Monte Vista Dirt Drags

Carol Freshley June 14, 2016

I was happy to go back south to Monte Vista to photograph this event with Tom. He needed a car fix! Once we got there I remembered how differently we shoot a 'car' event. I show up to have fun. Tom shows up to WORK it!!! He quickly assesses the scene to determine the cars he wants to shoot. I quickly assess where the food tents are located, where the band will be playing and where the funkiest cars are parked. So, in fairness to fun and seriousness, I have put my photos first to give you a feel of the place. It will be followed by Tom's usual excellent car photography.

I made my way to the starting line for the drag races and then we waited.  And waited!  This is the opening ceremonial car.  I could not imagine what we were waiting for.  What are they looking for? — I made my way to the starting line for the drag races and then we waited. And waited! This is the opening ceremonial car. I could not imagine what we were waiting for. What are they looking for?

Finally, I heard it coming.  We were waiting for a fly-over between the finish line flags!  Very cool looking plane and I have no idea what kind it is. — Finally, I heard it coming. We were waiting for a fly-over between the finish line flags! Very cool looking plane and I have no idea what kind it is.

Then these planes flew over.  There was a lot of excitement in the crowd about how the races were starting. — Then these planes flew over. There was a lot of excitement in the crowd about how the races were starting.

There are two people in that cockpit!  I could see them on the second fly-over. — There are two people in that cockpit! I could see them on the second fly-over.

We are off!  The lovely young lady that waved the start of each race jumped up and down every time!  I thought for sure she would get tired, slow down or have someone else take a turn.  Nope! — We are off! The lovely young lady that waved the start of each race jumped up and down every time! I thought for sure she would get tired, slow down or have someone else take a turn. Nope!

The quarter mile dirt race track is located on a property with an old two screen outdoor movie lot, a motel and restaurant.  This was the opening car returning from its trip down the track. — The quarter mile dirt race track is located on a property with an old two screen outdoor movie lot, a motel and restaurant. This was the opening car returning from its trip down the track.

Next set racing down the track.  It is hard to tell from the start line who finishes first.  There are no lights or times shown at the finish line.  This event is back to the basics. — Next set racing down the track. It is hard to tell from the start line who finishes first. There are no lights or times shown at the finish line. This event is back to the basics.

Haha!  This driver actually manages to spin his tires and create a 'bit o' mud' while the photographers are finally figuring out where the real photo opportunity is! — Haha! This driver actually manages to spin his tires and create a 'bit o' mud' while the photographers are finally figuring out where the real photo opportunity is!

Linda (green helmet) has just yelled out to our flag dancer, "Don't let that other car win!"  Apparently, flag dancer is either ignoring her completely or going over to the other car to take care of the matter!  I could not see who finishe… — Linda (green helmet) has just yelled out to our flag dancer, "Don't let that other car win!" Apparently, flag dancer is either ignoring her completely or going over to the other car to take care of the matter! I could not see who finished first.

After an hour and a half of racing I left the fence along the race track and headed in search of other interesting photographs.  How about this one?  A fixer upper? — After an hour and a half of racing I left the fence along the race track and headed in search of other interesting photographs. How about this one? A fixer upper?

Detail is interesting to me.  Some of it is art! — Detail is interesting to me. Some of it is art!

Would not meet today's standards for safety or comfort!

I was told it really runs, even can race!

Then, there are the scenes that just touch your heart in some way.  This colorful lady with her umbrella looked out of place!  She definitely added some class! — Then, there are the scenes that just touch your heart in some way. This colorful lady with her umbrella looked out of place! She definitely added some class!

She danced in the middle of the green through three songs!

The little girl waited so patiently as her dad struggled to get that tiny strap back in the buckle using his big daddy hands.  I was touched. — The little girl waited so patiently as her dad struggled to get that tiny strap back in the buckle using his big daddy hands. I was touched.

"Yeah, I am having fun!" he said as he drove by.

Off he took after inquiring where the restroom was!  I think he is having fun too. — Off he took after inquiring where the restroom was! I think he is having fun too.

More than dirt, dust and old cars at this event.

Now, it is time for Tom's photos.

Old Sachs motorcycle that caught Tom's eye.

'34 Ford Phaeton.  Pretty gutzy to race down the track in such a nice car. — '34 Ford Phaeton. Pretty gutzy to race down the track in such a nice car.

Going pretty fast to raise that much dust!

This is an 'outlaw' 1932 Ford coupe with extreme chopped top.

