Both the Tuesday Camera and the Colorado Daily had pictures of massive invasions of lady bugs on the cover.
I noticed lady bugs swarming up here nearly a week ago. The now seem to have congregated at the top of green mountain.
In related news, I also see Ips beetles flying around. I just noticed today that they had burrowed by the dozens in a section of lodge pole pine that had snapped of in the spring snowstorm.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Wrapped and FRYing (NOT FLYing) Beetle
Preview of coming attractions? See
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/garden/02tree.html?_r=1
Yesterday, I was sitting on the deck when an Ips or Pine Beetle landed right in front of me. I crushed it before I could inspect which of the two species it was.
What is fascinating to me is that the Ips beetle has infected exactly 2 trees of out of hundreds in my yard. The first tree was about a foot in diameter and broke in half during the big snow storm in the spring. Hundreds of Ips burrowed into the entire length of the fallen tree. The second tree was about 6 inches in diameter. I had cut it shortly after the storm
I've been carefully inspecting and monitoring the beetle kill up here on Winiger Ridge. I now understand WHY the beetles prefer larger trees. It's because the bark is thicker. The thicker bark protects the beetles from the woodpeckers. The woodpeckers can easily remove and dig through the bark of a 4 inch pine. However, the cost/benefit ratio tilts in favor of the beetle and away from the woodpecker for larger trees with thicker bark.
In other words, the calories bound up in the tiny beetles are too small to feed a woodpecker if the bark is too thick. (Thicker bark requires more calories to burrow through.)
Let me get back to the two fallen trees that became Ips beetle magnets. Clearly, the beetle could sense that these trees were helpless. Every beetle from hundreds of yards around came to these select trees. It would seem to me that one could design an Ips beetle trap by simulating a fallen tree. Once the Ips beetles are trapped, they can be managed.
The two infected trees are now under wrap. Pray for a serious cold snap this winter. I'll be OK with the cold; by then the plastic wrapped trees will be firewood for the wood stove.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/garden/02tree.html?_r=1
Yesterday, I was sitting on the deck when an Ips or Pine Beetle landed right in front of me. I crushed it before I could inspect which of the two species it was.
What is fascinating to me is that the Ips beetle has infected exactly 2 trees of out of hundreds in my yard. The first tree was about a foot in diameter and broke in half during the big snow storm in the spring. Hundreds of Ips burrowed into the entire length of the fallen tree. The second tree was about 6 inches in diameter. I had cut it shortly after the storm
I've been carefully inspecting and monitoring the beetle kill up here on Winiger Ridge. I now understand WHY the beetles prefer larger trees. It's because the bark is thicker. The thicker bark protects the beetles from the woodpeckers. The woodpeckers can easily remove and dig through the bark of a 4 inch pine. However, the cost/benefit ratio tilts in favor of the beetle and away from the woodpecker for larger trees with thicker bark.
In other words, the calories bound up in the tiny beetles are too small to feed a woodpecker if the bark is too thick. (Thicker bark requires more calories to burrow through.)
Let me get back to the two fallen trees that became Ips beetle magnets. Clearly, the beetle could sense that these trees were helpless. Every beetle from hundreds of yards around came to these select trees. It would seem to me that one could design an Ips beetle trap by simulating a fallen tree. Once the Ips beetles are trapped, they can be managed.
The two infected trees are now under wrap. Pray for a serious cold snap this winter. I'll be OK with the cold; by then the plastic wrapped trees will be firewood for the wood stove.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Goji Experience & the 3 bear little bears, Part 2
Today the bear cub mentioned in the last post came back. Neighbors report seeing 3 bear cubs without mom. No idea where the other two are, but something bad has happened to mom.
It was clear the the bear cub was too young to survive on its own, so I coaxed it into our cat pen. The cat pen is designed to keep cats safe from marauding packs of coyotes, but it can also hold a bear... for a little while anyway.
Then I called the department of wildlife. Kristin Cannon and an assitant came and got the bear cub into a large dog carrier. It will be relocated to western Colorado, where it will be cared for until next year. At that point, it will be released to be out on its own.
I've also included a picture of the rainbow that showed up right after the bear cub left in a department of wildlife truck. I think it was God bestowing a blessing.
Note: If you click on the picture, you can see a full size (huge) version.
Goji Experience & the 3 bear little bears, Part One
Last Friday, I sent out the following request for help to my neighbors:
Hi fellow neighbours and wildlife watchers,
Our filming of a user experience with "Goji Experience" (A weight loss and anti-aging supplement) was interrupted by a wild (and very cute) bear cub at about 1 minute 20 seconds into the taping. You can see the video taken earlier today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Be3qITbtNc
We dropped what we were doing and immediately focused on the bear cub. He looked to weigh about 20 - 25 pounds and was obviously very hungry... and lost. Sadly, we never did see the mother.
The cub left after about 10 minutes. After the bear cub left, we continued our taping for "Goji Experience" The temptation was great to feed the cub, since he was still so young. But cubs turn into bears... which then would not be afraid of humans. That would be bad. The cub is still afraid of strange large animals. That is why you see him try to climb the tree after standing up to get a better look at me.
Any suggestions or comments?
- Mike
Hi fellow neighbours and wildlife watchers,
Our filming of a user experience with "Goji Experience" (A weight loss and anti-aging supplement) was interrupted by a wild (and very cute) bear cub at about 1 minute 20 seconds into the taping. You can see the video taken earlier today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Be3qITbtNc
We dropped what we were doing and immediately focused on the bear cub. He looked to weigh about 20 - 25 pounds and was obviously very hungry... and lost. Sadly, we never did see the mother.
The cub left after about 10 minutes. After the bear cub left, we continued our taping for "Goji Experience" The temptation was great to feed the cub, since he was still so young. But cubs turn into bears... which then would not be afraid of humans. That would be bad. The cub is still afraid of strange large animals. That is why you see him try to climb the tree after standing up to get a better look at me.
Any suggestions or comments?
- Mike
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Lightning Strikes Close to Home
Yesterday, I was talking with someone and I mentioned that lightning can strike miles from the apparent center of a storm. Little did I know that this would be the prelude to a "coincidence."
At about 4:30 AM I was half awake when I saw a flicker of light through my closed eye lids and hear a dull explosion at the same time. Immediately after that, the computer UPS went crazy.
I realized that the power was out. Because of the boom, I assumed that the problem was very close by, so we called the Electric Company (Excel) to report it.
I went back to sleep after turning of all computers and UPSs except the one running the co-op wifi. Then I went back to sleep.
This morning I woke up as I heard the sounds of the electricity coming back on. I quickly jumped into my cloths and drove around until I found the Excel repair man.
He told me that a lightning arrestor had blown (actually shorted) and this had taken the local grid with it. So he had to climb up and over Winiger Ridge to get to the fuse in the valley by Forsythe Creek.
When I met him I told him right away that that fixed it.
It's been too long for me to remember since the last direct strike in the neighborhood, but we got one within hours of me mentioning it, and it was also not part of a major storm that consisted of lots of thunder and lightning.
At about 4:30 AM I was half awake when I saw a flicker of light through my closed eye lids and hear a dull explosion at the same time. Immediately after that, the computer UPS went crazy.
I realized that the power was out. Because of the boom, I assumed that the problem was very close by, so we called the Electric Company (Excel) to report it.
I went back to sleep after turning of all computers and UPSs except the one running the co-op wifi. Then I went back to sleep.
This morning I woke up as I heard the sounds of the electricity coming back on. I quickly jumped into my cloths and drove around until I found the Excel repair man.
He told me that a lightning arrestor had blown (actually shorted) and this had taken the local grid with it. So he had to climb up and over Winiger Ridge to get to the fuse in the valley by Forsythe Creek.
When I met him I told him right away that that fixed it.
It's been too long for me to remember since the last direct strike in the neighborhood, but we got one within hours of me mentioning it, and it was also not part of a major storm that consisted of lots of thunder and lightning.
Science Finally Proves 'Nature' is Good For You
Living Near Trees Improves Physical, Mental and Social Health
by David Gutierrez, staff writer
(NaturalNews) People living in areas with more parks, trees and grass live longer and happier lives, with less violence and improved mental and physical health, according to research presented at the conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago.
"Humans are evolved organisms and the environment is our habitat," lead researcher Frances Kuo said. "Now, as human societies become more urban, we as scientists are in a position to look at humans in much the same way that those who study animal behavior have looked at animals in the wild to see the effect of a changing habitat on this species."
A growing number of studies are showing that humans living in settings lacking living plants show physical, psychological and social disorders similar to those developed by other animals that have been removed from their natural habitats.
"In animals what you see is increases in aggression, you see disrupted parenting patterns," Kuo said.
On the physical level, a large-scale Dutch study found that the amount of green space within a one- to three-mile radius of a person's home is a significant predictor of their overall health. A Japanese study found that elderly people who lived within walking distance of a park or other green space had significantly longer life expectancies than those who lived farther away.
College students have been found to perform higher on tests of cognitive function if they live in rooms overlooking living plants, while people living far from natural settings demonstrate not only worsened cognitive function, but also impulse control and management of life conflicts. A walk in a park has been proven to reduce hyperactivity in children as much as standard drug treatments.
Finally, communities with more green space have lower levels of crime and violence than communities with more green space. Communities without green space, on the other hand, have higher levels of property, crime, graffiti and litter.
"We might call some of that 'soiling the nest,' which is not healthy," Kuo said. "No organisms do that when they're in good shape."
by David Gutierrez, staff writer
(NaturalNews) People living in areas with more parks, trees and grass live longer and happier lives, with less violence and improved mental and physical health, according to research presented at the conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago.
"Humans are evolved organisms and the environment is our habitat," lead researcher Frances Kuo said. "Now, as human societies become more urban, we as scientists are in a position to look at humans in much the same way that those who study animal behavior have looked at animals in the wild to see the effect of a changing habitat on this species."
A growing number of studies are showing that humans living in settings lacking living plants show physical, psychological and social disorders similar to those developed by other animals that have been removed from their natural habitats.
"In animals what you see is increases in aggression, you see disrupted parenting patterns," Kuo said.
On the physical level, a large-scale Dutch study found that the amount of green space within a one- to three-mile radius of a person's home is a significant predictor of their overall health. A Japanese study found that elderly people who lived within walking distance of a park or other green space had significantly longer life expectancies than those who lived farther away.
College students have been found to perform higher on tests of cognitive function if they live in rooms overlooking living plants, while people living far from natural settings demonstrate not only worsened cognitive function, but also impulse control and management of life conflicts. A walk in a park has been proven to reduce hyperactivity in children as much as standard drug treatments.
Finally, communities with more green space have lower levels of crime and violence than communities with more green space. Communities without green space, on the other hand, have higher levels of property, crime, graffiti and litter.
"We might call some of that 'soiling the nest,' which is not healthy," Kuo said. "No organisms do that when they're in good shape."
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tick, Tick, Tick - Signs of Spring
7 signs of spring up here to the Rocky Mountains.
1) I find a tick crawling around in the kitchen. No idea how it got there.
2) The frogs in the old beaver pond are signing love songs to each other.
3) The far off neighbor is redecorating the attic room. I can hear him hammering and sawing away through his open window.
4) The cliff swallow have been swooping and diving in search of flying spring insects for a week now.
5) The cats have suddenly noticed that there's an out there out there.
6) I can't find a patch of snow anywhere
7) The grass is growing, the flowers are budding, and the Aspens are greening.
Bonuses - I've put the house plants outside - making more room inside and the local estrogen dominant homo sapien's oxytocin levels have shot through the roof, causing an instinctive cleaning and organizing frenzy - i.e. it's spring cleaning time around here.
1) I find a tick crawling around in the kitchen. No idea how it got there.
2) The frogs in the old beaver pond are signing love songs to each other.
3) The far off neighbor is redecorating the attic room. I can hear him hammering and sawing away through his open window.
4) The cliff swallow have been swooping and diving in search of flying spring insects for a week now.
5) The cats have suddenly noticed that there's an out there out there.
6) I can't find a patch of snow anywhere
7) The grass is growing, the flowers are budding, and the Aspens are greening.
Bonuses - I've put the house plants outside - making more room inside and the local estrogen dominant homo sapien's oxytocin levels have shot through the roof, causing an instinctive cleaning and organizing frenzy - i.e. it's spring cleaning time around here.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Big day for wildlife
Today I heard my first humingbird for the year.
Then about 30 to 40 elk came through the yard and mowed my lawn a bit.
Then about 30 to 40 elk came through the yard and mowed my lawn a bit.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
X-C ski: To Go Where Only the Elk Have Gone Before
This afternoon I took the time to enjoy one of the "fringe" benefits of living up high in the Colorado Rockies - being able to x-c ski right out the back door in April.
When I got to the top of the ridge, I found that I was not the first one on the trail - a couple of elk had beat me to it.
The carnage to the trees from the weight of the snow continues to impress me. Full sized trees would be snapped off half way up. I've always wondered why there are some ponderousa pine trees around here that had a curious 'Y' shape to them. Now I know why. A previous storm had snapped of the top and the two nearest top branches would form a new top.
It appears that the last time this happened, judging from the maturity of the 'Y' shapes, was probably 20 or 30 year ago.
So, given this evidence, I can safely say that this was the worst storm in decades.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Storm Causes Carnage
Some more updates about the snow storm from my previous post.
It looks like this storm dropped more snow, by weight then the famous snowstorm of March, 2003.
Let me explain.
This snow storm dropped over 4 feet of snow around here. That's over an inch an hour.
I noticed on our drive back on Sunday that I've never seen as many broken branches and trees every since I've lived around here. By the way, that explains why the power was out for nearly 2 days - the trees where overburdened with snow and took down power lines as they fell.
Today, the snow was melting down at a rate of about an inch an hour in the intense April sun. This has gradually exposed a carnage of broken trees and branches in the yard as well.
The good news is that the snow melted enough for me to be able to drive the Toyota truck all the way into the garage. However, turning around will be another matter. But, if the snow melts as fast tomorrow as it did today, the ground should be mostly clear in a day or two.
It looks like this storm dropped more snow, by weight then the famous snowstorm of March, 2003.
Let me explain.
This snow storm dropped over 4 feet of snow around here. That's over an inch an hour.
I noticed on our drive back on Sunday that I've never seen as many broken branches and trees every since I've lived around here. By the way, that explains why the power was out for nearly 2 days - the trees where overburdened with snow and took down power lines as they fell.
Today, the snow was melting down at a rate of about an inch an hour in the intense April sun. This has gradually exposed a carnage of broken trees and branches in the yard as well.
The good news is that the snow melted enough for me to be able to drive the Toyota truck all the way into the garage. However, turning around will be another matter. But, if the snow melts as fast tomorrow as it did today, the ground should be mostly clear in a day or two.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Snowstorm of April 2009
This storm made the national news.
The following is a blow by blow of the snow storm of 2009 as told through an email thread. I have also edited out email addresses and certain other identifying details so that they will not end up on a spam list.
Hi All,
Yesterday (Friday) morning I was watching the snow pile up on the pick nick table outside my window on Lazy Z, when my gut whispered "Storm of March '03" You might remember it - it dumped 4 to 5 feet of snow in our neighborhood.
... THEN the power goes out. ... and I figured that the internet would not be far behind.
I love where I live, except when the power and internet goes out - so I bailed.
What I mean is: I beat a retreat to Boulder - the land of health food stores, free wifi, and (more) reliable power and snow plowing service.
Not that all is peaches and cream however. For example, I heard that the "improved" King Soopers on 30th is leaking like a sieve and is closed. However, the traffic is moving pretty well in the rain.
Rain down here... snow up there. That's the way it usually works this time of year, right?
Anyway, does anybody have enough electricity and digital bandwidth to give a report of the conditions in the PUMA neighborhood?
BTW, I meet a couple in Sunflower market that said that Ned was still a mess, with power in some parts and not others. Sunflower market itself was taking on water too, but was open.
Excuse me for taking this long to get to my point, but I'd like to start a discussion about current road conditions on Magnolia as well as side streets such as Lazy Z.
Also, how's the power holding up? (No need to answer if you don't have any :-)
- Mike
The following is a blow by blow of the snow storm of 2009 as told through an email thread. I have also edited out email addresses and certain other identifying details so that they will not end up on a spam list.
Hi All,
Yesterday (Friday) morning I was watching the snow pile up on the pick nick table outside my window on Lazy Z, when my gut whispered "Storm of March '03" You might remember it - it dumped 4 to 5 feet of snow in our neighborhood.
... THEN the power goes out. ... and I figured that the internet would not be far behind.
I love where I live, except when the power and internet goes out - so I bailed.
What I mean is: I beat a retreat to Boulder - the land of health food stores, free wifi, and (more) reliable power and snow plowing service.
Not that all is peaches and cream however. For example, I heard that the "improved" King Soopers on 30th is leaking like a sieve and is closed. However, the traffic is moving pretty well in the rain.
Rain down here... snow up there. That's the way it usually works this time of year, right?
Anyway, does anybody have enough electricity and digital bandwidth to give a report of the conditions in the PUMA neighborhood?
BTW, I meet a couple in Sunflower market that said that Ned was still a mess, with power in some parts and not others. Sunflower market itself was taking on water too, but was open.
Excuse me for taking this long to get to my point, but I'd like to start a discussion about current road conditions on Magnolia as well as side streets such as Lazy Z.
Also, how's the power holding up? (No need to answer if you don't have any :-)
- Mike
| show details Apr 18 (2 days ago) |
|
Hi Mike
Power was off on on then off again about 6 PM last night. Still off until estimated 6PM tonight. This appears to be area wide. Snow is about 4 feet and stll snowing. Don't know how the roads are. Haven't finished plowing yet. I don't know if this will go to to the puma list. If you come up, post a note about the road conditions.
Allen Gordon
Pine Glade
Power was off on on then off again about 6 PM last night. Still off until estimated 6PM tonight. This appears to be area wide. Snow is about 4 feet and stll snowing. Don't know how the roads are. Haven't finished plowing yet. I don't know if this will go to to the puma list. If you come up, post a note about the road conditions.
Allen Gordon
Pine Glade
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
| show details Apr 18 (1 day ago) |
|
I've been on battery backup going on 20 hours the last 24 hours and 4.5 hours the previous. I've been on battery backup going on 20 hours the last 24 hours and 4.5 hours the previous. Phones out since last night. I've not driven. Roads by me have one lane plowed.
ones out since last night. I've not driven. Roads by me have one lane plowed.
ones out since last night. I've not driven. Roads by me have one lane plowed.
greg
| show details Apr 18 (1 day ago) |
|
Just got my power back about 2 hrs ago on Pinon Way.
| show details 8:27 AM (13 hours ago) |
|
Mike -- I assume that you've made it back. Our internet was out until this morning. Briefly, here's what happened around here. A snowplow came down Lazy Z around midnight Thursday night, then not again until around noon on Friday. It was just before noon on Friday that the power went out. I was down in Boulder on Friday and returned between 5 pm and 6 pm, driving up Magnolia. It was totally marginal, even with our high clearance, all-wheel drive, and studded snowtires. There was about a foot of unplowed snow on this part of Magnolia and Lazy Z. The temperature got down to about 47 degrees in our house. Finally, a major snowplowing effort was made fairly early Saturday morning. The power came back on last evening at 8:50 pm -- 33 hours without power! (The weather bureau reported a snow guage 3 miles southeast of Pinecliffe with 53 inches of snow...roughly what I guess we had here.) Hope your feline is o.k. Clark
d |
| show details 9:18 AM (12 hours ago) |
|
Clark,
Thanks for the update.
Rachel and I are glad we sat this one out at the Golden Buff in Boulder.
We're heading back up after a good breakfast.
- Mike
Thanks for the update.
Rachel and I are glad we sat this one out at the Golden Buff in Boulder.
We're heading back up after a good breakfast.
- Mike
| show details 9:43 PM (0 minutes ago) |
|
Thanks all for the updates.
We got back this afternoon.
About 1/2 mile from home, we suddenly found ourselves in the ditch because of a surprising thick,irregular and hard patch of snow, which was followed by a slippery mix of mud and snow. Fortunately, a neighbor yanked us out.
Right after that, it was my turn to try yanking another neighbor out. (Long, strong tow straps are a must have in the car up here) But this neighbor was much more stuck then I had been.
Just then Steven McCullum (from Blackhawk) came by with his backhoe. Steven pulled the neighbor out, then he came by to dig out my driveway. 1 hour and $100 later, he had made it all the way up except the last 100 feet. That was just to steep and the backhoe kept spinning its wheels in the heavy wet snow. ... but getting almost all the way up was good enough for me.
It was good to be back after two days and everything was just fine. Power and internet were both back on. The cats were really glad to see us (we had left lots of food and water)
- Mike
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Rocky Mountain Winter Wonderland
In the past 9 days, we've had 3 significant snows. This is the time of year for heavy snows since the air has a lot of spring moisture in it.
Some Local Views of the Snow
Some Local Views of the Snow
Saturday, January 17, 2009
You Can't Split Frozen Wood
This fall I decided to turn some dead trees (mostly pine) into firewood for winter.
The tree was cut down and cut into portable sections. The sections where then trucked up to a cutting and chopping station right next to the deck.
Each trunk section was cut into logs that would fit into the wood stove. If the log was more then about 4 inches thick it was chopped.
The ready-to-burn wood was pilled onto the covered deck. This way it would be easily accessable even if it was snowing.
The whole operation went smoothly until it started getting really cold at night. Suddenly, instead of hearing a loud CRACK!!! when I brough the maul down on the end of a log, I'd just get a dull thud.
That's how I discovered that you can't split frozen wood. We recently had a warm spell, and I was curious if I could once again the logs I had prepared for that step.
What I discoved was that I could split smaller logs, and larger logs as long as I avoided the still frozen core. Here's a couple of pictures of a log that I could split about 4 inches in. The inner core was still frozen and would not split.
You can see how the maul blade would just dig into the frozen core without creating a split like it's supposed to. You can also see the section that split off. The split would follow a tree ring at the edge of the frozen core. That way, I ended up taking a slice out of the log.
Moral of the story: Don't try to split frozen wood. You may have to wait for a few days, or even a week, of above freezing temperatures for the wood to "melt." Then you can split it.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Blowing Snow Closes Mountain Schools
It's been quite windy of late. In fact, the below freezing temperatures and high winds (gusting to near huricane strengths) has been hard on the trees. At about the half mile mark on Lazy Z, I saw one live tree pulled up by the roots. Another tree had the top 20 feet snapped of.
Today there is a light snow with the wind. This creates large swirling clouds of snow and near whiteout conditions. I heard that this even caused the closing of mountain area schools around here.
Fortunetly, I recently cut down some trees from the forest below the house. I've cut, chopped and stacked them on the deck. It's enough to keep us nice and tosty warm. Aside from a little work, they did not cost me anything, so I don't mind cranking the heat up a bit.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
I Love My Bed
Yesterday afternoon I was surveying the 4 acre forest that is between my home and the road. There where a 5 beetle kill trees that I had the neighbor kid cut down and are now fire wood. They should keep me warm for January and Feburary.
But that's not what this is about. I noticed a few dozen ice patches in the 4 inches of snow. It took only a moment to realize that they where made by the elk that came through a few days ago.
