion without a spin. Nice.

Hit all the knobs, switches, and levers back into 2wd high and off I go for 20 miles of dirt to Highway 50. Didn’t take long to bust outta the National Forest and into all the private ranches and cabins. Deer and elk ev’rywhere. If’n you’re into killin’ them type critters reckon this would be the place to be.

But the road was a mess. In order to keep the dust down for the holiday weekend, they done sprayed it with magnesium chloride. And it was freshly sprayed so it was wet. Bastards. Magnesium Chloride is primarily used for dust control and stabilizin’ road beds. Its secondary use is ice control. That’s right Folks … friggin’ road salt. I sure as hell didn’t come out West to watch my truck rust away. And it was nasty black and splatterin’ all the way up to the camper. Bastards!

Nuther 20 miles or so got me into Montrose and then do nuther 25 to Delta. Where there’s a most excellent self-service RV car wash. Even takes credit cards so ya ain’t gotta feed quarters. Got stairs up the sides so ya can get to the roof.

Cost me 10 bucks and just used the water. Didn’t bother with no soap or foamin’ brush action. Just wanted the black Colorado salt off. And the red Utah mud. And the brown Arizona and Nevada mud. All down the drain in Delta.

 

[KOWBOY]

Check out the car lot across the street. Not your typical car lot by no means.

Maybe another 50 miles or so up to the airport. But didn’t go straight there. Hit the welcome center in Fruita to dump the cassette toilet and fill the water tank. ‘Cross the road to the truck stop to top off the diesel. Went to an RV place to fill the propane but they had a flat rate of 18 bucks for small bottles. My bottle’s real small. Should cost ‘bout 5 bucks. Fawk ‘em. Worry ‘bout that next hitch then.

 

[KOWBOY]

Parked my junk at the airport in plenty of time to catch my flight. ‘Specially since it was 2 hours late. Then we got delayed another hour and half once we was on the damned thang. So my whoppin’ 3 hour layover in Dallas just weren’t enuf. And there ain’t a later flight to Norfolk. So American Airlines chunked me in a hotel.

 

[KOWBOY]

Thursday, 03 July

American put me on a 0530 flight to Miami where I sat for over 2 hours and then finally got back to Norfolk. The perils of modern-day air travel. Grabbed the comp’ny truck and hauled ass to Philly.

 

[KOWBOY]

END OF CHAPTER 7

 

[KOWBOY]

CHAPTER 8


Wednesday, 16 July 2014

I like fried chicken. A lot. Which is why this time I didn’t get no grub at the Safeway store by the Grand Junction, CO airport. ‘Cause the last two times I did, their fried chicken was mediocre at best. And that just ain’t good enuf.

I been doin’ this here gig for ‘bout 7 months now and I still really can’t describe what it’s like when I get off an airplane and get the first look at my junk out in the parkin’ lot. Reckon it’s sorta like steppin’ thru a stargate and goin’ to another world. Or … maybe more like steppin’ thru a stargate and returnin’ to my world. At work I’m at the mercy of so many thangs outta my control. Like where I’m at on any given day. This last hitch I flew to Norfolk and drove to Philly. Then from Philly, I flew back and forth to Chicago. Then drove back and forth to New Jersey. Lotsa folks tellin’ me what to do. Me tellin’ even more folks what to do. The daily grind strugglin’ to make a damned buck that ev’rybody can relate to.

But not here back in my world. Nosir. It’s the freedom that makes this my dream. To do ev’rythang … or nuthin’. To go ev’rywhere … or nowheres. To buy fried chicken wherever the hell I want and not even discuss it with nobody. Which is why I drove 45 miles down the road to Delta, CO and went to the City Market grocery store. This was not a decision I made lightly. That Safeway bakery had some right tasty peanut butter cookies in the deli. But a fella can’t be afraid of change. And I needed better fried chicken. ‘Cause I’m fond of the City Market store in Moab, it’s a no brainer to try this one here. Hun’erd and fifty bucks later I was in the parkin’ lot loadin’ grub into my home.

Done landed earlier today in Grand Junction ‘bout 1630 and it was 95 degrees. Gotta get to the mountains. Looks like I can head outta Delta and cut over to Crested Butte on a backroad. Ain’t never been to Crested Butte. So off we go.

Made it ‘bout two blocks.

One of the biggest reasons my roadtrips take so dang long is I just can’t seem to pass up a good-lookin’ bar.

Hoolies is in downtown Delta and is indeed a really nice bar. Bought me a coupla beers and a lotto ticket. Drawin’s Friday and if’n I win I’m just gonna stay here in my world.

