[July 2019 | San Juan Silver Stage | By Kathryn R. Burke, Publisher]
SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE, and welcome it is after a long, cold, and wet winter. That hard winter changed our plans for this issue’s theme. We were going to go high in the high country, covering lots of tours and alpine scenery. Alas, much of it is still buried in snow, so we decided to take a look at trails a little lower and more easily accessible. In the process, we made some fascinating discoveries.
I also got to reminisce a bit, and talk about the Uncompahgre River Trail, a favorite of mine and my late husband’s. We walked that trail from Eagle to railroad bridge many a morning. It is spectacular in the fall, but any season is a lovely season in that park.
After moving to Montrose, we learned about Riverbottom, visiting frequently all year long. And now, after my interview with David Dragoo and Colorado Outdoors, I discovered a new trail. My daughter and I needed to get some photos for the story, so we took the dog and gave their new trail a try. Oh my! So many pretty places to visit.
“Enchanted Gardens” came about by chance. I love my own, had visited Melanie’s and Nina’s some time ago. All the rain we’ve had, after a wet winter, has made the flowers bloom like crazy. They’re starting to pop up in the high country, now, so I will be jeeping the trails again, but this time, now that my husband is no longer here to drive, I’ll travel safely with a tour company.
“Farm to Table” was fun, too. I love to cook, have published my own cookbook, and my focus is always on fresh, local foods.
The one clear theme throughout this issue, though, is sustainability and preservation of our natural resources from alpine to canyons to desert, and in all seasons. Our abundance draws visitors from near and far. But, while we welcome them, we must always remember that it is our responsibility to be stewards of those resources.
And that brings me to our forever theme: community. We are a community and, individually and collectively, we work together for sustainable, benevolent usage of the beauty that surrounds and supports us.
Come join me on the trails!
Kathryn R. Burke, Publisher
We’ve also touched base with Colorado’s Department of Tourism, which has good advice for locals and visitors alike. It puts out a helpful brochure, Are you Color-ready? According to their website and information guides, our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more.
We have over 750 different species of wildflowers … that will live forever in a photo. Leave them where you find them, and take only photos, never seeds. Wildlife aren’t pets; don’t feed or try to pet them. And never get between a mama and her babies.
With a spirit for adventure and a soft spot for nature or the past, you can enjoy all of Colorado’s spendor, while leaving it intact for others to enjoy as well.
Take only photos. Leave only Footprints. Summitville sign. (Laurie Cassleberry)