July 2015
Not Just
ANOTHER
(
FISH STORY
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[contents]
July 2015
[cover]
Photo of Shelley Walchak with a catch from the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon.
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4 Viewpoint
20 Recipes
5 Letters
22 Gardening
New fangled barn raising brings solar energy to low-income co-op members
Make some homemade ice cream that will make you scream for more
coloradocountrylife.coop
This month’s online extras
6 Calendar
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24 Outdoors
➤ FIND more fun stuff to do in Colorado
25 Energy Tips
➤ L EARN more about keeping your home cool
Co-op News
12 NewsClips 14 Lighting Your Summer Nights
Quality deck lighting extends your living space outdoors
16 A Modern Fish Story
52 weeks, 52 rivers and one woman testing the Colorado waters
1925
legislature named the columbine Colorado’s state flower
®
Official state plants prove to be perfect for your yard
Extra content:
x x
Becoming a birdwatcher means now fitting the sterotype
29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries
➤M AKE some delicious ice cream treats ➤ E NTER contests and win
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rivers Walchak visited in 52 weeks
2011
the largest ice cream cone in the world was recorded at 9 feet, 2.63 inches — Guinness World Records
The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 46, Number 07 COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276, advertising@coloradocountrylife.org; NCM@800-626-1181 SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@coloradocountrylife.org
EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: facebook.com/COCountryLifw • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.
[viewpoint]
Solarthon
Joining a new fangled barn raising helps bring solar to West Slope co-op members BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG
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Can I let you in on a secret? I have a Valley “Solarthon” (kind of like great job. After the legislative session an old-fashioned barn raising), comes to an end, I have a chance to teams of volunteers donned hard travel around our spectacular state to hats and safety vests to help install attend co-op annual member meetsolar panels at the Grand Valley ings, board of director meetings and Power community solar array along other co-op functions. With all the Interstate 70 in Grand Junction. rain and snow that we were blessed At the end of the day, GVP with this spring, the mountains and General Manager Tom Walch plains are as beautiful as I have ever flipped the switch to energize the seen them in the 31 years I lived in substation that will deliver carbonColorado. free kilowatt-hours from the solar But even more impressive than panels to member-owners of the the scenery is all the brilliant work electric co-op that provides service being done by the boards and staff in Mesa, Delta and Garfield counties. members of Colorado’s electric This project, the first community Kent Singer (second co-ops. I am continually amazed solar garden in Colorado targeted from bottom) helps install solar panels. by the innovation and ingenuity of at assisting low-income electric electric co-ops in their efforts to find co-op member-owners, will offset new and better ways to serve their the power usage of eight families member-owners. in the Grand Valley Power service One example area. These families will continue to Tom Walch and Kent of this ingenuity pay a monthly facilities charge, but Singer on is the adoption they will see a significant reduction job site. of new busiin their monthly electric bills since ness models for their energy usage will be offset by the electricity generthe integration ated by the solar panels. After a four-year subscription of solar power period for the initial signees, a new set of co-op consuminto electric ers will get their chance to save with solar. co-op power Volunteers came from throughout Colorado and supply portfofrom as far away as Texas and California to be a part of lios. There are the Grand Valley Power Solarthon. We were assigned many ways for to teams, and I got to work with volunteers from the consumers to access solar power, from the installation of solar National Renewable Energy Laboratory and others to install panels on their rooftops to participation in community solar the solar panels that will be producing energy at this site for farms to the integration of utility-scale solar arrays into the the next couple of decades. With the expert assistance of the overall power supply mix. project management team assembled by GRID Alternatives, What has been missing from the solar “status quo,” howeven a neophyte like me could assist with the installation of ever, is a way to broaden access to solar so it includes co-op the solar panels. member-owners who can’t afford a solar panel array. Recently, The Grand Valley Power community solar project one of our member co-ops, Grand Valley Power in Grand exemplifies electric co-ops’ seventh principle, concern for Junction, found a way to bring the benefits of solar energy to community. Kudos to the GVP board and staff for their a group of its member-owners that were previously priced out imagination and ingenuity in responding to the needs of their of solar. co-op member-owners. Working with a nonprofit called GRID Alternatives, Grand Valley Power installed a 29-kilowatt community solar garden that is dedicated to reducing the electric bills of Kent Singer, Executive Director those who are in most need of the assistance. At the Grand
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[ letters] How Hunters Help I came across the letter from a reader who objected to the (hunting and fishing) articles. This misunderstanding by the public is the fault of people like you and me who just shut those people out when we should be doing more to inform them of the value of hunting. The source of my information is the Pittman-Robertson Act, signed into law September 2, 1937. My latest data shows that $1.5 billion was collected in the first 50 years for distribution to the states (up to 1987). The funds can be used for conservation only, such as buying open space and land for nature walks. Much is done to create food plots for animals and birds.
Ed Brown, Nunn
Mercury and CFLs I was happy to see the article and chart on lightbulb comparisons. However, I was surprised that nothing was mentioned about compact fluorescent lightbulbs containing mercury, CFL disposal problems or CFLs requiring special cleanup procedures.
Cindy Brown, Howard
Editor’s Note: Research shows that, while CFLs do require more careful handling and disposal, the hazard can get blown out of proportion. According to the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives, CFLs typically contain from 3 to 5 milligrams of mercury — about one- hundredth of the mercury contained in older thermostats still found in many homes. Only a tiny fraction of that is actually released when a bulb breaks. According to research, the broken bulb would have to be left unattended for weeks for the mercury vapor in the room to reach hazardous levels. Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s procedure for safe cleanup will keep that from happening (www2.epa.gov/cfl/ cleaning-broken-cfl).
GOT A COMMENT? Send your letter to the editor by mail to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org.
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[calendar]
July
July 7-8 Pagosa Springs Charity Golf Tournament Pagosa Springs Golf Club 970-264-4629 • pagosagirl@ gmail.com July 9 Colorado Springs Cowboy Gathering Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame 9 am-5 pm • wmacolorado.org July 9-12 Westcliffe High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival 100 S, Adams Blvd highmountainhayfever.org July 10-11 Durango Art on the Animas Santa Rita Park River Walk 970-247-2117 • fairandphoto@ frontier.net July 10-12 Durango Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show La Plata Fairgrounds 10 am-6 pm • durangorocks. org July 10-11 Fort Morgan BOBstock City Park 970-867-5674 • bobplays anything.com July 11 Berthoud “Berthoud Backroads” History Field Trip Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum 9 am-12 pm • 970-532-2147 July 11 Colorado Springs Armed Forces Country Music Festival USAFA Falcon Stadium 10 am-10 pm • soldiersauce. com July 11 Fort Collins Water Works Open House Water Works 10 am-3 pm • 970-221-0533
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July 11 Granby Community Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In Granby Airport 7-11 am • eaa1267.org July 11 Westcliffe All Aboard Breakfast Depot on Main Street 7-10 am • 719-783-0945 July 13 Grand Lake Family Night “42nd Street” Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre 6 pm • rockymountain rep.com July 14-18 Grand Junction Mesa County Fair Mesa County Fairgrounds mesacountyfair.com
Featured Event Celtic Festival
July 18-19 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth Bedeck yourself in your favorite Celtic attire (or not) and head to the Elizabeth Celtic Festival where you will enjoy authentic Scottish food, Irish whiskey ice cream, Celtic music, dance, local arts and crafts, kid-friendly activities and more. Cost is $10 for adults; teens and seniors $5; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit elizabethcelticfestival.com.
