Monday, July 8, 2013

Impromptu hike and garden news

Fred, Al, me, and Diane at Gold Run Pass
Al just couldn't waste this beautiful weather, so he sent around an email to see who might take him up on a hike this past weekend. Four of us did yesterday, and I got to see Fred for the first time in over a year! He went back to work and can only hike on weekends or holidays. I set up my self timer and got this picture; I look a bit wonky as I wasn't sure whether the timer was going off or not, but otherwise it was pretty good. Lots of snow behind us.
The trail to Gold Run Pass is steep but short (Diane's picture)
Al wanted to see what kind of shape the Yellow Aster Butte trail is in right now. We ran into snow at about 4600 feet, and it was very slow going from there until we got to the junction where you can either go up to Gold Run Pass or across to the Butte. We met a couple of strong young guys who were heading back from an attempt at the Butte, and they said they were not able to make it, so we opted for the shorter trip to Gold Run. Being a Sunday and a holiday weekend, there were lots of people out enjoying the weather and the snow. (You can see some of them behind us.)
C'mon, Diane, you can push it out of the way!
This fallen tree in the trail wasn't easy to get around. After trying several different ways, we took off our packs and crawled under. It looks like Diane is trying to move it, doesn't it? It was an incredibly beautiful day, with some high clouds to keep us from getting too warm, even though we were trudging through snow much of the day. It will be gone in a few weeks, considering how warm the temperatures were.

I was supposed to be going to dinner and the movies with Judy this afternoon, but she called and canceled due to catching a cold. I decided I could write this post, even though it's a Monday instead of a Tuesday, and show you how my garden is coming along. I just created this collage from pictures taken a few minutes ago.
Top: sugar snap peas, nasturtiums, my plot
Bottom: beets, budding zucchini, HUGE zucchini plant
My sugar snap peas are so good, and I am snacking on them now whenever I go out to water. The nasturtiums are growing like crazy, and you can see most of my plot in the top right picture. I am watching my beets grow, although I planted them too close together they seem to be doing fine. I picked one and steamed it, greens and all; it was fabulous. A volunteer plant grew up in our community garden plot (you can see it in its full size in the last picture) and we just discovered that it is indeed zucchini (see the little guy behind the blossom?). That means we will have enough for everyone in the entire apartment building! There must be three dozen of them ripening right now.

Well, that's what's going on in my little corner of the universe. I've been enjoying a laid-back afternoon after a workout and a massage, plus a very busy few days behind me. Hope you're having a fine day, now that the holiday weekend is behind us!
:-)

26 comments:

  1. Wow, looks like a beautiful place for hiking. Love the mountain views. Great photos.

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  2. Another delightful post, DJan. You always seem to have such fun when you go for a hike!

    Glad the garden is coming along well. I thought you were going to tell us about "Garden Newts," but I misread the title. Though I expect a few newts could help clean up the bugs and all. It's going to be a snap to collect the peas, as long as the nasturtiums don't get nasty. And a repeat zucchini. Wonders never cease.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    Bears Noting
    Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

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  3. nice to fit in another hike - especially in fine weather! snap peas...yum!

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  4. When I see someone trying to go under the tree it reminds me of something called "Fat man's Pass. It's a narrow crack in the rock that only slimmer people can go through.

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  5. Go Diane! (If that was me, you'd have to call the rangers to get me out. No WAY would I fit under that tree. I'd have to go over it. The end.
    And...may I say that I am totally jealous of your garden, Jan. Totally. Those beets are so pretty. I think I am the only one in my family who loves beets. Love them!! But I have never even thought about growing them. I didn't know they looked like that when they are ready to be harvested. So pretty. Your garden grew so well...and happy that you will have more than enough to share. That's what makes our lives here so wonderful...sharing with one another.
    Hugs,
    Jackie

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  6. Your garden looks fantastic, DJan. And I am glad you enjoyed the hike. Great photos!

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  7. ha. now that looks like quite the adventure...probably good you took the other trail though between you and two strapping young men i would probably put my money on you...just saying...smiles...ha...your garden is full of such great color...some good eats there...

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  8. I see I had some catching up to do - hats, hiking, sky diving, and gardening. You have been a busy girl! And as always, you look so good doing it all.

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  9. Oh DJan, I love that first photo with all of you and the snow covered peaks in the background.

    Your garden is looking good, and delicious. I love fresh beets.

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  10. Garden looks awesome!
    And I like the wonky aspect to the photo - I recognized the stance before you explained. :) Looks like a great day!

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  11. Your garden looks great! Have you tried beet salad with raw grated beets? One of my favorites, and so pretty.

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  12. Wow...that jagged background on your very first image is glorious!!

    Ya, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Sea is stunning with the turquoise water...but to me that is 'sea' not ocean. LOL [I know, technical BS from me.]

    By the way, your garden looks great. I love peas.

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  13. What a great hike. Your weather is quite beautiful for such outings. And you seem to have an endless supply of places to hike.

    The garden looks like it's going great guns. You certainly must be busy, attending to a garden is a lot of work. Yes, one zucchini plant will feed an army!

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  14. You let two healthy looking young men scare you off a trail?? They could have been real wienies. I'd put my money on your club anytime. You and Al seem to be the linchpins of the group.
    I am envious of your beets. Mine did not do well this year--my first attempt.

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  15. Djan, you always look like you're having a good time... and with all your activities, I'll bet you sleep well at night.

    and your garden looks great. My herbs are definitely feeling the heat.

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  16. Your garden look wonderful. Just thin those beets and they will do well. You can eat what you thin out. Are you eating the tops of the beets too? I am quite jealous of your garden.

    Have you tried fried squash blossoms? I hear they are wonderful.

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  17. I'm coming to your place for a salad. Your garden looks wonderful!

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  18. I don't think the picture looks wonky--looks perfect! I chuckled, though, at the one where it really does look like she is trying to lift the tree with her back.

    Your garden is doing so well. I can almost taste the zucchini bread. ;)

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  19. Oh wooooow! Love your hikes and LOVE your garden! It's really flourishing under your loving care. The snap peas sound scrumptious. I'm wanting to go to the market and buying some now.

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  20. The trail photos are fabulous. And your garden is coming along great. How did you do that collage? Very cool.

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  21. What great photos of you four with the mountains in background, snow n all. I haven't used my timer yet, but must make myself use it when I go out as it would be nice to include me in a photo. You know when you are the photographer, you seldom get your photo taken. That's quite an amazing tree lift there, Eh. he,he
    Your garden is amazing and look at the size of everything, especially the beets. I LOVE BEETS. Do you grow enough to preserve some? Have a wonderful day DJan! Just got back from Jack's early morning refreshing walk, which is 2 mi - mine comes in another hour with friends :)

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  22. Your garden looks wonderful and I couldn't see a weed..so you are keeping ahead of them! Great hike I love the scenery in that first shot..July and still snow! :)

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  23. Your garden is really doing well! Clearly you've done a great job preparing the soil, etc.

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  24. Sounds like a great hike, and looks like a nice garden. Our new lilies in our backyard just got eaten by the deer last night. Grrrr!

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  25. Our raspberries are just starting to get ripe. And there is no snow at this elevation. Life is good!

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  26. Your garden looks wonderful and so full of produce, which you are enjoying already. Just all lovely D-Jan.

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