Gunnison Country Magazine 2009

G U N N I S O N • C R E S T E D B U T T E • MT. C R E S T E D B U T T E • A L MO N T • L AK E C I T Y

FIND

YOUR

FUN How the ‘locals’ entertain their out-of-town guests

INSIDE:

Calendar of Events • Dining & Lodging Guides COMPLIMENTARY

Open year-round Slopeside luxury full-service hotel 262 luxurious rooms & suites 9380 Prime Restaurant & Bar Over 21,000 sq. ft. of meeting space Spa treatments & stateof-the-art fitness center 11,000 sq.ft. Elevation Spa Elevé Salon Packages start at

$85*

per person/per night includes breakfast

(800)847-6877

*Price prior to taxes, fees, and travel protection and is subject to availability. Rate based on double occupancy. Valid Sunday –Thursday 6/21/09 – 9/3/09

ElevationHotelandSpa.com

Open year-round 200 yards from the ski lifts 224 newly renovated rooms & suites 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space Full-service restaurant Indoor/outdoor pool Wildflower Spa

(800)847-6877

Packages start at

$63*

per person/per night

*Price prior to taxes, fees, and travel protection and is subject to availability.

Rate based on double occupancy. Blackout dates apply.

Valid Sunday –Thursday 6/21/09 – 9/3/09

#2%34%$ "544% -/5.4!). 2%3/24

Photos: Tom Stillo

Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting “The Gateway to Taylor Canyon”

Whitewater and Scenic Raft Trips

Riverfront Cabins • Vacation Homes • Lodge Rooms

Fly Fishing Trips

Cabins for Sale!

Visit our web site or office to find out how you can own a cabin in the Rockies.

Duckie Trips and Kayak Lessons

• Year Round Use • Protective Covenants • Rental Management • Access to Resort Amenities

Visit our General Store for: Jeep Rentals, Groceries, Gift Shop, Paddle Shop, Fly Fishing Shop, Restaurant

Let us book all of your vacation activities: Jeep Rentals, Horseback Riding, 4WD Tours, Rock Climbing and more!

Our Smokehouse offers homemade food and BBQ from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Three meals a day plus beer and wine served on our fun outdoor patio!

Watch for live entertainment on the patio.

Located 10 miles north of Gunnison on Cty. Rd. 742 in Almont (970) 641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474) www.3riversresort.com

Life’s not a beach, but everybody needs a vacation A

s we put this magazine to bed in early May, the economy remained a much-talked-about, and fretted over, topic. In the Gunnison Valley, a place that relies quite heavily on summertime visitors to keep our small-town economic engines turning, the big question was, “Will they come this year?”

A friend in the hotel business told me, confidently, “Of course they will. We all want our vacations.”

Generally speaking, I agree with this assessment.

It’s not because we’re greedy, or lazy or anything like that. Vacations — and I use that term very loosely, defining everything from a 10-day stay at a resort to an afternoon hiking in the woods — are a big part of our lives. They certainly are for the vast majority of us who live here (whose vacations, by the way, tend to lean more toward that latter example than the former) and I trust they are for you, too — our visitors.

In that light, please allow us to welcome you to our neck of the woods. Whether you’re here for a week of fun in the outdoors, or just passing through, we hope you have a great time. We’re glad you’re here.

We also hope that this year’s Gunnison Country Magazine is something you’ll enjoy, either during your stay here, while you’re on the road or back home. Pick up a couple. Pass them around. From the intriguing stories on local history to the teasers about some of our many upcoming events and intros to local characters and flavor, we think there’s plenty here to entertain and inform.

As always, please take some time to familiarize yourself with the many great businesses who have made this magazine possible.

They are here to make your stay more enjoyable. And, you know what they say about “when in Rome.” Today’s translation? Shop local.

Cheers.

-Chris Dickey editor

INSIDE: What do the locals do? .. 13-15

What better way to plan your trip than get a peek at how locals entertain their out-of-town guests?

How the arts ‘center’ us all .. 25-26

The Gunnison Arts Center is more than a gathering place.

Racing wildlife with Rick Jones .. 36

The Gunnison Country is filled with characters. Meet one of them.

Destination wedding .. 46-49

Make your wedding a vacation for the entire family.

Eye catching .. 50-51, 68-69

See some of the basin’s beauty through the lenses of two talented photographers.

Dining and lodging .. 56-57, 84-85

Your guide to all the dining and lodging options available throughout the valley.

Beneath the surface .. 76-81

Ever wondered what was beneath Blue Mesa Reservoir?

Extreme campus makeover .. 94-102

Western State College has undergone some astounding facility improvements and additions in recent years.

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COUPON

10 FLIES FOR $12.00

(Save $6.99 from our already discounted prices)

Limit 12 Flies per coupon.Limit one coupon per customer per visit. May not be combined with any other coupon or promotion.

FLY SELECTION FROM OUR PREMIUM FLY BINS ONLY. SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY. COUPON

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Advertiser’s Index The Outdoors and Festivals Art in the Park

23

Cattlemen’s Days Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink Crested Butte Arts Festival

19 12 31

Crested Butte Center for the Arts Crested Butte Mountain Resort Crested Butte Music Festival Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Dos Rios Golf Course Gunnison River Festival Gunnison Rotary Gunnison Valley Farmers Market Pioneer Museum Raven Rider Stables Tenderfoot Outfitters Gunnison Outdoors Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting Waunita Hot Springs Shopping and Retail

27 62 24 23 9 29 7 15 8 26 34 67 3 60

Artisan Rug Gallery Back at the Ranch BookWorm Boomarang Cabin Collectables Circus Train Crested Butte Mountain Resort Dog Eared Books Ensignal Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods The Greenhouse Landscaping & Nursery Gunnison Vitamin & Health High Mountain Liquor Interiors Miller Furniture Misty Mountain The Mountain Store NAPA Auto Parts Nomadic Spirit Pfisters Handworks Red Mountain Log Works Rock-n-Roll Sports Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Rose Petal Spin a Christmas Tale Teez-Me Toggery Traders Rendezvous Treads ‘n’ Threads Tune-Up

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26 81 63 64 74 62 96 64 72 5, 86 33 30 63 78 32 48 58 77 67 67 80 37 38 61 73 33 47 5 65 35

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Turquoise Junction Western Lumber

73 64

Western World

9

The Wine House

32

Services and Medical Absolute Miracles 48 Alison White Photography 47 Alpine Dwelling 101 Alpine Orthopaedics 44 American Family Insurance 45 B&B Printers 74 Blackline Entertainment 47 Butte Botanica 47 Church Directory 40 Crested Butte Events 47 Crested Butte Mountain Resort 104 Crested Butte Rental Center 47 Family Dentistry 45 Family Vision Center 41 Fantasy Ranch 88 Gentle Dental 43 GL Computers 60 Greatland Log Homes 99 Gunnison Arts Center 22 Gunnison Bank & Trust Company 88 Gunnison Church of Christ 41 Gunnison Community School 44 Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce 30 Gunnison Country Collision 49 Gunnison Country Publications 70 Gunnison Country Times 97 Gunnison Family Medical Center 32 Gunnison Hearing Center 45 Gunnison Valley Family Physicians 45 Gunnison Valley Hospital 21, 34, 83 Gunnison/Crested Butte Tourism Association 35 Insurance Center 49 John Roberts Motorworks 32 Jubilee House 29 M. Ventura 83 Mountain event Tents 47 Partners 20 Ptarmigan Contractors 81 Squeeky Clean 91 State Farm Insurance 33 Viles Eletronics 77 Wedding in the Rockies 48 Western State College of Colorado 16, 17 Wildflower Spa 48

Restaurants and Lodging ABC Motel

95

Alpine Inn Anyway Gourmet Arrangements Catering and Events

92 47 47

Brick Cellar Crested Butte Lodging & Property Management Crested Butte Mountain Resort django’s Double Dragon Garlic Mike’s Gunnisack Gunnison Brewery Gunnison Lakeside Resort Holiday Inn Island Acres KOA Campground Lazy F-Bar Catering Mario’s Pizzeria Mochas Nordic Inn Ol Miner Palisades Rocky River Resort Super 8 Motel The Bean Water Wheel Inn Western Motel Realtors and Lenders Charles Peterson Clarke Agency Community Banks Crested Butte Mountain Resort Dennis Steckel Realty Fuller Western Real Estate Gunnison Bank & Trust Mortgage Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals Gunnison Savings & Loan Peak Properties Re/Max Community Brokers Rocky Mountain Real Estate United Country Wilson Realty Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals Gunnison Savings & Loan Peak Properties Re/Max Community Brokers Rocky Mountain Real Estate United Country Wilson Realty Today Realty United Country - Wilson Associates Realty

63 100 2 59 59 61 54 59 92 88 87 34 47 53 52 87 53, 55 52 90 89 55 89 91 90 98 98 39 103 96 95 101 102 92 99 90 93 101 102 92 99 90 93 92 86

4 OF JULY TH

FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS AT DUSK

HEAD

Spring AND Creek LINE B

12 P.M. - 4 P.M.

(Blue

grass

)

Food, Games, Live Music Downtown in IOOF Park

4 P.M. - 10 P.M. Beer Garden at Jorgensen Park Under “Shade for Blade Rink”

GUNNISON ROTARY CLUB www.GunnisonRotary.org We currently meet every Monday 12-1 at Aspinall Wilson Center.

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T

he Gunnison County Pioneer and Historical Society had its beginning in 1880 with the early pioneers who settled in the Gunnison Valley. The Pioneer Society was reorganized and incorporated as a non-proďŹ t organization in 1930.

From its very beginning the society stated its interest in preserving the history of the pioneers of Gunnison County and by 1964 the Pioneer Museum was ďŹ nally begun.

The board of the Society oversees the operation of the Museum which is staffed mostly by senior volunteers. These volunteers are happy to answer your questions as you browse the exhibits at your own pace.

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The Museum grounds, its 18 buildings, the artifacts and memorabilia that make up the many displays have been donated

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by generous members and friends of the Society. Most of the items on display date back to the early settlers. The Museum’s collections truly represent the cultural history and heritage of the people of Gunnison County.

In addition to the Museum, the Pioneer Society also owns the Aberdeen Quarry which is located on Beaver Creek just a few miles from Gunnison. Granite from this quarry was used in building the Colorado State Capitol. As part of the summer program at the Museum, jeep tours are scheduled to provide an opportunity to visit this historic site.

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About the cover:

Allan Ivy is a native of South Africa, who relocated to Gunnison from the UK in 2008. He and his wife, Francie, own the Mesa RV Resort just west of town.

He’s been taking pictures nearly all his life. This photo was taken early one morning on a trip up Ohio Creek. “I have always had a fascination with the mailboxes,” Ivy explains. “Each one of them tells a story.” More of his work can be found at www. mesarvresort.com.

GCP

Gunnison Country Publications, LLC Publisher Managing Editor

Stephen J. Pierotti Chris Dickey

Advertising Kari Bacher, Drew Nelson Contributors Will Shoemaker, Sally Vennel, Erich Walter, Suzette Gainous, Nathan Bilow, David Pinkerton, Paul Gallaher, Dawne Belloise, Dawn DelVecchio, Allan Ivy, Tracey Koehler, Michael Pearce, Larry Jensen, Chris Rourke, George Sibley, Judy Sammons Production Manager Layout/Ad Design Online

Benjamin Dennee Jennie Wren

• Championship 18 hole course • Driving range is open to the public • Our course is a challenge for any caliber of player • Lessons available • Memberships available • Members Day is Thursday • Restaurant and Bar • Well stocked Open pro shop

seven days a week

www.gunnisontimes.com

For more information regarding this publication or other special publications of Gunnison Country Publications, LLC, call 970.641.1414, or write ads@gunnisontimes.com Copyright© No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Copyright© 2009. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without permission of the publisher. Any work (written, photographic or graphic) which the publishers “hired-out” becomes the property of the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials lost or damaged.

Public Welcome! Call for Tee Times

(970) 641-1482

501 Camino del Rio South of Hwy 50, 1 mile west of Gunnison

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Calendar of Events WEEKLY SUMMER EVENTS Gunnison Farmers Market, downtown Gunnison, Saturdays, June 20-Oct. 10 Info: 970.641.1501

Crested Butte Farmers Market, downtown Crested Butte, Sundays June-Sept.

ArtWalk Evenings, Crested Butte galleries and art studios, June-Sept. 4th Thursdays

Gunnison Valley Observatory Open, Gunnison, Fridays May 22-Sept. 25 Info: 970.642.1111

First Friday: Gallery Crawl & Music, first Friday of the month, May-Sept.

Gunnison, Info: 970.641.2666

Sundays @ 7, Gunnison Arts Center free concert series at Jorgensen Park June 7-Aug. 2 Info: 970.641.4029

Baby Book Club, Ann Zugelder Library Info: 970.641.3485

Toddler Storytime, Old Rock Community Library Info: 970.641.6535

Preschool Storytime, Ann Zugelder Library Info: 970.641.3485

Live! From Mt. Crested Butte, free summer concert series Red Lady Stage located at the base of Crested Butte Mountain, Wednesdays July 8-Aug. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Alpenglow, in Crested Butte free outdoor concerts in Crested Butte Town Park June 29-Aug. 10, Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Info: 970.349.7487

SUMMER THEATER May 7 – 9, An Evening of Comedy Shorts 14 – 16 at the Gunnison Arts Center,

June 18, 19, “Always...Patsy Cline”. 8 p.m. at 25, 27, 30, the Mary Stigall Theatre. Ticket July 1, 6 information: Lake City Arts or

30 The Waybacks-Live Music,

June 18 - 20, 19th annual “SonofaGunn”, 25 - 27 Gunnison, 970.641.4029

30 Miss Colorado High School

June 26 - 28, “Music Man”, Crested Butte, July 1 - 3 970.349.0366 July 23 - 26, The Wild Guys, 30, 31, Crested Butte, Aug. 1, 2 970.349.0366

May 21 - 24 The Ten-Minute Plays “Around the Campfire”, Crested Butte, 970.349.0366 10 |

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Gunnison, 970.641.1414 Scholarship Pageant, Gunnison, 501.844.1822

JUNE 1 – 30 June in the Rockies, valleywide 4 Friends of NRA Banquet, Gunnison, 970.641.4229

Aug. 13 – 15, Melodrama Production at 20 – 22 the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

Aug. 20 - 3, Southern Hospitality, 27 - 30 Crested Butte, 970.349.0366 Sept. 24 - 27, Shakespeare, 30, Crested Butte, Oct. 1, 2, 3 970.349.0366 Nov. 12 - 15, Narnia - “Teens on Stage” 19 - 21 (“The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe”), Crested Butte, 970.349.0366

MAY 1 Rockin’ the Arts, a battle of the bands concert, Jorgensen Park Event Center

16 Girls on the Run 5k, 970.275.4524

16 – 17 Kiwanis/Monarch Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, Gunnison

21 Movie Night at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

21 Local Musicians’ Night, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, 970.349.7487 ext. 6

22 – 25 Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte

23 Sage Burner 50k/25k Trail Race, “Tough Cookies”, and “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow:Her Confession”. Two one-act plays.

7 p.m.. Black Crooke Theatre 970.944.2706

Crested Butte, 970.349.9673

970.944.2710

970.641.4029

May 8, 9, July 11, 17, 18, 24, 31, Aug. 1

29 Electronics Recycling Event,

Hartman Rocks

23 Arbor Day Green Fair. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Lake City Town Park.

Info: 970.944.2225 or 970.944.2333

24 Gunnison Growler Race Series, 970.209.5476

5 Writing in the Rockies at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

6. Lake San Cristobal 5k/10k Race.

6 National Trails Day – Trail Work Day with Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association, Crested Butte

12 Gunnison Valley Health Foundation Gunnison Community Golf Classic, 970.641.0798

12 Movie Night at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

13 Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, Taylor Park Reservoir

15 Cycling Movie Night at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

15 Wine Tasting at the Gunnison Arts Center

15, 16 Ride the Rockies, Gunnison, 970.641.1501

18 Local Musicians’ Night, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, 970.349.7487 ext. 6

19 - 21 Crested Butte Writers Conference, Mt. Crested Butte, 970.349.9296

20 San Juan Solstice 50 Mile Run. Benefits Lake City EMTs, 970.944.2269

20 Readers in the Rockies, Mt. Crested Butte, 970.349.9296

20 COLORADO IPSC state champion, Gunnison, 970.214.4304

20 - 21 Crested Butte Wildflower Rush, part of the Rocky Mountain Regional Championship Series

24 – 26 Bicycle Tour of Colorado, overnight stays and day off in Crested Butte

24 - 28 Crested Butte 29th annual Fat Tire Bike Week

26 35th Annual Western State College - Colorado Brass Band Concert, WSC Quigley Band Shell, Gunnison

26 - 28 Gunnison River Festival,

16, 17 8th annual CBLT Caddis Cup Fly Fishing Tournament, Crested Butte, 970.349.1206

23, 30 PowerAde Pinnacle Summer Race Series (Mountain Biking), Mt. Crested Butte

21 Annual Juried Arts & Crafts Festival. Lake City Town Park.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. 970.944.2706

23, 24 Hospice Art Benefit Exhibition, Crested Butte, 970.641.4254

23 - 26 CBLT Wine & Food Festival, Crested Butte, 970.349.1206

Gunnison, 970.596.7496

26 - 28 Gunnison Rock and Race Festival, Gunnison, 970.641.8060

24 KBUT-FM “Friday Night Fish Fry”, Crested Butte, 970.349.5225

Gunnison, 970.641.4787

Gunnison, 970.641.4787

26 - 28 Gunnison River Festival

26 AAUW Art in the Park,

Townie Tour, Crested Butte, 970. 349.5075

JULY 2 Black and White Ball, Crested Butte, 970.349.1880

3 Celestial Fireworks – Learn about meteors, comets and supernova at the Gunnison Valley Observatory

4 4th of July celebrations and fireworks in Gunnison and Crested Butte

4 Lake City’s old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration 970.944.2527.

4 4th of July Gothic to Crested Butte 1/3rd Marathon, Crested Butte, 970.349.7420

4, 5 Jack Russell Terrier Trials, Gunnison

4 – 26 Crested Butte Music Festival, various locations

6, 12 Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, 970.349.2571

8, 15, 22, 29 Public Policy Forum of Crested Butte

10, 11 GunnyGrass Roots Music Festival, Gunnison, 970.641.4029

10 - 19 Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days (including PRCA rodeos July 16, 17, 18) Fred R. Fields Western Heritage Center

14 Tough Enough to Wear Pink concert and auction, Mt. Crested Butte, 970.596.1413

29 Fashion and Wearable Fiber Art Show at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

28 - 30 Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison, Gunnison, 970.641.4787

SEPTEMBER 1 – 30 September Splendor in the Rockies, valleywide

4 – 7 Labor Day Sidewalk Sale, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte

5, 6 The People’s Fair (arts, crafts and more), Elk Avenue, Crested Butte Arts Center, 970.641.4029

24 - 26 Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison,

27, 28 Bridges of the Butte 24-Hour

Arts Center, 970.641.4029

11 Movie Night at the Gunnison

26 - 28 Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison,

www.gunnisonriverfestival.com

28 Movie Night at the Gunnison

Gunnison, 970.641.4230

26 CB Museum Kickball Tournament, Crested Butte, 970.349.1880

12 Crested Butte Fall Festival, bringing together two favorites beer and chili.

12 Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. Lake City Town Park 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. 970.944.2706.

