CONUNDRUM CREEK TRAIL TO CONUNDRUM HOTSPRINGS

Beau and I left Colorado Springs on the Eastern slope by way of Buni Vista.  We crossed the continental divide at Independence pass 

We had a herd of 7 big horn sheep cross the road on our way up the pass

We managed to fined a parking spot at the trail head and we were off. With about 30 lbs of gear in our packs

 Bear country! We got our over night camping permit on line.  The hike was about 8 miles in to the hot springs on a well marked trail with waterfall.s, wild flowers and stream crossings

 Avalanche debri field

Our destination is at the base of those mountians

 Silver dollar pond

 One of the split log river crossings 

 Beau made it look easy and it was.

But about 2 miles from the hot spring their was another stream crossing which you have to roll up your pants and ford a fast flowing stream.

 About seven miles in was out camp site #19 

 Still some snow at our site but #'s 7 and 8 were totally snowed in.

 After making camp we had another mile to hike with out our packs to reach the hot spring.

 There were about a dozen other people at the spring.  5 guys who had been camping for several days a few gals who were hiking the pass a couple from denver and some raft guides who were doing a day trip.

 Water temp was just a little over 100*F

 We hung out for several hours before heading back to camp.  next time I would choose a closer camp site if there were any available.

This crew was taking off with very little gear and no lights so I gave them mine tor the hike back.

They should make it back about 9:30 or ten.  Cold, wet and dark

 By 7:00 am the next moring the temp was 28*F

30 lbs time to head back .... We averaged about 2 MPH for the return trip.

Lytle creek

Lazy day floating Lytle creek in the blue bardge. 

 With the water running high and muddy the catching was slow.  The only smalli was within the last 500 yards above the take out bridge.

 I did alittle road side clean up.  First this black rat snake on the gravel near the house.

and this snapper over near maquoketa.

Dubuque this week.

Susie and I did a little bee branch clean up the other day. 

Service for our comunity not comunity service. 

 Friday was the day I made the cuts for the grate, in the double wall to the alley.

 Worker and forman.

 And it's in.

 This mayfly is our first visitor.

The current view form the patio.

Week Eleven - Roof, Roof, Roof

 So, Susie and I have been at this for quite a while.  We continually learn with each and every project.

Our first "Green" earthen roof went up on the back end of the pole barn on what was to be a sauna.

 Next, We constructed one on the South entery way.  

A green roof has many benefits at economic, ecological and societal levels.   Agreen roof provides a rainwater buffer, purifies the air, reduces the ambient temperature, regulates the indoor temperature, saves energy and encourages biodiversity in the city.  

Our most recient roof went on the bike shed that Marty built for up in Dubuque.

We like the plants, colors and textures.