Fremont Explorer 2016 by The Fremont Explorer

Finding Dinosaurs | Seasons of the Arkansas | Pathfinder Park & The Riverwalk

Summer / Fall 2016 Issue No. 02

the

adventure

begins with you

Riverwalk Path at John Griffen Park

photo by kpg

Calendar of Events Summer/Fall 2016 Create Cañon City Balloon Classic

May 28–30

canoncityballoonclassic.org

Holy Smoke Bar-B-Que

June 3-4

fremontcommunityfoundation.org

Hardscrabble Mountain Trail Run

June 5

hardscrabblerun.com

Cañon City Entertainment in the Park

June 7–Aug 30 Tuesdays

canoncity.com/events/ entertainment-park

Florence Entertainment in the Park

June–September Wednesdays

florencecoloradochamber.com

The Night Market @ Robinson Mansion

June 16, 30 July 14, 28 Aug 11

futureofyesterday.org

Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival

June 24–25

royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com

Cañon City 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

July 4

Florence 4th of July Wet/Dry Parade & Festival

July 4

florencecoloradochamber.com

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

July 7–10

highmountainhayfever.org

Danapalooza

August (TBD)

danapalooza.com

Cleopatra’s Night Bazar @ Robinson Mansion

August 25

futureofyesterday.org

Memorial Bike Run

September 6

fremontcommunityfoundation.org

Tour de Coal Towns Bicycle Tour

September 10

florencecoloradochamber.com

Royal Gorge AdventureFEST

September 10-18

royalgorgebridge.com

Bikes & Brews

September 24

bikesandbrews.org

Winemakers Dinner

September 23

abbeywinery.com/harvest-fest

Florence Pioneer Days

September 16-18

florencecoloradochamber.com

Harvest Fest

September 24-25

abbeywinery.com/harvest-fest

Pumpkin Patch @ Colon Orchards

October

colonorchards.com

Rim to Rim 5K/10K

October 1

rimtorimroyalgorge.com

Turkey Bowl

November 19

ccrec.org

Turkey Trot

November 19

ccrec.org

Santa Dash Fun Run

December 3

www.joinfar.org

Prohibition Party

December 3

futureofyesterday.org

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer

In This Issue

Fremont Adventure Recreation 08

Seasons of the Arkansas 12

Mile High Youth Corps 14

Finding Dinosaurs 18

Riverwalk Fitness Trail 22

Fremont Search and Rescue 26

Rocky Mountain Backcountry Horsemen 30

Tunnel Drive 36

Public Art 38

Q&A

Pathfinder Park 42 2 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Delimitations 46

Beki Javernick-Guion Cameron Locke Chris Freehling Jamie Davis Jen Hale-Coulson Jennille Spellman Kate Bourgeois Kevin Bourgeois Tyler Hearn

pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg

11 48 17 29 41 34 05 45 37

EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome to the second edition of The Fremont Explorer. Springtime is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. You can feel the excitement in the air as children and families look forward to spending their days exploring the outdoors. There are a number of activities that people enjoy in this region: hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting/kayaking, and fishing, to name a few. We are quite lucky enough to be able to engage in all of these wonderful activities right from our back door! One of the many wonders that Fremont County has to offer is its parks. This issue touches on a number of wonderful parks that locals and visitors frequent. Whether you are learning about the areas dinosaurs at Garden Park Fossil area (pg 18), taking advantage of the fitness stations on the Riverwalk at John Griffen Park (pg 22), or picnicking and/or watching a sporting event at Pathfinder Park (pg 42), there is something for everyone. A list of community parks and recreation areas can be found on the Canon City Rec Department website at www.ccrec.org and BLM website at www.blm.gov. Once again I recommend visiting the local BLM Royal Gorge Field Office at 3028 East Main Street in CaĂąon City, Colorado for maps and up to date information.

Kristy Gotham

Publisher & Creative Director

photo by kpg summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer

THE FREMONT EXPLORER - ISSUE No. 02 - SUMMER/FALL 2016 PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristy Gotham SHARE YOUR STORY contribute@fremontexplorer.com SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS advertising@fremontexplorer.com

GET IN TOUCH kristy@fremontexplorer.com www.fremontexplorer.com The Fremont Explorer PO Box 44 Cañon City, CO 81215 USA

CONTRIBUTORS • BEKI JAVERNICK-GUION • CAMERON LOCKE • CHRIS FREEHLING • JAMIE DAVIS • JEN HALE-COULSON • JENNILLE SPELLMAN • JERRY MARTIN • JESS LINDNER • KATE BOURGEOIS • KEVIN BORRE • KEVIN BOURGEOIS • KRIS HEGLER • KRISTYN ECONOME • MEGAN MANN • TAYLOR EDRINGTON • TYLER HEARN

photo by Megan Mann 4 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Name Kate Bourgeois Origin: Vermont & Arizona How long have you lived here? I’ve lived here for a year. Activities you enjoy the most? Hiking, swimming, rafting, gardening, and exploring Colorado. Favorite Spot? My favorite spot is anywhere by the Arkansas River. Favorite Trail? Favorite trail so far is the Eco Park and Grape Creek area, but I have a lot more to explore! Hidden Gem? I don’t know yet. My husband says Temple Canyon but I haven’t seen it yet. Fremont County also has hot springs and dinosaur tracks and fossils. We found some fossils a few weeks ago playing around the hogbacks! What keeps you here? The small town community, the river, the many outdoor adventure opportunities, the fact that our kids can grow up playing outside and having fun exploring the mountains, trails and streams from our backdoor!

