March 30, 2021 · 9:00 am

A New Look

There are times when you have to open your closet and take a look at your wardrobe. You know what it’s like. When your closet bulges with outdated blouses that should have been retired with your patchwork bellbottoms. How about your great-grandmother’s fur coat that smells like an old shoe? That time arrived for me today, and the wardrobe I was looking at was my website. I haven’t done any major work on my site for over 4 years so I spent the day doing a little bit of revamping, and reconstructing.

I am not a graphic designer, nor a webpage designer. My budget doesn’t allow me to hire a professional so I hit the DIY easy button. Well, it wasn’t overly easy. Most of my time was spent trying to figure out how to work through WordPress’ templates and customizations.

More work is still in store, but for now, I hope you like my new wordrobe…no, wait…wardrobe…HA!…website!

In the end, I think it came out pretty nice.

What do you think?

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March 1, 2021 · 12:50 pm

It’s a Cover!

Can life get any better than this?

I can finally brag about having a book coming out. Although the stories are not my own, I am proud to have been the Project Manager with an amazing group of writers and editors.

FRESH STARTS will be available on April 9th.

Read more about this anthology on PPW’s website.

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January 18, 2021 · 12:10 pm

Upcoming Anthology

I am so excited!

Why?

In early April I will finally see over two years of hard work come to light. TALES FROM THE PEAK: FRESH STARTS is going to be published!

FRESH STARTS – A Quick History

In October of 2017 I went to a meeting with Pikes Peak Writers to talk about possibly publishing an anthology with stories, poetry, and memoirs written by members of PPW. What I didn’t realize was that I would raise my hand and volunteer to lead this project.

I professed to everyone in attendance that I had ZERO experience in how to do this project, but I would make it happen. After all, PPW is an organization that supports writers of all levels of experience. An anthology just seemed like the next step for the organization.

NEXT STEPS

The learning curve was immense. At times, I felt like I was climbing Mt Everest without equipment, but I pulled on my boots and faced the mountain. With guidance from my mentors, DeAnna Knippling, Jamie Ferguson, and Jenny Lovett, we pushed through setting budgets, developing a theme, setting a marketing plan, soliciting writers, and collecting stories.

The number of submissions we received was unexpected. When Lou J Berger joined the team as an editor we, at the time, had only received 35 submissions and assured him we would be lucky to break 60. Then the avalanche hit. In total we read and combed through 255 submissions.

TODAY

Today, the selected authors number 30 who were given a theme to write on. Each writer was asked to write their interpretation of Fresh Starts, with a simple added blurb:

After the fires are out, the smoke has cleared, the divorce is over, the widow has stopped wearing black, the sun has risen, the monsters are dead, the world is saved (or destroyed!), the storm has calmed, and the trouble is over…
…what do you do next?
We can’t promise only happy endings. Just that moment when you pick yourself up out of the wreckage and find the strength to begin anew.

What an amazing turnout! The choices were difficult, but we found our way to the best of the best submissions.

We are now working through cover art, contracts, bios, headshots, and the last leg of marketing. I never fully realized what went into publishing a book until I stepped into this project. The peak of Mt. Everest is in view and I am now armed with climbing equipment that will pull me, and this anthology, over the top to publication in April.

Learn more about the anthology here and sign up to receive updates as they are available.

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October 29, 2020 · 9:00 am

Mason Creek Trail

Staunton State Park

As promised, I am going to take you all on a tour of the the various trails we have hiked in Staunton State Park, starting with Mason Creek Trial. We hiked this in July, but we were lucky to have gone on a cooler day. The trail is mostly in the trees, but much of it is also wide open.

Trail is a mix of packed dirt and rocks to scramble over.
Mason Trail is highlighted in green running on the right side of the map. We stopped at Catamount Overlook.

The 7.4 mile out and back stretch we took is a mix of easy to a more moderate incline with a few little rocky scrambles. You can reach this trail from any of the parking lots by staying to the right of the trails that lead out. We parked in the Mason Creek lot and went from there. If you want to stick to the easy portion, only go as far as The Raven Climbing area right at the Mason Creek Cascades. This is a pretty spot for a creekside picnic and there are usually climbers here to watch.

One of the climbing areas at The Ravens. See the arrow on the bottom left to give you a scale of a climber getting ready to start.

From here the trail is a steady incline through the woods and open spaces with plenty of opportunities for vista viewing. There are a number of horses that use this portion of the trail system along with bikes so keep an eye out and share the trail.

We called our hike once we reached Catamount Overlook. From here you can continue onward for another four miles to reach Old Mill Site. There is a cut through from Old Mill back down to the main Staunton Ranch Trail.

To get to Staunton State Park take Hwy 285 south to Shaffers crossing (it’s about 6 miles west of Conifer). There is a sign right on the highway so you can’t miss it. You turn right onto Elk Creek Road and go about 1.5 miles to the entrance of the park. There is an entry fee of $9.00, but if you visit Colorado’s state parks with any frequency, their annual pass is the best choice.