12 Mexican Independance Day celebration at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

AUGUST 1, 2 37th Crested Butte Arts Festival, Crested Butte, 970.349.1184

2, 3 The Crested Butte Open, Crested Butte, 970.349.5075 ext. 109

5, 12, 19, 26 Public Policy Forum of Crested Butte

12 – 13 33rd annual Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour, Crested Butte

13 Crested Butte to Gunnison MountainAir Marathon & 10mile

13 – 14 Wooden Nickel Fall Golf Classic, Club at Crested Butte

6 Gunnison Growler Race Series, 970.209.5476

17 Gunnison Growler Race Series, 970.209.5476

6, 13 PowerAde Pinnacle Summer Race Series (mountain biking), Mt. Crested Butte

15 – 16 24 Hours in the Sage (bike race), Hartman Rocks Multi-Use Recreational Area, Gunnison

20 Local Musicians’ Night, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, 970.349.7487 ext. 6

21 – 23 Gunnison Car Show, Jorgenson Park, Downtown and Breakfast Cruise to Crested Butte

22 Gunnison High Octane Festival, Gunnison, 970.641.1501

22 Carvin Up Colorado, Gunnison, 970.641.6215

22 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Chapter Record Banquet, Gunnison, 970.641.1087

22 Fiber Art Show and Tell at the Gunnison Arts Center, 970.641.4029

17 Local Musicians’ Night, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, 970.349.7487 ext. 6

19 Lake City Uncorked -- Wine and Music Festival. Lake City Town Park, all day. 970.944.3478

27 Kids Kount annual Garlic Mike’s fundraiser. Call 970.641.2493 for tickets and information

27 Crested Butte Fall Colors Classic (1/2 marathon) presented

by Gunnison Valley Health Foundation

OCTOBER 3 ELFFAR (Gunnison County Partners), Gunnison, 970.641.5513

3 – 4 Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center

8, 29 Gunnison Growler Race Series, 970.209.5476

(For up-to-date event information, visit gcbcalendar.com)

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tetwp calendar of events Kick-off Dinner and Dance

our mission

Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) is dedicated to providing local funding for breast cancer awareness, prevention, education, support, breast screenings and equipment.

community helping the

100% of the dollars raised stays in the Gunnison Valley providing assistance in education, mammograms, ultrasounds and further diagnosis. As of March 2009 Cattlemen’s Days has paid out more then $99,760.

As of March 2009 our program has provided: ~ Help for 5 Families of breast cancer survivors ~ 170 mammograms and ultra sounds ~ 11 biopsies

What: Everyone is invited to come celebrate with Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Bring the whole family and dine on chicken and barbecue then dance to live country music performed

by MERN & the Chick Magnets.

When: Friday, July 10, 6 p.m.

Where: Fred Field Heritage Center, Gunnison Cost: $40/family $25/couple $15/single Children 11 and under free

live and silent Auction and

concert What: Live auction and concert with Nashville singer, songwriters Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols and Scotty Emerick. Pre-party starts at 6 p.m.

When: Tuesday, July 14, 7:45 p.m.

Where: Mountaineer Square, Mt. Crested Butte Cost: $60 ~ Tickets on sale at Benson Sotheby’s in Crested Butte and The Western World in Gunnison

We have awarded the Gunnison Valley Hospital $27,000 to upgrade to a digital technology platform.

TETWP, along with Wrangler, has provided the Gunnison 4-H program $1,000 for scholarships in nursing or medicine.

howcan you

help?

Become a sponsor.

Sponsors of Cattlemen’s Days TETWP support our dedication to the importance of breast cancer awareness, prevention and education in Gunnison and Hinsdale counties.

Title Sponsor ....................... $5,000 Gold Buckle ........................... $3,000 Day MOney ............................. $2,000 Top Hand ................................ $1,500 Cowgirl .................................... $750 Cowboy ..................................... $500 Mark out ................................. $250 Partner ................................... $150 contact CATTLEMEN’S DAYS Tough Enough To Wear Pink to find out how you can support gunnison valley’s fight against breast cancer. write:

Cattlemen’s Days TETWP, P.O. Box 1203, Gunnison, CO 81230

email: cattlemens@gunnisontetwp.com

www.gunnisontetwp.com |

Tough Enough to Wear Pink

Rodeo What: PRCA evening rodeo. Pre-party and live auction at 5 p.m. and postparty and dance with live music at 9:30 p.m. — both at The Last Chance.

When: Thursday, July 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Gunnison County Rodeo Grounds Cost: $15/Grandstand $12/General admission $2 of every ticket sold will be donated to TETWP Tickets go on sale July 6 at the Western State ticket booth in front of Gunnison Bank & Trust in Gunnison For more information on any of these events please visit www.gunnisontetwp.com

| www.cattlemensdays.com

What do the locals do?

With more than two dozen trails and 8,000 acres of public lands, Hartman Rocks, located just south of Gunnison, has something to offer — to just about everyone.

Courtesy photo

To help make the most of your vacation, here’s a look at how a local entertains her out-of-town guests

by Dawne Belloise

T

he phone rings. It’s your 13-year-old nephew excitedly informing you of the great plane fares he just found into Gunnison and please, please, please can he come visit, because you’re his favorite aunt and he’s never been out to see you on his own ... please!?

Don’t panic. Entertainment options abound here in the Gunnison Valley, and much of it is free or inexpensive. Below is a sampling of how a local might introduce out-of-town guests to this little slice of paradise.

Farmers markets Kids will actually eat broccoli and brussell sprouts when they get to pluck the colorful assortment of inviting veggies and fruit from the baskets of real farmers.

Plus, there is more than just food and produce at the markets. Check out a chair massage, artwork or the local talent — musicians, face painters and magicians, as well as demonstrations, fun competitions and classes.

Don’t forget to pick up some fresh-cut flowers and bring your recyclable bags.

Farmers markets are open Sundays in Crested Butte, on the west end of Elk Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 21 through Oct. 4; and in Gunnison on Virginia and Main St. on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from June 20 through Oct. 10.

For more info, access the Web sites of the Gunnison Farmers Market (www.gfm-online. org) and Crested Butte (www.cbfarmersmarket.org.)

Go jump in a lake We love our plentiful sunny days and bluebird skies here, which is why so many residents take to the outdoors. Don’t forget the mandatory sunblock lotion and hats.

Curecanti National Recreation Area is formed by reservoirs created by three dams, including the Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal dams. Located just 12 miles west of Gunnison on Highway 50, Blue Mesa is Colorado’s largest body of water at 20 miles long, boasting 96 miles of shoreline, and is the largest lake trout and Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. A happy mecca for windsurfers, sailors, water skiers, sun worshipers

and anglers — you can rent fishing or cruising boats starting at reasonable hourly, half day and full day rates.

If you’d rather circumnavigate the reservoir in your car, the scenery is well worth the drive with exceptional coves, the spires of Dillon Pinnacles, views of the West Elk mountains and many places to stop for photo ops and picnics.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ cure, or call the Elk Creek Visitor Center at 970.641.2337.

Hikes for all Hiking — from hard-core mountain treks to leisurely flat strolls — is one of the best ways to show visitors the stunning beauty of the Gunnison Valley.

In Gunnison: There are hiking trails throughout the Curecanti Parks (see Web site listed above for maps and trails).

Hartman Rocks is an easy, close-by jaunt just south of Gunnison. With more than two dozen trails on 8,000 acres of public land, Continued on page 14

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Hartman Rocks has a variety of short to medium hikes on single- and double-track trails.

It’s also a great place to start out the inexperienced and to acclimatize those lowlanders before ascending to higher altitudes. The trails wind through fragrant sagebrush and rock formations with unique geologic ring dike formations. Although mountain biking and hiking are the primary summer activities on these trails, you can also go (or watch) rock climbing or ride horses.

To get there from Gunnison, take Highway 50 west. On the edge of town, before you cross the Gunnison River, turn left on Gold Basin Road (County Road 38). Proceed around the west end of the airport runway for a total of 2.8 miles to the Hartman Rocks entrance, which is marked by a sign. For more information visit www.blm.gov and type “Hartman Rocks” into the search box.

In Crested Butte: One of the easiest, most accessible trails that packs a wallop for views and wildflowers is right in town — the Wood’s Walk, along with the connecting Lower and Upper-Lower Loops on the west side of town.

On the east side of town are the Upper and Upper-Upper loops, along with Tony’s trail and the Recreation Path, which offers a wide, paved stroll for pedestrians and bikers, weaving through wetlands, pastures and up into Mt. Crested Butte.

For less hiking but more views, take the free Mountain Express shuttle up to the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area and ride the Silver Queen lift. There, you can catch a bird’s eye view of magnificence, take photos, bring a lunch and even summit the peak.

Walk, bike or ride the lift back down.

Save a half-day to walk on over to Peanut Lake on the north side of town. There you go past the “Gronk.” It’s a remnant of the old mine tipple, but how it got the name will be up to your imagination to fabricate a story worthy of awe. Bring your binoculars since there is abundant opportunity for bird and water fowl watching.

Another easy walk is through the historic alleys of downtown Crested Butte, where you can get a glimpse of the way things used to be, as many of the sheds and outbuildings still flavor the old historic mining town. Stroll over to the Crested Butte Heritage Museum and Biking Hall of Fame, www.mtnbikehalloffame.com, housed in Tony’s old Conoco Station, located on the corner of Fourth Street and Elk Avenue. Not only will the history of this eclectic, funky town come alive, visitors can shop for cool souvenirs and chotzskies, post cards and T-shirts in the museum’s store.

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Take a hike, and see for yourself why Crested Butte is considered the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.”

Photo by Chris Rourke

For an extensive map of hikes and trails, pick up a Latitude 40 Topo map (latitude40maps.com) at any of the sporting goods stores. At about $13, it’s a waterproof investment you’ll be glad you made.

Keep it rolling One sure way for guests to feel like a local is to adopt the favored two-wheel transportation. Rent or borrow a townie clunker bike, or a mountain bike, and cruise through the streets and alleys of Gunnison and Crested Butte. Strap your bikes to the Crested Butte Town Shuttle (bike racks provided), take a free ride up the mountain and coast down the recreation path. Visit or call the many local bike and gear shops for availability.

Sunday drive, any day of the week The first time my mother, elderly grandmother and two pre-teen brothers came to visit in 1975, I drove them to Gothic, all of us packed into a tiny Ford Pinto. In retrospect, perhaps I should have more thoroughly evaluated the impact of venturing to 10,000 feet elevation on primitive dirt roads, which were far more narrow back then. The boys thought it was cool to feel as though they were flying.

My grandmother, on the other hand, decided to leave the next day and flew back to Florida.

Nevertheless, the drive to Gothic, home of the Rocky Mountain Biological Research Lab, is a must-do. Enroll in an informational day hike, nature studies field trip or take in the historical walking tours through the town at www.rmbl.org.

Remember that Crested Butte is the desig-

nated “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” and there is a carpet of intense rainbow colors covering the ground throughout July. If you arrive during the Wildflower Festival (July 6-12 this year), you can pick and choose from a variety of events. Visit crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com.

Go even deeper into the backcountry with a jeep or wildflower tour, offered by many local companies.

Of rivers and whitewater Gunnison Valley has some of the best fishing, rafting and kayaking opportunities for every level of experience — from lazily drifting down stream in a raft to shooting rapids. Get yourself into the water in either waders or a raft by heading to Almont, located between Gunnison and Crested Butte. Also, check out the many local rafting and fishing guide services.

If you’d rather just take the scenic drive to the top of Cottonwood Pass through the Taylor Canyon, there’s ample “oooh and aahh” moments inspired from the majestic heights and all-around views. If you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the big horn sheep that dwell along the rock walls. You can also catch the finesse of many rock climbers throughout the canyon.

A look back Pioneers, trains and the interesting history of the settlement of Gunnison are all on display at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, located at the east end of Tomichi Avenue (Hwy. 50) in Gunnison. There are 12 buildings filled with artifacts and memorabilia, many dating

back to the early settlers.

Open Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Call 970.641.4530.

A look up The Gunnison Country has some of the best night viewing skies around. And folks can really be impressed by the views offered at the Gunnison Valley Observatory and its 30-inch reflector telescope.

The 2009 Gunnison Valley Observatory’s regular season begins in early April and runs through Sept. 25. It’s open to the public every Friday at 7 p.m., and is located three miles south of Gunnison, near the entrance (but on the opposite — or east — side of the road) to Hartman Rocks.

For more information, visit gunnisonobservatory.org.

Big Mine Skateboard Park For the kid in everyone, there’s the delight of watching the antics of those disciples of concrete whiz around on their wheeled boards through curves and flips. If you want to participate, you’ll need a helmet and equipment. The 7,000 square feet, with its ninefoot bowl, spine and pool coping, street area with ledge and banks, is free and there are competitions. It’s located on Third Street and Belleview in Crested Butte, and is open April through October from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call 970.349.5338.

As if all of the above weren’t enough ...

Rodeo (www.cattlemensdays.com), car shows (www.gunnisoncarclub.com), art in the park, baseball games, theater (www. cbmountaintheatre.org), free concerts (5:30 p.m., Mondays is Alpenglow in Crested Butte, www.crestedbuttearts.org, and Sundays @ 7 in Jorgensen Park, Gunnison, www.gunnisonartscenter.org), music festivals (www. crestedbuttemusicfestival.com), historic cemeteries and ghost towns (www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/cogunnison.html) ... it’s all here for locals and guests, without breaking the bank. For complete listings of events, happenings and ideas of things to do in the valley, get to these Web sites: gcbcalendar.com, cbchamber.com, gunnison-co.com, gunnisoncrestedbutte.com, visitcb.com. ■ (Dawne Belloise is a freelance writer, photographer, musician and traveler living in the paradise of Crested Butte while entertaining her large, extended family of visitors on a pauper’s wage.

Contact her at dbelloise@gmail.com, or follow her travel adventures at www.rubysroad.com.)

FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE SATURDAYS, 9:30 AM 1:30 PM June 20 through October 10 At the intersection of Main & Virginia in Gunnison

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Yes, it really is that

good

When it comes to angling opportunities, the Gunnison Country simply steals the show

by Erich R. Walter

I

n regards to trout fishing, Gunnison County is arguably the best kept secret in the State of Colorado, and perhaps the entire West. But we’ll get back to that, so sit tight.

Anglers come from far and wide to fish for trout in Colorado. Those looking for quality waters often seek out “Gold Medal” streams that offer the best chance of getting into trout, big trout, or just lots of trout. This Gold Medal status is bestowed upon rivers and streams — like the Animas, the Frying Pan and the Blue — that meet a lofty set of criteria set forth by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

To achieve this Gold Medal status, a river has to have 60 pounds of fish per acre of water. In addition, out of those 60 pounds, there has to be at least 12 fish over 14 inches. Out of the many hundreds of trout streams in the state, only a handful have received this Gold Medal status. This illustrates how rare it is for a stream to be able to support that many trout in such a relatively small area, and have the quality of habitat and food sources to produce some fairly large trout as well.

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The Gunnison Country offers anglers an unbelievable array of choices when it comes to wetting a fly.

Photos by (top) www.NathanBilowPhotography.com and (above) Erich Walter

Well people, I am here to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. The Gunnison drainage has not one, not two, but three trout streams that meet or exceed the criteria set forth above. Of course, this begs the question, “Well, then, why aren’t these streams officially labeled as Gold Medal waters?” That is an excellent question, and the answer is probably better discussed in a separate article. As far as I can discern, the main reason is because the county has simply not bothered to officially jump through all of the bureaucratic hoops to get our waters this prestigious designation.

I can’t help but wonder ... perhaps this is a good thing.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Dan Brauch, a DOW aquatic biologist for the Upper Gunnison Basin. We discussed, in detail, some of the particulars of what the Gunnison Valley has to offer those who stalk the wary trout. According to Brauch, the East, the Taylor and the Gunnison Rivers meet or exceed the criteria for Gold Medal status. Let me repeat: The East, Taylor and Gunnison Rivers are Gold Medal waters in disguise.

The East River starts at Emerald Lake, high in the Elk Mountains above Mt. Crested Butte. It winds behind the ski area, then flows down valley towards the tiny town of Almont. There, it meets up with the Taylor River, thus forming the headwaters of the mighty Gunnison.

Brauch supplied me with some absolutely staggering numbers. I got to peek at the “Taylor River 2006 Fish Inventory Results” and “Taylor River Data Summary.”

Whoa, Nellie! Check it out: The Taylor easily exceeds the Gold Medal criteria, in some places by a factor that is simply mind blowing. I am talking about 300, 400, and in some places 500 pounds of fish per acre, with up to 160 fish over 14 inches! Those numbers put the idea of “quality water” into a whole new category.

In addition, Brauch supplied me with the following figures for Gunnison County: • There are 104 lakes in the county that support trout populations. This totals out to more than 12,000 acres of still-water fishing.

• There are 225 trout streams in the county, equating to approximately 1,500 miles of fishable water.

• The state record rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and Kokanee salmon are all from this county.

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Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo July 16, 17, 18 7 p.m. nightly

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Friday July 10th

4-H Goat / Livestock Knowledge Test 5:00 PM 4-H Horse Knowledge Test Kickoff Dinner and Dance Everyone’s Invited (Location TBA) 6:00 PM

Saturday, July 11th

4-H Horse Show

8:00 AM

Open Horse Show *New for 2009 Versatility Saddle Challenge

8:00 AM

Sunday, July 12th

Monday July 13th

4-H Project Judging and Interviews 4-H Dog Obedience Show 4-H Participants set up show arena and Project Review 4-H Project Review

Tuesday, July 14th

8:30 AM 9:00 AM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM

4-H Rabbit and Poultry Show 8:00 AM 4-H Dairy Goat Show 10:00 AM 4-H Fiber Sheep/Goat Show 4-H Participant Clean up 4:00 PM (Approx.)

Cowboy Poetry @ Fred Field Heritage Center 7:00 PM Pre-party and silent auction will be at Mountaineer Square in Mt. C.B. 6-7:30 PM TETWP present the best song writers of Nashv ille.

Hall of Famers, CMA, BMI, and Grammy award winners Tim Nichols, Scotty Emerick, and Dean Dillon will all perform, plus live auction 7:45 PM

Friday, July 17th

4-H Market Goat Show 4-H Beef Show and Adult Showmanship 4-H Round Robin Showmanship 4-H Participant Set Up Sale Arena 4-H Swine and Sheep Ultrasound PRCA Evening Rodeo Dance at The Elks Lodge Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

9:30 AM 10:30 AM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Saturday, July 18th

Cattlemen’s Days Parade Kiwanis BBQ @ Legion Park 4-H Livestock Buyers BBQ 4-H Awards and Scholarship Presentation 4-H Junior Livestock Auction PRCA Evening Rodeo-Family Night, Kids 10 and under free with paid adult general admission; $5 grandstand Dance at The Elks Lodge Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

10:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 19th

Cowboy Church / FCA Services-Rodeo Grounds Horse Race Meet and NEW Draft Horse Pull 9:00 AM 12:30 PM

Wednesday, July 15th

4-H Sheep Weigh In 1:00-1:30 PM 4-H Swine Weigh In 1:30-2: 4-H Participant Goat/Livestock Knowledge Test 30 PM Watershed Team Roping & Barrel Racing, Auction 3:00 PM Watershed Team Roping and Barrel Racing 5:00 PM Evening Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds 7:00 PM

Thursday, July 16th

4-H Steer Weigh In 8:00-8: 4-H Swine Show and Open Showmanship 30 AM 4-H Sheep Show and Open Showmanship 10:00 AM 2:30 PM Pioneer Banquet At The Elks Lodge 6:00 PM The famous TETWP pre Rodeo Party and Auction at The Last Chance 5:00-6:30 PM TETWP PRCA Evening Rodeo TETWP Post Rodeo Dance (The Last Chance) 7:00 PM Evening Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds 9:30 PM

Continued on page 20

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

Brauch neatly summed it up by saying, “If you look at the volume of quality trout fisheries available to anglers, the Gunnison drainage provides some of the best waters in the state.”

