Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Fall 2019 | Issue #9

T H E

H U B

O F

A D V E N T U R E

I N

W E S T E R N

C O L O R A D O

GREEN RIVER MELON MANIA 12 CENTENNIAL BAND AT 43 YEARS 38 HEALTH BENEFITS FROM FLOATING 44 TAKING CARE OF OUR TRAILS 52 GET KIDS OUTSIDE 66

FALL 2019 / ISSUE 9

WATCH THE AWARD-WINNING FILMS AT RMHPSTORIES.COM

“Life is abundant, and life is beautiful. And it’s a good place that we’re all in, you know, on this earth, if we take care of it.”

— Alice Walker

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

1

CO N T what’s up in the west + what’s in season

lifestyle

22

2

8

VOICES OF WESTERN COLORADO Locals weigh in on Abundance

9

WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Wet + Wild Wakeboarding Kokopelli Polocrosse: Club Welcomes Everyone

28 26

BOOK+BEVERAGE Half-Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard Peach Juice by Talbott’s Cider Company

27

OUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAMS

28

STYLE The Sweet Two Skirts

30

MAKER Hayden Kessel: Hayden Knife

34

ART Downtown Grand Junction: Creative District Grand Valley Open Studio Tour Crested Butte Center for the Arts

10

WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Pali-Tours Launches Safari-Style Adventure Tour

12

BLOSSOM Green River Melon Mania

14

BLOSSOM Harvest Season Market Roundup

16

BLOSSOM Blue Grouse Bread

38

18

HOME + GARDEN Alternative Living: From Glamping to Van Life

MUSIC Grand Junction Centennial Band: Music to Your Years

40

20

DRINK DIY Coffee Liquer + The Mod Lebowski Cocktail

FOOD Keeping the Fun in Fungi

42

22

EAT Roasted Roots

FOOD COLUMN #thenewwest by Josh Niernberg

44

WELLNESS + FITNESS The Many Benefits of REST: Float

E N TS adventure

features + events

54

70

46

SPOKE Gear for the Season

64

FOOD IS THE FOCUS Timber to Table Guide Service

48

SPOKE Gear Profile: Amundsen Sports

66

GET KIDS OUTSIDE Amazing programs do exactly this

50

SPOKE Athlete Profile: Rob Pizem

70

PIG-A-SUS HOMESTEAD SANCTUARY A safe haven for potbelly pigs

52

GRAND OUTDOORS Taking Care of Trails

74

54

FAMILY The Joys of Family Running

WINE HARVEST IN COLORADO Innovation and creativity amongst the 160 wineries in the state

77

56

TAKE A HIKE “The Other” Grand Mesa: Turkey Flats

EVENTS Fall + Winter Events in Western Colorado

80

58

STAY + PLAY Basecamp 550

WHO WE ARE Justin Nordine

60

GETAWAY Mountain Biking in Mese Verde Country

63

ETIQUETTE The Not-Quite-Right Guide

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

3

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

ABUNDANCE Fall is in the air, they say, but those who have never experienced an autumn day in western Colorado may not have felt the expanse of abundance that is so tangible across our fields, mesas and mountains this time of year. From harvest celebrations and markets, to shorter days and softer temperatures, autumn is the perfect time to reap all the blessings of summer and prepare to nestle into a time of rest and renewal.

We are so happy to share with you the pages that follow in this beautiful edition of Spoke+Blossom. Former S+B publisher Cat Mayer fills visual appetites with stunning images and inspiring recipes for a seasonal picnic, while S+B writer and editorial manager Lexi Reich invites readers into the world of Colorado wine and its harvest season.

In this issue we introduce the new SPOKE Profiles section, with an athlete highlight

by Andy Bowen on climber Rob Pizem, and a profile piece on Amundsen Sports, an outdoor apparel company that has just recently moved into the Colorado market.

Writers Melanie Wiseman and Kristin Lummis added quite a lot of depth to our pages this issue with their profile, travel and feature pieces, along with photographer Robb Reece who created work that stopped us in our tracks during production — see for yourself on pages 54 and 55.

Special thanks to our talented and motivated interns, Jenna Kretchman and Naomi Allen, who both contribute so much to the backbone of creation. Also, to triedand-true team members Kitty Nicholason and Hannah Odneal — thank you both for sticking with us as we evolve and grow. S+B would not be the same without you.

This season is the perfect time to experience a refreshed connection with the art of a printed publication. We invite you to sit down with it, hold it in your hands and leaf through its pages without hurry. Spoke+Blossom, like a number of regional, niche, boutique magazines across the world, is a platform for intricate, inspired storytelling.

Call it journalism, or media, or art — it’s for you, reader, and thank you for reading.

Founder Robin Brown Publisher Kim Fuller + Bobby L’Heureux Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Editorial Manager Lexi Reich Art Director Kitty Nicholason Staff Photographer Cat Mayer Advertising Hannah Odneal + Bobby L’Heureux Interns Jenna Kretschman + Naomi Allen Contributors Emily Ayers Devon Balet Rose Marie Binger Andy Bowen Will Campbell Lindsay DeFrates Rob Gay Jayme Henderson Kristin Holbrook Elisa Janson Jones Jenna Kretschman Kristen Lummis Lisa Moore Kimberly Nicoletti Josh Niernberg Robb Reece Kaylan Robinson Ryan Sanchez Allison Sarmo Carrington Schaeffer Melanie Wiseman

Cover Photograph

The Storm Cellar harvest, Courtesy Olivia Emmer of Olive & West Photography Spoke+Blossom Magazine Jaunt Media Collective 2077 North Frontage Road / 103A Vail, CO 81657

Kim Fuller

Publisher + Co-Owner

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For advertising, contact ads@spokeandblossom.com Get in touch! We would love to hear from you. Please send your comments to letters@spokeandblossom.com Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved.

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contributors

EMILY AYERS Emily is a Colorado transplant from Long Beach, CA. She loves the Western Slope community and writing about its depth and culture. Emily works as a marketing specialist and a freelance journalist. She writes about her experiences online at EmilyMae.co and is excited to build a life in Colorado.

JOSH NIERNBERG Josh is a Colorado native who has called the Grand Valley home since 2007 with his wife, Jodi, and their two boys. Downtown Grand Junction’s Bin 707 Foodbar, Tacoparty and Dinnerparty are designed to showcase and promote the area.

KRISTIN HOLBROOK Kristin is a sporty and fashionable full-time resident of Telluride, Colorado, running Two Skirts boutique and a household of two sons and a husband. A New Jersey girl, she graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in English Literature and Art History.

ELISA JANSON JONES Elisa can be found in the music room or on the trails. She serves the community as musical director and co-conductor of the Grand Junction Centennial Band, and chronicles her outdoor adventures at trails365.com. She is a mother of three and bibliophile who collects antique books.

ALLISON SARMO Allison directed the City of Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture for 19 years, managed the Art on the Corner Sculpture Program, and recently served on the Colorado Creative Industries Council. Now retired, she and husband Tim enjoy having lots of time to travel.

6

KIMBERLY NICOLETTI Kimberly is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor and writing coach. She has taught yoga, Nia, Zumba and tai chi, and earned a master’s degree in Somatic Psychology and Dance Therapy from Naropa University. She loves traveling, outdoor adventures, photography, dance, her dogs and her family.

Colorado lifestyle magazines that

INFORM + INSPIRE!

the explore issue

EAT CLEAN

RECIPES FROM THE CONSCIOUS CLEANSE

HIT THE ROAD

COLORADO + BEYOND

YOGA FOR YOUR DOSHA

AYURVEDA WITH JULIA CLARKE

rock your world

ALWAYS LIVE EXTRAORDINARILY

INSPIRATION FROM OLYMPIAN GRETCHEN BLEILER

HOW TO SOFTEN STRESS

Unleash Your Inner Rock 'N' Roller

AND BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Nurture Your Inner Gardener

grow issue

LIFESTYLE • COMMUNITY • WELLNESS • NATURE • MOVEMENT • ADVENTURE

ERIC ROONEY TRAVEL

+ TELLURIDE + GARDEN OF THE GODS + AFRICA

SUP ROUNDUP GEAR FOR THE WATER

L I F E S T Y L E • C O M M U N I T Y • W E L L N E S S • N AT U R E • M O V E M E N T • A D V E N T U R E

shine issue Illuminate Your Authenticity

IN THE PRACTICE

THE SCIENCE OF STRETCHING

TRAVEL

NOEMI NUñEZ

+ INDIA + CALIFORNIA + OREGON

CREATES CULTURAL BRIDGE

HUT TRIP ROUNDUP

WINTER BACKCOUNTRY GEAR L I F E S T Y L E • C O M M U N I T Y • W E L L N E S S • N AT U R E • M O V E M E N T • A D V E N T U R E

WINTER + SPRING 2018 -19

WITH RESTORATIVE YOGA

BLOOMS IN DENVER

SUMMER + FALL 2018

COOL SUMMER’S HEAT

WINTER + SPRING 2017–18

LIFESTYLE • COMMUNITY • WELLNESS • NATURE • MOVEMENT • ADVENTURE

SCOTTY STOUGHTON

MUSIC, CONSCIOUSNESS + COMMUNITY

SUMMER + FALL 2017

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voices of western colorado

ABUNDANCE We asked these Western Slope locals to weigh in on this topic.

Compiled by Jenna Kretschman

8

CHRIS BROWN

DAWN TRUJILLO & BRIAN ADAMS

DENNIS CLARK

“We use the law of abundance

“All too often, food producers

“Abundance, to me, is to have

in my shop. We have bells out

dwell in a realm of scarcity,

a bountiful crop of fruit and

front. If you’ve ever walked Main

focused on the negative. We made

vegetables. A nice crop means our

Street, you’ve seen the bells. We

a decision to alter our mindset

harvest is productive, profitable

used to sell 10 each year when

and began using ‘abundance’ as

and abundant to where we’re able

we had them on a hook inside.

a daily mantra for our market

to feed people quality produce

Then I tore apart my kids’ bunk

garden and our personal lives. The

and make a living doing it. I

beds and welded them to a stand

effects have been nothing short

would say we had an abundant

and put 200 bells on and stuck

of astounding. We now have a

crop this year. To have a summer

them outdoors. We sell like 600

fully-functioning and successful

with an abundant crop takes a

bells a year now. So, if you’re a

market garden, with all the key

lot of hard work and effort. A lot

retailer, and you have thousands

components

greenhouse,

of satisfaction goes into growing

of baskets or hand grips or rubber

wash and pack station, walk-in

quality produce for the public

tires, you will become the guy

cooler, irrigation system and two-

and knowing that they can enjoy

in town who has the baskets, or

wheeled tractor. The greatest thing

and savor the taste of western

tires or whatever you’re into. And

we have received this season are

Colorado or Palisade produce

whenever somebody needs them,

community relationships. The love

throughout the winter months in

they think of you. We try to spread

we receive takes abundance to

the valley. We look forward to a

ourselves thin as retailers and try

the core of who we are and fuels

kind spring so we can continue

to do a bit of everything, and then

our desire to push through all the

to have a nice, abundant crop

we’re not known for anything. If

highs and lows we experience

next year. My family’s been here

we go deep in something, we’re

while growing good food for our

for well over 100 years, since

known for something. It’s called

neighbors

1897. My grandson is the seventh

the law of abundance. Have a lot.

‘abundance’ part of your mindset.

Be known for being that guy.”

Grow on!”

Chris Brown has owned Brown Cycles on Main Street in Grand Junction for 19 years. Photo by Greg Luck

Dawn Trujillo and Brian Adams own Green Junction Farmstead, a communitysupported, small-scale farm in Palisade growing organic produce. Photo by Melissa Iverson

of

and

a

friends.

Make

generation here on the orchard.”

Dennis Clark is the owner of Clark Family Orchards in Palisade, which grows peaches, cherries, apricots and a variety of other local produce. Photo by Mackenzie Clark

what's up in the west

WET+WILD WAKEBOARDING Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photo by Lisa Moore

T

he landlocked Grand Valley has gotten

Imondi Wake Zone also offers dock yoga,

wet and wild since May 2018 when Victor

paddleboarding and a brand new aqua park —

and Jodi Imondi launched Imondi Wake Zone.

the Grand Valley’s floating playground. A series

These passionate Colorado natives and state

of inflatable jumping pillows, bouncers and

and national competitive wakeboard champions

runways features ramps, jumps, ladders, two

were eager to introduce their wakeboard cable

slides and a trampoline, which offers fun for

park, adding another extreme sport to the

kids ages six and older.

Western Slope.

Come for the day, beat the heat and enjoy

The two cable systems allow beginner

the variety of watersports under the watch and

and experienced participants to enjoy towed-

safety of lifeguards. Equipment for all activities,

watersports such as wakeboarding and

including life jackets and helmets, are available

kneeboarding without the need for a boat. Modeled

at the pro shop for rent or purchase. For more

after waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing

information, visit imondiwakezone.com.

techniques, wakeboarding uses a thin, rectangular board mounted with shoe-like bindings.

KOKOPELLI POLOCROSSE Words by Melanie Wiseman

T

he best horsemen and women are those

who participate in the sport of polocrosse,

people of all ages and abilities. The same goes

Kokopelli Polocrosse Club welcomes new

according to Al True, who started the Kokopelli

for the horses. From quarter horses to Tennessee

Polocrosse Club 20 years ago.

Walkers to thoroughbreds and even mules, the

Polocrosse is a team sport combination of

field is wide open. The club practices two to three

polo and lacrosse. Played on horseback, each

times a week and hosts Rocky Mountain Region

rider uses a lacrosse racquet and net in which

tournaments under the American Polocrosse

a sponge rubber ball is carried. The game is

Association at 2053 L Road.

played three-on-three on a grassy field 160 yards

long by 60 yards wide. The objective is to score

12 to 68 years old. Higher-level riders teach

goals by throwing the ball between the opposing

new players riding skills as well as ball and

team’s goal posts.

racquet handling. Teams are coed and mixed

by skill level. True says women and teens are

“We say the horse already knows how to

Current participants in the club range from

play polocrosse, since they’re doing what is

particularly drawn to the sport.

natural,” says True. “The rider needs to learn

how to communicate with them.”

Al True at 970-858-0733.

