Chris, as you note, drastic climate change has been catastrophic for human societies in the past, but changes in climate from WARM to COLD. The interglacial periods and even the more recent Medieval Warm Period were times of prosperty for the human race. If one looked just at historical models, we would be finding ways to melt the ice caps quicker.

Personally.....I like the idea of wearing flip flops and shorts in January. What's the big deal?

In Anticipation of Precipitation
WaVeY

Some places will be more hospitable, some less so. Current models show the US in the latter category. Our descendants may be knocking on neighbors' doors for living space. Trouble is, so will a lot of other folks. If we are to compare this climate change with others, we should remember the wars, famines, and plagues that typified those earlier times. Back to the good-ol' days?
Chris S

Chris Schardl

OK, we're off to see the wizard, er, maybe the snowman - in Colorado ! !

The on - again, off - again belated by two years honeymoon trip is ON AGAIN. Patty does NOT have another post-retirement job again, and I'm holding my breath for another 24 hours.

AND oops, in order to avoid the threadjack, we WILL be doing some research work into the difference between cold water temperatures and ice-cold water temperatures. . . . . . .We also are taking our ice skates to see if you can actually skate on fresh ice / snow - melt! ! ! I guess we better wear our life jackets on that one !

MUCH FUN is planned, with stays at Dustin's in Basalt, Chris / Linda - Monte & Witt Willson's in Leadville, and finally at Paula ( richwalsky ) and John Straw's in Montrose.

ANY AND ALL info for fun places to camp / easy boatin' / easy mtn bikin are WELCOME here on the forum as we prepare to leave tomorrow.

BRENT, I need the Jefe to take to Dustin. I think Clay Warren has it ? Get me in touch and we'll get it done.

Hope everybody doesn't melt before we get back, we'd hate to miss the party. . . . . . . .

Love and Hugs,
the Molnars'

Leadville - Arkansas, but the easier stuff is south near Buena Vista/Salida. One of the most scenic drives in the state is Highway 24 down to Salida. Browns Canyon/Pinnacle Rock might still be boatable.

Basalt - Stick with the Shoshone section on the Colorado, or maybe the State Bridge run north of I-70...scenic, roadside, and should still be boatable. Im guessing the Crystal and Roaring Fork are getting too low. Your locals will have the goods on that stuff.

Montrose - Gunnison Gorge! Classic. Tougher logistics, but worth it. Class III+. Some of my favorite water out there is the Taylor River, but thats east near Gunnison past Blue Mesa Reservoir. Should be running, as well as the Gunnison River near town. Good microbrew on Main street in Gunnison, and Crested Butte is my favorite pretentious mountain town. Kebler Pass is a must, the largest stands of aspens anywhere, and great car camping.

In Montrose, you are near some of the best desert mountain biking in the country. Fruita/Grand Junction trails. Bet its hot out there right now though. The Uncompahgre Plateau is nice biking, lots of aspens and about 9,000', much cooler than the canyon country. More good car camping.
Unaweep Canyon is another spectacular drive not far from Montrose.

And then there is Westwater Canyon on the Utah border...its permitted, but easy to get. Awesome big water class III, you can do it in a day.

Oh, and how could I forget? Take a tour of the North Fork Valley...Paonia, Hotchkiss...do not go to western Colorado without getting some peaches. They are prime right now, and North Fork peaches are better than any southern peach I've had.


[www.mountainbuzz.com]

Have fun.

Brandon



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2008 01:36PM by desertrat.

Have fun, Mike. CO is a blast.

One suggestion since this thread has been jacked....the best free camping in CO is at Clear Creek of the Ark. You could hit it when you come across Indy pass from Dustin's heading to Leadville. Or heading from Leadville down into BV to take Cottonwood pass across through CB to Montrose if you go that way. Plus, the Ark has tons of good sections for you to paddle at these levels they shouldn't swamp your OC.

If coming across Indy pass heading East....at the T-intersection in Granite hang a right. Go down approximately two miles or so and be looking for a right turn by a sign that says "Clear Creek Reservoir". Go up this road several miles and head past the private ranch until you see turnoffs to the left heading down to incredibly beautiful camp spots right along the creek. Also there is an old town up there and plenty of hiking. If you get to the trailhead parking lot you've gone ~1mile too far.


bubba

Thanks ! We'll try to do it up right - hope we have the stamina that we remember ! ! !
Mike

Couple of new documents put out by the Feds...

2008 EPA's Report on the Environment -
[www.epa.gov]

Climate Change Science Program Report -
[www.voanews.com]
[www.usgcrp.gov]

Hmmmm....

[www.kentucky.com]

In Anticipation of Precipitation
WaVeY

Interesting, but not inconsistent with global warming climate models. Generally global warming causes more severe fluctuations and extremes in the weather. I remember November and December of 2000 when Denile, Natasha and I were living in Erwin. Those two months were the coldest two consecutive months on record for the USA. During december we rarely saw a day in the double digits. South Indian Creek was frozen solid and the 'Chucky was frozen across at the pools. It was insane.

Hanley