A Roar Har 
The Man
Loved these twin Hexayurts way out in the open camping area.
Our Tensigrity Shade Structure worked quite well on the playa and it can hold 3 hammocks!
Yours Truly, feeling amazing!
We looked forward to the sunsets every night because it cooled off enough to go exploring.
Waiting for sunrise out by the trash fence.
Marybeth hanging out with the Space Cats in the Deep Playa.
Hanging out beyond the trash fence at the Black Rock City Airport.
The Man Burning
Katie headed across the Playa.
This is a big part of what it’s all about.
The Angler Fish Art Car.
Marybeth and Momma Bear.
No words. This is simply beautiful.
Marybeth and the Temple.
Black Rock City from the Air.
The A-Roar-Har gals.
Every Burgin must roll in the dust and ring the bell!
Don’t think she has to worry about the dust getting washed off.
Well, Hello There!
Sunrise with a pal.
Carl the Chameleon
Love to all!
We’ve had a lot of adventures this summer, but the highlight has to be the one we just returned from…Burning Man! A blog post is in the works, but enjoy this video we made in the meantime!
Happy Trails!
Katie
It’s cold and there is fresh snow on the ground, but it’s Colorado, so the sun is shining and it’s a perfect day for a hike. There’s too much snow for the mountain bikers and not enough for the snowshoers so I get the trail all to myself. That’s exactly how I like it.
With my faithful companion, Fluffy Dog, I set out on the trail to finally finish Section 3 of the Colorado Trail. The trail starts at the Little Scraggy Trailhead and rolls through ponderosa pine forests. It winds around the sides of hills and up and down drainages until its terminus at Rolling Creek.
Rocky peaks, composed of well worn rubble dominate the landscape. The lower reaches are strewn with boulders wearing blankets of snow. Remnants of ancient peaks, they are reminders that the mountains are no more eternal than we are, just longer lived. Now and then, there is a a glimpse of the snow capped mountains through the trees.
The cloudless sky is a shade of brilliant blue that I’ve only ever seen in winter. The sun throws long shadows, even at midday and it’s low angled rays glide over the snow making it sparkle like precious gems. The stark white of the snow contrasts sharply with the conifers making the green needles and the red bark of the ponderosas appear deeply saturated. Here and there the trees let loose a silvery cascade of snow dust. I stop and watch the show until a nearby tree decided to loose it’s cold, shimmery gifts upon my head.
The going is slower than usual because of the snow, but I don’t mind. There is something extra special about hiking after a fresh snowfall. With the crystalline carpet muffling the rustling of the trees and brush, the silence overwhelms the senses. Even the streams are quiet. No babbling brooks chattering on their course, there is only a muted glug, glug as the water makes it’s way under the ice. Punctuating the silence are the sounds of mountain song birds, clearer and brighter than what you hear in summer, and a lone woodpecker is tap, tap, tapping in search of grubs.
And, oh the happy puppy dog! He’s unfettered to frolic freely in the snow. He’s bounding through the forest after who knows what. Oh look, he found a deer leg. Hope the critter that left it isn’t still around.
It takes some route finding to find my way through the forest with the trail obscured by snow, but the path is well worn and the depressions left by thousands of footsteps are not too hard to follow. I make my way through this cold, white Eden contemplating all and nothing. The landscape is beautiful and silent and the peace it brings my soul is unmeasured. I leave this place and return to the bustle of “real life” but it lingers in my mind and I am restless and anxious to return to the woods to find that peace again.
Happy Trails,
Katie
Enjoying the surf, sand and sun at North Beach on Isla Mujeres.
Our first sunset on the beach at Playa Lancheros.
The island is awash in tropical colors.
This bike is so rusty, it’s a wonder that it’s still rideable.
Two iguanas basking on the rocks at Punta Sur.
One of the many large steel artworks in the sculpture garden at Punta Sur.
The ruins of Ixchels temple on Punta Sur.
While all the food we had on the Isla was phenomenal, the gold star goes to a tiny, humble restaurant called El Charco for the best Flautas I’ve ever had!
