I Could Call This Place Home

Posted on July 18, 2012 by fran

Anyone who’s been following my blog for awhile knows of my infatuation with Colorado. In my earlier years it was skiing the dry Colorado snow that drew me here in the winter. Later it was to reconnect with friends I’d met while traveling who happen to share my love for nature and the outdoors. I flew out several summers ago to do some backpacking with Carol, who I met at a photography convention in Vegas. And when my friend Tony, who I met at a convention in Wisconsin, offered to teach me to fly fish… with turning Aspens in the Colorado mountains as the background… I leapt at the chance! Colorado was my first stop outside of Texas last fall, and my second. I literally had to force myself to get on up the highway!

There’s no wondering why I chose Colorado as the background for my next dog book! It’s an amazingly beautiful place! The book project brought me full circle through the state for the entire month of February to gather the winter images for my book, and I’ve just wrapped up another six weeks of traveling throughout the state gathering my summer images. While here I had the pleasure of spending quality time with some wonderful friends. Some of those friends I’ve known a long time, while others I’ve met along the trail. As I’ve mentioned before, these encounters are a part of the blessings of this journey. Each one is special, and I carry the memories along with me… like precious gems in my pocket. Or maybe a better analogy would be like charms on a bracelet, each representing a special memory.

So… picking up where I left off, and wrapping up my last several days in Colorado…

My cousin Anne had generously offered the use of their condo in Breckenridge, and I had a safe place to leave my RV with my friend Carol, so the girls and I went by car to spend a few days in the Vail-Breckenridge area. Every time I drive through Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River (I70) I am completely entranced. And as many times as I have driven both directions through this area, I have yet to get past the longing for some good turn-offs along the way. There are a couple of rest stops, but none in the most picturesque places. Seriously, when the light is bouncing dramatically off the walls of this canyon will take your breath away.

I photographed several wonderful dogs while in the area, but again… can’t share them all. I assure you though, that between the amazing dogs and stunning backgrounds, the book will be beautiful and worth the wait! I did come upon some canines I can share though, a mother fox and her one kit. These two were fun to observe for awhile.

The little guy joyfully teasing his Mom

Many of my dog images are captured spontaneously, but some are scheduled, and planned around iconic Colorado backgrounds. One of the dog owners met me way up a mountainside for this spectacular view of Breckenridge.

Breckenridge was very busy with tourists while we were there, as were the other communities we hit while in this part of the state… Dillon and Vail. Since I was running a full week behind schedule I was perfectly content focusing on the dogs I found along the way, and avoiding most of the packed streets and trails. After a couple of days away we were back in the Aspen area for the 4th of July. Thankfully fireworks were banned pretty much throughout the state, but the girls and I enjoyed a free concert in the park alongside hundreds of other locals and tourists. It rained a bit while we were there, but with wildfires raging throughout the state, it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirit one bit!

There’s a wonderful memorial to John Denver along the river in Aspen, with many of his songs engraved on boulders throughout. We strolled through on our way back to the car, and I found myself singing his songs along the way. No need to read the words. I know most of them by heart.

In addition to all the other cool dogs I photographed while I was here, I managed arrange a morning with the Krabloonik Sled Dogs in Snowmass. Since it is off season, and also unseasonable warm for the area, I did not get to see the dogs in action, but enjoyed a tour through the compound and some time with a littler of pups. This is undoubtedly a great place to experience in the winter!

One of several “dog yards”. WOW!

What fascinating eyes!

Puppy breath!!!

Another cool find while there

Snowmass

The following morning we were off to our final Colorado destination… Steamboat Springs! On our way out though, we made one last stop to photograph Dante, who we met along with his owner, Amita, at the Farmers Market in Basalt. With my RV (and car) parked safely off the highway, we hopped in the truck with Amita and Dante for a ride up to their “little spot of heaven” where they had an outstanding view of Sopris!

Dante with Sopris in the background

While in Steamboat Springs for my winter shoot, I was amazed at how helpful the dog owners were at suggesting other dogs (and owners) I might like to meet. One dog led to another, and before I knew it I was traveling all over the county photographing some marvelous dogs. Susan Shoemaker and her herding dogs, Ringer and Babe, were among those I met. She has a wonderful property with an old barn that made a perfect background for her dogs. During my short visit with her last winter she invited me to bring my RV out and sit tight for awhile when I made it back to town. I can’t tell you how touched I am by the graciousness of strangers as I travel. Of course I said yes!

Susan’s dog, Ringer, herding the flock during our winter visit.

