The Deer Valley Rendezvous
Page 2

High Country Hiking

Out of bed....seriously...get out. Hiking shoes, waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunscreen, first aid. Meet in the lodge by 6:15 AM. Get your breakfast, coffee, more water. Step away from the fireplace, walk uphill to the Suburbans. John or Bob or Ben will tell you where to stow your gear and rest your head for the next 45 minutes. Drive to the trailhead, occasionally paying attention to the snappy historical and geographical facts from your guide. 7:30 AM step out of the vehicle. It is 42 degrees...in July. It is also 10,000 feet altitude. But what amazing air, scenery and good conversation as you walk up the old mining trail or railroad bed. On up to 12,000 feet or higher. Water, energy bar, water. Volunteer to let someone carry your pack. Stand on top of the world (we call it the Continental Divide), take pictures, call the home office on your cell (very uncool) and hike blessedly downhill. Wildflowers, deer, elk, mountain goats, snow, mud, old miner's cabins, lakes and streams. Just another morning in the Colorado mountains. Back to the vehicle by 11:00 AM. Nod off on the way back to the ranch. The Mexican Buffet awaits.

Search Engines and Web Sites

As you prepare for your trip to Deer Valley, brush up on some history, topography and biology. Google these for starters:
St. Elmo...Chalk Creek... Colorado Wildflowers...Google Earth...Collegiate Peaks...Colorado Trail...Buena Vista...
Kit Carson...Nathrop...Arkansas River Rafting...Colorado fishing...Chaffee County...Mining History...Mules and Horses...Salida...Alpine Colorado...Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad...Chalk Cliffs...Mt. Antero...Leadville...
Ute Indians...South Park.

You might want to try these specific websites:

  • www.fourteenernet.com,
  • www.coloradoheadwaters.com,
  • www.chaffeecounty.org,
  • www.arkanglers.com and
  • www.buenavistacolorado.org

                         
                                       A perfect day on the Platte River.

    • Summer 2008 Discount Weeks

    Good news and bad news here. Every year we typically discount three of our summer weeks, the first two and the last week of our summer program. This year, those weeks are May 31 to June 7, June 7 to 14 and August 9 to 16. The bad news is that the second and third discount weeks are already booked (except for one small cabin June 7 to 14). The good news is that the week we do have availability, May 31 to June 7, we are offering a 20% discount, our largest! Our activities will be in full swing, rafting in the Arkansas River will be fast and exciting and snow promises to whiten the tallest peaks. Call Franci or Bev if you would like to see what cabins and rooms are still available! They would also be glad to place you on a waiting list for either of the other two discount weeks.