Can you imagine this? The elk must simply sleep on the snow. Gradually, the snow melts as they slee on it. This leaves an icy patch to freezes up after they get on with their day.
I now have a whole new appreciation for my nice WARM, soft bed.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
100 Elk on the Meadow
I took this picture of about 100 elk at about 10 mile marker on Magnolia
I wish I had a video camera to take a video of two bucks that where locking horns in the middle of the herd.
The herd was to big fit into the picture. The mountain in the background is Thorodin.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Moxxor
I've been exploring all kinds of new corners around here in the last few weeks. I've even blogged about some of them.
It's been fun seeing familiar sites from totally new angles. ... and even seeing them with greater clarity then before. My distance vision, although already fairly good, has recently improved.
I owe my new athletic energy, as well as other improvements to my health to an number of things I've recently discovered that work really well. One of them is an antioxident called astaxanthin.
Another is a extremely potent "fish" oil called Moxxor. I would never have believed that such a small quantity of oil could have such an energizing effect. Moxxor is supposed to have lot's of "essential fatty acids" or EFAs. I guess that the fats really are essential, and I've not been getting enough of them.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
How Cute! Mommy and Kitten Bobcat Pay a Visit
I took these pictures 2 days ago, about 10 am. I first noticed them because the walked across the entire length of the deck.
The 2 bobcats are not that easy to spot because they are camoflaged quite well. They where making the rounds, looking for brunch.
The kitten is almost impossible to spot in the upper picture (it's on the very upper left) because it blends in so well with the wood pile.
Is Winiger Ridge a Glacial Deposit?
On the way back from the post office, I notice a large white van parked on Lazy Z at about the .5 mile marker. There where about 10 people standing at the side of the road.
Curious, I stopped and joined them.
The group was a geology class being lead by Ken Hopkins of the University of Northern Colorado.
I learned that IF this was a glacial deposit, then it would be between 600,000 and 1.2 million years old. However, it is uncertain if this is what Winiger Ridge actually is.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Mystery Bear: Case Solved
I met a neighbor on my way to the post office this afternoon. I asked her about the large plastic honey bear.
She knew all about it.
It turns out that it hidden away in the woods like that so that they could cheer up a mountain biking friend who was having a hard day.
Mystery Honey Bear
It's been an amazingly mild fall this year. It's one thing to hear scientists argue if global warming is real, but another entirely to experience such unseasonally warm weather personally.
I've been taking advantage of the warm weather by spending some time soaking up lots of vitamin D producing sunlight.
While riding around in the woods, I found a mysterious large plastic honey bear just hanging out in a dense stand of trees. It was clear that someone put it there for reasons that I'm sure was clear to them.
Also, I noticed 2 elk in the trees near there as well, but I don't think the elk were there to admire the honey bear.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
First Snow of the Season
Freezing rain and snow have been making clear that winter is here.
Note the thin layer of ice on the Aspen leaves. Click on small picture for a larger image.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Found Another One
I found another large puff ball today. It weighted in at 1 pound, 4.2 ounces.
Into the cooking pot it goes.
Into the cooking pot it goes.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
A Goji Juice Project
People have been asking for the "good stuff" that is in Goji Berries for a couple of years now.
But what shocked me is when I discovered that Goji Juice cannot possibly contain the most important active ingredient from the Goji Berry, namely the Goji Polysaccharides.
Once I understood this, I had to write up about it. You can see the result at BetterThanGojiJuice.com
I talked to the first person that bought from the site. He was even more excited than I was about my discovery.
But what shocked me is when I discovered that Goji Juice cannot possibly contain the most important active ingredient from the Goji Berry, namely the Goji Polysaccharides.
Once I understood this, I had to write up about it. You can see the result at BetterThanGojiJuice.com
I talked to the first person that bought from the site. He was even more excited than I was about my discovery.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Puff Ball Find of the Decade
Today we found a 1pound 13 ounce puff ball. That's a really big mushroom! ... and I know from experience that it is still solid and good, not to ripe yet.
It's the biggest puff ball I've seen around here in a decade.
I also found some smaller puff balls as well. It all totalled 2 pounds, 5.4 ounces of good mushrooms. (I left the overripe ones where I found them, still rooted. You can tell by giving them a light squeeze if they are already to far gone)
What are these mushrooms?
As best as I can tell they belong to the Lentinellus family. But the gills don't look very serrated. Click on the picture for a larger view.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The 3 turkeys of Winiger Ridge
While on a late afternoon walk up on the ridge, I saw a flock of 3 turkeys. They would not let me get any closer then about 25 feet. I got the feeling that they where related, but I could not tell what the relationship was.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Organic Goji Slim n' Trim
This is a project I've been working on.
Goji berries are getting more and more popular... but not everyone likes the taste... or wants to carry around a odd looking dried fruit.
That's why I think the time is right for Goji in a bottle. ... and of course, everyone wants yet another weight loss product to try.
See what I mean at Organic Goji Slim N' Trim
Goji berries are getting more and more popular... but not everyone likes the taste... or wants to carry around a odd looking dried fruit.
That's why I think the time is right for Goji in a bottle. ... and of course, everyone wants yet another weight loss product to try.
See what I mean at Organic Goji Slim N' Trim
What I did this summer
It's been a while since I did a post.
Well... I've been busy traveling this summer.
You can see a very few of the 1000+ pictures I took this summer here.
Well... I've been busy traveling this summer.
You can see a very few of the 1000+ pictures I took this summer here.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Dummy and the Bear
At about 4 am, I awoke from a light sleep because I heard heavy footsteps on the deck. Then I heard heavy footsteps on the ground below the deck.
My curiosity got the better of me and I grabbed a flashlight and carefully (it might be a bear!) opened the door.
Whatever it was ran off to the right and was gone before I could shine the flashlight beam in that direction.
At about 7, we saw a large, dark brown bear wandering around the yard. (So it WAS a bear that I heard!)
I got over a dozen pictures of it over about a 10 minute period before it wandered off at about 2 mph across the meadow to the west. The bear clearly knew I was there, but seemed indifferent, except to look my way a few times.
What kept the bear around for over 3 hours? Last night, I had thoughtlessly tossed a few remaining bites of rice from my cold dinner over the deck.
I won't be doing that again.
P.S. This bear was not interested in the hummingbird feeders, unlike the bear of the May 25, 2007 post. It did however bite into a plastic gallon jug that had just water in it once.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tick Resources
My neighbor Jennifer found the following 2 great resources about ticks:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/72109.htm
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05593.html
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/72109.htm
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05593.html
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
So that's what a fresh elk skull looks like
I was taking a walk this afternoon on my usual trail, and there, right in the middle of the trail, was a fresh elk skull. It was so fresh, that the brains looked like they where still inside the skull. There was no sight of the rest of the skeleton.
My guess is that a coyotes took down the elk. They don't look like they have jaws strong enough to crush an elk skull. On the other hand mountain lion or bear would have crushed the skull to get to the brains.
Then, perhaps a dog picked up the skull and dropped it on the trail after getting tired of it.
Other random observations:
* I just heard the first thunder of the season
* a couple of days ago, I was outside heard a familiar melodious chrip. I looked over to the barn and, indeed, there was Mr. Bluebird.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Positive Handyman Reference
The following comment was added to the post I did about a local handyman. I have reprinted it here so that it is easier to find.
Bonnie S. has left a new comment on your post "Local to Magnolia Handyman Available":
Dear Neighbors,
I saw on Mike Seiler's blog a request for a post about Van Hunt's handyman work.
When I hired Van Hunt last year to do some work, I was grateful that:
--he shows up at the time agreed to
--he brings his own good ideas for improving the projects we work on as I like people who work with me to offer that
--He is skilled and when he doesn't know something is ready to acknowledge that he doesn't yet willing to discuss ways to accomplish it
I recommend him as a handyman. He charges reasonable prices and is effective in his work. He is also quite skilled at packing moving trucks and gardening help.
So if you have projects you want to tackle with someone's help, do call on him.
Bonnie S. has left a new comment on your post "Local to Magnolia Handyman Available":
Dear Neighbors,
I saw on Mike Seiler's blog a request for a post about Van Hunt's handyman work.
When I hired Van Hunt last year to do some work, I was grateful that:
--he shows up at the time agreed to
--he brings his own good ideas for improving the projects we work on as I like people who work with me to offer that
--He is skilled and when he doesn't know something is ready to acknowledge that he doesn't yet willing to discuss ways to accomplish it
I recommend him as a handyman. He charges reasonable prices and is effective in his work. He is also quite skilled at packing moving trucks and gardening help.
So if you have projects you want to tackle with someone's help, do call on him.
tick, Tick, TICK... BOOM!
tick, Tick, TICK...
BOOM!
Alright. I admit that above is a cheap shot.
Yesterday I found the first tick of the season on my ankle. The body was about .1 inches in size.
Beware.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I Know to Much
Warning - True confessions:
I was just asked a question on a social networking site, "What do you know a lot about?"
My Answer:
I know a lot about... about... a whole lot of things. Seems like I spend way to much time reading. I sometimes feel like all the stuff I know is like a all the parts in a lumber yard. I keep acquiring more "stuff" (facts, really) but don't spend enough time using it to build my success.
I guess my fantasy is that at some point my "lumbar yard" will spontaneously explode because it is sooooo overstuffed. Then, as everything falls back down after being blown sky high, it will spontaneously assemble itself into a castle of success that will put the Disney Kingdom castle to shame.
OK. Maybe I'm just weird to imagine this, but do any other overeducated information hogs out there wish that this could actually come true?
I was just asked a question on a social networking site, "What do you know a lot about?"
My Answer:
I know a lot about... about... a whole lot of things. Seems like I spend way to much time reading. I sometimes feel like all the stuff I know is like a all the parts in a lumber yard. I keep acquiring more "stuff" (facts, really) but don't spend enough time using it to build my success.
I guess my fantasy is that at some point my "lumbar yard" will spontaneously explode because it is sooooo overstuffed. Then, as everything falls back down after being blown sky high, it will spontaneously assemble itself into a castle of success that will put the Disney Kingdom castle to shame.
OK. Maybe I'm just weird to imagine this, but do any other overeducated information hogs out there wish that this could actually come true?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Local to Magnolia Handyman Available
I find that it is sometimes hard to get handyman type help up here. So I'd like to welcome Van Hunt (see below) to our local labor pool
The following post came through on the PUMA list today. Please leave a comment to this blog post if you use Van Hunt and let us have your impression of him.
________________________________________________________________
I am Van Hunt, living on Forsythe Road, and I am available for general labor and other kinds of help - for example, house and/or pet sitting, any kind of tree and firewood work (I have my own chainsaw), outdoor spring clean-up, garage or shed organizing, hauling (I have a truck), general handyman work, and/or anything you can think of. I can provide local references, no job too small, reasonable rates.
Please call 303 449 9237 or email accoaone (at) gmail.com
Let us work together for our mutual advantage
The following post came through on the PUMA list today. Please leave a comment to this blog post if you use Van Hunt and let us have your impression of him.
________________________________________________________________
I am Van Hunt, living on Forsythe Road, and I am available for general labor and other kinds of help - for example, house and/or pet sitting, any kind of tree and firewood work (I have my own chainsaw), outdoor spring clean-up, garage or shed organizing, hauling (I have a truck), general handyman work, and/or anything you can think of. I can provide local references, no job too small, reasonable rates.
Please call 303 449 9237 or email accoaone (at) gmail.com
Let us work together for our mutual advantage
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The Birds Are Back
A swirl of clouds came through this afternoon.
What was so striking is that right after the clouds rolled in, that there was suddenly a flurry of birds EVERYWHERE.
Nutty woodpeckers, "humingbird feeder" (see previous post) woodpecker, chic-a-dees, lots of robins, and finally, "our" hawk even lighted on his favorite perch.
What was so striking is that right after the clouds rolled in, that there was suddenly a flurry of birds EVERYWHERE.
Nutty woodpeckers, "humingbird feeder" (see previous post) woodpecker, chic-a-dees, lots of robins, and finally, "our" hawk even lighted on his favorite perch.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
"Plan B"
Google and Virgin Galactic are now taking applications for people wanting to help colonize Mars.
Mars, here I come!
... that's "Plan B" in case things get to weird on this little swirly blue and white marble we call home.
Mars, here I come!
... that's "Plan B" in case things get to weird on this little swirly blue and white marble we call home.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Moose Are Coming!
About 5 years, ago, I was camping west of the Divide, not to far away from here.
I was surprised to see a Cow Moose and her baby munching their way through a swamp at about 10,000 feet.
Now comes word from a neighbor (Jennifer) that she's spotted a momma Moose and her yearling right here in the neighborhood last night.
I was surprised to see a Cow Moose and her baby munching their way through a swamp at about 10,000 feet.
Now comes word from a neighbor (Jennifer) that she's spotted a momma Moose and her yearling right here in the neighborhood last night.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Excel Energy Bird Cams
As a regular reader of my blog, you've noticed that I like to keep up with natural phenomena in the Colorado Rockies area.
I just came across this cool set of birding webcams
I'm sure this is a nice little public relations move for Xcel Energy, but, as the old saying goes, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Anyway, enough blabbing, here's the link:
Birding Webcams
I just came across this cool set of birding webcams
I'm sure this is a nice little public relations move for Xcel Energy, but, as the old saying goes, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Anyway, enough blabbing, here's the link:
Birding Webcams
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Bear and Hummingbird feeder video, Part II
Linda writes:
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:12 am
Subject: Bear in Hummingbird Feeder Photo
Hi Mike,
this is Linda Masterson, author of Living with Bear: A Practical Guide to Bear Country (www.pixyjackpress.com)
Wendy at Sinapu forwarded me your bear in the hummingbird feeder photo last year, and somehow I misfiled your info and just discovered it.
I wondered if you had any other photos of this incident (or any others) I am looking for a good photo showing a bear with a hummingbird feeder - tried looking at this one in b&w, and it does not show up very well.
I am also working on a redo of all of the Division of Wildlife's bear literature (as a volunteer) and we are collecting photos for use in brochures and fact sheets...
So, if you have anything you are willing to share and give permission to use, we'd be very grateful. I'd be happy to send you a copy of my book as a thank you if you'll send your address.
Thanks a bunch,
Linda Masterson
Living with Bears: A Practical Guide to Bear Country
livewithbears (at) aol.com
Practical Guide to Bear Country
My reply:
Dear Linda,
The picture looks like it came from a video I took.
You can find the video at video.google.com
Bear, Hummingbird feeder
Since the video is about 10 seconds long, and I think it's showing at 15 frames a second, you should have 150 frame (pictures) to choose from. However, all were taken from the same angle. I chased the bear off right after this. I did not want him to think that coming onto my deck was exceptable behaviour. Also, and the bear broke the feeder with his bite in his hurry to get to the sugar water.
I personally do not have a bad relationship with this bear. It once watched me for about 20 minutes while I was busy doing something about a mile from my home(where the video was taken). Te bear sate uphill on a jeep track and could have charged. But it just sat there after giving a snort to let me know it was there. It seemed that the bear was just letting me know I was its' guest at the edge of it's territory.
Yes, I did have a exit to a nearby tree planned in case it charged. ...And I'm good at climbing trees.
As it was, I got done what I doing and left without incident.
However, my next neighbor has had endless trouble with bears. One night a bear used it's powerful claws to bend the top edge of the door frame away from the body of the minivan. The bear appears to have left when the safety glass suddenly shattered because the frame had been bent out by about an inch.
The year before that a bear made off with a 150 lb goat. That was a shame because I would borrow the goat to mow my lawn, thistle path and cheat grass patch. Now I have to pay the same neighbor's kid to do the same.
A bear also went right through an electric fence to make it's way into a chicken coup a couple of years ago.
If you send me the time stamp of the exact frame you an want, I can probably find it on the original video and extract a black and white version of it. A proper adjustment of the contrast should fade out the background trees so that the picture works in black and white.
By the way, this morning I heard a familiar chirping sound in the neighborhood of the hummingbird feeder. I had put it up last summer again, once it was clear that the bear was ignoring my house in favor of having a territorial spat with the neighbor.
There was still a bit of sugar water in it from last summer. The water has been frozen for much of the last 5 months. But a familiar woodpecker had to check to see if his favorite nectar was available. I'm sure he'll keep checking back until it melts.
I wonder what will happen come May when the hummingbirds will want their share.
-
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:12 am
Subject: Bear in Hummingbird Feeder Photo
Hi Mike,
this is Linda Masterson, author of Living with Bear: A Practical Guide to Bear Country (www.pixyjackpress.com)
Wendy at Sinapu forwarded me your bear in the hummingbird feeder photo last year, and somehow I misfiled your info and just discovered it.
I wondered if you had any other photos of this incident (or any others) I am looking for a good photo showing a bear with a hummingbird feeder - tried looking at this one in b&w, and it does not show up very well.
I am also working on a redo of all of the Division of Wildlife's bear literature (as a volunteer) and we are collecting photos for use in brochures and fact sheets...
So, if you have anything you are willing to share and give permission to use, we'd be very grateful. I'd be happy to send you a copy of my book as a thank you if you'll send your address.
Thanks a bunch,
Linda Masterson
Living with Bears: A Practical Guide to Bear Country
livewithbears (at) aol.com
Practical Guide to Bear Country
My reply:
Dear Linda,
The picture looks like it came from a video I took.
You can find the video at video.google.com
Bear, Hummingbird feeder
Since the video is about 10 seconds long, and I think it's showing at 15 frames a second, you should have 150 frame (pictures) to choose from. However, all were taken from the same angle. I chased the bear off right after this. I did not want him to think that coming onto my deck was exceptable behaviour. Also, and the bear broke the feeder with his bite in his hurry to get to the sugar water.
I personally do not have a bad relationship with this bear. It once watched me for about 20 minutes while I was busy doing something about a mile from my home(where the video was taken). Te bear sate uphill on a jeep track and could have charged. But it just sat there after giving a snort to let me know it was there. It seemed that the bear was just letting me know I was its' guest at the edge of it's territory.
Yes, I did have a exit to a nearby tree planned in case it charged. ...And I'm good at climbing trees.
As it was, I got done what I doing and left without incident.
However, my next neighbor has had endless trouble with bears. One night a bear used it's powerful claws to bend the top edge of the door frame away from the body of the minivan. The bear appears to have left when the safety glass suddenly shattered because the frame had been bent out by about an inch.
The year before that a bear made off with a 150 lb goat. That was a shame because I would borrow the goat to mow my lawn, thistle path and cheat grass patch. Now I have to pay the same neighbor's kid to do the same.
A bear also went right through an electric fence to make it's way into a chicken coup a couple of years ago.
If you send me the time stamp of the exact frame you an want, I can probably find it on the original video and extract a black and white version of it. A proper adjustment of the contrast should fade out the background trees so that the picture works in black and white.
By the way, this morning I heard a familiar chirping sound in the neighborhood of the hummingbird feeder. I had put it up last summer again, once it was clear that the bear was ignoring my house in favor of having a territorial spat with the neighbor.
There was still a bit of sugar water in it from last summer. The water has been frozen for much of the last 5 months. But a familiar woodpecker had to check to see if his favorite nectar was available. I'm sure he'll keep checking back until it melts.
I wonder what will happen come May when the hummingbirds will want their share.
-
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Bobcat came by
I'm always amazed that any animal can survive the winter here without going into hibernation.
But the bobcat came through the yard today. At one point he scratched in the fresh snow, as if looking for something. Then he moved on and wandered of.
His paws where wide enough to keep him from breaking through the snow crust. He just had to "post hole" through a couple of inches of fresh, light powder.
But the bobcat came through the yard today. At one point he scratched in the fresh snow, as if looking for something. Then he moved on and wandered of.
His paws where wide enough to keep him from breaking through the snow crust. He just had to "post hole" through a couple of inches of fresh, light powder.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Instant Newspaper Logs without a Rolling Device
It's been quite cold that last few weeks.
I can always tell because my normally perfectly tuned wind chimes start to sound strangely out of tune. That's because the extreme cold makes metal extra stiff and brittle. So the chimes de-tune.
Fortunately, we put in a few months stash of firewood. But, in this cold, the pile is getting smaller at an alarming rate.
That's when I learned about a sneeky trick for turning the morning's newspaper into tight, long burning logs for the evening fire.
Neat!
I can always tell because my normally perfectly tuned wind chimes start to sound strangely out of tune. That's because the extreme cold makes metal extra stiff and brittle. So the chimes de-tune.
Fortunately, we put in a few months stash of firewood. But, in this cold, the pile is getting smaller at an alarming rate.
That's when I learned about a sneeky trick for turning the morning's newspaper into tight, long burning logs for the evening fire.
Neat!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
2 cords of hardwood for $400
I had a dump truck show up with 2 cords of hardwood this morning.
The hardwood consists of the remmant ends of 6 by 8 inch untreated railroad ties. The remnants are between half an inch and 6 inches.
I think this is a awesome deal, and I almost hesitate to write about it because I don't want to drive up the price because more people want it.
If you are interested, and you live around Boulder, Colorado, give Rod of RC Construciont a call at 303-935-6231
The hardwood consists of the remmant ends of 6 by 8 inch untreated railroad ties. The remnants are between half an inch and 6 inches.
I think this is a awesome deal, and I almost hesitate to write about it because I don't want to drive up the price because more people want it.
If you are interested, and you live around Boulder, Colorado, give Rod of RC Construciont a call at 303-935-6231
Blogging course
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a now, they're letting you get it for free if you write about it.
The course is about:
- The best blogging techniques (Let's find out if I'm trainable?)
- How to get traffic to your blog (Ummm, writing about something more people are interested in would help, which exclude long diatribes about the content of my navel lint.)
- How to turn your blog into money(I've made $4.49 with this blog so far - Guess I'm not in it for the money) .
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Fences don't make good neighbors when the elk are around.
The following is from a neighbor that has a little farm. During the summer months he has a farm stand where he offers truly locally grown produce.
I know what he means about the elk knocking down fences. It got so that I gave up having a fence.
I know what he means about the elk knocking down fences. It got so that I gave up having a fence.
hello everyone, just wanted let the list know that we found the
horses. they did a little tour of the twin sisters area and made
their way back home this morning. it turns out the elk herd had
knocked some of our fence down, so thanks to everyone who was keeping
an eye out.
peace, josh and family
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Elk came through
Last night, the a herd of elk, probably the same ones that I saw in the last entry, came through the yard.
The moon was nearly full, and reflecting from the fresh, cold snow, so it was easy to see them.
It was about 7 degrees F, so we thought about inviting them in, but then we realized we couldn't fit all 30 of them. Besides, they looked hungry, and they don't eat turkey.
The moon was nearly full, and reflecting from the fresh, cold snow, so it was easy to see them.
It was about 7 degrees F, so we thought about inviting them in, but then we realized we couldn't fit all 30 of them. Besides, they looked hungry, and they don't eat turkey.
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Elk Are Back
I've been waiting for the elk to come down from the high country to these mid-altitudes. There is a herd of elk that prefers to spend as much of its winter around here as possible.
At this time of year the high country becomes snowed in and the plains are to populated and dangerous. So the elk pick the area around here as a suitable compromise between a rock and a hard place.
Anyway, I saw the Elk at the top of Lazy Z the day before yesterday.