Before arriving Steamboat I sent a note to all the dog owners I’d met previously, letting them know I was heading back to town and asking for suggestions on more dogs. One of those dog owners, Rich Landon (who introduced me to Susan come to think of it) offered to bring his dog Belle out for a second shoot. We made arrangements to meet at a little country store several miles out of town near Steamboat Lake, and go from there. Belle, who has only three legs incidentally, is the gentlest dog you’d ever meet but you’d never know it by this humorous shot I got of her. Since she looks like she’s viciously stalking me I could never use the image in my book, but it made me chuckle (knowing the true nature of this dog) so I have to share.

Belle putting on a good show for me.

After meeting with Rich and Belle I hopped over to Steamboat Lake where I found a few more dogs, enjoyed the scenery, and wished for time to drop my kayak in the water.

Reflections on Steamboat Lake

Steamboat Lake

I resisted the urge to kayak on this peaceful lake because I was on a mission to meet “Spike”… the man known by many to have the finest herding dogs in the county. I was not surprised to find him out working the ranch when I arrived. Since we’d never met and I was pretty sure he had not received the message I’d left earlier that morning, I lurked for awhile… until his lovely wife Libby and their two adorable kiddos, Emmitt and Josie, came out to meet me on their 4-wheeler. Again, I was not surprised when Libby said, “Hop on! I’ll take you out to meet him!” I had too much fun with my time out there to care one bit about all the fresh cow poop I was stepping in!

Libby, Josie and Emmitt

Spike bringing the cattle in with the help of his dogs, Hank and Chief

And once again, I was taken with the beauty of Colorado!

View from the ranch

The following day we hiked up Fish Creek with another dog owner I met in February, Donna Segale, and her dog Bacci. This is the waterfall from the Coors label. Interestingly, it’s brewed in a completely different part of the state.

Fish Creek Falls

Jazzy and Sadie enjoying the cool, fresh water of Fish Creek

Between thunderstorms the girls and I enjoyed hiking across Susan’s ranch and found all kinds of things that made us stop and ponder for awhile.

This dust covered Porcupine still has me wondering

Susan and her dogs Ringer and Babe, and Jazzy getting in on the action

I have to admit to a bit of a melancholy feeling as I packed up to leave Colorado. I have spent much more time here than any other state on my journey so far. Three times I’ve journeyed through, and all three times I felt almost overwhelmed by the beauty… and the feeling that I needed more time. People ask me all the time how long my journey will last. Right now I don’t know how far I will go, or how long it will last, or where I will land. I just trust that I’ll know when it’s time to stop. If it happens to be in Colorado, I’d be very content, because I really could happily call this place home.

A very special thank you to all of the dog owners I met throughout the state! It was wonderful connecting with you and your wonderful pets. I’m sorry I am unable to share all of them here on my blog, but they can all be seen the Mountain Dogs of Colorado gallery on my website… www.franreisner.com

Captivated by Colorado

Posted on July 13, 2012 by fran

At this very moment I’m enjoying a lovely sunrise in Utah. I’m also making a promise to myself to get caught up with my writing so that I’m not having to dig so far back in my memories in order to share them. I wish I could put to pen, the experiences as I am having them… sharing the depth of the moment… the beauty, the wonder, the joy. Between the pace and the projects and the ongoing battles with technology I’ve not yet found a way to make that happen.

In my last post I mentioned that Telluride should have been the next town on my route while working on my book, and that I had to drive right past because of a huge Bluegrass Festival clogging the town with people. Instead I went on to Gunnison, where my new friends Brian and Cherrie Haugh had offered to host us on their dog and RV friendly property. We had no idea what a treat we were in for! Once “the beast” was safely resting in their driveway, we (me and the girls) were shown to our cozy room upstairs. Actually, we were given a choice… sunrise view or river view. Knowing I’d be listening to the soothing sound of it flowing by as I drifted off to sleep, I chose the river.

Butterfly enjoying the flowers on Cherrie and Brian’s back deck

Sunset from Cherrie and Brian’s back deck

Brian and Cherrie have a beautiful Golden named Dakota, and she made the girls quite welcome. “Koda” is every bit a Golden in her never ending energy and love of “fetch” and water. We all took turns tossing the ball for her, but when no one was standing there ready to play, Koda played fetch on her own. She’d stand on a rock along the river, drop the ball in the water, and as it floated away she’d dive in after it. Over and over and over again! What a smart dog! Her enthusiasm even rubbed off on Sadie.