That could be the Angling Understatement of the Year. It is my opinion, and the opinion of many others, that Gunnison County offers the best trout fishing in the state — period, end of sentence. Sure, there are plenty of high quality spots to fish in Colorado, such as the South Platte, the Rio Grande and the Roaring Fork. However, nowhere in the state can you find as many quality waters in such a concentrated area as you can find here in Gunnison County. In addition to so many streams and lakes that are amazingly close in proximity, this little slice of the Rockies also offers an incredibly diverse array of angling experiences. There is a reason why it’s called the Gunnison Country.

Within a 30-mile radius of the town of Gunnison, an angler could find meandering meadow streams, lonely and remote streams, a slew of easily accessible rivers with all sort of hatching aquatic insects, rushing pocket water at the bottom of steep and rugged canyons, a gaggle of high country streams and lakes, as well as stunning alpine vistas.

Why, just yesterday (in mid-April), a friend of mine caught a 6-pound brown trout on a size 22 dry fly. Ten-pound

• There are 104 lakes in the county that support trout populations. This totals out to more than 12,000 acres of stillwater fishing.

• There are 225 trout streams in the county, equating to approximately 1,500 miles of fishable water.

• The state record rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and Kokanee salmon are all from this county.

rainbows and bigger are caught regularly on the Taylor, just below the dam. There are monster pike to be found. There are beautiful alpine lakes that hold 20-inch cutthroats that are easy to catch. Mid summer floats on the Gunnison often yield 60 fish boated by two anglers in just four hours of fishing. I personally have landed more than 20 fish, on a single dry fly, with no other anglers in sight — without moving my feet.

And, oh yeah, there’s Blue Mesa Reservoir. It’s the largest body of water in the state, and home to the state record for a lake trout — a 50-pounder, no less. It should also be mentioned that Blue Mesa is home to one of the largest runs of Kokanee salmon in the country.

Another fact of the matter is that there is more water here that flows into the Continued on page 22

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25

Gunniso n Council th

for the

Arts

ANNIVERS ARY

SWEET SUNNY SOUTH (Rebecca Miller photo)

THE REVERAND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND

THE BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY

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A showcase of blues, bluegrass and americana rock music!

I-Bar Ranch - Gunnison, Colorado Beer - Food - Kid Activities - Aerial Dancers Admission is $25/day, $40/two day ticket for GAC members and $30/day, $50/two day ticket for non-members.

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Children 10 and under are free, ages 11-18 pay their age.

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SUNDAYS AT 7 • R&aRts on the COURTYARD EVERY FRIDAY WILD WEDNESDAYS • ADULT & YOUTH DANCE CLASSES CLAY CENTER • GALLERY CRAWLS • SUMMER THEATRE

102 S. Main St. • Gunnison, CO 81230 • 970-641-4029 For more information go to www.gunnisonartscenter.org 22 |

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Colorado River, water that comes from the Gunnison drainage, than anywhere else in the entire state. If you want to spend a day boating, check out Blue Mesa and Taylor reservoirs. If you want a remote backcountry experience, check out the many high lakes and streams that pervade this basin. If you want to car camp right on a trout stream, the possibilities are staggering. This valley has it all: the most water, the biggest fish, records, three Gold Medal-worthy trout streams, alpine lakes, backcountry streams and the state’s largest body of water.

Yet, we receive very little angling pressure here, compared with places like the Frying Pan or the South Platte. Maybe that’s because we are fairly hard to get to.

Perhaps people just haven’t discovered us yet. Either way, it’s great for you and me.

This area is a true Mecca for fly fishermen, bait fishermen, and spin-casters alike.

There is a lifetime of rivers and lakes to discover and explore, right here in Gunnison County.

I would venture to argue that the angling experiences one can have here will rock your world, blow your mind, and surpass every expectation, day after day after day. It could even change your entire perspective on life.

And, yes, it really is that good. ■

Join us for a week of wildflower splendor in the charming, historic town of Crested Butte.

July 6-12,

2009

Celebrating our 23rd year of wildflowers and Crested Butte!

Catch and

keep

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Hikes • Photography • Jeep and Van Tours Wagon Rides • Garden Tours • Art/Crafts Classes • Edibles!

Register for your events today at www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com Or contact us at 970-349-2571 info@cbwildflower.com

T

here are plenty of pristine high mountain streams and rivers where the angling credo is catch and release. Well, in Blue Mesa Reservoir, especially when it comes to lake trout (otherwise known as Mackinaw, or lakers), the idea is “catch and keep.”

“We’d actually like to get more people to keep the lake trout they catch at Blue Mesa,” explained Joe Lewandowski of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “There is no shortage of lakers in there, and they’re good eating and good for you.”

The bag limit is eight fish per person, per day and there are no possession limits. So, in other words, you can stock your freezer full with them.

Lake trout take a toll on the Kokanee salmon in Blue Mesa; so this is a way to encourage people to fish for and keep lake trout.

“There are a fair number of people who catch-and-release lake trout,” Lewandowski explained. “These are the trophy anglers who want to see the lakers grow to huge proportions — like the 50 pounder (state record) caught a couple of years ago.” ■

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Arts ‘center’ us all Gunnison Arts Center celebrating a quarter-century of community-building

by George Sibley

W

hen we hear “Gunnison Arts Center,” we think first of that big, old building down on the southeast corner of Tomichi and Main that has been there almost as long as there’s been a Gunnison.

But now, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, I’m going to invite you to think of Gunnison Arts Center in a different way — as a complete sentence, with a verb. Gunnison arts center. And then think about what the arts of Gunnison “center.”

One thing they center is me. If I were 17 rather than four times that, people would argue that the arts center is a good thing because it keeps kids like me off the streets. There are, in fact, young people in Gunnison who have found a centering place in Crystal Ashe’s dance program, among other arts center programs.

I’ve spent more of my own non-job time centered there than any other single place in the valley — not just there physically in the building, but at home working on something that had me centered on the arts of Gunnison; or, maybe more accurately, just “centered on the art of living in the Upper Gunnison Valley.”

It is possible to live here, or anywhere, “artlessly.” For that, all one needs to do is simply apply the generic economic and sociopolitical formulas handed down more or less thoughtlessly through the TV and other cultural media

of indoctrination. But we are blessed with an arts center that consistently offers us the opportunity to be here, specifically, as opposed to just anywhere in the United States of Generica.

We see this best in shows like the “Gunnison Opens,” or the magnificent quilt shows, or the Gunnison Valley Journals, all of which feature labors of love from people who do not think of themselves primarily as artists, just people moved to try to say something about what they see and think about this place, and their lives in it.

Would those quilts and paintings and foundobject sculptures and poems and stories get created without an arts center? Probably, many of them would — but they might go no further than that. Without an arts center that wants to show them to the world, they wouldn’t go on to carry out the second “centering” task that the arts center performs, in helping to center the community — even helping create the community.

Gary Larsen did a famous cartoon of a sheriff looking at a scrambled pile of horses and men in the middle of a street, chiding his deputy: “You just threw everything together?

Matthews, a posse is something you have to organize!” In the same sense, a true “community” is not something that just happens, thrown together by chance migrations. Baker Continued on page 26

GAC Summer schedule May 25 May 30 May 31 June 5

Summer Education classes begin The Waybacks in concert, 7 p.m.

Gunnison Home Tour Gallery Crawl/Artists’ Reception for Seven Rode In (Lud Stromayer and friends), 5-7 p.m.

June 5 Writing the Rockies, poet David Mason, 7:30 p.m.

June 12 Movie Night, 7 p.m.

June 15 Wine Tasting, 5:30, Cycling Movie, 7 p.m.

June 18-20, “Sonofagunn”, 8 p.m.

25-27 July 3 Gallery Crawl/Artists’ Reception for Tierney Miller, Janet Tsou and Plein Air Group, 5-7 p.m.

July 10-11 GunnyGrass Roots Music Festival July 17 Joe Fornothin on Courtyard, 5-7 p.m.

July 24 Round Mountain on Courtyard, 5-8 p.m.

Aug. 1 Visiting Poets, 7 p.m.

Aug. 7 Gallery Crawl/Artists’ Reception for Fiber Arts Show, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 13-15, Summer Melodrama, 8 p.m.

20-22 Aug. 22 Fiber Art Show and Tell, 1-3 p.m.

Galleries and Theatre Aug. 28 Movie Night, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 Fashion and Wearable Fiber Art Show, 7-10 p.m.

Sept. 4 Gallery Crawl/Artists Reception for the Gunnison Open, 5-7 p.m.

Sept. 11 Movie Night, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 Mexican Independence Day Celebration, 5:30 p.m.

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Brownell, a social philosopher who wrote about the nature of “the human community,” said that (among other things) a real community is a place “in which each person can know a number of others as whole persons, not just as functional fragments.”

The Gunnison Arts Center gives us that gift of community-building. To learn that the librarian has a gift for visual pattern in a beautiful quilt, or that the plumber is a really funny comedic actor and singer, or that the roofer is a dancer who redefines strength through movement, or that the realtor creates bowls that elevate the morning cereal to an aesthetic experience, or that my former student who stayed in the valley now writes so thoughtfully and poetically about life here that I feel like her student — these people become more whole to all of us as we learn their “secret lives,” and so the community becomes more of a meaningful whole.

“

If I were 17 rather than four times that, people would argue that the arts center is a good thing because it keeps kids like me off the streets.

”

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

Wallace Stegner said that “no place, not even a wild place, is a place until it has had that human attention that at its highest reach we will call poetry.” I don’t think Stegner, the writer, was thinking of poetry just in the narrow sense of verse. All those paintings of the valley, photographs of people at work and play here, quilts incorporating the fragments of local lives into a beloved unity, the “celebrity bowls” at the “Souperbowl,” the original songs and poems and stories coming out of the closet on “open mic” nights, the swirling diversity of the big dance programs, the silliness of the Sonofagunns that always end with all of us still here and ready to muddle on — all these things aren’t just entertainment and decoration; they are important to who and what we are, and help center us in our own lives.

The Gunnison arts center us all. Get into it, and on to the next 25! ■

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GOLD SPONSORS

Carolyn Reimer, CFTA Board Member Tour de Forks Event 2008

Visit crestedbuttearts.org or call (970) 349–7487 for a full event schedule and ticket information.

Photo by Nathan Bilow

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The Blue Canyon Boys, winners of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass Festival’s band competition, will perform July 25 at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.

Courtesy Photo

In tune with summer sounds Crested Butte Music Festival’s ’09 season highlights

C

elebrating its 12th year, the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) is pleased to announce highlights from its 2009 season, “Follow the Generations Through Paradise,” July 4–26.

Season kick-off will be July 4, with a free patriotic concert by Alpen Brass.

This festival will be a celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn, the most famous composer of the classical period at the time, and the birth of Felix Mendelssohn, one of the most well-known composers of the early romantic period, along with composers of the generations in between.

For the first time, CBMF will have two conductors, who will represent two generations: 29-year-old Benjamin Wallfisch, who is already acknowledged as one of Europe’s leading and upcoming conductors and will direct 28 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

symphony performances; and David Syrus, longtime conductor at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in London, who will lead the CBMF opera.

Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro “Marriage of Figaro” opera will feature stars from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and around the country.

New York-based jazz saxophonist and composer-in-residence Daniel Schnyder will be on hand.

Continuing the tradition of highlighting unique instruments, the ney (Persian flute) will be played by Bassam Saba from Beirut, one of Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road musicians.

The Blue Canyon Boys, winner of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass competition, and The Infamous Stringdusters, considered the new vanguard of acoustic music, will be featured in

what promises to be two burning hot concerts.

Don’t forget to “Have a Beer with Beethoven” with Symphony Number 6 “Pastorale.”

CBMF’s annual fundraising celebration will feature entertainment by Wylie and The Wild West, best known for his world-famous Yahoo!® yodel.

Rhythm Fusion — a new dance ensemble that brings Boston-based Coast 2 Coast Dance and Las Vegas-based Tap Ensemble together — will entertain in a new collaboration by CBMF and Crested Butte Dance Festival/Dansummer.

There will be home soirees featuring CBMF musicians in private homes.

The fourth annual Opera Young Artist Program in Paradise, recognized as one of the best training programs for young opera singers

JUBILEE

HOUSE of Gunnison County

Counseling Advocacy Shelter The Infamous Stringdusters, one of the hottest acts in bluegrass/newgrass festivals around the country, will throw down at “Bluegrass in the Barn� on July 11. .

Courtesy Photo

in the United States, promises to be better than ever. And the Free Divine Family Concerts on Saturday mornings in July are not-to-bemissed.

A full schedule is posted at www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com. Tickets are available

for purchase there as well.

Founded in 1997, the CBMF is a yearround presenter of orchestral and chamber music, opera, jazz, bluegrass, ballet and modern dance and supporter of arts education.

For more information, call 349.0619. â–

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• Community Floats & Raft Races • Loco-Motive Multi Sport Race • Foamy Boat Race • Freestyle Kayak Rodeo • Boater Cross • Kayak Slalom Race • Townie Bike Race • Gunnison Glory Endurance Climbing Festival • Live Music and Awards Ceremony at The Last Chance

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Sunday: • Downriver Kayak Race • Taylor River Poker Float • Taylor Canyon Enduro • Almont Resort Taylor Canyon Party: Awards, Beer & Food, Music, Bon Fire, Free Camping!

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CB calls to ‘Young Artists’ S

ince it was established in 2005, the Crested Butte Music Festival’s (CBMF) Opera Young Artist Program has earned a solid reputation — as evidenced by the jump in auditions from 35 in 2008 to 175 in 2009. The auditions were conducted in Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Seattle to select 10 participants who will spend four weeks in Crested Butte to train and perform during the festival. The students will be coming from all over the country and from some of the best schools — such as Julliard New York, Academy of Vocal Arts Philadelphia and Cleveland School of Music.

“What is setting our program apart is we offer more hours of instruction and handson experience than most other programs,” says Alexander Scheirle, artistic/managing director for CBMF. “The students not only receive voice lessons, they take part in dance instruction and fitness training and sing on stage with the principals in the opera, instead of being limited to the role of understudies.”

The public not only can get a glimpse of

Stop by the Gunnison Visitor Center

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“Little Red Riding Hood” was performed at one of last year’s Free Divine Family Young People’s Concerts, part of the CBMF’s growing Young Artist Program.

the up-and-coming talent at this year’s opera, “The Marriage of Figaro” (July 22, 24, 26), they also can see the students in the children’s opera production “L’Enfant et les Sortileges” (July 25), an opera student recital (July 8), and three student opera master classes (July 14, 17, 21) that are open to the public for viewing.

Keith Miller, a familiar face in CBMF operas since 2004 and a bass with the Metropolitan Opera, has been named the artistic manager for the program and the festival’s opera productions. Laurent Philippe, a faculty member at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and guest faculty for the Glenn Gould School in Toronto, will serve as vocal coach. Dance instructor Nathan Shaw teaches for Virginia Tanner Creative Dance in Salt Lake City and has performed for SBDance and Raw-Moves.

Tickets for the 2009 summer season are available for purchase online at www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com. For more information, call 349.0619. ■

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

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37 Crested Butte Arts Festival August 1st & 2nd, 2009 • Crested Butte, Colorado 175 Juried Artists • Entertainment • Artist Demonstrations • Children’s Art Alley

Carol Martin Jewelry

Jodi Perry Painting

Bedford/O'Neill Eric Carroll

Wearable Art

Dusty Demerson photo

Sculpture

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Whitewater

Smiles a mile wide

W

hen it comes to enjoying rivers, the Gunnison Country offers something for everyone — from thrilling whitewater to mild family floats, or simply relaxing on the banks and dipping your toes in the water.

The Gunnison River Festival is held each year to showcase this abundance of activities and celebrate one of the most treasured local natural resources. It offers a unique blend of hard-core and lighthearted outdoor recreation, from June 26-28. You can find a mix of competitive river boating, a climb-a-thon and adventure racing scheduled alongside bird watching tours, a community boat float, Inner Tube X and foamy boat races for kids.

Gunnison Whitewater Park, redesigned in 2007 and 2008, serves as home base for the festival, which also utilizes other locations and attractions in Gunnison and nearby Almont.

Friday, June 26 • Black Canyon Audubon SociThere’s more than one way to float your boat. ety Bird Watching Tour, TBA Courtesy photo • Scenic River Tours Bird Float Trip, Gunnison River, TBA for each class (canoe, duck, paddle, row and • Event registration: IOOF Park in kayak) to race from North Bridge to Gundowntown Gunnison, 2-8 p.m. nison Whitewater Park, 9:30 a.m. • Star Party: Gunnison Valley Observa• 24 Hours of Gunnison Glory Climb-Atory, 8-11 p.m.

Thon: Climb as many routes as possible at Saturday, June 27 • Loco-Motive Adventure Race: A mix of Hartman Rocks, 10 a.m. start • Opening Ceremony: Gunnison Whitekayaking the Gunnison River, running 11K and biking 25K at Hartman Rocks, finishing water Park, 11:30 a.m. • Kids’ Foamy Boat Race: Kids make at Gunnison Whitewater Park, 9 a.m. miniature kayaks out of foam and race at • Community Boat Float: All types of Gunnison Whitewater Park, 11:30 a.m. boats (canoes, ducks, all inflatables, dories, • Kayak Freestyle Rodeo: Gunnison etc.) are welcome to float the Gunnison Whitewater Park, all day River from North Bridge to Gunnison Whitewater Park, 9 a.m. • Competitive Boat Races: A mass start Continued on page 34

WE CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR SAFETY.

I care about your safety.

Help reduce deer-related auto accidents by following these tips: • Drive cautiously in wooded areas, especially during early morning and evening hours. • Watch for deer crossing signs along roadways. • When you spot deer along the road, safely slow down and allow them to pass, remembering deer move in groups.

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Horseback Expeditions in the Gunnison High Country Trail Rides Camping Trips Fishing Camps Hunting Camps

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From mild to wild, local rivers offer some fun for everyone.

• Inner Tube X: Tube the Gunnison River and bump your way to victory in this purely recreational competition, Gunnison Whitewater Park, 12:30 p.m. • River Board Exhibition: Gunnison

Should health care end at the hospital?

34 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

one.

Above the rest!

