Friday, May 23, 2008

Colorado Tips

Just thought I would share some information that may be useful in making your stay just a little more pleasant. If not useful, it may be interesting. If not interesting, it at least takes up space on this neat little blog that Tracy refuses to use.

High Altitude
To us, Denver is in the low-lands at 5,200' (1 Mile) high. While you are here, you will be spending a significant amount of time at 8,000 - 9,000 feet and probably go as high as 12,000 feet during your visit. Higher altitude means much thinner air. This, of course, gives Ted a built in excuse should he fail while "taking on all challengers", but it also can be unpleasant if you are not careful. Altitude sickness is a nasty thing.

So, while here:
  1. Take it easy. Especially the first day or so, try not to do anything too strenuous. If you get tired, take a rest. Luckily, most of you will have a nice amount of time to acclimate in the Denver area a day or two before we head up to Snow Mountain Ranch. Use that time to relax and learn to breath the thin air.
  2. Drink lots of water. Lots and lots of water. Drink water. Especially if you are active at all, you need to make sure you are hydrated. There is very little humidity in Colorado and high altitude gets you dehydrated quicker.
  3. At higher altitude, the sun is much more intense. Wear sunscreen. Wear a hat and make sure you wear sunglasses.
  4. Try to eat things high in potassium
  5. Check out http://www.highaltitudetips.com/ . I think I got the main things, but it does not hurt to be prepared.
Weather
Denver gets almost 300 days of sun. This means chances are, every day will be warm and sunny.... at least to start out with. Weather during spring time in Colorado is unpredictable (actually this is true year - round). It is very common to get thunderstorms late in the afternoon, so make sure you bring rain gear. At high altitudes, when the sun goes down, it can get cool fast, so make sure you bring sweat shirts. It probably is not likely, but it is also possible to get snow in June.

Basically just plan to dress in layers. While out and about, bring a backpack and plan on wanting to add or remove clothing as appropriate.

Wildlife
I have been seeing Coyotes wandering around our neighborhood the past couple of days in the evenings and early mornings. There are possibilities of close-encounters with black - bears and (very rarely) mountain lions. We are such a big group, that I seriously doubt these sorts of creatures will want anything to do with us, but do keep in mind to keep an eye on the little ones especially in the early mornings and evenings. It really is not a big deal, because it is true that wild animals are generally more afraid of you than you are of them. Just be aware of it.

You will probably see lots of deer and elk. We have spotted Moose close to where we will be staying up in the mountains. You may see big-horn sheep or maybe even some mountain goats on your way up to Tabernash.

Basically, just keep your eyes open. Wildlife spotting is exciting and fun.

Perhaps the most vicious, and scary wildlife are the TylerandConnor-Tooth-Tigers. Perhaps the most nefarious of all predictors, the scariest thing about them is that they look so innocent... even cute. But if you spot one, be afraid. Be very very afraid. Eventually, they will viciously attack. And, I have spotted them all over the place. They have even been know to be bold enough to wander into suburban houses and attack innocent, helpless fathers.



Pine Beetles
It sucks, but Grand County Colorado (where Snow Mountain Ranch) has a huge pine beetle infestation. You will see lots of dead and dying pines.

http://www.ymcarockies.org/home/our-locations/snow-mountain-ranch/pinebeetle

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05528.html


1 comment:

  1. I do not refuse to use the blog, brat. I was actually going to do a posting on all of these things, but you beat me to it. But the TylerandConnor-Tooth Tigers weren't on my list of things to let people know about, so I guess it's better you did the posting.

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