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October 22, 2020 · 8:21 am

Waterton Canyon, Colorado

Bighorn Sheep Abound!

What a great experience to see bighorn sheep up close, and personal. When I read that Waterton Canyon was a great place to see them, I imagined them being up on the hillsides, not fifteen feet away.

Waterton Canyon Trail follows the South Platte River.

Let me share the hike with you, then tell you my sheep story. The hike itself is what I’d categorize as very easy. It is along a dirt road that follows the South Platte River and used by the Denver Water Department to service the Strontia Dam at the top of the trail. If you hike this be aware that there are vehicles sharing the road with you. It is not open to the general public so the cars are minimal. The bikes are not. This is an excellent out and back quick ride for bikers so there are quite a number of them. I hiked this on a Tuesday so it wasn’t as busy as weekends.

The incline is steady, but hardly noticeable. I saw someone pushing a stroller, young children on bikes or walking, along with a gentleman riding an electric handicap scooter (he was at mile three photographing the bighorn sheep). You can hike the full 12.4 out and back, or continue on up about another 4 miles where the Colorado Trail connects (bikes are not allowed past the dam). I only went to mile 3.5 where the first of the bighorn sheep were lounging in someone’s front yard.

This is the point where I stopped at a picnic table and had a snack before heading back down where I had my second encounter with the bighorns.

About halfway down I came across a herd of about eleven bighorns. They were on the younger side compared to the group lounging in the yard. They seemed to be heading the same direction as I was which felt a little disappointing as I wanted to get a few photographs. They must have heard my thoughts because, after a couple of them bounced around on the rocks the group started up the road in my direction.

The lead bighorn slowly made its way toward me, boring a hole through me as it was deciding if I was a friend or foe. The others walked slowly behind. I wasn’t exactly sure what to do so I moved off the side of the road and kept a side eye on the group. When they got about 15 feet away they decided it was safe to pass, at full speed.

Not only were bighorn sheep grazing the canyon, but the fall colors were still putting on a show. I missed the scrub oak by a couple of weeks, but the cottonwoods were a beautiful golden yellow. Mixed in with all the activity were the fishermen who seemed to be having a bit of luck too.

Waterton Canyon is easily accessed from C-470 and Wadsworth (Hwy 121). Take Hwy 121 south off C-470 to Waterton Canyon Rd. The intersection is well marked. The large parking lot is right off Waterton Canyon Rd. This is a heavily used area on weekends so arrive early to beat the crowds.

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October 6, 2020 · 6:00 am

Sandstone Ranch Park

New park recently opened!

Sandstone Ranch Open Space Park is a new, Douglas County park that opened late September of 2020. It is about 3 miles west of Larkspur, Colorado. Douglas County secured this land in 2018 and opened the area to the public in September of 2020.

We hiked on a Sunday, two weeks after the park opened and, by coincidence, we arrived just as the last of about 40 horse trailers parked. As it happens, this was an equestrian club that normally would not have been there. At first we were worried the trails would be crowded with horses, but there was plenty of space for all of us. We did run into one larger group, but otherwise they were nicely spread across along the trail.

About 40 horse trailers were ready for the trail when we arrived.

The trailhead is right off the parking lot through a gate. (There are several around the loop. Because this is still a working ranch be sure to close each gate as you pass through). The 3.8 mile trail (4.5 from where we parked) is well maintained and wide enough to pass anyone along the way. It is loose dirt and sand (something to keep in mind if you hike after a rain or snowmelt). I would rate the trail as easy, but if you do go clockwise the initial climb might make it a moderate.

Brian, president of the Douglas Land Conservancy, happened to be the greeter the day we hiked, and advised us to go counterclockwise rather than the other direction. Why? “Because everyone goes clockwise.” After hiking it, I agree. The elevation climb is minimal (about 400 feet) and if you go clockwise it is all done in the first mile.

Much of the hike is open meadows with Pike National Forest as a backdrop against sweeping vistas. The scrub oak was a brilliant contrast of orange, yellow, and red against the dark greens of the pine trees of Pike. Beautiful. The area felt wide open through the meadows along with shady spots as well.

Scrub Oak in the fall.

Getting to Sandstone is easy. From I-25 take exit 173 at Larkspur. Turn west at Perry Park Avenue and follow this for about 3 miles. At the T-intersection turn left onto County Hwy 105. The entrance to the trailhead is on the right about 1/2 mile from Hwy 105 and Perry Park Ave.

Read more about Sandstone Ranch Park.

Enjoy your hike!!

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August 1, 2020 · 12:40 pm

Staunton State Park

Near Pine Colorado

We recently discovered this beautiful park which is part of the Colorado Park and Wildlife system. Staunton State Park is 3,918 acres of land which was donated to the state by the Staunton family in 1989 and opened to the public in May of 2013.

Staunton Ranch Park trail map provided at the entry gate.

The trail system is extensive and open to all levels of hiking, biking, and horseback riding along with a number of climbing areas if you are a fan of rock climbing. There are a few trails that are only open to hikers, but most are open to all.