Courtesy photo

Whitewater Park, 1 p.m. • Boater X: Like a motocross but with boats. Gunnison Whitewater Park, 1:30 p.m. • Rock Climbing Clinics: Workshops with Crested Butte Mountain Guides that are geared toward kids but also are open to adults, TBA • Kayak Slalom Race: Gunnison Whitewater Park, 2:30 p.m. • Townie Bike Race: Race through town on your favorite town bike, costumes are encouraged. Starting location TBA, 4 p.m. • Awards Ceremony: Features music by Local Red, Last Chance Saloon, 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 28 • Taylor Canyon Enduro: A 12-mile kayak race to the confluence/take out by the Almont Resort cabins, 9 a.m. • Down River Race: Short race for kayaks and ducks and longer (rafts, R-1) race from 5-mile bridge to the confluence/take out at Almont Resort cabins, 10 a.m. • Closing Ceremony: Awards, prizes, live music by Local Red, raffle, volleyball and games, food and beverages at Almont Resort in Almont ■(The event schedule is subject to change.

Free camping is available all weekend in the meadow behind Almont Resort in Almont.

For the latest information, costs and registration forms, visit http://www.gunnisonriverfestival.com/ or call 970.596.7094.)

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2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 35

Racing wildlife with Rick Jones The Gunnison Country is full of characters. We’ll introduce you to one of them

I

t’s safe to say that the majority of people who call the Gunnison Country home came here from somewhere else.

For Rick Jones, that place was Arkansas.

He lives in Pitkin, the little mountain hamlet tucked high in the Quartz Creek Valley, about 30 miles northeast of Gunnison, and works in town. But he’s not your average “commuter.”

Here’s his story. ...

Name, age, occupation?

“Rick Jones, 56. Self employed outdoor gear retailer (Rocky Mountain Gear, 718 N. Main St., Gunnison, in the Mountain Meadows Mall).”

down to Gunnison and, depending on wind conditions, about two-and-ahalf-hours going home. While that may sound impressive to some, there are hundreds of cyclists in our valley who know it’s no big deal. If all goes well, this year I’ll surpass the 20,000 total mile mark of bike commuting.”

Why do you do it?

“When I opened Rocky Mountain Gear and became my own boss, it just made sense to maintain my fitness level by commuting, instead of just doing out and back rides that began and finished at my front door. Plus it’s a really cool way to be green and save the gas for someone else to use.”

What brought you here?

You’ve probably had some “harrow“I moved here from Arkansas in ing” experiences.

1991 primarily for the cycling and run“Talk to any serious cyclist who rides ning opportunities. I’ve been an avid the roads and they’re sure to have some runner and cyclist since the late ’70s. hair-raising stories. All the harrowing Throughout the ’80s, I frequently incidents are easily outweighed by the journeyed from Arkansas with training splendor of our Colorado sunsets, the buddies to tour the state on bikes and sweetness of the air following an afterdo long trail runs. In 1986 I traveled noon shower, the rushing of the stream along with the venerable ‘Coors Classic’ that accompanies me along the way. stage race as it made its way around the One of the unintended consequencstate. I would often ride portions of the es, but special treats of cycling, is the race routes before the race began — ability to silently, stealthily approach all pulling off at a good spot to watch the Rick Jones, owner and proprietor of Rocky Mountain Gear. forms of wildlife. I’ve rolled up unnoriders and the caravan pass. It was only Courtesy photo ticed on immense herds of elk, and solitwo weeks after Greg Lemond won his tary cougars. I’ve watched eagles swoop first Tour de France, edging out his own in for the kill, and bobcats on patrol.

“Bluebird sky, no wind, 70 degrees, on any teammate, Bernard Hinault, in a bitter feud.

I once raced a mature big horn sheep high altitude trail less traveled.”

They were battling each other all over again ram, neck and neck down the middle of the on every (Coors Classic) stage, still feuding, road — he trying with all his might to cross Best advice to visitors? playing for keeps virtually every day throughin front of me to regain the safety of his rocky “Be outside as much as possible.” out the Rockies. This time Hinault prevailed bluff, and me trying with all my might to with Lemond the runner up. make him cross behind me. He ultimately We hear you have a rather unusual comI determined during that awe-inspiring out-powered me, and in a graceful boundmute to work. summer that I would somehow, someway, ing maneuver cleaned a sheer vertical 40 foot “I’ve commuted, on average, four days per move to Colorado to live and run and ride for week since 1993 from Pitkin during the warm bluff in three easy strides. As I rode on homethe rest of my life in the Rockies ... no matter ward bound, I turned to see him perched on a months on my bicycle. It’s roughly a 60-mile what!” prominent boulder, head slightly cocked and round trip with about 2,000 vertical feet of peering down at me ... basking in the glow of climbing, most of it on the return trip. It What’s your idea of a perfect day in the victory.” ■ usually takes me an hour-and-a-half to come Gunnison Country?

36 |

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unnison’s favorite concert series takes place in Legion Park on E. Highway 50 at 7 p.m. every Sunday evening beginning June 7 and continuing through August 2.

The event is open to the public and donations are greatly appreciated. Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, refreshments and frisbees — not to mention your toes to tap along to the talented musicians.

This year’s line-up listed at right: Continued on page 41

38 |

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Free Sundays @ 7 concert schedule June 7

Gunnison Bluegrass Collective (bluegrass)

June 14 The Swing Doctors (string swing jazz) June 21 Manjaro (world music) June 28 Wayfaring Strangers (Americana/folk) July 5

40% (electric blues)

July 12

U-47 (garage rock)

July 19 Poverty Gulch (bluegrass/rock) July 26 Chris Coady w/ Kayla Oberlin (singer/songwriter, guitar and ukulele) Aug. 2

Chuck Pyle (“Zen cowboy” guitarist/singer/songwriter)

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NEW SONG CHURCH %PISCOPAL s 7 6IRGINIA !VE s 2EV 7ILLIAM 7ALTZ &ATHER "ILL %DUCATION HOUR A M s 7ORSHIP 3ERVICE A M Crested Butte Sunday Services at 5 p.m. at Queen of All Saints 4UESDAY -ORNING %UCHARIST A M 3OPRIS !VE #RESTED "UTTE

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GUNNISON . )OWA s 3UMMER SCHEDULE -EMORIAL $AY THROUGH ,ABOR $AY Sunday Morning Worship & Children’s Worship 9 a.m.

3UNDAY 7ORSHIP "ROADCAST ON +%** &- AND #ABLE CHANNEL www.gunnisoncommunitychurch.org

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THE GUNNISON CHURCH OF CHRIST

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Gunnison Area Churches Welcome You!

GUNNISON CHURCH OF CHRIST 600 E. VIRGINIA • (970)641-1588 • DARRIN COWGER, MINISTER WWW.GUNNISONCHURCHOFCHRIST.COM

MISSION STATEMENT: To glorify God through sound Biblical teaching. To grow spiritually mature both individually and as a congregation in order to minister to the community of Gunnison, Colorado and throughout the world.

The GAC Courtyard is a perfect place to enjoy a little FAC action.

File photo

••• But wait, there’s more on tap from the GAC. The first ever GunnyGrass Roots Music Festival comes to the I-Bar Pavillion July 10 and 11.

This two-day roots music festival will showcase blues, bluegrass and Americana rock music. Musicians from Paonia, Indianapolis, Denver, Boulder and Gunnison will be participating in this outdoor event.

Sweet Sunny South, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, the Boulder Acoustic Society, blues man Lionel Young, local bands the Wayfaring Strangers, Gunnison Bluegrass Collective and Rob Wattles’ Plan B will make for two days of a fabulous music opportunity.

Beer and food will be available, as well as super-fun kid activities and aerial dancers.

The I-Bar Ranch is located just east of Gunnison, on the south side of Hwy. 50. To get their, go to the southwestern corner of the Jorgensen Park softball fields and look for the dirt road that parallels the airport runway.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 10 and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. Admission is $25/day, $40/two day ticket for GAC members; and $30/day, $50/two day ticket for non-members. There is a discount on advanced ticket purchases. Children 10 and under are free, while 11-to-18 year olds pay their age. Tickets available now. For more information, call Bel at 641.4029.

Come grow with us, where you are not just a member; you are part of a family! We welcome you to join us for Bible classes and worship assemblies.

Worship & Devotional

Bible Classes

Sunday 8:15 a.m. (July & August)

Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. (year-round)

Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Praise & Devotional: Sunday 1:00 p.m.

Nursery provided during worship service - Birth through 5 years

••• Don’t forget the “R&aRts” evenings at the GAC Courtyard, each Friday beginning in June.

Come by these casual gatherings to enjoy cold beverage specials and listen to music to wind down after the week and creatively kick off the weekend. Live music and/or visual arts experiences can be expected each week, as well as a different beer on tap. ■ 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

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Gateview townsite The town of Gateview, established in 1881, had several names over the years, including Barnum. It is seen here, circa 1920. In its heyday, the town included a store, post office and hotel. Today, there are few traces that it ever existed.

Courtesy photos

‘Gateview’

— a gathering spot Many people, over a significant span of years, were drawn to the area, making use of the same land and resources in the Lake Fork Valley

by Mike Pearce

T

oday the site is a dry, rocky slope, sparsely vegetated with sage brush and bunch grass and scored by a number of dry washes. Facing the site is an expanse of lush, grassy hay meadows along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and tall, tan colored cliffs that overlook the valley.

A thin scatter of broken stone tools, an occasional arrowhead and discard flakes from stone tool manufacture all attest to the site’s utilization by prehistoric people. Diagnostic arrowhead types indicate that the area was used for thousands of years before European settlers and explorers appeared.

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However, investigation of the locale as part of the Lake Fork Archaeological Survey has revealed that the alluvial fan site also served as the trash dump for the neighboring community of Gateview, also known at times as Barnum, Allen and Madera Siding.

Before selling to B. F. Allen, who established a store, hotel and post office in 1881, P.T. Barnum owned the ranch near the site from 1876 until 1881. Some historians claim that the community was named for the famous circus operator, while others believe it was named for an employee of the Barlow and Sanderson Stage Line, or for the toll taker for Otto Mears’ toll road — all of them with the surname Barnum.

During a visit to the site in 2008, researchers recovered a brass plate, measuring one-half inch by two inches, stamped “F. A. Whitney Carriage

Gunnison 50

Blue Mesa Reservoir 50

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149

Gateview Powderhorn Lake City

Gateview area This photo looks southwest across the valley. In the foreground is community and ranch debris, representing historic use of the area from the time of P.T. Barnum in 1876 through recent years. The trees in the center mark Indian/Dutch Creek, one of the fresh water streams serving the site. Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, and the rock formation known as “The Gate,” is at the far end of the valley.

Co., Leominster, Mass.” A search of the Internet showed that the F. A. Whitney Carriage Company, established in 1858, was a leading maker of doll carriages. Though the original wicker doll buggy is nowhere to be found today, the enduring brass plate bears witness to the fact that one of the Whitney carriages was likely present in the immediate area of the Lake Fork Valley sometime during the past 130-plus years.

Abundant resources made the Gateview site attractive to both 19th and 20th century settlers, as well as to prehistoric people. Those include fish, edible plants and water fowl — all supported by the Lake Fork River, Dutch/Indian Creek and other fresh water sources. Well grassed meadows near the river attracted plenty of game animals. And it is a relatively easy ford of the river in this location. Additionally, on site and nearby, early people found plentiful supplies of quartzite, a raw material widely utilized for prehistoric tool making.

For both prehistoric and historic people, the Gateview area was also important because it occupied a vital place on travel routes through the Lake Fork Valley, toward the Gunnison River Valley, or south to Lake San Cristobal and what would eventually become Lake City. Study of prehistoric trails indicate that, as long as 11,000 years ago, travelers descended into the valley via a trail from Sapinero Mesa through a wash behind what later was the location of the log cabins of the Carr Ranch; or they came from the west down a series of rocky washes where Continued on page 44

What kind of dentistry do YOU want?

Tooth Conserving Dentistry Dental Implants Turn Back the Clock on those Missing Teeth

Mercury Free Environment

M. Spain, Gunnison

Always Welcoming New & Returning Patients

L. Rees, Gunnison

Scott D. Anderson D.D.S. Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists

306 North Main Street, Gunnison 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

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Gunnison Community School

Connected with the Community

Quality First through Eighth Grade Standards-Based Education Kindergarten will be Moving to Lake School

Attention to Student Needs • Safe, Caring Environment Highly Educated and Experienced Staff • Partner with WSC Teacher Education Department

1099 N. 11th Street •(970) 641-7710

Sports Performance & Regional Hand Center & Alpine Surgery Center OFFERING STATE-OF-THE-ART OUTPATIENT SURGERY

Gloria M. Beim, M.D.

A commitment to excellence in comprehensive orthopaedic care and sports medicine with knee, shoulder & hand specialists

+ U.S Physician at 2004 Games in Athens, Greece + Chief Medical Officer at the 2005 World Games, Izmir, Turkey + Team Physician of Western State College of Colorado Athletics + Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, arthroscopy, shoulder and knee surgery + Author of The Female Athlete’s Body Book

Alpine Orthopaedics, Sports Performance & Regional Hand Center

Alpine Surgery Center

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Rhett J. Griggs, M.D. + Board Eligible Orthopaedic Surgeon + Orthopaedic Residency and upper extremity fellowship at University of Florida, GATORS + Team Physician of Western State College of Colorado + Specialty training in shoulder, elbow, hand, sports medicine, joint replacement & trauma + Proprietor of Teton Professional Training where he trained cyclists, runners & triathletes + Formerly an Occupational Therapist with specialty in hands + Accomplished ski racer & professional cyclist

GUNNISON: Main Office 112 West Spencer Avenue

CRESTED BUTTE: 405 Elk Avenue MT. CRESTED BUTTE: Base of Ski Area MONTROSE: 330 South 8th Street TELLURIDE: Telluride Medical Center 500 West Pacific

SALIDA: Arkansas Valley Physical Therapy 735 Blake Street

www.alpineorthopaedics.com drbeim@alpineorthopaedics.com

44 |

Alonso Escalante, M.D. + Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon since 1970 + Medical School graduate at National University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico + Fluent in Spanish - Bilingual (Se Habla Espanol) + Orthopaedic Residency and fellowship in surgery of the hand at Tulane University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA + 30-year private practice in general orthopaedics and hand surgery in San Antonio, Texas and relocated to Gunnison June 2008

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

the Blue Mesa Cut-off Road now approaches the Red Bridge.

After reaching the valley floor, travelers could cross the river and continue either east or west, or turn north or south upstream or downstream on the Lake Fork. Except for a few places where prehistoric trails segments have survived, the old Indian trail routes have been obliterated by the later wagon and auto roads that used them. In addition to car and wagon roads, some of the same routes were also used by railroads, further eliminating traces of the earlier Indian paths.

In 2006 and 2007, participants in the Lake Fork Archaeological Survey searched land where it was thought old Indian trails could be located in an effort to determine whether those hypothetical locations were supported by the presence of an unusually high number of prehistoric camp and travel sites.

The result of that effort was the recording of dozens of Indian sites containing diagnostic artifacts that suggest use by groups representing the three large cultural horizons in the Southwestern United States: Paleo-Indian — 11,000 to 7,000 Before Present (Folsom, Eden, Agate Basin, Rio Grande, Meserve); Archaic — 7,000 to 2,000 B. P. (Sudden Sidenotch, Elko, Park/ Gypsum Cave, Mount Albion, Besant); and Late Prehistoric — 2,000 B. P. to European contact (Eastgate, Cottonwood, Desert Sidenotch, Glendo).

One of the more interesting finds — and a

The only locally owned hearing practice established in Gun

.OISE CONSULTING s #OMPLETE HEARING EVALUATIONS (EARING AID CONSULTATIONS s (EARING AID SALES AND SERVICES "ATERY SALES s #USTOM MOLDS FOR HUNTERS MUSICIANS AND NOISE PROTECTION

%LLYN (OUGHTON -3 ### !

Board certiďŹ ed Audiologist

970-641-2814 #ALL 'UNNISON (EARING #ENTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

!LL INSURANCE ACCEPTED 6ISA -ASTERCARD

Nelson Family Agency Rick Nelson, Agent

Home - Auto - Life - Health - Business The trash dumps in the area provide a look at life in historic times. Top left: painted China. Top center: spent brass shell casings. Top right: metal star. Center: metal can lid reading “White King Cleanser, Foam Action.� Center: brass plate from doll carriage reading “F.A. Whitney Carriage Co. Leominster, Mass.� Center right: metal lid reading “Regular Grind, For Coffeepot or Percolator.� Lower left: metal lid reading “Sunshine Biscuits, From the Thousand Windows Bakeries.�

poignant reminder that for thousands of years humans of widely varying appearances and lifestyles were attracted to some of the same camp and home locations — was the recovery of a 9,800-year-old Agate Basin Paleo-Indian spear point from the scatter of rusting cans, broken China, and other historic artifacts found in the community/ranch trash dump. The presence of tool-making discard flakes and other broken stone tools suggests that the Paleo point was left there as a prehistoric discard — and not collected, then thrown away almost 10,000 years later, by historic settlers and ranchers. “LF 297,â€? the current designation of the multiple component site as part of the Lake Fork Archaeological Survey, is one of many such locations in the valley and has offered some of the most dramatic evidence of the fact that many people, over a significant span of years, were drawn to the area and made use of the same land and resources in the Lake Fork Valley. â–

n 1140 North Main Str., Suite C Gunnison, Colorado 81230 www.ricknelsonagency.com OfďŹ ce: 970-641-3481 Mobile: 970-596-9362 rnelson@amfam.com

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Family Physicians

970-641-0211

n

Historic artifacts

130 E. Virginia, Gunnison CO 81230

Family Dentistry Joshua T. Osborne, DMD ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS CALL FOR APPOINTMENTS

321 N. MAIN ST, GUNNISON

970-641-3004 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

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Destination Weddings Here’s some insight into how the Gunnison Valley can be the place where dream weddings really do come true

by Rachael Gardner

A

ll weddings are special. But, a wedding in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley can be the type of unique and special occasion that is not only forever cherished by the happy couple, but never forgotten by all of the family and friends lucky enough to attend. Whether you live here or are just visiting, this valley invites you to relax and be yourself.

Continued on page 48

Photo by Alex Fenlon

Mountain Event Tents Featuring

WeatherPORT

Rentals Sales Service

WEDDINGS PARTIES SPORTING EVENTS

970-209-9711

LAZY F BAR Ranch (970)641-0193 lazyfbar@gunnison.com www.lazyfbarranch.com

• Special Events • • Weddings • • Wedding Cakes • • Rehearsal Dinners...

Etc • • Catering Services on Site • • Facility Rental available •

Sharbel Dussault

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Linda Wilson Owner/Designer

970.349.6302 970.275.4611 www.buttebotanica.com

Anyway

Gourmet

LLC

Personal Chef and Catering Service

Anyway Gourmet offers everything from party trays and appetizers to full service meals with all the trimmings. Quality cuisine is assured and this service can be provided in an atmosphere of your choice. Let us cater your special occasions. Reservations are needed in advance.

PRIVATE PARTIES • WEDDING CELEBRATIONS • CORPORATE EVENTS • COOKING CLASSES • EVENT COORDINATION • COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS • DINNERS IN TWOS

(970)209-3562 • www.anywaygourmet.com • Ian Leeming-Owner

WWW.ARRANGEMENTSANDEVENTS.COM

“You pick the venue and create the menu.�

(970) 349-0956 LOCATED AT THE FOUR WAY STOP IN CRESTED BUTTE

It’ the most important day of your life -

Your Wedding Day!