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer

Sponsors A huge THANK YOU to our advertisers and sponsors who make it possible for each edition to be printed and distributed. If you are reading this, please make sure to support these businesses as a way of saying thanks for providing you with a free copy of The Fremont Explorer.

6 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Thank You • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Colon Orchards Florence Brewery Four Mile Ranch Golf Club Jewel of the Canyons Museum of Colorado Prisons Royal Gorge Anglers Royal Gorge Archery Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours St. Thomas More Hospital The Cup & Cone The Dungeon Inc. The Kitchen Pantry

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer

FAR: Where Community and Adventure Connect by Kristyn Econome Cañon City. Fremont County. The Royal Gorge Region. It’s where we live. Home to beautiful peaks, a river with world-class rapids, and a community I’m happy to call home. If you haven’t taken a look around lately, look up, and look forward. Fremont County has no shortage of opportunities for outdoor adventures. A few locals embraced this potential a few years ago and formed FAR – Fremont Adventure Recreation. FAR’s mission is to promote a culture of community and healthy living through outdoor recreation in the Royal Gorge Region. Our organization is dedicated to developing and supporting opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure events throughout the area.

runBlossom half marathon at Tunnel Drive photo courtesy of FAR Road ride on Red Canyon Road photo courtesy of FAR The Santa Dash photos courtesy of Kristyn Econome At the Eco Park photos courtesy of Kristyn Econome

Have you noticed the Dashing Santas at the Christmas Parade of Lights? FAR’s behind that. Have you heard of, or participated in, runBlossom during Blossom Festival Weekend? How about the Bikes and Brews event each September downtown at Macon Plaza? We’re behind those, too! Our W.A.R. on the Arkansas (Whitewater Adventure Race) is also a popular event during the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival each June. During the past few years, FAR has been consistently

8 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

successful at organizing a number of local adventure events in the Cañon City area. And we’re enthusiastic to continue to introduce a variety of community events: from cruiser bike rides and socials to hosting fun outdoor films, we’ll bring it to you, our friends, neighbors, and visitors. As we embrace the future, FAR continues to look forward to the amazing local opportunities to get out and play. Although fall and winter are near, our climate is often warm enough to foster outdoor recreation. Take a walk or ride in Cañon’s awesome newest open space park, the Hogbacks. Or enjoy the sweeping vistas of Tunnel Drive. Maybe you’re

looking for something more challenging and have yet to hike or mountain bike on some of the new BLM singletrack out at Oil Well Flats or Section 13, two local trail systems spearheaded by our friends of the Lower Arkansas Mountain Bicycling Association, LAMBA. Whatever your outdoor pursuit, we hope you’ll join FAR this year in building a culture of outdoor recreation in the Cañon City area. In so doing, we build community, that sense of togetherness critical for a small town to thrive. This past summer, with the support of Whitewater Bar & Grill, Red Canyon Cycles, and their generous patrons, FAR instituted our new 1% For Trails program, which produced over $8,000 for FAR to pursue improved trail opportunities. So far this funding has helped us to create over two new miles of trail at Oil Well Flats, complete the Dakota Ridge Trail in the Hogbacks, and cut back miles of overgrowth resulting from our excessive spring rains. Additionally, these monies funded us to apply for a large trail construction grant to build key trail connections on BLM lands from the Eco Park to the Section 13 and the Temple Canyon areas. Thanks to the grant funding from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, we’ll begin trail construction during the summer of 2016. FAR is here to stay. We are passionate about contributing to a thriving Cañon City and Fremont County. We welcome you to join us. Check out FAR’s website, joinfar. org, for more trail information, events, and volunteer opportunities. Or “like” us on Facebook for real time updates. Get out, go FAR, and join the Royal Gorge Region’s best and biggest healthy community revolution.

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer

Bikes and Brews ride over the Royal Gorge Bridge

photo courtesy of FAR

10 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Name Beki Javernick-Guion Origin: CaĂąon City How long have you lived here? On and off my whole life. Activities you enjoy the most? Fishing, rafting and hunting. Favorite Spot? All of the above Favorite Trail? East Bear Gulch Trail - it is so beautiful! What keeps you here? The fact that I can go 5 minutes and be fishing or hiking and/or the fact I can go any direction, pretty much, and it will take me to amazing outdoor recreation. Even straight east has amazing landscape and history. The farming here is also pretty special!