July 24-26 Mancos Mancos Days Boyle Park 970-533-7434 • mancosvalley. com
July 16-18 Creede “BONES!” Kid Show Creede Repertory Theatre 719-658-2540 • creederep.org
July 24-25 Virginia Dale Art Show and Sale Virginia Dale Stage Station 970-495-1828 • virginia dalecommunityclub.org
July 17-18 Cuchara Art Show Cuchara Recreation Center 10 am-5 pm • pmarten47@ gmail.com
July 25-26 Aspen Art Festival Monarch Street 10 am-5 pm • artfestival.com
July 18-19 Colorado Springs FOX Open Garden Tour Various Colorado Springs Locations 9 am-3 pm • extensionfriends. org July 18 Colorado Springs Native American Intertribal Festival & Traditional Powwow Freedom Financial Services EXPO Center 10 am-6 pm • 719-559-0525 July 18-19 Grand Lake Buffalo BBQ, 5k and Parade Town Park 970-627-3402 • grand lakechamber.com July 18-19 Winter Park Alpine ArtAffair Highway 40 alpineartaffair.com
July 25 Mesa “The Mud, The Bands & The Beers” Festival Powderhorn Mountain Resort powderhorn.com July 25 Rye Mt Aire Festival Brush Canyon Ranch 719-489-3478 July 25 Walsenburg Farmers Market Heritage Park 9 am-12 pm • 719-289-6272 July 30-August 2 Pagosa Springs Archuleta County Fair Highway 84 and Highway 160 archuletacountyfair.com July 31-August 1 La Veta Art and Garden Tour Various La Veta Locations 10 am-4 pm • spanishpeaks arts.org
August August 1-9 Kremmling Middle Park Fair and Rodeo Middle Park Fairgrounds 970-217-6298 • middlepark fairandrodeo.com August 1-2 Avon Beaver Creek Art Festival Beaver Creek Village 10 am-5 pm • artfestival.com August 1 Lamar Josh Abbott Band Concert Sand and Sage Round-Up 719-940-0489 • sandandsage. org August 7-9 Leadville Boom Days Celebration Main Street leadvilleboomdays.org August 8 Ramah Ramah Days Ramah Town Park 10 am-midnight • town oframah@juno.com
SEND CALENDAR ITEMS TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO: CALENDAR Colorado Country Life 5400 N. Washington St. Denver, CO 80216 Fax to 303.455.2807 or email calendar@ coloradocountrylife.org. Items will be printed on a space available basis. For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountrylife.coop. coloradocountrylife.coop
coloradocountrylife.coop
MARCH 2015
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[newsclips]
CREA BOARD TOUR
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Three hydropower projects were on the itinerary for the Colorado Rural Electric Association board’s May meeting at San Miguel Power Association in Ridgway on the Western Slope. Prior to conducting regular board business Friday, May 29, directors from CREA’s member co-ops spent Thursday, May 28, touring the Ouray hydroelectric plant, the Coal Creek hydropower plant and the Ridgway Dam hydropower project. They learned about how the electricity these three facilities generate has been incorporated into San Miguel Power’s system and into that of its power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. The Ouray power plant, established in 1886, is believed to be the oldest operating power plant in the country. It still generates an estimated 4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually using three Ridgway Dam Project historic Pelton wheels that are over 100 years old. The Coal Creek plant south of Ridgway is newer, and San Miguel Power has bought the electricity generated by its 90-kilowatt unit since 2009. The 8-megawatt project at Ridgway Reservoir began producing power a little more than a year ago. That electricity is
Coal Creek Hydropower Plant
purchased by Tri-State and Tri-County Water. These tours were part of the CREA board’s annual road trip, which allows board members from around the state to learn about local electric co-ops and the circumstances that make each co-op’s service territory unique.
POWER SUPPLIER ADDS NEW WIND
A Electric co-ops will benefit when 38 more wind towers are built across 11,000 acres 23 miles south of Lamar.
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A new 76-megawatt wind farm south of Lamar will come on line in 2017 and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association will buy the electricity generated by the 38 turbines in the Twin Buttes II Wind Project. The 25-year contract for the wind energy was announced June 11 by TriState, which provides electricity to 18 of Colorado’s 22 electric co-ops. “The Twin Buttes II (project) further reinforces our commitment to a diverse generation fleet built on cost-effective resources,” said Brad Nebergall, Tri-State’s senior vice president of energy management. “In 2014, approximately 24 percent of the energy Tri-State and its member systems delivered to cooperative members was generated from renewable resources, making us one of the leading utilities in the country for using renewable power.” The project will be built in Prowers County within Southeast Colorado Power Association’s territory. “We welcome this investment in our community,” said Ron Cook, chairman of the Prowers County Commission. “Wind is the most drought-resistant crop we have,” noted Val Emick, an area landowner. The project will be owned by Iberdrola Renewables, LLC, and provide enough energy to power approximately 30,000 average Colorado households.
coloradocountrylife.coop
[newsclips]
Pedal the Plains With Colorado’s Electric Co-ops Register now to join Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives as they participate in Pedal the Plains this September. This annual 172-mile bike ride around northeastern Colorado will be September 18-20 and will loop from Julesberg to Holyoke to Sterling and back to Julesberg. Now in its fourth year, the tour is expected to draw 1,200 riders and their support teams to northeastern Colorado where the rural areas are served by electric co-ops. The ride includes educational stops along the route that teach riders about the agricultural roots and frontier heritage of the eastern plains of Colorado. There will be opportunities to stop at farms along the route, places to climb on machinery, chances to check out the animals and time to celebrate Saturday night at Sugar Beet Days in Sterling. The co-ops, which are among the supporters for the ride, will also sponsor a bike team riding under the “Powering the Plains” banner. That team will raise money for Energy Outreach Colorado. Anyone interested in donating to support the team can visit poweringthe plains.coop for information on how to donate. Those interested in riding should contact Colorado Country Life Associate Editor Donna Wallin at dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org. Everyone is welcome to join the bike team. A portion of the registration fee will be donated to Energy Outreach Colorado. Riders who register by July 9 will receive a Powering the Plains jersey and will be asked to raise money for EOC. Join the team for the fun and enjoy a ride to remember in northeastern Colorado.
