Kayakers enjoy the San Juan River, as the early Kayaking season has arrived.

A Kayaker enjoys the Davy Wave on the San Juan River

Evening storms approach as Kayakers float the San Juan River

Cold in The San Juan

San Juan River Kayak archived article

Quietly, aspen trees (members of the Willow family) gently sway in the cooling winds of the winter months. As warmer temperatures begin to warm the branches, the male and female flowers emerge (on their own separate trees) with a cotton-like dangle (catkins) from the smallest limbs. These puffs of catkins are home to tiny seeds tipped with soft, white hairs and are dispersed with the upcoming winds. This is a sure signal that spring will soon transition to summer and the bright green of the aspen leaves will slowly stretch and form into the clattering coin sound so many are accustomed.

An unusual tree, you won’t see just one. Stands tend to be of the same age and development having matured from shoots of the same root system. Not a long living species, aspen trees begin to die, mostly from the inside out, at about 80 years old.

These slender, tall trees have a sweet inner bark that is edible in the spring and in earlier days was scraped off in long strings and eaten raw. The bitter leaf buds and young catkins are edible and rich in Vitamin C.

Days are passing one by one and the hillsides are shimmering in silver. Days from now little specs of fluorescent green will show through and then transition to a darker green that hides the trunks of this clump of trees. As you walk through the stand look for the signs of animal habitat and then take a short rest of your own beneath the branches to touch and feel and observe from the stand of aspen.

About Step Outdoors, LLC
Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

Yielding on the trail is much like yielding when driving a vehicle. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Proceed only when you can do so safely.

There is etiquette with regard to shared trail usage. The question being, when on a trail who yields? Essentially, it comes down to the faster yield to the slower. Which means (take a gander at the photo above) …

• Hikers/walkers headed downhill yield to hikers/walkers headed uphill
• Bikers yield to hikers/walkers
• Bikers yield to horse riders
• Everyone yields to horse riders

When encountering horse riders it is best to get off the trail on the downhill side. You will look smaller to a horse and less dangerous. Talk to the horse rider in a quiet voice; they will provide you additional instruction if necessary. And, stand quietly with no abrupt movement while the horse and rider pass.

Although hikers/walkers have the right of way; it is often less hazardous to let a biker pass. Say a quick “Howdy” and if you are stepping off the trail a bicycle rider will often take that as a sign to pass quickly.

And, etiquette says that groups should yield to a single hiker or a pair of hikers. But, the reality is that it is more difficult for a group to get off the trail (and probably more damaging) therefore it is agreeable to let the group have the right of way.

Quick conversation is all that is necessary to ensure the safety and quality experience of all trail users. Your keeping a smile and being aware to yield will make for a better day of hiking.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. We tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.

When you visit Pagosa Springs, soaking in the mineral pools is a must. There are three locations to choose from. They offer different experiences, so try them all!

Healing Waters Resort & Spa-  A soothing and relaxing hot mineral water pool. Whether you want to swim, play or simply lounge, you’ll enjoy our large swimming pool, heated by natural mineral waters. They also have hot tubs for more quiet, individual relaxing.

The Overlook Hot Springs- Relax in Victorian ambience as healing waters surround you in scenic rooftop tubs or in one of 5 indoor pools. For something special, try our exclusive & completely private tub room. Take a break from stress and unwind with a soothing massage and a tranquil soak in naturally hot, therapeutic mineral water.

The Springs Resort & Spa- 23 soaking pools. Every pool offers a different experience and we encourage
you to try them all. Five pools are designated as Adults Only. A family-friendly swimming pool, a fresh water jacuzzi, and 16 soaking pools for the children to enjoy.

Drink plenty of water when you soak. Relax and take in the views

Pretty fruit tree lightly covered in snow is a delight to see