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The Jordan Hot Springs
Monday, August 09, 2010
at 10:26:23 AMNever heard of Jordan Hot Springs until now. Great story!
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Mornings and Mundane Kinds of Magic
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
at 11:00:50 AMJen, your exquisite ode to a desert morning and the mundane magic of the everyday transmitted the “birdsong of pre-light, the dense coolness of the night-settled air, the musky soft vegetal smell†to the quiet dawn of my home miles from Spanish Valley. Thank you.
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Sustainable Empowerment
Friday, May 21, 2010
at 7:13:08 PMI have spent many glorious vacations visiting breathtaking areas inhabited by and under the stewardship of the Navajo Nation. Through their conservation, I have learned to love their culture and the land, especially areas near Moab, Utah and Page Arizona.
This article was eye-opening for me personally. It reminds me how far I have pulled away from basic principles... life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am working myself to death, to pay for credit card bills and a mortgage I can't afford. I am completely absorbed in my own problems, totally unaware of these issues.
I sat down recently and read a book - Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment by C.J. good. After an hour and a half I was thoroughly charmed and delighted. Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment is a book that helped restore my faith that there is still hope for me and others. This book is a must read for concerned people seeking to meet the urgent challenges that their overabundant lifestyle has created. This simple book, goes far beyond describing the issues. It details very positive and practical ways I can reorient my thinking to a more content, more enjoyable and more sustainable life. I have learned ways to create “Real Wealth.†-
Music Festivals of the Southwest 2010
Monday, May 03, 2010
at 3:48:46 PMDon't miss this world-class Chamber Music Festival in northern New Mexico:
Music from Angel Fire celebrates its 27th Season August 20 - September 5, 2010. World-class chamber music is performed in 15 concerts featuring more than 35 international artists including among others, Festival favorites pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, flutist Tara Helen O’Connor, violinists Ida and Ani Kavafian, cellist Peter Wiley and The Miami String Quartet. All in the beautiful New Mexico mountain communities of Angel Fire, Taos, Raton and Las Vegas. Tickets range from $20 - $35. For information call (888)377-3300 or visit www.musicfromangelfire.org. -
Sustainable Empowerment
Monday, April 05, 2010
at 4:48:42 PM"The history of mining on Black Mesa, of Peabody Energy, of coal-fired power plants and thousands of displaced Navajo is a tragic one. In the 1960s, John Sterling Boyden - a lawyer representing both the Hopi tribe and Peabody Energy - negotiated the rights to mining coal from Black Mesa. The tribes drew the short end of the stick, gaining little more than laughably low royalty rates, environmental degradation, a loss of one billion gallons of water a year from the Navajo Aquifer, and no provisions for renegotiation. The lawyer also largely invented a tribal conflict between the Hopi and Navajo in order to redraw reservation boundaries, giving the land of Black Mesa to the Hopi - even though 12,000 Navajos lived there. The native Navajo people were forced to relocate. Then, with the land unpopulated, resource extraction began.
In the ensuing decades, Black Mesa has been strip mined. The underlying aquifer has been depleted. Groundwater, flora and fauna have been poisoned. Skies and lungs have been contaminated. All for low royalties and some coal jobs on the reservation. All so a corporation could get rich. And the night skies of Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas could be awash in neon, unaware of the tariff for such excess.
The tribes received little of the coal power produced on their land and from their land. But they carried the full burden of its cost."
Navajo Nation EPA issued an unlawful Title V (operating) permit under the Clean Air Act for the so called Black Mesa Complex. When a former Chairman of the Hopi Tribe sent a letter to US EPA and Navajo Nation EPA to complain about the Hopi Tribe not receiving notice of an opportunity for public comment on the CAA permit required to operate the mines he received back a nasty letter from Navajo Nation EPA listing who was notified and the Hopi where not listed on the list of who received notice. The letter was nasty I suppose because the complaint included a 60 days notice of intent to bring a citizen's suit against the Navajo Nation EPA for issuing an illegal permit. Navajo Nation EPA claimed it was immune from such suit since the Navajo Nation has sovereign immunity from the CAA. This is nonsensical because the US EPA delegated authority to Navajo Nation EPA to issue the Title V permit so Navajo Nation waived its sovereign immunity when it accepted its delegated authority from US EPA to issue the permit in the first instance. Even if it where true how can Navajo Nation then tell the Hopi-Tewa what to do since they have separate and shared lease holdings with the Navajo?
This nonsense has to stop. -
Sustainable Empowerment
Monday, April 05, 2010
at 4:18:42 PMWhat is needed now is for the Navajo, Hopi-Tewa to join in a united front to get the Obama administration to support doing all future permits for the mining operations on the Black Mesa pursuant to standards adopted in government to government consultations with the Navajo and Hopi-Tewa peoples.