POWERING THE PLAINS coloradocountrylife.coop
Colowyo Mine
Court Ruling Could Close Mine
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Colowyo Mine in northwestern Colorado may have to cease operations because of a recent court ruling. That ruling would affect 220 employees, the economy of northeastern Colorado and the supply of coal for nearby Craig Station Power Plant, which supplies electricity for electric co-ops throughout Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s territory. Judge R. Brooke Jackson ruled May 8, in the case of WildEarth Guardians v. Office of Surface Mining, that eight years ago the OSM did not allow enough public input on an expansion permit for the mine and that it did not properly consider the environmental impacts of burning coal. The judge did delay vacating Colowyo’s mining permit for 120 days to allow OSM to address the problems in the permitting process. While the mine continues to operate during that 120-day period, Colowyo, as a subsidiary of Tri-State, has filed a motion for a stay pending appeal of the entire ruling. In the meantime, the OSM is working on the environmental analysis of the mine expansion and is working to collect public input. Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) said his office may join the legal battle to prevent a shutdown of the mine near Craig. Sen. Michael Bennet (D) wrote to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, asking that she work to remedy the situation and Sen. Cory Gardner (R) highlighted the negative impact of shutting down the mine from the floor of the U.S. Senate. U.S. Representatives Scott Tipton (R) and Ed Perlmutter (D) also wrote to Jewel in support of the mine. WildEarth Guardians’ lawsuit against the OSM was not based on a violation of any air or water quality laws or regulations. It targeted the permitting review process prior to the 2007 issuance of the permit.
25 Years of Helping With High Heat Bills
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Energy Outreach Colorado recently celebrated 25 years of helping limited-income families and senior citizens in Colorado with their heat bills. State leaders concerned with dwindling federal resources for heating bill assistance created EOC as a nonprofit in 1989. It was charged with raising and dispersing funds for Colorado energy bill payment assistance. Since then EOC raised more than $220 million to help Coloradans struggling to keep the heat on. The organization also became a national leader in developing programs to provide energy efficiency upgrades for affordable homes and nonprofit facilities.
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[industry]
“You want soft lights cast downward against a wall or deck surface.”
Lighting Your Summer Nights Quality deck lighting extends outdoor living spaces BY GRAIG SPRINGER
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You’re all decked out, and staying home to enjoy your deck in a beautiful and pleasing way: well-lit by quality outdoor illumination long after sundown. Deck and outdoor lighting come in many options. Once you know the various choices available to you to make porches and decks homier, you will be on your way to an outdoor living space that will keep you home. Having a well-lit outdoor space doesn’t mean floodlights, chandeliers and torchieres that are painful to look at. Perish the thought of yellow bug bulbs or the blue bug zappers. Quality illumination is achieved by being subtle, says senior landscape lighting designer, Jason Bornhorst. He’s been planning outdoor lighting for Peabody Landscape Group in Columbus, Ohio, for over two decades. Bornhorst says people should be “walking through pools of ambient light on decks, porches and walkways.” He likened the desired effect to a candlelit conversation. Bornhorst recommends that as a gauge, you should be able
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to see the faces of those you converse with. Light levels beyond that could be too bright. Being subtle will also help stave off complaints from neighbors when you avoid beams of light piercing their windows and outdoor living spaces. Bornhorst has a few other suggestions to take to heart. One: Avoid the runway effect. Bornhorst says it’s a common mistake that do-it-yourselfers think that every square inch of walking space should be covered in light. “From a distance, it makes walkways, stairs and even driveways look like an airport runway.” To the contrary, he recommends asymmetric placement of soft lights over paths. “For decks and porches,” Bornhorst says, “Downlighting is best. You want soft lights cast downward against a wall or deck surface.” You want just enough light to see your friends and family in conversation.” For a dramatic effect and useful illumination, Barnhorst says do-it-yourselfers should remember to light the house. That
is, illuminate the architecture. “Most people light landscape plants, but forget to light the house,” he says. “Lighting a home’s exterior adds texture and silhouettes and interest in the architecture.” Those well-placed lights also have utility in the outdoor space you occupy. The lighting designer encourages folks to do the research. “There are many quality products out there in warm light and cool light that have their specific applications. Working with a pro will help you understand the differences and uses around your home.” Finally, Bornhorst recommends new LED technology over halogen and incandescent lighting. “It’s cost effective. LEDs are longlived and use less energy,” Bornhorst says. Gone are the days of simple single-bulb porch lights. Landscaping lighting is affordable and the net return is great when you consider the greater livability of your outdoor living space. You can extend your living space outward and later into the night. coloradocountrylife.coop
[industry]
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A
MODERN FISH STORY
Shelley Walchak enjoys a quiet moment in the Little Wood River after her first success at fishing with streamers.
52 RIVERS 52 WEEKS
BY AMRON GRAVETT
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OneWOMAN JULY 2015
PHOTO BY MIKE HART
coloradocountrylife.coop
PHOTO BY PAUL KILLINO OF COLORADO RIVER OUTFITTERS
Walchak gently holds a 23-inch rainbow trout before releasing it back into the Lake Fork of the Gunnison in July 2013.
Where one used to hear only tall tales from anglers bragging about that Really Big Fish they caught last year, today these stories drip with rich landscape, allude to quiet moments in nature and even sometimes reveal surprising turns of luck. This is one of those stories.
The River Wild
This is the modern fish story.
On a list of the iconic rivers of the mountain West one will find the Colorado, the Yellowstone, the Snake, the Salmon, the Bighorn, the Rio Grande and the Arkansas. Reading these names in a travelogue of river adventures assures the reader of the wild ride and breathtaking scenic narratives to come. Writing about the West inevitably includes these place-names with all of their mythic, wild reverence; and readers of firsttime author, librarian and rising Colorado angler Shelley Walchak’s book 52 Rivers are not disappointed. In 2011, Walchak was looking at her sixth decade of life and wanting a deep breath of quiet. “I realized it was time to pursue a new direction in my life that would challenge and reward me in new ways and allow me to spend time alone with my thoughts and dreams — preferably in the great outdoors, rather than just gazing at its drama and beauty through office and car windows.” Having taken a few fishing skills’ clinics, she set out to really learn the art and craft of fly-fishing — not by taking off for an afternoon here and a weekend there, but through full immersion. Skilled in research and planning, she methodically matched 52 weeks of the year to 52 rivers in the seven Rocky Mountain
states, even accounting for seasonal variations. As part of her preparation she attended The Fly Fishing Show in Denver and befriended the International Federation of Fly Fishers, making the acquaintance of soon-to-be lifelong fishing buddies Pat and Carol Oglesby. In mid-December of 2012, she quit her job as a senior consultant at the Colorado State Library, bought a 13-foot Scamp trailer and some photography equipment and took off to follow her bliss — alone. Not surprisingly, reading Walchak’s tales of a year-long journey around these rivers of the mountain West is not boring. There is no prose of casting … waiting … watching, recasting … more waiting … more watching. Instead, we read of hauling a camper over the winding roads of the Rockies in slick winter conditions, of being swept down a fast current with waders full of winter-crisp river water, of dunking expensive camera gear while trying to catch the perfect wildlife photo. Her stories take us down loose, steep river edges heading to a river so perfect, so heavy with fish, our writer doesn’t want to spoil the plenty by placing it on the map. So, while the river must be written about, it is better left unnamed.
