RINGS

USFS foresters were surveying the giant old ponderosa pines here in the campground today.

One of their procedures is to take a tiny core sample and count the rings to age the tree.

There is a really cool giant ponderosa that is on our campsite.

This quiet, gentle giant, sometimes whispers us to sleep at night. It provides shade for web surfers at the aluminum tables, shelter for the firewood pile and keeps hail stones off of our little 4x4. 

The deep shade of this ancient tree has listened many a campfire tale. We had guessed it to be around 100 years old because it was beginning to get that golden color to it’s bark. We missed it a bit.

Here is the core sample site that will fill with sap and protect the tree.

Here is a look at the core’s length.

Here is a look at the texture of the cores rings.

Click on photos for a larger look.

So, how old was the friendly giant that lives in our yard  ?

Ninety two years old.

STUNNER

Located in the Rio Grande National forest Along the Continental divide.

A Gold Mining town !

The stunner campground is in our district, but, is an un attended campground.

Free camping in a very cool, historical place.

Lots and lots of old gold mines located here. Lots of old cabins and shacks still stand today.

Thirty plus miles of rough dirt road, just  to get in there. Oh, yeah, but it’s worth the trip !

Be sure to bring your camera !

DRUM

Part of our wheel bearing repacking operation is to inspect the brake shoes and the brake drums, to see how much wear is remaining on them, and the wear on the electro magnet that activates them.

Inspecting the brake drum for signs of excessive heating or wear is easy to do at this time.

This is a great time to take a close look at the lug nuts and bolts.

Should any be suspect in any way this is a good time to replace them, rather than beside the freeway on a scalding hot day.

CRITTERS

Breakfast around the campfire with the critters.

A light rain fell all night long. It was great sleeping !

A crackling campfire and a hot cup of coffee, shared with the critters. This morning the clouds are hanging low as we have breakfast around the campfire with the critters. Here is a video look.

Stellar Jays, Chipmunks, Hummingbirds and Golden ground Squirrels

Campfire smoke nearly hides some of the critters.

Campfire, coffee, camera and critters, a great start to another day in the Rocky Mountains.

Here is a much shorter video that will load quicker.

Feet up, coffee and camera in hand

Early in the morning we make our rounds, then it’s coffee, campfire and critter time !

GLADE

Aspen Glade Campground, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado.  Here is a video look.

Nestled

Bill and Martha had backed their 5er carefully until it was nestled in amongst the old growth Ponderosa pine trees.

Here is a look at their comfy camp with a view.

This panoramic, stitched together photo taken by Bill Harmon. Click on photos for a better view.

Early morning sun light filters down through the ponderosa pines.

We chat with coffee cups in hand,

as the last minute, pre trip inspection and checks are made.

Angel says: “come on, you guys !”

Then it is time for OTRA, On The Road Again.

SHOWER

Gathered up under the cover of the screen house,

we enjoyed some of Martha’s great Cherry Bars made with fresh Bing cherries. Lip smackin’ good !

Then we enjoyed a short Summer Monsoon Shower. Here is a look.

Aspen Glade Campground Rio Grande National Forest Conejos District

Yep, in the cool of the evening, it is time for a campfire.