At this time of year the high country becomes snowed in and the plains are to populated and dangerous. So the elk pick the area around here as a suitable compromise between a rock and a hard place.
Anyway, I saw the Elk at the top of Lazy Z the day before yesterday.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Almost Cloud Nine
One of the joys of living in the high country is that sometimes we get sun up here while the clouds settle below. In other words, we have a completely different climate up here.
This picture was taken today about an hour after sunrise. The view is toward the south east, which is toward Denver from here. The clouds are at about 7000 feet, and the picture was taken at 8400 feet. There is a cloud bank at the top edge that is hiding the sun.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Janet Bychek
I've been slow to get these pictures up that I took while on a hike with my friend Janet Bychek up.
The first picture is of "Solstice Rocks." I call it that because the winter solstice sun appears to shine through a small arch at the very top of it.
The second picture is of Coal Creek canyon, about a mile downstream from Pinecliffe. The creek flows through a very rugged, remote gorge at that point on its way to Gross Reservoir. The picture was take from the north shore at a bend in the creek.
The two pictures where taken about a hundred yards apart.
The Rest of the Story about the Mountain Lion
The following was published on the Daily Camera today. Of particular note is that the person that claims to have shot the mountain lion is from out of state, and that it is implied that he shot the lion in self defense.
This is a great angle if you're trying to minimize the consequences of shooting a mountain lion.
This is a great angle if you're trying to minimize the consequences of shooting a mountain lion.
Man shoots, kills mountain lion near Gross Reservoir
Cougar had attacked a puppy chained on the property
A man shot and killed a mountain lion outside a home up Flagstaff Road near Gross Reservoir after catching it attacking his puppy, which was chained on the property, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Wildlife officers are investigating the shooting Friday and are trying to determine whether the man was within his legal rights when he killed the adult cougar, division of wildlife spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill said.
“We’re investigating what will happen to the person who shot the lion,” Churchill said. “We do have laws that allow people to protect their safety and the their livestock. But this is the tricky gray area of it being a dog.”
The shooting happened about 1:30 a.m. Friday in a neighborhood just east of Gross Reservoir, at the west end of Flagstaff Road near its intersection with Lakeshore Drive.
Churchill said the shooter, whose name, age and hometown haven’t been released, is from out of state and was visiting a person in the west Boulder neighborhood. Three dogs were chained up outside the home, and several people inside the home heard the mountain lion attacking the dog in the early-morning hours, Churchill said.
“The people went outside and started yelling at the lion,” she said. “It wouldn’t drop the dog, so he got a shot gun to scare it.”
But the lion approached the man with a gun, Churchill said.
“So he shot it,” she said.
The puppy that was in its mouth is going to survive, Churchill said.
“He had a couple lacerations on his belly, around his neck,” she said. “He was in the lion’s mouth for a few minutes, so he had to get stitches and antibiotics. But he’ll live.”
Wildlife officers confiscated the lion and sent it to a lab for testing, Churchill said. She expects results back in a day or two, but it’s unclear when officers will make a decision on possible charges against the man who killed the cougar.
“We are still looking into it to make sure it was done appropriately,” she said.
One area resident, who didn’t want to be named in this story, speculated that the slain lion was responsible for killing a man’s pet miniature horse in the Nederland area Sept. 2 and a couple’s 60-pound Australian shepherd in Nederland on Sept. 27.
Officers with the Division of Wildlife in September tried to capture and euthanize the lion after it killed the horse, named Bodacious, but traps weren’t successful in snagging the cat.
Correction - Mountain lion picture not the local lion
It turns out that there is a miss-communication about the picture that was published in yesterday's blog entry. I now find out that this picture is an EXAMPLE of a mountain lion, not the actual lion that was shot.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Local Mountain Lion Shot Dead
The mountain lion that was referred to in previous posts appears to have been shot yesterday because he attacked a puppy. This is likely the same mountain lion that ate a miniature horse a few weeks back.
[UPDATE: the picture at the right is NOT the mountain lion that was shot, lthough I initially had the impression that it was. I'm leaving the picture in as a EXAMPLE of a mountain lion]
As reported in a email on the PUMA email list:
"A neighbor to the east of here with 2 small children felt compelled to shoot a mtn lion dead yesterday morning about 1:30 am. This cat moved towards him when he went outside to rescue their puppy who was being attacked by the cat. This neighbor immediately reported his shooting to the DOW and is now facing possible consequences as a result of his decision to shoot the cat.
It is believed by other neighbors who saw the cat after it had been shot that this same cat had killed another large dog earlier in the week. In the same area east of the CR 68J deadhead and up the 4 x 4 trail past Fred & Betsy's property about 3/4 of a mile. There may be a DOW investigation report that provides an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on this matter. "
Saturday, September 22, 2007
More Fun With Bears
A met a neighbor on Lazy Z today and he told me the latest on the local black bear.
As there was some chatter on the local PUMA email list, I posted the following to it:
There is a bear here at the end of Lazy Z that has repeatedly tried to break into his cars. I myself saw the bent frame of a passenger door from a minivan. The bear had tried to peal away the door the top edge with its claws. Eventually the door glass shattered as the fame was bent outwards.
Now my neighbor keeps the doors unlocked and the windows down. This seems to keep the bear from trying to peal away doors, destroying them in the process.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
First Frost of the Fall
This morning there was a coat of white frost on the ground. Also, yesterday's rain had frozen on blades of grass.
However, the Goji Plants and house plants seem to have survived it, so it was not a hard frost. Does that make a soft frost?
I suspect this frost will the trigger for the turning of the Aspens.
However, the Goji Plants and house plants seem to have survived it, so it was not a hard frost. Does that make a soft frost?
I suspect this frost will the trigger for the turning of the Aspens.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Livestock Puma will not be trapped and killed
Thank you Sue (see below) for doing all this wonderful research and summarizing it in a email. I can picture the incident in great detail because I knew the horse and I've wandered through the pasture where it happened.
****
Hi Everyone,
An update about the lion situation: The trap has been pulled.
At this point they are not planning on taking any further action other than to keep a close eye on any further incidents that arise.
Here are the facts as shared by the DOW information officer, Jennifer Churchill who was very informative and nice. Most of you already know these but here it is for those who don't:
Thanks to everyone for their feedback. I still would like to gather as many factual accounts of lion encounters so that we can have the right information available should there be any other lion predation event. I'd also like to hear from people who have had no encounters as those are valuable as well.
Thank you all for taking the time to read these updates,
Sue
****
Hi Everyone,
An update about the lion situation: The trap has been pulled.
At this point they are not planning on taking any further action other than to keep a close eye on any further incidents that arise.
Here are the facts as shared by the DOW information officer, Jennifer Churchill who was very informative and nice. Most of you already know these but here it is for those who don't:
- The pony was killed on Saturday night at the top of the lower meadow of the Kellogg's property. He was then dragged down near the corral which is near William Kellogg's house.
- The lion did not kill the pony at Otsie's house, nor did it ever go to his house, it was seen only on the Kellogg's property.
- The main concern was after Otsie had his farrier down to work with his remaining horses (I believe on Sunday or Monday). The lion stayed next to the pony's remains for the hour or so that Otsie and his farrier were working with the horses. Again-the lion was in the open meadow next to the pony's remains. The Camera reported that it was in an open meadow and neglected to mention that it was next to it's cache, very typical lion behavior.
- We discussed lion behavior and she agreed that some lions do stick closer to their cache than others, but it always makes them more cautious when they see lions who stay near their prey in the presence of humans.
- For what it's worth, I'd like to share my perspective on such behavior: I have done research on Open Space properties for the past decade and work in an area where road killed deer (and lion-killed deer who are taken too close to residential areas) are dropped off for lions to be able to eat in a safe location away from people. Many rangers have commented that they will often have to shoot lions with rubber bullets in order to get them away from their caches and I have pictures here, here, and here that show a lion in my study area in South Boulder doing just that, hunkering down on his cache, despite the rangers watching them and taking photographs from a truck.
- The only other killings that she said concerned them were of a llama and a pony. One was on Flagstaff and she couldn't remember where the other one was (I believe the llama was Sugarloaf). She said there was no way to know if this was the same lion, but they were concerned that the lion had possibly shifted it's prey choice to livestock rather than deer/elk and they target lions who start focusing on livestock.
- I asked if there was any regulation regarding responsible livestock or pet ownership and she said no. She agreed completely that the lion is the one who pays with his life when we choose to let our dogs run free or we don't keep our livestock in safe enclosures at night. Even if you don't report it to the DOW when your dog is killed, it's clear that word of mouth spreads the story and then, when an event happens as did with the pony, the stories fly such as "I know of 7 dogs in the Magnolia area that were killed by lions." Unverifiable information but quite powerful when rumors start to make it back to the DOW. When a decision about whether to kill a lion or not is unclear, those stories push the DOW into choosing a lethal option.
- I asked if we could organize a neighborhood meeting with their district rangers and she said she would make some calls and see if they can pull that together. I offered to organize things from this end and will call her next week to see what kind of time constraints they have on their end.
- If anyone has a venue that they know about or could volunteer to host such an event please let me know.
- Please send me a private email stating if you would like to come to a meeting with Sinapu and the Division of Wildlife and I will start contacting everyone to see what dates are best.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback. I still would like to gather as many factual accounts of lion encounters so that we can have the right information available should there be any other lion predation event. I'd also like to hear from people who have had no encounters as those are valuable as well.
Thank you all for taking the time to read these updates,
Sue
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Mountain Lion Causing Quite a Local Buzz
We were repeatedly buzzed by two Helicopters this afternoon. The first was red, and the second was yellow with a blue tail.
I was not sure what it was about at first, but I'm guessing the following has something to do with it.
Mountain lion kills horse in Boulder County foothills
In case the Daily Camera link does not work, the articles says:
"Colorado Division of Wildlife officials are responding to property in the Boulder County foothills where a mountain lion attacked and killed a horse, sheriff's officials said this afternoon.
I've seen the pony that was eaten any number of times. I'm sorry to hear it's turned into cat food. I assume this is the same mountain lion that's been sighted on our land here. The pony lived about a mile from here, on the other side of Winiger Ridge.
I was not sure what it was about at first, but I'm guessing the following has something to do with it.
Mountain lion kills horse in Boulder County foothills
In case the Daily Camera link does not work, the articles says:
"Colorado Division of Wildlife officials are responding to property in the Boulder County foothills where a mountain lion attacked and killed a horse, sheriff's officials said this afternoon.
The property's owner reported that the cat was still in the area, located off Magnolia Road near Pineglade Road. "
Also See: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=76716
I've seen the pony that was eaten any number of times. I'm sorry to hear it's turned into cat food. I assume this is the same mountain lion that's been sighted on our land here. The pony lived about a mile from here, on the other side of Winiger Ridge.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
True Confessions: I was a unpaid scout for the power company
We've had three lightning caused power outages in the last few weeks. It's fashionable to blame weather weirdnesses on global warming, so I'll jump on that band wagon to explain it.
Anyway...
A few hours after this latest lighting induced power outage, yesterday, a large Excel Energy Truck with a cherry picker shows up.
A "old fat man" (these were his words) jumped out and started asking directions to a pole so that he could replace the fuse.
It was twilight and I knew the moon would come up any minute because we'd had a lunar eclipse the day before. I'd not had my habitual walk either.
So I volunteered to show him the way. OK, I admit, I was curious too how this all worked.
The power pole he was looking for was in the narrow valley on the other side of Winiger Ridge. This meant going up 100 yards, then down 300 very steep yards. At night.
Fortunately, I knew most of the faint trail that would take us there pretty much by heart.
We set off and about 30 minutes later we where at the pole with the blown fuse. This is where it gets tricky. The fuse is nearly 40 feet up and the only way to get at it is with a 40 foot long telescoping fiberglass pole. Given the flex of the fiberglass pole, this is not easy.
Also, if the lightning had taken out more than just the fuse, it would have created a very loud explosion as the new fuse also blew.
After about 15 minutes of fussing, the utility line man was able to install the fuse. It held. No explosion.
My curiosity was also satisfied about how this all works.
On the way back up , I learned that the lineman would retire in 3.5 months, after 37 years. I wondered where the new talent would come from to replace him. Nobody in "the younger generation" seemed interested working in the wilds of Colorado in all kinds of weather conditions.
I had volunteered to carry the collapsed telescoping fiberglass pole back up after seeing how much of a strain it put on the lineman to manipulate the pole to get the fuse back in place. It got quite heavy by the time I was back on top of the ridge.
After we got back, I got to keep the old blown fuse as a souvenir.
Then, it was back to business as usual... at least until the next global warming induced lighting strike.
Anyway...
A few hours after this latest lighting induced power outage, yesterday, a large Excel Energy Truck with a cherry picker shows up.
A "old fat man" (these were his words) jumped out and started asking directions to a pole so that he could replace the fuse.
It was twilight and I knew the moon would come up any minute because we'd had a lunar eclipse the day before. I'd not had my habitual walk either.
So I volunteered to show him the way. OK, I admit, I was curious too how this all worked.
The power pole he was looking for was in the narrow valley on the other side of Winiger Ridge. This meant going up 100 yards, then down 300 very steep yards. At night.
Fortunately, I knew most of the faint trail that would take us there pretty much by heart.
We set off and about 30 minutes later we where at the pole with the blown fuse. This is where it gets tricky. The fuse is nearly 40 feet up and the only way to get at it is with a 40 foot long telescoping fiberglass pole. Given the flex of the fiberglass pole, this is not easy.
Also, if the lightning had taken out more than just the fuse, it would have created a very loud explosion as the new fuse also blew.
After about 15 minutes of fussing, the utility line man was able to install the fuse. It held. No explosion.
My curiosity was also satisfied about how this all works.
On the way back up , I learned that the lineman would retire in 3.5 months, after 37 years. I wondered where the new talent would come from to replace him. Nobody in "the younger generation" seemed interested working in the wilds of Colorado in all kinds of weather conditions.
I had volunteered to carry the collapsed telescoping fiberglass pole back up after seeing how much of a strain it put on the lineman to manipulate the pole to get the fuse back in place. It got quite heavy by the time I was back on top of the ridge.
After we got back, I got to keep the old blown fuse as a souvenir.
Then, it was back to business as usual... at least until the next global warming induced lighting strike.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Scary!
I just picked up some folding tables that I had loaned to the NEXT DOOR neighbor over the weekend.
While I was there they showed me the passenger side front door on their van. The window had broken and the top of the frame was pulled back about an inch from the body.
This was the latest episode in a nearly nightly harassment by a bear.
While I was there they showed me the passenger side front door on their van. The window had broken and the top of the frame was pulled back about an inch from the body.
This was the latest episode in a nearly nightly harassment by a bear.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Lions and Coyotes and Bears, Oh My
I just got word that neighbor saw a mountain lion in the woods below the house yesterday morning.
Other neighbors have seen the same cat at other times as well.
Also, the coyote infestation in the valley here seems to be particularly bad this year, judging from the nearly nightly yelping and howling. The deer have taken the hint and left.
And I read in the paper that bears will need to be spending 20 hours a day eating, so that they can pack on the weight for winter.
Other neighbors have seen the same cat at other times as well.
Also, the coyote infestation in the valley here seems to be particularly bad this year, judging from the nearly nightly yelping and howling. The deer have taken the hint and left.
And I read in the paper that bears will need to be spending 20 hours a day eating, so that they can pack on the weight for winter.
Friday, August 17, 2007
3 mile fox was hit by a car.
I feel like I lost a friend. The fox mentioned below seemed to take a special delight in greeting cars on the way home.
***
If you drove down Magnolia today you probably saw the dead fox on the side of Magnolia, past Magnolia townsite. He (or she?) must've been hit last night by a car. This fox was very wily to cars and people. He would run to the side of the road and turn around and look as you passed by. I'm amazed he was hit knowing how fast he got out of the way for me in car or bike. The driver must've been going very fast.
I know I'm speaking to the choir on this list (I hope) but lower speeds mean you can slow down faster and not hit wildlife (or dogs, pedestrians, runners, and cyclists). Driving 30mph down Magnolia from Lazy Z takes about 18 minutes (yes, i did the math). Driving 35 gets you there only 2.5 minutes faster. Driving 40 gets you there 4.5 minutes faster. I have 5 minutes to spare...how about you?
Thanks for reading,
Whit
***
If you drove down Magnolia today you probably saw the dead fox on the side of Magnolia, past Magnolia townsite. He (or she?) must've been hit last night by a car. This fox was very wily to cars and people. He would run to the side of the road and turn around and look as you passed by. I'm amazed he was hit knowing how fast he got out of the way for me in car or bike. The driver must've been going very fast.
I know I'm speaking to the choir on this list (I hope) but lower speeds mean you can slow down faster and not hit wildlife (or dogs, pedestrians, runners, and cyclists). Driving 30mph down Magnolia from Lazy Z takes about 18 minutes (yes, i did the math). Driving 35 gets you there only 2.5 minutes faster. Driving 40 gets you there 4.5 minutes faster. I have 5 minutes to spare...how about you?
Thanks for reading,
Whit
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Now that's a big bug
This bug landed on the living room window. The black circle next to it is a quarter that I taped to the window. The body of the bug was about 2.5 inches long.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Pine Beetles in the Colorado Rockies
Thanks Jenifer for some great research on Pine Beetles:
Dear Friends,
We are all aware of the beetle epidemic on the Western Slope. Anyone
who has driven I-70 westward has seen it.
In our own area, we need to be aware of the condition of our trees.
Over-crowded, stressed, or damaged trees are vulnerable.
Living pines should not be trimmed or cut between approximately
beginning of June to approximately September, as beetles are attracted
to the scent of sap.
Wood (and probably anything else) should not be stacked against living
trees.
Beetles don't acknowledge property lines. We must work together as
residents of Magnolia to protect our forest. Stay alert, communicate
with your neighbors. Know the signs of beetle presence. Know how to
determine whether beetle presence in a tree has been repulsed by the
tree, or is killing it. Not all attacked trees succumb! Healthy trees
can expel beetles in a flood of sap.
If you have concerns, call the Colorado State Forest Service
(303-823-5774), and/or a neighbor who has experience with beetle
management. Dan Metzger is one such person.
Here are some websites with info on Pine Beetles.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05528.html
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/we_pine_beetle/wpb.htm
http://www.barkbeetles.org/mountain/fidl2.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pine_beetle
Best,
Jennifer
We are all aware of the beetle epidemic on the Western Slope. Anyone
who has driven I-70 westward has seen it.
In our own area, we need to be aware of the condition of our trees.
Over-crowded, stressed, or damaged trees are vulnerable.
Living pines should not be trimmed or cut between approximately
beginning of June to approximately September, as beetles are attracted
to the scent of sap.
Wood (and probably anything else) should not be stacked against living
trees.
Beetles don't acknowledge property lines. We must work together as
residents of Magnolia to protect our forest. Stay alert, communicate
with your neighbors. Know the signs of beetle presence. Know how to
determine whether beetle presence in a tree has been repulsed by the
tree, or is killing it. Not all attacked trees succumb! Healthy trees
can expel beetles in a flood of sap.
If you have concerns, call the Colorado State Forest Service
(303-823-5774), and/or a neighbor who has experience with beetle
management. Dan Metzger is one such person.
Here are some websites with info on Pine Beetles.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05528.html
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/we_pine_beetle/wpb.htm
http://www.barkbeetles.org/mountain/fidl2.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pine_beetle
Best,
Jennifer
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Large, Shaggy Dog or Black Bear?
A black bear that looked like a large dog walked across our long deck a few minutes ago at twilight.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My New Friend, A Lonely Dove
This is the kind of self-indulgent entries that blogs are famous for.As I was walking up my very long and steep driveway this morning, a dove flew in front of me. I live high up in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by national forest. Doves are not native around here. A couple of hours later, I'd made a new friend, who you can see sitting on my shoulder.
I called over to my neighbor, who once had brough up some doves from Denver. He told me that this last, lonely dove had been hanging around there, but he was afraid that it would soon become Red tailed Hawk food.Perhaps my new friend figures that if its friends with me, then the hawk won't get it. I hope she's right, because after getting a expert ear cleaning from her, I'm starting to like this bird.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Grand Yellow Green Pollen Cloud Finali
There are some hazards to living high up in the Rockies that you don't find out about until you're actually living here.
In the winter, there are the large stinging clouds of swirling snow.
Right now, we are just coming to the end to the large gritty clouds of yellow green pine pollen. ON warm days (>80 F) like today the pine pollen gets ready in the calm morning air.
Then, as the first gust of afternoon wind blow across the hillside, the pollen takes flight, and forms huge yellow green clouds.
These clouds coat everything with a thick, gritty, yellow-green coat. This pollen keeps blowing around until it is finally washed down by a afternoon thunderstorm, like we just had.
We had similar situation last weekend. The whole process was interrupted by a cold snap that we had right after the weekend.
Hopefully, this is the end of pollen season. It takes weeks for the pollen coat to disappear from surfaces.
In the winter, there are the large stinging clouds of swirling snow.
Right now, we are just coming to the end to the large gritty clouds of yellow green pine pollen. ON warm days (>80 F) like today the pine pollen gets ready in the calm morning air.
Then, as the first gust of afternoon wind blow across the hillside, the pollen takes flight, and forms huge yellow green clouds.
These clouds coat everything with a thick, gritty, yellow-green coat. This pollen keeps blowing around until it is finally washed down by a afternoon thunderstorm, like we just had.
We had similar situation last weekend. The whole process was interrupted by a cold snap that we had right after the weekend.
Hopefully, this is the end of pollen season. It takes weeks for the pollen coat to disappear from surfaces.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Finally back online
In my previous post I mentioned a bad wind storm. It knocked out our internet connection shortly after the post until this morning.
It's been stange weather. We had a hard frost last night, and I had to bring in all the house plants that did not have the good sense to come in on their own.
It's been stange weather. We had a hard frost last night, and I had to bring in all the house plants that did not have the good sense to come in on their own.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Wind and Snow
It has been quite windy today, as illustrated by this knocked over Aspen tree.
It also looks like its trying to snow over Thorodin.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Suggestions for a bear proof bird feeder
This morning, I heard the dogs in the neighborhood go crazy with howling an yowling. "Must be the bear" I thought to myself. Sure enough, I saw bags of scattered trash when I went throuhg the epicenter of the yowling a few hours latter.
Another bear related note: --
A neighbor suggests this for a bear proof feeder:
Another bear related note: --
A neighbor suggests this for a bear proof feeder:
Hi Everyone,
A few years ago, we used a pulley system like the one mentioned here
to keep our birdfeeders out of reach of the bears. It worked for
about a year but then the bears started to figure it out. The first
bear to figure it out climbed up a tree until he was higher than the
metal cord that we had running between two trees (about 15 ft off the
ground). Then, he jumped down and grabbed the cord as he fell. This
method worked for him but it was a long jump down. We put the pulley
system back together, and the next bear (or maybe the same bear)
figured out which rope lowered the feeders. He pawed at it until he
got the feeders to fall.
We abandoned the pulley system at that point, and my husband
constructed a new system. We have a 15 ft tall metal pole sunk in
concrete, and 4 arms coming off of it near the top. There's a feeder
on each arm. We have an electric fence (3 fence posts with wires
going around them making a circle with diameter of about 2-3 ft)
around the base of the pole. We have a long pole with a hook on the
end to put feeders up on the arms (or take them down). This system
has now worked for 2.5 years or so. We've observed bears (in the
daytime) trying to get at our feeders, and they get completely
spooked when they touch the electric fence (it's not a huge shock -
we've touched it to see what it feels like). From what we've
observed, each bear never tries again after getting shocked once.