#98 is a vintage stock car racer.  The two in front are hand crafted race cars.  They are in the line up to pair off at the start line. — #98 is a vintage stock car racer. The two in front are hand crafted race cars. They are in the line up to pair off at the start line.

Probably the one taken by Tom as I was using him as a leading line.

Hand constructed race car.  The storm eventually moved in over the festivities. — Hand constructed race car. The storm eventually moved in over the festivities.

#31 Model A roadster and behind it is a '32 roadster.

1936 Custom Ford.  He is really taking off at the finish line. — 1936 Custom Ford. He is really taking off at the finish line.

Whew! If you have made it this far you have spent a full day with us!! All you are missing is the almost 2 hour ride home through Cochetopa Pass and Canyon along with some great rain.

Lake City

Carol Freshley June 12, 2016

A return to Lake City made for a lovely day trip. We drove north from South Fork last week but arrived too late to stay and photograph much in the area. This time we drove south from Gunnison and arrived in time to take yet another dirt road trip .

We always check in at the Visitor Center first if they are open.  Lake City thrives on its tourist business and they can give you a cart full of information, maps, calendars and are ready to answer any question and make recommendations to make … — We always check in at the Visitor Center first if they are open. Lake City thrives on its tourist business and they can give you a cart full of information, maps, calendars and are ready to answer any question and make recommendations to make sure you have your very own 'peak experience'.

Henson Creek along CR 20 towards Engineer Pass.

We looked over the information we were given and considered the many options for an afternoon adventure. We chose to drive CR 20 along Henson Creek towards Engineer Pass. Our goal was to reach Whitmore Falls but Ms Prissy Prius was not up to the last few miles and it was too late to hike the rest of the way. Henson Creek is rushing towards the Gunnison River which will join up with the Colorado River at Grand Junction. Tom had fun with slow shots and I was determined to capture the action.

I wish I could add the sound to these images.  Just imagine 'LOUD'! — I wish I could add the sound to these images. Just imagine 'LOUD'!

Ah!  Tom took an action shot after all!! — Ah! Tom took an action shot after all!!

Abandoned building from an old mining camp.

As we drive down most county roads we see signs telling us whether we are on private or public land.  There are many homes along the way that can enjoy gorgeous views along with quiet and peace.  However, I imagine the trade-offs of inconv… — As we drive down most county roads we see signs telling us whether we are on private or public land. There are many homes along the way that can enjoy gorgeous views along with quiet and peace. However, I imagine the trade-offs of inconvenience and isolation in winter.

Tom got a lot of pretty good shots from the car or by just stepping out quickly if I could pull over.  We cover the road at 10 to 20 mph, depending on the road's condition.  Gorgeous scenery! — Tom got a lot of pretty good shots from the car or by just stepping out quickly if I could pull over. We cover the road at 10 to 20 mph, depending on the road's condition. Gorgeous scenery!

Don't you just love rebellious aspen trees that simply do not 'follow form'?

When we returned to Lake City we had just enough time to drive along Lake San Cristobal. We did not stop until we got to the bridge and the end of the paved road. I was tired of dirt so we grabbed a few shots from the bridge and then headed home.

I would love to spend even more days in the Lake City area. If you are thinking of traveling to the area, check in with the Visitor Center. Have lunch at the restaurant Climb. I think I named it Altitude in my South Fork blog entry (sorry). Both meals we have had there were excellent. You will be able to cover a lot more of Colorado if you have a 4 x 4 vehicle with high clearance. I am not coming back until we have one!!

Crested Butte

Carol Freshley June 10, 2016

The foothills surrounding Crested Butte are dotted with million dollar homes and multi-million dollar 'ranches'. Then there is Crested Butte Mountain, an enclave of high rise ski condominiums, a shopping village and the ski area. In between the two lies the charming town of Crested Butte which has lost none of its historic, hippie charm.

Just getting to Crested Butte required a number of stops.

This winding river is so characteristic of many we have seen.  I suspect it has the advantage of slowing the river down, keeping any flooding damage down. — This winding river is so characteristic of many we have seen. I suspect it has the advantage of slowing the river down, keeping any flooding damage down.

This was taken in the little town of Gothic, now used predominantly by Rocky Mountain Biological Research.  Most of the buildings are used for classrooms and dormitories.  Some areas are restricted. — This was taken in the little town of Gothic, now used predominantly by Rocky Mountain Biological Research. Most of the buildings are used for classrooms and dormitories. Some areas are restricted.