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 11

Seasons of the Arkansas

North America's Longest Gold Medal Fishery by Taylor Edrington

Fly fishing is known as a life long sport due to its many complexities and variables. Learning the aquatic invertebrate hatches and fly selection, how to rig flies for specific hatches, reinforcing your casting and presentation skills…and not to mention learning the differences between the given watersheds you’re fishing through the changing seasons are all pieces of the sport. The longest section of top quality “gold medal” trout water in North America flows through Fremont County on the might Arkansas River. Learning how to approach this long watershed can be a daunting task, however, there are some keys to success that we can adopt through the seasons that will lead to successful fly fishing days on the Arkansas. At Royal Gorge Anglers, we guide 365 days a year on the Arkansas…so there is no unfishable time period. There are time periods where fish are more lethargic and are preserving calories, especially in the winter. In the winter (November 15–February 1) it is best practice to focus on heavy deep nymphing rigs with a keen

12 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

focus on year around resident bug populations, i.e. Stonefly Nymphs, Crane Fly Larva, Caddis Larva and Midge Larva. Nymphing deep and less turbulent water (areas of least resistance) will find you more fish. As soon as February hits, the river’s Stonefly population (including over 20 different types), begins to become very active due to a lifecycle transformation it goes through referred to as an “In Star Phase.” At the same time the Mayfly population within the river begins to mature and we will start to see heavy Blue Winged Olive hatches. This Blue Winged Olive and Stonefly activity marks the beginning of Spring on the Arkansas and a fantastic time to get out on the water after a long winter! When April arrives, so does the world famous Caddis hatch on the Arkansas! Sometimes known as the “Tax Day Hatch,” the Caddis Hatch on the Arkansas from the second week of April until runoff (Mid May) is revered as one of the largest hatches in North America,

and brings anglers from all over the world! As anglers, this is a fun time to fish all rigging phases…with great nymph fishing, emerger and wet fly fishing, and dry fly action. After runoff subsides and river levels and we see clearing edges, a magical hatch happens…the Stonefly Hatch. This time period (typically mid to late June) can offer anglers some of the highest catch rates of the year, with hungry fish tucked against the bank, feeding on Stonefly Dries, Hoppers and Streamers. This can be a fantastic time period to float fish the Arkansas, and has many times been referred to as “fishing in barrel,” with fish tucked tight against the shore and feeding heavily.

attractor dries and streamers. Fall is quite stunning on the Arkansas Basin…with changing foliage colors, consistent river conditions and fantastic fishing. Understanding the complexities and seasonality of the 102 mile Gold Medal section of the Arkansas River requires an angler to do their homework…but then again, more days than not you can hit the river with handful of dry flies and have more fun than you know what to do with! Fremont County is loaded with other fantastic angling opportunities and offers anglers more public fishing access than any other county in Colorado…fly fishing is a must on your next visit to this great region!

As the river stabilizes in the Summer flow-rate range (700-1200 cubic feet per second), many hatches also take center stage and create very productive opportunities for anglers into the Fall. A plethora of Mayfly activity (Pale Morning Duns, Drakes, Red Quills), Yellow Sallies, Caddis and Hoppers give fish a literal buffet food source…and anglers a ton of variety. Royal Gorge Anglers guides focus on dry/ dropper rigs and streamer fishing for best success in the Summer. The final season on the Arkansas is the Fall time period (September 1- November 15), and perhaps one of the most productive timeframes. Flows drop to a low level, and at the same time, the Brown Trout population begins to spawn. The aforementioned variables combine for aggressive and opportunistic feeding habits and some excellent productivity on

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 13

Serving, Earning, Learning: A Day in the Life of a Mile High Youth Corps Trail Crew

by Jess Lindner

7:15 am: The crew leader calls a safety circle together, something we do at the beginning and end of every day. One by one, each crew member leads a stretch and gives a reminder about a safety hazard we may see today, and how to avoid it. Once everyone has gone, we grab our tools and hike up to where we left off yesterday.

The mission of Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) is to help youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences. MHYC employs young adults, ages 16-24, on conservation projects in neighborhoods, public lands and open spaces throughout the Southern Front Range and Metro Denver. We have a 24-year track record of engaging youth in jobs that help the planet and provide pathways to a promising future. By integrating paid work experience on community projects with career exploration, education and life skills training, the Corps helps youth gain the knowledge, skills, and motivation they need to make positive changes in their community, their own lives and the world. This is a day in the life of a Mile High Youth Corps trail crew… A Friday, late-June, in the Royal Gorge: 7:00 am: Shouts of ‘Good morning!’ and ‘Hey!’ ring out as crew mates arrive at our worksite. The morning air is crisp and clean in the Royal Gorge, it’s shaping up to be another beautiful day for trail building.

14 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

9:00 am: The trail we have already dug is looking superb, and the crew is getting excited about how the project is coming together. It looks like hikers and bikers are going to be enjoying our trail for years to come. Our crew leader explains the goals for the day and splits us into pairs, we find our sections and start working, easily falling into the process of cutting into the hill, flattening the walking path, and stabilizing the outer edge. 12:00 pm: Lunch time! We find a shady spot on a nearby slope, and sit down to rest and enjoy our meal. Among the usual lunch item trades, today we’re also swapping jokes and weekend plans. Spirits are especially high because this afternoon we’re having an education session, something we do every week, when trail building stops and we focus on learning something new. 1:00 pm: Today’s education session is on wilderness survival, important skills to have for any adventurer. For the rest of the day we practice reading maps, using compasses, and building emergency shelters. 3:30 pm: It’s been a spectacular way to end another week of hard work. We’ve accomplished our goals and our crew is beaming with pride at everything we’ve done for the outdoor enthusiasts of Cañon City, Fremont County, and the rest of Colorado. We say our goodbyes and head off, knowing that Monday morning, the crew will be eager to hit the trails again.