US EPA's NPDES permit under the Clean Water Act for the so-called Black Mesa Complex, so-called because there are two mines there, the Kayenta mine and Black Mesa mine, but Kayenta mine has a life-of mine-permit while the Black Mesa mine does not. This means the Black Mesa mine is being operated illegally. What is needed for meaningful and informed public participation is a one stop permitting process that includes all the permits from US EPA, OSM, and US Army Corp at Moenkopi (Hopi: Mùnqapi) so that farmers that are being directly impacted have an opportunity to participate.
EPA is announcing an extension to the comment period for the proposed wastewater discharge permit for the Peabody Black Mesa/Kayenta Mine located in northeastern Arizona. The comment period will be extended by 30 days, and will now close on April 30, 2010.
The proposed permit will allow the continued discharge of treated stormwater related to mining activities. The proposed permit will establish effluent limitations and standards based on national effluent limitation guidelines and to ensure that Navajo Nation and Hopi water quality standards are met. In addition, the renewed permit proposes to incorporate new regulatory requirements for reclaimed mine areas and proposes to require the implementation of plans to control sediment and seepage from stormwater treatment impoundments.
Please find attached EPA's permit and fact sheet for additional information, or feel free to contact me with any questions.
http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/npdes/pdf/navajo/PeabodyBlackMesaDraftPermit.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/npdes/pdf/navajo/PeabodyBlackMesaFactSheetJan2010.pdf -
Mountain Girl Mystique
Thursday, March 25, 2010
at 4:17:38 PMGreat story. I loved it!
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Not-so-still-life in Trailer
Thursday, March 18, 2010
at 9:43:21 AMThe migration of the subsistence dwellers ... the 21st century version of the story of Civilization, eh? So many versions of the same story, even locally -- I think of the "Bus Village" that once etched into the mining road hanging over Telluride. But it's good (for us onlookers, if not you and your neighbors ...) to have your dispatches from the front.
Is there, perhaps, (we hope) an IO story in the offing up the Moab trailer parkers' plight?
And, again, given your new squat-spot, seems you also can't predict the potential rewards of migration. Wonder what "adventures" the other relocated Pack Creek park might end up stumbling by force into ... ? -
The Jordan Hot Springs
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
at 7:34:00 PMExcellent read... I definitely have a new destination to plan!
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Music Festivals of the Southwest 2010
Sunday, March 07, 2010
at 11:46:23 AMAnother signature music festival in the Southwest is the 7th Annual Dolores River Festival taking place Saturday, June 5, 2010. The festival features live music all day on two stages, free river raft rides, children's activities, a down-river kayak race, food and beer concessions, festival vendors, and educational booths from community organizatons. A portion of the festival proceeds benefit river enhancement and conservation projects. For more information visit the website www.doloresriverfestival.com or contact Shaine Gans by email, coordinator@doloresriverfestival.com
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The Economics of Happiness
Friday, March 05, 2010
at 8:46:30 AMThank you for the insightful article Jen, I enjoyed reading it.
I believe it’s not possible to make a general statement on whether money makes people more or less happy. Money comes with a whole set of new elements that may have
good or bad impact on our happiness, and depending on how susceptible we are to every one of them, the conclusion will go one way or the other (i.e. different from
person to person).
I recently made an effort to provide a more comprehensive picture of what these ad- and disadvantages are. I invite you to have a look at Money and Happiness
and tell me what you think!
Thank you,
Nick -
The Economics of Happiness
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
at 11:36:38 AMYes: Want less, do more. You must've read "Walden," I'm sure. If not, do. Now. Rock on.
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The "rites of ski passage" come with risks
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
at 9:34:15 PMThanks, Dianne, for the honest and sincere and courageous response. And for the admirable and indomitable parenting faith. Maddie's spirit lives in us all who love the mountains and their offerings.
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The "rites of ski passage" come with risks
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
at 10:48:35 AMSpeaking as the mother of Maddie Milner and two other daughters, I want to agree with you. While what happened to Maddie was a tragedy I will always be sad about, I feel comfort that she was doing something she loved. Her third consecutive day of skiing, she was having an absolute blast until the very last moment upon hitting the tree. Whenever I go to Purgatory now, I try to ski all her favorite bump runs (Paul's Park being her most favorite and last run), and try to reflect on how much she loved the sport for the very reasons you listed in your article. I hope my other two daughters will continue to find fun and even comfort as they do the same. I also hope that I won't hesitate to push them to find their own adventures in life, since being active and outdoors adds so much to a person's existence. I still believe skiing is a great sport to do as a family for the skills learned, chats on the chairlift, and fun like no other as you race down the mountain with a smile on your face. I just wish Maddie was here to ski those powder days with me in person, yet I know she is there with me in spirit.