If anyone else is interested in setting up a system like this, I
could take some pictures and post them. My husband could provide
technical details. We really like this system because we can leave
the feeders out all the time with no worries that we're helping
corrupt bears.
Claire
Mountain Lions Sited on the Neighborhood on Saturday
Just a quick report on a great wildlife sighting from a Neighbor:
Brian and I saw three mountaint lions on Magnolia this past Saturday night
about 11:30 pm. The cats were in the road as we came up, roughly 2.25 mile
mark. We guess it was a mom and cubs since they were traveling together,
but don't know for sure. Got a solid look at one, two dropped off the road
quickly but the long black tipped tails are unmistakeable!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Save Forsythe Falls
I took a walk down to Forsythe Falls today.
I wanted see how far above the current level of Gross Reservoir it was. I eyeballed it, but I suspect that there is only about 30 feet between the current full level of Gross Reservoir and the bottom of Forsythe falls. Raising the level of Gross Reservoir will destroy this beautiful falls.
I have posted three pictures for posterity.
I wanted see how far above the current level of Gross Reservoir it was. I eyeballed it, but I suspect that there is only about 30 feet between the current full level of Gross Reservoir and the bottom of Forsythe falls. Raising the level of Gross Reservoir will destroy this beautiful falls.
I have posted three pictures for posterity.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
More Bear issues in the Neighborhood
Hi All:
Last weekend -- during the DAY a bear must have come on my deck and destroyed the bird feeders and on the other side of the house dismantled the hummingbird feeder. I want to feed the birds but I am not gonna do that anymore as it attracts the bears so much. I would love to have a bird feeder on a pully system between two trees but I bet the bear will pull on the roper or chain. Any suggestions from clever humans???
Terry
At 09:10 PM 6/1/2007, greg joder wrote:
>Hi everyone,>>The bear, or a bear, that has been around here for the last couple >weeks just tried climbing onto my deck (9:00 p.m.) - we could see >its feet, paws and face! My dog and cats went crazy!>>Just took in the feeders too (no trash out). Keep an eye out!
>>greg
http://www.wildmagnolia.org/phpbb/
Last weekend -- during the DAY a bear must have come on my deck and destroyed the bird feeders and on the other side of the house dismantled the hummingbird feeder. I want to feed the birds but I am not gonna do that anymore as it attracts the bears so much. I would love to have a bird feeder on a pully system between two trees but I bet the bear will pull on the roper or chain. Any suggestions from clever humans???
Terry
At 09:10 PM 6/1/2007, greg joder wrote:
>Hi everyone,>>The bear, or a bear, that has been around here for the last couple >weeks just tried climbing onto my deck (9:00 p.m.) - we could see >its feet, paws and face! My dog and cats went crazy!>>Just took in the feeders too (no trash out). Keep an eye out!
>>greg
http://www.wildmagnolia.org/phpbb/
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Contact Xcel with your power flucuation problems
In regard to my previous blog, another neighbor suggests:
I just talked to a full-service agent at Xcel, andshe recommends that everyone who has noticedrecent fluctuations in electric service shouldphone so that they can understand the magnitudeof the problem and the region affected. She saysthat the number to call is 1-800-895-1999, andselect "outage". If you don't get through to areal person, just select nothing and after about6 prompts, it will ring a real person. Ask thatperson for a full-service agent.We also suspect that we may have had damage tosome of our electrical equipment, even though itwas connected to a UPS (that has been frequentlycycling on-and-off the last few days).
I just talked to a full-service agent at Xcel, andshe recommends that everyone who has noticedrecent fluctuations in electric service shouldphone so that they can understand the magnitudeof the problem and the region affected. She saysthat the number to call is 1-800-895-1999, andselect "outage". If you don't get through to areal person, just select nothing and after about6 prompts, it will ring a real person. Ask thatperson for a full-service agent.We also suspect that we may have had damage tosome of our electrical equipment, even though itwas connected to a UPS (that has been frequentlycycling on-and-off the last few days).
Lighting Caused Power Blips
In a message dated 5/31/2007 9:10:37 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, savitar@mric.net writes:
Has anyone been experiencing electrical service fluctuations lately? We've been have several episodes of flickering lights, and the computer UPS battery backup systems clicking & coming on. I don't know if it's surges or momentary loss of power. I'm wondering if it's our service only, or if others nearby have experienced anything similar. It's happening at different times of the day, and even when we are not using much electricity.
I read someplace that one Mt. Evans, which is actually visible from my location on Lazy Z, is world famous for the number of lightning strikes it gets.
A lighting storm some distance away can still effect our power here because of the way that the power lines run as they distribute power.
The moral of the story here is that the lighting around here is intense enough that it interferes with our electricity. However, you may just want to check that a recent storm did not blow a tree against the power line to your house. I've had that happen too.
The moral of the story here is that the lighting around here is intense enough that it interferes with our electricity. However, you may just want to check that a recent storm did not blow a tree against the power line to your house. I've had that happen too.
I have included a picture above of the relative number of lighting stikes in Colorado over a 6 year period. I have called out Mt Evans. Boulder County is the rectangle above it with the ragged left edge and a notch half way along its southern boarder. We're just one County away from Mt. Evans.
P.S. Welcome to the joys of living "way out there" at the end of the line, so to speak.
P.S. Welcome to the joys of living "way out there" at the end of the line, so to speak.
Monday, May 28, 2007
702-835-1108 Harassment
If you are reading this, it probably means only one thing. You've been getting harassing phone calls from 702-835-1108. The caller ID says "CyberneticSyste" There is a Cybernetic Systems in Henderson, Nevada.
If you call the (702) 835-1108 number, there is a recording with an unbelievalble story about this being a "toll free testing service" for Service Bureau Networks. This is of course, different from what the caller ID claims. BUT if you Google that number you get an earful about a disreputable company, Telespammer
Service Bureau Networks seems to also be known as Telseven according to the posts. There are claims on the forum that people have been charged just for calling numbers associated with Telseven.
Don't bother talking to the voice that says "wrong number." It is just a recording. You can tell because there is no hang up sound. Also the timing and intonation is exactly identical each time.
We've been getting 6 or 7 of these annoying phone calls a day for the last 3 days.
Please EMAIL ME at
702harassment@gmail.com and let me know that you've been getting them too. I'm trying to figure out what the scam is.
If there is enough interest, a class action lawsuit might be in order, as well as complaints to the FTC and FCC Those links go directly to the complaint proceedures, so have fun.
Special note to the heartless scum behind this harassment: It's not good for your mental health to annoy a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expert. That's putting it nicely.
You'll find yourself with thousands of dollars of legal bills in short order. Harassing me and other people who contact me can get VERY expensive very quickly.
Trust me, you really don't want to go there.
Don't say you've not been warned. Please CONTACT ME if you wish to nip your punishing legal expenses in the bud.
If you call the (702) 835-1108 number, there is a recording with an unbelievalble story about this being a "toll free testing service" for Service Bureau Networks. This is of course, different from what the caller ID claims. BUT if you Google that number you get an earful about a disreputable company, Telespammer
Service Bureau Networks seems to also be known as Telseven according to the posts. There are claims on the forum that people have been charged just for calling numbers associated with Telseven.
Don't bother talking to the voice that says "wrong number." It is just a recording. You can tell because there is no hang up sound. Also the timing and intonation is exactly identical each time.
We've been getting 6 or 7 of these annoying phone calls a day for the last 3 days.
Please EMAIL ME at
702harassment@gmail.com and let me know that you've been getting them too. I'm trying to figure out what the scam is.
If there is enough interest, a class action lawsuit might be in order, as well as complaints to the FTC and FCC Those links go directly to the complaint proceedures, so have fun.
Special note to the heartless scum behind this harassment: It's not good for your mental health to annoy a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expert. That's putting it nicely.
You'll find yourself with thousands of dollars of legal bills in short order. Harassing me and other people who contact me can get VERY expensive very quickly.
Trust me, you really don't want to go there.
Don't say you've not been warned. Please CONTACT ME if you wish to nip your punishing legal expenses in the bud.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Bear, Part II
There have been four bear sightings in the last 12 hours here on Lazy Z.
I'm bringing in the hummingbird feeder.
This is what happened last year.
Case Study
I'm bringing in the hummingbird feeder.
This is what happened last year.
Case Study
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Last Frost of the Season?
It snowed yesterday and then it looked like it was going to freeze last night.
It was a good thing that I took in the house plants that did not seem to have the good sense to come in on their own.
It made it down to 28 F last night.
However, in a conversation with a hummingbird this morning by the hummingbird feader, I found out that this should be the last frost.
But I'm keeping in the house plants for another night, just in case.
It was a good thing that I took in the house plants that did not seem to have the good sense to come in on their own.
It made it down to 28 F last night.
However, in a conversation with a hummingbird this morning by the hummingbird feader, I found out that this should be the last frost.
But I'm keeping in the house plants for another night, just in case.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Elk Are Back... Again
I just saw a group of about 8 bull elk grazing their way through the snowy yard.
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Red Baron Won
I saw the red tailed hawk (I call him the Red Baron) resting in a tree by the house today. It looks like he won his territorial right to hunt here.
The two ravens that where harassing him last week where nowhere to be found.
The two ravens that where harassing him last week where nowhere to be found.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
My Buddies the Elk
Two male elk just came through the yard. They both had fuzzy, half formed antlers.
They left behind a large, well formed pile of scat. This is different then in winter. At that time of the year they leave tight little oval pellets.
They left behind a large, well formed pile of scat. This is different then in winter. At that time of the year they leave tight little oval pellets.
Dogfight over Lazy Z
There's been a fierce battle ragging in the air over this end of Lazy Z for the last few days.
Its the red(baron) tailed hawk against the dark raven. They soar and dive. Sometimes, you can hear the screaming feathers of the raven as he goes into a power dive. The raven also makes crowing sounds, but the hawk only occasionally lets loose with a peep.
I think the hawk is winning, but not be much. They are pretty evenly matched.
Last year, the hawk must have won, because I saw and heard him all summer.
Its the red(baron) tailed hawk against the dark raven. They soar and dive. Sometimes, you can hear the screaming feathers of the raven as he goes into a power dive. The raven also makes crowing sounds, but the hawk only occasionally lets loose with a peep.
I think the hawk is winning, but not be much. They are pretty evenly matched.
Last year, the hawk must have won, because I saw and heard him all summer.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Grow Your Own Goji Berries
We're doing a experiment around here where we are seeing if Goji Berries, which originated in the Himalayas. We've been reading all kinds of great things about them, so we have some seeds sprouting right now. We even have one plant so tiny that you almost need a magnifying glass to see it.
You can read more at How to Grow Goji Berries
You can read more at How to Grow Goji Berries
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Growing Goji Berries
I've been studying a lot about a super nutritionous berry that became popular because of the promotional effort of a MLM company.
Turns out it really is a most remakable berry, with even more nutritional power than blueberries.
Goji berries, also sometimes called wolfberries look like oblong, red raisins. They're not very sweet, but the have a flavor that you an quickly get used to. This happens naturally once you digest a handful and your body gives you a enthusiatic thumbs up once it's had a chance to analyze what's in them.
I've also tried the goji juice concentrate
Anyway, here's a bit more about these berries. See Goji Juice Extract
http://gojiconcentrate.googlepages.com/home
It all sounds so good that I'm going to try to grow some, although it'll take years to get any fruit from them.
Turns out it really is a most remakable berry, with even more nutritional power than blueberries.
Goji berries, also sometimes called wolfberries look like oblong, red raisins. They're not very sweet, but the have a flavor that you an quickly get used to. This happens naturally once you digest a handful and your body gives you a enthusiatic thumbs up once it's had a chance to analyze what's in them.
I've also tried the goji juice concentrate
Anyway, here's a bit more about these berries. See Goji Juice Extract
http://gojiconcentrate.googlepages.com/home
It all sounds so good that I'm going to try to grow some, although it'll take years to get any fruit from them.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Our Roadless Wonder - The PUMA way
John Carter, a neighbor up here, had this observation:
*****
The U in PUMA does mean unique.
http://dailycamera.com/news/2007/may/04/scientists-measuring-roadless-areas-by-volume/
http://dailycamera.com/videos/2007/may/03/26/
The first link is to a story in the Daily Camera. The second is acomputer-generated video prepared by USGS scientists. The idea is that theydraw pyramids based on the distance from roads. The video spans 60 years,showing the Colorado Front Range from 1937 to 1997. When you watch thevideo, the pyramids all over the map erode away, as new roads are built. Ifyou look just below and a bit to the left of the green "B" in Boulder, thereis one three-sided pyramid that endures. That's the triangle formed byMagnolia and 119.
It's one reason that I love Magnolia, it has been preserved (the "P").
John, ~ the chart guyJohn Carder,
CMTTopline Investment Graphics
Where your chart dreams come true!
www.topline-charts.com or www.chartguy.com
PO Box 2340Boulder, CO 80306-2340 USA
800.347.0157 (toll-free in the USA)
303.440.0147 (fax)
*****
The U in PUMA does mean unique.
http://dailycamera.com/news/2007/may/04/scientists-measuring-roadless-areas-by-volume/
http://dailycamera.com/videos/2007/may/03/26/
The first link is to a story in the Daily Camera. The second is acomputer-generated video prepared by USGS scientists. The idea is that theydraw pyramids based on the distance from roads. The video spans 60 years,showing the Colorado Front Range from 1937 to 1997. When you watch thevideo, the pyramids all over the map erode away, as new roads are built. Ifyou look just below and a bit to the left of the green "B" in Boulder, thereis one three-sided pyramid that endures. That's the triangle formed byMagnolia and 119.
It's one reason that I love Magnolia, it has been preserved (the "P").
John, ~ the chart guyJohn Carder,
CMTTopline Investment Graphics
Where your chart dreams come true!
www.topline-charts.com or www.chartguy.com
PO Box 2340Boulder, CO 80306-2340 USA
800.347.0157 (toll-free in the USA)
303.440.0147 (fax)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Elk Pellet fuel
We have a pellet stove in the basement. It is the primary source of heat for the house. I like the pellet stove better than our central forced air heat.
The forced air heat dries out the air, cycles on and off in an annoying manner, and most important, I consider the propane that it runs on politically incorrect.
On the other hand the pellet stove heat is steady and uses renewable wood pellets.
Therein lies the problem. This time of year all the hardware stores run out of the 40 lbs bag of pellets. So, unless you've bought ahead, it is easy to run out.
On a recent walk on the trail by the house, I had to step over some elk pellets. That got me thinking. In a recent trip to India, I noticed that the cow patties from the cows that where EVERYWHERE where quickly picked up, dried, and used as fuel. I even saw large, geometrically well contructed pills of cow dung for sale at the side of the road. Nothing goes to waste in India.
Anyway, I noticed that the elk pellets where about the same size and shape as the pellets that the pellet stove takes. I had a mad vision of putting up a portapotty that would be inviting to elk, and collecting the pellets so that they would automatically dry in the hot Colorado sun. Then, I would make my rounds, pick up the dried pellets and feed them to the pellets stove.
The forced air heat dries out the air, cycles on and off in an annoying manner, and most important, I consider the propane that it runs on politically incorrect.
On the other hand the pellet stove heat is steady and uses renewable wood pellets.
Therein lies the problem. This time of year all the hardware stores run out of the 40 lbs bag of pellets. So, unless you've bought ahead, it is easy to run out.
On a recent walk on the trail by the house, I had to step over some elk pellets. That got me thinking. In a recent trip to India, I noticed that the cow patties from the cows that where EVERYWHERE where quickly picked up, dried, and used as fuel. I even saw large, geometrically well contructed pills of cow dung for sale at the side of the road. Nothing goes to waste in India.
Anyway, I noticed that the elk pellets where about the same size and shape as the pellets that the pellet stove takes. I had a mad vision of putting up a portapotty that would be inviting to elk, and collecting the pellets so that they would automatically dry in the hot Colorado sun. Then, I would make my rounds, pick up the dried pellets and feed them to the pellets stove.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Humingbirds and ticks
Two days ago, I heard the first humingbird. This morning I saw the first tick. Spring is here at 8,000+ feet.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Flashback to Dec 21, 2006
At times in the last 2 1/2 months, it has seemed that a glacer, formerly known as our driveway, would singlehandedly turn the tide on gobal warming and be the nucleus of a new ice age.
But yesterday, I made a significant discovery that suggests I'm a little premature in calling for a permanent winter up here.
At the bottom of the driveway, where the glacer spills onto lazy Z Rd, I spied a tatered piece of green plastic. I dug it out of the ice and read the date on the frozen newspaper that was inside the green plastic bag: December 21, 2006.
That was the date of the first of a series of snowstorms that brought in enough snow so that I could have my own private ski slope for the last couple of months.
Perhaps spring will arrive after all.
But yesterday, I made a significant discovery that suggests I'm a little premature in calling for a permanent winter up here.
At the bottom of the driveway, where the glacer spills onto lazy Z Rd, I spied a tatered piece of green plastic. I dug it out of the ice and read the date on the frozen newspaper that was inside the green plastic bag: December 21, 2006.
That was the date of the first of a series of snowstorms that brought in enough snow so that I could have my own private ski slope for the last couple of months.
Perhaps spring will arrive after all.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The Horned Owl Vs. the Flock of Ravens
After living up here long enough, you know that whenever a large flock of ravens gathers, there there is food nearby. Usually, it means that something has died...
So I pulled on my over boots and post holed through 2 feet of snow into the direction of the noisy flock of ravens.
As I got to the epicenter, I saw a white owl fly off. It was hugging the ground because it was carrying something heavy away.
A closer inspection of the area that the owl came from showed a spot of blood and tufts of rabbit fur. Evidently, a rabbit had hopped out from its home under a log and onto a snow bank. It presumably was sniffing the air for signs of spring, because there was nothing but a deep blanket of white in all directions.
Perhaps the rabbit was to hungry to go on, because the owl, also hungry did not miss its chance.
As the owl flew away, the large flock of raven followed it. But they stayed safely out of reach by staying up above the tree tops.
The ravens must have been hungry too, but they where not about to become owl dinner as well.
So I pulled on my over boots and post holed through 2 feet of snow into the direction of the noisy flock of ravens.
As I got to the epicenter, I saw a white owl fly off. It was hugging the ground because it was carrying something heavy away.
A closer inspection of the area that the owl came from showed a spot of blood and tufts of rabbit fur. Evidently, a rabbit had hopped out from its home under a log and onto a snow bank. It presumably was sniffing the air for signs of spring, because there was nothing but a deep blanket of white in all directions.
Perhaps the rabbit was to hungry to go on, because the owl, also hungry did not miss its chance.
As the owl flew away, the large flock of raven followed it. But they stayed safely out of reach by staying up above the tree tops.
The ravens must have been hungry too, but they where not about to become owl dinner as well.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Ridge Elk
Starting right after the first big snow storm, I've been seeing elk prints up on the Winiger Ridge. At first the elk had a hard time finding a patch of grass, so they actually had to dig down through the snow to find some food.
Gradually, the wind and the sun cleared some grassy patches, especially on the sunny south east slopes.
Today, I saw a herd of over 30 elk on the grassy slopes below the ridge.
I spooked them, and the ran up over the ridge and into the safety of the dense forest on the north side of the ridge.
I thought to myself that is was a huge amount weight (30 elk) to move around, powered by nothing but grass.
Gradually, the wind and the sun cleared some grassy patches, especially on the sunny south east slopes.
Today, I saw a herd of over 30 elk on the grassy slopes below the ridge.
I spooked them, and the ran up over the ridge and into the safety of the dense forest on the north side of the ridge.
I thought to myself that is was a huge amount weight (30 elk) to move around, powered by nothing but grass.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Tame Deer
Here are some delightful pictures of a herd of tame deer that share the woods and yeard with a family. http://www.pelorian.com/deer.html
A couple of years ago, I had a deer that considered its "home" to be the front porch of the barn.
A couple of years ago, I had a deer that considered its "home" to be the front porch of the barn.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Recommendation for a new plower
Hi PUMA
I am out of one of my two huge long drifts and down to the
road. This was thanks to a new plower I met. Wonderful guy named
Patrick McCarthy. He charges $75 an hour and no trip time and did a
great job with his pick up and snowplow.
His phone number is 303-241-6567.
Terry
I am out of one of my two huge long drifts and down to the
road. This was thanks to a new plower I met. Wonderful guy named
Patrick McCarthy. He charges $75 an hour and no trip time and did a
great job with his pick up and snowplow.
His phone number is 303-241-6567.
Terry
Saturday, December 30, 2006
My Neighbor Gives Great Advice About the Local Weather Forcast
Here is some great info about the weather from a neighbor:
The U.S. Weather Bureau for the metro Denver area is
located in Boulder, and has more people working the
forecasts than anyone else. Go to:
Weather.gov
The buttons give a variety of information. The official
forecast is gotten by pushing "Zone Forecast" (then
use your browers "Find" function to search for "Ned").
This forecast is updated several times a day, but most
significantly around 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. (only in
unusual circumstances, like today, is it updated
more frequently).
The "Short term forecast" is updated every 3 hours
or so and is more immediate. Look for the part that
includes Nederland. During calm periods, nothing
is posted here.
During periods of potentially bad weather situations,
click on the "Warnings and Advisories" button. During
threatening situations, this is updated every 6 hours
or so. An alternative is the "Special Weather" button,
which is often changed during morning hours more
frequently than the "Warnings...".
For those who really want to understand what to
believe about the official forecasts, the really
special button is "Forecast Discussion". While
this discussion (be sure to go to the Denver
discussion, rather than Grand Junction, Pueblo,
or Goodland) is filled with abbreviations and
technical jargon, the forecasters let their hair
down and tell you about their confidence (or lack
thereof) of the forecasts. Anyone can get the gist
of what's in their minds, behind the official
forecasts, despite the jargon.
For example: last week's storm was confidently
predicted 48 hours in advance, and the "Discussion"
indicated confidence that the storm would happen in
the way it actually did. This storm, that seems
to be ending in our area, had great uncertainty
for the last 5 days. If you read the
"Discussion", it was clear that this meteorological
situation was unprecedented, involved inherently
unpredictable aspects, and the official forecasts
were extremely uncertain. For us, added to the
general uncertainty, is the fact (apparent from
the Discussions) that we have been on the western
fringes of the storm. If it had moved (and, still,
if it might move) a hundred miles to the west, we
could get a lot more snow. But if it moves a
hundred miles to the east in Kansas/Oklahoma,
then we're finished with the snow.
No matter how much you might like Mike Nelson's
personality, he is mainly just giving a "popular"
account of this official forecast. Some media
outlets subscribe to other services (like Accuweather)
which, I believe, are less reliable. For the March
2003 7-foot storm, United Airlines relied on
Accuweather, which predicted snow flurries for
Denver, and flew all its planes into DIA to be
stranded. I relied on the Weather Bureau, which
predicted a possible "storm-of-the-century" in its
forecast "Discussion" 36 hours before the first
flake fell, so I loaded up with supplies. Somne
media simply aren't savvy. KUNC radio, for
example, hasn't figured out when the new forecasts
are issued. So KUNC reported around 5 o'clock
that we would get another foot of snow tonight,m
relying on the official forecast written before
dawn and not realizing that the usual afternoon
forecast (available between 3 and 4 pm) had
downgraded the snow forecast.
