Colorado Concept Troll in Breckenridge Co
| Date: | 10-18-2024 |
| Location: | Breckenridge, CO |
| Cost: | $0 |
| Parking: | Street Parking |
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Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake – RMNP
| Date: | 10-21-2024 |
| Location: | Rocky Mountain National Park, CO |
| Distance: | 4.03 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 658′ |
| Total Time: | 3 hr 16 min |
| Parking: | 20+ cars |
While my buddy Pauly and I were in Estes Park we decided to head into Rocky Mountain National Park and do the hike up to Emerald Lake and all the preceding lakes on that trail.
As we made the half hour drive from our cabin in Estes. We noticed that the clouds were filling in up in the mountains, and the mountains were starting to disappear.
When we arrived at the trail head, we saw that there were about 50-100 cars already there. The parking lot is large because this is one of the most popular hikes in the Rocky’s. Mostly due to the fact that the lower section of Bear Lake is very easy and an accessible trail. So many just do Bear Lake and not the longer hike to Emerald Lake.
The temps were chilly and there was a pretty steady wind with some snow flurries. We grabbed our winter coats and gloves before we set out. At the trail head there are also some pit toilets for people to use.
The start of the trail is an easy grade. Some sections of the trail seemed to be paved to help prevent erosion.
As we climbed a few areas had a slightly steeper grade. We came upon some views but most of the mountains were socked in the clouds.
We continued on and shortly after made it to Nymph Lake. Temps were starting to drop a little and winds were picking up slightly. Many of the people on the trail seemed to turn around at this point. But we continued on.
As we climbed the trail got a little more rugged but still well maintained. This section of trail offered some great photo opportunities with mountain cliffs and and ledges and even a few tall peaks sticking out in the clouds here and there.
Soon we made it to Dream Lake. The wind was much stronger here. There were waves and white caps on the water. We didn’t stay to long here. We were .9 miles from our last lake, so we marched on.
This last section of trail was the most interesting with lots of different environments. Lots of photos on the way. We could feel the temps getting cold and we could see steady flurries in the air.
When we made it to Emerald Lake, we could hear the winds howl on our approach. There were a number of people at the lake but no one stayed long. When we got to the shore the large peaks were mostly behind the clouds.
When the wind gusted with the snow and sleet it was would sting our face so we could not face the wind long. The clouds were moving quickly so we stayed for a few minutes but unfortunately they never left the lake area. This was by far the most extreme weather we encountered on this trial.
After a few photos we started back down. One thing that really stood out to me was the amount of people going up that were not prepared at all for the weather. Some just in shots and sweatshirts.
On our way down the weather got better and the winds died down. By the time we reached the parking lot again the sun was out. We looked back toward Emerald Lake and we could still see the dark cold clouds over it.
This was a fun hike and I’ll have to go back and do it again on a nice day. I will say I was moving pretty slow with the high elevation. Breathing wasn’t hard but the thin air was noticeable. It is also important to make sure you stay hydrated. That will make all the difference.
Bike Ride From Breckenridge to Frisco and Back
| Date: | 10-18-2024 |
| Location: | Breckenridge and Frisco, CO |
| Distance: | 26.78 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 957′ |
| Total Time: | 4 hr 25 min |
| Parking: | 20+ cars |
My buddy Paul and I were in Colorado for an Iron Maiden concert. We decided to arrive a few days before the show and check our Breckenridge. After a full day of traveling we had no interest in getting in a car so we decided to rent some bikes and check out the town on two wheels.
We found a bike shop near our place that rents all kind of bikes. We chose some pedal assist e-bikes that we could take around town and explore some rail trails.
Avalanche Sports was fantastic with setting us up with bikes, helmets and bike locks. They suggested a ride down to Frisco, CO. So we took that advice and were on our way. Weather was sunny but chilly. Forecast called for some rain later in the afternoon and possibly a little snow. We had hats and coats so we were all set.
The pedal assist had a few settings, Eco, Sport, Tour and Turbo. Each step up added more assistance. We started out cruising around Breckenridge, in and out of the side streets and parks.
We eventually found the bike path and started heading north to Frisco. Breckenridge is about 9,600 in elevation and Frisco is about 8,700. So we knew the whole way down would be pretty easy. So we decided to conserve the battery on the way down. We knew we would need all of it on the way back up.
The rail trail runs parallel to the road for s few miles. It offers great views of the mountain range and open land. In other areas we were riding through golden leafed Aspens. There are markers and signs along the way that celebrate the mining history.
A little further along the way we came across a teepee made from sticks. The path is paved and easy to follow. As we got further way from Breckenridge we got further way from the road. The path is kind of out there on its own.
We continued and soon came up to a large lake with mountains behind it. Again, the views along this path were awesome! After the lake we were just about in Frisco and a new set of mountains were in front of us.
We made our way down from the bike path to the town below and pedaled down main street for a way. We were both pretty hungry, so we grabbed some lunch at the Moose Jaw restaurant. Food was great, just what we were looking for.
After lunch we geared up and explored Frisco a bit. While in one of the shops, the owner said she just got a text that it was snowing up in Breckenridge. So we decided to get going.
As we went through town there was a bit of an incline getting back up to the main trail but with the pedal assist it was not to bad. There are also lots of places to pull of and take pictures.