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E-Hiking
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
at 3:07:30 PMSo now we can plan, execute, and recall our outdoor travels without ever leaving our computers. Oh boy.
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We're Everywhere!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
at 12:14:11 PMHa ha!! That is so true! Not to mention Texans are the ones that bring most of the money here during peak tourist seasons. I don't know why 'Colorodoans' hate Texans so much!!! Oh well!!
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Giving Thanks: The Mosaic
Saturday, December 12, 2009
at 7:22:11 PMFootnotes.
1) For those of you who are wondering why Jen is using caulking to hold down tiles in the trailer instead of thinset, it's because her inexperienced boyfriend promised her it would work. So far the tiles haven't floated up toward the bathroom ceiling so I guess you could say he was right (kind of). There aren't any cracks in the grout either because the grout is simply made up of what Jen and I carry in on the bottom of our shoes. It gets pushed neatly between the tiles and looks really good. -
Year of the Ski Bunny
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
at 2:14:31 PMHa... learning to ski is so expensive, getting the gear, buying the passes and so on. It's almost not worth unless you are an avid skier who will be out there everyday. Maybe you could just take one day and go out there with someone who has experience and then they can leave you at the top of the mountain so you can make your way down on your own... ha ha ha!! Thats what happened when I went to learn to snowboard!! It was a long day!!
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Big Trucks
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 10:57:54 AMHahaha...this was great. I can just picture you driving down the road with a big mattress on your car. As many times as we move we should invest in a truck, maybe even a moving van!! Ha. Keep up the good writing.
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Losing the DIY Lifestyle
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
at 11:24:40 AMA-yep. Check out "The Last American Man," by Elizabeth Gilbert. A nice piece of nonfiction writing, with much fodder for thought. And right on target with your own muusings.
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*GALLERY Death Hollow
Friday, November 13, 2009
at 9:22:22 AMthis is so cooooooooooool!!!!!!
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Our Piece of Silver-Plated Paradise
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
at 5:11:53 PMCongrats! You've made an excellent choice! I speak from experience: back in the early '80s my girlfriend at the time (sorry, this doesn't have a happy ending that way ...) and I spent a year living in an 18-foot trailer that'd been "cabinized" from recycled ... everything. And this was in the Fraser Valley, where winter temps can bottom out below the bulb on the thermometer. But I look at that as one of finest years of indoor living I've experienced. Our own frigid little tin Walden. It's guaranteed to teach you ... something. I look forward to reading what that is.
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Go Cowboys!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
at 9:44:58 AMYeah!! Go Cowboys!! I loved this blog, made me laugh. LOL!!! he he!
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Texas Through and Through
Saturday, November 07, 2009
at 9:37:40 AMAw... this made me cry. So sad that they are going but like you said if it makes them happy. I'm still happy here. :)
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Just Plain Texas
Saturday, November 07, 2009
at 9:34:14 AMHa ha... thats so true about those Texans...I didn't know that about dad and the farmers market... not surprised though about dad. Love you, keep up the great writing!!
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Success
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 9:21:50 AMDave: Sounds like a perfect day to me! Congrats on a successful day in the wilds.
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Back country ski season is here! And with that comes ...
Monday, November 02, 2009
at 12:07:58 PMWow! Amazing!
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Brew Fellows
Sunday, October 04, 2009
at 8:29:18 AMJunior and Donna sound like my kind of Texans. Too bad the Shiner beer disappointed you all. Maybe it was because the rain that was pouring down that day, diluted it a little? Love your blog. Let's read more about Texans in Colorado. We are strange bunch, you better believe it!
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*GALLERY San Juan River Raplee Anticline
Friday, September 25, 2009
at 1:15:10 PMI love this picture!
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The Lower Uncompahgre River, Utah
Thursday, August 27, 2009
at 11:50:24 AMActual distance from Billys Creek to Trout Road is 9.3 miles, measured using Google Earth. The dam basin at Trout Road is not posted, but the fence one has to cross to portage on the right IS posted.
I think RIGS fly shop may be responsible for the half mile of articial rapids below Colona and upstream of the Uncompahgre Rd. bridge. Paddlers should be careful about swimming through these rapids. There is a lot of water flowing THROUGH these rockpiles rather than over them.
I recommend at least 300 cfs on the Colona gauge, and small, experienced parties only. The transfer canal from the Gunnison puts so much water into the Uncompahgre that it may be a good idea to check the wave-hole where the Unc enters the Trout Rd. dam basin. It is possible that at higher flows, the wave or hole may be more than some can handle. -
Texas Women Are Better Looking
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
at 1:18:30 PMI love this! You are such an awesome writer, I just wanted it to keep going! I can't wait to read more, more, more!