I hope this is helpful. Although I am a professional
astronomer, I actually have a Master's Degree
in meteorology and have long been interested in
the weather...so there is a bit of professional
backing to my recommendations.
For the next few days, however, we're happily
stranded by all the snow in our driveway.
Happy New Year!
Clark (& Y) Chapman
The U.S. Weather Bureau for the metro Denver area is
located in Boulder, and has more people working the
forecasts than anyone else. Go to:
Weather.gov
The buttons give a variety of information. The official
forecast is gotten by pushing "Zone Forecast" (then
use your browers "Find" function to search for "Ned").
This forecast is updated several times a day, but most
significantly around 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. (only in
unusual circumstances, like today, is it updated
more frequently).
The "Short term forecast" is updated every 3 hours
or so and is more immediate. Look for the part that
includes Nederland. During calm periods, nothing
is posted here.
During periods of potentially bad weather situations,
click on the "Warnings and Advisories" button. During
threatening situations, this is updated every 6 hours
or so. An alternative is the "Special Weather" button,
which is often changed during morning hours more
frequently than the "Warnings...".
For those who really want to understand what to
believe about the official forecasts, the really
special button is "Forecast Discussion". While
this discussion (be sure to go to the Denver
discussion, rather than Grand Junction, Pueblo,
or Goodland) is filled with abbreviations and
technical jargon, the forecasters let their hair
down and tell you about their confidence (or lack
thereof) of the forecasts. Anyone can get the gist
of what's in their minds, behind the official
forecasts, despite the jargon.
For example: last week's storm was confidently
predicted 48 hours in advance, and the "Discussion"
indicated confidence that the storm would happen in
the way it actually did. This storm, that seems
to be ending in our area, had great uncertainty
for the last 5 days. If you read the
"Discussion", it was clear that this meteorological
situation was unprecedented, involved inherently
unpredictable aspects, and the official forecasts
were extremely uncertain. For us, added to the
general uncertainty, is the fact (apparent from
the Discussions) that we have been on the western
fringes of the storm. If it had moved (and, still,
if it might move) a hundred miles to the west, we
could get a lot more snow. But if it moves a
hundred miles to the east in Kansas/Oklahoma,
then we're finished with the snow.
No matter how much you might like Mike Nelson's
personality, he is mainly just giving a "popular"
account of this official forecast. Some media
outlets subscribe to other services (like Accuweather)
which, I believe, are less reliable. For the March
2003 7-foot storm, United Airlines relied on
Accuweather, which predicted snow flurries for
Denver, and flew all its planes into DIA to be
stranded. I relied on the Weather Bureau, which
predicted a possible "storm-of-the-century" in its
forecast "Discussion" 36 hours before the first
flake fell, so I loaded up with supplies. Somne
media simply aren't savvy. KUNC radio, for
example, hasn't figured out when the new forecasts
are issued. So KUNC reported around 5 o'clock
that we would get another foot of snow tonight,m
relying on the official forecast written before
dawn and not realizing that the usual afternoon
forecast (available between 3 and 4 pm) had
downgraded the snow forecast.
I hope this is helpful. Although I am a professional
astronomer, I actually have a Master's Degree
in meteorology and have long been interested in
the weather...so there is a bit of professional
backing to my recommendations.
For the next few days, however, we're happily
stranded by all the snow in our driveway.
Happy New Year!
Clark (& Y) Chapman
Friday, December 29, 2006
3 feet of snow and counting
Earlier today I measured 21 inches of new snow and a total of almost 3 feet of snow. And there is supposed to be more on the way.
I heard that you'd have to go back to 1913 to find another instance of two back to back snow storms like this.
In Boulder, they have the concept of a 100 year flood for the flood plane.
Up here, we seem to be experiencing a "100 year" snow.
I heard that you'd have to go back to 1913 to find another instance of two back to back snow storms like this.
In Boulder, they have the concept of a 100 year flood for the flood plane.
Up here, we seem to be experiencing a "100 year" snow.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Plowing the driveway using heavy equipment
As I mentioned in yesterdays post, when the snow gets to deep, its time to call in the heavy equipment. We called High Country Excavating because they've given us a fair deal in the past.
The neighbor that usually does our driveway was stranded coming back from Florida, so the snow got to be 2 feet deep in the driveway. This is very difficult for a regular residential grade snowplow to handle.
If you look carefully at the opening sequence in the video below, you'll see that the front end loader had to PUSH his way UP the driveway using the backhoe. This is obviously not a maneuver that is available to a pickup based snowplow.
The neighbor that usually does our driveway was stranded coming back from Florida, so the snow got to be 2 feet deep in the driveway. This is very difficult for a regular residential grade snowplow to handle.
If you look carefully at the opening sequence in the video below, you'll see that the front end loader had to PUSH his way UP the driveway using the backhoe. This is obviously not a maneuver that is available to a pickup based snowplow.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.
Here is a response I sent to the Puma email list after Terry Greenberg asked about plowing services:
Hi Terry and all,
This is starting to feel like the storm that started on March 15,2003. Contract residential plowing services could not handle it. It took earth moving equipment to dig me and a bunch of neighbors out.
The problem is that standard plowing equipment can't handle more than about a foot of snow. We're working our way up here to two feet now. Once you've got more than a foot, it becomes difficult for a residential snow plow to get through, especially on long uphill driveways.
I just put in my call to High Country Excavating. Last time, spring came to the rescue. The snow may not get as deep this time, but its not even Christmas yet.
Who wants to fess up to singing "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" ONE TO MANY TIMES!?!
- Mike
Hi Terry and all,
This is starting to feel like the storm that started on March 15,2003. Contract residential plowing services could not handle it. It took earth moving equipment to dig me and a bunch of neighbors out.
The problem is that standard plowing equipment can't handle more than about a foot of snow. We're working our way up here to two feet now. Once you've got more than a foot, it becomes difficult for a residential snow plow to get through, especially on long uphill driveways.
I just put in my call to High Country Excavating. Last time, spring came to the rescue. The snow may not get as deep this time, but its not even Christmas yet.
Who wants to fess up to singing "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" ONE TO MANY TIMES!?!
- Mike
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Thorodin in the news
Yeah.
Thorodin made the news. It's just a little bit about hiking Thorodin in the Fiday December 15 edition on page 3B of the local Daily Camera, but its something.
The problem with climbing Thorodin is that the one trail to the top was blocked of years a go by a zealous land owner at the trail head. Another possible route goes up a private jeep track that has a "no tresspassing" sign. The jeep track is used to maintain the 2 story antenna farm that is on the top of Star Peak (part of Thorodin)
The suggested trail in the Camera article starts at Panorama Point in Golden Gate State park. It then suggests a moderate bushwack 1.5 miles and 1200 foot elevation gain to the top. It recommend the hike because of the view. I'll second that recommendation.
Thorodin made the news. It's just a little bit about hiking Thorodin in the Fiday December 15 edition on page 3B of the local Daily Camera, but its something.
The problem with climbing Thorodin is that the one trail to the top was blocked of years a go by a zealous land owner at the trail head. Another possible route goes up a private jeep track that has a "no tresspassing" sign. The jeep track is used to maintain the 2 story antenna farm that is on the top of Star Peak (part of Thorodin)
The suggested trail in the Camera article starts at Panorama Point in Golden Gate State park. It then suggests a moderate bushwack 1.5 miles and 1200 foot elevation gain to the top. It recommend the hike because of the view. I'll second that recommendation.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
A friendly neighbors experience and advice about mountain lions
Dear Pumites All:
Over here at Twin Sisters we have regular mountain lion presence as well. Tracks mainly, but also, scat and occaisional sightings and even one encounter.
Roz came home around midnight a few years ago, to find that a mountain lion had treed a racoon or something right in our parking lot. It was roaring, and stayed at the base of the tree forat least a half an hour. A thrilling basso profundo roar, a bit like the Metro Goldwin lion. I was listening out the upstairs window. Roz stayed put in her car. Finally, a long time after the lion stopped roaring, Roz made a dash for the house.
Another time I was gazing idly out the bedroom window at the meadow in the moonlight, 10 pm or so, when suddenly one, then two more deer came tearing across the meadow, east to west, just above the garden, followed immediately by the long, low to the ground outline of a mountain lion, long tail out behind. The whole group was moving at top top speed, the lion maybe thirty yards behind the three deer. Just past the garden the deer cut an impossibly abrupt left turn, downhill, which the lion matched as best he could, (I think he lost some ground to them), then the whole show disappered down below our barn, and that was the last I saw of them. The whole thing was in complete silence. I found a few tracks in the morning, to confirm I hadn't been dreaming, but I am a very lazy tracker, easily bored, so I didn't try to map it all out.
Anyway, we see tracks, every year a handful or so of times up on Twin Sisters. Most recently, ten days ago in one of the fresh snows.
The Antidote to Lions. Roz and I gradually became a little uncomfortable about this definite presence of lions, particularly since we often hike alone, and at dusk. So we have taken to sometimes carrying a super potent can of pepper spray with us. My limited research on this subject leads me to believe that this pepper spray is the best thing you can do for yourself in case of a real life lion encounter. I think this is the consensus among wildlife biologists as well.
The spray was designed as an antidote to grizzly bears, and is used most frequently in Alaska, where almost everyone carries it in the back country. You can buy it at McGuckins for about $40 a can.
VDAP Pepper Power- Bear Deterrent.
Of course it would be useless if you were surprised in an ambush, and it could be counter productive if there was significant wind moving agaInst you. But in a lot of mt lion encounters, wind isn't a problem, and there's plenty of time to get organized to defend yourself. In such cases the spray could make a real difference.
I find it sort of comforting to have along in a back pocket, whenever I think to bring it. And as for muggers, gangs, or maurauding packs of wild dogs or wolves, you're covered.
Well, that's the news from Twin Sisters, John & Roz McClellan
Over here at Twin Sisters we have regular mountain lion presence as well. Tracks mainly, but also, scat and occaisional sightings and even one encounter.
Roz came home around midnight a few years ago, to find that a mountain lion had treed a racoon or something right in our parking lot. It was roaring, and stayed at the base of the tree forat least a half an hour. A thrilling basso profundo roar, a bit like the Metro Goldwin lion. I was listening out the upstairs window. Roz stayed put in her car. Finally, a long time after the lion stopped roaring, Roz made a dash for the house.
Another time I was gazing idly out the bedroom window at the meadow in the moonlight, 10 pm or so, when suddenly one, then two more deer came tearing across the meadow, east to west, just above the garden, followed immediately by the long, low to the ground outline of a mountain lion, long tail out behind. The whole group was moving at top top speed, the lion maybe thirty yards behind the three deer. Just past the garden the deer cut an impossibly abrupt left turn, downhill, which the lion matched as best he could, (I think he lost some ground to them), then the whole show disappered down below our barn, and that was the last I saw of them. The whole thing was in complete silence. I found a few tracks in the morning, to confirm I hadn't been dreaming, but I am a very lazy tracker, easily bored, so I didn't try to map it all out.
Anyway, we see tracks, every year a handful or so of times up on Twin Sisters. Most recently, ten days ago in one of the fresh snows.
The Antidote to Lions. Roz and I gradually became a little uncomfortable about this definite presence of lions, particularly since we often hike alone, and at dusk. So we have taken to sometimes carrying a super potent can of pepper spray with us. My limited research on this subject leads me to believe that this pepper spray is the best thing you can do for yourself in case of a real life lion encounter. I think this is the consensus among wildlife biologists as well.
The spray was designed as an antidote to grizzly bears, and is used most frequently in Alaska, where almost everyone carries it in the back country. You can buy it at McGuckins for about $40 a can.
VDAP Pepper Power- Bear Deterrent.
Of course it would be useless if you were surprised in an ambush, and it could be counter productive if there was significant wind moving agaInst you. But in a lot of mt lion encounters, wind isn't a problem, and there's plenty of time to get organized to defend yourself. In such cases the spray could make a real difference.
I find it sort of comforting to have along in a back pocket, whenever I think to bring it. And as for muggers, gangs, or maurauding packs of wild dogs or wolves, you're covered.
Well, that's the news from Twin Sisters, John & Roz McClellan
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Re: [puma-news] New Mt. Lion
On Mountain Lions.....thank you, Yvonne, on the update from Colleen,
I have been seeing signs of lions in this area for several years...
tracks, scat and kill signs. I have frequently seen their scat along 68
and Cumberland, as well as up around Forsythe and the elk trails through
the woods near Winiger. Two years ago I watched a lion as it walked
through the woods by my studio on a bright, spring afternoon. Beautiful.
Females can breed any time of year....having no set season. Although
they can roam very large distances, they tend to hang around when there
is ample food (resident deer, elk....even an occassional bobcat, raccoon,
rabbit, mouse, or ground squirrel). They are known to hunt during
anytime of the day or night, tending to ambush their prey and therefore
preferring lots of brush or rock outcroppings for cover. When I am out
hiking in these types of areas, I just try to remember to be extra aware.
They do not like to associate with other lions (except for mating), and
are very territorial, I think it would be unusual if there is more than
this one in the area.....at least on most occassions.
I feel so fortunate to live in an area where lions co-exist alongside
me......with so many of Nature's predators being villified and destroyed,
I remain somewhat hopeful whenever I am reminded of their presence here.
Sharon Ticehurst
On Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:21:22 -0700 George Blakey <ysgb@earthlink.net>
writes:
> Hi all,
> Colleen Canon wanted me to send out an email just to let neighbors
> know
> that in our area of Aspen Meadows and down 68, she has been seeing a
>
> very large lion that usually doesn't hang around here. As they are
> out
> all the time it is good to be aware and not paranoid about this.
> She has seen it at her house around 6:30 P.M. and said that one of
> her
> horses has been trying to dig it's way out of the enclosure down in
> the
> lower meadow, she will be leaving it free for now.
> She thinks that since West Magnolia has been closed to the hunters
> this
> year and that there has been a lot of killing of deer/elk? up behind
> us
> that the lion may have been drawn by the smell, also don't know when
>
> their mating season is, but that could be an affect as well.
> Just a heads up for those who enjoy a walk in the evening.
>
> Yvonne Short
>
>
>
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
[puma-news] Burglars
Turns out that they caught two guys yesterday. My guess is that they are not
the ones actually doing the break-in (that was a man and woman), but were
hauling away the loot.
http://www.co.boulder.co.us/newsroom/templates/?a=659&z=2
Let's hope that puts the fear of the law in the other two, or even better,
the first two roll over on the second two.
John,
~ the chart guy
John Carder, CMT
Topline Investment Graphics
Where your chart dreams come true!
www.topline-charts.com or www.chartguy.com
PO Box 2340
Boulder, CO 80306-2340 USA
800.347.0157 (toll-free in the USA)
303.440.0157 (voice)
303.440.0147 (fax)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
[puma-news] Magnolia Road, runners, and politics
Hello all,
I'm certainly not one of the slowest drivers on Magnolia, but I have to say that I love seeing runners up here...it reminds me that we live in a place that lots of people appreciate...and I have no problem at all getting down to 10 MPH before getting particularly close to them (not just to avoid hitting them but to avoid getting a lot of dust in their eyes.)
As for the school bus, my couple of experiences with it (I usually go to work before it's around) did involve fairly long waits behind it, but the driver was very good about pulling over to the side for me and others to pass very shortly after all the kids had boarded.
Other than the dust issues, I don't think it's particularly hard for us all to use Magnolia, on foot, or bike, in car or bus.
Also, as many of you know I'm quite politically active (maybe not in directions you all agree with.) I don't want to start a political discussion on this news group, but I would like to ask you, if you're interested, to take a look at my blog at http://www.rossputin.com and have a read about my voting recommendations/endorsements. My guess, assuming something about the politics of most Magnolia residents, is that the typical PUMA reader will disagree with something more than half of my suggestions and agree with something less than half. If you go to http://www.rossputin.com and click on the "Colorado Issues" category (scroll down a bit to see the categories below the calendar), you can start with the 10/31 posting and work back up from there. Even if you disagree with me, I hope you'll find my discussion and analysis interesting. I have written an endorsement or suggestion for every state-wide position, Referendum, and proposed Constitutional amendment. I have not written anything on individual State House or State Senate seats or local (county or city) ballot measures.
I would just like to mention that Mark Hillman, running for State Treasurer, is a good friend of mine, an incredibly solid person, talented and conscientious and experienced in dealing with and balancing state budgets, and (not that it matters for Treasurer) much more live-and-let-live on social issues than one would expect from a Republican these days. Maybe it's because he's a farmer by trade. I hope that those of you who typically do not vote Republican will consider a vote for Mark. (Tomorrow I'll have a piece on my blog about more specific reasons to vote for him, though I already have much of that in the 10./31 candidate endorsement posting.)
Beyond that I will hope that you read my blog and I would be happy to discuss politics or issues or candidates with any of you in a private email conversation if you're interested.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
Ross K
Terry Greenberg wrote:
I'm certainly not one of the slowest drivers on Magnolia, but I have to say that I love seeing runners up here...it reminds me that we live in a place that lots of people appreciate...and I have no problem at all getting down to 10 MPH before getting particularly close to them (not just to avoid hitting them but to avoid getting a lot of dust in their eyes.)
As for the school bus, my couple of experiences with it (I usually go to work before it's around) did involve fairly long waits behind it, but the driver was very good about pulling over to the side for me and others to pass very shortly after all the kids had boarded.
Other than the dust issues, I don't think it's particularly hard for us all to use Magnolia, on foot, or bike, in car or bus.
Also, as many of you know I'm quite politically active (maybe not in directions you all agree with.) I don't want to start a political discussion on this news group, but I would like to ask you, if you're interested, to take a look at my blog at http://www.rossputin.com and have a read about my voting recommendations/endorsements. My guess, assuming something about the politics of most Magnolia residents, is that the typical PUMA reader will disagree with something more than half of my suggestions and agree with something less than half. If you go to http://www.rossputin.com and click on the "Colorado Issues" category (scroll down a bit to see the categories below the calendar), you can start with the 10/31 posting and work back up from there. Even if you disagree with me, I hope you'll find my discussion and analysis interesting. I have written an endorsement or suggestion for every state-wide position, Referendum, and proposed Constitutional amendment. I have not written anything on individual State House or State Senate seats or local (county or city) ballot measures.
I would just like to mention that Mark Hillman, running for State Treasurer, is a good friend of mine, an incredibly solid person, talented and conscientious and experienced in dealing with and balancing state budgets, and (not that it matters for Treasurer) much more live-and-let-live on social issues than one would expect from a Republican these days. Maybe it's because he's a farmer by trade. I hope that those of you who typically do not vote Republican will consider a vote for Mark. (Tomorrow I'll have a piece on my blog about more specific reasons to vote for him, though I already have much of that in the 10./31 candidate endorsement posting.)
Beyond that I will hope that you read my blog and I would be happy to discuss politics or issues or candidates with any of you in a private email conversation if you're interested.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
Ross K
Terry Greenberg wrote:
To All:
I agree. I even run or perhaps its called "woddle" on Magnolia and love it. I have even put my dog on a leash and we run single file and I love running with the champions, for a split second. That's great. I never ever mind the runners on Magnolia and happily slow down for them too. And I think running on the dirt has allowed my knees to keep on keeping on just fine. Yay Magnolia.
Terry Greenberg
At 07:56 AM 11/3/2006, Kevin Seeman wrote:
As an avid runner who used to train for speed, I have at least a partial explanation for the elite presence on Magnolia as opposed to our vast trail system. Access is a huge part of it, as the coaches can stage in Boulder and have their team stretched, warm and ready to run in 30 min. Of course, they want to run at altitude to maximize their training. Magnolia is ideal because they can set up any number of training routines, including timed speed work, time trials, tempo runs.... And while it may be dangerous as far as traffic, it offers perfect footing. You get to run on dirt without the variables of the trail (roots, rocks...), it is well maintained, snow is removed quickly, it dries out rapidly. Coaches can drive along with their team to offer support and watch their runners' form. And for the runners, it helps to train with your team, running along with your partners, helping each other through rigorous training sessions, as opposed to being strung and scattered along a trail.
I run and bike on Magnolia with my wife every week year round. I also commute to the flats every day. In my opinion, we all have to share the road, and it is ultimately the drivers' responsibility to be aware, cautious and safe. I love seeing the Olympians running our beautiful road, even if I do have to slow to a crawl to pass a pack.
Regards,
Kevin Seeman
From: Craig Irwin <Craig.Irwin@sun.com>
Reply-To: Craig Irwin <Craig.Irwin@sun.com>
To: Allen Gordon <gordona@mric.net>
CC: Fay <fay@mric.net>, "'PUMA News'" <puma-news@www.puma-net.org>
Subject: [puma-news] Re: Magnolia mentioned in NY Times article
Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2006 08:25:46 -0700
It is neat that Magnolia got some NY Times press.
We need to consider how PUMA will advise or improve upon the following
regular occurrence.
Here is the real daily scenario: (keeping in mind that all users of the
road believe that they have a 'right' to use the road.
Parents drive the car with kids up to the bus stop, any School bus stop
on Magnolia Road, approx 8 cars pulled over on the side of the road
waiting on the bus.
* Inbound to the same location from the east, (just around a blind
corner) is a group of 14 road runners, running four abreast on the road
in the middle of the road with no concern nor awareness of other users
of the same road.
* Inbound to the same location from the west, one driver with one hand
on the cell phone the other hand occasionally juggling hot coffee,
running late to an appointment, headed around a blind corner converging
on the school bus stop at 40+mph. This driver will be forced into the
oncoming traffic lanes so as to avoid the cars and people pulled out at
the bus stop.
* Also eastbound is a Lumber Truck loaded with a delivery, driver has
been patiently waiting to pass the Japanese running team for two miles
and is now ready to make his move. He too will be forced into oncoming
traffic lanes as he approaches a corner.
What happens next?!
---
Really this is not a case of 'who is right?' nor 'who is wrong?'. Sure,
the cell phone driver is acting irresponsibly, but thus far, we have
been unable to eliminate the irresponsible members of society, so we
must accept their presence.
This is a case of competing multiple uses where each individual is
equally responsible for their actions.
While county planning has obviously not occurred in order to create a
safe spot for School Bus pickups, perhaps communication to the runners
that Boulder County has hundreds of miles of well maintained trails
ready for their use might be a good start. Why run on a busy road when
you have unlimited trails to run on?
The road runners are clearly not coherent as to the risks that they are
shifting to the other road users when they run in any form other than
single file.
I truly hope that this situation does not end in a fatality, but rather
the community will come together to creatively solve this situation by
way of education and safe behaviors.
The older I get, the slower I drive.
