THE GRAND MESA:
What a treat!! The Grand Mesa is the largest flattop mesa in THE WORLD and showcase over 300 lakes. And its an easy 45 minute drive to Powderhorn Ski Resort. HERE is their webcam link.
So I ended up taking the elders to the Mesa for a short little snowshoeing excursion. I was cracking up inside as we drove along towards the trail head because they were dropping comments like " glad we have someone to break trail" or " how far will we go" or " sure hope it doesn't get too cold"
I only smiled because I know we might make it a mile from the car, we sure as hell won't be breaking trail, and I am a casual "hiker" when friends are involved. These guys, dinosaurs!! I mean that in a humorous way. 80 years old, 68 years old, 65 years old, and me. The game plan was simple, show these guys a really fun non pressured walk about. Stop often, point out the small things, and hear our laughter echo off the mountain side.
And thats exactly how it played out. Offering each other a helping hand strapping on snowshoes, walking a short distance, stopping as often as needed, plenty of photo opportunities, and sharing stories from whenever and whatever.
"Should we turn back?" I would ask. "Are you sure you want to adventure up this climb?" I dubiously checked in. "How are you all doing with your water intake?" Leading questions like that. Much to my surprise, we tromped an out & back for a total of 3.1 miles. Never would have guessed that these guys would hike a 5K at 9,600ft. Truly Inspiring
While we surged on, I would break off trail and hammer out a loop. Even with snowshoes, the snow was up to my crotch in a few spots. I was able to burn the quads a bit as I rounded back in behind them. I did a number of these little loops. I just dig the sounds of breaking the crunchy frozen snow surfaces. And the day, Phuc-N Beautiful
Here was my eye opening moment, we returned to the car and them boys were wiped out. The 80yr old bent over to unstrap and damn near ate some yellow snow. I quickly grabbed him and held him up. We smiled at each other but damn it freaked me a bit. I announced," No more head rushes here. I will remove your snowshoes." We snacked on our treats, reflecting on the camaraderie from the day, and loaded up. Fun Had By All
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Necessities for the Annual Light Parade |
The 37Th Annual Parade of Lights:
The theme this year was Comic Books. Call me a wing nut but I'm a fan. So a field trip ensued and on goes the rechargeable battery powered lights. Again, call me names but I throughly enjoy dressing up bikes.
A group of us rode on downtown and meandered our way through the staging areas. I always support this detour because there are so many distraction during the parade that I feel like I miss the real details on these floats. And I enjoy shouting out encouraging phrases to all the participants. By Their Facial Reactions, Well Received
Like Smokey The Bear here. The Forest Service float was amazing but I would have never known if I didn't see it up close. They had live Pine Trees on all four corners of their trailer. I sang Happy Birthday ( turned 75 years old ) to Smokey The Bear and the supporting cast members on the float weren't too sure about me at first but reluctantly joined in. By the end, they were singing their hearts out. So Much Fun
Snoopy, Who Doesn't Love A Little Appearance by Snoopy?!?!?!!???? The stocking for a sleeping cap was a wonderful touch. Someone took their sweet time hanging those strings of lights. Fantastic Craftsmanship Displayed Here
Just a few, totally packed sidewalks, folks came out for the parade of lights. However, I sort of felt alone in a way. Not the whole time!!! I experienced a similar feeling while decorating my bike. I would love to share creative moments with a partner and share the joy of laughter over stupid inconceivable nothings. Standing on the street watching, would love to have a little hand slip into my glove. Or engage in the softness of lips meeting while the Snoopy float rolls on by. Simple Intimacy
But then it quickly dawned on me that I wasn't judged all day, I wasn't ridiculed about my behavior, and I wasn't doing IT wrong. I wasn't concerned about meeting someone else expectations and nobody was up my A$$ about a timeline or schedule. Actually, Flying Solo Isn't So Bad
This Batmobile cracked me up. Pretty Damn Cool But Totally Hilarious At The Same Time. When we rode by them in the staging area, they had an operating fog machine for a three dimensional vibe. It must have crapped out by this point. NOW, in the good old fashion of Keeping GJ Lame, NO SANTA ON THE LAST FLOAT!!! Can you believe that?? Have you ever been to a Christmas parade were Santa WASN'T on the last float?? That Is Weird Or Just Lame
This is a time lapse video that I created back in 2017. Before my older MacBook Pro crashed, I could bang out these 2-3 minute time lapses in no time at all. I have been experiencing this little itch of creating content again. But then the $$$ for the equipment, relearning the new programs, and investing the time turns me off. Mainly, its the coin. I don't know, you tell me. Would You Watch These 3 Minute Time Lapses??
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GOALS:
- Ride Outdoors A Much As Possible
- Consume As Many Veggies & Fruits As Possible
- Giggle With Tears Of Joy
- Work In Super Sets This "off" Season
- Share This Full Moon Snowshoeing
- Creating Three Separate Upcoming Radio Shows
Stay Strong,
Cheers
...winter sure looks good in your neck of the woods!