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PHOTO BY FLORIAN WALCHAK
PHOTO BY CAROL OGLESBY
Shelley Walchak photographs a great blue heron on the Uncompahgre River in February 2012. Wildlife photography and fly fishing often go hand-in-hand.
PHOTO BY ROB BURDEN OF STEAMBOAT FLYFISHER
Many enjoy the knee-deep isolation of being on the river or floating in a canoe unaccompanied (choosing sides in the wading versus rowing controversy), but the sport itself is decidedly lacking in politics and confrontation. Still, some do take a personal stance on “Fish on!” The first three miles of the San Juan River below the Navajo Dam is known as one ethical practices such as redds fishing (fishof the top-10 tailwater fisheries in the country for its constant 40-degree waters and 60,000 ing near a spawning nest) and catch-andfish averaging 17-19 inches. release. As a group, however, they are much Artistry on the Fly louder in championing river conservancy, habitat restoration Anglers are simultaneously bird watchers, botanists, ecoloand public water access. gists, meteorologists and artists. But it is the artistry of tying We learn a bit about some of these controversial issues in 52 flies that attracts reverence among other anglers. Made to Rivers because, as a former teacher, Walchak has an easy way replicate the area’s bug and fly hatchlings, they often produce of informing without taking sides. According to Walchak, the the prettiest (and smallest) works of art with fuzzy tails, flam- crux of every argument is clear: “Can we at least agree that we ing stripes, and gold-beaded attractors. have beautiful rivers?” Two of her most passionate causes are Tying flies can be an expressive and individual skill. The trout and salmon conservation and water education. variety of colors, knots, materials and patterns rivals only the In April, she was the keynote speaker at Colorado’s Trout variety found in the sought-after fish. Naming them requires Unlimited annual conference in Redstone. Trout Unlimited all the flourish of a poet: jawbreaker, water walker, parachute (www.tu.org) is a nonprofit, national conservation and politihare’s ear, wooly bugger, club sandwich hopper. And fishcal organization that has worked to conserve, protect and speak is just as lyrical: threading restore cold water fisheries and waterthe needle, finding the honey sheds for over 50 years. Walchak also Shelley Walchak cradles a hole, rod action or even simply supports the Colorado Foundation for prized rainbow trout on the getting a grip. Water Education that works to “promote Yampa River in the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area outside of But it’s not just the flies that better understanding of Colorado’s Steamboat Springs. showcase the art of fly-fishing. water resources and issues by providing The fish themselves also atbalanced and accurate information and tract quite a bit of admiration. education.” Both organizations allow Walchak adores a fine specimen: her to learn about new perspectives on “From mid-belly to its tail fin, these issues while surrounding her with the brownie had a red blush on other anglers and educators who are as its sleek body as if embarrassed passionate as she is about being on the by its beauty. It was a perfect river. creation.” Although women do fish, the ratio of women to men is still only 1 to 4. One of the many goals that she outlined Speaking Up for her trip was to find a new female The quiet sport of fly-fishing is fishing partner every month. It was not without its controversies, through this intention that she came to but for the most part anglers are find Casting for Recovery. Casting for a soft-spoken, solitary bunch. Recovery (castingforrecovery.org) is a nonprofit organization that gets more
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women into the sport through therapeutic fly-fishing retreats for women with breast cancer.
A Piscatorial Philosophy
There is a core philosophy woven through the book: the ability to let go and be open to what may come to pass. In the book, we encounter many moments of Walchak’s unexpected pleasure, including that of being flagged down by a new friend along the highway who notices that unmistakable Scamp with the sign “52 Rivers” (thanks to her sister’s sign-making skills) and that rare moment of perfect conditions for a baetis hatch (a small mayfly) on the Colorado River in October. Walchak’s prose shows an easy ability to live without interference and to embrace the unexpected. “This is what makes fly fishing so attractive to me,” she says. “It’s such a metaphor for life: constant change, highs and lows, successes and failures. If you can fly fish, you can handle life.” Indeed, the consequence of serendipity can sometimes be extraordinary. Readers also learn about what so many have already tried to articulate: the spirituality of fly fishing. Writers as diverse as Tom Brokaw, Alistair Maclean and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow have all tried to clarify this sense of religiousness that is only found when immersed in nature. They seek to make sense of the unexplainable. A travelogue of any sort would be lacking if not for the addition of this personal thought process that one goes through while being alone in the wilderness. Walchak’s philosophy began developing through organized religion and then later blossomed in college with studies in philosophy and theology. Today, these thoughts are explored during quiet moments of solitude, riverside.
The Modern Memoir
Recent popular books like Wild by Cheryl Strayed have ignited an interest in the personal adventure memoir. Unfortunately, most of us cannot (or don’t want to) check out of modern life entirely, quitting our day jobs and hitting the road. And so modern adventure writers are left to figure out how to make their own personal journey relevant to the sedentary reader who wants a taste of the adventure without the sacrifice involved. Armchair travel can be a wonderful escape and if you let her, Walchak will take you along: “Imagine this: ultra-clear water, not another angler in sight, easy wading, sublime scenery, 80-degree weather and deeply-hued brown trout mostly between 16 and 22 inches.” She finds a way to make her quiet, courageous thoughts feel like our own. It is this friendliness of prose where her stories merge to become less like reading a technical manual on fishing and more like a conversation over dinner. She finds a way to make her personal story intersect with the bigger picture: protecting the wild, a need for solitude, and that insatiable drive for adventure. In her own humble way, she cuts a path for a modern life at Walden Pond. As memoirist Ta-Nehisi Coates says, “Great memoirs require great courage.” Through 52 Rivers, Walchak and her Scamp take the reader to remote wilderness to revel in the quietude of what a woman in the western landscape gets a chance to see when the sun rises at daybreak and the heron lifts off from the riverbank to catch its breakfast. We are left with inspiration that we might have the courage somewhere inside of ourselves to follow our own bliss. Although fly fishing is now integral to Walchak’s life, these days she is the library director of the Pine River Library in Bayfield, Colorado. Rest assured, however, the rivers are still calling her back. Her fish story is not complete.