-Craig
Allen Gordon wrote On 10/31/06 07:25,:
Having run on Magnolia, the crown of the road makes it difficult to run
on the sides--the slope of the road twists the ankles. Additionally,
I've found that when approaching a blind curve, running on the inside of
the curve can be dangerous because of the lack of visibility--thus
making it safer to run with the traffic if that side is on the outside
of the curve. Finally, I think there is a bit more traffic in Boulder
than on Magnolia Rd. Perhaps the larger problem is how people drive on
Magnolia Rd, not how people run. One problem that I've noticed is that
people stop their cars in very inopportune places during times when kids
are picked up for school. For example, many folks wait in their stopped
cars at the top of the hill at Magnolia and Frontier in front of the
mail boxes. Cars attempting to pass them have to drive blindly on the
wrong side of the road not knowing if another car is approaching on the
other side of the hill. Similarly at Pine Glade and Magnolia. Cars are
stopped such that cars coming from Pine Glade onto Magnolia must do so
with very limited visibility of approaching cars. Of course there are
many who drive pretty fast exceeding the 30 mph speed limit. Those darn
runners make it difficult to drive fast because they are either running
in the middle of the road, on the wrong side or side by side.
Allen
Fay wrote:
Now if they could only learn to run against traffic, single file, and on the
side (as opposed to the middle) of the road, they would all live long enough
to compete! Funny, same rules they follow in Boulder but don't seem to
apply up here.
Fay Benson
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org
[mailto:owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org] On Behalf Of Greg Ching
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 1:30 AM
To: PUMA News
Subject: [puma-news] Magnolia mentioned in NY Times article
I think most Magnolia residents know we have world class athletes
training on our road but it's still neat to see Magnolia mentioned in
the NY Times. The complete article can be found at
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/sports/othersports/31boulder.html?hp&ex=11
62357200&en=94ec7cc5b064ac1d&ei=5094&partner=homepage
I'm only copying here the first few paragraphs...Magnolia mentioned in
third paragraph.
greg
October 31, 2006
In Boulder, Runners Gather in Guarded Isolation
By LIZ ROBBINS
BOULDER, Colo. - Here at 5,430 feet, all roads lead to a finish line
somewhere. They just rarely converge.
As the major marathon season hit its fall peak, professional distance
runners from Kenya, Japan, Romania and Tanzania, as well as the United
States, were pounding the dirt roads in Boulder for a high-altitude boost.
Long a popular haven for elite athletes, the area boasts 300 sunny days
a year, 400 miles of trails (including Magnolia, which soars to 8,600
feet), more massage therapists than muscles and a fervent outdoor culture.
But this is no running utopia. Instead, Boulder is an example of the
fiercely competitive sport of road racing, in which runners train in
quiet isolation, passing one another occasionally on hills while
guarding their strategies.
Competitors from around the world may come here, yet the various camps
operate in their own universes. With schedules dictated by agents,
runners compete not just for the podium, but for a relatively small pool
of resources, shoe contracts and race appearance fees. It is a scene
that is more clannish than collegial.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Magnolia Road famous for World Runners
In the summer and fall we do get a lot of runners on Magnolia Rd. I did not know how famous this road is for world class runners until I read about it in the NY times.
I have reprinted the the article below, with a highlight of the most relevant part.
Consider one typical brisk Boulder morning in early October. Dathan Ritzenhein, 23, the United States’ latest prospect, prepared for his marathoning debut in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 5 by repeating 10 hill sprints. Alan Culpepper, 34, a fellow 2004 Olympian and University of Colorado alumnus, was running a suburb away.
“The marathon will be the first time I’ve raced Alan since my senior year in high school,” Ritzenhein said Oct. 9. “We live that close and we’re in the same sport, but our paths don’t cross. It’s kind of strange.”
Elsewhere, Japanese women peeled off matching cinnamon warm-ups and embarked on runs from the Boulder Reservoir. One of the women wordlessly passed a group of Kenyans on a 25-kilometer training run.
The Kenyans’ German coach, Dieter Hogen, barked encouragement, and the former marathon champion Uta Pippig echoed it, shouting, “Keep a good rhythm, guys!”
Hogen had once led Pippig out of East Germany and eventually to Boulder, coaching her to multiple marathon titles in the 1990s. She was barred for two years for failing a 1998 drug test that was later ruled inconclusive, and now she helps runners in Boston and Boulder.
Hogen runs Camp KIMbia, in operation since 2003. It may raise eyebrows for its isolation, but a few miles away Anuta Catuna of Romania was showing off her new house and pointing to one across the road that belonged to the 2000 Olympic women’s champion, Naoko Takahashi. Catuna, the bubbly 1996 New York champion who is trying to become a United States citizen for the 2008 Olympic trials, trains and socializes with other Romanian runners living in Boulder.
To old-timers, segregation is an unfortunate development. “I think all these guys are doing a disservice to each other,” said the South African marathoner Mark Plaatjes, who owns the Boulder Running Company, a small chain of shoe stores, and a physical therapy business. “They are missing out on the collective knowledge, the experiences.”
Frank Shorter, the American marathoner who popularized the sport by winning the gold medal in the 1972 Olympics and the silver in 1976, was the first to settle in Boulder.
“It was the only city with an indoor track at 5,000 feet,” he said in a telephone interview. “There were 10 committed runners in town, but I was the only real athlete training.”
Shorter set the pace. In 1987, Plaatjes came to raise his children without apartheid and to run with other champions: Steve Jones of Wales, Rob De Castella of Australia, Arturo Barrios of Mexico and Priscilla Welch of England.
“We used to meet at each other’s houses; there would be 30 guys and 20 countries represented,” Plaatjes said outside his store. “We’d go out for a run, beat each other up and then drink a beer afterwards.”
Collegiality now thrives in Boulder during the afternoon when the Africans drink chai together. Teamwork is paramount in daily chores or on the course, whether they train to set the pace or to win.
“It is very good to be in a group, because in training you need to simulate running,” said Thomas Nyariki, wearing sunglasses during an interview to protect his right eye, which was blinded in a 2003 carjacking in Kenya. He will race New York, having won the city’s half-marathon in August.
Hogen runs his camp with wry humor and unwavering discipline, coordinating runners’ workouts according to their marathons: Chicago, New York, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Dallas.
The runners leave their families behind and immerse themselves with Hogen, “because of his experience; he knows how to train hard,” Nyariki said, adding, “We go two weeks hard, one week easy.”
Hogen founded the KIMbia (“to run” in Swahili) management company with Tom Ratcliffe, an agent based in Boston.
“These guys all have real good backgrounds,” Hogen said, explaining that he chooses runners who were not necessarily famous but had success at shorter distances. “They come with the thing you want to see — a commitment to working hard.”
A Mecca for Marathoners This year at Hogen’s camp, as many as 18 men and 2 women from Kenya and Tanzania have shared four apartments, which include facilities for physical therapy and laundry and, in one concrete backyard, a hot tub that overlooks an office park.
The athletes usually train twice a day. In the afternoon, they make their sugary milk tea in a spaghetti pot, watch television and play checkers in a living room decorated with prize plaques. At night, they cook ugali, a Kenyan stew poured over a cornmeal mixture.
Hogen said the camp had no secrets, and pointed out that it was featured on a Web site by a freelance writer (chasingkimbia.com). But the camp raises questions among some in Boulder because of Hogen’s connection with Pippig.
“The case was dismissed; they couldn’t prove anything, and that was the end of the story,” Pippig said, referring to her 1998 drug test. “And believe me — I couldn’t work with anyone if I did it.”
She added of the Kenyans, “For these guys, drugs play no role.”
Shorter, the former chairman of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, said Hogen’s camp raised a general concern that foreign athletes went to Boulder to dodge testing.
“My only question would be: How often are the Kenyans training in Boulder tested?” Shorter said, urging marathon directors to control prerace testing. “You have to set up a system so you don’t have to be suspicious.”
Ratcliffe said his athletes were clean. They register their whereabouts with the International Association of Athletics Federations and can be subject to random testing by USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“I would love for them to come every day,” Ratcliffe said. “People see East German intrigue, but it’s just not the case.”
Ritzenhein said that distance running was not “that dirty of a sport,” and that no American distance runners used drugs. He said that he spoke of the topic daily with his Boulder teammates, the twins Jorge and Ed Torres (the three helped Colorado win the N.C.A.A. cross-country championship in 2001) and Jason Hartmann, a high school teammate from Rockford, Mich.
This year, the New York Road Runners donated $240,000 to support running camps in the United States, including $115,000 to one in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., where the Olympic medalists Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor train. Ritzenhein’s coach, Brad Hudson, a former distance runner at Oregon, received $45,000 for his Boulder Performance Training Group.
On training runs, Hudson follows Ritzenhein in a tan 1983 Volvo he bought last summer. Hudson does not accept money from Ritzenhein, he said, to eliminate conflicts of interest with sponsors.
But the allocation, filtered through USA Track and Field, caused some resentment. Steve Jones coaches a young group in Boulder that was not financed. He said he was frustrated because Ritzenhein already received sponsorship from Nike.
“I believe we need to work within reality,” Mary Wittenberg, the chief executive of the Road Runners said in a telephone interview in late October. “We are best served in funding kids coming out of college who have the best shot of winning gold medals. We’re beyond being just the best American now.”
America’s past looms in bronze at the base of Colorado’s Folsom Stadium. Every May, nearly 50,000 runners from around the world pass by a statue of Shorter on their way to the finish of the 10-kilometer Bolder Boulder. Shorter was a co-founder of the race in 1979, and it defined the city as an outdoor Mecca.
Alpinists, triathletes and mountain bikers train here, though perhaps not to the extremes of the running cult Divine Madness, whose members pool their earnings, live ascetically and run ultra races. “We’re not all like that,” Culpepper said.
Children seem to have inherited the running genes; Boulder High School’s cross-country team fielded 135 boys and girls for the second consecutive year.
Stickers convey Boulder’s maximum heart rate: “Don’t Die Wondering” and “Remember to Breathe.” The Go Fast energy drink truck rumbles through downtown.
Running utopia is not yet here. Mark Wetmore, the coach of the nationally ranked Colorado cross-country teams, limited the stadium’s public track hours to preserve its surface four years ago. With no central meeting place, elite runners do track work at different high schools. This makes Plaatjes dream.
“I want to buy a plot of land and build a clubhouse and have a training room, with trails out back,” he said. “A facility where there is a bar and a sitting area, like in Europe.
“I know this sounds corny,” he added, “but I really think, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ ”
But will they come at the same time?
.
I have reprinted the the article below, with a highlight of the most relevant part.
Consider one typical brisk Boulder morning in early October. Dathan Ritzenhein, 23, the United States’ latest prospect, prepared for his marathoning debut in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 5 by repeating 10 hill sprints. Alan Culpepper, 34, a fellow 2004 Olympian and University of Colorado alumnus, was running a suburb away.
“The marathon will be the first time I’ve raced Alan since my senior year in high school,” Ritzenhein said Oct. 9. “We live that close and we’re in the same sport, but our paths don’t cross. It’s kind of strange.”
Elsewhere, Japanese women peeled off matching cinnamon warm-ups and embarked on runs from the Boulder Reservoir. One of the women wordlessly passed a group of Kenyans on a 25-kilometer training run.
The Kenyans’ German coach, Dieter Hogen, barked encouragement, and the former marathon champion Uta Pippig echoed it, shouting, “Keep a good rhythm, guys!”
Hogen had once led Pippig out of East Germany and eventually to Boulder, coaching her to multiple marathon titles in the 1990s. She was barred for two years for failing a 1998 drug test that was later ruled inconclusive, and now she helps runners in Boston and Boulder.
Hogen runs Camp KIMbia, in operation since 2003. It may raise eyebrows for its isolation, but a few miles away Anuta Catuna of Romania was showing off her new house and pointing to one across the road that belonged to the 2000 Olympic women’s champion, Naoko Takahashi. Catuna, the bubbly 1996 New York champion who is trying to become a United States citizen for the 2008 Olympic trials, trains and socializes with other Romanian runners living in Boulder.
To old-timers, segregation is an unfortunate development. “I think all these guys are doing a disservice to each other,” said the South African marathoner Mark Plaatjes, who owns the Boulder Running Company, a small chain of shoe stores, and a physical therapy business. “They are missing out on the collective knowledge, the experiences.”
Frank Shorter, the American marathoner who popularized the sport by winning the gold medal in the 1972 Olympics and the silver in 1976, was the first to settle in Boulder.
“It was the only city with an indoor track at 5,000 feet,” he said in a telephone interview. “There were 10 committed runners in town, but I was the only real athlete training.”
Shorter set the pace. In 1987, Plaatjes came to raise his children without apartheid and to run with other champions: Steve Jones of Wales, Rob De Castella of Australia, Arturo Barrios of Mexico and Priscilla Welch of England.
“We used to meet at each other’s houses; there would be 30 guys and 20 countries represented,” Plaatjes said outside his store. “We’d go out for a run, beat each other up and then drink a beer afterwards.”
Collegiality now thrives in Boulder during the afternoon when the Africans drink chai together. Teamwork is paramount in daily chores or on the course, whether they train to set the pace or to win.
“It is very good to be in a group, because in training you need to simulate running,” said Thomas Nyariki, wearing sunglasses during an interview to protect his right eye, which was blinded in a 2003 carjacking in Kenya. He will race New York, having won the city’s half-marathon in August.
Hogen runs his camp with wry humor and unwavering discipline, coordinating runners’ workouts according to their marathons: Chicago, New York, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Dallas.
The runners leave their families behind and immerse themselves with Hogen, “because of his experience; he knows how to train hard,” Nyariki said, adding, “We go two weeks hard, one week easy.”
Hogen founded the KIMbia (“to run” in Swahili) management company with Tom Ratcliffe, an agent based in Boston.
“These guys all have real good backgrounds,” Hogen said, explaining that he chooses runners who were not necessarily famous but had success at shorter distances. “They come with the thing you want to see — a commitment to working hard.”
A Mecca for Marathoners This year at Hogen’s camp, as many as 18 men and 2 women from Kenya and Tanzania have shared four apartments, which include facilities for physical therapy and laundry and, in one concrete backyard, a hot tub that overlooks an office park.
The athletes usually train twice a day. In the afternoon, they make their sugary milk tea in a spaghetti pot, watch television and play checkers in a living room decorated with prize plaques. At night, they cook ugali, a Kenyan stew poured over a cornmeal mixture.
Hogen said the camp had no secrets, and pointed out that it was featured on a Web site by a freelance writer (chasingkimbia.com). But the camp raises questions among some in Boulder because of Hogen’s connection with Pippig.
“The case was dismissed; they couldn’t prove anything, and that was the end of the story,” Pippig said, referring to her 1998 drug test. “And believe me — I couldn’t work with anyone if I did it.”
She added of the Kenyans, “For these guys, drugs play no role.”
Shorter, the former chairman of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, said Hogen’s camp raised a general concern that foreign athletes went to Boulder to dodge testing.
“My only question would be: How often are the Kenyans training in Boulder tested?” Shorter said, urging marathon directors to control prerace testing. “You have to set up a system so you don’t have to be suspicious.”
Ratcliffe said his athletes were clean. They register their whereabouts with the International Association of Athletics Federations and can be subject to random testing by USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“I would love for them to come every day,” Ratcliffe said. “People see East German intrigue, but it’s just not the case.”
Ritzenhein said that distance running was not “that dirty of a sport,” and that no American distance runners used drugs. He said that he spoke of the topic daily with his Boulder teammates, the twins Jorge and Ed Torres (the three helped Colorado win the N.C.A.A. cross-country championship in 2001) and Jason Hartmann, a high school teammate from Rockford, Mich.
This year, the New York Road Runners donated $240,000 to support running camps in the United States, including $115,000 to one in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., where the Olympic medalists Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor train. Ritzenhein’s coach, Brad Hudson, a former distance runner at Oregon, received $45,000 for his Boulder Performance Training Group.
On training runs, Hudson follows Ritzenhein in a tan 1983 Volvo he bought last summer. Hudson does not accept money from Ritzenhein, he said, to eliminate conflicts of interest with sponsors.
But the allocation, filtered through USA Track and Field, caused some resentment. Steve Jones coaches a young group in Boulder that was not financed. He said he was frustrated because Ritzenhein already received sponsorship from Nike.
“I believe we need to work within reality,” Mary Wittenberg, the chief executive of the Road Runners said in a telephone interview in late October. “We are best served in funding kids coming out of college who have the best shot of winning gold medals. We’re beyond being just the best American now.”
America’s past looms in bronze at the base of Colorado’s Folsom Stadium. Every May, nearly 50,000 runners from around the world pass by a statue of Shorter on their way to the finish of the 10-kilometer Bolder Boulder. Shorter was a co-founder of the race in 1979, and it defined the city as an outdoor Mecca.
Alpinists, triathletes and mountain bikers train here, though perhaps not to the extremes of the running cult Divine Madness, whose members pool their earnings, live ascetically and run ultra races. “We’re not all like that,” Culpepper said.
Children seem to have inherited the running genes; Boulder High School’s cross-country team fielded 135 boys and girls for the second consecutive year.
Stickers convey Boulder’s maximum heart rate: “Don’t Die Wondering” and “Remember to Breathe.” The Go Fast energy drink truck rumbles through downtown.
Running utopia is not yet here. Mark Wetmore, the coach of the nationally ranked Colorado cross-country teams, limited the stadium’s public track hours to preserve its surface four years ago. With no central meeting place, elite runners do track work at different high schools. This makes Plaatjes dream.
“I want to buy a plot of land and build a clubhouse and have a training room, with trails out back,” he said. “A facility where there is a bar and a sitting area, like in Europe.
“I know this sounds corny,” he added, “but I really think, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ ”
But will they come at the same time?
.
Re: [puma-news] Magnolia mentioned in NY Times article
Good call Allen
It shouldn't be too hard to slow down for runners, cyclist, walkers, horses,
choldren etc
>From: Allen Gordon <gordona@mric.net>
>Reply-To: Allen Gordon <gordona@mric.net>
>To: Fay <fay@mric.net>
>CC: "'Greg Ching'" <greg.ching@mric.coop>, "'PUMA News'"
><puma-news@www.puma-net.org>
>Subject: Re: [puma-news] Magnolia mentioned in NY Times article
>Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 07:25:05 -0700
>
>Having run on Magnolia, the crown of the road makes it difficult to run on
>the sides--the slope of the road twists the ankles. Additionally, I've
>found that when approaching a blind curve, running on the inside of the
>curve can be dangerous because of the lack of visibility--thus making it
>safer to run with the traffic if that side is on the outside of the curve.
>Finally, I think there is a bit more traffic in Boulder than on Magnolia
>Rd. Perhaps the larger problem is how people drive on Magnolia Rd, not how
>people run. One problem that I've noticed is that people stop their cars
>in very inopportune places during times when kids are picked up for school.
> For example, many folks wait in their stopped cars at the top of the hill
>at Magnolia and Frontier in front of the mail boxes. Cars attempting to
>pass them have to drive blindly on the wrong side of the road not knowing
>if another car is approaching on the other side of the hill. Similarly at
>Pine Glade and Magnolia. Cars are stopped such that cars coming from Pine
>Glade onto Magnolia must do so with very limited visibility of approaching
>cars. Of course there are many who drive pretty fast exceeding the 30 mph
>speed limit. Those darn runners make it difficult to drive fast because
>they are either running in the middle of the road, on the wrong side or
>side by side.
>
>Allen
>
>Fay wrote:
>>Now if they could only learn to run against traffic, single file, and on
>>the
>>side (as opposed to the middle) of the road, they would all live long
>>enough
>>to compete! Funny, same rules they follow in Boulder but don't seem to
>>apply up here.
>>Fay Benson
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org
>>[mailto:owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org] On Behalf Of Greg Ching
>>Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 1:30 AM
>>To: PUMA News
>>Subject: [puma-news] Magnolia mentioned in NY Times article
>>
>>I think most Magnolia residents know we have world class athletes training
>>on our road but it's still neat to see Magnolia mentioned in the NY Times.
>> The complete article can be found at
>>http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/sports/othersports/31boulder.html?hp&ex=11
>>62357200&en=94ec7cc5b064ac1d&ei=5094&partner=homepage
>>
>>I'm only copying here the first few paragraphs...Magnolia mentioned in
>>third paragraph.
>>
>> greg
>>
>>October 31, 2006
>>In Boulder, Runners Gather in Guarded Isolation
>>By LIZ ROBBINS
>>
>>BOULDER, Colo. - Here at 5,430 feet, all roads lead to a finish line
>>somewhere. They just rarely converge.
>>
>>As the major marathon season hit its fall peak, professional distance
>>runners from Kenya, Japan, Romania and Tanzania, as well as the United
>>States, were pounding the dirt roads in Boulder for a high-altitude boost.
>>
>>Long a popular haven for elite athletes, the area boasts 300 sunny days a
>>year, 400 miles of trails (including Magnolia, which soars to 8,600 feet),
>>more massage therapists than muscles and a fervent outdoor culture.
>>
>>But this is no running utopia. Instead, Boulder is an example of the
>>fiercely competitive sport of road racing, in which runners train in quiet
>>isolation, passing one another occasionally on hills while guarding their
>>strategies.
>>
>>Competitors from around the world may come here, yet the various camps
>>operate in their own universes. With schedules dictated by agents, runners
>>compete not just for the podium, but for a relatively small pool of
>>resources, shoe contracts and race appearance fees. It is a scene that is
>>more clannish than collegial.
>>
>>
>>
>
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Earliest Heavy Snow Fall
We got 16 inches of snow between last night and today. This is the earliest heavy snow fall I've witnessed up here. Not that I was surprised. We had a wet spring... and summer... and fall (such as it was)... and now winter.
We where somewhat lucky around here. The power did go out for about 7 hours, but I understand that things where much worse around Colorado Springs.
I got the x-c skis out and went up to Winiger Ridge. Somebody ( I think it was my neighbor Dave) had already put down a nice set of tracks. This ment I could lapse into the kick and glide rythem without having to break trail.
We where somewhat lucky around here. The power did go out for about 7 hours, but I understand that things where much worse around Colorado Springs.
I got the x-c skis out and went up to Winiger Ridge. Somebody ( I think it was my neighbor Dave) had already put down a nice set of tracks. This ment I could lapse into the kick and glide rythem without having to break trail.
RE: [puma-news] power?
Did the power go out? ;-)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org
[mailto:owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org] On Behalf Of Greg Ching
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 3:54 PM
To: puma-news@puma-net.org
Subject: Re: [puma-news] power?
Power just came back along Aspen Meadows!
I agree. Between the Amendment 37 rebates and Federal tax credits solar
electric is more affordable than ever. With the cost of electricity
rising and gas/propane prices soaring the breakeven analysis gets
better. Even if you got a minimal system you could still have a battery
backup system for your essential appliances.
For example, at my all electric house, we couldn't run the major
appliances such as range, microwave, dishwasher, furnace, hot water
heater but we were able to run our refrigerator for a number of hours.
And we were never out of lights/computers/internet/telephones and other
smaller appliances. Our cistern pump was also backed up so we had
water, too.
There are several homes up along Magnolia who have solar battery backup
systems. If you need guidance we can provide it.
Solar hot water, better insulation, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and
replacing older appliances are other areas of savings that may provide
better ROI than photovoltaic. However, the convenience factor of having
battery backup makes working at home much more practical.
greg
bwarre01@pol.net wrote:
> Time to go to solar power!!!
>
> Barbara Warren, Twin Sisters Road
>
>
>
>> 2 hrs here as well on Cumberland Gap off of CR 68
>>
>> Paul DeLong
>> Accuer, Inc.