When it comes to men’s formal wear, you want the best.

The Toggery, a Jim’s Formal Wear elite retailer, has the experience to focus on your needs for the special day.

THE TOGGERY . -AIN 3T s 'UNNISON #OLORADO s

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Weddings in the

Wildflower Spa

Rockies

“The perfect Destination in Colorado�

Photo: Tom Stillo

Massage, wildower wraps, bodyscrubs, facials, and aromatherapy products.

Where the healing arts blossom in the Wildower Capital of Colorado

Schedule your treatment or spa package by calling

(970)349-8063 thewildowerspa.com

Certified Wedding Consultant & Coordinator

LOCATED IN THE GRAND LODGE HOTEL & SUITES MT. CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO

(970) 349-9440 tel/fax

www.CrestedButteWeddings.com penni@WeddingsInTheRockies.com

Miracles Happen at

Barb & Tami owners

Crested Butte Florist

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A Full Service Florist Specializing in weddings & one of a kind events

970.349.5249 www.crestedbutteorist.com XL 7XVIIX 'VIWXIH &YXXI

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Photos by Alex Fenlon

Think of your destination wedding as a journey. Encourage your family and friends to make the most of their travels and turn the trip into a summer vacation. They will thank you for years to come.

Select a location in the valley that resonates with your personal style and make it your base of operations for the days to follow. Beginning at the south end of the valley and heading north, you can choose from cattle ranches, mountain meadows, fishing outposts and historical churches to a laid-back country club or a world-class ski resort.

Every stop along the way offers comfortable lodging to fit all budgets. Your guests can enjoy options such as all-inclusive dude ranches, Victorian style bed and breakfasts, vacation homes or luxury accommodations at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Impress your guests with all manner of activities leading up to the wedding day. Start the celebration with a group hike or mountain bike ride. There are trails for every ability level — even your grandmother can enjoy an afternoon stroll admiring the wildflowers in full bloom.

Invite your guests to join you for a chuckwagon dinner or a free concert in one of the town parks. As a special thank you to your wedding party, skip the trinkets and treat them to a whitewater rafting adventure. Welcome all guests to participate and make this yet another in a series of fabulous memories surrounding your wedding.

Need a special thank you for mom and dad?

Send them on a half-day fly-fishing lesson or a

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hot air balloon ride. Whether they are viewing the valley from the river or the skies, they will not forget the beauty of your generosity.

Gourmet restaurants up and down the valley offer intimate settings for a rehearsal dinner. Not your style? Go casual with a Mexican fiesta, a catered picnic, or a meet-and-greet at one of the valley’s many pubs. But before you do, don’t forget to take time out and treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment at the hands of a talented masseuse.

Once your wedding day is here and the journey is nearly complete, experienced local wedding vendors stand ready to make this day perfect — whether it is a casual gathering or the most formal of events. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be one or the other in this valley. Being yourself is paramount, and if that means Vera Wang meets Carhartt, let your true colors shine.

Make it unique. Make it your own. Make your dream wedding happen right here in the Gunnison Valley! â–

Marty and Roberta Plotts

Gunnison Country Collision, Inc. KAYCO Ultimate Control Paint Booth •Collision Repair Specialist •Any Make or Model Welcome •Computer Estimates •Quality Painting •Skilled Frame & Unibody Specialists

970- 641-5510 702 S. 9th ST. Gunnison, Colorado

(Rachael Gardner owns and operates Crested Butte Events, a wedding and event planning company located in Crested Butte.)

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Allan Ivy Allan Ivy grew up on a cattle ranch in South Africa. In college in Pretoria, he majored in chemistry, metallurgy and plastics technology. He received his first camera for a 21st birthday present.

He and his wife, Francie, first came to the U.S. in the mid’80s on an extended honeymoon. They hitchhiked from New York to Milwaukee, where they bought a ’73 VW Beetle for $350 and proceeded to drive to 41 states, covering 36,000 miles in six months.

All the while, Allan carried 32 pounds of camera gear, taking thousands of photos in both 35 mm and 4x5, developing in converted bathrooms along the way.

In 1999 they left South Africa for England, establishing a fast food chain, which their daughter Natasha manages today.

They’ve traveled extensively through the southwestern United States and, as Allan says, always “fancied purchasing and running a resort.” In April 2008, that opportunity arose in Gunnison with the Mesa RV Resort. “We fell in love with Gunnison and the surrounding area and after spending a couple of hours in the park we returned to the UK and started proceedings to buy Mesa RV,” Allan explains.

While finalizing the sale, putting systems in place and beginning the visa process, Allan found enough time last year to take some stunning photographs of the Gunnison Country. Future plans include a photo gallery and workshops at Mesa RV. Allan updates his Web site (www.mesarvresort.com) daily with blogs and photos.

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,UNCH s $INNER Weekend Breakfast Buffet (OMEMADE 3OUPS s 3ANDWICHES s 'REAT 3TEAKS s &RESH 3ALADS s $ESSERTS

. -AIN s 'UNNISON #/ s WWW GUNNISONPALISADES COM Bagels - Wraps - Sandwiches - Ice Cream - Milk Shakes Smoothies - Espresso Drinks - Kids Menu & More Fresh Baked Goods Everyday!

Black Canyon

milestones B

6am - 9pm Everyday 710 N. Main St. • Gunnison, Colorado • 641-2006 Come and enjoy our newly expanded sitting room with free WIFI! 52 |

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lack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Gunnison Tunnel, and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Black Canyon National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

Two exhibits and special summer events will highlight these anniversaries with objects and materials from the past.

Curecanti Superintendent Connie Rudd said, “We have some marvelous items in our museum collection, and we are excited to share them with the public during this time of celebration.�

s

NEED WE SAY MORE See us for your catering needs. We specialize in weddings and special events.

Mario's Pizza & Ristorante

Photo courtesy of NPS

Work on the Gunnison Tunnel, which was built to provide water from the Gunnison River to the towns of the Uncompahgre Valley, began in January 1905. The tunnel was dedicated in September 1909 by President William H. Taft. In 1913, water flowed through the 6-mile long tunnel, breathing life into the valley.

Black Canyon became a national park and Gunnison Gorge a national conservation area Oct. 21, 1999. Both designations came after decades of work by many people in local communities who were committed to the care of these lands. President Bill Clinton signed the legislation passed by Congress towards the

A GUNNISON FAVORITE FOR OVER 38 YEARS

Featuring

Italian Dinners Pizza Calzones Sandwiches Burgers Famous wooden bowl salads Kids menu Wine and Beer Low carb menu Available for - dine in - take out - delivery

Voted Best Salad & Pizza!

2008 People's Choice Awards 213 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison

(970)641-1374

Continued on page 55 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

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GUNNISON’S FAVORITE FROM SCRATCH KITCHEN

THE BIGGEST LITTLE RESTAURANT AROUND!

2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008 PEOPLES CHOICE

FRESHLY GROUND-IN-HOUSE BURGERS Substitute a Black Bean Burger for no extra charge At the Gunnisack we grind fresh Angus beef daily, bake our own sesame buns and dust with our own Gunni-rub to create the best & safest burgers in the Gunnison country.

GUNNI BURGER: With choice of cheese for no extra charge.

6 specialty burger creations for you to choose from!

COOK

SAMICHES ROAST BEEF DIP: Hot & smothered with mushrooms and cheddar.

FOCCACIA CLUB: Smoked turkey and ham with bacon, tomato, lettuce, onion, cheddar, havarti dill and honey mustard.

JAKE’S JUBILEE: Grilled chicken breast topped with mushrooms, bacon, swiss and cheddar.

IES

NOW

AVAILA

BLE TO GO .

2006, 2007 & 2008 PEOPLES CHOICE

FRESH BAKED DESSERTS

THE GUNNISACK COOKIE A 1/2 pound chocolate chip or peanut GRILLED SALMON: Bed of fresh greens with jicama, tomatoes, butter baked to order and topped with ice roasted red peppers, swiss and bleu cheese crumbles. cream and chocolate sauce.

BACON CHEESEBURGER SALAD: Our 1/4lb fresh PEACH BREAD PUDDING ground burger patty atop a bed of fresh greens with A rich peach & cinnamon custard served hot and tomatoes, onions and cheddar cheese. topped with our Southern Comfort hard sauce.

AVOCADO BRUSCHETTA SALAD: Bed of greens APPLE CHERRY COBBLER with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh bruschetta, avocado and choice of housemade Served piping hot with cinnamon ice cream & whipped cream. dressing.

BBQ SUMMER SALAD: Fresh fruit, jicama, DINNER FEATURES sun-dried tomatoes, and bbq sauce with choice of chicken or portabello (includes soup or salad) mushroom.

FAJITAS: Served sizzlin’ hot! Choice of steak, chicken or portabello.

PASTAS: Three different unique pasta dishes to choose from.

FISH & CHIPS, FRIED SHRIMP: House battered and panko breaded, served with red pepper tartar or chipotle sauce.

SALADS

OTHER FEATURES INCLUDE:

VISA •MC •AMEX •DIS ITEMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

8VERW * *VII > EX SRI JUST ONE BLOCK NORTH OF HWY 50 ON MAIN

Highway 50

142 N. MAIN STREET, GUNNISON, CO. 970-641-5445 54 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

Main Street

Aunt Patsy’s Pot Pie Chuckwagon Chili Unique Vegetarian items Chipotle Tortilla Wraps Complete Kids Menu Sunday Brunch

STEAKS Served sizzlin’ with cheddar onion biscuit, veggies, baked potatoes or redskin garlic mashers & gravy.

14 oz bone-in Ribeye..8 or 12 oz culotte

Photo courtesy of NPS

ENOUGH SAID See us for your catering needs. We specialize in weddings and special events.

The Gunnison Tunnel was heralded by the communities of the Uncompahgre Valley in 1909.

National Archives photo

end of his term in office.

Among the objects in the Gunnison Tunnel display include a souvenir booklet commemorating the Tunnel opening in 1909, a decorative plate developed by the Redding family of Montrose, and artifacts from everyday living at East Portal.

Objects for the national park display include the pens used by Presidents Hoover and Clinton to establish preservation efforts of the park, original souvenirs from the early days of the national monument, photos and maps relating to the wilderness areas of both the national park and the national conservation area.

For more information, contact Paul Zaenger 970.249.1914, ext. 429. â–

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2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 55

Dining Guide Almont • C.B. • C.B. South • Gunnison • Lake City • Mt. C.B. • Ohio City

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Credit Cards

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Catering

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Delivery

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Parties, wide variety, natural meats & organic produce

Carry Out

Party hors d’oeuvres, variety, cooking classes

Libations

47

Child’s Menu

Dinner

(970) 641-0644

Lunch

P.O. Box 1015

Breakfast

(970) 349-09 (970) 209-3928

Cuisine

307 6th St. 301 Belleview Ave. #5

See Ad Page

Phone

Location

Playing hard in the Gunnison Valley builds up one’s appetite. Fortunately, there’s a local establishment to satisfy just about any hunger pang.

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CATERING SERVICE Arrangements Catering & Events Creative Catering F-Bar Catering

47

Mesquite smoked barbecue

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ALMONT Almont Resort

10209 Hwy. 135

(970) 641-4009

Steakhouse

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130 County Rd. 742

(970) 641-1303

Smoked meats, sandwiches, breakfast

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Bacchanale

209 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-5257

Italian

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Brick Oven Pizzeria

229 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-5044

Pizza, subs and pasta

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Buckaroo Beanery

601 6th St.

(970) 349-5252

Coffee shop food

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402 1/2 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-2500

Bagels, sandwiches and baked goods

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Three Rivers Resort Smokehouse

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CRESTED BUTTE

Camp 4 Coffee

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Dogwood Cocktail Cabin

309 3rd St.

(970) 349-6338

Small plates & cocktails

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330 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6674

Mexican

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East Side Bistro

435 6th St.

(970) 349-9699

Gourmet French inspired w/brunch

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602 Butte Ave.

(970) 349-9656

Hot & cold sandwiches, burgers

313 3rd. St.

(970) 349-7291

Thai and Indian, vegetarian friendly

218 Maroon Ave.

(970) 349-5630

Gourmet breakfast and lunch

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Karolina’s Kitchen

127 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6756

Home-style cooking

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Last Steep Bar & Grill

208 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-7007

American with a Caribbean flare

555 Red Lady Ave.

(970) 349-5808

Lil’s Land & Sea

321 Elk Ave.

Lobar

303 Elk Ave.

Long Dragon

Ginger Café Izzy’s Deli

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Contemporary French

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(970) 349-5457

Sushi, steaks, seafood and pasta

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(970) 349-0480

Sushi

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302 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-1288

Chinese

Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle

411 3rd St.

(970) 349-7401

Italian

Maxwell’s Steakhouse

226 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-5345

Steakhouse

McGill’s Restaurant

228 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-5240

American

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Paradise Café

303 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6233

Traditional American food

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Pitas in Paradise

214 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-0897

Mediterranean

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Princess Wine Bar

218 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-0210

Tapas and wine

Secret Stash

21 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6245

Pizza, salads and wings

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Slogar Bar & Restaurant

517 2nd St.

(970) 349-5765

Family-style

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Soupcon Bistro

127 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-5448

French American

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Sunflower Deli

214 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6866

Deli sandwiches & counter

Talk of the Town

230 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6809

Pizza and tamales

311 1/2 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-2005

Mexican

201 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-9831

New American, fine dining

555 Red Lady Ave.

(970) 349-5808

Deli/meals prepared for takeout

222 Elk Ave.

(970) 349-6350

Steaks, chops and seafood

Teocalli Tamale Timberline Restaurant Why Cook?

Wooden Nickel

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Le Bosquet

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Donita’s Cantina Gas Café

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CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH Camp 4 Coffee

161 Gillaspey

(970) 349-2500

Bagels, sandwiches and baked goods

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General Store

228 Elcho Ave.

(970) 349-2551

Bread, sandwiches, grill and pizza

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Ruben’s New Mexican Restaurant

207 Elcho Ave.

(970) 349-5003

Mexican

56 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

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Dinner

Child’s Menu

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22 Crested Mt. Way

(970) 349-4757

To-go baked goods from scratch

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Credit Cards

Lunch •

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Catering

Breakfast •

Delivery

Cuisine Wide Variety All-American

Carry Out

See Ad Page 47

Libations

Phone (970) 209-3562 (970) 349-7195

Location 701 Gothic Rd. 15 Emmons Loop

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MT. CRESTED BUTTE Anyway Gourmet Avalanche Bar and Grill Bakery at Mt. CB Butte 66 Roadhouse BBQ

Ski area base

(970) 349-2999

620 Gothic Rd.

(970) 349-7574

Firehouse Grill

11 Snowmass Rd.

(970) 349-4666

American

9380 Prime

In Elevation Hotel

(970) 251-3030

Fine dining; chop house

django's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Roadhouse, barbecue 59

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Gourmet small plate & wine bar

Swiss Chalet

621 Gothic Rd.

(970) 349-5917

Swiss German

Woodstone Grille

6 Emmons Loop

(970) 349-8030

Burgers, steaks and chicken

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GUNNISON Alamo/Pizza Mountain

226 N. Main

(970) 641-9907

Pizza

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Blue Iguana

303 E. Tomichi

(970) 641-3403

Mexican

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Brick Cellar Wine & Martini Bar

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122 W. Tomichi

(970) 641-9463

Bistro dining, sushi

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Café Silvestre

903 N. Main

(970) 641-4001

Mexican

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Chavolo’s Mexican Restaurant

800 N. Main

(970) 641-0057

Mexican

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113 W. Tomichi

(970) 642-6363

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limited

Double Dragon Farrell’s Restaurant

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Chinese

310 N. Main

(970) 641-2655

Fresh continental, baked goods

Fiesta Juchitlan

138 W. Tomichi

(970) 641-4248

Mexican

Firebrand Deli

108 N. Main

(970) 641-6266

Deli sandwiches

5 B’s Bar-B-Q

303 E. Tomichi

(970) 641-7360

Garlic Mike’s

2674 Hwy. 50

(970) 641-2493

61

The Gunnisack Cowboy Bistro

142 N. Main

(970) 641-5445

Gunnison Brewery

138 N. Main

(970) 641-2739

House of China

405 W. Tomichi

(970) 641-0667

Mario’s Pizza & Ristorante

213 W. Tomichi

(970) 641-1374

McDonald’s

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Sun.

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Southwestern

Sun

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Burgers, fish-n-chips, wraps, salads

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Chinese

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Italian

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(970) 641-5050

Fast food

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710 N. Main

(970) 641-2006

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Bagels, sandwiches and wraps

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Ol’ Miner Steakhouse

139 N. Main

(970) 641-5153

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American

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Palisades Restaurant

820 N. Main

(970) 641-9223

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American

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24830 Hwy. 50 (at Elk Creek Marina)

(970) 641-0403

Casual dining; breakfast weekends

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(970) 641-5255

“New York style pizza” pastas, salads

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(970) 641-3747

Pizza

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Sonic Drive-In

300 E. Tomichi

(970 642-0334

All-American fast food

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Subway

134 E. Tomichi

(970) 641-1853

Subs, salads, wraps, ice cream

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206 N. Main

(970) 641-4990

Southern bistro - soul food and Cajun

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310 W. Tomichi

(970) 641-0414

Mexican

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The Bean Coffeehouse & Eatery

120 N. Main

(970) 641-2408

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The Flying Burritos

107 S. Main

(970) 641-5777

California-style burritos & hot wings

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1 mi west on Hwy. 50

(970) 641-3724

Steaks and seafood

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114 N. Main

(970) 641-1744

Full breakfast and lunch menu

The Trough W Café

55

Crepes, bagels, sandwiches

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730 N. Main

Taco Bell

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Sugah’s Cafe

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Pizza Hut

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Pie-Zan’s Pizzeria

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Mochas Coffeehouse

Pappy’s Restaurant

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LAKE CITY Bruno’s Restaurant & Grill

1221 N. Hwy. 149

(970) 944-2415

Upscale French continental/Fresh pizza

Lake City Bakery

922 N. Hwy. 149

(970) 944-2613

Baked goods

205 Gunnison Ave.

(970) 944-0302

Coffee, smoothies, pastries

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308 Silver St.

(970) 944-0334

Coffee, tea, smoothies, breakfast burritos

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No Name Restaurant

230 N. Gunnison Ave.

(970) 944-4008

American

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Old Timer’s Cafe

310 N. Gunnison Ave.

(970) 944-7007

American

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310 Silver St.

(970) 944-4144

Grilled American food

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188 S Gunnison Ave.

(970) 944-4100

Coffees, sandwiches, pizza

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MeanJean’s Internet Coffee Shop Mocha Moose Coffee House

Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill Poker Alice Pizza

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200-A Silver St.

(970) 944-2010

Southern style comfort food

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Sportsman’s BBQ Station

173 S. Gunnison

(970) 944-2525

Texas-style BBQ brisket, chicken and pork ribs

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Sweet Pea’s Natural Foods

219 N Silver St.

(970) 944-8020

Homemade soups, sandwiches & salads

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8458 County Rd. 76

(970) 641-4272

American

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OHIO CITY The Mother Lode

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The information in this guide is subject to change 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 57

Clothes that fit your lifestyle!