The park also offers a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is physically disabled. The Track-chair Program opens the door to everyone and takes visitors along three trails with water features, open meadows, forest, and views! Visit CPW’s website for more information and reservations.

The weekends are quite busy so I recommend visiting the park during the week if you can. We have been three times (Sunday and two Fridays) and were treated to some solo hiking for a few long stretches on the Fridays we were there.

There is one drawback I found to this park. Not enough trails are hiker only. The bikers are, for the most part, polite and yield to hikers, but there are the few that go too fast and have the manners of a banana peel on the ground.

The park does have a bell system so bikers will jungle as they ride, but after three visits to the park, only one biker used it. Why? There are no bells available in the bell box at the trail head. I assume they have all been taken by visitors and not returned. The park is heavily used by bikers so be sure to get off the bike trails if you are hiking. I personally would like to see more trails dedicated to hiking only.

Bear Paw Trail

I will write more on the individual trails we hiked later, but I will say, this is a gorgeous place to hike. There is a great mix of pine forest, aspen groves, and open meadows. The trails are well maintained and clearly marked. The staff is friendly and greet you with a smile and have extensive knowledge of the area.

To get to Staunton State Park take Hwy 285 south to Shaffers crossing (it’s about 6 miles west of Conifer). There is a sign right on the highway so you can’t miss it. You turn right onto Elk Creek Road and go about 1.5 miles to the entrance of the park. There is an entry fee of $9.00, but if you visit Colorado’s state parks with any frequency, their annual pass is the best choice.

Until next time.
Happy Hiking!

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June 14, 2020 · 8:55 pm

Buried Treasure

I sat in my back-yard reading when a squirrel came hopping into the yard with two huge peanuts protruding from his mouth. He went to the base of the apple tree and proceeded to urgently dig a hole into which he dropped the first peanut and buried it. Then, he went about 10 feet across the yard and dug a second hole into which he put the second treasured nut.

Mind you, he didn’t just bury two nuts and scurry away. He checked the second burial with great care. Satisfied, he went back to the first hole he dug and carefully sniffed the area. He seemed to decide the burial was not up to snuff so he carefully rearranged the topsoil then, one at a time, he quickly lay pieces of mulch bark over the top.

Like a criminal in the night after finishing his work and scanning the area for enemies, he scampered across the yard and hopped onto Fence Highway and booked it to the next yard.
After he departed I went to the tree to see what he left behind. If I wasn’t aware that he buried a nut where he did, I would have never been able to tell. He had put all the bark back over the hole covering his tracks perfectly. The second hole was so well hidden I never did find it.

I now wait patiently for his return to reclaim his treasured nuts.

Squirrel Thief
This is the same fellow who stole my bird feeder bell this past winter.

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February 2, 2020 · 11:51 am

How Does My Orange Grow?

It Happened!!

After waiting over a year my single orange has fallen from the tree. When it broke from its branch into my hand I had a giddy moment with the feeling of holding a new puppy. An orange was born!

Way back in May of 2019 was the first little bud of an orange and today I have savored its sweet taste. I did not have an orange from the store to do a straight comparison, but IMHO I think my orange was the best I’ve had in a long time. Of course, any fruit or vegetable that is picked fresh always tastes so much better!

Below are the last few images as my orange ripened then finally was ready to eat.

October 2019
December 2019
Here it is!!
February 2, 2020

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January 8, 2020 · 2:53 pm

How I Started Writing

At the beginning of a New Year I look back on what went right and what went sideways in my writing life. I will say that this year, overall, was a good year. My work on Pikes Peak Writers debut anthology is slowly coming to fruition (there is an actual page on their site now), I typed THE END on my newest book, Murder in Sulfur Gulch, and I submitted two short stories (one was declined and one is still out awaiting judgement).

Of course, as I do this reflection over the year, how it all started drifts into my my mind. Why did I start writing in the first place? Was there a turning point that pushed me into this life or did it just grow from something intangible?

My daughter is who influenced me the most to start writing. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and during her college years I read her stories and essays. They were wonderful. She found so much joy in them. I wanted a piece of joy for myself and thought that writing would be fun.

I started writing just before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m not sure if this was a warped plan that the Fates set up for me, or what, but the cancer put a huge damper on my grand plans to write. There was no longer much fun to be found in writing. It actually made my writing life nearly impossible for almost three years. Despite that, I kept writing through those dark days because it brought in a bit of light into my day to day survival. Whenever I could, I wrote on my blogs and the other blogs I contribute to, but chemo and radiation took a toll that continued for a long time (and continues to a small extent even today).

Now, on the other side of cancer, I am starting to find the fun that I lost at the beginning. Because of the encouragement I got from my daughter, friends, and other writers, I am finding the fun that I sought six years ago. This past year was where I had hoped to have been back then, but life had other lessons to be learned first. I am looking forward to 2020. It is looking pretty bright right now. Most important of all? I think it’s going to be really fun!

This post inspired by:

Insecure Writer's Support Group

The awesome co-hosts for the The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!

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