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Crimes and Compassion
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
at 9:11:34 AMI concur. As an Earth First!-er from way back, I miss the old days of comfortable certainty that my position was always dead right. This piece gets at the uncomfortable truth of public-land conflicts across the West (and, really, ALL conflict, around the world): the black-and-white days are over. In fact, they never were.
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Seeking Truth In A Monkeywrench
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
at 9:02:08 AMGood article...but what the hell is up with all the question marks??????????
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Springtime for Hitler . . .
Friday, April 24, 2009
at 7:43:58 PMLast weekend, the Rockies even had me believing that I actually enjoy a good 1500 foot climb on my bike in the intense cross winds. They are definitely con artists.
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Old and Going Downhill Fast
Friday, April 24, 2009
at 12:42:16 PMKen Wright has to be the coolest dad ever! Anyone know of any good hills in Durango to Long Board?
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New Belgium tops Colorado breweries
Thursday, April 16, 2009
at 2:59:04 PMWhere is Ska at?!!!!
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2007-2008
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
at 4:16:24 PMThe picture with the buttocks is rather suggestive.
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A Lesson from Wall Arch
Monday, April 06, 2009
at 10:35:40 PM...the journey is the destination, no?
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Telluride Adventure
Monday, March 30, 2009
at 8:09:44 AMKate...what a refreshing angle on the old "ski area as evil" premise. Thanks for showing us a different light.
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Pity-Pot Cures
Saturday, March 28, 2009
at 2:01:28 PM"Another pity-pot I can sometimes sit on is the I-live-in-an-uncosmopolitan-place-away-from-sophisticated-urban-experience."
Oh, how I love to get on this pity-pot! Thanks for reminding me what a world class place we get to live in. -
Klondike Bluffs
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
at 12:37:14 PMStill LOVIN' IT
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Green River and the Great Nuclear Debate
Monday, March 02, 2009
at 2:28:03 PMGo to Goblin Valley, the San Raphel Swell, Arches, or Canyonlands. Green River is cheaper than Moab. And friendlier.
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Control
Friday, February 27, 2009
at 12:14:07 PMPetersen has it figured out. Anyone who wished to hunt should be made to read his book: Heartsblood...
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20 Years Gone: Edward Abbey
Saturday, February 14, 2009
at 1:31:34 PMAbbey will always matter if for no other reason than that he managed to articulate clearly this one sentiment: "We need wilderness because we are wild animals."
His point (increasingly lost as the world becomes more cyber) is that our species has evolved in wild places and that our societal and "civil" institutions are only a part--and perhaps the lesser part--of all that makes us human. Hardly any other contemporary writer addresses this point, and none does so as compellingly.
Nice piece, Ken. -
A Mind of Winter Up Bear Creek Trail
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
at 7:23:07 AM#1 -- 14 feet of snow = 168 inches. Silverton got 200 this December alone. I find it hard to believe that Bear Creek would not get that amount in an average year. Isn't climate change supposed to mean more snow for SW Colorado?
#2 -- Trapping is illegal in Colorado. I'm assuming your "buckskin-clad trapper" was a poetic liberty.
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Tim Altic
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
at 12:58:04 PMTim is my HERO!
This guy has done it all!
Anyone know what hes doing now? -
Split Personality
Sunday, February 08, 2009
at 8:28:56 AMSkins are around 150 or so but you may find them for less. I got a pair of Voile from Inferno Snowboards. Take care in cutting them to fit the boards, you only get one shot.-BRM
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Split Personality
Friday, February 06, 2009
at 2:47:17 PMThis is my kind of equipment!
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Klondike Bluffs
Friday, February 06, 2009
at 2:43:16 PMLovin' the wall-ride picture.
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Split Personality
Thursday, February 05, 2009
at 10:43:56 AMWhat about skins?
How much do they run? What brand would you recommend? -
The Winter of My Discontent
Thursday, February 05, 2009
at 12:37:24 AMGlad to see you out on the slopes, and I enjoyed rereading the story. Here I am pouting around with a sore knee and feeling sorry for myself that I should take tomorrow off. Thanks for putting things into perspective. -BRM
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Split Personality
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
at 6:55:43 PMIn ski mode it behaves like a pair of wide touring skis, and as a board it behaves remarkably well, especially in powder. I find mine very responsive, just a little heavier than a normal snowbaord. Some brands are a little more solid than others in snowboard mode.
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Split Personality
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
at 10:53:34 AMWow! I have always wanted to try these split-boards out. Anyone have use with them? Do you still have a good point of contact with your two edges?