Sole Man:

Men’s & Women’s

Featuring: Royal Robbins, Horny Toad, Isis, Prana, Ryan Michael & so much more.

970.349.9113 203 Elk Avenue Dowtown Crested Butte 58 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

The lost art of salvation is reborn; Gunnison cobbler is keeping the tradition alive

by Dawne Belloise

“Y

e tuneful cobblers! still your notes prolong, Compose at once a slipper and a song; So shall the fair your handiwork peruse, Your sonnets sure shall please — perhaps your shoes.” –Lord Byron There is a Grimm’s fairy tale concerning a cobbler and his wife, so poor they couldn’t feed themselves but were mysteriously helped by a pair of volunteer elves who slipped into the shop at night while the shoemaker was sleeping, to make shoes so beautiful that they brought a high price. The cobbler, to show

his appreciation, made the elves clothing and shoes — and lived happily ever after, of course.

Dan Rundell of Leatherworks in Gunnison has been keeping the cobbler tradition alive, without the elves, for 23 years.

“It’s been rewarding, and I’ve made a comfortable living,” he explains.

Traditionally, a cobbler was a craftsman who made shoes. But its modern definition is extended to one who repairs them. At one time, Rundell’s shop was the only place for repairs between Canon City and Grand Junction. Even though there are still very few shops in the state, the craft is apparently

Recommended by Outside Magazine Jan â&#x20AC;&#x2122;09 Extensive Wine List by the Bottle and Quartino Creative small plates from Southern Europe Call 970.349.7574 for reservations, or email reservations@djangos.us

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Dan Rundell of Leatherworks in Gunnison has been repairing boots, saddles and more for 23 years.

Recently, he says business has picked up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been rewarding, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a comfortable living,â&#x20AC;? he says of the age-old craft.

Photo by Dawne Belloise

enjoying a resurgence. In Denver and larger cities, the shoe repair shops are combined with tailor shops and dry cleaning to make the business feasible by attracting more customers.

The musky aroma of rich leather wraps around the senses upon entering Rundellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gunnison shop, instantly reminiscent of earlier times and a less complex life. Incredible machines stand tall â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sensible mid-20th century antiques that run on logic, pulleys and belts, for which Rundell says he can still get parts. Jars of shoe polish in wooden racks,

Downtown Gunnison '). Dehj^ CW_d Ijh[[j Â&#x161; /-& ,*'#8H;M

Continued on page 60 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 59

“For the Best Week of Your Year” A WESTERN GUEST RANCH SINCE 1962

SUMMER SEASON: Guest/Dude Ranch

RANCH ACTIVITIES: horseback riding, scenic trips, hiking, fishing, hayrides, square dancing, rafting, Western music show, overnight campout, horseshoes, billiards, ping-pong, softball, and of course swimming in our huge, warm pool!

OCTOBER - APRIL Public Hot Springs Bed & Breakfast

an artist’s palette of color, are as alluring as a new box of crayons. The shoemaker’s hands, as weathered as the boots sitting tagged on his work bench, are able to mend any boot or shoe and repair saddle or chaps.

The mastery of a good craftsman will be difficult to replace once Rundell retires, and no one has stepped up to take an interest in learning the age-old art. Paradoxically, the recession appears to be generating strong business in shoe repair.

“I repaired close to 55 saddles last year,” Rundell reports. “Recently business has even picked up. If the boots are repairable, people will get them in. One lady just brought me six pairs to repair. I can give $30 worth of repair and she can get two years of wear out of them.

“Guys will pay $300 to $400 for a pair of cowboy boots. They’re not gonna throw them away — they’re going to resole. Stitching and seams come loose. I’ll fix that up.”

Once a common practice to fix shoes rather than toss them out, people are thinking twice about replacing their footwear in a difficult economy. “Last week I had a gal bring in low-cut cowgirl boots she bought at a discount store, but they fit her just right and she didn’t want to throw them away,” Rundell explains. “So I put sole guard, a light rubber

soul on top of leather. Makes it wear longer.

She’ll probably get another three or four years of wear out of them.”

The Gunnison cobbler isn’t the only one seeing a return to frugality spurred by a

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641-4051

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8007 County Road 887, Gunnison, Colorado 81230 60 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Place Worth Driving To!â&#x20AC;?

-The Denver Post

Gunnisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award Winner 8 Years in the Running: Best Restaurant, Best Chef - Mike Busse, Best Place to Take A Date.

Best Wedding Reception - 2 Years Best Waiter - Christian Ingram - â&#x20AC;&#x2122;07 & â&#x20AC;&#x2122;08

)N 'UNNISON SERVING DINNER NIGHTLY s . (IGHWAY s about 2 miles north of the City of Gunnison

#OME VISIT OUR -ONTROSE ,OCATION s 2OSE ,ANE /FF (WY ON THE LEFT AFTER THE l RST LIGHT ENTERING -ONTROSE

s Jewelry s s Handbags s recession. Shoe repair is up in Denver, as evidenced by the opening of a new school for the craft, now accredited by the Division of Private Occupational Schools of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

A customer walks in and Rundellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendly voice greets her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How are you, Mrs. B?â&#x20AC;? His words flow like laughter as she opens the door. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can you do anything with these? Every time I try to wear them ... flop flop flop.â&#x20AC;?

Mrs. B manipulates her favorite shoes, which become as animated and noisy as a clacking party favor.

Rundell explains: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This pair of loafers has a hard plastic sole, which is loud. So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll put rubber ones on and that will make them quiet.â&#x20AC;?

The shop walls are lined with special stitchers that Rundell uses to sew all the soles on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I buy sheets of stock, I cut them out to fit the shoe and dress them up, sand the edges down to fit properly and glue them on,â&#x20AC;? he explains. He then completes the work on a grinder called a finishing machine.

A heavy duty sewing machine, that can handle up to a half-inch thick leather, is used to work on saddles. Another machine stitches patches on shoes and chaps. The oldest piece of equipment in the shop, which sews soles and boots, was made in 1940s.

To train, prospective cobblers can go to school, but Rundell feels the best way to

s &INE 4OILETRIES s s "ABY "OUTIQUE s s Candles s s Garden Accessories s s "ABY "RIDAL 2EGISTRY s

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Continued on page 64 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 61

Putting

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Children's Faces

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

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| 63

DO-IT-YOURSELFERS / CONTRACTORS “Get One More Bid Before You Build” UÊ 1 ,ÊEÊ* 97"" ÊUÊ "",-ÊEÊ7 "7UÊ,"" Ê / , -ÊUÊ /ÊEÊ " ÊUÊ 1 ,½-Ê/"" -ÊEÊ-1** -

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Traders in contemporary, antique & shabby chic furniture We also specialize in: t PVUMFU SFDZDMFE DMPUIJOH t DPTUVNFT t KFXFMSZ t CPPLT

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The tools of the trade.

learn is to go to work in a shop and learn the trade.

“There are trade schools available out there if a person wants to learn,” he says.

“You’re looking at a good year or two, but they’ll teach you orthotics, boot stitchery and repair.”

Rundell went to work in a Grand Junction shop to learn how to run equipment and do the leather repairs needed for tack, shoes and boots. Then he returned to Gunnison to open his shop in 1986.

“If I had it to do over again I probably wouldn’t,” he muses with a wide smile. “I always liked working with leather, and tooling was my main interest at first. I started thinking about making custom stuff, but repair work was too busy. I started out making belts and handbags, and didn’t have the time. It didn’t take long to realize that making one item at a time doesn’t make money.”

No one has approached Rundell about an apprenticeship, and at a young 67 years of age, he admits, “I wanted to go into a semiretirement mode working four days a week instead of six, but I’m still not doing that yet.

“I have no idea who will fix the boots when I fully retire. I plan on staying in business another three or four years.”

This should be cause for panic — especially for women. Shoes have played such a prominent role throughout girls’ lives, beginning with the promise of Cinderella’s glass slipper, the vanity of The Red Shoes and the magic of Dorothy’s bejeweled ruby pumps in the “Wizard of Oz.” Shoes have been a source of pain, pleasure and prestige.

(Dawne Belloise is a freelance writer, photographer, traveler and musician who has a closet full of boots to rival Imelda Marcos.

Contact her atdbelloise@gmail.com or follow her adventures through www.rubysroad.com.)

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Preserving ranching means more than preserving a lifestyle The rugged Anthracite Range provides the backdrop for these family-owned ranchlands in the Ohio Creek Valley.

Photo by Steve Wilcox

by Will Shoemaker

“W

hat a view!”

“That’s just beautiful!”

“Breathtaking!”

Heard that before?

Few are the visitors and inhabitants who haven’t commented about the magnificent beauty of the Gunnison Valley.

Many marvel at the rugged — yet fertile — landscape, gawk over the bounty of open spaces and nearly faint at the sight of a babbling brook shadowed by majestic mountains.

It may not occur to a casual visitor to the Gunnison Country, but all of those magnificent views of rolling meadows and neon-green pasture are thanks largely to the work of one character — the rancher.

In recent years, however, agriculturalists have faced a tougher task — and even tougher decisions. Many Gunnison-area cattlemen still clinging to the livelihood admit ranching isn’t what it once was. It’s a tough life these days in light of outside

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Ohio Creek Valley stockgrower Brett Redden’s family has protected 995 acres of the ranch they operate with a conservation easement.

Photo by Steve Wilcox

pressure — development, more visitors, recreation and greater regulation.

“It’s tenuous,” says 62-year-old, lifelong

Gunnison rancher Bill Trampe. “The community continues to grow and rely on tourism and development. Nearly all of those activities put an undue physical pressure on agriculture.”

It was for that reason in the mid-’90s that Trampe and former Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory director Susan Lohr formed a group specifically aimed at easing the burden on ranchers, and helping them keep their property in production.

That effort is called the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy. To date, more than 16,000 acres of ranchlands have been preserved by Legacy, primarily by assisting landowners place conservation easements on their property.

Conservation easements restrict certain development on lands in perpetuity. Legacy acts as an intermediary for landowners by finding an appropriate land trust, obtaining funding to pay for conservation easements and completing legal and technical aspects of the transactions.

“Ranchlands that are providing food are

also providing the green irrigated valleys that people love so much â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the visitors and the locals both,â&#x20AC;? Legacy Executive Director Lucy Goehl says.

The benefits of those wide-open spaces arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to aesthetics. Ranchlands play an integral role in both quality and quantity of water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ranching operations definitely have a significant impact in prolonging stream flows in the basin through their irrigation practices,â&#x20AC;? explains Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Manager Frank Kugel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They irrigate and the aquifer

soaks up the water like a large sponge. The aquifer then releases the water later in the in year, prolonging stream flows through the summer.â&#x20AC;?

Compared to the days of Trampeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth, there are a lot fewer ranchers on the landscape. The work on the part of Legacy, however, has helped preserve a lifestyle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we wanted to sell, if we wanted dollars, we wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been gone 20 years ago,â&#x20AC;? says Trampe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just care for the land and care for what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing.â&#x20AC;?

In the same manner, viewsheds and open spaces have been preserved for all. â&#x2013;

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Sally Vennel Sally Vennel has had a love of photography since childhood. As a physics major in college, she enjoyed her first experience in developing color prints in the physics department’s rudimentary dark room.

Married to her husband Chuck for more than 50 years, her photography subjects were mainly limited to their four children and pets as the family moved across the country as Chuck’s career demanded. Finally, while taking a basket weaving class at the Palos Verdes Art Center in California, their last career move, she noticed a dark room — and her interest in photography was rekindled. Soon she had a garage darkroom of her own.

Since that time, Sally has taken workshops, entered competitions, won awards and had her work published and shown in many private collections in California and in the East.

Sally and Chuck have been residents of Mt. Crested Butte for 13 years, and she finds the many opportunities for photography in this beautiful area “both exciting and inspirational.” Her work has been selected for the Crested Butte Land Trust calendars for several years, as well as calendars and a coffee table book in New Jersey, where she and her husband spend part of their summers.

Though she has finally switched from slides to digital, photography remains a lifelong love. It has taken her to many beautiful places, including Alaska and Africa (six times). “The list of new places to visit and photograph grows longer, as the years grow shorter,” she says.

See more of Sally’s work at http://sallysnaturalimages.blogspot.com/

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Gunnison and Crested Butte have wonderful shopping opportunities. Whether you’re a visitor passing through, a part-time resident or a long time local we encourage you to get out and shop our local stores.

They’re here for you - with great service and selections. Shop local first, Gunnison-Crested Butte.

- Publisher/Co-owner Gunnison Country Publications 70 |

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Susie Julian in the foreground, standing beside her father’s freight team and wagon in Irwin.

Photo courtesy of Michael Sargents

Quite an undertaking Susie Julian Miller built a family legacy in furniture, funerals

by Judy B. Sammons

H

igh up in the Elk Mountain Range in central Colorado, the little mining camp of Irwin was born. It flourished for a few years, and quietly died.

In the interim, between the years of 1879 and 1884, the camp — sometimes called Ruby-Irwin — had its share of attempts at civilization, as well as its share of lawlessness, as it went about the business of producing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of silver.

Irwin was a beautiful place, situated at 10,000 feet and set in a rose colored subrange of the Elk Mountains, aptly named “Ruby Range.” Thousands of silver seekers streamed into this paradise in 1879, ignoring as best they could the savage winters, with their bitter cold, deep snows and

killing avalanches, and relishing the short, heavenly summers amidst wildflowers, tall pines and streams teaming with trout.

Into this booming mining town 5-yearold Susie Julian arrived with her family in a covered wagon in 1880. She was accompanied by her parents, Charles and Mary Julian, and several siblings.

Susie was born at the family home in Wilkes Barre, Pa. In 1879 the family headed west, lured by reports of a silver strike in Irwin. Deep snows on the mountain passes prevented them from reaching their destination that fall and they were forced to turn back and winter in Leadville. The family arrived in Irwin the next spring, where they found a booming town, but no place to live.

They set up housekeeping in a tent, where they spent the summer as well as the folContinued on page 72

Susie Julian as a young child growing up in Crested Butte.

Photo courtesy of Michael Sargents

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lowing winter — quite a feat in Irwin’s bitter Vincent’s Academy in Leavonworth, Kan. When Susie was 19, she married George cold and notoriously deep snows.

Miller in Crested Butte. A newspaper acThe family moved into a cabin on a count of the wedding stated that she wore hillside the following year, and made Irwin a white silk wedding dress, trimmed with their home for the next five years. Charles pearls and lace, and carried a bouquet of Julian started a freighting business, haulwhite rose buds. The newlyweds initially ing ore to Buena Vista and bringing back resided in Crested Butte, where George was supplies. He provided freighting services employed by his father, Adam Miller, in between Irwin and nearby Crested Butte the family furniture as well. The Julian store and undertakfamily seemed to ing business. thrive in the roughIn booming and-ready mining mining towns, such camp of Irwin, but as Crested Butte, the children were both the furniture kept well away from business and the the loud noise and undertaking busiconfusion constantness were quite ly going on downprofitable. Deaths town, where many for both the young saloons provided and the old were merriment far into common occurrencthe night. There was es. There was always occasionally trouble the possibility that and at least one killa woman would not ing took place over survive childbirth a card game. and an equally good Late in her possibility that all life, Susie vividly the children would remembered her not survive to reach childhood in Irwin, adulthood. In fact, especially ex-presof the 12 Julian ident Ulysses S. children, only two Grant’s visit in 1880. reached adultThe old war horse hood. Epidemics rode into Irwin on a of measles, influbuckboard, accomSusie Julian Miller as a middle-aged enza, small pox, panied by Susie’s business woman. and scarlet fever left father, and was Photo courtesy of Michael Sargents few of the frontier loudly welcomed families untouched. by a joyous celebraNumerous deaths from other causes oction held in his honor. Another of Susie’s curred in families. People perished in fires, memories of her childhood in Irwin was of were drowned, or were killed by snake bites, the nearby Crested Butte mining disaster of avalanches, or gunfire. It was a rare person 1884 — one of the worst mining accidents who reached old age. in the history of the West. A violent mine A few years after George and Susie were explosion took 62 lives that day. The bodies married, the couple moved to Denver, that were brought out were so mangled that continuing in the furniture store and unsome could not be identified. Susie’s father dertaking businesses. After five years they assisted in moving the fallen miners from returned to Gunnison to operate the Miller the mine shaft to City Hall. Many of them were later buried in a mass grave in Crested Undertaking and Furniture Store — located where the Columbine Hotel now stands on Butte’s cemetery. west Tomichi Avenue. During these years When Susie was 10, the Julian family Susie and George became parents. Two moved to Crested Butte. Her father bought children were born to them, one was named a livery stable there and she frequently Lewis and the other, born in Denver, did helped him drive a team between Irwin not survive infancy. and Crested Butte. Susie attended school Somewhere along the way, Susie — who in Crested Butte and spent one year at St.

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once claimed that when driving one of her father’s freight wagons past the Irwin Cemetery, she would become so spooked that she would have to close her eyes — became a hands-on worker in the undertaking business. In 1920 she went to Chicago to attend the Worsham School of Embalming. She became the first female mortician in the State of Colorado.

Embalming had become a common practice during the Civil War, where military surgeons sometimes performed the procedure in field tents. By the beginning of the 20th century, this new practice had become well accepted. Initially it was performed in homes or in a hospital. By 1920 funeral homes had become the place where the procedure was commonly performed.

After Susie returned from Chicago, her husband left her. He took all the family’s money, but left Susie with the business.

From that point on, Susie became strictly a business woman. She became the first female funeral director in Colorado and for a time the only one in Gunnison. She was called on to serve in all kinds of disasters and weather conditions. She also served the nearby communities of Powderhorn and Crested Butte. She would travel to Crested Butte by train, taking her equipment and portable embalming table with her. Often she would perform her duties in the family home and then stay for the wake.

Susie eventually moved her furniture store to the second and then the third blocks of Gunnison’s Main Street. She continually expanded and enlarged her furniture business while serving the needs of the community as mortician. She was a tall, stately, serious woman. She had conservative tastes in all things, although she was partial to fancy hats.

Susie prospered in her middle years and enjoyed such amenities as a private railroad car to Crested Butte, a specially built Pierce Arrow car, and yearly trips to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Under a doctor’s orders to slow down some, Susie retired in her later years to enjoy her various social activities and her grandchildren. She died in Gunnison at the age of 83. Her son, Lewis, her grandson, and great-grandson carried on with the furniture store and mortuary businesses she had established.

Surviving family members living in the Gunnison community are grandson, CJ Miller; granddaughter, Marilyn Miller Sargents (and her son Michael and daughter Cathy); and great-grandson Rick Miller of Gunnison (and his sons Miah and Donavon). ■

| 73

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Beneath the surface

Photo by Suzette Gainous

Before the inundating waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir, this area was home to pastoral valleys, small towns, hunting and fishing resorts and ranches. Here’s a look back ... and beneath.

by Larry Jensen

B

lue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the State of Colorado, was created by building a 342-foot-high earth and rock dam across a narrow gorge at the east end of the Black Canyon, 26 miles west of the City of Gunnison. This backed the Gunnison River and its tributaries up for 20 miles, creating a reservoir that has 96 miles of shoreline.