Took Highway 92 outta Delta and then turned off onto Highway 133. Now I know they do all kinds of minin’ here in Colorado … both past and present. But I had no clue they mined for coal here. As I followed the North Fork of the Gunnison River up the valley it was one coal mine after another. Who knew?? Hung a right on Scenic Highway 12, the Kebler Pass Road. The northern section of the West Elk Loop. Nice drive.

Lots of beautiful cabins. But all private property. Road turned to dirt after just a bit. No biggie tho, recent rains were just right to keep the dust down but not be muddy. Most excellent. But I was tired, hungry, thirsty and it was gettin’ real close to gettin’ dark. No way I’m gonna make Crested Butte today. It was a wonderful thang when I saw the Gunnison National Forest sign and then shortly thereafter a sign for the Erickson Springs Campground. Which is how I ended up in spot #12 eatin’ fried chicken. Mighty fine fried chicken at that. And a few fantabulous oatmeal-raisin cookies from the deli. In 60-degree weather that’s droppin’ fast.

The only other camper in the place is the host. Paid ‘im 14 bucks and callin’ it good. Can’t see the river from my site but ya can hear it. Sure beats the fawk outta Philadelphia.

Midnight east-coast time. I’m done.

 

[KOWBOY]

Thursday, 17 July

‘Bout the time I was packin’ up my computer last night it come a pourin’ down rain. Real loud splatterin’ on the camper roof … was afraid it was gonna keep me up. But it didn’t. Slept right thru it. And layed up in the bed this mornin’ an embarrassin’ly long time. Right peaceful.

Made a big ol’ breakfast and broke camp. Really weren’t a bad campground as far as campgrounds go. Spots were fairly isolated from each other and there still weren’t nobody else there. Waved to the host as I left and hit the road. The muddy road. Musta rained a good while last night I reckon. Not muddy like leavin’ ruts in the road. Just wet on top enough to sling mud on the truck and camper. I hate mud. But I didn’t go far anyways. Pretty country.

I took a turn to go 2 miles to take a look-see at Lost Lake. Real nice lil’ lake.

It had a very nice campground on the shore. One of the nicer Forest Service ones I’ve seen. But of course it was jammed up solid with tourists. Pretty funny site how they all had their cheap-ass sleepin’ bags layin’ out to dry in the sun where they got soaked last night in their cheap-ass tents. They musta had a miserable night. I wouldn’t own me a tent that didn’t shed the rain.

 

[KOWBOY]

So back down the road I go. Lots and lots of campsites along the road to the lake. All filled with tourists. ‘Cept one. ‘Cause it had rocks in the road that were just big enuf to cause concern for the car campin’ crowd. And it had a breathtakin’ view of the countryside.

Only been on the road an hour but don’t see no logic in passin’ up such a sweet spot. Don’t look good for makin’ it to Crested Butte today neither. So parked the truck and got out my chair to enjoy the view while I finished up my cup of coffee. Place weren’t real level tho. In fact, it was on a hill. But it looked like if’n I went sideways right to the edge of the drop-off I’d be all right. And I was. With the help of a coupla big ol’ rocks. Cool that there was a tree stump to stop me from goin’ over the edge. I really need to get my parkin’ brake fixed one of these days.

Not only a spectacular view, but the proverbial babblin’ brook right at the bottom of the hill in front of the truck.

 

[KOWBOY]

Now just need me some firewood. ‘Bout 20 yards away or so was a coupla downed, dead trees that the tourists been hackin’ on with their lil’ hatchets. Or whittlin’ on with their knives. Or maybe even gnawin’ on with their teeth. So that all that was left was two beautiful tree trunks. Easy pickin’s for a trained professional such as myself.

If’n them tourists ever figure out they can bring a chainsaw with ‘em then I reckon I’m gonna have to walk a lot further for firewood.

Anyhows … with the camp set up and the chores done, I settled into my chair overlookin’ the scenery and read me a book. Zane Grey writin’ on some sturdy souls fightin’ off both redskins and redcoats in the woods of western Virginia in the late 1700’s. Really good book.

Lit up the fire and played with the timer delay button on my cam’ra for a self-portrait, poser-type shot.

Check out the Wranglers and the Tony Lamas. I was raised up in Wranglers and Tony Lamas but ain’t owned neither in a very long time. Figured was time to get back in ‘em for goin’ to the bars. Bought the boots in Vegas when I was there last. Hard to find a normal j-toe and ridin’ heel these days. Ev’rythangs them silly square-toe deals. Reckon I just ain’t meant to be in style. Had a helluva time findin’ the britches long enuf but nailed ‘em down the day I left Grand Junction last time. So I wore ‘em all day today in camp and doin chores so they wouldn’t look brand-spankin’ new … don’t want folks thinkin’ I just bought ‘em for goin’ to the bars.