To apply for a position with Mile High Youth Corp Southern Front Range this summer, please visit milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now. Or, call us at 719-630-7421 for more information.

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 15

Summer Jobs 2016: APPLY NOW!! Summer Jobs 2016: APPLY NOW!! Summer Jobs 2016: APPLY NOW!! SUMMER OF SERVICE: TRAILS CREW HIGHLIGHTS:

SUMMER OF ofSERVICE: CREW  Work on a variety projects (Ex. trailTRAILS construction/ maintenance, wildfire restoration, noxious weed eradication, etc.)

HIGHLIGHTS:

  

Earn $720 bi-weekly stipend (before taxes) Work on a variety of projects (Ex. trail construction/ maintenance, wildfire Earn a $1,493 AmeriCorps Education Award restoration, noxious weed eradication, etc.) to pay for school or education loans HIGHLIGHTS: Earn $720 bi-weekly stipend (before taxes)

SUMMER OF SERVICE: TRAILS CREW

REQUIREMENTS: Earn a $1,493 AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for school or educa-

 

Work on a variety of projects (Ex. trail construction/ maintenance, wildfire tion Mustloans be 18-24 yearsweed of age to apply etc.) restoration, noxious eradication,

Must $720 have abi-weekly G.E.D. orstipend H.S. Diploma REQUIREMENTS: Earn (before taxes) 

Earn AmeriCorps to pay for school or educaavailable Mayof23rd to apply AugustAward 12th 2016 Must abe$1,493 18-24 years ageEducation to tion loans Must have a G.E.D. or H.S. Diploma

SUMMER OF SERVICE: SAWYER CREW REQUIREMENTS:



 Must be available May 23rd to August 12th 2016 HIGHLIGHTS:  Must be 18-24 years of age to apply  Work on a variety of projects (Ex. wildfire mitigation, invasive species re Must have a G.E.D. or H.S. Diploma moval, herbicide application, etc.) HIGHLIGHTS:  Must be available May 23rd to August 12th 2016  Earn S212 equivalent Chainsaw Certification  Work on a variety of projects (Ex. wildfire mitigation, invasive species re moval, Earn $720 bi-weekly stipend (before herbicide application, etc.) taxes)

SUMMER OF SERVICE: SAWYER CREW SUMMER OF SERVICE: SAWYER CREW

$1,200 Chainsaw and $1,500 AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for  Earn between S212 equivalent Certification HIGHLIGHTS: school or education loans Earn $720 bi-weekly stipend (Ex. (before taxes) Work on a variety of projects wildfire mitigation, invasive species reREQUIREMENTS : application, etc.) moval, herbicide  Earn between $1,200 and $1,500 AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for 



school education Must S212 beor18-24 yearsloans ofChainsaw age to apply Earn equivalent Certification

Must $720 have abi-weekly G.E.D. orstipend H.S. Diploma  Earn (before taxes) REQUIREMENTS : 

Earn $1,200 AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for be 18-24 available Mayofand 16th August 12th 2016 Must between years age$1,500 to apply school or education loans  Must havevisit a G.E.D. or H.S. Diploma To apply our website at www.milehighyouthcorps.org and click “Apply now” or fill out an application in person at REQUIREMENTS : our at 417 East Vermijo Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Augustlocated 12th 2016  Must be available May 16th to office  Must be 18-24 years of age to apply Questions? Email resumes.sfr@mhyc.net or call 719.630.7421 all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, in most instances, religion. Must be available to May 16th to August 12th 2016 Questions? Email resumes.sfr@mhyc.net or call 719.630.7421

thcorps.org ilehighyouthcorps.org www.milehighyouthcorps.org 0-7421 719-630-7421 yc.net s.sfr@mhyc.net resumes.sfr@mhyc.net

High Mile uth Corps Youth High Youth CorpsCorps

thcorps.org ilehighyouthcorps.org www.milehighyouthcorps.org 0-7421 719-630-7421 yc.net s.sfr@mhyc.net resumes.sfr@mhyc.net

Questions? Email resumes.sfr@mhyc.net or call 719.630.7421

thcorps.org ilehighyouthcorps.org www.milehighyouthcorps.org 0-7421 719-630-7421 yc.net s.sfr@mhyc.net resumes.sfr@mhyc.net

High Mile uth Corps Youth High Youth CorpsCorps

to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, inCO most80903 instances, religion. our office located at 417 East Vermijo Colorado Springs,

thcorps.org ilehighyouthcorps.org www.milehighyouthcorps.org 0-7421 719-630-7421 yc.net s.sfr@mhyc.net resumes.sfr@mhyc.net

High Mile uth Corps Youth High Youth CorpsCorps

To High apply visit our websiteto at and click “Apply now” orarefill out an application in person at Mile Youth Corps is committed the www.milehighyouthcorps.org inclusion of members with all levels of ability. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. This program is available

Online Apply @ Online @

16 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Online Apply @ Online @

to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, in most instances, religion.