>> 1942 Broadway, Ste. 208
>> Boulder, CO 80302
>> Ph 303-323-4296 x4
>> Fax 303-323-4297
>> Cell 303-859-0052
>> www.accuer.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org
>> [mailto:owner-puma-news@www.puma-net.org] On Behalf Of Clark Chapman
>> Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 11:00 AM
>> To: puma-news@puma-net.org
>> Subject: [puma-news] power?
>>
>>
>> We've been without power for 2 hours on
>> Lazy Z. Curious about how widespread this
>> is and whether there are any indications
>> of when it might be fixed.
>>
>> Clark Chapman
>> 11 am Thurs.
>
>
Thursday, October 12, 2006
[puma-news] thefts
Hi,
Just want to let everyone know that there is still some theft activity going on. Last week, someone went through our truck (& the neighbor’s car) looking for valuables. Luckily, we don’t keep anything of value in our cars; I wish they’d cleaned mine out. This was sometime between 2 & 4:30 am, which we know because the dog was barking hysterically. I think that may be what convinced the thief to move on, before checking out the storage shed, etc.
The deputy said there are still break-ins happening in the mountain areas, although activity seems to have slowed a bit. Most previous activity has been during the day, so this may be a slight change in M.O., or another thief.
Anyway, be aware.
Vivian
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
[puma-news] Documentary on firefighters
http://tinyurl.com/owo5a
The History Channel has made a documentary on firefighters in this country.
It airs at 6PM on 10/13 and 2PM on 10/22.
Over 70% of firefighters in this country are volunteers. Most of Magnolia
Road is served by High Country Fire Department, which has no paid
firefighters. The bottom two miles (or so) of Magnolia are served by
Sugarloaf and the extreme western end is Nederland Fire's district. There
are never enough volunteers, so we often are called for "mutual aid". HCFD
has responded to structure fires for both Nederland and Sugarloaf in the
last month. Luckily, we haven't had one of our own (knock on my wooden
noggin'!).
I must say that what I've seen of this documentary is surprisingly
realistic. If you've ever wondered what it's like, or why people volunteer
to be firefighters, it's worth watching.
There are numerous clips and interviews at the website linked above.
If anyone reading this is interested in becoming a High Country firefighter,
the easiest way is to call Sheila at 303-642-3588. If you aren't sure, and
have questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them, or refer you to someone
who can answer them.
If you want to help your neighbors, it's what we do.
John,
~ the chart guy
John Carder, CMT
Topline Investment Graphics
Where your chart dreams come true!
www.topline-charts.com or www.chartguy.com
PO Box 2340
Boulder, CO 80306-2340 USA
800.347.0157 (toll-free in the USA)
303.440.0157 (voice)
303.440.0147 (fax)
Monday, October 09, 2006
Frozen Spider Web Day
We started out today with a frozen fog blowing through. This tends to coat everything in ice. Grass, bushes, trees, all coated in ice.
But the most beautiful thing is when the spider webs are suddenly all made visible when they are coated in ice. Each delicate stand is suddenly dozens of times thicker than itself because it has been enveloped in a coat of ice.
Usually, this only happens once a year because the same frost that coats the webs also kills the spiders.
So much till next year.
But the most beautiful thing is when the spider webs are suddenly all made visible when they are coated in ice. Each delicate stand is suddenly dozens of times thicker than itself because it has been enveloped in a coat of ice.
Usually, this only happens once a year because the same frost that coats the webs also kills the spiders.
So much till next year.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Birth of a hummingbird
If you've been reading this blog then you know because of the bear incident that we have a hummingbird feeder.
Well here is a sequence of pictures of hummingbirds from eggs to fledglings.
It is truly amazing. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Because it's a special series to see in your lifetime , enjoy; and please share.
Birth of a hummingbird
Well here is a sequence of pictures of hummingbirds from eggs to fledglings.
It is truly amazing. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Because it's a special series to see in your lifetime , enjoy; and please share.
Birth of a hummingbird
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Climbed Arapahoe Peak
Last Sunday, I went back and did a climb that I've not done in about a decade. I climbed South Arapahoe Peak. The tailhead is about a 3/4 hour drive from here. The Arapahoe Peaks are prominent around here because they are a pair of "thirteeners" sitting right on the continental divide.
Of course I had to take pictures: http://arapahoepeak.forsytherock.com
After getting to the top of South Arapahoe Peak, I decided that I finally had the time to climb on over to North Arapahoe Peak. The only way to get there is along a long semicircle knife edge that connects the South to the North Peak. The pictures tell the story.
Of course I had to take pictures: http://arapahoepeak.forsytherock.com
After getting to the top of South Arapahoe Peak, I decided that I finally had the time to climb on over to North Arapahoe Peak. The only way to get there is along a long semicircle knife edge that connects the South to the North Peak. The pictures tell the story.
Camping in the neighborhood.
Seeing Don's video below reminded me that I've not previously posted a link to a video I did nearly 3 years ago.
Dolphins Watching in the Florida Keys
I told my friend Don Paris how easy it is to post videos to video.google.com
Here's what he came up with:
Now he's all excited about getting more of his videos out too!
Here's what he came up with:
Now he's all excited about getting more of his videos out too!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Eagle - Golden or Bald
We had a eagle land on the large single tree in the front yard today. We could not tell if it was an immature Golden Eagle or immature Bald Eagle.
Monday, July 10, 2006
The bear came back
The bear that recently had his way with the humming bird feeders must have sensed that I was out for a few days. He left teeth marks and cracked one of the 3 feeders and knocked another down completely.
Its time to bear proof the feeders. A neighbor says this particular bear is pretty harmless, but I still don't need a visit from a large mammel with sharp teeth and claws. It just messes with my delusion that I'm the top of the food chain to much.
Its time to bear proof the feeders. A neighbor says this particular bear is pretty harmless, but I still don't need a visit from a large mammel with sharp teeth and claws. It just messes with my delusion that I'm the top of the food chain to much.
House Wren hatchlings are getting ready to fledge
The house wren house cleaning refered to in a previous post is coming to its natural conclusion. I just noticed that the hatchlings are starting to look out of the bird house hole and wondering if they could just go and catch their own food. Soon they will.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Bear Alert
I read the other day that the bears seem to be hungry this year because its been to dry. The dry weather keeps there food from growing fast enough.
Well, today I had a up close and personal experience when I discovered a 400 lbs bear perched on a railing, slobering up sugar water from a hummingbird feeder.
Moments after I took this short video, I used loud noise scared him away.
Well, today I had a up close and personal experience when I discovered a 400 lbs bear perched on a railing, slobering up sugar water from a hummingbird feeder.
Moments after I took this short video, I used loud noise scared him away.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Spring Cleaning in the Rockies
There is a bird out right outside the bedroom window. Its great for bird watching. Last week, a house wren found it and cleaned it out. Here is a short video that I took.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Spring Arrives with a Loud Boing!
This morning, I heard a loud BOING coming from the large window while in the bathroom.
A quick look outside showed a bluebird sitting in the snow with a chunk of snow stuck in his half open beak. This bluebird certainly did NOT look happy.
In fact, I knew from past experience that such a stunned bird can easily slip into shock, especially when sitting on snow!
So we got out a box. But the confused bluebird had other ideas. As Rachel approached, it jumped from its spot on the snowy ledge right below the window into Rachel’s hair. He had the right idea, since her head was a lot warmer then the snow.
Rachel walked inside with the blue bird hanging on.
After this picture was taken, Rachel lowered her head into a large box until so we could get the bluebird to jump into the box. Then we put a blanket over th box so that the poor bird could rest and regain his composure.
About half an hour later, we heard scratching coming from the box. Rachel took the box outside and the bluebird, now his happy normal self, took of for the sky.
Birds arrive this time of year from their annual migration. Sometimes, the learning curve in their new environment can be a little steep. I've actually seen bluebirds repeatedly attack their own reflection in the window as they attempt to establish their new territory. I hope that this bluebird learned that he is no threat to himself as long as he does not do battle with his own reflection!
May we all find our happiness by learning that it does not serve us to battle with ourselves. Food for thought.
A quick look outside showed a bluebird sitting in the snow with a chunk of snow stuck in his half open beak. This bluebird certainly did NOT look happy.
In fact, I knew from past experience that such a stunned bird can easily slip into shock, especially when sitting on snow!
So we got out a box. But the confused bluebird had other ideas. As Rachel approached, it jumped from its spot on the snowy ledge right below the window into Rachel’s hair. He had the right idea, since her head was a lot warmer then the snow.
Rachel walked inside with the blue bird hanging on.
After this picture was taken, Rachel lowered her head into a large box until so we could get the bluebird to jump into the box. Then we put a blanket over th box so that the poor bird could rest and regain his composure.
About half an hour later, we heard scratching coming from the box. Rachel took the box outside and the bluebird, now his happy normal self, took of for the sky.
Birds arrive this time of year from their annual migration. Sometimes, the learning curve in their new environment can be a little steep. I've actually seen bluebirds repeatedly attack their own reflection in the window as they attempt to establish their new territory. I hope that this bluebird learned that he is no threat to himself as long as he does not do battle with his own reflection!
May we all find our happiness by learning that it does not serve us to battle with ourselves. Food for thought.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Latest funny videos, images, games & silliness
The following site tracks what people find interesting and then posts the most popular. Come back often because the list changes all the time.
Latest funny videos, etc
PS. I'd love to put their little widget here for doing this automatically, but blogger does not allow javasript.
Latest funny videos, etc
PS. I'd love to put their little widget here for doing this automatically, but blogger does not allow javasript.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Massive Elk Invasion
A few times a year the elk come through the neighborhood here. Today was one of those days. I'll have some megabytage (the digital equivalent of "footage") as soon as I can edit it down and get Google to host it for me.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
[puma-news] plants website
Hey Dan and Jennifer,
I'm glad you listened and finally put up that site Thankyou.
Here's the announcement email.
I'm glad you listened and finally put up that site Thankyou.
Here's the announcement email.
Dear Friends,
Dan finally succeeded, and here is the first part of this project. He
made me do it --- otherwise I'm sure I'd still be talking about it ten
years from now. Anyway, It isn't finished, probably never will be, and
it may contain inaccuracies which I hope to correct as time goes by. I'm
only up to the Mint family, and have to go all the way to Violet. I
think the Noxious Plant part is pretty much done. We plan to add a color
guide, but haven't gotten to it yet.
As you will notice, the accompanying text isn't in scientific jargon.
This is for two reasons. 1) I can't seem to stay serious, and 2) Dan
said he thought it would be more useful to more people if it isn't
strictly scientifically rigorous.
So, here's a beginning! Thanks to all of you who requested this. Send
me any comments, pro or con, that you wish. I'm moving to Africa now.
http://www.plantsofmagnolia.net
Best,
Jennifer
Saturday, March 11, 2006
[puma-news] Comments on USFS Rural School land sale
TO: USFS Rural School land sales adminstrators
I am writing to express my outrage at the proposed USFS Rural Schools land sale.
First. It is totally unacceptable to sell irreplaceable public land held in trust by the US Forest Service in order to provide temporary funding for rural schools.&! nbsp; Proceeds from the proposed sale are truly negligible compared to the huge debt created by the Bush administration’s mismanagement and malfeasance. It represents sacrifice of a valuable resource for inconsequential gain. I acknowledge that the United States faces a financial crisis, however I maintain that sale of our heritage is an extremely shortsighted and irresponsible idea - and sets a reckless precedent for the future of public lands owned by all US citizens.
Second. The notification method and public comment period has been handled so very poorly, that it begs suspicion of a deliberate smoke screen. The website www.geocommunicator.gov is cumbersome and difficult to use, with many discrepancies between tabulated data and graphic representation. A parcel marked for sale in the Magnolia Road area (Township 1S Range 72W) that was visible on March 9, was missing from view on March 11, even though the last acknowledged update occurred on February 24. I believe the parcel that mysteriously disappeared was known as "section 40", and was located on the north side of Magnolia Road at approximately mile 7.5, locally known as the "Boy Scout Rocks", and contiguous to a lar! ger parcel.
In spite of the poor maps and descriptions provided, it is obvious that the character of the lands proposed for sale has been grossly misrepresented. Supposedly, the parcels are “isolated or inefficient to manage” – but study of the on-line map shows that, at least in my local area, the forest service has selected prominent local landmarks, such as Turtle Rock, (T1SR72W Section 15, USFS Parcel Label NENE). Sale of the other parcels straddling Magnolia Road (T1SR72W, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 40) will effectively eliminate all public access to USFS l! and from Magnolia Road and County Road 97. It seems obvious that these lands were chosen for their commercial value as real estate, and not because they were inaccessible or “isolated”.
Third. The 305,000 acres earmarked for sale are owned by all Americans, an irreplaceable resource held in trust by the US Forest Service. My husband and I happen to own a home within the shadow of the local landmark known as Turtle Rock (T1SR72W Section 15, label NENE), on! e of the parcels designated for sale. We have lived here for 22 years, and have good reason to spend the considerable time and effort required to identify the local parcels marked and listed (poorly) on the Geocommunicator website. I am concerned that most citizens will believe the false descriptions, trust the agency charged with preservation of their wildland heritage, and think they are losing nothing of value. That conclusion would be wrong – and would result in another egregious violation of the public trust by the Bush adminstration.
In summary, I urge you to abandon this bizarre and ill-advised plan and remove all 304,370 acres from consideration for sale.
In particular, I object to sale of the following parcels within Roosevelt National Forest, T1SR72W, Sections 15, 19, 20, 21 and 40.
Sincerely,
Kathryn J. Teuber
28 Frontier Lane
Magnolia Star Route
Nederland, CO 80466
! 303-258-7548
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
[puma-news] Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County
I think the following is very well written and can be used as a model for other letters of concern:
To Whom It May Concern:
To Whom It May Concern:
A resident of the Aspen Meadows Subdivision (near Magnolia Road and
County Road 68) for 18 years, I feel obligated to speak out against your
land sale proposal (Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County). First of
all, let me express my disappointment in the limited time that has been
alloted for community feedback, as well as the cumbersome and poorly done
online map provided as a resource for this comment period.
County Road 68) for 18 years, I feel obligated to speak out against your
land sale proposal (Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County). First of
all, let me express my disappointment in the limited time that has been
alloted for community feedback, as well as the cumbersome and poorly done
online map provided as a resource for this comment period.
My opposition refers to the Township, Range, and Sections below (any
inaccuracies due to difficulty of interpretation of online map ):
inaccuracies due to difficulty of interpretation of online map ):
Magnolia Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres
Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233)
Section 21 - 160 acres
Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres
Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233)
Section 21 - 160 acres
Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map
All the areas listed above provide necessary wildlife habitat and offer
natural movement corridors for ungulates (specifically elk), bear, mountain lion,
bobcat, fox and coyote. Increased disturbance as a result of
development, will undoubtedly increase the stress on the species living in these
natural movement corridors for ungulates (specifically elk), bear, mountain lion,
bobcat, fox and coyote. Increased disturbance as a result of
development, will undoubtedly increase the stress on the species living in these
urban/wildlife interface lands. Over the past several years, developed land has
resulted in the rapid spread of non-native species of plants, high levels of erosion,
diminished feeding,mating, and birthing grounds, as well as decreased habitat for
a varietyof species from the mountain meadow vole to our state flower,
the Columbine, to the Golden Eagle nesting in the rock above.
This obviously politically motivated proposal, whether or not it is guised in
something as seemingly well intentioned like funding for rural schools,
is a disgrace. Once these lands are sold, it is rather evident that new
ones will be proposed in the name of some other manipulative cause. The
justification for selling them as "not being able to be sufficiently
managed" speaks volumes as to priorities. Instead, might it be a better
choice to consider something much greater than ourselves, the need for
space for all the non-human creatures that exist here and to offer ways
to conserve that space. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant
these lands might appear on a map, they all serve an important and necessary
function for wildlife and native plant species.
something as seemingly well intentioned like funding for rural schools,
is a disgrace. Once these lands are sold, it is rather evident that new
ones will be proposed in the name of some other manipulative cause. The
justification for selling them as "not being able to be sufficiently
managed" speaks volumes as to priorities. Instead, might it be a better
choice to consider something much greater than ourselves, the need for
space for all the non-human creatures that exist here and to offer ways
to conserve that space. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant
these lands might appear on a map, they all serve an important and necessary
function for wildlife and native plant species.
When decisions are made that continue to erode away
even the smallest bits and pieces of land that have been set aside such
as our nation's Roosevelt National Forest, along with wildlife, we as a society
suffer. If anything, as a People, we should be doing everything we can
to protect and preserve by purchasing additional lands not selling them off.
even the smallest bits and pieces of land that have been set aside such
as our nation's Roosevelt National Forest, along with wildlife, we as a society
suffer. If anything, as a People, we should be doing everything we can
to protect and preserve by purchasing additional lands not selling them off.
If for no other reason than to preserve our current Roosevelt National
Forest for the future generations, it is time to act in a thoughtful,
visionary way that holds the faith of the public that our National
Forests will remain the last haven for that herd of elk that passes
through on its journey to summer grounds, seven generations from now.
Forest for the future generations, it is time to act in a thoughtful,
visionary way that holds the faith of the public that our National
Forests will remain the last haven for that herd of elk that passes
through on its journey to summer grounds, seven generations from now.
As we whittle away at nature, so too do we whittle away at ourselves.
I am trusting you to do the right thing and not sell off any portion of
these lands listed above, as well as all others being considered.
these lands listed above, as well as all others being considered.
Sincerely,
Sharon Ticehurst
72 Meadowland Ct., Nederland, CO
(303) 449-1789
72 Meadowland Ct., Nederland, CO
(303) 449-1789
Monday, March 06, 2006
Instantly transport yourself to a ridge right next to the continental divide
This is just to cool!
But let me digress for just a moment.
A few years ago, I used to live in a town outside Boulder Colorado called Niwot. There's a lot of history that goes with the name that I won't get into right here. But suffice it to say that living in the town of Niwot endeared me to the name. There's another Niwot around as well. In fact, I and a somewhat supernatural experience right at the base of the other Niwot, which is Niwot Rigdge. Again, I'm trying to not get of on to many tangents.
Anyway, I've had a few enjoyable hikes up on Niwot Ridge. I've never gotten all the way to the end of it, and I've always wondered what the view from there would be. Well, (my point, finally) I now have a way to visit the far western end of Niwot Ridge any time I want.
You see, they've got a web cam up there.
So What? I've got a webcam right here at Lazy Z Web Cam.
But this is not just any old web cam.
No.
You'll get a kick out of it. This is a fully weather proofed pan and tilt cam. This means that you an look ALL around and zoom in and out as well.
Really. Try it. Click the link. Niwot Ridge Web Cam
Thanks Niwot Ridge LTER for making this available to us all!
But let me digress for just a moment.
A few years ago, I used to live in a town outside Boulder Colorado called Niwot. There's a lot of history that goes with the name that I won't get into right here. But suffice it to say that living in the town of Niwot endeared me to the name. There's another Niwot around as well. In fact, I and a somewhat supernatural experience right at the base of the other Niwot, which is Niwot Rigdge. Again, I'm trying to not get of on to many tangents.
Anyway, I've had a few enjoyable hikes up on Niwot Ridge. I've never gotten all the way to the end of it, and I've always wondered what the view from there would be. Well, (my point, finally) I now have a way to visit the far western end of Niwot Ridge any time I want.
You see, they've got a web cam up there.
So What? I've got a webcam right here at Lazy Z Web Cam.
But this is not just any old web cam.
No.
You'll get a kick out of it. This is a fully weather proofed pan and tilt cam. This means that you an look ALL around and zoom in and out as well.
Really. Try it. Click the link. Niwot Ridge Web Cam
Thanks Niwot Ridge LTER for making this available to us all!
[puma-news] Hopefully helpful map plus coordinates
Dear friends,
Here is more info. I have given local descriptions to the parcels in hopes of clarifying locations.
Also, here is Dave Hallock's input on Magnolia parcels: My editorial comments are in italics.
Magnolia Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres {I, Jennifer, believe he means Section 15, not 19. It would include the Turtle Rock, Range Road, and (Bennett/Spangler Parcels. My estimate shows 200 acres. Descriptions: Turtle Rock Parcel - NE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 15, T1S, R72W; Range Road Parcel - NE1/4 of SW1/4, NW1/4 of SE1/4, and SW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sectrion 15, T1S, R72W; Bennet/Spangler Parcel - NW1/4 of NW1/4 of Section 15, T1S, R72W.)
Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233. (Reynolds Open Space and Loop Trails Parcel. Descriptions: Reynolds Open Space - SE1/4 of Section 20, irregular pieces of SW1/4 of Section 20, T1S, R72W. Loop Trail Parcel - NE1/4 of NW1/4 of Section 20, T1S, R72W.)
Section 21 - 160 acres ( Lazy z Parcel, 40 acre parcel southwest of Boy Scout Trails, and Rt 97 Parcel. Descriptions - Boy Scout Parcel - NW1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W. Lazy z Parcel - SE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W. Rt. 97 Parcel - SW1/4 and SE1/4 of SE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W.)
Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres) (Sections only go from 1 to 36, so I'm not sure what he means.)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map
Values and Conservation Context: These lands are part of an elk/wildlife movement corridor between Winiger Ridge and lands west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway, and within elk winter range. They are designated as an Overland Habitat Connector on the Environmental Conservation Areas map of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. Some of the parcels (those in Sections 19, 20, and a portion of 21) are adjacent to Reynolds Ranch Open Space and other County Open Space acquisitions in the area. Some of the parcels in all four sections are adjacent to other National Forest lands. The parcels in Section 19 south of Nederland contain public trails.
Me speaking again ---
Our local concerns are with our elk habitat, fragmentation of habitat for birds and small mammals, including bobcats, plus our personal reasons for living here.
Funding for rural schools needs to come from a source more consistant than a one-time land sale of parcels that have local importance to their surrounding communities and wildlife.
All our parcels are in T1S, R72W. When referring to them, you must also use the description I have listed for each, i.e., SW1/4 of NW1/4, etc, including the Section number and Township and Range.
I really couldn't send out a smaller map, so I apologize to anyone whose computer burps and falls over. Dan says the official maps from USFS, etc, are "junk." What ridiculously cumbersome mapping programs!
Please also read Dave Halleck's complete comments in Scott's email about USFS Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative. And, for extra oomph, follow the "discussions" on Puma-news!
Best to all,
Jennifer
Here are people to contact, including the USFS email address:
Senator Wayne Allard
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5941
District telephone 303-220-7414
Senator Ken Salazar
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5852
District telephone 303-455-7600
Rep. Mark Udall
Washington D.C telephone 202-225-2161
District Office telephone 303-650-7820
SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us
Here is more info. I have given local descriptions to the parcels in hopes of clarifying locations.
Also, here is Dave Hallock's input on Magnolia parcels: My editorial comments are in italics.
Magnolia Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres {I, Jennifer, believe he means Section 15, not 19. It would include the Turtle Rock, Range Road, and (Bennett/Spangler Parcels. My estimate shows 200 acres. Descriptions: Turtle Rock Parcel - NE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 15, T1S, R72W; Range Road Parcel - NE1/4 of SW1/4, NW1/4 of SE1/4, and SW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sectrion 15, T1S, R72W; Bennet/Spangler Parcel - NW1/4 of NW1/4 of Section 15, T1S, R72W.)
Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233. (Reynolds Open Space and Loop Trails Parcel. Descriptions: Reynolds Open Space - SE1/4 of Section 20, irregular pieces of SW1/4 of Section 20, T1S, R72W. Loop Trail Parcel - NE1/4 of NW1/4 of Section 20, T1S, R72W.)
Section 21 - 160 acres ( Lazy z Parcel, 40 acre parcel southwest of Boy Scout Trails, and Rt 97 Parcel. Descriptions - Boy Scout Parcel - NW1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W. Lazy z Parcel - SE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W. Rt. 97 Parcel - SW1/4 and SE1/4 of SE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W.)
Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres) (Sections only go from 1 to 36, so I'm not sure what he means.)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map
Values and Conservation Context: These lands are part of an elk/wildlife movement corridor between Winiger Ridge and lands west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway, and within elk winter range. They are designated as an Overland Habitat Connector on the Environmental Conservation Areas map of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. Some of the parcels (those in Sections 19, 20, and a portion of 21) are adjacent to Reynolds Ranch Open Space and other County Open Space acquisitions in the area. Some of the parcels in all four sections are adjacent to other National Forest lands. The parcels in Section 19 south of Nederland contain public trails.
Me speaking again ---
Our local concerns are with our elk habitat, fragmentation of habitat for birds and small mammals, including bobcats, plus our personal reasons for living here.
Funding for rural schools needs to come from a source more consistant than a one-time land sale of parcels that have local importance to their surrounding communities and wildlife.
All our parcels are in T1S, R72W. When referring to them, you must also use the description I have listed for each, i.e., SW1/4 of NW1/4, etc, including the Section number and Township and Range.
I really couldn't send out a smaller map, so I apologize to anyone whose computer burps and falls over. Dan says the official maps from USFS, etc, are "junk." What ridiculously cumbersome mapping programs!
Please also read Dave Halleck's complete comments in Scott's email about USFS Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative. And, for extra oomph, follow the "discussions" on Puma-news!
Best to all,
Jennifer
Here are people to contact, including the USFS email address:
Senator Wayne Allard
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5941
District telephone 303-220-7414
Senator Ken Salazar
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5852
District telephone 303-455-7600
Rep. Mark Udall
Washington D.C telephone 202-225-2161
District Office telephone 303-650-7820
SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us
[puma-news] land sale
I was concerned, when I first wrote, that this had slipped under the radar, even of PUMA news-readers, but I see that has changed.
I think Dave Hallock’s assessment is a very valid one for this area, in terms of the overall picture of the value of small parcels of national forest. One does have to look at the surrounding land ownership, animal migration patterns and other uses of the land to assess whether there is more value to a small portion of national forest than appears on the map. It was also quite obvious, from the original map Dan sent out, that some of the ‘small parcels’ are actually contiguous with larger parcels and those ‘small parcels’ are what provide access to the larger portion of national forest (note how many parcels cross or touch roads). The next round of land sales will probably put those larger parcels on the block, because they are inaccessible. When you consider management & maintenance expense, be aware that many of these parcels have just been ‘maintained’, at considerable expense to the taxpayers. Many of the parcels marked for sale are the same parcels, which were just thinned (over many objections- including the USFS track record of cutting & running), and which the USFS promised to monitor and use as models for further projects. Is it any wonder that many of us have little faith in the judgment of the USFS.
Terry is right that our National Forest is our land for the future. If there were truly a good reason for selling certain parcels to gain other parcels, which would add to the value of the forest, as a whole, then it may make sense to sell certain parcels. This issue is not a matter of forest management, no matter what whitewash the USFS uses; the National Forest does not even get the money.
The issue here is whether we should sell our land to fund our schools. What are we leaving for our children? Our schools should be funded by our taxes. If we weren’t spending so much in Iraq or on “congressional pork”, perhaps we could afford to fund our schools. Should we sell the Lincoln memorial to the Chinese to fund school lunches? Or, perhaps we could sell the White House to raise money for Social Security… The point is we shouldn’t be selling off our precious, finite forests to make up for budget shortfalls. This is what I meant by lambasting the proposal.
This has not yet been approved by Congress, so write your Senators and Congressmen. If enough voices speak out, we might actually be heard.
Vivian
[puma-news] Fw: [nature-net] USFS Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative
This commetary is preliminary. From Dave Hallock of the County Open Space
research and management...Dave has worked alongside PUMA on many previous
projects. He is a top notch scientist and intelligent analyst. Below are
his initial comments regarding the Forest Service proposed land sales --
PUMA should study this as a way to build our own commentary. By the way,
the previous email regarding the map of land sales still has some
innaccuracies and problems, due mostly to inaccuracies and inconsistencies
in FS data. On that map web page are some additional comments regarding
this proposed sale. Letters, call, emails and faxes should start to go out
from willing participants and PUMA as a whole by the end of this week.
Here's a preliminary list of contacts for those who would like to get
started.
Their numbers are:
Senator Wayne Allard
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5941
District telephone 303-220-7414
Senator Ken Salazar
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5852
District telephone 303-455-7600
Rep. Mark Udall
Washington D.C telephone 202-225-2161
District Office telephone 303-650-7820
Comments on the proposed list must be received by March 30 and may be sent
by e-mail to SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us. Written comments may be sent to: USDA
Forest Service, SRS Comments, Lands 4S, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Mailstop
1124, Washington, DC, 20250-0003. Send faxed comments to (202) 205-1604.
Hallock's letter below.
Scott
******************************
Scott Campbell Reuman
Artist/Writer
Conundrum Designs, Inc.
Nederland, CO
http://www.conundrumdesigns.com
scottreuman@conundrumdesigns.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "David H Hallock" <eldoradh@rmi.net>
To: "BCNA Nature Net" <nature-net@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 7:30 AM
Subject: [nature-net] USFS Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County
These are my initial comments on the proposed land sale in Boulder County.
I have focused on land use issues.
Dave Hallock
Background
The Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and
organizations on the list of National Forest System land parcels in the FY
2007 President's Budget proposal to be sold for the purpose of funding
payments to Secure rural Schools. These funds will be used to offset
declining revenues that historically were derived from timber sales.
Comments should be submitted by March 30, 2006. They should pertain to the
list of land parcels proposed for sale. Comments should be submitted by
e-mail to SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us, by facsimile to (202) 205-1604, or by
mail to USDA Forest Service, SRS Comments, Lands 4S, 1400 Independence Ave.,
SW., Mailstop 1124, Washington, DC 20520-0003. Electronic submission is
preferred.
Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative
can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/disposal.html. For maps of
the lands proposed for sale, go to:
http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/rural_schools.shtml. Go into
Geocommunicator.gov for the maps. (Note: the Geocommunicator.gov map site
had been problematic in correctly running and pulling up the maps).
Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County
The parcels proposed for sale in Boulder County lie within 10 geographic
areas, which I have used for description below. The spreadsheet list of
parcels on the USFS web site totals approximately 2,120 acres, while the map
indicates approximately 3,120 acres. And, there are some discrepancies on
the list between the legal descriptions and the acreages.
The overall justification for selling these parcels by the Forest Service is
that they are isolated from other contiguous National Forest System lands,
and because of their location, size, or configuration are not efficient to
manage as a component of the National Forest System. The isolation and
small size for some of the parcels appears true, but not for all.
My greatest concern is that there appears to be no recognition of the
conservation context of the parcels. When you look at all conserved lands
in western Boulder County, including Boulder County Open Space and other
private conservation easements (including some held by Colorado Open Lands
and The Nature Conservancy), then these parcels appear isolated and small
only in terms of ownership but not in terms of function. Some of the
parcels border Caribou Ranch Open Space, Reynolds Ranch Open Space, and Hall
Ranch Open Space. Some of the parcels are adjacent to lands with
conservation easements, such as Arapaho Ranch Wildlife Preserve and the
Welch Ranch. In some places, Boulder County Open Space has been filling in
the gaps between smaller parcels of Forest Service Land by purchasing the
intervening mining claims, such as on Spencer Mountain in Eldora and in
Lefthand Canyon. Two of the parcels have the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway
running through them, including one in Allenspark. Several parcels along
Magnolia Road are important wildlife movement corridors as are parcels near
the top of Spencer and Ute Mountains near Eldora. One group of parcels
appears to contain golden eagle nest sites and is popular for rock climbing
in Boulder Canyon. Another parcel contains a portion of the South St. Vrain
Creek and a portion of the South St. Vrain trail. Several of the parcels
near Nederland contain trails.
The result of this land sale is an increased fragmentation of the landscape.
The County and other property owners and land trusts have been filling in
the gaps within the National Forest Boundary and conserving lands; this is
good ecosystem planning This proposal creates new in-holdings within the
overall conservation context of western Boulder County; this is bad
ecosystem planning.
Additionally, the process appears very rushed. We have one month to make
comments for something that has some significant long-term land use impacts.
And it has not been easy accessing the Forest Service maps on their web
site. And there are discrepancies between the legal descriptions on the
USFS list and acreages, as well as what is presented on the maps.
What follows are geographic area descriptions of the parcels proposed for
sale, their conservation context, and some of their conservation value. The
geographic area descriptions are mine. When commenting to the Forest
Service you need to use National Forest Name (Roosevelt),
Township/Range/Section.
Magnolia Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres
Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233)
Section 21 - 160 acres
Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map
Values and Conservation Context: These lands are part of an elk/wildlife
movement corridor between Winiger Ridge and lands west of the Peak-to-Peak
Highway, and within elk winter range. They are designated as an Overland
Habitat Connector on the Environmental Conservation Areas map of the Boulder
County Comprehensive Plan. Some of the parcels (those in Sections 19, 20,
and a portion of 21) are adjacent to Reynolds Ranch Open Space and other
County Open Space acquisitions in the area. Some of the parcels in all four
sections are adjacent to other National Forest lands. The parcels in
Section 19 south of Nederland contain public trails.
Ridge Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 5 - 117 acres
Section 8 - 160 acres
Total Acreage: 277 acres on both list and map
Values and Conservation Context: In section 8, lands are adjacent to Rogers
Open Space and are part of the Open Corridor designation for Boulder Canyon
Highway (Boulder County Comprehensive Plan Open Space Element). Several of
the parcels in Section 5 are adjacent to USFS lands.
Caribou Ranch
Township 1N Range 73W
Section 34 - 30 acres
Section 36 - 80 acres (Map shows 160 acres)
Township 1S Range 73W
Section 1 - 20 acres
Total: 130 acres on list, 210 acres on map
Values and Conservation Context: These lands are integral parts of the
Caribou Ranch montane parkland, an area of exceptional biodiversity in
Boulder County, and winter, transitional range, and calving grounds for elk.
The lands in Sections 34 and 36 are within the Indian Peaks Environmental
Conservation Area, as designated on the Environmental Conservation Area Map
of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. The parcel in Section 34 is
totally surrounded by other conserved lands, including Boulder County Open
Space, City of Boulder, other Forest Service lands, and a conservation
easement on the only mining claim in the section. A portion of the lands in
Section 36 (E1/2 of SE ¼) is adjacent to other conserved lands (Conservation
Easement on Caribou Ranch) and other Forest Service lands. It contains an
existing trail along the Switzerland Trail railroad grade. A portion of the
lands in Section 36 (E1/2 of SE ¼) are adjacent to other conserved lands
(Caribou Ranch Conservation Easement) and are important for elk winter range
and as a movement corridor. The parcel in Section 1 is adjacent to the
Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway.
Eldora
Township 1S Range 73W
Section 20 - 20 acres (Map shows all USFS lands in Section 20, which are
approximately 300 acres)
Total: 20 acres on list, approximately 300 acres on map
Values and Conservation Context: This is part of the entrance to the Indian
Peaks Wilderness Area, so the viewshed is of importance. Boulder County
Open Space has been acquiring many of the intervening mining claims on
Spencer Mountain. The ridgeline atop Spencer and Ute Mountains is an
important wildlife movement corridor. Portions of the parcels slated for
sale are adjacent to other Forest Service lands. Lands north of Middle
Boulder Creek are within the Indian Peaks Conservation Area, as designated
on the Environmental Conservation Area Map of the Boulder County
Comprehensive Plan.
Boulder Canyon to Sugarloaf Road and Sugarloaf Road East
Township 1N Range 72W
Section 25 - 120 acres
Section 35 - 240 acres
Section 36 - 240 acres (the legal in the list does not match the acreage,
which matches the map)
Township 1N Range 71W
Section 29 - 120 acres
Total: 720 acres on both list and map
Values and Conservation Context: Sections 35 and 36 are part of the scenic
backdrop to Boulder Canyon Highway and designated as an Open Corridor on the
Open Space Plan of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. The eastern
portion of Section 36 is within potential golden eagle nesting habitat (and
within the Wildlife Closure Area). There are popular rock climbing areas in
Section 36 (Security Risk). Portions of the parcels in Sections 35 and 36
are adjacent to Boulder Falls Open Space and within the Boulder Falls
Natural Area, as designated within the Boulder County Environmental
Resources Element of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.
Nederland
Township 1S Range 73W
Section 14 - 40 acres (Map shows 120 acres)
Total: 40 acres on list, 120 acres on Map
Values and Conservation Context: The NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 14 is
adjacent to and functionally part of the Arapaho Ranch Wildlife Preserve, a
montane parkland that has exceptional biodiversity. The Arapaho Ranch is
under a conservation easement with Colorado Open Lands. Elk use the area as
transitional range and for calving. The parcel provides a buffer between
the Town of Nederland and the Arapaho Ranch. The parcel is designated
within the Indian Peaks Environmental Conservation Area on the Environmental
Resources Map of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.
Lefthand Canyon
Township 1N Range 72W
Section 1 - 240 acres
Total: 240 acres on list and map
Values and Conservation Context: Portions of these parcels are adjacent to
other National Forest lands on their north and west sides. Boulder County
Open Space has purchased almost all the mining claims within Section 1, as
well as other lands to the east and south. Lefthand Canyon is designated as
an Open Corridor on the Open Space Map of the Boulder County Comprehensive
Plan. Lands north of Lefthand Canyon Road are designated as part of the
Walker Mountain Environmental Conservation Area, as designated on the
Environmental Conservation Area Map in the Boulder County Comprehensive
Plan.
Overland Road and South St. Vrain
Township 2N Range 72W
Section 20 - 40 acres
Section 21 - 40 acres (80 acres are shown on the map)
Section 29 - 40 acres
Section 30 - 40 acres
Total: 160 acres on list, 200 acres on map
Values and Conservation Context: The parcel in Section 20 is adjacent to the
Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and is also adjacent to conservation easement
lands held by Boulder County and The Nature Conservancy. The South St.
Vrain Creek flows through the northwest corner of the parcel, designated as
an Open Corridor on the Open Space Map the Boulder County Comprehensive
Plan. The two parcels in Section 21 are adjacent to Conservation Easement
held by The Nature Conservancy. The Peak-to Peak Scenic Byway runs through
the parcel in Section 29. The parcel in Section 30 contains a portion of
the South St. Vrain Creek, designated as an Open Corridor on the Open Space
Map of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan; this parcel also contains the
beginning of the South St. Vrain trail.
Allenspark
Township 3N Range 73W
Section 26 - 40 acres (120 acres shown on the map)
Total: 40 acres on list, 120 acres on map
Values and Conservation Context: The Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway passes
through one of the parcels in Section 26. The parcel in the SE ¼ of the SW
¼ is adjacent to other National Forest lands.
Coffintop Mountain
Township 3N Range 71W
Section 21 - 40 acres (360 acres are shown on the map)
Total: 40 acres on list, 360 acres on map
Values and Conservation Context: These are some of the most important
ecological lands in Boulder County, being within the North St. Vrain
Ecological Conservation Area (Ecological Conservation Area Map, Boulder
County Comprehensive Plan), and designated as Core Habitat in the Forest
Plan. These lands are adjacent to Hall Ranch Open Space and Riverside Ranch
Open Space, and are adjacent to other National Forest lands on their south
side. This is habitat for bighorn sheep.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Saturday, March 04, 2006
[puma-news] map of USFS parcels for sale
Neighbors --
I've tried to put together some maps that show the
parcels for sale in ways that may help you better
visualize where they are.
www.boulder.swri.edu/clark/magngoo.jpg
is an aerial image of our neighborhood from Google
Earth, stretching from Barker Reservoir on the left
to the intersection of CR-68 and Aspen Way on the
right. To the top are sections along Ridge Road
north of Boulder Canyon Rd. To the lower left are
regions around Tungsten Mountain, southwest of
Giggey pond. The darker areas are forested.
www.boulder.swri.edu/clark/magnsale.jpg
is from the official government web site, showing
a crude map of the roads. Light green areas are
existing USFS lands. Hatched regions bordered in
dark green are suggested for sale. The individual
squares are a quarter-mile on a side.
www.boulder.swri.edu/clark/magnmrg.jpg
is a merger of the two previous views. The overlap
isn't perfect, but it can help you compare the
land-sale sites with natural features.
The rightmost box is the portion that the Pine Glade
neighborhood surrounds. To its left is a portion
that includes the northern slopes of the high
point reached, for instance, from Boy Scout Trails
that has a glorious view of the Divide.
The 3 contiguous parcels to the south of the last
two are just east of Deadman's Curve and just south
of Scott Reuman's, a section of forest that PUMA
volunteers helped to document as part of the
Winiger Ridge Project. Two more parcels abut
the intersection of Lazy Z and Magnolia. West of
them is a block that contains the high hill
surrounded by hiking/mountain bike trails (and
an unused USFS road) that is very popular.
Many more for-sale parcels are in the Tungsten
Mountain vicinity, and northeast of Nederland
in the vicinity of Ridge Road. Of course, many
other large parcels of interest are off the
map, such as enormous parcels between St. Mary's
glacier and James Peak.
Most of these parcels are, in fact, contiguous
with large stretches of existing USFS lands.
Clark Chapman
Sunday, February 26, 2006
For all those train buffs out there
Two years ago, I struck up a conversation with a guy that was loaded down with video cameras. He was standing next to the Moffat tunnel, which was built about about 100 years ago to allow trains to get under the continental divide after leaving west out of Denver. At the time, it was a massive and expensive undertaking, but it has paid for itself many times over since.
Anyway, it turns out that he had taveled all the way from Italy (if memory serves) just to take video of trains.
Well, this is for all those train buffs out there.
Yes it was snowing and my friend walking by on her maiden snowshoe walk was an interesting sideline.
BTW, a minor gripe I have with Google videos is that they don't seem to tell you when your video has been approved. You just have to go back and check and at some point it just shows up. Still, its a great service since they take care of all the details about putting video on the web.
Anyway, it turns out that he had taveled all the way from Italy (if memory serves) just to take video of trains.
Well, this is for all those train buffs out there.
Yes it was snowing and my friend walking by on her maiden snowshoe walk was an interesting sideline.
BTW, a minor gripe I have with Google videos is that they don't seem to tell you when your video has been approved. You just have to go back and check and at some point it just shows up. Still, its a great service since they take care of all the details about putting video on the web.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Always keep good notes
There's a chinese saying that goes
"The faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory"
This certainly applies to keeping track of what you might be doing on the internet.
Just today, I found a domain that had slipped through the cracks after the ordeal detailed at
So if you aren't just on the internet for pure entertainment, keep notes!
Note: keep notes.
"The faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory"
This certainly applies to keeping track of what you might be doing on the internet.
Just today, I found a domain that had slipped through the cracks after the ordeal detailed at
So if you aren't just on the internet for pure entertainment, keep notes!
Note: keep notes.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Google hosts my video for free
I had to try this out. I heard that Google will host (store and stream) videos for free. Google gave me a utility to upload it with. I had to format the video as a wmv because it did not accept the asf format from my camera. It took a about a day to get it aproved.
Google also provides code that you can paste right into a site, or even this blog. So here it goes...
Cool! It works! Now you can enjoy the same view of the snow dragons that I get to see out my widow. "Snow Dragons" are my name for the huge waves of blowing snow that we get as the wind blows the snow of the trees after a snow fall.
PS. I admit, I added the blowing wind sound track. It just "looks" better with the sound of the wind!
Google also provides code that you can paste right into a site, or even this blog. So here it goes...
Cool! It works! Now you can enjoy the same view of the snow dragons that I get to see out my widow. "Snow Dragons" are my name for the huge waves of blowing snow that we get as the wind blows the snow of the trees after a snow fall.
PS. I admit, I added the blowing wind sound track. It just "looks" better with the sound of the wind!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Top 10 uses for paper bags
My fifth and final installment of the paper bag series. I hope you share my sense of humor.
Top 10 uses for paper bags
Top 10 uses for paper bags
Monday, February 06, 2006
A variation on the paper bag them
Here's a slightly different perspective of the paper bag vs plastic bag controversy.
Paper Bags vs ___
Paper Bags vs ___
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Paper Bag crafts
Heres a fun use for paper bags.
Use them in crafts projects.
You'd be amazed at all the different animal shapes you can make out of paper bags
Check out Paper Bag Crafts
Use them in crafts projects.
You'd be amazed at all the different animal shapes you can make out of paper bags
Check out Paper Bag Crafts
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Paper or plastic?
Now I'm off contemplating the lowly paper bag.
http://www.paperbagsfyi.com/
And I'm not done yet. More soon.
http://www.paperbagsfyi.com/
And I'm not done yet. More soon.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Cats and Bags
Sometimes, its good to have a little fun. A friend of mine asked me to write up something about Paper Bags
. Take a look. Can you tell I like cats?
. Take a look. Can you tell I like cats?
Monday, January 23, 2006
Now I know what ssh-scan does
I'm still trying to get a handle on the situation detailed in http://www.canaca-sucks.com
I finally found out from a friend of mine that goes by the handle "tech guru" what ssh-scan does. It is a tool used for DOS attacks. What this means in plain English is that it is used to send a lot of requests to a targeted website. The targeted website becomes overwhelmed and basically stops working.
Evidently, hackers use ssh-scan to shut down a trageted website for "fun" or profit.
I finally found out from a friend of mine that goes by the handle "tech guru" what ssh-scan does. It is a tool used for DOS attacks. What this means in plain English is that it is used to send a lot of requests to a targeted website. The targeted website becomes overwhelmed and basically stops working.
Evidently, hackers use ssh-scan to shut down a trageted website for "fun" or profit.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
[puma-news] Crutches to borrow
Hi All,
Does anyone out there have a pair of crutches for a person about 5'7"
that we could borrow for about six weeks?
Jennifer
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Warning about hosting with Canaca
Sometimes, the impersonal nature of the internet leads to some strange interactions. Somehow, I think that the kind of "you are guilty just because I say so" treatment that I got with a former hosting provider just would be less likely in person.
Come to think of it, I did have that kind of interaction once in person. However, it was also a special case in that the individual did not speak english very well. And perhaps my german accent got in the way too.
Any way, you can read my experience and my fair warning at http://www.canaca-sucks.com
- Mike
Come to think of it, I did have that kind of interaction once in person. However, it was also a special case in that the individual did not speak english very well. And perhaps my german accent got in the way too.
Any way, you can read my experience and my fair warning at http://www.canaca-sucks.com
- Mike
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