We need some stinkin' showshoes

In our previous outing to the high country, we decided that we didn't need snowshoes. We were able to hike just fine because of the packed snow, but we had to turn back once we encountered soft snow. Yesterday, we went to the Never Summer Mountains, near Cameron Pass, for some hiking, and this time, we rented snowshoes.

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

It was a good thing we did rent snowshoes. Cameron Pass is on the Continental Divide in Northern Colorado. There was probably 3-5 feet of snow, mostly packed down from previous snowshoers and skiers, but not always. The snowpack was really incredible. It snows a lot up there.

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

Our hike took us from a trailhead on Route 14 to Lake Agnes, surrounded by the amazing Nokhu Crags. The weather was spectacular--warm, no clouds (or snow), bright and sunny. As we made our way toward the lake, we were treated to continuous views of the Crags and other peaks.

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

This is a popular place, and there are two backcountry huts for overnight stays in the area, so we encountered a lot of people. No solitude here, but the scenery is worth it nonetheless. Just as you get close to the lake, there's a small ridge you have to get over. Climbing up steep hills in deep snow seems like it would be quite difficult, but with snowshoes, it's now problem at all. Sometimes we stayed on the beaten path, sometimes we branched off and broke our own trail through the snow.

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

Finally, we emerged from the last bit of forest and arrived at the alpine lake. The sun was bright and warm so we stayed a while to enjoy the scene. A sampling of the MANY pictures we took:

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

Those strange rock formations called the Nokhu Crags played spectacular games with the sunlight. Unfortunately, we are mediocre photographers so we didn't really capture it very well. The peak itself is a sedimentary rock formation created when this area was under an ocean millions and millions of years ago. Erosive processes created the many shapes and continues to change the mountain to this day.

The more we visit sites like this, the more I understand why mountains inspire thoughts of the transcendent and sublime. Mountains are inviting with their spectacular displays, but at the same time, they can be very inhospitable and often dangerous. I'm currently reading a biography of Gifford Pinchot--the nation's first professional forester (sort of), first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, and early pivotal figure in the conservation movement that would eventually become modern environmentalism. Pinchot was inspired by scenes in the Adirondacks, the Sierra Mountains, and other places. He had legendary disputes with John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. I can't say my visits change my views of their disputes and the modern environmental controversies we face, but I understand better why the emotions inspired by these places can be potent forces for good or bad. Pinchot and Muir developed a great friendship that was destroyed by their disputes over conservation issues, especially Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park. A valley that was eventually dammed to provide water for San Francisco.

Cassie said it best as she took in the scene: "Wow! God is da bomb!" And he/she/it works on a grand canvas, but there are wonderful small works too.

From Lake Agnes & Nokhu Crags

Dear MDTOCO Blog Followers

While the humans have been boring you with tales of their move and recent outdoor adventures (that, I might add, they did not take us on) -- I know that you have been wondering how we (George and Betty) have been adjusting to their relocation out West.

Here is an insider interview to give our side of the story …

From The Dogs

George: So, Betty … how are you adjusting to life in Colorado?

Betty: Colorado? When did we move to Colorado?

George: About a month ago -- when the humans drove us around in the car for a week straight.

Betty: Oh. I thought they were just lost. The tall human kept referring to his GPS.

George: It snows here and is cold a lot. How is that affecting you?

Betty: Well, I love the snow. Unlike rain, which is wet and makes me very unhappy – the snow is dry to walk on and is good to eat.

George: So, what you're saying is that what we perceive and experience is heavily mediated through language and concepts that are deeply ingrained in our ways of thinking and feeling, is that right?

Betty: Huh?

George: What about the pink rubber snow booties, Betty? Is that the hot new resort look for 2009?

From The Dogs

From The Dogs

Betty: I think they are some kind of torture device. Call the SPCA and report this, will ya? Supposedly they help me to walk in the snow and protect my paws from freezing in the cold temperatures. I really don't know what the humans were thinking.

George: Any other comments about your treatment by the humans since moving to Colorado?

Betty: Yeah. How come you get to sleep on the bed with the humans at night and I don't?

George: Um, next question. What are your thoughts about the Obama selection of a White House dog?

Betty: Well, no Obama people have contacted me yet for an interview. I may be interested in the position if their treats are chicken flavored. Of course, I would have to consider the past loyalty of our current humans. Also, I have gotten fond of pooping in their yard and am not sure I would want attention of the media and paparazzi that would come with the White house lawn.

George: Thank you, Betty. Is there anything else you'd like to say to followers of the blog?

Betty: Blog? What's a blog?

George: Never mind. Okay. Now you ask me something.

Betty: You gonna eat that treat?

George: Yes. Now ask me something else.

Betty: You gonna eat that treat NOW?

George: Is food ALL you can think about?

Betty: I thought I was supposed to be asking the questions.

George: Let's go. It's dinner time.