Crested Butte, CO

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

“When you are sorrowful look again in your Heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight” ~ Kahlil Gibran ~

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We are taking roots in Lost Lake, CO. In, around? Which one is right? Missed Sunrise again, sleep last night was not so good after unusually waking up from a very bad dream called a nightmare. Spirit was lost while I was with my Father who has passed away now some 20 years ago. Cell phones were not working, (was there cell phones 20 years ago?), there was a force disabling me to send out search parties as at the same time his family was only laughing and halting any hope to find him. Two different eras mixed and one of those when suddenly waking up truly happy of this false mental reality. Disturbing. Coffee as always and utilizing some shade turning on the new Goal0 battery and inverter, laptop, going through some photos, this Journal is now totally published with solar power giving me so much more freedom only needing a connection to upload it all while "Old Faithful’s" load becomes heavier and heavier.

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Technology is getting the best of me yet facilitating it all. Deeper and deeper into taken steps as even having access to this Journal through my smart phone with the ability replying to comments, adding updates to existing entries, posting even a new entry however keeping that aspect when on the laptop for a better handle on photos. There will even be the ability to subscribe to the comments, I think such conversations will be beneficial. How far can all this technology go? So amazing. So spoiled including reading books and writing always the complete content of this Journal on my phone which truly is not a phone anymore.

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As the Sun warming us up what will it be today? A hike I think around the big lake and Dollar lake. Perfect temperatures, perfect everything it has been, very few of my friends the mosquitoes, nothing compared to Grassy Lake and around the Glacier. Must be the older generation as Eucalyptus Lemon spray which we both smell like is taking care of it. Even our strolling through Crested Butte yesterday was of a pleasant one about 20 miles away. Friendly town, booming a bit through this summer month unlike throughout their rough winter. Dog Friendly yet unfriendly while wanting to sit on a patio for a cup of coffee. "Dogs are not allowed on patios because of a City ordinance" I was being told. "Not this one" is now my reply always, "he is a Service Dog…". Sometimes with then a smile, sometimes not, we are then allowed. Strange enough as I keep his tag and laminated documentation  in my wallet, I am never asked to show proof.

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Turns out no hike today. A full rest day for Spirit and I. We shall walk to the Lake at Sunset later, it is one of those much needed time as we will move on tomorrow, thinking about Lake City. Peaches for Breakfast from the Farmers Market yesterday, a cup of plain white Basmati rice (from Trader Joes, the best rice I have ever tasted, the “yellow label”), later topped with a diced real tomato, avocado, a can of low sodium tuna (also from T.Joes), a bit of unfiltered Olive Oil and 18 (now 19!) year old Balsamic Vinegar (both from TasteofOlive.com), what luxury…. I forget a couple grinds of "Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals ", from again T.Joes, harvested in Pakistan, bottled in South Africa and sold in the U.S. (I am truly reading the label). A spoonful of Chocolate Peanut Butter (which I try so hard not to buy…) with a banana and "et voila", no refrigeration needed. I think I will join Spirit now under his tree for a nap. No Ritz Carlton needed either, this is the Master Suite, all amenities included.

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Brainless day today it turned out to be. A big welcome for such moments in such a space. I am calmly with Spirit sitting by the Lake, waiting maybe for the clouds to turn colors and starring at this mountain which part of it crumbled this morning. A humbling experience. While reading I thought a low jet was making it’s presence when the loudness of it made me stand up and run toward a clearing where the noise was coming from mixed with bursts of dust I could see through the trees. The mountain side was rolling and what a sight it was, outstanding notes of a thunder Mother Nature played. A first for me, present throughout this change of scenery. Ran back to the camera in time to capture the final blow as so slowly silence again came back.

After the fall-4

After the fall-3

After the fall-2

"I have had a great deal of interest in my photography over the years, for which I am grateful. Their sales are of much importance funding this Journal. Yes, please feel free to purchase one or two… or a few. I have been adding some photos lately, there will be more as I sift through about 100,000 of them.

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Take a look. “Smugmug” stands for quality. Thank you”

Be well, always.

Ara & Spirit

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20 Responses to “Crested Butte, CO”

  1. Bill Mcdonald Says:

    Ara, all you have to do is say the magic words “service animal.” This subject I assure you I know a lot about, being a bus driver and having been trained at a major transit agency as well as at my current employer, a bus company with a national presence.

    Under the Americans with disabilities act, a federal law, they can not ask for any license, and none are required to comply with the provisions of the act.

    Some service animals wear little uniforms that say “I am a service animal” or similar- they look like dog sweaters.

    Yet amazingly some places still refuse to allow the service animals inside.

    I don’t get it, no one would refuse a blind man’s Seeing Eye Dog, at least I hope that they don’t.

  2. Dick (dharmabum) Says:

    Ara,
    Thanks for the pictures. As I said Crested Butte has changed much over the years. In the 90’s Sprit was allowed to enter any place you would have wanted him to go, in fact he could lay on your feet at the Paradise Cafe as you ate. I’m afrad that the town may be suffering from the “I’ve got mine, and you can’t have any of it” syndrome. Years ago there where hardly any cars around, everyone was on a bike.
    Oh well, time moves forward.
    If you do get to Lake City, you might consider going over the pass and down into Creede, I think you would love that little town.

    Dick

  3. D. Brent Miller Says:

    Ara,

    I don’t think I have ever been to Crested Butte. After looking at your photos, I have to go. That looks like a cool little town.