Mayan Temple at Chichen Itza, miraculously devoid of crowds.
If you were a fitting sacrafice in ancient Mayan culture…this is where you would die.
These columns were roofed with wood in ancient time to provide shade for Mayan pilgrims.
Swimming in Cenote Saamal.
Marybeth and I logging dive time.
Yours truly, relaxing at North Beach.
A bittersweet sunset. It’s time to go home.
Inglesia de San Pedro Claver in the Old City of Cartagena
Bougainvillea vines drape over many of the old Spanish buildings.
By chance, we were in Cartagena for the signing of the peace agreement between FARC and the Colombian government. Ultimately, the people of Colombia voted against the agreement, but it was still a remarkable piece of history to witness. This was a candle-lighting ceremony in one of the city squares the night before the signing.
After dark, the city really comes alive. Too hot to be active during the day, the nightlife in Cartagena is robust with tourists and locals mingling in every square. Just follow the voices and music and you’ll find yourself being entertained by talented street performers or stumble upon a local bar where you can grab a cervasa and find the people of all ages salsa dancing. One of our favorite finds was the “Cuba 1940’s” bar where you can dangle you feet in a cool indoor pool while sipping Mojitos. Plaza de La Trinidad, in the Getsemani quarter, was steps from our hotel and swarming with people every night. Located in a working class neighborhood that is undergoing gentrification, and awash in expensive boutique hotels alongside hostels and modest local homes, a gathering of people from all walks of life occurs on the square. Grab some rum laced fruit punch from a street vendor and find a spot to sit and watch the show.
A wonderful way to spend the day and escape the heat on Isla Grande.
Marybeth enjoying a relaxing day in her hammock at the Beach Hostel on Tierra Bomba.
Trying fresh fruit juices at the Mercado
Local kids congregating at the church entrance during a wedding we happened by.
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- Marybeth relaxing at the rooftop pool of our hotel
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- Marybeth and I enjoying some beach time on Isla Grande
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- This is Maggy Luis who gave us an impromptu tour of Isla Grande
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- Vultures are all over the place.
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- Best ceviche in Cartagena
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- Two sloths live in the city park.
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- Trinidad square during the quiet of the day
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- Street Art is everywhere
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- A lot of street food is deliciously deep fried!
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- Guava paste and a local soft cheese from a street vendor
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- Marybeth and some of the ubiquitous street art
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- One of the groups in the Elders parade.
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- One of the few pieces of indigenous art we saw.
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- Chicharonne – Deep fried pork belly
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- Marybeth contemplating Colombian art
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- A decaying cemetery just outside of town.
Mount Elbert beckons.
An early morning start is needed in order to summit before the storms roll in. The reward for the lack of sleep is a lovely sunrise on the trail.
Fluffy Dog is not letting the altitude slow him down. He spent some time bounding through the trees while waiting for me to catch up.
A great mid-mountain place to stop for a snack and to take in the views.
Fluffy Dog is enjoying mid-hike his snack.
Fluffy Dog making new friends on the mountain.
Fluffy Dog was happy to find a snow field to play in near the summit.
Getting closer to the summit, I was hiking at a snails pace, while the altitude didn’t slow Fluffy Dog down at all.
Fluffy Dog savors the triumph of his first 14er.
The views from the summit are always awe-inspiring.
Segment 10 runs along the base Mount Massive.
A little synchronicity happened in our schedules allowing Marybeth and I to embark on a short backpacking trip to tackle segment 10 of the Colorado Trail. It was a good chance to test out our gear and have a little adventure. We started our trek in the great little town of Leadville, where we met up and had dinner at the Tennessee Pass Cafe. I popped into the Leadville Outdoors & Mountain Market to pick up a dehydrated meal for our trip and ended up walking out with a new air mattress and a bunch of maps. The Market is a small but well-curated shop and the owner was very helpful and knowledgeable about her products. I can definitely recommend stopping in if you’re in the area and need some gear.
Fluffy Dog along the trail. Most of the trail is nicely shaded in pine forest.