Although Jazzy and Sadie are part Golden, neither of them has ever taken to swimming. They’ll wade along the shore, and Jazzy will lay down in the water to cool off, but that’s the extent it… until now. While I was throwing the ball for Koda, Sadie got all excited and wanted in on the action. They ran side by side down to the water, and out onto the rocks, but that’s where Sadie drew the line. Over and over she raced after the ball with Koda, paced on the rock excitedly while Koda dove in to get it, and then came running back up wagging her tail as Koda deposited the ball at my feet. Sadie was happy enough just being a part of the chase, and then… in a moment of sheer enthusiasm… her momentum took her sliding right off the rock and into the water. She was surprised at first, and swam to shore immediately, but she must have admitted to herself that the water actually felt pretty darn good, because from that moment on she ran down the hill and dove right in the water along with Koda! I shouldn’t be surprised that it took a Golden to teach my dog she’s at least part water dog. The whole time this was happening Jazzy lay quietly in a pool of water along the shore, watching the scene as if mildly amused. That’s Jazzy.

Koda and Sadie

Cherrie, Brian and Dakota

In addition to enjoying some wonderful meals and our growing friendship, Brian and Cherrie took me on some local adventures. We took the lovely “back road” to Crested Butte for their local Farmer’s Market.

Aspens

We went to a neighbor’s ranch to watch some “ridin’ and ropin” amongst friends. Photographing this sport was a new and fun experience for me, although a tad on the dusty side. It took no time at all before I had a layer of grit between my teeth. I understand now why cowboys spit all the time! I have to say, as impressed as I was with the men, I was every bit as impressed with the skills of the few women out there.

And of course I had to sneak out into the nearby pasture to photograph this spirited young colt.

Brian and Cherrie also introduced me to several dog owners while there, for potential additions to my book, The Mountain Dogs of Colorado. One of them, Drew, who works at Waggin’ Tails and is a dog trainer, has several dogs. I photographed several, but the one who touched me the most was this sweet rescue, Fiona. She is a pit mix who was used in the training of fighting dogs. It’s amazing to me that a dog could take that kind of abuse by human hands and turn out to be such a sweet natured pet.

Rescue Pups fostered at Waggin’ Tails in Gunnison

Rather than drive my motorhome all the way back up the mountain to Telluride, Cherrie and Brian offered to watch after Jazzy, Sadie and The Beast while I backtracked for a couple days in my car. This really made a whole lot more sense, and it freed me up to get in, work unencumbered, (harder to shoot fast with my dogs in tow) and still have time to see some of the sights.

There’s no shortage of dogs in Telluride, so I gathered images fairly quickly and easily, thus freeing up a bit of time to “play”. I was completely taken by the beauty I observed from the drivers seat of The Beast while cruising from Delores up to (and past) Telluride a few days prior, and hoped to find the time to drive back over Lizard Head Pass in my car when I returned. Since photographing dogs mid day is not ideal, I took advantage of that time to make that drive. I had no intention of going all the way back to Delores (about 70 miles), but that’s where the road led me. I stopped for lunch at a little cafe with free wifi and got a little work done while dining. (One thing about free wifi in an empty cafe… ya don’t have to share the connection!)

I enjoyed the drive (down and back) every bit as much as I did the first time through, and was able to pull off the road several times where I couldn’t in The Beast.

Looking into the box canyon surrounding Telluride

Delores River

San Juan Mountains

Sunshine Mountain near Telluride

Telluride has always been one of my favorite places, and that was solely based on my time here in the winter. It really was a special treat for me see this beauty in the summer!

The box canyon of Telluride

Bridal Veil Falls at the end of the road in Telluride

I wish I could share all the dogs along the way! I’ve met so many, and they are all wonderful in their own special and unique ways. Now that I’m finished with the summer collection for my book and out of Colorado, I’m having to resist the urge to crane my neck toward every single dog I see along the way. Seriously! These dogs are habit forming! Gotta share one more. I had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with Leroy and his owners one morning, and it was clear that this is his favorite thing to do.

Leroy lives to catch balls!

The drive between Telluride and Gunnison hadn’t grown old by the third time!

San Miguel River in Teluride

Ranch Land under the San Juan Mountains

Blue Mesa Reservoir

I arrived back in Gunnison to hugs and smiles and two dogs who were VERY happy to see me. Once settled we enjoyed a relaxing night of Brian’s famous Linguini and Clams and tales from the road. The girls and I enjoyed our time in Gunnison so much we could have stayed indefinitely, but at this point I was already a full week behind my estimated schedule in Colorado with a deadline looming in the distance. I still had Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Steamboat ahead of me, so the girls and I prepped for the road the following morning. With Brian and Cherrie’s help I backed the beast onto the road (tricky turns and into traffic!), hooked up Zippy, shared a round of hugs, and rolled on down the highway. A very special thank you to Brian, Cherrie and Dakota for the wonderful hospitality! We loved every minute of our time with you!