Once we were back on the main path we had a small downhill glide before the long uphill grade back to Breckenridge. It wasn’t steep but it was consistent.
On the way back it started to rain and then sleet for a bit and the winds were picking up so I put my shell on for the rest of the ride. In the distance we could no longer see the mountains due to the snowstorm ahead.
We kept a pretty good pace on the way back. The pedal assist was definably appreciated. Even with its help my legs could still feel the burn, especially with the elevation.
Once we were back in town we explored a bit more then remembered a train museum near the bike shop so we went to check that out as our last stop. After that we dropped the bikes back off. The salesman came out and checked us back in. The whole renting was so easy and quick. There is so much more to explore. I will rent from then again the next time I’m in Breckenridge.
Photographing Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS from Uncanoonuc Mountain in New Hampshire
| Date: | 8-12-2024 |
| Location: | Goffstown, NH |
| Parking: | 10+ cars in road |
I heard that comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) was going to be visible and I thought It would be fun to try and photograph it. The last comet I was able to capture was Comet Neowise.
The comet is supposed to be visible for about a week or two under ideal conditions. The tricky part is that the comet is close to the sun making it harder to see and is only visible just after sunset and just before sunrise.
It took me three evenings to get these shots. The first night I tried, there was a thick layer of clouds along the horizon. The second night there was a thin layer of clouds.
The third night looked to be clear skies, so I crossed my fingers and headed back up Uncanoonuc. This time I got there after sunset and decided to stay the full hour and a half before the comet disappeared behind the horizon.
When I arrived, there were quite a few people there. Some with cameras and some with telescopes. It was breezy and chilly. After sunset everyone started leaving. It was chilly and the sky was still to bright to see the comet.
After a while I was the only one left on the mountain. I took a test shot and noticed the comet in the photo. I zoomed in and took another to be sure. Yup it was a comet.
From here I was able to track and photograph it for about a half hour. Very fun. These are the photos I got. Some are a little blurry due to the winds and longer exposure attempts. I’m Pretty happy with them.
It pays to be patient and persistent.
Greeley Pond Trail from Livermore Road
| Date: | 10-12-2024 |
| Location: | Waterville Valley, NH |
| Distance: | 8.81 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 1006′ |
| Total Time: | 5 hr 50 min |
| Parking: | 20+ cars |
Columbus Day Weekend is always crazy busy in New Hampshire with leaf peepers from around the world. I was surprised to see this was not the case on our hike. My friend Jack suggested a hike up to Greeley Ponds from the Waterville Valley side.
We got to the Livermore parking lot about 8:15 AM and were on the trial by 8:30ish. The lot holds 20+ cars. We took a small walk around from the main Livermore Road trail to avoid the swarms of hikers. From here we came to the large junction, crossed the bridge and were at the start of the Greeley trail.
The trail starts down a large pine corridor. It is mostly flat the next mile/mile and a half. The trail runs along the Mad River that eventually makes its way down to Campton and then the Pemigewasset River.
As we walked down the path the sun lit up the red, orange and yellow leaves above us. They made for some great pictures with the blue-sky background. The winds were blowing pretty well along the trail. We soon came to the Goodrich Rock Junction.
Not far after that sign the trail angles up ward with a steady but easy incline. You can notice the brook getting further and further below. There were lots of breaks to take photos. In some areas it is was like we were walking in a cathedral hall with stained glass leaves above us.
After a bit we came to the high camp trail. I’ll have to come back another time to go up there. Soon the trail leveled out and then began to drop back down about 200 feet to the river.
There were a few ups and downs before we got to a bridge and a junction with the Kancamagus Ski Trail. Yet another trail to check out sometime. A little further down there were some good views of the East Osceola Cliffs.
We came to another junction where we had to cross the stream to get to the Lower Greeley Pond. In about a quarter mile we were at the base of the pond. A little ways further there was a good place to stop and take some photos and have some coffee. The wind was really gusting off the water while we were there.
After our break we continued to the Upper Greeley Pond. This section of trail was a bit more rugged the previous. It was about a quarter mile to the base of that pond. We got there is was a bit smaller than it looked on the map. We took a few pics.
While we were here we heard other people for the first time. I was surprised we had not seen anyone else up to this point. Especially with the trail being such an easy stroll for so long. We started back to the lower pond and then back tracked to the car.
On the trip back we passed a hand full of people heading up to the pond. The trip back was mostly downhill and went quickly. It was interested to see the change in colors now that the sun was higher in the air.
When we got back to the main junction at Livermore Road, we looped around one of the XC trails before going to the car.
The whole trip was about 9 miles and a 1000’ of elevation but is mostly flat and easy. This is a great route to go out for a stroll and immerse yourself in the woods.
The Roger Conant Statue, Salem, Massachusetts
| Date: | 10-8-2024 |
| Location: | Salem, MA |
| Cost: | $0 |
| Parking: | Public Parking |
This statue sits outside the main witch museum in Salem near Salem Common. Roger Conant was the founder of Salem and some other communities in MA.
The statue is bronze and sits up on a bolder brought from a nearby farm. What makes this particular statue interesting to me was that it was mistaken for a witch in a magazine article back in the 1990s. Conant is still mistaken for a witch to this day. Maybe because he is out in front of the witch museum, maybe because his had looks like a witches hat.
Either way this is a fun land mark to go out and take a picture of it.
