Ponderosa Happenings
Even after the Black Forest fire we continued to have an occasional deer and several flocks of turkeys. Both of these food seekers were just outside our motor home door.
Things were beginning to slow down, particularly in the snack shop, so we decided to leave early. Most of the activity was on the weekends and we had several college interns who were a big help and able to cover the weekends. Improvements to camp are continually being made. See some of the enhancements completed by volunteers.
Paul Rawls and Jose Stephens braved gale force winds to light up the cross at the end of the trail at the top of True Mountain.
Volunteers spent hours and lots of energy to refurbish the horseshoe pits.
The walkway near the dining hall has a new look and is much easier to walk along.
Thanks to Carol Rawls, mother of Camp Director Marcus, there are beautiful flowers everywhere.
Fun ValleyAfter we left camp and spent a few days in La Veta, CO we continued to Fun Valley Family Resort near South Fork, CO. A few days before our arrival, a wild fire consumed one of the mountains near the camp and everyone, including the residents of South Fork, was evacuated for 10 days. Thankfully, there was no damage to the campground which has provided a wonderful place for family camping experiences for many years.
This is a view from the top of the hill overlooking the 700+ RV Park.
Our campsite near a canal was inhabited by mama ducks and babies. Took on a whole new meaning of "get your ducks in a row!"
Caching in Monte Vista, home town of Terri Rawls - wife of camp director, Marcus. Nancy found this cache pretty quickly!
Fishing at Fun Valley - both weekly winners caught rainbow trout weighing in excess of 6 pounds.
Caching near Summitville - 11,500 ft. We weren't expecting to find snow!
Bible study at the Chapel of the South Fork was led by Dennis Daniel, long-time resident of Colorado and now resides in Buckeye and attends FSBC! He's also a great fisherman. The Rio Grande River behind their South Fork home is minus a few hundred fish this summer!
Lobo Lookout near the Continental Divide and Wolf Creek Pass.
Russ found one of the best caches we've come upon. Of course, the lady who planted it happened to walk up and "caught" us searching; her "hint" pointed us in the right direction.
One day as we were caching, we came upon this historic grave.... Col. Albert H. Pfeiffer, a native of Germany, emigrated to America in 1844. He became a soldier and scout with Kit Carson. He was instrumental in securing Pagosa Springs for the Ute Indian tribe and was eventually adopted by the Utes.
Bill and Carolyn Gorman
Cousins from Plano, TX who have tediously built this beautiful mountain home in Pagosa Springs.
Our parking site at Bill and Carolyn's.
Restful day fishing with Bill and Carolyn at Big Meadows, near Fun Valley.
Baby turkeys having breakfast in Bill and Carolyn's yard.