For more information about the club, call

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

9

what's up in the west

PALI-TOURS LAUNCHES NEW SAFARI-STYLE ADVENTURE TOUR Words + Photos by Jenna Kretschman

P

10

ali-Tours offers a unique, customizable

such as fruit picking, alpaca-walking and

experience exploring the hidden gems of

stopping for sweet treats at Sweet Kiwi Bakery in

the Grand Valley through safari-style adventure

Palisade. Riders ages 21 and older can tour wine

tours for both tourists and locals alike.

country and pick from dozens of wineries in

the area.

Dave Smith, owner and operator of Pali-

Tours, drives a 12-passenger, safari-esque, open-

air military transport vehicle around Palisade,

weekends, couple’s weekends and weddings are

“The bachelorette parties, women’s

guiding his riders on adventures of their

huge,” Smith says. “If you have an idea, I can

choosing, from wine tasting and picking fruit

guide you in the right direction. If you don’t have

to walking a herd of alpacas through a peach

an idea, I can offer something up.”

orchard.

Tour packages include the Winer Package

“Pali-Tours is totally unique. There’s nothing

for Palisade wine enthusiasts and the Fruit Loops

else like it anywhere near here,” Smith says. He

Package through the valley’s abundant orchards.

emphasizes that his tours are more than just a

Smith also offers adventure shuttle services from

ride across town — they are an interactive, one-

bike trails (the Buggin’ Out Package) or from

of-a-kind way to experience Palisade. “I’m not

the Colorado River (the Splish Splash Package).

just a limo guy. It’s knowing the people and the

The Mixing It Up Package is a customizable

stories behind the places we go. What I’m offering

adventure anywhere throughout the valley,

isn’t just a ride; it’s more of an experience of

and the Pile In Package accommodates all sorts

history of the area and local knowledge.”

of private groups, from wedding parties to

family reunions.

Smith opened Pali-Tours in May of 2019 to

showcase the best attractions of Palisade and to

reduce driving under the influence in the area.

activities around Palisade, and it doesn’t all have

“It’s based around the businesses and

“I wanted to eliminate drunk driving. My

to be about drinking,” Smith says. “The Grand

boy’s 10 years old and he bikes around with his

Valley has so much to offer with Mount Garfield,

buddies and stuff. We just want them safe. This

the Colorado National Monument, the Colorado

is a safe option,” Smith says.

River, hiking, biking and camping. In particular,

Each tour is customizable to the group, and

Palisade has the wineries, orchards, alpacas,

people of all ages and interests are welcome

vineyards, locally-grown food, agritourism.

aboard. Both children and adults enjoy activities

There’s so much to do.” :

For more information about Pali-Tours, including pricing and available tour packages, visit pali-tours.com.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

11

blossom

A FAMILY AFFAIR

GREEN RIVER MELON MANIA Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photos courtesy Greg Vetere

O

12

nce the forbidding stomping ground

worth anything if you sell bad melons” was one

of Butch Cassidy and his wild bunch,

of his dad’s mottos.

each year the tiny town of Green River, Utah,

transforms into a juicy melon wonderland you

— sell quality, only the best, and word of mouth

can really sink your teeth into.

will do the rest,” says Greg.

No one understands this phenomenon better

“Today, we still carry on the family tradition

So what exactly is Green River’s “secret” for

than third-generation melon farmer Greg Vetere.

its world-famous melons?

His grandparents immigrated to the United States

from Italy and began raising melons on their small

nights, sandy soil and a lot of TLC make for a

Green River farm in 1918. Some were shipped by

sweeter melon,” says Greg. “Keeping the fields

train as far as New York. Others were delivered

clean and free of weeds is vital, because they will

by his grandfather via days of rugged horse and

pull flavor from the melon. The final and maybe

buggy travel to mining towns 80 miles away.

most important step is picking the melon vine

ripe for full sugar content.”

In 1958, Greg’s father, Jay, returned from the

“We believe a little bit of alkali, warmer

service and began growing melons under what

is now known as Vetere Melons. “The dollar isn’t

are in melons. In a good year, this labor-intensive

Vetere Melons farms 500 acres, 100 of which

crop produces 10-15 tons of melon per acre!

“My daughters have worked beside me

From mid-July through October, the majority

since the day they could walk and can outwork

of Vetere Melons are available at northern Utah

any man,” says Greg. “It’s sad to think the Vetere

markets and at stands in Colorado, Nevada and

Melon legacy could end but I want them to have

New Mexico. Visit one of the two Green River

a life.”

stands (look for the huge watermelon painted

propane tanks) for a personal experience.

calendars for this year’s annual Green River

Just 100 miles west on I-70, mark your

Mouth-watering samples and outstanding

Melon Days, September 20-21. Truckloads of

customer service help you select from the

these juicy delights are cut up and given away

wide variety of melons the Veteres raise —

as part of the celebration. Fun for the whole

watermelon (seeded and seedless), cantaloupe,

family includes a parade, concert, softball and

crenshaw, honeydew, israelis, Canary, green-

golf tournaments, melon 5K walk/run, melon

meat cantaloupe, casaba and winter-queen

carving, square dancing, crowning the melon

watermelon.

queen, watermelon eating and seed spitting

contests, water (melon) skiing and many more

Caravans of foreign travelers frequently

purchase Vetere melons and rave about them,

activities.

leading to several write-ups in international

publications.

is not the hard work,” says Greg. “It’s having

Greg says he couldn’t have done it without

generations of people come back telling us,

his wife, Rita, and their three grown daughters

‘That was the best melon I have ever eaten!’ and

who still come home to help out during planting

‘Thank you for what you’re doing.’” :

“The thing that keeps me growing melons

and harvest time.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

13

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HARVEST SEASON

MARKET ROUNDUP Compiled by Naomi Allen

FARMERS MARKETS Market on Main Grand Junction Thursdays through September 12 A staple of summer and fall Thursdays, Grand Junction’s Market on Main exhibits the best farmers, businesses and entrepreneurs of the Grand Valley.

The market happens from late June to mid-September, the best time to purchase Colorado’s freshest produce. The central locale makes visiting downtown restaurants and businesses a must. Each evening features musicians and entertainers who perform on street corners. Free parking is available in the parking garage, and pets are best left at home. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ downtown-farmers-market

Palisade Sunday Harvest Market Palisade Sundays through September 22 The Palisade Farmers Market highlights the best of Palisade’s agriculture. The market is hosted in downtown Palisade from Kluge Street and Main Street, and between 2nd Street and 4th Street.

It lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Twelve Palisade farms provide produce, along with vendors selling Colorado made products.

Each week features a chef demonstration from a restaurant or business in the valley. A variety of live musicians perform on 3rd Street and Main. The free kids’ art tent makes the market a great event for families. visitpalisade.com/portfolio-item/ sunday-farmers-market

Aspen Farmers Market Aspen Saturdays through October 5 The Aspen Farmers Market is a great place to buy Coloradomade products and locally-grown produce, as well as enjoy live music and a food court. The market lines downtown Aspen’s streets in a U shape. The market operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Dogs are allowed, but the heat of the asphalt may cause burns, so pets are better left at home. aspenchamber.org/explore-aspen/ trip-highlights/aspen-saturdaymarket

Ridgway Farmers Market Ridgway Fridays through October 11

Fruita Farmers Market Fruita Saturdays through September 21 The Fruita Farmers Market is a great place to purchase fresh produce from the Grand Valley.

It is hosted at the Fruita Civic Center Park from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Over 40 vendors sell food and locally-made products at the market, and local musicians perform live. Pets are allowed and should be on leashes. fruitachamber.org/fruita-farmersmarket

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The Ridgway Farmers Market features vendors from all over Colorado. This market has much more than produce, and the everchanging vendor list makes each week a new experience. Much of the Ridgway community gathers at the market to enjoy the music, food and artisan products. It is held in Ridgway’s downtown park, and pets are encouraged. Because Ridgway is working to eliminate plastic bags, bringing your own reusable bags is advised. ridgwayfarmersmarket.com

Telluride Farmers Market Telluride Fridays through October 11 The Telluride Farmers Market is an organic, non-GMO market focused on gathering community around food. It was originally founded after the closing of the local food co-op to bring fresh, regional produce back to Telluride. All of the food sold at the market is grown within 100 miles of Telluride.

All fresh produce is organic, and prepared foods are a minimum of 5 percent organic. It is held on South Oak Street in downtown Telluride from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. thetelluridefarmersmarket.com

Vail Farmers Market & Art Show

of them are Steamboat locals.

Regional artists also offer an array of hand-crafted goods. Steamboat musicians perform downtown during the market. It operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 7th and Yampa Street, between 6th and 8th Streets. Parking is available at the Steamboat Rodeo Grounds. mainstreetsteamboat.com/farmersmarket

Vail Sundays through October 6 The Vail Farmers Market & Art Show has been held on Meadow Drive in Vail for 18 years. With 40 local food vendors, the market is a great place to find local produce in addition to artisan crafts, jewelry and art. Local chefs craft a farmto-table dinner from locally-grown produce, and tickets are available online. The market is pet-friendly. vailfarmersmarket.com

Crested Butte Farmers Market Crested Butte Sundays through October 6 The Crested Butte Sunday Farmers Market offers certified organic produce and other natural foods, as well as Colorado-made crafts, art and other products. During the Vinotok festival, the market hosts an affordable farm-to-table

dinner in downtown Crested Butte.

Mountain Roots Food Project provides boxes of nutritious, fresh food to those in need. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Elk Avenue between 1st Street and 2nd Street. After September 8, the market lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. cbfarmersmarket.org

Steamboat Farmers Market Steamboat Saturdays through September 21

Carbondale Farmers Market Carbondale Wednesdays through September 25 The Carbondale Farmers Market features vendors from the Western Slope. Each vendor is unique and offers a sustainably-made product.

The market is truly a community event that values supporting local businesses. It lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 4th and Main Streets. Pets are allowed. carbondalefarmersmarket.com

Food vendors come from across Colorado for the market, but many

Seasonal American cuisine from local, Colorado and domestic sources @bin707foodbar #thenewwest 225 N 5th Street Downtown GJ Daily 11:30am-10pm Happy Hour 2-6pm

we aim to please

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BLUE GROUSE BREAD

BREADS FOR THE WESTERN SLOPE Words by Emily Ayers | Photos by Alex Jacobson

S

low and steady is the baking philosophy

Hannah on call — I took a lead baker job in

at the heart of Blue Grouse Bread bakery

Jackson,” says Ben. “Once I had that commercial

in Norwood. It begins with a hearty sourdough

baking experience, Hannah asked if I wanted to

starter. From there, it sits for 12 to 14 hours until

move down to start a bakery with her.”

the next day when the rest of the ingredients

are added and left to ferment for another three

where he visited some of the best bakeries in the

hours. The last phase is shaping the dough and

country. In 2016, Blue Grouse Bread officially

allowing it to rest overnight until it is baked

opened, carrying with it many of the bread-

the next day and shared throughout the

making concepts from Ben’s “BreAdventure.”

Western Slope.

They use high-quality, organic, locally sourced

“Every step of our three-day baking

On his way to Norwood, Ben took a road trip

ingredients when possible and mill their

process is intentional and is about

own whole wheat flour.

adding a layer of complexity of

“We are extremely excited

flavor,” says Hannah Rossman, co-

because we just received a grant

owner of Blue Grouse Bread. “The

for a 40-inch stone mill and a mill

hearth and long fermentation time

shed behind our bakery,” says

create a bread with an open crumb

Hannah. “We will also get a sifter

and a crust that has developed a

so that we can mill 100 percent of

rich color and caramelization.”

our own flour.”

Hannah and Ben Rossman are the

The mill project is huge, not just

dynamic cousin-duo and co-owners behind this

for Blue Grouse Bread, but for the community of

organic bread bakery. Originally from Vermont,

Norwood. It will allow them to support the local

they both took their own paths to bread making.

farmers who are growing specialty grain crops

and will bring the community together.

“I’ve always worked in kitchens and

bakeries,” says Hannah. “When I moved to

Norwood with my husband, I was apprenticing

be possible,” says Ben. “Someone once told me

at a local bakery doing wedding cakes and

that when you invest in your community, they

pastries, but I would often create small batches

will invest in you. I have certainly found that

of sourdough for them. That’s when the idea

to be true here in Norwood and in southwest

sparked that maybe I should take this further.”

Colorado in general.” :

“Without our community, none of this would

Ben started cooking in high school with his

mom, and when he moved out west for college, he was introduced to sourdough cultures by a friend. After a few weeks of starting his own “mother,” he baked his first sourdough loaf.

“My love for bread gained quick momentum,

Blue Grouse Bread can be found in Norwood, Telluride, Ridgway and Montrose. For a full list of locations and bread, visit bluegrousebread.com.

and after teaching myself — with the help of

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

17

home + garden

ALTERNATIVE LIVING

FROM GLAMPING TO VAN LIFE Words by Jenna Kretschman JENNA KRETSCHMAN

F

rom building a charming yurt getaway in

these tents out on Airbnb to offer guests a unique

the backyard to full-time living and working

glamping experience on the Western Slope.

out of a remodeled van, some western Colorado

For the past 21 years, the Hastings have

locals choose unique living situations against

cared full-time for two disabled gentlemen who

convention.

live with them, leaving little time for vacations of their own. In September of 2018, the couple

18

GLAMPING IN GRAND JUNCTION

decided to bring the vacation to their own home.

Sondra Hastings and her husband Max have lived

in the same home for 40 years, transforming the

do Airbnb. We had these two spots and there was

three-acre former sheep farm into a tranquil and

really nothing there, so we thought, why not use

relaxing getaway for locals and tourists alike.

that for something?” Hastings says. “The best part

“We bought these with the idea that we could

Two cozy, yurt-like tents are nestled into a

is that we get to meet people from all over the

grassy terrace in the Hastings’ backyard, right

country that we otherwise wouldn’t get to meet,

alongside a gentle, flowing creek. Hastings rents

because we haven’t really been able to get away.”

The property was used as a wedding venue

Mahone owns a commercial, events and

before the Hastings decided to turn it into an

lifestyle photography business based in Vail, but

Airbnb. Solar lanterns and flower gardens adorn

his work and play can take him as far as the East

the area along a broad, grassy hillside. The

Coast. What better way to travel than to bring

grounds are as entertaining as they are beautiful,

his entire home and office with him everywhere

complete with a waterslide into the creek and

he goes?

plenty of fun for children to enjoy, like tree

swings, a Slip ‘N Slide, kiddie pools and more.

friends here and there. I did the whole design

“We’ve always been entrepreneurs and

and layout and the majority of the work myself.

done things that other people don’t normally do.