Next stop was the Aspen/Basalt area, and the route took me up a steep and windy highway with one of the most amazing views I have ever witnessed! As usual, I was whining to myself about not being able to stop and capture the beauty I was witnessing, and was extremely grateful to find one turn out just big enough for The Beast along the way.

Morrow Point Reservoir

From an overlook on Hwy 92 between Gunnison and Hotchkiss

And the beauty didn’t stop there. I continue to be amazed at the diverse landscape of our country, and to watch it unfold as I drive is almost indescribable!

From McClure Pass

Crystal River near Redstone

Crystal River

Hays Creek Falls

The day’s drive led us back to Basalt, just down the mountain from Aspen. This is an area we’ve become familiar with, having spent time here last fall, and then again in the winter. Although here for the dogs, and short on time, we did get to see my friend Carol. As luck would have it, time with Carol almost always includes a good hike!

While in Aspen I decided to take advantage of a safe place to leave my RV as well as the opportunity to use my cousin Anne’s condo in Breckenridge, so plans were made to save on some gas and do yet another road trip in “Zippy” (my tow car). Before heading down the highway I took the girls for an early morning hike at the infamous Maroon Bells.

On the drive to Maroon Bells

Colorado Aspens

Maroon Bells from the bank of Maroon Lake

Wildflower at Maroon Bells Lake

Marmot

Tiny little waterfall on West Maroon Creek

Next up… Breckenridge, a bit more of the Aspen area, and finally… Steamboat Springs! Stay tuned for more never ending beauty from the road!

Rocky Mountain High

Posted on February 27, 2012 by fran

I have been working my way through the mountains of Colorado for more than two weeks now, traveling over six hundred miles of scenic highways in every kind of weather. Again I find myself short of words to describe the majestic beauty I’m witnessing. There is someone who had all the right words though, an artist who undoubtedly influenced and inspired me in my younger years, John Denver. One of my favorites… Rock Mountain High

I shared the first few days of my trip (into Durango) in “The Mountains Beckon” me last week, and since then I’ve taken in a lot of amazing scenery, met lots of great people, and photographed a tremendous number of dogs. I’m moving from town to town at a pretty good clip, only because I’ve got so much ground to cover and I do want to see a bit more of Utah before moving on to Texas in time for my daughter’s spring break. That said, blogging has not been a priority and I now have an overwhelming number of images and tales to share.

From Durango I headed to Telluride. I fell in love with this place years ago on a ski trip, and was thrilled to make my way back up this beautiful box canyon and find the town hadn’t changed a bit. Still small and quaint and not a McDonalds or Chili’s or Starbucks in sight.

I did take advantage of one day on the slopes while there and couldn’t have asked for better conditions!

Couldn't help but stop for some shots from the slopes!

Dogs are allowed on designated gondolas, so of course I had to take the girls to the top!

All an act. This cat was clearly NOT afraid of my tail waggin' mutts!

No shortage of dogs in Telluride and all I had to do was step out my back door and walk along the river trail or stroll a couple blocks to the main street to find them. And Jennifer Metzger of Mountain Tails helped me round up a few more, but I don’t have space to share these delightful canine’s in this post. I did take a side trip to see the “Winter Moon Sled Dogs”, and was thoroughly entertained by the “exuberance” displayed by three teams of dogs being prepped for the trail. They were clearly excited about the task ahead and vocalized it with yips and howls and barks. Once the three teams and their passengers were around the bend in the trail the silence on this snow filled morning was amazing!

This method of handling the dogs on their back feet while hooking them up was referred to as "putting them in two wheel drive". They are strong and eager, and this way they have less traction.

I think my girls were overwhelmed by all the yipping and howling as the teams were readying for the trail ahead.

And onward toward Aspen…

Unusual ice formation in Redstone

My new friend Elissa and her dog Teddy playing on a hill above Aspen

Aspen!

After a few days in the Aspen area I headed down the highway toward Vail. I mentioned the beautiful canyon between Aspen and Vail in one of my very first posts. What I have now discovered is that it is truly breathtaking any time of year! Unfortunately, even in my car there are few places to pull off and capture the beauty. I may have to hike it when I come back next summer!