About Teller County, CO

It is always Christmas time in Colorado. Yes, the snow does melt in most places except the highest peaks. But, an often missed attraction is Santa's Workshop at the base of Pikes Peak. The family themed North Pole park has something for everyone. Santa's workshop has a unique history and is over 50 years old. March 10, 1955 marks the day that the 25 acre Santa’s Workshop was planned to be built on the slopes of Pikes Peak. The project was based on another similar attraction built in Lake Placid, NY.

The kids can meet Santa Claus and his elves(year round) and all family members will enjoy the unique Christmas Tree ride. You can also partake of a classical ride on the antique carousel. An Aerial Tram will allow you to ride through the clouds or for the less adventurous the Miniature Train is still a small thrill. The park boast two dozen family-friendly rides. You can feed the goats and llamas, or watch the magic show. Village shops are stocked with gifts which can make early or seasonal holiday shopping a breeze.

And if Christmas in Colorado at Santa's Workshop isn't enough of a fill for the family then head up the Pikes Peak Highway. Pikes Peak stands at an altitude of 14,110 ft. above sea level. The highway is open year round as the weather permits. Check the website at Pikes Peak Highway for times as they vary from season to season. A discount coupon is available at the website and is good until the end of the year. Don't forget your jacket or coat, otherwise you may end up sporting a Pikes Peak sweatshirt for the rest of the day. It can be cold even in the summer.

Toll Road $10.00 per adult (16 and over $5.00 per child - (6 - 15) or total $35.00 per car up to 7 passengers.

If you are planning to be in the area choose one or both of these attractions. The experience will last a lifetime.

Sabrina Kelley* Herman Group Real Estate*719-963-1630*

*Serving Teller, Park and El Paso Counties* www.sabrinakelley.com*

Lost Creek Wilderness Area - Colorado

Designated as wilderness in 1980, the Lost Creek Wilderness Area includes almost 120,000 acres of forest, river, and incredible rock formations amid the Tarryall, Platte River and Kenosha mountain ranges in the heart of Colorado. Running through the middle of this magnificence, is the 35 mile long Tarryall Valley.

The area was settled by miners and ranchers, drawn by beauty and hope for success, their future was carved out of this immense landscape. The valley is dotted with evidence of their time here, abandoned buildings telling the stories of the rough and rugged few who called this home.

The Wilderness is a favorite of backpackers, mountain and rock climbers, fisherman, and photographers. Wildlife is abundant here and one might see black bear, mule deer, mountain lion, golden eagles, and elk. It is one of the best spots for viewing bighorn sheep, although I wasn't lucky enough to see any on this trip.

No! I don't mean Virgo, you September babies! Thought it was a typo, didn't you? LOL

No, this post is about Virga which is a weather phenomenon we often see, sometimes as a spectacular display. I was on the Eastern plains of Colorado recently, and was completely taken by the clouds that formed on the horizon. The day started out clear and sunny, and changed as the afternoon wore on.

I live in the mountains, so I have to leave my community to get out further east to enjoy the big skies of Colorado. It's worth the drive!

VIRGA

Streaks or wisps of precipitation, such as water or ice particles, that fall from clouds but evaporate before reaching the ground. From a distance, the event sometimes may be mistaken for a funnel cloud or tornado. Typically, it may fall from altocumulus, altostratus, or high based cumuonimbus.

Virga, also known as 'fallstreaks", is Latin for the word 'broom', and often looks like a wispy torn curtain hanging from the bottom of a cloud.

I might have been a storm chaser in another life....

Anyone know how if that pays? LOL

This is the image most of us conjure up when we think of a wolf. An evil beast that howls at the moon in the night, amber eyes watching from the woods, sending chills down our spines.

But, unlike humans, wolves kill only to eat. Wolves in the wild are afraid of us, and will do everything they can to keep their distance.

From the Yellowstone Insider...during the 100 years of the 20th century there were between twenty and thirty attacks in North America (including Alaska and Canada, which have relatively high populations of wolves). Of these, three were fatal, all because of rabies. No attacks have been recorded in Yellowstone since the reintroduction of wolves more than a decade ago. For comparison, during the 20th century there have been 71 fatal grizzly (brown) bear attacks in North America. Each year in the United States, 16-18 people die from dog attacks.

The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation

There is a place in Guffey, Colorado that is a sanctuary for abused and abandoned wolves. The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation , a non-profit 501 3C, was started by Mark Johnson in 2001. It sits just outside the eclectic town of Guffey, on 35 acres that was donated for 'life' by caring neighbors.

I had the privelege of visiting there this past Sunday, and the experience was one I'll never forget! To see why, click here - (seriously, you've GOT to see this!)

I Was A Chew Toy For Wolves

Mark provides 'sanctuary, rehabilitation and and environmentally natural housing for captive-born wolves and wolfdogs who have suffered from injuries, neglect and abuse'. The Foundation's Mission Statement is:

"Encourage an interest in and understanding of wolves by providing opportunities for people of all ages to interact with wolves, to learn about wolves and living safely with wildlife, and to understand the important role we humans have in the continual survival of wolf populations".

There are four wolf pups at the Foundation, three of which are Ambassadors. Mark welcomes visitors to come and interact with the pups, takes them out on 'field trips' to schools, organizations, and other events to help promote a better understanding of the wolves and our need to develop a better understanding of the role we humans have in the survival of wolf populations.

A visit here will help you to better understand why wolves are not a good idea for a pet, and their plight at the hands of many of those who discover this the hard way. The tales Mark tells of the abuse many of these animals have suffered would break your heart.

The Foundation is open to the public by appointment for tours, and gladly accepts donations for the upkeep of these beautiful animals. You don't have to visit to help. You can go here, to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation website to learn more about how to be a part of the solution.

Excuse me? Uh.... What's the story with the boot?

LOL