It’s pretty nice,” Mahone says. “I have everything

We make our own way,” Hastings says.

with me all the time. I never need to pack.

If I want to go somewhere, I just go … It’s an

The couple welcomes visitors from all over

“I built the van with a lot of help from my

the world to the Grand Valley.

incredible sense of presence and comfort. I drive

less, because I don’t go home or go places; I just

“It’s a fun place to come for things like

bachelorette parties — spend the night with

am where I am.”

the girls, drink your wine. I’ve got people

booking who live in the valley just to get away

throughout the Vail Valley, depending on what

for 24 hours. Book it, get your bottles of wine,

his plans are the next day. He has about a dozen

sit down there and have a fire. It’s the perfect

regular spots.

24-hour getaway.”

The yurts are available from May through

says. “Every once in a while, it can be hard to

September. Search “Glamping at Blossom House”

find a place to park. Dating can be a pretty

on Airbnb Grand Junction to book a stay with

big challenge living in the van, because I’m

the Hastings.

constantly in and out of town.”

Mahone parks for the night in various spots

“It’s really not that challenging,” Mahone

Despite a few minor difficulties that come

VAN LIFE IN VAIL

with van life, like vehicle maintenance, Mahone

Zach Mahone lives in a van, but he is far from

wouldn’t have it any other way — except when

homeless. Two years ago, Mahone realized he

winter rolls in. This winter, he plans to leave the

needed a change in life, and he decided that

van and spend the season in Maui, Hawaii, to

buying and remodeling a van to live in full-time

avoid Colorado’s cold winter, but he’ll be back at

was precisely the change he needed.

it in the summer. :

ZACH MAHONE / ZACHMAHONE.COM

drink

DIY COFFEE LIQUER + THE MOD LEBOWSKI COCKTAIL Words + Photo by Jayme Henderson

T

20

he cooler temperatures outside have me

Once you’ve made the coffee liqueur, it is

wistfully dreaming of a cozy movie session on

almost a requirement that you make a classic

the couch, and one of my favorite fall films is the

White Russian. Because the coffee liqueur has a

Coen Brother’s cult classic, “The Big Lebowski.”

rum base, an elevated, tiki-inspired version of the

Every time I watch it, I seem to end up in the

cocktail that swaps white rum for the vodka is a

kitchen shortly after, putting together a batch of

complex, delicious twist. Don’t be tempted to skip

homemade coffee liqueur. This dark, rich liqueur

the allspice dram — it’s a tiki-drink essential made

is an essential in my fall cocktail repertoire and

from dried allspice berries, and it gives this cocktail

makes a wonderful, seasonal gift.

a complementary, spiced, “The-Dude-abides” feel.

DIY COFFEE LIQUEUR YIELDS ABOUT 3 CUPS

1/3 cup finely ground espresso or a darker roast,

like the ESX Blend from Grand Junction’s

Kiln Coffee Bar 2 1/3 cup water, divided 1 cup coconut or raw sugar 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1 1/2 cups white rum, like Crested Butte’s

Montanya Platino

1. C ombine the coffee grounds and 1 1/3 cups of the water in a mason jar. Shake well and refrigerate overnight.

2. S train the cold-brewed coffee through a coffee filter or fine-mesh strainer into a quartsized mason jar or similar sealable container.

3. I n a saucepan, make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and the remaining 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. A dd the simple syrup, vanilla bean and white rum to the cold-brewed coffee.

5. S teep this mixture up to a week, according to preferred intensity.

6. R emove the vanilla bean, bottle the coffee liqueur and store in the refrigerator for up to three months.

THE MOD LEBOWSKI YIELDS ONE COCKTAIL

1 1/2 ounces white rum, like Montanya Platino 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur 1/4 ounce allspice dram 1 1/2 ounces full-fat coconut milk star anise, for garnish shaved dark chocolate, for garnish

Colorado inspired, Colorado sourced tacos

1. I n a mixing glass, combine the rum, coffee liqueur, allspice dram and coconut milk.

2. Add ice and shake well.

3. S train into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with a star anise pod and a little shaved dark chocolate.

NOTES • No vanilla bean? Although vanilla beans contribute a more potent flavor and aroma, substituting 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract can be a more convenient option.

• Can’t find allspice dram? Even though this ingredient adds complexity to this twist on the White Russian, the resulting cocktail without the allspice dram will still be tasty. :

@tacopartygj #thenewwest 126 S 5th Street Downtown GJ Daily lunch 11:30-3 Daily dinner 5-9pm

eat

ROASTED ROOTS Words + Photos by Cat Mayer

N

othing says fall like hearty root vegetables roasted simply in the oven. Add some cheese

and crackers, a bottle of wine, and you have a delicious, warming supper prepared in minutes.

CITRUS + HONEY ROASTED BEETS 2 large beets, peeled and cubed 1/8 cup shallot, sliced 1 Tbsp avocado oil 1 Tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup 1 Tbsp lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste

22

Add 2 oz goat cheese and lemon zest after the beets have cooled.

DIRECTIONS FOR ALL RECIPES Toss ingredients together and roast in a 400-degree oven for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned and tender.

We like to use avocado oil because it tolerates high heat.

GARLIC ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS 1 pound Brussels sprouts 3 Tbsp avocado oil 1 tsp salt 3/4 tsp ground pepper 1/8 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste

ROSEMARY BALSAMIC BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SAGE Cubed butternut squash (or sweet potato) 1 shallot, sliced 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped 3 Tbsp avocado oil 4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

23

MAPLE ROASTED CARROTS 2 bunches of carrots 1 Tbsp avocado oil 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

24

PARMESAN ROASTED ACORN SQUASH 1 acorn squash, sliced into half moons 3 Tbsp avocado oil 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated Salt and pepper to taste

book + beverage

Words + Photo by Rose Marie Binger

some of my own creative energy to the meals, I can certainly say that “Half Baked Harvest” is a book that will be used in my kitchen for many meals to come.

THE BEVERAGE

T

TALBOTT’S PEACH JUICE albott’s Cider Company is most well known for their cider, but have you had the chance to try their

peach juice? This non-alcoholic treasure is wonderous to behold. According to Lynnette, a member of the Talbott family, peach juice is a fairly new drink to the beloved, six-generation Palisade business. They use 16 pounds of peaches for every 3-liter container. The best part is that it gives purpose to the peaches that don’t quite make the cut to sell at market. Partnering with Summit Mobile Juicing in its production, they create a beverage that is 100 percent pasteurized and

THE BOOK

HALF BAKED HARVEST

I

BY TIEGHAN GERARD

and is unpredictable, as it so often is in Colorado, take a page from Gerard’s cookbook and have a drink on hand that is super easy to be creative with. Peaches

f you’re looking for a fantastic cookbook, give

are a very versatile fruit, and this delightful beverage

“Half Baked Harvest” a try. Author Tieghan Gerard

is no different. You can drink it iced, with added

lives in Summit County, Colorado, as a food blogger,

flavors, warm or even add some mulled spices. Either

Instagram sensation and celebrity among her peers

way, it tastes like home. My personal favorite? Pick up

and followers. Her recipes are easy to follow and

Talbott’s own mulled cider packets and drink it warm

also taste delicious. It’s lovely seeing the Colorado

to get a wonderful peach pie flavor. It’s sure to be a

landscape and mountains represented in the photos

local family favorite. Cheers! :

among the mouthwatering food she depicts. In my opinion, the photos are the best part of this cookbook, or any cookbook for that matter. I also enjoyed that there is a paragraph describing each delicacy, what it means to her and the creative process behind it.

I do wish Gerard would have included cooking

times in her book. For many of us who have tight schedules, time is of upmost importance. Gerard does make it a point to request that even as we follow her recipes that we get creative as well. In a statement, Gerard mentions that she goes on a hike every single morning so that she can gather her creative energy for the day ahead. As a Coloradan, I know that this is one of the best things our valley has to offer. After trying a few of her recipes and following her advice to bring

26

unfiltered peach juice. When the weather changes

OUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAM PAGES

ADRENALINE DRIVEN ADVENTURE COMPANY @adrenaline.driven.adventures

MESA VERDE COUNTRY @exploremesaverde

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Vicariously explore the deserts of Grand Junction through your screen. Adrenaline Driven Adventures is a local off-roading tour and vehicle rental company with a passion for sharing the more adventurous side of the Western Slope.

Mesa Verde Country is located in southwest Colorado near the entrance to the magnificent Mesa Verde National Park. The nearby towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos provide accommodations, dining, outdoor fun and visitor services.

The San Juan Mountain Guides are a group of local mountain experts, based in Ouray and Durango, who use their vast experience to provide educational and personalized guidance through the San Juan Mountains. Follow their neverending adventures through beautiful Colorado terrain.

WISE BAR @wise_bar

TRUE WEST HATS @truewesthats

WELL FIT HUMAN @wellfithuman

Wise Bar is an environmentallyfriendly, delicious snack created in Aspen, Colorado. A vegan, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, plastic-free CBD bar containing a blend of nuts, fruits and spices is perfect for a relaxing day hiking in the mountains. See the many adventures that Wise Bar fuels on their Instagram account.

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See behind-the-scenes of this family business and enjoy their unique, authentic craft.

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SPOKE+BLOSSOM

27

style

FRIENDLY, FRESH + FEMININE FASHION

THE SWEET TWO SKIRTS Words by Kristin Holbrook | Photos courtesy Two Skirts

T

28

wo Skirts is like a candy store of fashion.

with a splendid assortment for shoppers young

Giant bubblegum-pink chairs flank the

to old — from jeans and tees to cocktail dresses

double doors to this women’s boutique on Main

and cashmere. It’s a store that does not follow

Street in Telluride, Colorado. Inside, beautiful

the minimalist boutique esthetic, but rather

floor-to-ceiling displays outline the perimeter of

utilizes every inch of space with choices galore.

the store, laid out in color-coordinated sections

of apparel and accessories. Upon entering, one’s

and skirts on white wooden hangers, separated

hit with the sweet scents of peonies, perfume

by shelves loaded up with luxe cashmere

and beauty products and the overwhelming

sweaters. On the highest tiers are unique

notion of, “Where to begin?”

handbags and totes from around the world,

The idea of this Telluride dress shop

and the bottom steps display shoes, boots and

began almost 20 years ago to fill a niche for

sneakers. There are two impressive denim walls

boutique shopping in this tiny resort town

from which an assortment of jean styles can be

in southwest Colorado. It’s a place where

pulled based on one’s body type or one’s request

mothers and daughters, even grandmothers

for what’s new. In the middle of the store is a

and granddaughters, can find their favorite

square jewelry counter with drawers that pull

contemporary brands as well as exclusive

outwards so customers can help themselves.

selections from indie designers. In a finely-

curated selection of almost everything head-to-

service, but also encourages freedom to explore

toe, Two Skirts can dress both the Telluride local

the unlocked jewelry and sunglasses cases on

and a visitor whose luggage didn’t make it on

their own, as well as try on makeup and beauty

the plane. The 1,200-square foot space is stocked

products. Shoes on display are always common

The hanging bars are full of dresses, blouses

The boutique offers personalized customer

sizes so almost anyone can slip one on. Up front

2001. And while it is not a candy store, there is a

sits leather arm chairs and lifestyle magazines

jar of pink sweets on the counter, and shoppers

for the waiting husbands, friends and kids to

leave with a pink glossy bag full of treats. :

have a seat, read a glossy, charge one’s phone or meet up with friends. There’s an air of ease and friendliness that keeps customers coming back.

They come back to see what’s new and

different each season, to say hello to the women of Two Skirts, to meet and catch up with family and friends or to escape for a little personalized shopping experience. They come from all over: locals from down the street, over the mountain passes from neighboring towns, and vacationers and second-homeowners from around the globe. Some call ahead to have a dressing room stocked and ready for their shopping ease. Some call from around the country asking for a “pick box” when they can’t make it to Telluride. If one can’t get to Two Skirts, Two Skirts clothes can go anywhere in boxes customized to the client’s needs, from special occasion dressing to simply next season’s must-have styles.

Two Skirts has focused on bringing friendly,

fresh and feminine fashion to Telluride since

WE SPEAK TO

WESTERN COLORADO

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING AT SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM

30

maker

HAYDEN KESSEL OF HAYDEN KNIFE Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy Hayden Kessel

It’s time we cultivate more mindfulness in the kitchen, beginning with our knives.

I

t all started when Hayden made the connection

between his actions and what appeared on

problems by designing pieces that are functional

his plate. After watching food documentaries

and also beautiful. Balancing this passion with

and reading books by Michael Pollan on food,

his professional agricultural career paved the

agriculture, health and the environment while

way for knife-making, which uniquely combines

at college in California, Hayden Kessel was ready

the two. He made his first knife in California

to take his food more seriously.

when he was 21 years old to use for cutting wood

“I love being in the kitchen with friends — to

and cooking on a camping trip — and he still

gather and break bread is so sacred, and when

uses it today. His work lasts. To Hayden, knives

it’s bread from grain your friend grew herself …

are timeless tools that have a lot of nuance and

that’s badass,” Hayden shares.

history to them — they’ve been a part of man’s

toolbox for thousands of years.

His journey began with starting his own

An artist to artisan, Hayden likes solving

garden, shopping at farmer’s markets and

volunteering at local community gardens.

I need to divide my food; I’ll use a knife, and

“We solved the original design challenge:

California native turned Coloradan, Hayden Kessel,

the design of the knife helps me eat the food,”

28, credits his successful knife-making business to

Hayden explains. “When I cut a cucumber

his love for food, community and the outdoors.

with friends or a steak that I’ve been raising,

His mission is simply to make good, quality

there’s different knives for all that different

knives. He believes in asking mindful questions

food. Each kitchen gathering with friends is an

like: Where does that food come from? How

opportunity for me to contribute more to that

did you cook it? Were you outside or inside?

communion.”

