lazy Saturdays....

We're finally able to have a lazy Saturday at campchaos. Even the pups knew and let us sleep in before we all had quality couch time. We did muster up some motivation and channeled our inner Fred as we make donuts that reminded us of dunkin donut munchkins... you can see that post here.

Ajax Peak and 94 hours....

Saturday we ignored the to do lists, packing lists and travel plans in favor of getting up at sunrise and hiking Ajax Peak.  Four years ago we moved from Sugarloaf to Telluride and in that time we've had a few things happen like Mayhem.

Who happens to like his new life in Telluride and all the area hikes. He even likes wearing his backpack. These days Chaos carries a pack with a tennis ball and some treats while Mayhem carries a few pints of water for them to share. Chaos's leg still plagues him while Mayhem has energy enough for all of us.

The day started early and we drove to the top of Bridal Veil Falls and hit the trail by 8:15am. There was one other group that started hiking around the same time which was perfect as we forgot the map and it was our first time on the trail. We had read through the hike and had a good idea of where to go but it was nice to ensure that we turned off at the right time.

The trail starts at the top of Bridal Veil Falls and follows Black Bear Pass for .8 of a mile.

Yes, This is a 4x4 road and I wouldn't take the 4Runner on it or even the old Tacoma. It's one way from Ouray and one of the hardest passes in Colorado.

The trail turned off the road and became a single track that had switchbacks up the mountain for a few miles. Chaos and Mayhem followed the trail well and it was a moderate hike up. The road was harder as the rocks were looser and it made for sketchy footing. Hiking in the West is much different from the East with loose gravelly trails instead of soft forest floors.

From the ridge we could look over to Tomboy Road and Imogene Pass. We had gone up that pass a few summers ago with Kendra in the Tacoma.

You can see a bit of the Tomboy Mining area from the Ajax Ridge line.

The view from Ajax Peak (12,785') also showcases the town of Telluride and the Ski Resort. The Blues and Brews Festival was going on last Saturday and during our time at the Peak we saw the field fill with hippies and their tarps. (beer festivals kinda suck when you can't have gluten and there isn't a gluten free beer to be found in the park)

The next day we were back to packing.... only two of these pairs of skis are mine... the rest belong to Dave and Big Dave.... I think I need to catch up.

In less then 94 hours the packing project will be complete and campchaos will hit the road for the east coast. We're watching the leaves change here and should hit New England for Peak foliage in the east.

Saturday Night Live - Debbie Downer- Dress Rehearsal - Video - NBC.com

Saturday Night Live - Debbie Downer- Dress Rehearsal - Video - NBC.com




Turns out I've got something in common with Debbie Downer... thankfully I have a better attitude about my gluten intolerance!

powder days in telluride

We awoke on Saturday to 13 fresh inches and the sky was still dumping. Chaos managed to score a short walk before Dave and I headed out for a day on the hill.

After taking some runs together, we found our friends waiting at the gate to Prospect Bowl... the rope dropped and it was a ski/board cross race to the lift. 95% of the crowd hit Gold Hill and Jess and I met up at Prospect Express. We had first tracks down Stella and captured the image in the low light..

We found some good stashes and hung out in prospect for a while...

Eventually we found Jared and Dave again and stopped for a snack at High Camp.

Seriously... this sounds narly but was actually really good and marked gluten free... a gourmet chocolate bar laced with bacon. While there was more snow this morning I ended up working all day and not making time for a ski break.... perhaps tomorrow if all goes well!

The bacon chocolate only made us realize how starving we all were and we descended on Big Dave's house at Melrose Place for some food and tubby time. We made Brinner (breakfast for dinner) and all the non-glutards piled it high on a bulky roll.  We made gluten free pancakes, hash browns, eggs, bacon and sausage and a few folks managed to get all these layered up into a sandwich.

the kitchen aid returns!

the kitchen aid has been neglected since the diagnosis of the wheat allergy but this weekend it was dusted off and spinning again. I started out with a simple cake mix from Pamela's, was inspired to make macaroons then after a wheat filled whoopie pie I worked up the courage for some wheat free whoopie's.

First you need to make a "flour" blend called featherweight flour

3 cups rice flour

3 cups tapioca flour

3 cups cornstarch

3 Tablespoon potato flour

Blend well and store in fridge. Can be substituted cup for cup for "real" flour. We use it to cook with a lot

For the Whoopies:Makes 6 small whoopies (12 cakes)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1-2 cups Featherweight Flour ( I did two but you may need less at sea level, start with one then add more at end to thicken if needed)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter or shortening

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon of each: salt, baking soda & vanilla

2.5 tablespoons cocoa powder

0.5 teaspoon xantham gum (expensive but will last forever)

Batter should be a thick consistency

Spoon onto baking sheet or stone in to your favorite size. I like minis so I don't feel bad about them. 2.5" diamater.

Not too tall or they will take forever to bake!

Bake 10-14 minutes at 350 degrees

Again I'm at 9,000 feet so your cooking times may be less.I have trouble with the filling here so I cheat and use a can of frosting which I sometimes add food coloring to for some flair.

while i spent my saturday baking dave had other ventures... but he's gotta post if he wants his photos up!

flying over telluride

our fellow sugarloaf bob just moved to Telluride for the winter and took the daves and I up in his plane over telluride. We flew to Ouray (an hour's drive, 5 minute fly) over Silverton and to Ridgeway. It was a beautiful day and we all had fun. Bob even let dave fly for a bit...
here's the view from 15,000 feet!
Thanks Bob!

camp chaos hits the trail

we took a break from skiing this weekend and went for a snowshoe up Bear Creek. We had Murphy the golden doodle for the weekend and also invited Budo along since his parents just had a baby and he needs the playtime.



the trail is also the location where skiers dump out from some of telluride's extreme terrain and we saw around 10 skiers and riders headed down. Murphy was able to take down two snowboarders and I managed to distract the other two with treats so they wouldn't join in on the fun. But I guess if you can handle the terrain you should also be able to deal with 3 monsters chasing you down the trail. Chaos had a lot of fun with his friends and we all enjoyed the sunshine.
Dave and chaos are now sacked out on the couch watching The Goonies... this 1985 classic became a lot cooler since we visited the town and beach featured in the movie during our spring 2006 road trip. Here's chaos running after the waves.

saturday mornings

I love Saturday mornings after ski season. Chaos and I woke at a decent time and cuddled. We made Mu-nee Kitty cuddle too. After I've sufficiently upset the kitty I throw on my carharts and find a leash and we set off outside. Today we put Chaos's old puppy pack and went to get the mail before playtime in the woods.




The mountain closed last Sunday but someone forgot to tell mother nature as we've had snow all week. Today is the first day of full sunshine in a while.

The monster was just happy to be outside eating snow and playing. He loves wearing his pack and looks darn cute in it. We're going to get a new one soon as the old one is a bit snug in spots.
Chaos doesn't know it yet but Budo is coming to dinner tonight so I'll have one tired and happy puppy tonight plus good dinner companions and conversation. Dave went to Silverton today ski. The problem I find with Silverton is that you buy a lift ticket, ride up one lift, then hike a lot. I'd rather have a good Saturday with my monster around Camp Chaos.