Online Apply @ Online @

Mile High Youth Corps is committed to the inclusion of members with all levels of ability. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. This program is available

Online Apply @ Online @

High Mile uth Corps Youth High Youth CorpsCorps



To apply visit our website at www.milehighyouthcorps.org and click “Apply now” or fill out an application in person at

Must G.E.D. or H.S. toDiploma Mile Highhave YouthaCorps is committed theoffice inclusionlocated of members all levels ability. Reasonable accommodations upon request. This program is available our atwith 417 EastofVermijo Colorado Springs, are COavailable 80903

thcorps.org ilehighyouthcorps.org www.milehighyouthcorps.org 0-7421 719-630-7421 yc.net s.sfr@mhyc.net resumes.sfr@mhyc.net



Q A and

Name Chris Freehling Origin: Dallas, TX How long have you lived here? 15 years. Since 2001. Activities you enjoy the most? Whitewater Rafting, Rock Climbing, Running the River Walk. Favorite Spot? The Arkansas River below Wall Slammer rapid in the middle of the Royal Gorge. Favorite Trail? Newlin Creek Trail Only in Fremont County or Hidden Gem? The natural arch in Red Canyon Park What keeps you here? Great friends and loved ones and endless, year-round outdoor recreation options!

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 17

Finding

Dinosaurs Allosaurus Model at CaĂąon City History Center

photo kpg explorer 18 theby fremont

| summer/fall 2016

Fremont County is rich in a number of places to find information about the different types of dinosaurs (Allosaurus, Camarasaurus, Ceratosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus) that once roamed our area. Take a day or weekend to venture out and explore the following areas for insight on these majestic creatures.

Skyline Drive Dinosaur Footprints HWY 50 & Skyline Drive CaĂąon City, CO city-data.com/articles/Skyline-Drive-Canon-City-CO.html

Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center Digging It: Fremont Fossil Finds Exhibit 612 Royal Gorge Blvd CaĂąon City, CO 81212 719 269 9036 rgmhc.org summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 19

Garden Park Fossil Area Marsh Felch Dinosaur Quarry Trail Fremont County Road 9 CaĂąon City, CO gardenparkdinos.com/marsh-felch-dinosaur-quarry-trail

Pueblo Community College Stegosaurus 44895 US HWY 50 CaĂąon City, CO 81212 800 209 0062 pueblocc.edu/fremontcampus

photos by kpg 20 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience 44895 US HWY 50 Cañon City, CO 81212 800 209 0062 dinoxp.com

EXPERIENCE COLORADO’S

JURASSIC PAST OPENING SUMMER 2016

INTERACTIVE MUSEUM • FREE TOURS ANIMATRONIC DINOSAUR PARK ROPES COURSE

DINOXP.COM

800.209.0062 44895 US HWY 50, CAÑON CITY, CO

photos courtesy of Zach Reynolds

Riverwalk Fitness Trail by Kevin Borre The fitness trail was first proposed to the Canonland Hikers and Walkers by member Jerry Beatty as a community service project at a fall meeting in 2014. It was determined that the Canon Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverwalk provided the perfect location for a fitness course. It was important to have the fitness stations blend into the riverwalk landscape; they needed to be designed with the rustic wooded landscape in mind. After 8 months of research, designing, planning and community input the Parks and Recreation District approved the project. Together with the Chamber of Commerce leadership program, fund raising for the project began. By August, Canonland Walkers and Hikers members began building the exercise stations. Working closely with the Parks and Recreation District, site locations were selected and readied for equipment installation. By November 2015 five fitness stations had been installed. The remaining stations would be installed in the spring, after the flood retention walls along the riverwalk were rebuilt. The Canonland Walkers and Hikers, designed, built and installed the equipment, the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program raised the needed funding, and the Park and Recreation District provided guidance, preparing and finishing the actual sites, blending them into the landscape. This project is evidence of what can be accomplished when community groups work together. All three groups worked together to provide to the people of Fremont County and its visitors another reason to enjoy the outdoors. Kevin Borre President Canonland Walkers and Hikers

Kizzy Riske demonstrates physical activities at new fitness stations. photos by kpg summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 23

24 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 25

Fremont Search and Rescue: Ready When Needed by Kris Hegler

The sound of a car horn punctuates the crisp October morning. “Jason’s here”, your 18 year-old son tells you as he makes a grab for his backpack. “I’ll be home in time for dinner”, he adds, giving you a quick hug around the shoulders. “Alright. Be careful”, you reply as Tim bolts eagerly out the door to join his friend for a hike around the Beaver Creek Loop. He’s a smart kid and has made the hike a few times before with his dad, so you really have no reason to worry.* The day goes by quickly, but now the shadows are long as the sun slips behind the peaks to the west. Soon it is completely dark. Dinner is ready, but Tim and Jason have not yet returned. At first you feel slightly annoyed at their tardiness, but as the hours go by, you grow ever more concerned. Jason mother calls, also alarmed by the boys’ late return: Their cell phones goes unanswered, so neither of you have any idea what may have happened. You call 911. A little while later you are notified that the Sheriff’s Office has deployed Fremont Search and Rescue to assist in locating the two boys… You may have seen them at one of the many Fremont County events including the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival and the Blossom Parade: The men and women in the blaze orange shirts providing support at numerous community events throughout the year. Or perhaps you’ve seen them somewhere around the county assisting with an emergency or training at the Royal Gorge or the Riverwalk.