With an open or closed fire? Did you use a

handmade knife?

to help a friend start Colorado Pastured Pork in

“I enjoy the communion food brings, and

Hotchkiss, and that’s when he really ramped up

my connection with that is pretty bottomless,”

his knife production and gained attention for

Hayden says. “Knives are the most immediate

it on Instagram. Four years later in early 2018,

implement we experience with our food, other

Hayden officially launched Hayden Knife and

than chewing with our teeth.”

does custom orders through his website.

Hayden moved to Colorado when he was 24

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

31

He balances his time between herding 400

edge. The delicate balance of knife making is

cattle at Cold Mountain Ranch in Carbondale from

achieving that duality, he says.

sunrise to sunset and hand-crafting chef knives in

his limited spare time. Each piece takes 10 to 14

make knives, but his many mentors who acted

hours to create; because of this, he is currently

as the actuators in his story, Hayden explains —

making one to two knives a month.

they are the ones who guided it all to fruition.

Hammer it out, heat treat it, temper it, grind

And his mentors are still his consultants today.

it, polish it, attach handle at the very end. The

Each maker specializes in different things, and

most important aspect is the proper rendering

Hayden continues to learn something new with

of the steel’s performance and the quality of the

every knife he makes. :

It was his passion that surfaced the desire to

high-carbon steel itself. According to Hayden, anyone can make what looks like a knife, but to truly be a good one, it needs a hard and flexible

32

Learn more about Hayden at haydenknife.com and on Instagram @haykessel.

In need of more room to stretch?

Your perfect home awaits.

Welcome home.

AnnaRickenbach.com • 970.260.8362 • #AnnaSellsGJ

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art

DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION

CREATIVE DISTRICT Words by Allison Sarmo | Photos by Devon Balet

W

34

hat do Salida, Colorado Springs, Telluride,

art galleries, graphic designers, tattoo artists,

Trinidad and Grand Junction have in

book stores, dance studios — the list goes on.

common, besides being in Colorado? They all

In summer and early fall, the Thursday night

have Creative Districts which showcase the arts,

Market on Main fills the air with music and the

local artists and myriad creative entrepreneurs,

streets with people exploring sumptuous stands

attract tourists and host a wealth of exciting

of local produce, arts and crafts and appetizing

cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

food booths.

Grand Junction’s downtown shines with the

According to Brandon Stam, executive

Art on the Corner sculpture exhibit, First Friday

director of the Downtown Development Authority

Art Walks, “Street Beats” public pianos, Avalon

(DDA), “We can now showcase Downtown and

Theatre performances, entertaining festivals

make it not so much a hidden gem and more of a

and countless creative businesses — architects,

well-known gem. I think that benefits us all.”

Grand Junction’s downtown is one of 23

districts officially designated by the Colorado Creative Industries Division (CCI) of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). According to coloradocreativeindustries.org, the certified Creative Districts focus on specific areas that “attract artists and creative entrepreneurs to a community, infuse new energy and innovation, and enhance economic and civic capital.” CCI’s district designation comes with financial and technical support, networking and highlights the districts on the state tourism website.

While it seems obvious to those who live here

that downtown is indeed very arts-centric, the application process to secure certification was an

Local artists painted donated pianos that were installed throughout downtown for impromptu playing. The hand-print tile wall in the breezeway provides a colorful background.

extensive year-long effort by a community task force of local arts activists, cultural organizations,

October 6 at the Avalon Theatre. Downtown

creative businesses and the DDA.

Grand Junction personifies the state’s desire to

As Robbie Breaux, CCI council member and

amplify hubs of cultural and economic activity

task force chairperson, explains, “We already

and draw attention to the many communities

had all the pieces in place, so it was easy to see

throughout Colorado which are appealing places

that we were a Creative District, and the state

to live, visit and do business because of their

certainly recognized that, and a lot of people

creativity. :

worked hard to make it happen.”

Caitlyn Love, marketing and communications

specialist for Downtown Grand Junction, points out, “Our being recognized as a Creative District puts the final stamp on downtown’s own unique identity. It opens doors with the state, and it’s been very helpful to be able to network with other districts.” There are plans in the works to increase the creative offerings throughout the district with additions like a new downtown coloring book (featuring several Art on the Corner sculptures) and proposed art, sculpture and murals along Seventh Street toward Los Colonias Park.

Coming up October 4-6 is the annual

Downtown Art Festival, presented by Alpine Bank. This festival includes three days full of local and regional creatives and makers with First Friday (October 4), the Artist Expo (fine art vendors, demonstrations, street performances and entertainment) and the always-anticipated installation of the 2019-2020 Art on the Corner exhibit (October 5). New this year is the Grand Junction Film Festival, occurring on Sunday,

@ROBINS NEST ANTIQUES AND TREASURES

(970)250-3137

art

GRAND VALLEY OPEN STUDIO TOUR

A GLIMPSE INTO AN ARTIST’S PROCESS Words by Carrington Schaeffer | Photo by Cat Mayer

Last year, the commission teamed up with

Palisade Art Vision, the Fruita Arts & Culture Board and The Art Center to revive the tour, which had been created many years ago but had been discontinued. Having successfully re-launched the two-day tour last year, the commission added seven artists and expanded the tour to three days.

Lorie Gregor, staff liaison for the

commission, believes attending events like this increases appreciation for artists’ time, energy and effort.

Artist Brooks Powell

W

of creating art. It’s not just looking at a picture on

e experience art every day — maybe

the wall,” says Gregor. “It’s really getting down

it’s a painting hanging in a gallery or a

into the nitty-gritty of what they’re creating and

sculpture in a park. We may wonder how the

how they’re doing it. You’re experiencing the

artist created it or how long it took to make,

blood, sweat and tears, getting a feel of where

but rarely do we get to watch the artist in his or

the soul of creation comes from.”

her own environment working (and sometimes struggling) through the creative process.

The commission has designed the tour to

help make the Grand Valley an arts destination.

Now, we can.

The second weekend in October is a particularly

From October 11-13, the City of Grand Junction

beautiful time of year in the Grand Valley, after

Commission on Arts and Culture is hosting the

summer festivities and local events have wound

Grand Valley Open Studios Tour, during which 25

down. The tour also connects new and up-and-

local artists will open their private art studios to

coming artists with seasoned, professional

the public for an exclusive inside look. The tour

artists with the goal of nurturing our local

includes a variety of different media such as oil,

creative community. In addition, the tour aims to

acrylic, cold wax, glass-blowing, encaustic, batik,

connect art buyers with new art. “We want art to

pottery and sculpture. No sign-up is required to

be sustainable for the artists,” says Gregor. “We

participate, and the tour is free to all. Tour-goers

want them do what they love and what they’re

can pick up a brochure from The Art Center, the Parks and Recreation office or download it online, and then visit any or all of the studios — many are located are the artists’ personal residences — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. across the Grand Valley over the course of the three days.

36

“The artists take people through their process

good at and be able to pay the bills.”

“Events like this are important. Art creates

community. It creates connection. It brings people together. And it’s fun,” adds Gregor. “It brings out the best in people, and it inspires conversation and curiosity.” :

A summer Alpenglow concert held on the southeast side of the building

NEW + IMPROVED IN CRESTED BUTTE

CENTER FOR THE ARTS Words by Kim Fuller | Photo by Nathan Bilow/Center for the Arts

F

or all the great reasons to visit Crested Butte

Here is some more info on the exciting expansion:

throughout the year, this mountain town has

• The 6,350-square-foot theater can fit 305

an exciting new upgrade that will appeal to curious

seated and 405 standing. The new building

and creative minds from all over the world.

offers unparalleled views and a floor-to-ceiling

glass wall framing Paradise Divide and

For more than 20 years, Center for the

Arts has been committed to providing arts and cultural experiences that inspire and entertain

Gothic Mountain.

•A long with a theater, the building also has

all audiences, whether they call Crested Butte

multiple spaces like the Kinder-Padon Gallery

home every day or just for the weekend.

that showcases individual and group art

exhibits and installations as well as educational

A brand new $20 million Center has just

emerged, becoming the finest facility of its kind

exhibits. In September, during a group show

on the Western Slope and offering education and

dubbed “Golden,” nine artists will exhibit art

entertainment in performing, visual, literary

showcasing autumn’s splendor. In October, cast

and culinary arts. The new building has space to

iron sculptors from around the country will

accommodate a diverse and plentiful schedule.

gather at the annual Iron Pour event.

This space is also home to the Crested

• Unique art workshops include everything

Butte Film Festival and the Crested Butte Music

from paper marbling and needle felting to

Festival. Visitors young and old enjoy a yearround schedule of live music, dance and theater

henna designs, printmaking and journaling.

• The literary arts are represented by

performances as well as art exhibits, speakers

workshops tailored to adults and children. You

and much more.

can even learn Haibun, a Japanese literary

The design of the new building is distinctive,

playing upon the surrounding natural beauty and recalling Crested Butte’s unique history.

form that pairs prose with haiku poetry.

• A full lineup of exciting concerts is set to be on tap, with a big-name artist expected to perform a two-night set in December — keep your eyes open for the announcement.

For information, visit crestedbuttearts.org. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

37

music

GRAND JUNCTION CENTENNIAL BAND

MUSIC TO YOUR YEARS Words by Elisa Janson Jones | Photo by Ryan Sanchez

Elisa Janson Jones leads the Grand Junction Centennial Band.

T

38

hree generations of Arisawa men take the

The Centennial Band is one of the largest

stage together. The grandpa, Toru, plays

community concert bands in the state. Unlike the

the bassoon next to his grandson, Kodama.

symphony, which carries a massive overhead

Triston, the dad, pulls out a tenor saxophone and

and charges ticket prices accordingly, Centennial

performs next to his younger son, Kaemon, on

Band performances will put you out nothing for

the alto saxophone. They aren’t the only family

tickets, thanks to donations, grants and entirely

group that spends their Thursday evenings

volunteer membership and management. This

making music together, but there’s only one

means maximum accessibility for the entire

band in the valley where this can happen, and

community.

it’s been around since 1976.

You won’t find any violins or cellos in the

over the Western Slope, committing their time to

Grand Junction Centennial Band, and you won’t

come together, practice and perform as part of

hear them performing Mozart or Beethoven.

the Centennial Band for the love of performing

Instead, you’ll hear instruments you may be

music, the camaraderie among the band

more familiar with, because you probably played

members and the fun they have together.

one in your own school band. When you attend

one of their concerts, you’ll hear music ranging

contributor to the musical environment of our

from Sousa Marches to modern film scores and

community and provide continuing education and

even pop music.

support of the musical arts in our community. The

Members of the band congregate from all

“Our mission is simple: to be a positive

band reaffirms the great American tradition of the hometown community concert band role in our musical culture,” says Daphne Wright, president of the band. “There are far more community members who have experienced first-hand playing in a band, whether in middle school or high school, or even college, than have played in any other type of ensemble. We want to keep that tradition alive in our community and reap the benefits of playing music our entire lives.”

In recent years, the band has become more

prominent in the community and expanded its

Big Firm Competence, Small Firm Attention

Bringing accounting into the modern era.

appeal by bringing in two new musical directors and drawing more youthful membership and repertoire into the ensemble.

“I’ve been playing in various groups since

OUR TEAM OVER 40 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

1976. While there are more and more options for playing, the Centennial Band music is more popular than some others. In addition, this group helps me try to improve my playing and keeps my chops in good shape. This group is like a family,” says Jack Nisley, a horn player in the band. “With a new website and our conductors trying to make the public more aware of the band, we have a good following from the community. The band provides concerts with music that is fun for all ages. While marches are included, many new movie themes and various other music is played to please the audience as well.”

The Centennial Band performs year-round,

including a series of four or five free concerts in city parks over the summer season, in addition to multiple stage performances in fall, winter and spring. The concerts are programmed with something for everyone and make for a memorable evening for the entire family, without breaking the bank.

“Even though we run on a lean budget, we

have committed to offering music scholarships each year to help newly-graduated seniors with college expenses. Last year, we gave out three scholarships to deserving students and hope to do more each year,” says Wright. “We count on the open hearts of our community to help make these scholarships happen.”

The band is non-audition and always open

to community members who would like to play.

To learn more about the band visit their website at gjcentennialband.org. :

Stephen A. Stranger

Gina B. Tallman

Janet M. Lautz

521 Rood Avenue / Suite A • Grand Junction, CO 81502 Office 970.241.1116 • FB /Gina TallmanCPA • stlagj.com

food

HUNTING SHROOMS

KEEPING THE FUN IN FUNGI Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photos courtesy Margot Becktell

S

cott Koch is proud to be a fungi fanatic. With

photograph, identify, collect and preserve

the enthusiasm of a kid getting off their first

mushrooms.

rollercoaster ride, Koch shared how he went

from an Americorps Forest Service volunteer

have received so far, this year brings promise

24 years ago in Oregon to the director of the

of becoming one of the memorable ones with

Telluride Mushroom Festival, lifelong researcher

bountiful fruiting of many different mushrooms,”

and owner of the Telluride Mushroom

says David Nazari, CMS president.

Company today.

Typically, mushroom hunting season in

“I discovered this huge thing in the Oregon

Colorado begins in April and lasts through

forest and didn’t know what it was,” says Koch.

September. CMS’s earliest foray on record was

“I did my research, found it was edible, fed it to

actually February 2 of this year, where four

my family and decided that was totally cool!” His

different species were found among the snow.

goal is to promote the relationship people and

the environment have with mushrooms.

good time to hunt for mushrooms,” says Colorado

“Late summer up to the fall’s first frost is a

“Mushrooms and the environment are the

Mesa University biology professor Dr. Margot

foundation of what we see all around us,” adds

Becktell, who teaches the mycology course at

Koch. “I want to educate people on all the benefits

CMU. “You will often find the most mushrooms

of mushrooms, from breaking down soil and

in cool, wet, forested areas — usually in forests

feeding other plants, to improving air quality, to

that are high enough in elevation to support

servicing as food and medicine for people.”

aspens and conifers.”

Koch believes fear of the unknown keeps

Where some grow and help break down dead

many people from cooking with mushrooms,

organic matter, others have a symbiotic

where globally, many countries use them on a

association with the roots of forest trees and

regular basis. He stresses mushrooms such as

shrubs. In other words, Becktell says you will find

buttons, which you purchase at the store, are

some types of mushrooms on dead, decaying logs

easy to grow and are the responsible way to

and plant matter, while others will coexist with

process waste.

the living trees they exchange nutrients with.

