Butler Gulch/Jones Pass

The middle of July, Val and Beth took off to finally see Butler Gulch. After hiking up the trail for only a short while, we came to the overflowing creek and with no logs big enough to cross and not willing to ford the stream (it was flowing fast) we sadly turned around and went back and took the trail to Jones Pass. It was beautiful and we saw a lot of wildflowers (we needed Donna to identify). Had a great lunch overlooking the river and although we didn't go to the top of the pass, it was a wonderful hike!

Three Mile Creek and Counting!

On June 29, Hussies Donna and Val hiked the Three Mile Creek. A beautiful hike where we encountered lovely wild flowers and a partridge (pheasant, quail?), with her chicks. After reaching the meadow, we realized we forgot the number of creek crossings (which we believed to be 15). On our way back, being the intelligent and scientic women that we are, we decided to keep track through photos, creatively numbering each crossing using our fingers, hiking poles, rocks, sticks and even pine cones.

Since I have been unable to load any photos on the blog (I'm not kidding) except this video of our first "crossing".......



I cannot prove that there are no less than 17 crossings (although we do have witnesses that may or may not come forward). We finished the hike dipping our feet in the freezing cold waters (photo available upon request but not on the blog).

South Valley Park

Lookout Mountain - All the Way!

Val and Donna, minus all the other Hussies, headed out to summit Lookout Mountain on a cloudy, misty morning. The trail starts at 6th Avenue in Golden, and crosses Lariat Loop Road several times before reaching the Nature Center at the top. We experienced several climate changes on the way up, and could see our breath while eating lunch at the top. Thankfully, the rain held off until we were back home.

The views of Clear Creek were spectacular, and it was fun to look down on the Table Mountains. All together, we logged a whooping 7.6 miles! Note to Hussies: if you hike alone with Val, be prepared to have a smokin' fast pace. That gal can move!

Along the middle segment of the trail, there are remnants of cars that have tumbled off the road above. Given the inevitability of certain death to hikers in such an occurrence, Val made an instructional video demonstrating proper procedures to avoid a tragedy. It's blurry (again, dang it), but it's very informative. Please study it closely, there will be a short quiz on the next hike.

South Valley Park #2

Beth was tired after that long horse ride!

Nothing like tamales after a long hike. Hussies know how to eat!

South Valley Park - April 8, 2011

Four Hussies (minus Connie) planned to hike Deer Creek Valley Park, but decided to veer off course and try South Valley Park instead. It was a good decision! South Valley brought us countless surprises: stunning rock formations, more spring wildflowers, a rock horse for Beth to ride, and an introduction to the  fascinating and tragic life of Cathy Johnson. (More about that to come from Carol...). Anticipating crowded summer hiking trails, the Hussies made an instructional video demonstrating proper turns on the trail. This will long be remembered as the hike with the most belly laughs and the most tamales. We logged 5.5 miles.

Could they possibly be any cuter?

Beth demonstrating her equine skills

Leucocrinum montanum (Sand Lily)

A guest appearance by Mickey Cactus

Flatirons Vista...finally!

After several weather delays, all five Hussies convened at Flatirons Vista for an April Fools Day hike. No jokes here, it was a perfect day with great food and great friends. We saw the very first wildflowers of 2011! Val's Mango Salsa was the hit of the day. We logged 5.5 happy miles.

Pasque flower!

Hussies at Lair of the Bear

What a beautiful tree full of Hussies! We are so cute! My first blog....

Lair O' The Bear March 2, 2011

Along the trail - looks like Spring is around the corner! A little bit of elevation on this hike to test the knees - they did great. Part of the trail covered in snow and ice so we did need our Trax. New Hussie Mary went without and slip-slided away (but didn't fall).

Mary, on the left (she does not like it hot), Carol, Donna and Beth.

Looking for.....?

Looks like a swimming hole in the middle of the creek - we decided to pass.

Finished with lunch at the Red Rocks Grill in Morrison. We are so lucky!

Flat Hike at Pella Crossing

Four Hussies minus Connie (is she EVER coming home?...we miss her!) took a flat hike at Pella Crossing, one of the Boulder County Open Space Parks. We trekked only 3 miles, but saw lots of birds, geese, ducks and a couple of avians that looked suspiciously like herons...or so we imagined. Other pleasures included gorgeous views of Meeker and Longs Peak, a rooster serenade and the unexpected appearance of a black squirrel. As usual, we were treated to Carol's hard boiled eggs and a variety of other Hussie delicacies. After such a strenous hike, we headed to Niwot for lunch at the Garden Gate Cafe. It was a lovely day!

Meeker Peak (foreground) and Longs Peak in the distance

So darn cute

We saw an abundance of Typha "Cattail" 

Lovely Pella Crossing scene

This community's name stems from a time when it had a sanitarium to work with tuberculosis patients. The sanitarium was started in 1882 Jacob S. Flory and his Church of the Brethren, who had come to the area a few years earlier to work with tuberculosis patients.

Hussies discuss whatever?

Beth takes pics

Of Course we will do anything for a good photo!

Sticktights attack Donna!!

As usual, the Hussies had to instruct  Hussie Wannabes in the art of Hussiedom.

Matthews/Winters Hike February 16, 2011

Another beautiful Colorado day found Hussies Beth and Val at Matthews/Winters Park. Trail was snowy, muddy, icy - you name it. No problem for Hussies - we had our Trax!

Found some scat on the trail - decided it was a monster rabbit (or possibly a deer).

Stopped for snacks and a nap (and to catch some rays).

Love this photo of Beth - she is so sexy we'll have to call her Hottie Hussie!

Another great day - finished off with lunch in Golden with Hussie Carol. Perfect ending.

February 11, 2011 Snowshoe

First snowshoe of 2011 - Hussies at White Ranch. What a beautiful day.

Here's the trail - or where is the trail?

Hussies Beth and Val blaze a trail - it's easier when it's groomed!

Stopped to take some pictures of the scenery. Decided to set up Beth's camera to take a photo of the two of us.

Beth didn't make it.

A great workout, a great day and great friends- WE ARE SO LUCKY!

Hussies at the Zoo

Note Carol's lovely head in the corner of this highly artistic photo

On a beautiful, sunny January day, all five Hussies met at Connie's house for a walk to the Zoo. We had no idea what fun it would turn out to be! The Zoo sans children is a whole different experience :)  It was one of our mostest funnest days together, and we'll probably never forget our fascination with the Howler Monkeys. Here are a few animal pics from the day.

We were mesmerized by these cubs and their Mama

Adorable baby giraffe