26 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Since 1967, members from your own community have volunteered to be available 24/7 when there is a need to locate or assist lost, injured or ill hikers, climbers, ATV and horseback riders, hunters, missing children, or individuals with dementia who may have wandered away from home. They assist with evacuations, searches, recoveries and provide aid in accordance with the Sheriff’s Office for other emergencies and events as needed. The team which comprises Fremont Search and Rescue are often your friends, co-workers and neighbors. Every member of Fremont Search and Rescue gives freely of their time to train for missions and to provide help to others when the call goes out. They operate day or night in all weather conditions, from the blistering heat of summer to the frigid temperatures and snowfall of winter. They are prepared to take on Fremont County’s varied terrain, from the high altitude of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the cliffs of the Royal Gorge and Shelf Road and everything in between. Search and Rescue members serve the residents of Fremont County, as well the thousands of people who visit the area each year to partake in its many recreational opportunities. The team also assists neighboring counties in situations where additional assistance is requested. Individuals on the team devote many hours to acquiring the life-saving skills and knowledge necessary to provide safe and successful search and rescue operations. In 2014, the 25-30 member team donated upwards of 6,000 hours of their time in trainings, missions and community events. Every person on the team is required to complete a minimum of three on-line FEMA Incident Command System courses and the National Association for Search and Rescue’s SARTECH II course and exam which includes land navigation. They must also have basic first aid and possess current CPR and AED certifications. Many members are certified Emergency Medical Responders or Wilderness First Responders, as well. Those in the position of Mission Leads are Managed Land Search Operations certified and have to complete additional ICS courses. Individuals on specialized teams are certified for tracking, rope and swiftwater rescue, but they are

all “ground-pounders”, during a search. All of the various certifications have to be kept current and renewed as necessary. Additionally, everyone is required to supply a personal “24 Hour Pack”, equipped with a vital array of rescue items, both for their own needs, as well as the needs of those they assist, while on a mission. It is also each individual’s responsibility to provide the field uniforms that are worn for missions and trainings. On a monthly basis, the team participates in one or more “hands-on” trainings, often simulating actual incidents that they may be called to assist with. These include mock searches, high and low angle rope rescues and evacuations, proper “patient packaging”, if a litter must be used, tracking, knottying and compass and GPS navigation. Many Fremont Search and Rescue members also take part in advanced specialized training, such as technical ropes, swift water, tracking and alpine/ avalanche work. Team affiliations include the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), Mountain Rescue Association, and the Colorado Search and Rescue Board (CSRB). In the spring of 2016, Fremont Search and Rescue will be tested in order to certify as a full Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) member. In preparation, rigorous training for the upcoming evaluation will take place throughout the next several months. This will make us a better team in serving the needs of the people of Fremont County. In addition to trainings and missions, Fremont Search and Rescue members also visit local schools, including Head Start’s “Safety Town”, and other community forums to present the NASAR “Hug-aTree and Survive” program, which teaches children what to do should they become lost. The team has two vehicles that are outfitted for a variety of mission types with equipment, including radios, helmets, safety harnesses, ropes, hardware, medical supplies and more. There are also boats available for waterrelated incidents and ATV’s with a litter trailer that is useful in locations where there is trail access. As a 501(C3) non-profit organization, Fremont Search and Rescue (FSAR) is self-funded through

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 27

grants, fundraising events and donations, with the exception of insurance and Worker’s Compensation. The team works strictly under the jurisdiction of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and are deployed as the FCSO determines there is a need. We average approximately 30 missions a year. If you, too, would like to be a part of this group, please contact us with a private message on our Facebook page, on our website at www.fremontsar.com or email us at fremontsar@gmail.com and a member of the team will reply promptly. …You, your husband and Jason’s family arrive at the Beaver Creek trailhead to find Jason’s empty car, as well as a mobile incident command post now buzzing with activity. An official from the Sheriff’s office assures you that the Search and Rescue team is combing the route in search of your two sons. There are scattered radio transmissions that you can’t really hear. You wait, huddled in the chilly darkness, scared, yet trying to remain hopeful. And then it happens. The Sheriff’s official comes over to you and explains that both boys have been located! They are cold and Jason seems to have an injury to his ankle, but other than that they are alright. After a while, you see lights bobbing down the dark trail and your heart floods with relief. Soon Search and Rescue members have the boys at the parking area; Jason in a litter with a suspected broken ankle and Tim walking along with other team members, now in a warm jacket that was loaned to him. You all hug and talk excitedly. They are safe! You are ever so grateful to the men and women who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to make sure your children got home again. But after all, the search and rescue motto is: “…so that others may live.” You give them each a hug or a handshake and say “thank you”. They smile in return, because that is the best payback there is. For more information about Fremont Search and Rescue, how to donate or to become a member, visit us at http://fremontsar.com/ or leave a message on our Facebook page at Fremont Search and Rescue, Inc. *Names and scenario are not depicting actual people or events.