The project was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Colorado River Storage Project, which was authorized by Congress in 1956. Blue Mesa Dam was completed in 1965, the same year Curecanti National Recreation Area was established to develop and manage the area’s resources. The reservoir reached full capacity for the first time in 1968.

Despite all the changes, one thing remains the same in the Blue Mesa area: Its allure to recreationists.

Photo by Paul Gallaher

Continued on page 76 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

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File photo

Until Blue Mesa Dam was completed, the Gunnison River ran free and wild through a series of pastoral valleys that contained small towns, hunting and fishing resorts and ranches. This stretch of river was long considered one of the finest trout streams in the nation.

At the dawn of the space age, the entire region was an anachronism; a remnant of a simpler time. Some would say a better time.

The area had been settled in the 1880s, when the Denver & Rio Grande Railway built west along the Gunnison River on its way to Montrose and points beyond. Preparations for the inundation of the region included relocating Highway 50 to higher ground and removing all of the buildings; many dating back to pioneer times.

While Curecanti National Recreation Area attracts approximately one million visitors a year, the people who knew the region “before the dam” still lament the loss of a special place. Some were natives who had to move out of the way of progress. Others were visitors to the resorts that lined the banks of the river — many of whom came back year after 76 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

year with their families to relax in the peaceful surroundings.

In the pages that follow, we will take a look at what was once there.

A dam on the Gunnison River

Photos courtesy of Bureau of Reclamation Photos, Richard L. Bratton Collection

The two photos on this page — one circa 1960 and the other circa 1970 — were taken from the same vantage point and show “before” and “after.” The dam was built at a narrow point on the eastern end of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

The broad valley at the upper end of the “before” photo was the location of the town of Sapinero, the largest settlement in the region with 21 residents. This is now the Sapinero Basin of Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest and deepest part of the lake. The former town site is approximately 250 feet under the surface.

Continued on page 79

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326 Elk Ave. Crested Butte, CO 81224 (970) 349-0303

Elk Creek Marina today.

Photo courtesy of NPS

The center of commerce

Four Bridges

Postcard courtesy L.R. “Mac” McGraw

Lake Junction was one mile east of the future site of Blue Mesa Dam and one mile west of Sapinero. When Highway 50 was built in 1926 — with its impressive steel arch bridge over Lake Fork canyon — the spot was immortalized as “Four Bridges” in picture postcards sold to tourists over the years. This card was produced by the Gunnison News-Champion, circa 1930.

Postcard courtesy WSC Leslie J. Savage Library

A railroad branch that once ran south to Lake City left the mainline here and accounts for two of the lower bridges as it crosses the Gunnison River and Lake Fork River. The fourth bridge was the original road between Gunnison and Montrose. The highway bridge was left in place and is now far beneath the surface of the lake.

Sapinero was named for a brother-in-law of the famous Ute chief Ouray by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. Always a small town, it was a noted rest stop for travelers and served the local ranching population. There was a general store, school, sawmill and railroad depot, in addition to residences.

The focal point of the town was the SapContinued on page 80

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inero Hotel and Dining Room, owned and operated by two generations of the Santarelli family. The hotel had postcards made to promote the area. The railroad, which served the town until 1954, provided transportation to market for thousands of sheep raised in the area.

“New” Sapinero is now located above the waterline, south of the original town.

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In the fall of 1961, Hollywood came to Colorado to shoot a wagon train sequence for the epic Western “How the West Was Won.” The film was made in Montrose, Ouray, Delta and Gunnison counties.

For a river crossing, director Henry Hathaway selected a spot on the Gunnison at its confluence with East Elk Creek, in what is now the Cebolla Basin of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The film’s stars — Gregory Peck, Debbie Reynolds and Robert Preston — were a hit with the locals during the two days it took to capture the footage. The film location seen here is now under approximately 150 feet of water.

Old West, right to the end

Photo courtesy L.R. “Mac” McGraw

The settlement of Iola, about 11 miles west of Gunnison, looked like a living remnant of the Wild West. Each fall, ranchers drove their cattle from summer pasture in the West Elk Mountains to Iola for shipment by rail to market. For decades, the Big Little Store was a favorite of hunters and fisherman vacationing in the area.

Blue Mesa Reservoir is not deep at this point, 15 miles upstream from the dam. In occasional drought years, the water level drops below the former site of the town, revealing its old foundations. It is a spectral reminder of the cost of progress.

Today, a flatwater paradise Despite the seemingly infinite number of ways this area was changed by the creation of Blue Mesa Reservoir, there is one significant thing that has remained: People still flock here to recreate.

Only today, that recreation is based around flatwater. Camping, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing, boating, floating ... you name it. ■

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Along the trail, leading to the boat dock.

Photo by Dawn DelVecchio

For All Your Home Furnishing Needs...

Morrow Point Boat Tour offers visitors unique perspective on geologic wonders of the Black Canyon

by Dawn DelVecchio

“S

teep, dark and forbidding.”

This is a phrase once used to describe one of Colorado’s most awesome geologic features: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Located along Highway 50, west of Gunnison, it is the deepest, narrowest gorge in all of North America. It stretches 53 miles across, with the Gunnison River flowing at its base.

Precipitous walls of striated rock descend to the canyon floor, with depths between 1,000 and 2,700 feet in some places.

The drive along the canyon rim makes for an exceptionally stunning day trip, and visitors are invariably impressed by the views looking down into the gorge.

But the opportunity to experience the Black Canyon from its base is available to people Continued on page 82

100 Spencer Ave., Gunnison 970-641-0727 www.backattheranchfurniture.com 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 81

Over the and around the

lake

T

shore

he creation of Blue Mesa Reservoir opened a variety of new outdoor recreation opportunities in the region. Under the stewardship of Curecanti National Recreation Area, part of the National Park Service, the lake now offers some of the best fishing in the state. The species found there include rainbow, brown, brook and lake (Mackinaw) trout. It is also the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the lower 48 states. Several recordholders have come from the deep waters near the dam.

All types of watercraft frequent Blue Mesa, including ski boats, houseboats, sailboats, canoes and jet skis. There are marinas at Elk Creek and Lake Fork, as well as boat ramps at several other spots.

The shore has numerous picnic areas and campgrounds, including some remote ones that can only be accessed by boat. Hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty radiate from parking areas along the shore. They also serve as starting points for hunters hiking into wilderness areas on adjacent public lands.

The Elk Creek Visitor Center is a good place to start learning about the area in person. It is open seven days a week during the summer and Monday through Friday in the winter. They have brochures that detail each and every activity the park offers and the staff is very helpful.

There are also smaller, seasonal visitor centers at Lake Fork, near the dam, and at the town of Cimarron, farther west on Highway 50. Cimarron is also the site of a railroad history exhibit that includes locomotive No. 278, which was built in 1882 and once ran through the area.

All of the recreational opportunities can be explored on the Web site for Curecanti National Recreation Area at www. nps.gov/cure. ■ 82 |

2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

Park rangers lead the Morrow Point Boat Tours with information on the area’s geologic and human history, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Photo by Dawn DelVecchio

of all ages with the Morrow Point Boat Tour. Rangers from the Curecanti National Recreation Area have arranged a 1.5-hour boat trip along a short stretch of the upper canyon, allowing many people the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of nature’s great feats. Passengers ride on a 42-seat pontoon boat and are guided by a park ranger, who will share stories about the geology and history of the canyon and the river.

In order to access the boat, visitors must descend 232 steps and then walk about a half mile along a portion of the old railroad bed before arriving at the small dock. The steps are well designed and maintained, so that they are maneuverable by young and old alike. An hour might be necessary for small children or people with difficulty walking, but rest assured, the stairs are quite safe and easy to manage.

The Black Canyon’s story begins between 40 and 70 million years ago, when the region experienced shifting along the plates beneath the earth’s surface. This caused an area of rock, some 20-by-60 miles in size, to rise in what is known as the Gunnison Uplift.

Geologists who have studied the river estimate that its current course was established about 10 to 15 million years ago, when volcanic mountain ranges to the north and south of the uplift rose, leaving it as the low point in the area. It was during this time that the Gunnison River, no longer able to flow around the uplift, began cutting into the center of the harder, sedimentary rock which

today forms the canyon walls. It is estimated that the Gunnison continues to cut about one inch of rock every 100 years.

At the 135-foot Chipeta Falls, visitors learn about the canyon’s early human history.

Nearing the end of the downstream journey, the tour passes the Curecanti Needle. This 700-foot spire of rock is so visually striking it was used as the emblem for the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, which ran through part of the canyon between 1882 and 1949.

• Tour times: Tours run at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. every day except Tuesday between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year.

• Reservations: Reservations are required and walk-ons are not permitted. Call 970.641.2337 (ext. 205) or stop by the Elk Creek Visitor Center (15 miles west of Gunnison off of Highway 50) to make reservations.

• Prices: $16 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under, and $8 for adults with interagency, senior or access pass.

• Location: The tour begins at the Pine Creek boat dock. Park rangers recommend an hour from trailhead to boat dock. The Pine Creek Trailhead is located just off Highway 50 at mile marker 130, which is one mile west of the junction with Highway 92 — at the Blue Mesa Dam. • Come prepared: Bring drinking water and a jacket. There are picnic tables along the trail and at the boat dock. No pets, smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the boat. ■

Offering Full Construction, Structural & Architectural Services.

Residential & Commercial

Matthew D. Ventura PO 955 Gunnison, CO 81230

970.343.9183 mventuradb@gmail.com

Shirley Corn’s Road to Recovery

began in 2007 when she experienced a life-threatening bout of pneumonia that left her in a coma. After being found in her home, Shirley was flown to St. Mary’s for her acute care. Shirley reports one of the most difficult times in her recovery process occurred at St. Mary’s. After waking from her coma, Shirley experienced a lot of confusion and hallucinations.

Three weeks later, Shirley was sent to Gunnison Healthcare Center (GHCC) for further rehabilitation. Shirley spent about six weeks at GHCC, but her work was far from over. She returned home three days prior to Christmas and was immediately introduced to Mountain Home Health. The therapists and nurses continued to help Shirley progress to her goal of independence. Upon her initial return, she got around her home using a wheelchair, and generally needed some assistance around the house. She can still remember the day that she answered the door for Audra Thompson, Physical Therapist using just her walker. Needless to say, Audra set her straight about safety and progress in rehabilitation. Shirley affectionately refers to Audra as “the drill sergeant”. Shirley gained strength and confidence with Audra’s guidance and about six weeks later, Audra took away her cane and encouraged her to walk without any assistive device. “I was scared to death, but she really helped me on my road to recovery.“ Shirley says that rehabilitation really helped to speed her recovery process. Though her balance isn’t what it once was, she continues with her home exercise program to improve this area of her physical ability. She is back to enjoying managing her home, gardening, fishing, reading, being outdoors and being involved in various clubs.

2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 83

Lodging Guide Almont • C.B. • C.B. South • Gunnison • Lake City • Mt. C.B. • Ohio City

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Exercise Facility

Cable/Satillite TV

Breakfast Included

BBQ Grill

Bar

Property Type*

See Ad Page

From B&Bs to campgrounds to fine hotels, the Gunnison Valley offers a great variety of overnight accommodations to meet your needs.

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$250 and up

CRESTED BUTTE Alpine Getaways - 800-260-1935

C

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Altitude Adjustment Ranch - 800-999-6427

Ca

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Cement Creek Ranch - 970-349-6512

Ca

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CB Int’l Lodge & Hostel - 970-349-0588

Hstl

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C

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Cristiana Guesthaus - 970-349-5326

I

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Elizabeth Anne Bed and Breakfast - 970-349-0147

B

CB Property Management - 970-349-5780

Elk Mountain Lodge - 970-349-7533

I

Inn at Crested Butte Boutique Hotel and Spa - 970-349-2111

I

Old Town Inn - 970-349-6184 Peak Property Management & Sales - 970-349-6339

H 92

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Pioneer Guest Cabins - 970-349-5517

Ca

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PR Property Management, Inc. - 970-349-6281

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$80-$120

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$89-$119

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$129-$169

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Purple Mountain Lodge - 970-349-5888

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The Ruby of Crested Butte - 800-390-1338

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$105-$205 •

$105-$199

GUNNISON ABC Motel - 970-641-2400

95

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Alpine Inn - 970-641-2804

92

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Affordable Inns Tomichi Village - 970-641-1131

H

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Comfort Inn - 970-642-1000

H

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Days Inn - 970-641-0608

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Ferro’s Blue Mesa Ranch & Store - 970-641-4671

Ca

Gunnison Inn - 970-641-0700

M

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34

CG

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Gunnison Lakeside Resort Inc. - 970-641-0477

92

CG

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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - 970-641-1288

88

H

Island Acres Motel - 970-641-1442

87

M

Long Holiday Motel - 970-641-0536

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Palisades Senior RV Park - 970-641-4951

RV

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Quality Inn - 970-641-1237

H

Super 8 Motel - 970-641-3068

89

Ca

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Swiss Inn - 970-641-9962

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Tall Texan Campground - 970-641-2927

CG

Tomichi Creek Trading Post - 970-641-0674

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$50-$160

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Western Motel - 970-641-1722

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

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Water Wheel Inn - 970-641-1650

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$62-$89

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Waunita Hot Springs Ranch - 970-641-1266 Wildwood Resort & Cabin Rentals - 970-641-1663

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90

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Rodeway Inn - 970-641-0500

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Mountain View Lodge - 970-641-1799

Rockey River Resort - 970-641-0174

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Mesa RV Resort - 970-641-3186

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Gunnison KOA Kampground - 970-641-1358 Gunnison Lodging Company - 970-641-2189

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Laundry on Property

Hot Tub

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Exercise Facility

Cable/Satillite TV

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See Ad Page

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ALMONT Almont Resort - 970-641-4009 Harmel’s Ranch Resort - 970-641-1740 Lost Canyon Resort - 970-641-0181 Three Rivers Resort - 970-641-1303

Ca 3

Ca

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$95 and up •

$125 and up

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$81-$158 •

$65-$315

LAKE CITY Alpine Moose Lodge - 1-800-650-1221

M

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Alpine Village - 970-944-2266

Ca

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Aspen House - 970-944-2254

Ca

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At the Lake - 386-467-2499 Castle Lakes Campground & Cabins - 970-944-2622 Cozy Corners Rentals - 970-944-7008

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G & M Cabins - 970-944-2282

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Henson Creek RV Park - 970-944- 2394

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Highlander RV Campground - 970-944-2878

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Inn at the Lake - 970-944-2032

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Lake City Resort - 970-944-2866

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Lakeview Property Management - 970-944-2401 Linny’s Stay and Play - 970-944-2408 Matterhorn Mountain Motel - 970-944-2210

Ca/C

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Oleo Guest Ranch - 830-336-4370

Ca

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Pleasant View Resort - 970-944-2262

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Silver Spur Motel - 970-944-2231

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Squire’s River Front Cabins - 970-944-7779

Ca

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Stay in Lake City - 970-944-1161

Ca

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The Texan Resort - 970-944-2246

Ca

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Vickers Ranch - 970-944-2249

Ca

Wagon Wheel Resort - 970-944-2264

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Westwood Resort, Inc. - 970-944-2205

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Woodlake Park - 970-944-2283

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Rocky Top Lodge - 970-944-2780

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Old Carson Inn Bed & Breakfast - 970-944-2511

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Elkhorn RV Resort - 970-944-2920

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MT. CB Elevation Hotel & Spa - 970-251-3000

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CBMR Properties, Inc. - 1-800-544-8448

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CB Lodging Company and Property Management 800-451-5699

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Crested Butte Retreat - 970-349-1701

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Crested Butte Ski Condo - 509-783-7048

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Grand Lodge CB - 970-349-8000

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Lodge at Mountaineer Square - 970-349-4000

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Nordic Inn - 970-349-5542

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WestWall Lodge - 970-349-1280

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Inn at Arrowhead (Cimmarron) - 970-862-8206

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Powderhorn Guest Ranch - 1-800-786-1220

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San Moritz Condominiums - 800-443-7459

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OTHER

Quartz Creek Lodge (Pitkin) - 970-641-6174

Ca

The Mother Lode (Ohio City) - 970-641-4272

RV

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Legend: Bed & Breakfast = B, Cabins = Ca, Campground = CG, Condos = C, Hotel = H, Inn = I, Motel = M, Ranch = R, Recreational Vehicles = RV 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 85

Taking notice

How life in the Gunnison Valley can change your perspective

by K. David Pinkerton

“N

ot much happens if your fly isn’t in the water,” I shouted, goading Jim to tie his clinch knot faster. The Kokanee were in up at Roaring Judy and he was finally into them — between break-offs, that is. So was the guy next to him.

Helping an elderly couple, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, helped the author view life in an entirely different way.

Courtesy photo

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

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That’s because I had helped, which was feeling plenty good right now. At least I guessed that was why I was standing on shore, offering suggestions to Jim and Drew instead of suffering fishing elbow from landing a few dozen feisty fish. You see, helping didn’t always come easily to me. And I’m only beginning to understand why things have changed.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I was mean before, or even hard to get along with.

I just didn’t notice. Making my clients rich was the only thing in my field of view. Who had time to see anything else? Apparently my ex-wife did (something she and her personal trainer probably discussed often in their new home).

Today, however, I did take notice of something other than my own needs. I coached Jim enough this morning that he lost count of how many fish he’d landed. Meanwhile, I’d catch a glimpse of a fisherman a few yards upstream, tossing a boat-load of unproductive casts toward a thick pod of spawning fish. He edged toward us until his line drifted into our hole.

“Mind if I show you something,” I said, untangling Jim’s line from his.

“I need all the help I can get,” Drew admitted.

We stepped to shore where I re-rigged his line and tied on one of my colorful inventions. Then we waded in, about to our ankles.

I showed him a few techniques I had learned since moving here. Drew reared back, set the hook, and let out a whoop. Before long, a 20-inch male lay on the bank, gill plates pulsing, red flanks blazing. The fishing action continued non-stop for an hour or so. That gave me time to enjoy the show. It gave me time to think.

In the past, noticing what others needed got me in trouble, or at least made it more difficult to get what I wanted. Like the time I was late for a flight and drove right past a nasty accident. No emergency folks were on the scene yet. As I checked my rearview mirror I saw a tired Ford Taurus pull over. An ample woman swung open her door and got out. She leaned toward her window, wagged a finger at three kids in the back seat, then rushed to the wreckage. I, on the other hand, made my flight and a big commission in Orlando.

My life was fast, stressful and demanding.

I did my job. I figured people should do the same. That’s why I didn’t stop, why I never helped the intern at my office or volunteered at my mom’s nursing home. Folks get paid to Continued on page 89

Personalized service, attention to detail, and convenience are just a few of the reasons that we stand out in Crested Butte. When you’re ready to be treated with good, old-fashioned hospitality, call us!

1.800.542.7669 . Outdoor Hot Tub . Continental Breakfast . Walk to Base Area

Crested Butte’s Friendly Little Family-Owned Lodge Check us out on the Web at www.nordicinncb.com

Ask about our chalets for 6-8 people.

.

.

