CO | 2017, July 24-29: La Reunión Buena de Buena Vista Rally

[Scamper Jim]

The extended weather forecast for all of next week shows temps in high 70's and low 80's and with some almost daily thunderstorms so it should be on the pleasant side. Here in the mountains, they tend to move in, dump rain, and move out soon, not all-day things.

Tom, I am very, veeryy skeptical that you have ordered 2-3 Escapes and it will probably take a few of those Mexican beers to convince me!

I just remembered that there is also a dump station at the new forest service headquarters building just south of Salida, after making the curve on Hwy 50. I think they charge $10.

Catherine, not to worry, people will be arriving and leaving at various times during the week. If the Miner's site should fill up for any reason, there is the Turtle Rock camp site, close to the Miners site. The only downside to that site is that the dirt trails are over there and quads and BMX bikes tend to stay there. The Miner's sites is quiet as the bikes are not allowed to drive down the road to the trails so they don't stay there.

Jim

[Eric Heinz]

Not sure when. We will be leaving Estes Park this weekend but need to visit friends in Longmont for a few days before we can come to Buena Vista.

[bugmedallion]

We look forward to seeing Greg and Ilse again.Diane and Bill

[Steve Nussenblatt]

Greetings,
We are currently in Montrose headed back home (slowly) to TX. We have to meet friends in Chama next weekend so we will be coming in for most of the week. Look forward to meeting everyone.

Steve

[Scamper Jim]

Hi Steve,

That drive over Monarch Pass on your way to Buena Vista will be a nice drive. It is spectacular in the Fall with the aspens in color, the evergreens, and a bright blue sky on a nice warm day.

Are you planning to ride the Cumbres & Toltec RR while in Chama? It is supposed to be a great scenic ride. I haven't ridden it yet, but am told it is almost as good, or better than the Durango & Silverton RR ride.

If you have driven this route before, you probably already know that when descending mountain roads, not to keep your foot on the brakes, or to brake frequently. Shift to a lower keep to let the engine keep your speed down. Tap the brakes only occasionally to maintain control.

See you next week and drive safe,
Jim

[Steve Nussenblatt]

Hi Jim,
We are actually out this way quite often but the mountain driving reminder is great information. As for Monarch Pass I have ridden the Monarch Crest Trail on my mountain bike, what an incredible back country experience. Not sure yet about the Chama plans but will keep that idea open.

See y'all soon.

Steve

[EscapeBoulder]

I've ridden both the Durango - Silverton and Chama - Antonito railroads. Both are GREAT! (And... If I remember correctly, they are both tracks from the same RR which at one time went from Denver to Silverton.)

See everyone Tues afternoon!

... Greg

[ljswanson53]

We'll be coming on Tuesday and staying around for a day or 2. Looking forward to seeing our peeps again! Just got back from Yellowstone/Tetons yesterday and saw 1 Burro, 3 Escapes, and several Casitas (10 maybe?)! We all sure do get around!

Linda & Ray Swanson

[Thom Rowland]

Here are a couple of aerial shots of the Buena Vista gathering.
Photos courtesy of GregHine and his drone.

[Mary F]

Thanks for the pics, Thom and GregHine. Nice to see the layout...and that a good time is being had by all!

[MyronL]

It was a very fine BLM week. Here's a couple views from on the ground...

[Thom Rowland]

Mark your 2018 calendar.
I have secured a reservation for the group camp site in Mountain Park Campground July 23rd to July 26th, 2018. Mountain Park Campground is on the Cache La Poudre river west of Fort Collins. And for those who want Electric hookups there are some electric sites close to the group site. Anyone can reserve these electric sites on or after January 23, 2018 or sooner if your arrival date is sooner.

[ljswanson53]

Thanks, Thom! We've got the dates on our calendar for next year's rally.

[David B.]

Originally Posted by Myron Leski

It was a very fine BLM week. Here's a couple views from on the ground...

We really enjoyed everyone's company at the gathering. The Clam proved very usefull for everyone to get out of the rain and get to know one another.
Happy Trails
Dave & Paula

[MyronL]

The Clam!

[ljswanson53]

David, your Clam was a very cozy place to gather and kept us warm and dry. Thank you for sharing it with everybody!

[jrbowers07]

ditto on the Clam...and the portable campfire kept us all warm! Thanks Dave and Paula!

We elected not to drive home to Fort Collins on Friday and instead explored the Woodland Park/Divide area. Mueller State Park is a favorite but always booked this time of year. Found a wonderful CG in Pike Natl Forest - South Meadow. We arrived ~3p on Friday....very surprised that there were FCFS sites available. $10 with Senior Pass.

The CG has 64 sites, ~half are FCFS, remainder reservable. Lovely CG, vault toilets, wonderful host, water, and lots of trees. Lake Manitou about 2 mi from the CG...wished we had brought along our fishing gear. Another CG close by is Colorado CG.

Pic of big rock is called Elephant Rock...would not have noticed if we had not been geocaching...

It was great meeting you all...safe travels

Kathy & Jim

[Mike Magee]

FCFS?? That is the second acronym today that I don't recognize.

(Edit). Oh.... first come, first served. Ok.

[Scamper Jim]

It was nice meeting you all and hopefully will meet you again next year in Fort Collins.

Jim

[Steve Nussenblatt]

Cynthia and I made it back home to San Antonio (and 100* heat )today. We really enjoyed meeting everyone and who knows, maybe next year at Ft. Collins too.

Thanks again,
Steve