Segment 10 of the Colorado Trail meanders through a pine forest along the base of Mount Massive, and aptly named 14er that is the second highest mountain in Colorado. There are two long up climbs going either direction on the trail. We started from the Mount Massive Trailhead, hiking “backwards” from the way most people choose to do it. The grade is not too bad on the legs and lungs (and about the same whichever direction you choose), though I think we both were a very happy when we completed the second uphill portion. Water crossings are abundant which made this a good section to go lighter on the amount of water in our packs and I didn’t need to carry extra water for Fluffy Dog which was a welcome change from most of my hikes. The trail winds mostly through pine forest and grants you occasional glimpses of Mount Elbert (which is right next to Mount Massive). After 10 miles on our feet, we found a good campsite at a large clearing with views of Leadville and the surrounding hills just inside the Mount Massive Wilderness.
Fluffy Dog is guarding the tent.
The lack of good rain this summer and subsequent burn ban meant we couldn’t build a campfire, so we made quick dinners from our dehydrated meals. It would have been perfect except we were swarmed by mosquitoes for a couple of hours before the sun went down. We took shelter from the pesky bugs in Marybeths tent until they settled down for the night. We broke out the campstove again to toast marshmallows for ‘smores, my favorite camping treat.
You can enjoy ‘smores, even if you can’t have a campfire!
While Marybeth and Fluffy Dog spent the night in her tent, I brought along my hammock and rainfly for a trial run. In one night, I’ve become a hammock camping convert! I spent a very comfortable night (even when it rained) with the exception of my sleeping pad shifting. A new sleeping bag with a pad holder is now on my wishlist, along with a bug net.
My morning view from my new favorite piece of gear, my hammock!
My pack weighed in at 28 pounds including 1 liter of water and all my food. I’d like to get that pack weight down a bit (under 20 pounds if I can) when my budget allows buying lighter gear. I have a toasty warm sleeping bag, but it weighs in at 4 pounds and takes up an extraordinary amount of pack space. A lighter, smaller sleeping bag is first on the list! Fluffy Dog is also going to learn to carry his own food, dog booties, some of his water and few other pup supplies. His gear and food (not counting water) adds nearly 3 lbs to the pack so I’ll be searching for a pack for him soon!
Fluffy Dog got to take it easy this trip, but soon he will be outfitted with his own pack.
I’m loving my Osprey pack (3 lbs) which is big enough to carry all my gear, but not terribly bulky. My spur of the moment purchase of a Thermarest NeoAir sleeping pad was a welcome upgrade from my old foam pad. I cut the foam pad down to Fluffy Dog size so he could have his own backcountry dog bed. My trusty Down Under oilskin hat, my trekking umbrella and my versatile shemya, round out my 3 favorite pieces of backpacking gear.
All my gear. Note the size of my sleeping bag! It’s definitely time for a smaller one!
We packed up our gear the next day and had a quick 3 mile hike to the Timberline Trailhead. It was time to get back to civilization and our jobs (so we can buy more gear!). We’re already dreaming of our next journey!
But first, a few more pics…
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- Marybeth and Fluffy taking a break.
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- There are a lot of tree blazes marking the trail in this segment.
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- Water is abundant!
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- Fluffy Dog enjoying a little freedom.
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- The view from our campsite.
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- Snug as a bug in my hammock.
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- Purple Asters along the trail.
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- Fluffy Dog waiting patiently for his humans.
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- Elephants head, a favorite flower.
Happy Trails,
Katie
Pryor Mountain Mustangs, 2016
The foals are especially curious about humans. 2004
White Cloud and his harem, 2003
An old tractor lies at rest on Burnt Timber Ridge Road.
They aren’t kidding about the 4×4 recommendation!
Scratching an itch, 2003
A stallion and his mare, 2003
Hey friend! 2003
A foal in a meadow of lupine, 2003
Damage acquired on Sykes, 2003
Overlooking Montana on the Pryor Mountain Road, 2004
Mares and foals, 2004
Just 3 little buddies, 2004
Nap Time, 2004
Mustangs at a salt lick.