I was interested in the microscope shown in the window.  Not sure where I would put in in Mellie.  Maybe a good thing they were closed! — I was interested in the microscope shown in the window. Not sure where I would put in in Mellie. Maybe a good thing they were closed!

This is the parking lot for the trail to Judd Falls.  At first I thought it was Judd Falls!  Nope.  Our goal was a mile hike away. — This is the parking lot for the trail to Judd Falls. At first I thought it was Judd Falls! Nope. Our goal was a mile hike away.

The trail start off rather steep but clear.  We were told by a returning hiker that it 'was dry'!  What?  A waterfall that was dry?  No, the path!  Had never considered that a dry path was important.  Actually, it was n… — The trail start off rather steep but clear. We were told by a returning hiker that it 'was dry'! What? A waterfall that was dry? No, the path! Had never considered that a dry path was important. Actually, it was not completely dry.

The path had some 'natural' barriers.  Here, a little creek is actually running right down the path. — The path had some 'natural' barriers. Here, a little creek is actually running right down the path.

No complaints (well, just a few) about the climb when you can look up from the rocky path and see this!

From here the path definitely gets more challenging.  Since I know that falling could mean breaking something more than my camera (which would be bad enough!) I keep my eyes on the ground.  If I want to see the scenery I stop walking.&nbsp… — From here the path definitely gets more challenging. Since I know that falling could mean breaking something more than my camera (which would be bad enough!) I keep my eyes on the ground. If I want to see the scenery I stop walking. I stopped a lot!

It is more than an altitude factor that is taking my breath away.  I think God lives here. — It is more than an altitude factor that is taking my breath away. I think God lives here.

When we arrived at Judd Falls I had to re-adjust any expectations I had about this waterfall.  First, it is more of a cascade down a steep rocky canyon.  It sort of twists just like the switchbacks we are getting used to.  Second, it … — When we arrived at Judd Falls I had to re-adjust any expectations I had about this waterfall. First, it is more of a cascade down a steep rocky canyon. It sort of twists just like the switchbacks we are getting used to. Second, it is not readily accessible for photography. If you are feeling foolishly adventurous you can move out over some rocky ledges . . . . Tom said "NO!"

Just as we were leaving another couple told us about a better view just down the path.  It even had a bench!  Yes, a better view. — Just as we were leaving another couple told us about a better view just down the path. It even had a bench! Yes, a better view.

This may not have been what I expected, it was very powerful and rapid.

On the way back I felt I was at the top of the world!

A much smaller cascading waterfall near the beginning of the hike.  We did not stop on the way up.  I needed to catch my breath on the way down.  Lovely, peaceful sound. — A much smaller cascading waterfall near the beginning of the hike. We did not stop on the way up. I needed to catch my breath on the way down. Lovely, peaceful sound.

Headed to the parking lot!  Darn, is in really almost over. — Headed to the parking lot! Darn, is in really almost over.

We have gotten into the habit of chacking with the Visitor Center when we arrive in a new location. Judd Falls was their first recommendation for photographers. Check, done! The second recommendation was a road out of town that had a nice 'valley' view and an old barn.

I really worked for this image.  The polarizing filter helped the sky but left the barn very dark.  So, I added a 0.6 graduated ND filter to the polarizing filter.  After numerous attempts I got this one.  Needed no post processi… — I really worked for this image. The polarizing filter helped the sky but left the barn very dark. So, I added a 0.6 graduated ND filter to the polarizing filter. After numerous attempts I got this one. Needed no post processing.

Tom gets really excited with views like this.  Taken from the car. — Tom gets really excited with views like this. Taken from the car.

I walked left.  My view. — I walked left. My view.

Tom walked right.  His view. — Tom walked right. His view.

We had lunch in Crested Butte both days we were there. I would recommend both places. The first was Pitas in Paradise. The second was Teocalli Tamale. Both offered some interesting variations on what you might think of as Greek or Mexican food. After lunch on the second day I dropped Tom off to cruise down main street while I went to get gas and a coffee percolator at the True Value in town.

A three person three wheeler!  Wild! — A three person three wheeler! Wild!

Crested Butte claims to be the wildflower capital of the world. They host a huge wildflower festival in July. We are a bit too early to see all of what is to come. There was some excitement that the lupine were finally blooming along the lower road to Kebler Summit.

Thriving in a garden next to Teocalli Tamale.

Tom and I hope you enjoyed our trip to Crested Butte.