“Pop culture has done wonders for

Despite her specialty, Becktell buys her

mushrooms by using it in food,” says Koch. “The

“shrooms” from local growers and grocery stores.

best way to learn about mushrooms is to go on

forays and boost your confidence.”

for different people,” says Becktell. “For me, it’s

Western

40

“Based on the high level of moisture we

Slope

Fungophiles

and

“What makes foraging interesting is different

the

more about the hunting, finding, identifying,

Colorado Mycological Society (CMS) are two

photographing and doing the ‘nerdy biology

active Colorado fungi groups offering plenty

thing.’ Then I leave them alone to finish the

of mushroom forays and educational seminars

reproductive cycle they worked so hard to get to.”

closely associated with the Denver Botanical

Gardens. Their mission is to promote the study

photogenic. As mushrooms may appear

and appreciation of mycology — to discover,

unimpressive looking down from the top,

Becktell finds mushrooms to be extremely

Chromosera cyanophylla

Rusula

The Mario Mushroom (Amanita muscaria)

Shaggy Scalycap (Pholiota squarrosa)

her passion is taking pictures from under

asked every day about “magic mushrooms,” but

the mushrooms where they are surprisingly

says these hallucinogenic species are neither on

beautiful. Her favorite hunting grounds are on

his radar nor have any chance of becoming legal.

the Grand Mesa and Kebler Pass.

Mushrooms like damp conditions, so hunting

is extremely important to never eat a mushroom

after a warm, heavy rainfall is an excellent time.

until you have positively identified it. Some

In the spring, check for mushrooms around the

people have allergic reactions to some types of

edges of melting snow banks. CMS recommends

mushrooms, so it’s a good idea to eat them in

hunting up a slope until you find mushrooms, as

moderation at first, and only after cooking, even

it’s harder to spot them coming down.

if a mushroom has been identified as edible.

There are 54 varieties of edible mushrooms

With some mushrooms being poisonous, it

According to Koch, the best Colorado

in Colorado, with morels, chanterelles and

resource is “Mushrooms of the Rocky Mountain

puffballs being the most common. Koch gets

Region” by Vera Stucky Evenson. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

41

food column

ZERO FOOTPRINT | EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD | SLOW FOOD

WORTHY GOALS Words by Josh Niernberg | Photo by Cat Mayer

W

42

e are coming to the end of yet another

and French traditional classics reimagined with

busy summer. I can see the light at the end

— you guested it — Colorado ingredients. In mid-

of the tunnel of our scheduled events. Last week

July, I was in Denver with the FIVE cooking at the

I was one of a group of chefs called the Colorado

Colorado Fare party at Slow Food Nations; their

Five who were cooking an eight-course Japanese

motto is “Good, Clean and Fair” food for all, and

Kaiseki-themed menu to help raise money for

the unofficial theme of the event was how. If you

charity. This event was held at Knapp Ranch

aren’t already familiar, Slow Food Nations is an

in Edwards and it was the most beautiful table

annual festival which takes place in downtown

setting I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of.

Denver. This year there were 30,000 participants

The FIVE team used Colorado-grown ingredients,

over the week of events.

Colorado wines and spirits and Colorado themes

throughout the ambitious menu inspired by

Summit which was hosted by a panel of experts

Chef Bryan Redniss of The Rose in Edwards. The

within the field of responsibly-sourced food. If

previous week, the team was at the Crested Butte

you have been an avid reader of this #thenewwest

Food & Wine Festival. We were raising money for

column in Spoke+Blossom, it should come as no

the Crested Butte Center for the Arts by cooking

surprise that I am an avid supporter of the Slow

a menu inspired by European ski culture. Swiss

Food Movement and a member of the Slow Food

One of those events was the Slow Food Chefs

Chef’s Alliance. This panel was important to me

and is only replenished by our dwindling water

as two of the speakers of the panel, Alice Waters

supply.

and Anthony Myint, were there to promote

their work within sustainable agriculture. Alice

Colorado communities, currently does not have

Waters of Chez Panisse has pioneered local

a commercial community composting facility in

and sustainably-sourced food for over 40 years

place. Composting is the easiest, least expensive

and created the Edible Schoolyard Project in

and ultimately probably the only way to improve

1995. The Edible Schoolyard, in a nutshell, is an

soil health by introducing life (microbes)

outline that allows students to farm vegetables

back into the soil which we farm upon. The

for use within the schools, then compost

ability to increase soil biodiversity allows us

from the school’s cafeteria to help sustain the

to grow better produce and at a lower cost,

farm. Anthony Myint of Mission Street Food

but it also contributes to lowering greenhouse

has been working to push this agenda one step

gas emissions. If 50 restaurants/coffee shops/

further with the ZeroFoodprint initiative: a

universities/ bars throughout our region were to

program allowing restaurants to analyze their

compost our food waste, we could transform the

carbon footprint, then offsetting that footprint to

small farms that support us.

carbon neutral through credits used to support

community and statewide composting projects.

we work with the most within the restaurants

In July, our restaurants made a commitment

combined probably total less than 25 acres

to moving towards a carbon neutral model

combined. Meanwhile the small hemp farm

through ZeroFoodprint. However, here in

down the street is likely 50 acres. I’ve written

western Colorado, the infrastructure doesn’t yet

about CBD in the Western Slope in the past — we

exist to allow us to do as much as we could be/

are having an absolute boom of hemp farms, all

should be. On one hand, here we are, all of us

of which rely on soil health and biodiversity. Let’s

collectively in a day and age that our convenience

enlarge that 50 commercial composting accounts

store salads are locally sourced. We are able to

into 500 households and add the acreage being

source local and regional ingredients (more on

converted to hemp to continue to help offset our

regional sourcing soon) from the least expensive

carbon emissions and improve our air quality

menu item, our sweet corn ice cream to a $300

in doing so. In other words, let’s take inspiration

per person seven-course Japanese-themed

from the public lands which surround us and

dinner on a mountaintop outside of Vail. On the

do our part to leave no trace before we love our

other hand, our farmers are doing all they can to

local land to death! :

Grand Junction, like most smaller western

Let’s take that one step further. The five farms

keep up with the never-ending demand of more food, higher yields and rising costs. Somehow what we’ve all been creating to improve our economies and provide better products to our

ZeroFoodprint: zerofoodprint.org Edible schoolyard: edibleschoolyard.org Slow Food: slowfoodusa.org

guests is also taking resources from our soil

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

43

wellness + fitness

THE MANY BENEFITS OF R.E.S.T.

FLOAT Words by Kimberly Nicoletti | Photo courtesy Body Therapeutics

W

arm water envelops your entire body

brain deepen into a theta state, which often

as you slide into the shallow, salty

results in creative inspiration, insights, vivid

aquatic tank. As you float, your body becomes

memories and feelings of serenity and oneness,

weightless. The outside world slips away; you’re

accompanied by the release of endorphins.

sheltered from random noise, scents and visual

44

stimuli. Muscles loosen as they cease to fight

FLOATING AWAY WHAT AILS YOU

gravity. Your body feels so expansive that your

Floating

mind can’t help but follow.

emotionally as they absorb magnesium, which

Float therapy, also known as Restricted

the majority of Americans are deficient in, says

Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), is

Catalina Carrion-Kozak, who helped open VIVE

becoming a popular way to not only de-stress,

Float Studio in Frisco. Skin pores easily absorb

but also heal from chronic pain, addiction,

the magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salts.

injuries, illness and emotional issues, as well as

Magnesium regulates more

expand consciousness in meditative states. REST

than 325 enzymes, reduces

researchers have found that removing outside

inflammation, helps prevent

stimuli promotes the meditative state of stillness,

artery hardening and aids

mental clarity and improved thought processes.

muscle and nerve function.

Dr. John Lilly, a neurophysiologist, developed

Sulfate helps flush toxins and

the first floatation tank in 1950 and perfected it

forms proteins in joints, brain

into its modern form in the 1970s. He invented

tissue and the walls of the

today’s 8.5-foot long, 4- to 5-foot wide “pod”

digestive tract.

filled with over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts to

investigate what happens to conscious activity in

from such severe rheumatoid

the brain when external stimuli ceases.

arthritis she had days where

While some pods and open floatation pools

she couldn’t even get out of bed

do offer soft music and colored lighting, the main

— and she lost jobs because

premise of floating revolves around sensory

of it. She hadn’t snowboarded

deprivation and weightlessness.

for

Removing external sounds, visuals and

after floating once a week for

aromas gives us a much-needed break from

six months, she successfully

daily sensory overload. The silent environment

returned to snowboarding.

significantly reduces stressors upon the central

nervous system, allowing the body to settle into

was able to dive deep into what

a peaceful state and balance itself chemically

are the most important things

and metabolically. The abundant Epsom salts

for my health, and one of those was floating —

also support physical health.

and the magnesium helped me absorb water

better,” Carrion-Kozak says.

In addition to floating to promote physical

helps

people

physically

Carrion-Kozak suffered

nearly

five

years,

but

“Through float therapy, I

and

VIVE Float Studio 720 Summit Blvd.

Ste 101A, Frisco 970.668.0136 50 Steele St. Ste. 110, Denver 303.377.8483 vivefloatstudio.com Dream & Dreams Float Spa 70 W. Benchmark Road, Avon dreamsfloat.com 970.364.3801 Body Therapeutics & Medical Massage 2500 Broadway, Grand Junction bodytmm.com 970.644.5255 Blue Mesa 24 N. Uncompahgre Ave. Montrose bluemesafloat.com 970.964.4488

healing, many people use it for spiritual

or meditative purposes; floating helps the

Float Spa in Avon, says floating provides “one

Dimitar Minkov, owner of Dream & Dreams

of the biggest benefits” for chronic pain issues, including arthritis and fibromyalgia.

“All those joints and muscles are relaxing,

and the effect lasts days,” Minkov says.

People love floating after workouts, because

once weight is removed from strained bones, joints and muscles, blood flows more efficiently, so they recover from physical exertion much quicker.

Paul Copper, owner of Blue Mesa Float

Center in Montrose, opened his studio after discovering that floating alleviated his nerve pain from stump neuroma. He had tried just about every treatment, from injections and surgery to energy healing.

“Floating is the most effective and most

instant thing [for pain relief],” Copper says.

“With 1,400 pounds of Epsom salts, the

effects on the body alone are amazing and leave our guests feeling free of aches and pains,” says Megan Kingsbury, owner of Body Therapeutics in Grand Junction. Her float center offers a different form of floatation; rather than using pods, which some claustrophobic people avoid, (though once they see the 4-foot high pods, they

neurochemicals. Both Copper and Minkov said

do tend to relax, according to pod owners), Body

many of his clients find relief from anxiety.

Therapeutics employs 8-foot round pools under

9-foot ceilings.

it through the day, after floating, they’re way

better and able to function,” Copper said.

Floating can also aid in treating addiction.

“People who’ve been struggling to make

Carrion-Kozak’s friend floated at VIVE to kick

a prescription drug addiction, since floating

seeking relief from back pain, or people who are

releases endorphins that can ease withdrawal

overly sensitive to stimuli, to people searching

symptoms.

for higher visions — seems to benefit from

floating.

“Float therapy gave her the strength to

Most everyone — from pregnant women

go through that,” she says. “It allows you to go

through some really tough things that you’re

because for the first time in your life your brain

going through in your mind. It gets you to a theta

is not taking care of any noises or light,” Minkov

state, which is a super-creative state.”

says. “It doesn’t have to think about fighting

gravity. It clears up your mind like nothing else.”

VIVE has accommodated Olympians and

“It gives more resources to your brain

Para Olympians, who use floating to enhance

visualization before competitions, because in the

into the buoyant, 10-inch deep water because the

theta state, the brain becomes more receptive to

brain responds to the theta state differently.

suggestion. They also use it for post-competition

recovery.

Kozak says.

And, floating helps emotionally. A study by

Every float differs each time a person relaxes

“Some floats, I have crazy visuals,” CarrionEven without reaching the theta state,

Laureate Institute for Brain Research showed

Epsom salt does wonders for the physical body

floating reduced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and

— as does floating weightlessly.

depression by 50 percent after just one float,

likely due to increased levels of dopamine and

wonder it’s becoming more popular to float your

endorphins and reduced levels of stress-related

troubles away. :

Floating has so many benefits, it’s no

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

45

spoke

GET OUTSIDE!

GEAR FOR THE SEASON Compiled by Kim Fuller

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Julbo Aerolite design can handle distance

with climbing shoe

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technology and hiking boot engineering

Stio Men’s Ralston

to create trail

Canvas Jacket

footwear that is light,

The Ralston is the perfect

comfortable, rugged

jacket for chilly late-autumn

and protective, with

evenings. Stio designed

foot traction that takes

this piece to be as durable

you from dirt to rocks

as traditional ranchwear,

and back, no problem.

paired with style and functionality to fit the modern outdoor lifestyle.

The Ralston features chest pockets to secure your small essentials, and the snapbutton front makes it an easy layer to take on or off. $159 stio.com

$200 hokaoneone.com POC Tectal Mountain Biking Helmet As mountain bike season rolls into fall, the Tectal offers more coverage than other mountain bike helmets and has a very efficient ventilation design.

The lightweight size adjustment system ensures a comfortable and secure fit. $190 pocsports.com

46

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spoke

GEAR PROFILE

AMUNDSEN SPORTS Words by Kim Fuller | Photos courtesy Amundsen Sports

A

48

s summer cools off and we hit the fall season,

one of the most active states in the nation,

nothing feels better than crisp mornings

Colorado was an obvious starting point.”

and evenings paired with some adventure. Bring

on the corduroy, anoraks and sweaters, and let

vision around who Lovenskiold calls one of the

Amundsen Sports has built its brand and

us introduce you to Amundsen Sports.

greatest explorers of all time, Roald Amundsen.

Amundsen Sports is a Norwegian technical

Jørgen Amundsen, a descendant of Roald,

sportswear company, and as they recently

founded Amundsen Sports in 2011 with his

decided to expand into the United States,

childhood buddy, Erik Friis.

