Good Times

Dynomite! Wait, no I am not talking about the 1970's sitcom with Jimmie Walker.  I am talking about the awesome day we had today.  Last night I loaded the truck with my fishing gear, a couple of chairs and out frisbee discs.  We were planning to head down towards Canyon City but didn't have a firm plan on what were going to do.

We left the house early and our first stop was Brush Hollow

Reservoir.  Brush Hollow is just northwest of Penrose.  It is reported that it has a wide variety of fish (Bass, Trout, Bluegill and more.  I have never had a lot of luck fishing it, but them I am fishing from the bank and not from a boat.

I ended catching bluegill today.  I caught four and had a lot of bites that I missed.   I wasn't fishing for them was looking for something bigger, but they kept hitting the worm.  The lake was way up for this time of year so it was difficult to get out to the deep water.

We hung out for a while and then decided to move on.   We loaded up everything in the truck and headed out.   We soon found ourselves and the Beaver Creek Wilderness Area.  I love going here, and it is not heavily used.  It is a rough and rocky dirt road to get to it.  The road is narrow and difficult for vehicles to pass each other in most areas.   On our drive in and out, we didn't pass anyone.  When we arrived at the parking area, there were only two cars.

After loading the pack and getting Pebbles ready we made our way to the trailhead and took the fork in the trail to head towards the creek.  Along the way, we came across all type of wildflowers that were in bloom.  The creek was running high and fast.  Pebbles was busy chasing all the grasshopper jumping around and sniffing everything out.  

I took a small pole and some artificial bait with me in the backpack. On the hike, I would stop along the creek and throw out a line.  I ended up catching 3 small trout.   The biggest was maybe 8 inches long.   I let them all go, to be caught another day.

Once we were back at the truck we drove over to Florence, CO.  and had some lunch and then walked through a few antique stores.  I didn't see anything I needed but did see a couple things that I would want.  Didn't get anything but had a fun time looking.

That sounds like fun

Looking forward to tomorrow, we have plans with Clark and Kirsten.  Our plan is to head down to Canyon City, play Frisbee golf and then stop in Florence to check out the Steampunk and Wine festival.  Should be a good time.  I already have the frisbee's, camera and my steampunk hat and goggles sitting on the table so I don't forget them.

Then on the way home, we thought we would stop by the trail head for the Beaver Creek Wilderness Area and see what information we can gather from the signage and do some looking around.  This is where we will start our hike up to Skaguay and then to Cripple Creek. 

It's Hummingbird time.  Earlier in the week, Candy said she heard a Hummingbird flying in the backyard.  They are easy to identify by the whirling sound they make when flying.  We made up some sugar water, filled the feeders and hung them in the backyard, same place as the years before.  Tonight we have two of them flying around in the yard and hitting the feeders.  They are so cool.  One of my favorites.

The cat is tripping out.  He doesn't know what to think or even what to do when they come flying in.  This is the first night I have seen them and he is already all over it.  The cat has is the eye's in the sky when I just stepped outside he was in his crouching tiger position with his eye's fixed on the hummingbird as it whirled around.  This should make for some good laughs because I don't think the cat stands a chance against the Hummingbirds.

Oh boy, you betcha, yay

Beaver Creek Wilderness Area

I spent this week up in Toronto. Had to expedite my passport renewal in order to be able to make the trip.   Other than going through customs I really didn't notice a difference other than everything was in English and French, metric system in use and the currency.  I Rented a car from Avis, came out of the airport and drove past a Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Starbucks and stayed at a Hilton.

Beaver Creek Wilderness Area

Had good meetings and got to meet some very nice people.  The travel did get into my walking schedule and for the days I was gone I didn't get as many steps in as I should have.  Back home for a bit, so hopefully I will catch up.

Beaver Creek Wilderness Area

We did a nice hike this morning.   We drove down to Penrose and hiked in the Beaver Creek Wilderness area.   We were the only car in the parking lot, and had the place to ourselves.  This area doesn't get much use that I can tell.  It is tricky to get to.  It was a beautiful day and we had Pebbles with us.   We hiked about 4 miles and I am ready to go back. Afterwards we stopped in Penrose and got a smoothie and shared a sandwich. 

Beaver Creek Wilderness Area

I have our summer vacation all planned out.  Already got the airline tickets and house rented.   Pretty excited as we are going to be spending a week hiking up in Olympic National Park. I can hardly wait.

Vacation House

I went on to VRBO and rented a house on the Sol Duc River between Fork and Port Angeles.   This should be a great base camp for all the beach and forest activities we have planned.   One maybe two day's we will make a run over to Victoria, BC.   From my research, it looks awesome and has some great hiking and lots of waterfalls.

We have been watching Mick Dodge on NatGeo.  Mick hangs in the Hoh forest in Olympic National Park.  Yes I have also read up on the truth about Mick Dodge.  Either way, he most likely know's all the good spots, that most people don't get to and that's what I am looking for.  So to you NatGeo, if you are looking for a show, let me know.

Here is my walking chart for the last 28 days.   I need to step it up since I am home next week.   For the month of January, I am currently ranked #14 in the Colorado Springs fitbit group, and ranked #85 in the state fitbit groups that I belong to.

Beaver Creek WSA

I headed out this morning to Beaver Creek WSA (Wild Life Study Area). This was a new trip for me and I am ready to go again in the spring and summer. It can be a little tricky to get to if you don’t have a map, but I didn’t have any problems.

I parked at the trail head and away I went. The snow on the trail was still 5 to 6 inches deep and no need for the snowshoes. I followed the previous hikers before me until I lost the trail and then ended up making my own.

Today’s distance was about 5 miles and not tough but the views were excellent! I need to do this in the summer so that I can do the roundtrip on this one.

I did see a sign that said you can take this trail from the Beaver Creek WSA all the way up to Skagway reservoir. The distance is about 12 miles with a 3500 feet incline. The notice on the board said to plan on three days to make the hike. So I have something to shoot for in the summer.

A few pics below and the rest can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/drobincorvette/20091228#