Amron Gravett (amrongravett.com) is an indexer and writer for Wild Clover Book Services. Although she is not an angler, her son has been fishing since Grandpa got him hooked at age 3. This is her fourth article for Colorado Country Life. Photo by Shelley Walchak
October 2013 on the Roaring Fork River, Shelley Walchak says, “It is one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the state, originating in the Rocky Mountains near Aspen and joining the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs. coloradocountrylife.coop
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[recipes]
We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Give your taste buds a tickle with mouthwatering, cooling ice cream BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG
Freeze, Freeze, Freeze
Your ice cream
maker’s bowl needs to be frozen solid to ensure your recipe comes out perfectly. A slightly cold bowl will make a sloppy mess.
I
If you ever thought to yourself, “I could make this!” while perusing the frozen section for a carton of ice cream, we’re telling you, “Yes, you can!” All you need is a good ice cream maker — although several recipes only require a freezer — and some everyday items from the grocery store. Several ingredients are probably already in your pantry and refrigerator. We had every confidence we could whip up some delectable desserts, so we went on the hunt for a variety of ice cream recipes. In honor of National Ice Cream Month, here’s a taste of what we found.
Rocky Road Ice Cream 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 cup miniature marshmallows Place condensed milk and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Mix in heavy cream and vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pour mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Add nuts and marshmallows halfway through the freezing process. An American Icon The U.S. ice cream industry is keeping ice cream lovers happy with a total frozen dairy production of more than 1.6 billion gallons annually, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. 20
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Blueberry Ice Cream 2 cups half-and-half 4 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups blueberries 1 cup whipped cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In a medium saucepan, whisk together half-andhalf, eggs, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat until bubbly. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture through the strainer to catch any lumps. Let mixture cool. Place blueberries in blender and blend for 10 to 20 seconds. Add to mixture. Stir in whipped cream and vanilla until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Pour mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Visit coloradocountrylife.coop for more ice cream recipes. JULY 2015
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[recipes]
Breakfast Ice Cream 2/3 cup maple syrup 1 cup milk 2 cups heavy whipping cream 4 large egg yolks ¼ teaspoon salt 8 slices bacon, sliced 1 cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt Pour maple syrup into a small sauce pot and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 8 minutes.
coloradocountrylife.coop
In a medium pan, heat the milk and heavy cream until it begins to bubble. Whisk egg yolks in a small bowl. Scoop out a few tablespoons of milk mixture and combine with egg yolks and whisk together for 2 minutes. Combine egg mixture with the milk and cream mixture and whisk continuously until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture through the strainer to catch any lumps. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 6 hours. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned. Drain with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to catch any excess grease. When cool, break the
bacon into small pieces. To make the waffles, mix together buttermilk, melted butter, egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Do not over mix. Pour ¼ cup of the batter into a hot waffle iron and cook the waffles until golden brown and crispy. Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack to cool. Cut or tear the waffles into small pieces. Pour the chilled ice cream mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In last 3 to 5 minutes, fold in the bacon and waffle pieces. Pour into ice cream containers or freezer safe airtight containers. Chill for 2hours or until firm.
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[gardening]
The Colorado Blues
Official state plants prove to be perfect for your garden BY KRISTEN HANNUM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG
C
Consider the Colorado blue columbine, blue grama grass and Colorado blue spruce; there’s a definite blue Colorado sky hue to the official state flower, grass and tree. And each one makes for a great choice for most Colorado gardeners. Coloradans are familiar with our state flower, the white and lavender columbine, discovered by scientist Edwin James of the 1820 Stephen Harriman Long Expedition. Colorado schoolchildren voted the columbine to be the state flower in 1891, but evidently the legislature wasn’t listening. A Cripple Creek women’s club didn’t get any further in 1899. The legislature finally named the sweet little ranunculus Colorado’s state flower in 1925. I thought for years that columbines were delicate and difficult to grow. It wasn’t until a more experienced gardener literally rolled her eyes at that notion and gave me a few columbines that I learned how wrong I was. They’re hardy and happy little troopers, despite their dainty looks. My columbines’ pretty and vibrant leaves emerge early in the spring and the old-fashioned, complicated shooting star-like flowers change color as they age. Hummingbirds love columbines and are a bonus to growing them. Columbines only live about three years, but they reseed. Many gardeners deadhead them to keep that from happening because the volunteers hybridize and may not be as hardy. I personally like volunteers and don’t always deadhead. Blue grama grass is sometimes called eyelash grass because above its blue leaves it boasts delicate crescent tufts of seed heads on the ends of its flower stems. Blue grama grass, a bunchgrass native to Colorado’s dry prairies, is a perennial for a Xeriscape landscape. It is one of the two major grasses of the short-grass prairie. But it grows up to 18 inches, so it’s not that short. It’s called blue grama grass because of the deep blue-green color of its leaves. Although you can mow it and blue grama grass can produce a lawn, landscapers usually use it in the dry parts of properties that aren’t
Read
Blue Columbine
mowed. Think the roughs of golf courses or in the reaches of your yard that you don’t want to water regularly. This could be part of those corners that you save for native species in order to assist pollinators. The blue grama grass was chosen as the state grass in 1987 in order to remind tourists to this mountainous state of the importance of our grasslands. Luckily for most mountain gardeners, the Colorado State University Extension says it grows up to 9,500 feet. The legislature named the Colorado blue spruce as our state tree in 1939. The slow-growing, long-lived conifer was first noted on the slopes of Pikes Peak in 1862. The Colorado blue spruce grows in zones 3-7, which makes it viable everywhere in the state except above the tree line. Like the Colorado blue columbine and blue grama grass, blue spruces are native to the state and hardy here. There’s not a better choice if you’re looking for an evergreen to give a color contrast to a gray winter view. Just as growing Colorado blue columbines has the bonus of attracting hummingbirds, growing the Colorado blue spruce has a bonus: It’s deer resistant. Show your Colorado spirit in your landscape this year and plant one of our divine state symbols. You’ll be glad you did.
