Spreading Gravel

Today was the day to spread gravel on the driveways surrounding the cottage. The driveways encircle the house mostly to support easy movement of vehicles around the place, but they are also recommended by the forest service as a fire break should the worst happen.

We rented a Kioti CK35 4WD tractor with a loader on the front and a box blade on the back to assist with moving and spreading gravel. We ended up with four loads of gravel and just about got all of them spread in one day.

The gravel truck driver did a great job of dropping the gravel in confined spaces and the Kioti was the right size for moving it around and leveling.

Julie used the ATV and a homemade pallet spreader to do the final leveling.

While we have the tractor we are doing some other chores such as moving firewood and rocks for the retaining walls.

Dumping  gravel in tight spots

Moving Firewood

Julie leveling gravel

Great day to be working

About ready to call it a day

Octopus?

We stopped in for lunch at the brewery in Ouray and found this bit of graffiti on the backside of the restroom door. Somebody has a good imagination...

Drunk Octopus or coat hook? You decide...

What a Rainbow!

I went outside after a brief rain shower and found this rainbow. I can't remember the last time I saw a full arch rainbow in such brilliant color.

A full arch rainbow

Didn't have time to look for the pot of gold at either end...

Packer Mania

Lake City is a bit infamous for the part of it's history involving Alferd Packer. Decades ago Mr. Packer ventured into the Colorado winter wilderness and survived only by consuming his travelling companions.

The spot where this took place is on the outskirts of Lake City. Quite a bit of lore exists due to this bit of history. This includes naming a sports bar/saloon after Mr. Packer. This is made all the more interesting as this is the local watering hole for watching football, including the Green Bay Packers.

We heard their Reuben sandwich was first class so we went to try it out. We were not disappointed - it was very good.

Packer Saloon - home of a great Reuben sandwich

You've got to love a place that has an image of Alferd Packer in a football jersey throwing a skull as its sign.

Steep Climb

We were looking at a detailed map showing Jeep trails and found one going to a radio tower above Lake City, Colorado. The day was nice so we thought we'd explore this and see what we found.

Turns out to be a good trail with lots of switchbacks but is really steep in places. I wouldn't advise taking this much later in the season as there is already snow and ice in spots near the top on the north side of the trail.

The views were well worth the trip.

Map with Jeep Trail to radio tower

View up near the tower

Julie overlooking the Slumgullion slide

One of the wetter parts of the trail

Overlooking the San Juan's

 We capped the day by trout fishing in Lake San Cristobal. No luck but a great place to watch the sun set.

Then and Now

We enjoy following the old railroad rights of way and figuring out where the tracks and structures would have been located in years past.

We are currently researching where the RR lines were located in Ouray, Colorado. Ouray was the end of the branch line and required the engines be turned for the return trip.

We acquired copies of the Sanborn insurance maps showing where the railroad was located and have been comparing historic photos's to today's features.  The pictures below give an indication of where the turntable was located.

Turntable in Ouray, Colorado

Former location of turntable in Ouray

We continue to compare 'then and now'.

The Landfill

It is hard to imagine a more desolate landscape than the one surrounding the Montrose County landfill. It suggests a moonscape of sorts with little vegetation of any sort.

The folks that run the facility are great to deal with and really watch out for your safety while you are on their facilities. This includes issuing bright green vests for you to wear while outside your vehicle unloading.

We are cleaning up our construction site and taking materials by the trailer load to dispose of.