The Mountain Bluebird of Colorado

 

The mountain bluebird is migratory. Their range varies from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska, throughout the western U.S. and Canada. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter. They inhabit open rangelands, meadows, generally at elevations above 5,000 feet. Contrary to popular belief, mountain bluebirds are not a species of concern in the United States. The turnaround in mountain bluebird numbers is due to the overwhelming efforts of landowners in the West to provide nest boxes for these birds. At one time, mountain bluebird numbers were threatened because of increased agricultural activities destroying habitats.

 

Norwegian Fjord Horses at Winding River Resort, Colorado

Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, Colorado has Norwegian Fjord horses.

 

The Fjord horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. Horse were known to exist in Norway at the end of the last ice age. It is believed that the ancestors of the modern Fjord horse migrated to Norway and were domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord horse type has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. The Fjord horse and its ancestors have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway. Even as late as World War II, they were useful for work in mountainous terrain. The Fjord horse also has a long recorded history of pure breeding without crossbreeding from other sources.

Wikipedia.com

Berthoud Pass, Colorado

The pass is located west of Denver, and provides a high route between upper Clear Creek Canyon to the upper valley of the Fraser River in Middle Park to the north. The pass traverses the continental divide at the Front Range, on the border between Clear Creek County and Grand County

The pass is named for Edward L. Berthoud, the chief surveyor of the Colorado Central Railroad during the 1870s. Accompanied by Jim Bridger, Berthoud discovered the pass in July 1861 while surveying a possible route for the railroad. Berthoud reported that the pass was suitable as a wagon road, but not as a railroad. The pass has steep grades on either side (6.3%), along with winding switchbacks and many tight spots.

The pass is currently the route of U.S. Highway 40, north of its junction with Interstate 70 in Clear Creek Canyon. It provides the fastest road access to Winter Park and a secondary route to Steamboat Springs from Denver and the Colorado Front Range. However, the pass is one of the most notoriously difficult passes in Colorado for motorists, based on its height as well as the large number of switchbacks on the southern side of the pass.

Wikipedia.com

 

Lake Maloya, New Mexico

The road that passes next to Sugarite Canyon Campground leads to Lake Maloya in New Mexico and Lake Dorothey in Colorado. This state park is right on the state border. In the middle of the lake is the state line we took pics of both state signs for you to enjoy. It might be hard to figure out which state to buy the fishing license in depending where the fish are biting for that day :). We decided to take a drive and snap some pics of the area. The road dead ended in a private cattle ranch named Sugarite Canyon Ranch that had a cool entry gate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sugarite Canyon Campground, New Mexico

We traveled to Sugarite Canyon Campground in New Mexico right on the Colorado/New Mexico border.

The campground is located in a canyon that had a severe fire in June 2011. This is the first season the campground has been open since the fire.

What we find amazing is the new growth happening under and next to the burnt trees. The foliage is very green and healthy. The deer are fat and happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Sumner, New Mexico, Windmills

Out in the desert of southeastern New Mexico water is like 'liquid gold' and one way that they get drinking water for livestock is to put windmills on wells out on the ranch land.

 In the town of Fort Sumner there was a store/shop that makes and services windmills.....something you don't see every day and one would think that it is a dying art in our modern day but not out here....it feels like stepping back in time.

Billy the Kid's Grave, Fort Sumner, New Mexico

Staying in Fort Sumner we knew we had to visit Billy the Kid's Grave and we were not disappointed. The actual grave is in the Fort Sumner Cemetery which is behind a museum and gift shop. It is free to see the grave and use the bathrooms in the gift shop but the museum has a small entry fee.