Blue Spruce
previous gardening columns at coloradocountrylife.coop. Search for Gardening. Kristen Hannum is a native Colorado gardener. Email or write her with wisdom or comments at gardening@coloradocountrylife.org. 22
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SPONSORED
Outdoor Gardens Enhanced With Art Unique outdoor gardens and living spaces can expand your living space. In fact, works of art, intricate furniture and one-of-a-kind sculptures can essentially add an extra “room” to your house without actually adding square footage. And one way to add this unique art is by welding it yourself. Welding shouldn’t be intimidating. With the right gear, trial and error and an instructional class, you can become the next backyard artist. Plus having a welder around the house or garage can come in handy for general repair. “Welding is a lot easier than you think,” said Will Hyde, do-it-yourselfer, artist and founder of Mile High Landscaping in Denver. Mile High Landscaping is a firm dedicated to creating outdoor spaces for enjoyable living. Hyde credits his mechanical and artistic mind for helping him maneuver his way around a welding machine. He practiced his craft and played with different ideas until he became more comfortable. First and foremost, Hyde is an artist who thinks outside the box when designing landscape projects. He started welding customized pieces after noticing the demand for outdoor art. He creates functional metal structures like gates, arbors, trellises and water features that have an artistic flair.
coloradocountrylife.coop
“I found that combining my artist ability with a welding torch and a plasma cutter was much easier and less expensive for the client. I was first intimidated by the thought of welding, but once I opened the box and started practicing, I found that welding is truly an easy hobby that anyone can do,” he says. Hyde is armed with a Forney 190 multi-process (MP) welding machine that is a perfect fit for any do-it-yourselfer or experienced welder. He enjoys his machine because the 3-in-1 function allows him the ability to work on any scale project or metal thickness. Hyde also enjoys the adjustability, long power cord and lead he gets with the Forney 190 MP. Hyde’s creations convert a simple backyard into a unique outdoor oasis. From planters, water features and sculptures to furniture and art, the comforts and aesthetics of being inside can now be relocated outside. According to Hyde, “Outdoor art is the cherry on the top. It’s what makes your landscaping and outdoor room pop.” For more information on the machine Hyde uses, contact Forney Industries, forneyind.com and you can contact Hyde at milehighlandscaping.com.
JULY 2015
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[outdoors]
Becoming a Birdwatcher This “old chap” now fits the stereotype BY DENNIS SMITH
F
Do You Want More of Colorado Country Life? Facebook Facebook.com/COCountryLife Twitter Twitter.com/COCountryLife Pinterest Pinterest.com/COCountryLife Instagram Instagram.com/COCountryLife YouTube YouTube.com/COCountryLife1
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For as long as I can remember, I envisioned birdwatchers as knobby-kneed old codgers in bifocals running around in khaki shorts and pith helmets, toting cameras, binoculars and backpacks bulging with life lists and field guides. I imagined them exclaiming things like, “By Jove, old chap, I believe I just spotted a yellow-bellied bushtit fluttering about over thah.” Then last week, to my profound amazement, I saw my reflection in the mirrored surface of my truck door and realized I looked exactly like one of those clowns, minus the pith helmet. I was loading my camera gear for a trip to the foothills to photograph hummingbirds when I saw the image and said to myself, “Good grief! That can’t really be me, can it?” But there was no denying it. It was all there: the wirerimmed bifocals, the khakis, the cameras and the bulging backpack. I attained codger status awhile back and have the requisite knobby knees. And now I was off to watch some silly little birds, wasn’t I? I wore a stupid-looking hat, too, though it wasn’t a pith helmet. This was one of those awkwardly insightful moments when it occurs to you that your friends probably see you as an eccentric old twit with a camera and a bird book, instead of the dashing, steely-eyed, globe-trotting wildlife photographer you imagine yourself to be. It also occurs to you that you’re having too much fun to care, and so you buzz up the canyon. I went off to rendezvous with a wave of migrating broad-tailed hummingbirds holed up on a friend’s property on the upper reaches of the Big Thompson River. “At least 40 of them,” she told me. “Been here since the first of April. Probably be 100 or more by the end of summer.” She went on: “They’ve been coming here for years. The broad-tails show up first in early spring, followed by rufous hummers in mid- to late-July, along with the occasional calliope and black-chinned
hummers. I go through over 100 pounds of sugar every summer feeding them.” I was stunned. I never even heard of that many hummingbirds in one place, much less seen them. We get two, maybe three visiting our yard each summer, if we’re lucky, and then usually not until July or August. We put out two feeders, but they much prefer the flowers: coralbells, penstemons and butterfly bushes. A male black-tailed hummingbird sits on a perch defending his territory.
Typically, male broad-tailed hummingbirds take up residence in ancestral breeding grounds in the alpine regions of Colorado where they establish and defend their nesting territories, but they make daily reconnaissance flights to the foothills and lower elevations in springtime to feed until plants and flowers begin blooming in the high country. If you have feeders out in early spring it’s possible to intercept some of them and maybe even encourage them to stay. So, our feeders are out and the penstemons and coralbells are blooming, but no hummers yet. Maybe I need to get me one of those pith helmets.
Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Search for Outdoors.
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[energy tips]
THE COLORADO RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION SAYS
Thank You
To Republicans and Democrats in the Colorado General Assembly for working together with CREA to pass needed legislation this past session. Special thanks goes to the following bill sponsors: SB15-046 Renewable Energy Standard Adjustment REAs Distributed Generation: Senator Kevin Grantham (R-Canon City) Representative Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) HB15-1364 Limited Inspections Hydroelectric Projects: Representatives Don Coram (R-Montrose) Diane Mitsch Bush (D-Steamboat Springs) Senators Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) HB15-1377 Shared Renewable Generation Facilities for REAs: Representatives Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) Jon Becker (R-Fort Morgan) Senators Kevin Grantham (R-Canon City), Kerry Donovan (D-Vail)
Colorado Rural Electric Association 5400 Washington St. • Denver, CO 80216 crea.coop
coloradocountrylife.coop
STAYING COMFORTABLE WITH LESS AC
T
BY JAMES DULLEY
The simplest method to run the air conditioner less is to set your thermostat a few degrees higher. The savings should be from 1 to 3 percent for each degree you raise it. This lessens the amount of outdoor heat that transfers into your home, which your air conditioner has to remove. It’s important to keep in mind that initially your family will likely be a bit less comfortable but should become accustomed to the change quickly. There is a limit to how high you can raise your thermostat without becoming too uncomfortable — and instigating a rebellion by your family. Other methods to ceiling paddle fan creates a minimize air- This comfortable breeze. It also includes conditioning heating elements and a thermostat are to reduce for winter heating. the amount of heat that leaks into your home, reduce the amount of heat generated inside your house, increase indoor air movement and use natural ventilation when possible. Most energy efficiency improvements, such as caulking, weather stripping and insulation, will reduce heat gain during summer. Check the insulation in your attic to make sure there are no voids or thin areas where it may have loosened or blown around, and ensure all attic vents are not blocked by the insulation. On a breezy, not excessively hot day, try opening some windows. Widely open several windows on the downwind side of your home and slightly open windows on the windward side. Due to the pressure difference, this causes the air to blow in the partially opened windows much faster, creating a breeze in that room using no electricity. Learn more about staying cool this summer at coloradocountrylife.coop. Look under the Energy tab for Energy Tips.
JULY 2015
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[marketplace]
new and improved website!
Visit our redesigned website at coloradocountrylife.coop
easier to navigate • more info • previous articles No Tablet or Smartphone? Wishing you could scan the magazine pages and bring them to life?