Christian Lovenskiold, head of North America

operations, says Colorado was “a natural choice.”

the brand 100 years after Roald Amundsen

“They went down to Antarctica and launched

“I had just finished college at CU Boulder and

reached the South Pole as the world’s first. Since

had gotten to learn the city of Boulder’s roaring

then, Amundsen Sports has grown into a four

outdoor community,” shares Lovenskiold. “With

season outdoor brand. We take great pride in our

its proximity to all major cities and ski resorts,

European production and material sourcing,”

centrally located in the country and as a bonus

explains Lovenskiold. “Micro specializing and

over-engineering of outdoor clothing is avoided,

ski pants are definitely unique and will be sure

and simple and robust concepts are preserved.

to turn heads as you hit the slopes. With snow

As a pioneer of winter survival, Roald Amundsen

stoppers and zippers covering your boots, and

established simple concepts and in his honor we

Schoeller re-enforcement in the seat, we believe

promote long-lasting and timeless products for

that we have created the ultimate ski pant for

all ages.”

the customer looking for style and durability.”

This fall season, Amundsen has developed

Accompanied by a wide range of

a mix of highly technical as well as fashion

knickersbockers, fleeces and stretch waterproofs,

products, and are launching a new collection.

Amundsen has something for every kind of

Colorado day and every type of adventurous

“One of our absolute screamers is our Fjord

Cord Ski Slacks,” he shares. “These corduroy

endeavor. :

Learn more at amundsensports.com.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

49

If you want to keep up with Piz on his daily adventures, follow @rob_pizem on Instagram.

50

spoke

ATHLETE PROFILE

ROB PIZEM Words + Photos by Andy Bowen

R

ob Pizem, or “Piz,” is a local legend of Grand

for adventure and to explore. I climb to problem

Junction, Colorado. With a career that spans

solve mentally and physically. I climb to create. I

nearly three decades, his climbing achievements

climb for inner peace and mental stability.”

are endless and his fire still burns hot. Pizem has

been on the cover of magazines like Rock and Ice,

maintain sanity, push personal boundaries, seek

Climbing and Alpinist, and has been published

the unknown and share experiences unlike any

in National Geographic. Being a professional

other.

The reality of why most people climb is to

climber who’s developed hundreds of new routes and maintains a world-class athleticism seems like more than enough to keep someone busy. Somehow Pizem is also a devoted husband, father, coach, trainer and full-time high school teacher.

Pizem does more in a day than most can

do in a week, with an elite work ethic and dedication to health and fitness. A typical day for him looks something like this: wake up at 4:45 a.m. to leave for the gym by 4:55 a.m.; open the gym and run training from 5 to 6:45 a.m.; shoot over to school and arrive by 6:55 a.m., work until 3 p.m.; after school, head directly back to the gym to train on routes from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.; run a training session from 5 to 8 p.m. before heading home; off to bed by 8:45 p.m. In addition, last year he started piloting the challenge #moveoutside365 where he leads by example to encourage everyone to get outside

Pizem is a firm believer that adventure

at least once a day. Even if it’s just for a quick

should be shared. He goes out of his way to

run or hike. This might seem nuts, but to Pizem

seek out climbing partners with the ambition

it’s just living life to the fullest.

and strength to take on his epic climbing goals.

People often think climbers are crazy or

What I admire most about Piz is how humble

have some kind of death wish, but that is rarely,

and generous he is with sharing his knowledge

if ever, the case.

and precious time. I am honored to have been

“I climb to be outside,” shares Pizem. “I climb

given the opportunity to get to know him and

to focus on something other than the normal life

become friends. I would never have been able

routine. I climb to get away from the city. I climb

to jump into the world of professional climbing

for the interpersonal relationships and bonds

photography without his guidance, patience and

that I make with my climbing partners. I climb

willingness to literally show me the ropes. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

51

grand outdoors

TAKING CARE OF TRAILS Words by Kristen Lummis | Photo courtesy Colorado Tourism Office

Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon was nearly “loved to death” and so is now regulated by a successful reservation system.

T

he U.S. Forest Service (USFS) knew they had

Garfield County, Glenwood Springs, the Colorado

a problem at Hanging Lake in Glenwood

State Patrol and the Colorado Department of

Canyon when the parking lot overflowed.

Transportation, began a process to improve the

Concern had been growing for years as the

visitor experience at Hanging Lake.

1.2-mile trail became increasingly popular.

Ecological impacts were rife. In some spots,

implemented a mandatory reservation system,

the trail, which was originally 18 inches wide, had

limiting daily visitation to 615 people. Previously,

grown to 20 feet wide. Vandalism was increasing,

very busy days might see over 1,200 hikers on the

while visitors were often ignoring prohibitions

trail. Additionally, between May and October, the

on swimming in the lake and dogs on the trail.

only vehicle access to the Hanging Lake parking

lot is via a shuttle from Glenwood Springs.

But the tipping point, according to USFS

district ranger Aaron Mayzille, came when the

line of cars waiting for parking spaces backed up

surveys show 95 percent satisfaction and the trail

onto Interstate 70.

and forest are enjoying a respite.

“Now we had a public safety issue,” he

explains. So in 2012, the USFS, in partnership with

52

On May 1, 2019, the Forest Service

So far, the plan is working well. Visitor

Increased public education is an important

component of the changes at Hanging Lake,

especially when it comes to trail etiquette

using the trails when they are wet and muddy,

and safety.

all of which cause increased erosion and trail

degradation.

“Where we used to have one or two points of

interaction with visitors, we now have 10 points

of interaction and education,” shares Mayzille.

like Keep Singletrack Single and Stay the Trail

While public education through campaigns

Trail education begins when visitors arrive at

are important, John Howe, board member and

the Hanging Lake Welcome Center in Glenwood,

committee chair for the Grand Valley Chapter

and continues on the shuttle bus, through the

of the Colorado Plateau Mountain Biking

parking lot and along the trail where hikers find

Association (COPMOBA), encourages all trail

increased USFS staff and updated signage.

users — locals and visitors alike — to participate

in trail maintenance.

Hanging Lake is far from the only vulnerable

trail in Colorado. As the state’s population has

grown, Colorado’s 39,000 marked trails are feeling

grows in the Grand Valley.

This is especially important as trail usage

the impacts of increased use from residents and

visitors alike.

outdoor recreation as an economic development

“There are costs associated with using

Because outdoor recreation is what Colorado

tool,” explains Howe. “Trail maintenance is one

is known for, the Colorado Tourism Office

of those costs that isn’t currently being addressed

(CTO) began an outdoor ethics and stewardship

… We need everyone, from individual trail users

campaign in 2016.

to local agencies and government, to contribute

“We were hearing from partners across

to taking care of our trails.” For information on

the state that impacts from travelers on natural

upcoming COPMOBA trail work days, please

resources were becoming a concern,” says CTO

visit copmoba.org. :

director Cathy Ritter.

In response, CTO created the online Colorado

Field Guide, with 150 detailed itineraries of less

Leave No Trace Principles

well-known destinations and suggestions for

Know Before You Go Learn about and respect our public lands. Seek out less-visited destinations. Stay hydrated and safe.

sustainable activities.

Next, CTO partnered with the Leave No Trace

Center for Outdoor Ethics in Boulder to include seven Leave No Trace (LNT) principles in their marketing and informational materials. The resulting Care for Colorado campaign launched in 2018 and has been widely shared on social media.

While it might be tempting to blame tourism

for trail overuse and degradation, a 2015 study of undesignated trail use in Boulder found that this isn’t the case, as frequent trail users were less likely to stay on designated trails than visitors.

Compared to the Front Range, many areas

of western Colorado are significantly less visited and impacted. Yet trails in this region, too, feel the pressure of overuse.

In Mesa County, mountain bike trails are

among the most impacted.

Impacts include the proliferation of

unauthorized social trails and trail widening in

Stick to Trails Don’t shortcut or create new trails. Camp at least 200 feet from water in designated spots.

Trash the Trash Pack it in, pack it out. This includes food and pet waste.

Pick up and pack out the trash you find.

Leave It As You Find It Leave plants, rocks and historical items untouched.

Don’t pick flowers. Don’t build structures or campsites.

Treat all living things with respect.

Be Careful with Fire Keep campfires small and in designated rings.

Put out fires completely. Don’t leave cigarette butts behind. Obey local fire restrictions.

Keep Wildlife Wild Don’t approach or feed animals. Keep your pets leashed and carry out their waste.

Share Our Trails and Parks Silence your phones. Be considerate when passing and yield to uphill hikers and bikers. Keep your voice and other noise to a minimum so that everyone can listen to nature.

places where riders congregate. Other issues include trail feature ride-arounds and people

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

53

family

HEALING, SHARING + BONDING

THE JOYS OF FAMILY RUNNING Words by Kristen Lummis | Photo by Robb Reece

P

eople run for different reasons. For some, it’s to maintain

When Erin Stephens-Marner’s 4-year-old daughter

fitness or as a means of recovery. For others, running is

what grounds, centers and ignites them every day. passed away, she took up running to channel her grief and find peace. Today, she still runs, often accompanied by her 10-year-old daughter Matilda.

“When Matilda first started coming with me on runs,

we’d barely jog and then stop for a snack,” laughs Erin. Fast forward a few years, and mother and daughter are regular competitors in their local Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5k.

While Erin thrives on the self-discipline of running,

Matilda explains that her favorite thing about running is “a sense of accomplishment for doing something hard.”

Most importantly, both mother and daughter enjoy

being outside and connecting with each other.

“Running makes it easier for us to talk about things in

our lives,” explains Erin.

Robb Reece is a professional runner who has competed

around the world. He’s also a dad and the cross-country coach at Palisade High School.

Robb began running in seventh grade, purely for the

joy of it.

“While other kids were playing football, I was cruising

around town, always trying to push myself to run longer and farther,” he says.

When their children were young, Robb and his wife

Christi introduced them to a wide variety of activities, hoping that something would stick. Their son Zenon took to running, and Robb cherishes the time they spend together.

“The most important aspect of running with Zenon is

the bonding,” shares Robb. “We may not be talking, but we’re together doing something physical and rewarding outdoors.”

Being outside and enjoying nature are key factors for

many running families.

Michele Rewold introduced her two daughters to

running as babies, pushing them in a double jogger.

54

She thinks this may have sparked their

Still, keeping it fun remains Michele’s focus.

interest in running.

As an elementary school teacher and Girls on the

Run coach, she knows that forcing kids to run is

“We’d have special snacks, and I’d point out

things along the trail to keep it fun,” she says.

the best way to make them hate it.

Now that her daughters are 10 and 14,

As she puts it, “my message to my daughters

Michele and her family enjoy running and

is always that running is fun and it makes you

competing together.

feel good!” :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

55

take a hike

TURKEY FLATS

PRIZE-WINNING FOLIAGE ON “THE OTHER” GRAND MESA Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman

I

56

f you’re looking to enjoy hiking among vibrant

fall colors of the Grand Mesa this year, but

trails to form the unofficially yet appropriately

Melding the Turkey Flats and Haypress

dread battling the Highway 65 masses, head

named “Ridge Loop” enchants nature lovers

west instead of east. Yes, you read right. Piñon

with one of the best fall experiences available

Mesa above Glade Park is part of the Grand Mesa

on the Western Slope. Deer, elk and wild turkey

National Forest, where a spectacular showing of

(thus the name) sightings are all possible due to

fall foliage abounds without the crowds.

the trail’s peaceful solitude.

At an elevation between 8,700 to 9,700 feet,

the canyons of Gateway, the Uncompahgre and

hikers will marvel at breathtaking hillsides of

Unaweep Canyons carve an artistic landscape.

crimson to bronze serviceberry and Gambel oak

When you’ve had your fill, hang a right on Hay

shrubbery, blue spruce, emerald fir and glowing,

Press Trail off Ridge Trail where it’s all downhill

golden aspen.

to the parking lot and completes the lollipop

loop version.

Ridge Loop is open to equestrians and

mountain bikers as well as hikers. Dogs are

welcome off leash but under owner control

intersection climbs up the steeper and more

for the safety of wildlife and other trail users.

rugged Hay Press Creek Trail for three more

Dispersed National Forest camping is available

miles before peaking at Ridge Trail. Head back

in the area, and don’t forget to pack your fishing

down the slope for an out-and-back hike, or go

pole if you wish to wet your line in the many

left on Ridge Trail to connect once again with

lakes along the trail and nearby.

Turkey Flats to form a counterclockwise loop.

To reach the trailhead, take Monument

A right turn at the Turkey Flats/Hay Press

Cell phone service is unreliable with two

Road through the east entrance of the Colorado

bars at best. Be prepared for weather changes

National Monument (no fee is required if your

as in any high country environment. Mud can

destination is Glade Park). After the stunning

be abundant after heavy rains. Numerous creek

switchbacks and just after Cold Shivers Point,

crossings and primitive bridges keep you on

turn left on DS Road, then left again 5.7 miles

your toes.

later on to 16-1/2 Road at the Glade Park Store.

From this point, the pavement ends in

approximate 8-mile loop or out-and-back hikes.

2.6 miles but is still accessible to two-wheel

Hike length depends on the configuration you

drive vehicles in dry weather. Mud Springs

choose. Trails are well-defined and marked

Campground will be on the right at 6.4 miles

at intersections, but route directions are the

followed by a fork at 7.6 miles. Continue on 16-

hiker’s choice. Hiking conditions are moderate

1/2 Road by taking the right fork. Pass the large

to strenuous but not brutal. :

Allow at least four hours to do the

picnic and parking area for Fruita Reservoir #1 at 9.5 miles, unless you need a facilities pit stop.

Turkey Flats Trailhead is well-marked on the left side of the road at 10.7 miles with parking on the right side.

The first 1.5 miles of Turkey Flats Trail is

a gently-paced climb following the drainage of Hay Press Creek. Just after 1.5 miles, Turkey Flats Trail intersects with Hay Press Trail. At this point, several options are available, from outand-back routes to lollipop type loops.

Taking a left at the Turkey Flats/Hay Press

intersection leads you on a mild trail through open meadows and tree stands with minor elevation changes. A 50-foot drop leads to Fruita Reservoir #2 followed by a climb back out. After just under three miles, the trail intersects with FS400.2C, which climbs up to Fruita Reservoir #1 and on to Ridge Trail #662. At the peak, spend time enjoying spectacular views of the La Sal and San Juan Mountains as well as a faint outline of the Abajo Mountains. In between,

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

57

stay + play

BASECAMP 550 Words by Emily Ayers | Photo courtesy Allisreport.com

N

estled

in

one night, one week

the

or one month,” says

valley between

Ridgway and Ouray

Sam. “The best thing

sits Basecamp 550,

is getting to interact

a campground and

w ith all o f th e

lodging site with

different

one of the most

w h o stay h er e.

spectacular views

Just this morning

of the San Juan

I had a 30-minute

Mountains.

conversation with

O w n e r s

a guest from San

Heather and Sam Jaquette

Francisco who lives

started

Basecamp

550

near my sister and

to

I thought that was

provide a simple and comfortable

awesome.”

