Our next stop was the town of Montrose. We did not stop at either Montrose or Crested Butte last year but headed straight to Lake City where we could find a campsite. This mountain, taken from the town of Crested Butte is aptly named “Red Mountain”.Once in Crested Butte, we drove another five miles to the town of Mt. Crested Butte, then took a dirt road to the “ghost” town of Gothic. Gothic is a small remnant of a town that has been almost entirely devoted to scientific research. There were virtually no tourists here. We stopped at the visitor center to get some more information about the area and were amazed at the wildlife and how they acted in a protected town. This red-tailed fox walked nonchalantly across the road.This wooly marmot was sitting on the roof of a truck just whistling away andthis deer was munching lunch in a yard midday in the middle of town. The animals appear to be unconcerned with human partners.This coffee shop name tells the story. This area is one giant laboratory of earth science research.The scenery was absolutely stunning as we left the townsite on the way to Schofield Pass.This creek was dominated by fly fishermen but we managed to find a section where we could get out and stretch.Jason got in some practice skipping rocks while Cathy looked on and I was out exploring.We noticed this series of beaver dams on the way up the canyon and decided to stop and take a look on the way back. The beaver ponds were loaded with trout!Another view, this time a little closer, of Red Mountain towering above Gothic.This it the SAIL laboratory and observatory. Surface Atmospheric Integrated Laboratory. All of the containers were open and there were many researchers working here as we passed it on the way in. This photo was taken on our way out and they were closing for the evening.Jason and I hooked up with a local running club and joined them on one of their fun runs. We ran on the Snodgrass Trail, up to nearly the top of this hill (11,000 feet) then returned to our start point at about 9,000 feet. The total distance was a little over four miles, all on a single-track trail . We did run with the flowers up to our armpits as described. There were a lot of photographers out taking flower pictures in the sunset. Jason kicked my xxx but I made the run in less time than I predicted and enjoyed the scenery. We had another red-tailed fox join us at the finish area. They are, unfortunately, totally used to humansI did have a couple of these fellas (Colorado Blue Grouse) scare me a little when they either landed near me or took off very near me, screeching and flapping. You could hear them coming from the flapping of their wings but they were hard to spot. When you are running alone in semi-wilderness, these sounds and sudden movements can be unnerving. They were neat birds, though!We discovered a free shuttle bus that ran between Montrose and Mt. Crested Butte. We decided to use it instead of driving the route ourselves. The city operated bus required face masks which the driver gladly provided. We did not need the masks anywhere else in Colorado.The chairlift at Mt. Crested Butte was operational and ferrying bicyclists up to the top of the ridge where they could select several different routes down the mountain. There were some easy routes and some that looked very steep. Choose you own poison! We checked out the bike rental and the lift costs and while a little pricy, it would really provide thrills for the better part of the day. The rental shop had very expensive bikes, and full body armor available. Hmmm…maybe next time!We (I) wanted to hike to the top of Mt. Crested Butte. This is a view back down in the valley from about 11,000 feet.Approaching the top, the trail takes a dip at a saddle, then winds around the back of the mountain and climbs the very loose scree field to the summit. We got to this saddle and were turned back due to inclement weather. Lightning was striking nearby and they do not want you to get fried.The top was right there! So near yet so far. We scrambled back down the mountain just catching the drizzle about midway down.The town of Mt. Crested Butte is in the distance. That is where we catch the bus back to Crested Butte for lunch.Cathy is enjoying life back down from the mountain.Cathy bought Jason a snow-cone from a team of kids and Jason takes snow-cone eating seriously.The bus dropped us off at the end of the main business section and we walked up one side and down the other. We found a recommended restaurant and after a short wait had a very good lunch.Jason needed to take a rest after our morning mountain hike and lunch; but in the middle of the street?We may have uncovered a renegade biker gang. The next morning, Friday, we were up at 6 AM to see a balloon launch. I learned about the Friday launch from a local barber! At 6 AM there was no one in the park so we drove over to the airport and then saw some balloonists on the move and followed them back to the park. Mots of the teams arrived about 7 AM (we could have slept in a little) and the balloons were mostly airborne by 7:30. We were able to talk with the balloon operators, watched the balloons getting fitted, the burners getting ignited, pretty up close and personal. Jason, Cathy and I learned a lot in a little time in talking with the operators.This guy got a little high haha.Jason is “helping” get this balloon off the ground. Keep an eye on this balloon.There it is flying overhead!Oops, here is was making an unplanned landing at the main intersection in Montrose! Fortunately several motorists helped guide the balloonist to a safe landing area down a side street.
Travelling with the Schinglers 