Joys of Hiking Post-75

Last weekend we decided to get our hiking legs back in shape after a lazy month along the shores of Lake Michigan. We headed to one of our favorite trails to the ridge near Meadow Mt. (RMNP). We arrived by 6:30 a.m. to beat the heat, 90 degrees that day. The goal was to take in the beautiful views from the ridge above, about 2500' elevation gain (7 mi. round trip). Successfully we snagged a parking spot and with hiking sticks in hand, we started up into the quiet forest enjoying the peaceful morning. No conversation, just moving at a nice steady pace, watching where our feet were landing so we could return without any new tweaks to the joints. Then somewhere along the rocky, steep part, we were reminded of what we uttered 2 yrs ago, “we're never doing this hike again!” (Main reason is that going down is so hard on the knees.) What were we thinking?  However we kept on, becoming distracted with the last of the wildflowers, especially the deep blue bottled gentian.

About midway as the sun started beating down, we needed some good conversation to keep us going, nothing funny or entertaining came to mind -- we were getting testy. A little later another couple, a bit younger, came by and blurted out, “We're not having any fun!” We heartily agreed. Then, some strapping shirtless young men came by, charging up the trail on their way to summit St. Vrain Mt, coaxing their big furry dog to keep up. Poor thing, all he wanted to do was lie down in the little bit of shade. Smart dog! Later we wondered if the dog survived their enthusiasm or collapsed somewhere with heat stroke.

About 30 min from our destination, I could feel I needed more calories, the rest of my Payday saved the day. This wasn't normal for me: was it the heat, altitude or attitude? Hiking those last steps to the ridge was exhilarating, especially when the chilly wind hit us full blast. Wrapped up in my jacket and sitting on a rock, the panoramic views into Wild Basin and over to Longs Peak made it all worth it. It was glorious, lots of pictures were taken, but we still said, “Beautiful, but this IS our last time!”  Well, maybe.

By: Meliss Anderson

Bloggers' tea and conversation

By the way, bloggers and interested bloggers are convening over tea, cookies, and conversation on Wednesday, September 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. If you belong to either party, link to the event on the  PAFC calendar for more information. By: Bonnie Shetler

A Week in Aspen

Crossing over wetlands

A week in Aspen doesn’t have to be expensive. senior rate of  $13 a night for a campsite 5 miles east of town and a great bike trail into the heart of downtown .A typical day starts with an early morning bike ride into town...

Through thick aspen woods

Bridge over the Roaring Fork

Entering the eastern edge of town

Where the Aspen Mt. ski runs drop
straight into town

Gathering inside the tent for the morning dress rehearsal($20)
of the evening  Beethoven Concert ($80)

Then bike back to the campsite for lunch, shower, and nap, before
driving back into town for dinner and an Aspen Theater
performance of "Little Shop of Horrors"

For over 20 years we have spent a week like this during the Aspen music festival. Usually around our anniversary (52 this year). We eat out 3 or 4 times, but mostly make our own meals in our small popup camper. Over the week we generally  see an opera, an evening concert performance, a morning dress concert rehearsal, one play, one or two master classes, check out the farmers’ market on Saturday  morning, hike at least one  high mountain trail, bike back and forth to town once a day, and take one longer bike ride (10 miles)  along the Rio Grand trail down to Woody Creek for lunch. In between it is feet up  in camp, book in hand, which often leads to a nap lulled by  the warmth of a summer afternoon and the soft rustle of aspen leaves. No cell, no wifi, solar power only, no traffic, only the sounds of nature and the occasional fellow camper passing by. 

Life in Colorado is really very good.

By: Bonnie Shetler

Old Coots

A friend forwarded me this segment of "On the Road with Steve Hartman" about older friends taking their coffee club meetings to their local farmers market. The results were delightful. This is a great reflection of how younger people look to older adults for advice and wisdom.

Click here to see the video (there's a short ad before the video starts).

Should we start one here in Fort Collins?


By: PAFC

Applesauce Time

The apples on my backyard tree are ripening and it’s time to get out my 60-year-old Foley Food Mill. I’ve had it since college days. It’s a simple strainer fitted with a flat blade and a handle that makes it possible to smush apples until the good stuff is separated from the seeds and skin which remain in the bowl of the food mill.

I wash and quarter the apples then boil them for 10-12 minutes with a small amount of water until they are soft. Place the food mill over a large bowl and scoop the apple pulp into it. Crank the handle four of five times, then reverse the motion for a time or two. Repeat this process until all you have left in the mill is seeds and skin.

While the applesauce is still hot, stir in sugar to taste or none at all if you prefer. A bit of cinnamon is a good addition. Store in small jars or plastic containers in the freezer.

There’s nothing better than homemade applesauce in the middle of winter.

By: Libby James

Tale of a techno idiot

                                                                            Really?

I have officially joined the ranks of the severely technologically challenged. In the last week I have acquired a new television set, a Nook reader and last but not least, a new wireless printer. I’ve never felt more stressed.

I think I finally have the TV set so that I can turn it on and watch PBS—that’s all I really want to do.

The Nook awaits my attention while I hassle with getting this “easy connections” printer to actually print.  The place where I bought it promised an easy set up—perhaps so for some—but not for me. I spent most of last night tossing and turning and trying to figure out what to do next.

I’m closer than I was yesterday, but it’s going to drive me crazy until I figure out how to print something.

I’m off to run. Maybe that will help!

By: Libby James

What a beautiful morning.

Woke up this morning around 6:30. My husband Terry was already up and about. Because of the expected heat of the day he had opened up every door and window to let in the cool morning breezes. We live in the foothills on Stove Prairie Road where the nearest neighbor is a quarter mile away so that at 6:30 on a Saturday morning the only sounds are birdsongs and the whispering of pine trees. The low rising sun light shining through the house is exquisite. It does not get any better than this.








By: Bonnie Shetler