Then enter to
WIN
***
an iPad Mini *** Contest rules at coloradocountrylife.coop
Enter to win!
Contest rules at coloradocountrylife.coop Winner will be drawn
October 16
Send your name, address and phone number via the U.S. mail to: iPad Contest Colorado Country Life 5400 Washington St. Denver, CO 80216
ROBERT SCHULTZ OF WINDSOR WAS THE WINNER OF THE iPAD MINI DRAWING IN JUNE. CONGRATULATIONS ROBERT.
One entry per month will be accepted. Drawing will be October 16. 26
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Have a great summer!
WISESAVERS
Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save up to eight gallons of water per day. That’s nearly 3,000 gallons per year. coloradocountrylife.coop
JULY 2015
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[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/ month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad before the 10th of the month to: mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303.902.7276 fax: 303.455.2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org
ANTIQUES
BOOKS/CDs/DVDs
1905 SCHILL WOODBURNING STOVE/oven with all plates. Excellent condition. Unrestored. Contact Lesa, tobyandjane@gmail. com (246-07-15)
THE MINER’S CAP: the vivid story of the 1914 Ludlow Massacre. A novel for young people and adults. Available at bookstores, museums, and online. (199-08-15)
ANTIQUE RESTORATION
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO – Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-08-15)
(These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)
CHAIR CANING ‑ Hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-15)
ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. We are the manufacturer and we sell all of our products at wholesale prices; save as much as 60% from store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including 56” elk mount, giant moose paddles, and elk antlers. Showroom now open year ’round in Granby, CO. 17 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers! Designers: We can provide you a single item or a whole houseful. Call ! (970) 6273053. (085-09-15)
BOOKS/CDs/DVDs CHANT OF A CHAMPION: Auctioneering DVD from World and International Champion Auctioneer John Korrey. Let John show you how to improve all aspects of your auctioneering chant. Order online at www.chantofachampion.com (210-07-15)
$ SIMPLE SYSTEM TO CREATE WEALTH $ Visit http://www. morningstar3777.com. Dial 719-4177000. Listen. (224-08-15) HEALTH FOOD STORE & DELI: 2 turnkey businesses in one. Strong income/customer base. Colorado mountains (970-641-5175), leave name & number. (252-07-15)
CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 1974 CHEVY 350 4x4: EXCELLENT TIRES, small rust on cab, runs good, starts best warm, 350 crate motor with 23k, bench seat, windshield cracked. $3500 OBO, Colorado Springs, csvern@comcast.net or leave message 719-231-9252 (23708-15)
CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION www.clockrepairandrestoration. com DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. bob.scott@usa.net Call Robert 970-247-7729. (109-08-15)
EVENTS CUCHARA HERMOSA ANNUAL ART SHOW – Cuchara Recreation Center, Cuchara, Colorado, July 1718, 10a-5p. Questions? Pmarten47@ gmail.com (241-07-15)
EVENTS
MISCELLANEOUS
TICKETS
FREE ANNUAL MOFFAT COUNTY HOT Air Balloon Festival, August 1-2, Craig, Colorado. Free concert, family activities, car show, food & craft vendors (booths available). www.mcballoonfestival.com mcballoonfestival@gmail.com (242-07-15)
DEBT RELIEF for seniors – Nonprofit. 888-779-4272 www. careconnectusa.org (213-07-15)
NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. Call 1-888-NFR-Rodeo (1888-637-7633). www.NFR-rodeo. com A+ rated BBB Member. (91201-16)
FOR SALE FOR SALE – NEW ECHO BY RANCH shell for medium size pickup. Red. $750. Call 719-846-7267 (251-07-15)
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FREE COLOR CATALOG. 193 varieties, Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. 417-532-4581. PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www.CackleHatchery. com. (876-08-15)
OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair and service of equipment. Aspen Concentrator Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-08-15)
REAL ESTATE
RUSTIC COLORADO WOODS – Sawmill, logs, woodcrafts. Black Forest – Westcliffe. www. greenleafforestry.com. 719-2357876, 719-429-4404 (219-07-15)
40 ACRES, 15 miles west of Walsenburg, CO on CR520. Fenced. Prime grazing. Small 2bd recently upgraded trailer on property with tenant. 8-10 gal./min. domestic well. $89,500 OBO. Owner may carry. 719-251-1131, 719-989-0850, 719-738-3500. (207-08-15)
FREE FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-08-15)
HELP WANTED LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided. Monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-579-4207, www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-02-16)
MACHINERY & PARTS www.sawmillexchange.com SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148. (26709-15)
MISCELLANEOUS COFFINS: Individually handcrafted of solid wood. Designed to return to earth naturally. Call 505-2869410 for brochure or visit www. theoldpinebox.com (220-07-15)
The classified ads June winner was Tom Gavin of Berthoud. He correctly counted 46 ads. 28
POULTRY & GAMEBIRDS
5 ACRES, 3BD, 2BA, large covered deck, 2-car garage, large metal building, 4 small storage buildings, well, septic. Meeker, $295,000. 303274-7584 (239-08-15)
ARROWHEAD LOT – CIMARRON, CO. Beautiful, level, tree-covered lot. ALL utilities in place, ready to build cabin or bring your RV. Gravel drive, parking, and RV pad. Rock patio, firepit, barbecue. 2 sheds with electricity. Much much more. $65,000. Carol, 970-497-9740 (109-10-15)
VACATIONS CELEBRATE RMNP 100th Birthday, experience Wilderness, Wildlife & Wonder, in Grand Lake, Colorado’s authentic mountain town! Our unique lodging properties are central to lakes, marinas, hiking, horses… and on site: roasting marshmallows, picking herbs & berries, fishing, paddle boating, canoeing. Make memories at Mountain Lakes Lodge and North Shore Resort ! Kitchenettes, private baths, views, fireplaces, WiFi. Pet-friendly! 970-627-8448 www.grandlakelodging.net www. grandlakerentals.net (232-07-15)
VACATION RENTAL KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-2456500; mokihana@hawaiian.net; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-16)
WANTED TO BUY BUYING AUTOGRAPHS (all kinds), sports cards (pre-1980). Vintage sports and music collectibles (albums, etc.). Cash paid. Established dealer since 1986. Mike 720-334-0206, mmunns1@homail. com (245-09-15)
BAYFIELD/VALLECITO – Beautiful mountain retreat, 4bd, 3ba, approximately 3436sf on 1.2 acres, well water, septic, 5 minutes from Vallecito Lake. $467,900. 970-884-9324. Can be seen at HouseForSaleByOwner.com ID# 23024900 (163-08-15)
NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-12-15)
OWN PROPERTY? NEED INCOME? We’ll rent exclusive hunting rights from you. Looking for antelope, goose, duck, coyote, & prairie dog habitat. Encourage young sportsmen by providing safe, private access. You make the rules. 303-460-0273 (069-08-15)
OLD COWBOY STUFF – hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-5651256. (871-07-15)
RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7558 West Thunderbird Rd, Ste 1 - #114, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org (44112-15)
OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-08-15)
CONGRATS YOU FOUND THE INSTRUCTIONS. Send an email with the number of classified ads on pages 28-29 to classifieds@ coloradocountrylife.org. Subject line MUST say “Classified Contest.” Include name, mailing address and phone number in email. We’ll draw one name on July 17 from those who enter. Winner gets a $25 gift card. coloradocountrylife.coop
[funny stories] WANTED TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY
OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces, too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721. (519-11-15)
WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-03-16)
OLD MODEL AIRPLANE ENGINES, unbuilt airplane kits. Cash. Will pick up or pay shipping. Don, 970-6693418. (233-07-15) OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209. (87012-16) VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. Gary, 970-222-2181 (170-10-15)
WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337 (099-04-16) WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (09902-16) WE PURCHASE MINERALS and royalty interests — honest, fair offers. Bridget, 720-723-2771. bridget@quiatcompanies.com (243-09-15)
Let CCL spotlight your business! CCL’s more than 214,000 readers are interested in your products. To place an ad in the classified section call Kris at 303-902-7276.