28 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Name Jamie Davis Origin: Born in Alabama. I moved around a lot as a kid, but consider Canon City to be home. How long have you lived here? I moved here in 1992 with my family, then returned after college in 2005. Activities you enjoy the most? I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Being outside exploring makes me happy. Favorite Spot? The Riverwalk is one of my favorite spots because my dog can swim easily there! Favorite Trail? Newlin Creek Only in Fremont County or Hidden Gem? “The Temple” in Temple Canyon. Temple Canyon is a great place to hike and camp. What keeps you here? The first thing that keeps me here is the school I teach at. I’m surrounded by amazing kids and families, and I consider the staff a part my extended family. I also stay here because of all the outdoor recreational opportunities. The trails are not crowded and there are still places I’m discovering in Fremont County to explore!

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 29

The Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen assists government land management agencies in trail maintenance & clearing , installing trail markers, hauling trash, & construction projects at trail heads; plus social rides and gatherings. PURPOSE: 1) To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backcountry and wilderness areas. 2) To work to ensure that the public lands remain open to recreational stock use. 3) To assist the various government, state, and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resources. 4) To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the backcountry resources by horsemen and the general public. 5) To foster and encourage the formation of new state back country horsemens organizations. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/rmbch/ * All info and photos courtesy of Jerry Martin

30 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 31

Rocky mountain back country Horsemen 32 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

In my day, an urgent situation or emergency involved discovering a scorpion in your boot. After you’d put it on. Nowadays, there are urgent care centers and entire rooms dedicated to emergencies – though fewer boot scorpions. No matter what your illness or injury, we stand ready. So when emergencies strike, know that exceptional care is standing by at St. Thomas More Hospital. With physicians board certiﬁed in Emergency Medicine and a nursing staﬀ with extensive trauma and emergency services training, we are Cañon City’s access point to the Centura Health Trauma System, a network of trauma centers, emergency resources, Flight For Life® Colorado and a comprehensive statewide EMS support system. For minor conditions that require attention but do not suggest an immediate threat to your life, visit Centura Health Urgent Care Cañon City, the urgent care clinic managed by St. Thomas More. Find out how short your ER wait time will be at stmhospital.org today.

1338 Phay Avenue Cañon City, CO 81212 719-285-2000 stmhospital.org/emergency

3245 E. Highway 50, Suite E Cañon City, CO 81212 719-285-2888 stmhospital.org/urgent-care

We are part of the Centura Health Trauma System, the region’s largest and most comprehensive network of trauma care and emergency services. Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Oﬃce of the General Counsel at (303) 804-8166. Copyright © Centura Health 2016

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 33

Q A and

Name Jennille Spellman Origin: Born at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. I moved all over from there. How long have you lived here? I have lived in Fremont County since December 1990. I left for a couple years for college and shortly after I got married, but we came back not too long after we started our family. Activities you enjoy the most? I enjoy painting and doing faux finishes for clients and in my own home. I also found a surprising passion for karate 7 years ago at Nova Defense Systems Kenpo Karate. I never thought I’d earn a black belt in karate. I started participating in classes to encourage my son who was 6 at the time, and found I really enjoyed the physical activity of it, as well as the empowerment that comes from struggling through and reaching one’s goals. The self-discipline and awareness it has developed in me is irreplaceable as it spills over into every area of my life. I now am helping teach classes and am really beginning to pour more and more into the students that attend there along with my family. I also thoroughly enjoy working out at Crossfit Cañon City. That’s something I never thought I’d say—I enjoy working out! At Crossfit Cañon City, it really is more of a community than just a bunch of people that happen to workout at the same place. They encourage each other and genuinely cheer each other on…which is necessary, because Crossfit is hard. However, with the strength and skills I’ve learned and earned there, I have challenged myself to do things I have never done before. I’ve run the Blossom 5K a couple times now—with my kids—and I actually ran the Whitewater Adventure Race (WAR) last year. I was 38-years-old at the time. I’m pretty proud of the fact that I am able, and am doing things that I never would have attempted 10 years ago. I love that Fremont County is becoming more and more active. The opportunities for involvement and activity in our sweet little corner of Colorado are enriching and fun.

34 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Favorite Spot? I love sitting at the water park at Centennial Park and just listening to the Arkansas River move. There is something exhilarating and beautiful about watching the water flow. Even though it’s in the middle of the park and it can be a busy place, with the water flowing in the background, it can actually feel quite private and secluded. Favorite Trail? I really like the Arkansas River Walk. It’s wide enough that my kids can ride their bikes or we can take our dogs for a walk without running over other hikers. I love that you see people of all ages on the river walk. There are super fit runners, senior citizens getting some fresh air, or young families all moving in the outdoors. It’s really amazing and so convenient. I’m excited about the trail expansions they have been doing, too. It’s truly fantastic that we are developing and investing in our amazing natural assets of Fremont County. Only in Fremont County - Hidden Gem? I love the little parks dotted throughout the city. I don’t have to travel far to hang out with my kids. We can play basketball, or soccer, or toss a football without having to drive somewhere far away. In almost every neighborhood around town, there is usually a park that someone can walk to without going too far. It doesn’t have to be complicated. I love that about Fremont County. What keeps you here? That’s a great question! With the businesses that my husband and I own and work in (Color Consulting/Faux Painting and Custom Furniture), I’m sure it would be more lucrative if we lived in a bigger city. The nice thing about Fremont County is that it’s so central, though. We often travel to serve customers in surrounding areas, and then return home to lovely Cañon City. In addition, having family that lives here helps and all the local events make it a truly great and fun place to raise a family. There are great options for schools here in our small-ish town. We have several fantastic festivals here that expose us to pastimes I wouldn’t normally seek out. The balloon classic is a new favorite for my family. We live close enough to the Abbey that we watched the balloons rise from our front yard in our pajamas. The Whitewater Festival is fun and is really amazing to watch the skilled boaters on the river. The really cool part is that when we attend events in Fremont County, because it’s a small town, we know people there. It’s not a completely anonymous experience like we would have in a larger city attending comparable events. We get to live and enjoy life with our friends and neighbors.