Evening is settling over the range, 2004
Foal friends, 2004
Must be love, 2004
Sunset in the lower reaches of Sykes Ridge Road, 2016
Relaxing with Fluffy Dog on top of the Mountain, 2016
Even the “good” parts of the road are rocky, 2016
Views of the Big Horn National Recreation Area on the way up Sykes Ridge Road, 2016
Typical coloration of these mustangs, 2016
Hello there! 2016
Views of Wyoming from the top of the range, 2016
Resting among friends, 2016
Curiousity, 2016
A very angry marmot. He didn’t like Fluffy Dog coming near his den. 2016
A foal in evening light. 2016
Grazing in the last light of the day, 2016
For more information about the Pryor Mountain Mustangs check out:
Panorama from Section One of the Colorado Trail
Fluffy Dog is leading the way.
Soon, you leave the lower forest and gain a ridge, hiking the rolling terrain of the ridge for another 1.5 miles. Quicker than I thought I would get there I made it to Lenny’s Rest, and was officially back on the Colorado Trail. Three more miles of hiking up and down drainages (with several water crossings) finally found me at my turnaround point. Fluffy and I stopped for a bit and had some snacks and I refilled my water bottles at Bear Creek. This part of the trail is really lovely, and the moisture from the creek supplies plenty of water to support lush vegetation.
The Ridge
Temple Mount in the San Rafael Swell.
Snow is still blanketing the high country in Colorado, so we packed up the Jeep for Memorial Day weekend to spend some time with friends and visit one of our favorite places, the San Rafael Swell. The Swell is a unique geologic feature rising out of the high desert near Green River, Utah. It’s full of twisty slot canyons, adventurous 4wd roads and unusual rock formations.
We picked a campsite at the head of Crack Canyon that we had scouted on previous adventures. It’s a great spot off the beaten track and only accessible if you have 4wd vehicle. The Swell receives a lot of visitors on holiday weekends so we were pretty happy to score our secluded campsite.
We were lucky to get this awesome campsite at the head of Crack Canyon.
Visiting places like this feel like entering another world. All your cares and worries fade away the moment your feet hit that red dirt. Though we’ve visited the Swell on multiple occasions, there is always something new to explore. This time, we used our base camp in the Swell as a jumping off point to explore some of the surrounding territory.
We started out by driving down to Hanksville to the maze of canyons in the North Wash. Leprechaun Canyon provided a fun, easy hike to help us break-in our hiking legs. This is definitely an area to visit in the cooler times of the year as even in late May, the heat was oppressive. Fortunately, once you get into the canyons it’s much cooler.
On the way home, we took a side trip down a long dirt road to the Burr Point overlook. We got a good preview of what our hike the next day into Happy Canyon would entail.
Fluffy Dog and the Jeep at Burr Point Overlook
Happy Canyon is in the Robber’s Roost area near Hanksville. The canyons of Robbers Roost were used by Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch gang to elude capture and it’s easy to see why. There are very few trails down into the canyon and the top part of the canyon is largely bounded by vertical walls of rock. If it weren’t for the remote location, Happy Canyon would probably be swamped with people. Lucky for us the long drive up an unmaintained 4wd road with some pretty sketchy sections and exposure to shear drop offs keeps out all but the most intrepid travelers. The hike itself is an easy (but hot) walk few miles along a canyon shelf before dropping down to the bottom of the canyon with a brief, refreshing ford of the Dirty Devil River. The heat was searing (don’t even attempt this hike in summer), there were biting flies at the river and the climb back up to the Jeep was a bit grueling, but it was worth it.
The views along the way to Happy Canyon are impressive.
We spent our last day in nearby Moab to put the Jeep through it’s paces on the Fins ‘n’ Things 4wd trail. It was great fun testing the capabilities of the jeep, with the bonus of amazing scenery.
Too soon, it was time to go home. We’re already planning future adventures and I’m sure some will include more of the slickrock trails around Moab!
Happy Trails,
Katie
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