FIND HIDDEN TREASURE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Read through the ads and FIND the CCL classified explaining how to WIN a $25 gift card. It’s easy. You could WIN.
A wife asked her husband, “Honey, will you please go to the store? Buy one carton of milk, and if they have avocados, get six.” A short time later, her husband returned with six cartons of milk. “Why did you buy six cartons of milk?” the wife asked. He answered, “They had avocados.” Liz Ackerman, Cheyenne Wells
A teenage daughter went to her dad and told him about a light on her dashboard that kept displaying “Rotate Tires.” Frustrated that the indicator light continued to glow, she exclaimed, “Every time I drive my tires rotate!” Tammy Schneider, Ovid
My keys weren’t in my pockets. I realized I must have
JUNE WINNER Doug Bugh of Fort Collins reads Colorado Country Life while grilling dinner.
left them in the car. Frantic, I ran toward the parking lot. My husband scolded me on many occasions for leaving my keys in the ignition. He’s afraid the car will get stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realized he was right. No car! I immediately called the police and admitted I left the keys in the car. After giving the officer the description, I built up the courage to call my husband. “I left my keys in the car and now it’s gone!” I told him. There was a long pause. “Honey, are you there?” I asked, believing we were disconnected. Suddenly he spoke up. “Are you kidding me? I dropped you off!” Embarrassed, I asked sweetly, “Well, honey, can you come pick me up?” He answered, “I will. Just as soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your car.” Mike and Regina Mulligan, Steamboat Springs
Our son-in-law and our youngest grandson, Levi, were watching an old movie on television. One of the characters was inside an old car, rolling up the window. Levi turned to his dad and asked, “What is he doing?” “Rolling up the window,” his dad replied. Dumbfounded, Levi asked, “By hand?”
We’re Looking for photos of readers and their copy of Colorado Country Life. Got a great picture of you or your family member with the magazine at some fun place or maybe just at home? Send it and a name and address to info@coloradocountrylife.org. We’ll post it on our Facebook page and on July 17 we’ll draw a winner from the submissions and send that winner a $25 gift card. coloradocountrylife.coop
Michele Harms, Akron
$15
We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year we will draw one name from those submitting funny stories and that person will receive $200. Send your 2015 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, so we can send you a check.
JULY 2015
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[discoveries]
Playtime Antics
Kitties and pups alike enjoy the FroliCat™ BOLT™. The BOLT™ is a sleek looking contraption that radiates laser patterns for your pet to swat at, keeping her active and entertained. Just place the BOLT™ on a flat surface, turn it on and watch her go. A convenient timer gives your pet 15 minutes of nonstop play. Pet Safe sells the BOLT for $22.95. For more information, visit petsafe.net or call 866-738-4379.
Hone in on Your Hound
There’s no better place for man’s best friend than by his owner’s side. But distractions happen. When a rabbit crosses the path, canine instinct kicks in, and if he makes a run for it, he could unknowingly leave you in the dust. But if your hound is outfitted with a Gibi tracking device, you will be reunited quickly. With Gibi, you can track your pup no matter where he roams using a smartphone app. When you need to find your dog, just pull up the app and zero in on his location. Gibi attaches to your pup’s existing collar, is waterproof and comes in a variety of colors and designs. A Gibi Master Kit costs $129.99. For more information, call 844-438-4424 or visit getgibi.com. See how the Gibi app works at: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=CsmHFqaonoA.
Curb Coyote Catastrophes
Reports of coyote attacks on pets are staggering. Even more alarming is many of these attacks occur on the pet owner’s property. Colorado Coyote Rollers helps keep coyotes out of your fenced yard with ribbed rollers that affix to any type of fence, 6 feet or taller. Unlike barbed wire or electric fencing, Coyote Rollers won’t cause harm to animals. It simply spins, denying creatures a foothold on the fence, meaning raccoons, squirrels, birds and other animals are kept at bay as well. What’s more, pets cannot grip onto Coyote Rollers, which means your adventurous pooch will stay safe within your fenced in area. Do-it-yourself Coyote Roller Kits start at $199.99. For more information, visit coloradocoyoterollers.com.
Water Widget
Hydrate your hound simply with the Pawcet drinking fountain. This clever device hooks up to your outdoor garden hose and spurts out water when stepped on. Once your pup puts his paw on the Pawcet, he’ll be slurping gleefully all summer long. Buy your Pawcet for $24.99 at quirky.com. Find out how to win a Pawcet at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Contests. 30
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JULY 2015
IMPORTANT PET INFORMATION
DON’T LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR
Not even for a minute. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.
coloradocountrylife.coop
Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperative Team
2015
Ride with or sponsor Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperative Team A team of representatives from local electric co-ops will
Sponsor our team and help raise money for
ride in the 2015 Pedal the Plains bicycle tour of eastern Colorado. They will ride September 18-20 from Julesburg to Holyoke to Sterling to Julesburg.
If you would like to ride with the team, call Donna at
303-455-4111 or email dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org.
If you would like to sponsor the team and help raise
To send your tax-deductible donation, fill out this form and send it and a check to: CEEI/Pedal the Plains, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216
Name:
money for Energy Outreach Colorado, fill out the form here and send it with your check. Make check payable to CEEI/PTP.
THE TEAM IS RAISING MONEY TO HELP THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO PAY THEIR HEATING BILLS. coloradocountrylife.coop
Address: City: State: ZIP: I would like to contribute: r $20 r $50
r $75
r OTHER $
r Please send receipt
DONATIONS WILL BENEFIT ENERGY OUTREACH COLORADO MAY 2015
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OCTOBER 2014
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