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 35

Views from Tunnel Drive by Megan Mann

36 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Name: Tyler Hearn Origin: CaĂąon City, Colorado How long have you lived here? My entire life Activities you enjoy the most? White-water rafting and hiking Favorite Spot? Corner pocket Favorite Trail? Temple Canon Trail Hidden Gem? Harveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach What keeps you here? Amazing people

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 37

Public Art

38 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

PREVIOUS PAGE Strength of the Maker by Denny Haskew THIS PAGE top left: The Pod by Maxine Greer bottom left: Moon Balloon by Anne Russell top right: Armillary Sphere by Bruce Wagner bottom right: Untitled author unknown NEXT PAGE Untitled author unknown

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 39

40 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Name Jen S. Hale-Coulson Origin: Canon City, CO How long have you lived here? My whole life. Born/raised in Fremont County. Activities you enjoy the most? Running is the most consistent thing I do that I love, but I also really enjoy being in nature and taking in the beauty of Colorado. My most cherished memories are spending time with my family where we “unplug” from the rest of the world and just spend time with one another. Last summer we stayed in an actual tree-house just outside of Carbondale. There was absolutely no service of any kind (cell/Wi-Fi) where we were so it made it easy to just focus on each other. No distractions. We spent time playing games and watching old VHS movies that were at the tree-house. The time I had to just be in nature and sit with my thoughts was priceless. Can’t wait to go back. Favorite Spot? I have several favorite runs I do with friends. Most of them include some looping along the perimeter of the town and also incorporate parts of the River-walk. It really just depends on how much time I have for running that day, or if I am trying to go a certain distance. We are fortunate in this community that there is not a lot of traffic on roadways and Fremont county residents share the road (for the most part). Favorite Trail? Honestly, my favorite “off road” run incorporates Skyline Drive. We usually start at one of the smaller parks off 5th street (Margrette or Magdalene) to warm our muscles before entering the backside of Skyline. Anyone who runs Skyline can attest that it is almost instantly vertical and immediately a challenge. This run doesn’t really give, even at the top it is mostly rolling hills. Overall, the run is only around 6 miles…but it is one of the hardest 6 mile runs you will ever do. Hidden Gem? The trails and runs that I have found are meaningful to me for a lot of reasons. I have had some of the best conversations with my two running partners on them. We have laughed, cried and worked out problems. They remind me of how strong I am and realize how far I can go. I don’t think this is an experience that I share alone and would expect that every running community has their own “hidden gems” they think are better than anywhere else that hold special meaning to them. What keeps you here? I like living in a smaller community and feel it is safer than some of the larger cities in the state. I don’t like that it is not progressive (at all) and that we are stuck in 1987. Quite honestly, we will likely move within the next 2 years as our son graduates high school and transitions to college…I have a fondness for this community and always will, but our time may be limited.

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 41

42 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Miners Pavilion Rotary Playground Soccer Fields Rodeo Grounds Fishing Pond River Access

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 43

Pathfinder Park

44 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Q A and

Name: Kevin Bourgeois Origin: Michigan & Arizona How long have you lived here? Since May 2003 Activities you enjoy the most? Rafting, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming. Favorite Spot? Corner pocket in the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River. Favorite Trail? Eco park to Grape Creek. Hidden Gem? Temple Canyon What keeps you here? We are making CaĂąon City a better place from the inside. We have re-established a sense of community. We care to know our neighbors. We watch over each other and help those in need. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big family and the reason I love small towns.

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 45

46 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

Delimitations Delimitations is a collaborative art project by Marcos Ramirez and David Taylor. “In an attempt to show how ephemeral borders really are, two artists have retraced the 1821 frontiers between Mexico and the U.S.” The monuments are not permanent and this is part of the artists plan as “borders move and change”. The artists outlined the 1821 Mexico/US border by marking coordinates with 47 obeliskshaped monuments forged out of 20-gauge galvanized steel. They placed QR codes and the border coordinates on the monuments. Fremont County houses marker #25 near the south edge of the Arkansas River on Riverside Drive near Colburn Avenue in Cañon City. For more info and locations visit http://delimitationsblog.tumblr.com

summer/fall 2016 | the fremont explorer 47

Q A and

Name: Cameron Locke Origin: Dallas, TX How long have you lived here? Off and on for almost 14 years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy to say that I am now a permanent resident! Activities you enjoy the most? Rafting, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, exploring, Favorite spot? The Royal Gorge Favorite trail? The Hogbacks and Oil Well Flats for biking. Find only in Fremont County or Hidden Gem? Temple Canyon, Guffey Gorge and of course the Royal Gorge! What keeps you here? The climate and the wonderful people.

48 the fremont explorer | summer/fall 2016

GET OUT AND EXPLORE