ReplyDelete... And I Sure Embrace The Winter Season
DeleteCheers
I don't think I've ever been to a Christmas parade..does Santa always ride in the last float? I guess he would..hohoho! Looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteWait, What?!?!? How UnAmerican - Thats A Joke!! Even The Macy's Day Parade Tows Santa In On The Last Float
DeleteCheers
Aw, so wish I could have been with you for the elders excursion to the snow. The parade sounds great but your bicycle is underdone. A very cheer up post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteoops, Undone Bike - Bummer - Would Take You Guys Snowshoeing Anytime
DeleteCheers
Love that everyone came out to watch the parade. Surely Santa should be on the first float.. hmmm maybe not! I know a 71 year old guy that could out-hike someone half his age, just saying 😁😁 I always enjoy your three minute time lapses Padre, enjoyed the parade reversing back at the end there 😊
ReplyDeleteWould Love To Hike With You And That 71 Year Old - Thanx Ever So Much For Watching & Commenting On The Time Lapse Video - Much Appreciated
DeleteCheers
That parade is the bomb. We have a lights ride coming up later this month where we dress up and decorate the bicycles but a parade would be so much cooler. I thought Lincoln used to do one but if they did it's a thing of the past now. Love the pictures, you all got a ton of snow; we are down to a few wisps here and there left on the ground. Time lapse video was great!
ReplyDeleteThanx For Watching The Video!!! Wish I Lived Near By, Extra Lights For Andrew As A Redemption Ride. Stoked You Saw The Photos As Well
DeleteCheers
That video is AWESOME! I love that someone decorated a cement mixer for the parade. And like you, from that photo, I would never have identified that Forest Service float -- Smokey needs (and deserves) a spotlight!
ReplyDeleteAs for the snow, holy cow -- much more snow than I have ever seen, possibly in my lifetime.
I Know, That Mixer Was A Classic - Keep Thinking Snow Please - More Adventures To Come
DeleteCheers
Haha. I totally know that feeling of being somewhere alone and wishing you had someone close to share it with...and then you realize how freeing it is to be on your own and it's all good!
ReplyDeleteTime lapses are fun. I don't if they're worth spending big bucks, but maybe it is to you.
Fun post!
Well, I was a bit of a drama queen here. The old GoPro3 works just fine for time lapse videos, the camera that I have my eye on was brand new $799, Amazon today for $449, and Craigslist for $310 best offer. There are plenty of FREE editing software programs out there. I will find my Big Boy pants and figure out my new step in 2020. Mainly, wanna document my race preparations over the next 6 months.
DeleteBig Hugs Little L,
Cheers
Hello, that was one adventure in the snow. Gives me goosebumps thinking about the cold. The parade and lights are wonderful, a fun event. Great video! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanx For Watching The Video!! I Appreciate Your Continued Support. Will Be Posting More Snowy Photos.
DeleteCheers
Hi Padre great post very interesting,love the pics xx
ReplyDeleteThanx For Checking Them Out - Enjoy The Weekend
DeleteCheers
Winter is looking good in your part of the universe. Impressed with those older hikers, these days a lot of walkers.hikers have lots of spunk. Nice lights there and a great time lapse video. You did a fantastic job, Padre.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful rest of the week!
I Was Extremely Impressed As Well - Thanx For Watching The Video And Also Appreciate Your Feedback Mr Bill - Its Been A Gr8 Week
DeleteCheers
I don't like snow so I'd be no fun walking in the Winter Wonderland, but it sounds like you and your companions had a great day out. I enjoyed watching the parade of lights. Too fun. Last Sunday, the Fire Department in my rural, little town had their annual Santa parade for my part of town. You hear sirens. Like something big is going on like the whole town is on fire. Run outside to see Engine 1 coming down the street siren and lights flashing. On the back Santa, Mrs. Clause, and an Elf waving. I think they get a kick out of people waving back.
ReplyDeleteThat So Much For Watching The Video!! Santa, Mrs Clause, And Elf?? Talk About A Banner Event. Way Cool
DeleteCheers
That snowshoe hike sounds like it exceeded all expectations, in terms of distance, and met them in terms of fun. Moving through deep snow is hard work. Way to go, Elders!
ReplyDeleteTotally Exceeded!! Your Tribe Would Have Loved It!! And The Photo Ops, Oh Baby
DeleteCheers
WOW...such an amazing place...and that snow looks so stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a lot of fun too...I am jealous...we haven't had a significant snowfall here for many years!!
Many thanks for sharing.😊😊
Have a super weekend!
Its A Magical Place - Stoked You Saw The Photos - Had Fun By All - Last Nights Full Moon Outing Was Outstanding And Will Enjoy The Weekend
DeleteThink Snow
Cheers
It's been many years since I lived in Colorado (1981-85), and it is incredibly lovely to be reminded of the snowy mountain beauty there. The time-lapse video is cool. I love watching the light fade to darkness and then in reverse. Thank you for stopping by The New Dharma Bums today and leaving a comment. We so appreciate hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding!! And Thanx So Much For Watching The Time Lapse. Loads Of Winter Photos Coming As The Adventures Are Already On The Calendar.
DeleteCheers
this is wonderful winter weather for you and the festival is fantastic!!! Cool photos!!!
ReplyDeletehave good weekend
Elke
Pleased You Are Enjoying The Photos - Enjoy The Rest Of The Weekend
DeleteCheers
My goodness! I can imagine how the echo sound in the other side :) Go dinosaurs!
ReplyDeleteLovely night with thousands of lights.
A huge hug.
They Were Troopers - And The Silence Was Almost A Stellar As The Echo
DeleteThanx For The Virtual Hugs
Cheers
I know how difficult hiking at that altitude is.....and add in the deep snow...wow!
ReplyDeleteThe light parade is even more spectacular reflecting off of the snow. Great post.
Thanx For Stopping On By - Hope Texas Is Treating You Well
DeleteCheers