P.O. Box 939 Crested Butte, Colorado 81224 E- mail: info@nordicinncb.com 970.349.5542 970.349.6487 Fax

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• Multiple room layouts with fully stocked kitchens • Pet friendly • Superb views • Easy access to restaurants, fishing, hiking/biking trails and Hartman Rocks • Park-like setting with outdoor firepits, grills and picnic areas • Ample parking for boats and trailers • Vintage charm and ambience • Environmentally friendly • Recently upgraded

Island Acres Resort 38339 W. Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 970 . 641 . 1442 www.islandacresresort.com

2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 87

Closes Wester t hotel to n State College

HOTEL

SUITES

Gunnison’s newest & finest accommodations •Complimentary Express Start hot breakfast •Indoor Pool •Indoor & Outdoor (seasonal) spas •Fitness Center with Nautilus equipment •24 Hour Business Center •Microwave & Refrigerator in All Rooms •Free Wireless Internet •27" flat screen TV's with DVD players •Local shuttle •Guest laundry •Priority Club Rewards Points •Packages available

910 E Tomichi Ave Gunnison, CO 81230

88 |

•Two room suites featuring Jacuzzi tubs and steam showers available •Meeting & event space •All interior corridors •Ample parking available •Great location to access the recreational and cultural amenities of Gunnison & Crested Butte

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

Mt. Crested Butte Stables 1.5 & 3 hour rides Almont Stables 1 hour rides Pony Rides Wilderness Day Trailrides Crested Butte to Aspen Adventures Fall Pack Trips

970-349-5425 970.641.1288

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www.fantasyranchoutfitters.com Operating under special use permit in the Gunnison and White River National Forests.

State of Colorado Outfitter Registration Number 2255.

Fantasy Ranch is an equal opportunity service provider.

do those things. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what taxes are for. Why should I help, much less be responsible for noticing when someone else needed it?

An eagle pushed off a cottonwood branch and swooped low over the river. My eyes followed its flight downstream, until I noticed two people standing on shore about 75 yards away. Both were in hip waders and vests, rods balanced motionless in their hands. It looked like a man and a woman, maybe an older couple. They just stood there, lines dry, watching us.

I tried to keep an eye on them, but suddenly the two rods next to me bent like shepherdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hooks. Glistening humps of water formed chaotic wakes behind slender tippet.

Thin filament sizzled and sliced the rippled surface. Net in hand, I chased and slipped, then lunged and missed three times before we managed to calm the fish enough for photos.

In my view finder, I could see gold in the trees, jewels on the banks and crystals flowing downstream.

Certainly, those delights were there to notice before I made this place my home. Nature is like that. But what can you notice when your life goes by in a blur of self-absorption?

It had become more greed than green, more noise than nature. And it really wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the divorce that changed me. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even my half of the settlement, which I mostly wasted chasing explanations from bar to bar. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t figure it out until I landed here and started pounding nails, rather than pounding my head against Wall Street.

But that thought could wait. My attention drifted back to the old couple. They just stood there, watching politely. I decided to walk down and visit with them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve caught plenty,â&#x20AC;? I said to them once I got close. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re welcome to come up to our hole.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kind of new at this,â&#x20AC;? the man said.

His hair was a shock of white. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from Oklahoma. We wanted to do something special for our 50th anniversary. So we bought this gear and thought weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d try our luck. But we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had much.â&#x20AC;? He reached out and squeezed his brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand. She looked up and patted him on the shoulder.

It took a while to convince them to join us. Jim and Drew scooted upstream a bit and gave us the sweet spot. I set the man up with different rigging, then offered my arm for balance as he negotiated the rounded rocks, slick with river life. It took some time, but each cast was better than the last. Sure enough, his Continued on page 90

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Rock y t r o s e s e R R r e v i R y e k c Ro R rt On the Gunnison River

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But what can you notice when your life goes by in a blur of self-absorption? It had become more greed than green, more noise than nature.

indicator twitched. Excitedly, I shouted, “Set!” I stayed within arm’s reach until the fish was under control and the old gentleman was on dry land. His silver-haired beauty glowed with pride. “Oh, Crandon! You caught one!”

“I couldn’t have done it without your help,” Crandon said to me, beaming a contagious smile.

For some reason, my voice started to crack.

So I just offered my hand and smiled back.

Crandon’s wife hugged me tightly, backed away one step, and cupped her hand to my cheek. Her eyes welled. So did mine. After a silent moment, they simply turned and walked downstream. I watched their careful steps until the couple disappeared into the willows.

I blinked and shook my head. Then I turned a slow circle, my eyes still moist. The eagle was back on the same branch, stoic and majestic. Along the shore, a pair of mink playfully traded a morsel of food. Spider silk flagged from a spruce limb.

In the clarity of a pure blue sky, the answer to my question became clear. This valley had changed me. What I see here doesn’t honk its horn, threaten to sue, or expect to be tipped.

What surrounds me here — the things that fill my vision every day — are so big and inspiring that it’s difficult to be self-centered. And when I stop being so focused on me, I can focus on others. I’ve learned what it feels like to help.

“Ouch!”

Jim’s shout broke my concentration. I turned to see a fish swimming away and Jim grabbing his hand. A step closer revealed a fly protruding from the fleshy pad of his ring finger, the hook buried to the shank.

“Looks like you need some help,” I said.

Jim made one of his faces — a funny combination of grimace and smirk. “Glad you noticed,” he said. ■

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RED MOUNTAIN RANCH

Alpine INN Indoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub Complimentary Deluxe Continental

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Caretaking Remodels

This 35 plus acre lot borders National Forest land and boasts some of the best Elk and Deer hunting in Unit 54. The property is located in prestigious Red Mountain Ranch, and only 15 minutes from Historic Crested Butte and the famous ski resort of Mt. Crested Butte. Hiking and mountain climbing right out the backdoor with nearby access to fishing, water rafting, kayaking, golf, etc. The existing two bedroom two bath room log home was built as a guest house leaving a number of locations to build the home of your dreams, but could also be a hunting lodge as is!

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s &ULL 26 (OOKUPS s #ABINS s 0ROPANE s 'IFTS s 'ROCERIES s 3HOWERS s ,AUNDRY s 26 "OAT 3TORAGE s "OAT ,AUNCH .EARBY s 'RASSY 3HADED SITES -ILES 7EST OF 'UNNISON ACROSS (WY FROM "EAUTIFUL "LUE -ESA 2ESERVOIR

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stay & Play at the Lakeâ&#x20AC;?

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FAST FACTS Gunnison was established in 1874 and is the County Seat of Gunnison County. It is centrally located in the State of Colorado, 200 miles from Denver and 180 miles from Colorado Springs.

Nestled 30 miles west of the Continental Divide in a sprawling valley, the elevation here is 7,703 feet. The economic base in the County is primarily tourism, followed by education and ranching. The median age of residents in Gunnison is 30.4 years, with 89.7% of the population Caucasian. The median household income is $25,800 per year.

POPULATION CITY

2005

2006 % Change

Crested Butte

1,572

1,554

-1.2%

Gunnison

5,303

5,309

0.1%

Marble

103

100

-3.0%

Mt. Crested Butte

752

765

1.7%

Pitkin

115

113

-1.7%

Unincorporated

6,419

6,490

1.1%

TOTAL

14,264

14,331

0.47 %

The population of County Municipalities grew .047% (05-06). The total population of the County has increased 2.7% since 2000. The State of Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth during the same period was 10.5%.

Gunnison County is the 3rd most populated county in Region 10 and ranks 32nd in State population.

DECENNIAL CENSUS: 1900-2000 1900 1910

Million Dollar Views!

Great Family Home!

$598,000 964 Sioux Road, Wilderness Streams

$595,000 341 Meadowlark Trail, Gunnison

First Time offered for sale. 1242 sq ft cabin with West Elk Wilderness & Castle Creek Views. Nestled in a forest of Aspen & Pine with abundant wildlife. Wrap around decks and sitting areas; cabin charm with potential to enlarge. Include a two-stall barn with enclosed tack room. Located in a gated community with private ďŹ shing, hiking, hunting and access to West Elk Wilderness! Don Wilson @ 970-209-0591

Great Family Home in North Elk Meadows with an amazing ďŹ&#x201A;oor plan! Over 2700 sq ft home with a brand new rock gas ďŹ replace! Family room/living room/kitchen nook/ formal dining area and huge kitchen with bar. Granite kitchen countertops, hickory cabinets and hickory wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors with in ďŹ&#x201A;oor heat. Four large bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

Kris Travis @ 970-209-6422

Development Potential!

Mountain Retreat!

$2,800,000 1141 North Highway 135, Gunnison

57 Kiowa Trail Wilderness Streams, Gunnison

This 20+ acre tract is located just north of the city limits and fronts Highway 135. Potential for a residential/commercial development. The north sewer line traverses the property, which also has water rights. Improvements include a 1,176 sq ft home, with a 30x40 heated garage/shop and a Porta-Stall horse barn. Owner will carry with 35% down.

Jim MacAllister @ 970-209-1599

Log home on 9-plus acres in a gated community near Ohio Pass! Enjoy private ďŹ shing rights on three streams and a pond, plus access to the national forest for hiking, biking and hunting.

Three bedroom home features ďŹ nished garden level with pellet stove, new wood ďŹ&#x201A;oor in kitchen and entry, new kitchen and bath countertops, generator for off the grid emergencies, and brand new appliances. Jim MacAllister @ 970-209-1599

1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

5331 5897 5590 5527 6192

5716 5477 7578 10689 10273 13956

Building Sites For Sale in Gunnison:

SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT 2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

1,605 1,640 1,604 1,590

1,721

1,759

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT 2004

2005

2006

Total Labor Force

8,796

8,847

9,593

Total Employment

8,423

8,579

9,289

Unemployment

373

355

304

Unemployment Rate

4.2%

4.0%

3.2%

GUNNISON COUNTY ASSESED HOME VALUATION 2004-2007

2.43 acres @ $139,500 Only lot available in subdivision and Only lot with a Well!

Lot 17, Lost Miner Ranch 8.08 acres @ $219,000 Fronts Tomichi Creek!

Lot 4, Green Mesa Ranch 14 acres @ $245,000

$28,911,193

$27,064,857

$419,660

$ 585,049

Pitkin $105,090 Remainder of County Gross Sales $35,587,270 $36,948,804 $45,195,354

Lot 1, Horse Meadows

Fronts Tomichi Creek!

Lot 4, West Elk Ridge

Jim MacAllister @ 970-209-1599

2004 2005 2006 2007 $406,400,000 $488,634,430 $509,858,040 $721,107,240 County Gross Sales $221,521,167 $237,581,309 $268,081,197 $270,162,542 Crested Butte Gross Sales $52,061,165 $60,046,335 $66,492,555 $67,434,368 Gunnison Gross Sales $111,826,456 $114,583,186 $126,957,345 $131,044,013 Mt. Crested Butte Gross Sales $22,046,276 $26,002,984 Marble

Lot 16, Lost Miner Ranch 11.98 acres @ $219,000

$276,638 $43,757,617

Fronts Quartz Creek!

Kris Travis 970-209-6422

Don Wilson @ 970-209-0591

35.79 acres @ $199,000 Spectacular Views!

Lot 7, Fox Meadows 3.90 acres @ $245,000, Horse Property

WILSON ASSOCIATES REALTY 970-641-2169

FAX s PROPERTY WILSONREALTY NET s WWW GUNNISONCO REALESTATE NET %AST 'OTHIC !VENUE 'UNNISON #/ KRIS WILSONREALTY NET s JIM WILSONREALTY NET s DEWRANCHBROKER Q COM 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

| 93

e m e r t x E Western’s Borick Business Building is the only privately funded academic building among Colorado’s public colleges.

Courtesy photo

Western State College construction projects provide more than a facility face-lift

by Tracey Koehler

I

nside and out, Western State College of Colorado is undergoing an extreme makeover.

Since 2007, the college has been buzzing with a number of construction projects, including new buildings, renovations, and other campus enhancements.

These construction projects have not just changed the campus landscape — they also have revamped the way the college’s facilities are designed, built and used. The buildings also provide lessons themselves with students assisting with design and project management.

In 2007, WSC President Jay Helman signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, which charges academic institutions to reduce their carbon footprint and become carbon neutral by 2050.

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Among the actions taken to fulfill that goal are following sustainable building practices for all campus construction projects. The college has committed to have all new buildings and renovations earn LEED-Gold certification, or its equivalent. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of “high performance, green buildings” set by the U.S. Green Building Council. To earn a LEED certification, buildings must adhere to environmentally sustainable construction practices, design and function. Buildings can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum LEED certifications.

“These projects are examples of the Western family’s continued drive to move our college ahead to meet student needs for a 21st

century learning and living environment,” remarked Helman.

Borick Business Building The Borick Business Building, which opened its doors in fall 2007, led the way as the model for environmentally sustainable building initiatives at Western. The facility, which houses the Business, Accounting and Economics Department, has the distinction of being the first LEED-certified building on campus and within the Gunnison Valley. It garnered a LEED-Silver designation.

Furthermore, the $6-million facility became part of Colorado history as the only privately funded academic building among the state’s public undergraduate institutions. It is named for Steven J. Borick, a 1975 WSC graduate whose $3 million “challenge grant” resulted

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970-641-2400 • 212 E. Tomichi Avenue • Gunnison

Students gather in the foyer of the Borick Business Building.

in another $3 million in gift commitments from WSC alumni and friends in less than 18 months. Their donations covered all of the expenses to build, furnish and equip the building.

The building boasts state-of-the art “smart” classrooms, equipped with multi-media teaching tools and study spaces for student collaboration and interaction. Environmental features include the re-use of roof tiles on the building taken from the renovation of other buildings on campus, motion lighting, and an energy-efficient ventilation system.

FCI Construction of Grand Junction was the general contractor. H+L Architecture, also of Denver, provided the architectural services.

Kelley Hall Originally built in 1957, Kelley Hall reopened its doors in fall 2008 after undergoing a $5.5 million renovation, which was funded by state capital monies and the WSC Foundation. The building is now home to the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department and the Environmental Studies Program. The renovation breathed new life into Kelley Hall, transforming its plain, institutional feel into an inviting, dynamic space ideal for academic enrichment.

Kelley Hall is more than just a building — it’s part of the curriculum. Students researched and selected environmentally sustainable materials and design elements.

Among those features are insulated windows, motion lighting, compact florescent lighting, Continued on page 99

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Kelley Hall was transformed from an “institutional” and “uninviting” academic building to one where natural light pours in, student murals grace the walls and where lounges and comfortable places to study abound. The renovation also was designed with LEED-Gold certification in mind.

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Courtesy photos

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2 0 0 9 G U N N I S O N CO U N T RY M AGA Z I N E

low-flow faucets and a highly efficient boiler system. Building materials — from flooring to furniture to insulation — are from recycled or renewable resources, such as cork, bamboo, wood and paper fiber and reclaimed hardwood. Environmental Studies students also spruced up Kelley Hall’s exterior by planting a “xeriscape” garden and other landscaping with low-water, native plants. Kelley Hall is pending LEED-Gold certification.

Thanks in part to the students’ efforts, Kelley Hall boasts the campus’ first solar panels for solar electricity and thermal systems. An Environmental Studies class applied for grants and helped design the solar panel system, including an educational center and laboratory to provide renewable energy data to the larger community.

“Students learn from the buildings they study in. In Kelley Hall, our building will be more consistent with the material that we are teaching,” said John Hausdoerffer, director of Environmental Studies at Western.

Aesthetically, the renovated Kelley Hall is significantly different than the original building, which a former student described as feeling “institutional, dim, and uninviting.” Today, Continued on page 100

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| 99

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The Western Student Center, designed by SlaterPaull Architects of Denver (represented by architect Gwen Gilley, pictured here), will become the hub of student life once it opens in January 2010.

Photo by Chris Dickey

natural light pours into the building and student-painted murals grace the walls, along with other artwork. Students and faculty also enjoy lounges and other comfortable places to study, collaborate and socialize.

The general contractor for the project was FCI Construction Inc. out of Grand Junction.

The architect was Chamberlin Architects, also out of Grand Junction.

Student Center The campus makeover continues with the construction of the new Student Center, which is slated to open in January 2010. The 70,000 square-foot building stands on the site of the former “Student Union,” which was out-dated and no longer able to accommodate the needs of the students. The new center also features facilities that benefit members of the Gunnison Valley community.

The Student Center will house student services offices, the Wilderness Pursuits program and other student organizations — which were relocated to Ute Hall after the Union’s demolition. The building also will have meeting rooms with multi-media tools, a ballroom and retail space.

Also taking center stage in the building will be a first-run movie theater with 3D capabilities, a much-desired amenity that will benefit both the campus and Gunnison Valley community. Other recreational features include a

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The primary purpose of the new Student Center, however, is to provide a centralized gathering place for students to socialize and get more involved in campus events and activities.

The Student Center is seeking LEED-Gold certification. More than 60 percent of the waste generated from the Student Union’s demolition was recycled locally and more than 25 percent of the building materials are made from recycled items. In addition, 94 percent of the building materials thus far have been from regional businesses within a 500-mile radius of campus. The building will have highly efficient mechanical systems and will take advantage of sunlight to reduce energy consumption.

Nunn Construction Inc., based in Colorado Springs, is the general contractor. SlaterPaull Architects in Denver designed the building.

Taylor Hall Renovation After the completion of the Mountaineer College Center, the college’s make-over marathon will continue with a complete renovation of the campus’ original building — Taylor Hall. The Admissions Office and other student-services offices, The Communication

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970-641-4880 Fax: 970-641-2521 129 E. Tomichi Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230

www.gunnisonrealestateandrentals.com Continued on page 102 2 0 0 9 G U I D E T O C O LO R A D O ’ S H I G H C O U N T R Y P L A Y G R O U N D

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Arts, Language and Literature Department, the Extended Studies program and administrative offices, including the President’s Office, take up residence in the nearly century-old building.

In addition to modernizing the structure, the project includes substantial technology and classroom upgrades. The building’s renovation also includes a redesign of the south face to provide a more prominent entry for visitors. In addition, a Welcome Center will be added to greet and assist prospective students and other visitors. As with the other construction projects on campus, the Taylor Hall renovation includes provisions to garner LEED-Gold certification.

The $21 million project is state-funded and is expected to begin in summer 2010.

Nunn Construction Inc. of Colorado Springs will be the general contractor. SlaterPaull Architects in Denver are developing plans for the renovation.

Producing everything from hollyhock flowers to tomatoes, the Community Garden is sprouting into its fourth season.

Courtesy photo

Campus Greenhouse and Community Garden Thanks to the initiative and hard work of Western’s students, the college now has a Community Garden and plans for a campus greenhouse are in the works. Producing everything from hollyhock flowers to tomatoes, the Community Garden is sprouting

into its fourth season.

Located on campus between Coronado and Beckwith Halls, the 25-square-foot garden produces a variety of herbs, vegetables and flowers. According to student Sam Duchaine, the vision for the garden is, “To grow food for the community as a community,” and to “broaden

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community awareness about local food.” Last season, salad greens from the garden were sold at the Gunnison Farmers Market with proceeds benefitting the local food bank. The garden organizers hope the garden also will someday provide food for the college’s dining hall. ■

B Gunnison Loan Staff

Refinance

Crested Butte Loan Staff

Gunnison Savings & Loan is taking applications and making loans every day.

We’re ready to help you. Call 641-2177 today for the lowest mortgage rates since 1971!

Each depositor insured to at least $100,000

Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation=www.fdic.gov

Bank online at www.gunnisonsl.com 303 N. Main Street, Gunnison

641-2177

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Photos: Tom Stillo

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