    Brent

  4. Rhonda Says:

    Nightmares always make me ponder “what issue am I trying to work out?”. Your photos have a way of transporting me, so calming. I’d love to see you laptop set-up…I find it fascinating that you’ve got it solar powered…total cool!

  5. hobopals Says:

    I thought I’d been everywhere in Colorado! I have to see where Lost Lake is. Lake City is beautiful–Crede–that whole area. Odd about your nightmare…I had one, too. I dreamed I lost Jack the other night and a sea of people were holding me back from finding him. I was fighting and screaming. I awoke in tears, and there he was licking me as though he knew I was having a bad dream. Dogs…wonderful creatures.

    I can’t believe you saw a landslide much less got pictures of it, Ara! It’s amazing the things you see when you are wandering — you realize that no one else on earth will ever see exactly what you saw. Nature, a wonderful dog at your side, and a good book–what gets better in life?

    Jack goes everywhere with me and I just act like he’s supposed to. No one ever questions me. It’s funny. He’s even been in Caesar’s Palace to avoid the heat when my daughter conned me into going to that god awful place, Las Vegas. I was taking a picture when a woman asked me whether he was a seeing-eye dog. I had a hard time holding it together–I think I heard Jack laughing at that one. Sure wish Spirit and Jack could meet one day–they would be kindred spirits, I’m sure. I’m a little discouraged with my back, but I think my will to travel will overcome the pain. Good thing Jack is probably better behaved than me–even if I can’t walk very far, I can find places for him. Then, again, maybe all this will be behind me by that time.

  6. Ara & Spirit Says:

    I can now reply on my phone and as of tonight subscription to the comments will be enabled. I think it will be nice to set up such conversations without e mail. If you look at the comments you will see that Rhonda also had such a nightmare. Maybe some hidden forces trying to go against the grain of our buddies! Think positive, just be and you will make it with flying colors. Lake City is incredibly dog friendly, and also food friendly in store. The funny part is they are very cell phone unfriendly in those same store as I feel good for them.
    Yes, moving slow makes one feel so much…. I will never forget that landslide! Thanks for writing… who knows, maybe the curves of the road will get Spirit and Jack to meet…

  7. Dee Says:

    Outstanding pictures – Colorado has many neat towns hidden in those mountains. And a landslide to boot – in all the years I lived in Colorado, a landslide was never a part of them= what a thing to experience! Glad you were able to experience something that was almost made for your eyes only. Hugs to Spirit, the All American Service Dog!

  8. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Thanks Dee…. Spirit is liking the hugs!!!

  9. Colorado Kid Says:

    Ara, please give us the exact configuration of the Goal Zero equipment you have and how well it works for you – I would also like to order one.

    Beautiful photos – you’re in my old stomping grounds.

  10. Ara & Spirit Says:

    The wonders of WP on the phone! I will write it up, in the meantime let me know your needs. Laptop doing photos you will need the 350. The link is also on the Journal amongst my sponsors. How are you? Utah?….

  11. Colorado Kid Says:

    I have a MacBook Pro and of course, the usual photography needs. Just spent some time in beautiful Torrey, Utah, and before that, Steamboat Springs, which is also beautiful but a bit over-controlled by wealthy interests (I spent part of my childhood there and it’s very different now, but it’s nice country and maybe you would enjoy going there for a bit before winter hits).

    Of course, the best of all is the San Juans in the autumn, if you can stay warm (for photos). But maybe you would like to head to Torrey and Boulder, Utah – not crowded, lots of camping, and cool. I’m currently in Grand JUnction for a day or two, then on to Montana for a late summer trip, hoping the mosquitoes are all gone. Good to hear from you, I always read your blog. 🙂

  12. Colorado Kid Says:

    Hey Ara, I just ordered a Goal Zero and told them I learned about it from you! Very excited to be solar powered again. Thanks.

  13. Dick (dharmabum) Says:

    Ara,
    I’m looking at your Spot and it looks as if you may be in Creede. I love that town, I’m looking forward to your impressions.

    If you get a chance, visit the fire house, it’s in the side of the mountain.

    Dick

  14. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Yes we are. I am still fond of Lake City though. Something about it… Creeds has the Tourist Circus Lake City does not have….

  15. Dick (dharmabum) Says:

    Too bad about Creede, back in the day it was full of people just wanting to live their life in peace, artists, writers, musicians, etc. Parents that wanted their kids to grow up with a sense of community, that sort of thing.

    It looks as if you are in Pagosa Springs now, I’ll never forget the hot tubs after 120 miles on the bicycle riding over several passes.

    Enjoy

  16. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Most such little towns (Ouray/Silverton/…) end up being a matter of survival. The feel then all depends on how it is being done and how physically spread the town is.

  17. Dick (dharmabum) Says:

    Ara,

    That is exactly why I have been thinking long and hard about wintering (with Dakota Skye my shepherd) in Terlingua.

  18. LaRonda Cook Says:

    Ara and Spirit, read about your trip in a magazine and decided to check it out. I couldn’t believe that you were in Crested Butte,Co. Did you catch any of the bike race? My sister and family lived in Crested Butte for years. It was a wonderful little town. They are now in Salida. If you get there, look up Rusty Wardlow. I am looking forward to following your trip.

  19. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Hi LaRonda Thanks for writing. No, we do not do crowds very well! More into isolated camping when we can… I am trying to find out which Magazine as many have written but… still in the dark here.

  20. LaRonda Cook Says:

    The magazine was Dog Fancier. Or something like that. Have a safe trip.

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