Heather and Sam both

place

grew up in Michigan, and

for guests to stay who are

looking

to

after a while desired to live

experience

adventure on the Western Slope.

58

people

in a place with fewer traffic stops

“We offer everything from tiny

and more nature. Sam visited Ridgway

homes to glamping tents,” says Heather. “You

when he was younger and introduced it to

can bring your RV, your own tiny home or even

Heather.

your own tent. We have a bathhouse with hot

showers, a laundry facility, WiFi, a great outdoor

the past 20 to 30 years,” says Sam. “It was just a

camp canteen with BBQ grills and a large sink

simple ranching town and now it has evolved into

for dishes.”

a hip foodie town with cool concerts and festivals.

But throughout all of it, it has kept its magic.”

Currently, the glamping tents are the most

“Ridgway has transformed so much over

popular form of stay at Basecamp 550. The

canvas-walled tents give the feel of camping

outside of Ridgway, is a campground that dates

Basecamp 550, located just a few minutes

without the fuss of bringing your own equipment,

back to the 1970s. The Jaquettes purchased the

and they include electricity, a queen pillow top

campground in 2017 after falling in love with the

bed, mini-fridge, microwave and a fireplace

San Juan Mountains.

heater for the colder months.

“It’s a great place for everyone … We are

time and energy to come up with innovative

open 365 days of the year and you can stay for

recycling and green alternative ideas. With the

When Sam was in college, he dedicated his

start of Basecamp 550, the couple saw it as an opportunity to implement those ideas. From the bedding and linen choices to the cleaning products, it is all selected with the environment

Community... with a view

in mind.

“We have a recycling station at the north

end of camp that we take up to Montrose one to two times per week,” says Heather. “Our faucets and lights are on automatic timers so that there isn’t even an opportunity for waste. We have charging stations for electric vehicles, and we are applying to have a solar panel on top of the bathhouse that will power all of the sites.”

It is no surprise that the central location

of Basecamp 550 makes it such an ideal hub for people looking to experience all that the Western Slope has to offer. It is 10 minutes from the famous hot springs and epic ice-climbing in Ouray, less than one hour from the ski resort town of Telluride and just over an hour to the old mining town of Silverton.

“The amazing thing is that there is always

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something exciting to do on the Western Slope,” says Heather. “You can go fishing, hiking, kayaking or mountain biking. There are popular festivals year-round. Perhaps the highlight of the season is getting to see the beautiful fall colors that cascade down the mountains.”

As Basecamp 550 continues to grow and

evolve, Heather and Sam are excited about the future. They are currently working on adding vintage Airstream trailers to the lineup and a new community clubhouse.

“The clubhouse will serve as a central hub

for our guests,” says Sam. “Guests will be able to check-in, mingle with other guests, cook, watch television or enjoy the mountain views

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getaway

EXCITING SINGLETRACK + AWESOME CLIFF DWELLINGS

THREE DAYS OF MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MESA VERDE COUNTRY Words + Photos by Kristen Lummis

“N

ow that I’m looking at the map, I

don’t think we planned enough time,”

Cortez. Pay $3 per person in the self-service fee

murmured my son, who graciously accompanied

box at the parking lot. Trails are well-signed with

me to Cortez for three days in May.

mile markers. An 18- to 20-mile expansion to the

north is being developed — when this opens,

The lure was an opportunity to ride Phil’s

World, currently the highest-rated ride in

Details: The trailhead is three miles east of

plan at least another day!

Colorado on MTB Project. A one-way, stacked mountain biking destination. Just try asking

DAY TWO: MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

someone if they’ve ridden Rib Cage and wait to

Mountain bikes are seldom welcome in national

be blown away.

parks. Mesa Verde is an exception, where bikes

We’d just arrived in Cortez after a beautiful

are not only encouraged on Long House Loop

four-hour drive from Grand Junction, all blue

at Wetherill Mesa, but offer the best way to

skies, wildflowers and long desert vistas. Upon

experience and view the ruins along this 5.5-

arrival, we unfolded the area trail map and

mile stretch of roughly paved trail.

that’s when we realized: so many, many trails

and so little time.

technical about this ride, but it is one of the most

loop trail system, Phil’s World is a legendary

There is no single track and nothing

unique bike rides you’ll find anywhere, blending

DAY ONE: PHIL’S WORLD

recreation and stunning views with native

Phil’s World is a marvel: 50-plus miles of loop

culture and history.

trail incorporating everything from ultra-fast

buffed-out single track, to ledges, to slickrock,

of two optional unpaved portions. Pay attention

to Rib Cage, a twisting whoop-de-doop of steep

to signage and walk your bike along the Badger

downhills that crest quickly, only to tip riders

House Community trail. Bikes are not allowed on

onto one fast descent after another. It’s a roller

the cliff dwelling overlooks, but bike racks are

coaster of two-tire delight, located (as the map

provided. Finally, leashed pets are welcome on

says) in the “center of the mountain biking

Long House Loop, the only trail within the park

universe.”

where four-footed besties are allowed.

With only an afternoon to ride, we chose

Details: While you can see and experience a

a 10.8-mile loop, turning left at Lemonhead

surprising amount in one long day, taking two

around the system’s western perimeter before

days to visit Mesa Verde is a better plan. Visit the

connecting back onto the inner loop to hit Rib

museum and the ruins. Indulge in southwestern

Cage. This route gave us some of everything

cuisine at the Metate Room and spend the night in

Phil’s World offers, but it didn’t give us enough.

the heart of the park at Far View Lodge. Camping

is also available near the park entrance. Book

For that, we’d need more time — like three

more days. And it would be time very well spent.

60

Stay on the paved trails, with the exception

tours in advance for the most popular ruins.

Phil’s World

Best of Mesa Verde Country n In Cortez, Highway 160 doubles as Main Street, and

almost everything you need from lodging to shopping to dining is along a three-mile stretch through the center of town. n Lodging ranges from hotels and motels to VRBO cabins

in the nearby La Plata mountains. The Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde is wonderful if you are visiting the park for more than one day. We’ve also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and the Baymont Suites, both of which are very clean and offer good value. n While sushi and the American Southwest don’t seem

like an obvious combo, Stonefish Sushi is a must for unique rolls and riffs on Japanese cuisine. The Farm Bistro is another winner, as is breakfast at Beny’s Diner featuring award-winning green chile and, in my opinion, the best breakfast potatoes in America. n Kokopelli Bike and Board is the town’s bike shop, while

Run + Hike features high-end running and hiking gear.

For Ute, Navajo and other native arts, visit Notah Dineh. n Nearby in Mancos, duck into Absolute Bakery & Cafe

for breakfast or lunch. From here, drive over Summit Ridge to Dolores, through the pines and make time to paddle on McPhee Reservoir.

Beatles Loops

DAY THREE: CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL MONUMENT

On our third and last day, we chose Sand Canyon

Loops in Canyons of the Ancients National

Cortez. Park on the slick rock as parking is not

Monument. This 11-mile trail combines the

allowed on the road. There are no services. After

best of Phil’s World (exciting single track) with

your ride, enjoy local Colorado wines at nearby

the best of Mesa Verde (awe-inspiring cliff

Sutcliffe Vineyards and Guy Drew Vineyards.

Do not venture off-trail or enter any cliff

dwellings. The desert and the history are both fragile.

Details: The trailhead is about 14 miles from

dwellings), with beautiful red rock canyons and

62

alpine views.

TAKE MORE TIME

Canyons of the Ancients is huge, with miles

All in, the area known as Mesa Verde Country

of rugged trail and rough road to explore. But

— Cortez, Mancos and Dolores — has over

Sand Canyon Loops in McElmo Canyon offers

600 miles of mountain biking trail. Find more

the best biking. There are two options, East Rock

outstanding riding at Boggy Draw near Dolores

Trail and West Rock Trail, which combine into

or choose among 18 high elevation loops and

one 11-mile loop. While there are places where

trails between Mancos, Dolores and Rico. Within

you can fly along the trail, most of the ride is

the town of Cortez, the CEG Trail System, also

rocky and challenging.

known as the Beatles Loops, offers 9 miles of

stacked loop trail.

You won’t want to go too fast anyway, lest

you miss the unrestored cliff dwellings, arches

and dramatic balanced rocks lining the route.

introduction to this region’s delights, it might

While the trail is well-marked, the archaeology

take three weeks to really ride it all. That, or lots

is not. Plan to slow down and take a close look at

of long weekends.

your surroundings.

Enjoy! :

While three days gave us an excellent

grand outdoors

GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ETIQUETTE Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed by our etiquette expert do not reflect the views of S+B staff. In fact, in most cases, we probably would advise doing the opposite of what is recommended here.

I recently borrowed a friend’s camping gear and haven’t returned it yet, because what if I decide to go camping again?

How long is it acceptable to borrow a friend’s outdoor gear before having to give it back?

“A friend in need is a pest,” says Bobby Heenan. Camping equipment is expensive, and borrowing some gear before you go invest in a bunch of new gear is a good idea. Sounds fiscally responsible (Congress should take note). However, you should return the gear promptly. The fact you still have it is a problem.

Return it clean and in good working order. They should have their own gear should they want to use it without asking you for it back.

If I go to a campground and all the spots are full, is it rude to ask another camper to share their spot with me?

DON’T BE THAT PERSON! I think you move on to another location and let the person who got there in a timely fashion enjoy their weekend. Don’t put them in a position to have to be the jerk. If they wanted to go camping with you, they would have invited you. How would you feel if you got the perfect spot you had been daydreaming about all week at work, and some yahoo comes up and wants to share it? “Rude” may be a little harsh, but don’t be that person.

I have a favorite trail that I hike often. Almost every time, I notice other hikers not following the trail. I think there aren’t enough cairns, and it can be easy for first timers to lose their way. Am I allowed to build new cairns, or is that against trail etiquette?

We discussed cairns before in this article, but I dodged any real answer, which is also my approach to any question from my wife. Here, I will take a stand.

Sure, put a few small cairns up near where people tread off the trail. However, be careful not to turn the trail into the Vegas strip of cairns.

What should I put in my survival kit on my very first backpacking trip? Do I need a kit for hiking?

There are lots of things for a good survival kit, and what goes into it really can be tailored to the type of trip/geography you will be experiencing. Here are a few recommendations: multi-tool, water purification tablets, rope/cord, fire starting material (i.e. matches and drier lint — make sure they stay dry), fishing line/hook, space blanket, first aid kit, etc. The kit can be as big or as small as you would like and depends on a lot of variables.

You will probably have some of those things in your pack anyway.

Best advice for a survival kit is prevention. Tell someone where you will be and when to expect you back. If possible, have check points to establish a timeline in case something goes wrong. Time is always of the essence. As for the hiking side of the question, probably not. Again, depends on how you define “hike.” A jaunt up Serpents Trail and you will probably be alright. A “hike” covering the distance of the Colorado Trail … definitely.

Should I say something to a person who is letting their dog go to the bathroom without cleaning up after it?

Ugh, I witnessed this today at Connected Lakes State Park. I said nothing, mostly due to the size of the person who appeared to own the dog. Instead, I surreptitiously followed them home and later bagged the evidence and left it at their front door, burning. Obviously, that is not true because I am afraid of my shadow, but I would have loved to say something. I guess you can use your own judgement as to whether you say something or not. :

S P O K E + B L O S S O M 63

feature

TIMBER TO TABLE GUIDE SERVICE

FOOD IS THE FOCUS Words by Hannah Odneal | Photos by Andy Bowen

A

na Kampe and Adam Gall fell in love as

don’t we try that?’” Kampe says. “There are plenty

they worked together on a wolf recovery

of outfitters, but none of them are capitalizing

project with the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho in 2004.

on the food processing and education part like

Kampe, a native of Half Moon Bay, California,

we are.”

earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resource

management and was working on her master’s

wouldn’t consider myself a trophy hunter by any

degree in sustainable farming and food systems

stretch. I’m a meat hunter just trying to fill my

at the at the time.

freezer,” Gall says. “I think there are more and

“I love antlers as much as anybody, but I

“I grew up collecting mussels and clams at

more people starting to see it that way. The fastest

low tide, so having a connection to the earth

growing demographic in hunting is women, and

and its cycles was instilled at a very young age,”

the new hunters are more interested in what

Kampe says. “Food has always been very central

they can do with this wonderful bounty they’ve

to my interests.”

just been graced with.”

Gall was introduced to enjoyment of the

“It’s not just head into the woods and start

outdoors while hunting, fishing and camping on

shootin’ like some people think,” Gall says. “The

an 80-acre swamp in Michigan with his childhood

animals that are being harvested are actually

best friend, guided by the friend’s father. Then,

surplus animals. Every habitat has its capacity.

It’s highly regulated by well-informed and

Thoughtful preparation of healthy meals utilizing your harvest is the best show of gratitude for the life sacrificed.

educated biologists who are looking out for the benefit of the wildlife resource as a whole, for the long term. That’s why there are licenses, units and season dates — all for the benefit of

64

through firefighting, forestry and wildlife work in

the animal.”

Idaho, Adam’s passion for the outdoors multiplied.

“Now I had thousands and thousands of acres to

legal side of hunting, which can be tough to

roam and never trespass — it was an epiphany

understand. Though their business is called

moment for sure,” Gall says. “I love being on public

Timber to Table Guide Service, Gall offers much

lands. To me, it’s like the pinnacle of freedom!”

help ahead of the “timber” part of the process.

Gall helps first-time hunters navigate the

When opportunity arose for the couple

He will assist in weapon and gear selection

later that year in Hotchkiss, Colorado, they went

and advises repetitious target practice, mindful

together to make it home. Ana was able to actually

of effective range, so the hunter can make an

implement programs connecting communities

ethical shot.

with the sources of their food, and Adam put his

bachelor’s in science and master’s in education to

says Andrew Mays, who went on his first big

work, teaching at the local high school.

game hunt with them in the late season of 2019.

