Camp near Natural Arch, San Luis Valley

[rginn]

Took Resendiz for his second camp-out ever. I intended to camp again in Penitente Canyon but I guess they weren't kidding when they advertised it as a world class destination for rock climbers and mountain bikers. Especially on the weekend for Front Range people. (I didn't think they came down this far) Still, we found a spot over in the San Juan Nat'l Forest over by Natural Arch, which I wanted to check out the archaeology there anyway. Long about sundown, a bear started raisin cain on the ridge over west of us, but never came over to where we were, I guess. Edgar was in a tent but I slept on the ground as usual. I think it was a while before he got to sleep, haha! Woke up just before daylight and wanted to lay there a little longer, and did, until a rattlesnake buzzed about 20 ft. from my head. Nature's alarm clock I guess. Never did find the snake. Note the pic where I thought I found an arrowhead, just a random chunk of quartz. And yes, we still have snowpack and frozen lakes above 10,000ft.

 

[tamrock]

I guess all that snow up there means no water restrictions this year. I don't water my backyard and maybe once a week on the front anyways. I keep thinking I'm gonna redo the landscape with that zeroscape someday. I like that idea. Maybe decorate with sage and yucca, with a few other natural survivors in a arid climate.

 

[Hawks88]

Nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

 

[rginn]

Well tamrock, I always flush twice cause I know it's a long ways to the Front Range.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Thank you for sharing!

 

[diggingthe1]

I don’t know if you can get into the Biedell mine by La Garita but there are some great crystals with water bubble inclusions. Somewhere I have some my wife and I found there. I’m glad that snake didn’t curl up with you for warmth in the night. They sure like that side of the valley better. That sure is some peaceful country if you can avoid the mainstream places. Beautiful pictures as usual!

 

[rginn]

I hadn't heard a rattler buzz in a long time, digginthe1, but once you hear it you never forget it. I always think of that 'Rifleman' episode where a rattlesnake got in Lucas McCain's bedroll and it took them 30 minutes to get the snake out of there.

 

[rginn]

The best part of the whole day I thought, was when Edgar Resendiz, guitarist for a Mexican rock band, was practicing and to our total amazement and surprise his little dog, Chabelo, that he brought along, clearly and plainly yelled out 'Free Bird!!'. (Maybe to Edgar's chagrin, but I was amazed the little fella could speak English, haha!)

 

[WannaDig3687]

It sure is beautiful there! No wonder you are over run with tourists. Thanks for the pics!