“We were together for ten years before this

“You can feel their dedication to new hunters

idea came to us, and with Adam’s dedication

and preservation of the hunting heritage from

to hunting, outdoors and public lands, and my

the moment you step on their property. They are

dedication to food and health, we thought, ‘why

not looking for repeat customers but are truly

“Adam and Ana were incredible teachers,”

dedicated to getting more people in the field to

year. I felt the weight of responsibility to waste

experience the magic of hunting.”

nothing and the challenge to turn this meat into

amazing meals,” Mays says.

The educator in Gall really comes out in

the field. He gives in-depth lessons on tracking,

animal behavior, habitat, relationship to other

it makes me scratch my head and think, ‘Are you

“If it doesn’t affect [the hunter emotionally],

species, and if they’re lucky, an introduction to

even in there?’ because this is powerful,” Ana says.

internal anatomy and traditional field dressing.

“Yes. It’s not something to be taken lightly,”

Gall says the hunts can be anxiety-inducing

Gall agrees. “It doesn’t have to be tears, but if you

for him, because he wants to make sure the client

are not moved by what happened, like Ana said,

has the opportunity to learn from Ana as well.

you shouldn’t be doing this. For most of the folks

Drawing on her experience as a butcher in a shop

we’ve taken, it’s an emotional process.”

that specializes in wild game, Ana demonstrates

each cut and encourages the client to do the other

of Hank Shaw at huntgathercook.com,

side. As they package and label, she explains how

Kristy Crabtree at nevadafoodies.com and

each cut can be prepared for a meal.

Steven Rinella at meateater.com for recipes.

She and Gall recommend the work

“I couldn’t help but think how powerful it

Thoughtful preparation of healthy meals

was that this animal that was walking two days

utilizing your harvest is the best show of

before is now going to provide clean, healthy and

gratitude for the life sacrificed. To learn more,

delicious meat to my family for the rest of the

visit timbertotableguideservice.com. :

Adam and Ana set up the processing area.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

65

feature

GET KIDS OUTSIDE Words by Lindsay DeFrates

W

hen looking for innovation in the field of

evaporate under starry skies. However, what

research establishing the effect of nature

every local public school teacher and nonprofit

on children’s health, the densely-populated,

leader knows is that not all residents of the

urban neighborhood of Oakland, California,

Grand Valley see it that way. Getting into the

paints an unexpected backdrop. Yet Dr. Rashin

great outdoors or taking time to walk through a

Noozani, a pediatrician at USCF Benioff

park is a luxury that requires time, money and

Children’s Hospital, Oakland, and her team in

transportation, as well as sufficient background

the Stay Healthy in Nature Every day (SHINE)

knowledge and the confidence that you are

program recently published some powerful,

actually welcome there.

peer-reviewed studies connecting long-term

health, especially for children, with time spent

health and happiness to time spent in nature —

in nature. Their findings support the long-held,

piles up, local school districts, nonprofits and

but not previously clinically tested, belief that

volunteers are still pushing back against the

nature reduces stress and anxiety and supports

false assumption that anyone can get outside if

strong immune systems which lead to fewer

they want to. Below are three local examples of

chronic health conditions as an adult.

groups who provide different ways to engage

Yet, as research like Noozani’s — connecting

kids more with the beautiful natural world

RESEARCH SAYS GET KIDS OUTSIDE

66

surrounding us.

These studies are ground-breaking as they

IN THE SCHOOLS

provide replicable data and validated protocols

Nearby in Parachute, School District 16 has

to prove that people, especially children, are far

recently taken impressive strides in establishing a

more healthy when they go outside. Focusing

vibrant and inclusive outdoor education program.

her work on the children of families living in

According to Clint Whitley, the new outdoor

poverty and those more at risk of facing toxic-

education coordinator for the district, “the

stress situations early in their development,

biggest challenges for families to get outside are

Noozanie hopes to create a stronger connection

gear, transportation and know-how.” The school

between doctor’s offices and local parks by

district is working to overcome these hurdles

“prescribing nature.” Her urgent call to those

through a major grant from GOCO Inspire.

interested in the long-term health of the next

Besides

generation, whether they are doctors, parents,

explained that the three-year grant has helped

teachers or community leaders, is to help get

build a vibrant gardening community at the

America’s children back outside.

elementary and middle schools. Students can

In the Grand Valley, nature seems a lot closer

take classes in how to become junior master

to us than it does to the residents of Oakland.

gardeners through a partnership with 4H/CSU

We have the Book Cliffs, the towering ochre

and tend the food garden under a new garden

beauty of Colorado National Monument and the

dome at Bea Underwood Elementary school.

confluence of two major rivers. For many of us,

it is the work of a weekend to get lost in a maze

for experiential and adventure programs for

of beautiful public lands, unplug and let stress

students that most would not otherwise be able

funding

his

position,

Whitley

Off-campus, the grant has also provided

COURTESY ROB GAY

CCA volunteers Katie Steele and Owen O’Fallon teach a group of third-graders at Nature Knowledge Days in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

to afford. The school district offers trips, classes

NONPROFIT PROGRAMMING

and after-school programs for middle and high

In Grand Junction, the school districts work

school students interested in rock climbing, river

with a variety of nonprofits who offer outdoor

rafting, archery, fly fishing, hiking and camping.

opportunities to their students. One of these

Often, these more skills-based programs

providers is Colorado Canyons Association (CCA),

that require specific gear involve a partnership

a nationally-funded management organization

with an already established community group or

for local conservation areas. Their youth

organization. For example, Blue Sky Adventures

education programs work with a collaborative

takes the students rafting in Glenwood Springs;

model that allows it to push programming into

Roaring Fork Anglers provides fly-fishing

classrooms by bringing the kids outside. In

opportunities and gear; Colorado Mountain

some cases, whole grade levels can explore the

College provides a high-ropes challenge course

archaeology, geology, fossils, plants and animals

in the summer, and hunter safety classes and

of McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante and

archery are offered under the instruction of a

Gunnison Gorge Conservation Areas.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife expert.

Rob Gay, director of education since

“I can’t connect every child [to nature], but

early this year, knows how important it is to

if I can connect one or two, then it’s a success.

offer access to nature without an associated

It works like a pyramid scheme, really, if you

cost. “We are working actively to make sure

get one or two [hooked], then they get their

outdoor experiences are available to all, not

friends outside, and then their friends and

just those with means. By working with donors

family, and it spreads through the community.”

and applying for grants, we make sure all our

Whitley says.

programs are free for schools and students.”

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

67

Currently, CCA brings half of all the third-

graders from Mesa County, along with every sixth and seventh-grader from Delta County, to explore the paleo trail in McInnis Canyons Area.

At the high school level, CCA provides

programs for youth in residential programs to spend time outdoors in smaller groups. Gay recalls one moment clearly when a young woman of about 16 was sitting on a rock above the Fruita Paleo Area and, unprompted, shared a personal revelation about how sitting there allowed her to feel connection to the world which she had never experienced before.

Of course, one trip a year, or even two,

doesn’t necessarily change the reality of every student: ‘‘Backyard to backcountry is a huge leap — just because you bused the kids up to the Monument once doesn’t mean that they have any way to get there again,” says Gay about the reality of changing lifelong behavior.

Gay believes that more collaboration is

needed between nonprofits, school districts, community COURTESY GARFIELD COUNTY OUTDOORS

Baylee Perkins, a senior at Grand Valley High School, prepares breakfast for a group of students on a camping trip early last spring with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers at Highline Lake in Fruita. They camped, hiked, and did some team building and leadership coaching to become closer as a team to kick off their service-centered internship.

members

and

other

local

organizations to offer outdoor opportunities to all the kids and families who need them.

HANDS-ON INDOOR LEARNING Another approach to connecting kids to nature is, as biologist Jessica King puts it, “to bring the outside inside.” Inside the Mesa Mall, in fact, The Children’s Nature Center (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) offers kids hands-on experiences of the natural world. “Visitors, including school groups, can tell us what they are learning about — life cycles, pollinators, oceans, etc., and we can create a hands-on experience for them.”

The Children’s Nature Center has a small

zoo of amazing amphibians, reptiles and fish to observe and learn from, as well as handson demonstrations of natural forces like ocean waves. They are open to families, school groups and even birthday parties.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND

GET INVOLVED The groups discussed above are just a handful of the organizations working to bring a healthier, outdoor lifestyle to the young residents of the Grand Valley. Others include River’s Edge West, Wilderness Lab and smaller programs within multiple public schools. All of these groups rely on volunteers and donations of gear and money.

Gay summed it up like this: “If someone is

passionate about the outdoors, and they want

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70

feature

PIG-A-SUS HOMESTEAD SANCTUARY Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman

T

his is the legacy of Thumper, a beloved

will grow to 35 pounds, when up to 150 is closer

potbelly pig. She climbed up and down

to the truth. Many pigs used by the University of

ladders, rode in the passenger seat of the truck,

Salt Lake City for medical research have been

and slept in her own tiny bed complete with a

saved from being euthanized by Pig-A-Sus.

pillow right next to owners Sioux Robbins-Bartel

and her husband, Rocky. Before you judge, hear

firemen in the Everglades of Florida and flown

out the rest of the story.

to the sanctuary 14 years ago. Cheyenne Animal

Control has flown potbelly pigs to the sanctuary

Back in 1990, Sioux was all about horses.

And yes, pigs fly. Daisy was a piglet saved by

Visiting an old horse dealer on East Orchard

because it was unethical for them to euthanize.

Mesa to purchase a cutting horse, she found

Betty Boop — a potbelly pig destined to become

chased off the neighbor’s sheep and dogs when

sausage the very next day. After negotiating to

they got too close,” says Sioux. “We’ve had some

save the pig, she brought it home, and Rocky

funny times here!”

said in his easy-going manner, “that’s an awfully

short horse.” Three days later, Betty Boop had

50, trucked in from Phoenix 11 years ago. The

four piglets, one of which was Thumper, who

pigs served as a cover for a home’s basement

stole Sioux’s heart.

meth lab. Animal Planet did a three-part series

on the 50 pigs’ journey from Phoenix to the Pig-

When Thumper died tragically in 1995 after

“It was Daisy who jumped the fence and

The most they ever received at one time was

eating a spider plant, toxic to animals, Sioux and

A-Sus Homestead Sanctuary.

Rocky bought the 40 acres they were renting so

Thumper could be buried under a large tree on

were called in to move a 400-pound potbelly pig

land they actually owned.

who was actually laying on the drug stash, as

authorities were too intimidated.

“1996 is when we went whole hog,” says

In another drug bust, Sioux and Rocky

Rocky. “These 40 acres became the Pig-A-Sus

Homestead Sanctuary.”

fourth on the spectrum after humans, primates

The sanctuary is currently home to 60

and dolphins. They are compassionate, social

potbelly pigs but topped out once at 106. Hammey,

and gentle, often family pets or therapy animals.

Wilbur, Rambo, Sally, Petunia, Salty, Maddie, Ms.

They can be indoor or outdoor pets, easily

Oink and friends now live a comfortable outdoor

house broken or trained to use a litter box,

country life with 17 feral cats they love.

are incapable of sweating and have absolutely

no odor.

“Look at you, you’re so beautiful,” Sioux tells

the pigs as she traverses through them.

Potbelly pigs are extremely intelligent,

“There are so many good things about

The sanctuary receives pigs from various

potbelly pigs. I just can’t stand to watch people

circumstances and via various means. Owner

put them down, because they’re part of their

deaths, divorce, neglect and dog attacks happen.

family,” says Sioux.

Dishonest and greedy breeders lure people to

buy the cute and cuddly piglets they tell them

company of these lovable creatures.

People of all ages and abilities enjoy the

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

71

72

For years, a nurse from Denver drove to the

“We were a 501 non-profit for years, but

sanctuary once a month with her autistic son,

potbelly pigs all over the U.S. are in a classification

because the law didn’t allow her to own one.

of livestock, which eliminated us from getting

The first animal he ever touched was a potbelly

grants,” says Sioux. “Being one of the oldest

pig, and the first recognizable word or sound he

sanctuaries west of the Mississippi, sanctuaries

made was imitating a pig noise.

across the United States believe if we work with

“We have had some generous donations over

legislators to get Colorado laws changed, other

the years, but 98 percent of the sanctuary cost is

states will follow. That’s what we’re hoping to do.”

out of our pockets,” says Sioux. “The average cost

is $500 per pig, or $35,000 a year, without any

classified as therapy, companion or household

major emergencies. With a life expectancy of 20

pet animals. As of today, they are allowed in

years, it adds up. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t

Mesa County but not in any city limits, and they

for Rocky and his work in the oil fields.”

have not been able to get the support of any local

Sioux and Rocky want potbelly pigs to be

The sanctuary is extremely grateful for

city officials. It boggles Sioux’s mind that people

every donation they’ve received, both large and

in Fruita can have five chickens and a goat but

small. One woman sends $10 per month, and one

not a potbelly pig.

family had fencing delivered. Sioux and Rocky

grow the entire 20 to 30 tons of corn to feed

fundraisers and had visits from senior groups

the pigs each year on another 400-acre parcel

and Hilltop brain trauma patients multiple times

they own. Needless to say, taking a vacation is a

a year. Insurance companies put an end to that

foreign concept.

when homeowner insurance stopped covering

Up until three years ago, the sanctuary held

potbelly pigs. Hilltop was able to work with their

which can be literally outgrown. Sioux believes

insurance company for coverage specific to the

if the people and pig end up a poor match, it’s the

day of the sanctuary visits.

fault of the humans, not the pigs.

Sioux and Rocky also fork out thousands of

“Several of our pigs are up for adoption, but

their personal finances to hire Denver Animal

the majority will live out their natural lives here

Law Services to go to court for people around the

because of their age and medical issues,” says

state in order for them to keep their potbelly pigs.

Sioux. “We have a wait list of 17 pigs to come

“We fought quite a battle over four months

here. I’m 72, and with the long life of these pigs, I

against the City of Parker, but we won,” says

have to look at what’s good for the animals in the

Sioux. “We also won a special case in Commerce

long haul and who’s going to take care of them.”

City where the pig was allowed to live out its

natural life of 17 years.”

me to a shaded pen with their latest addition —

two tortoises. Where did they come from?

Before any adoption placement by the

At the end of the sanctuary tour, Rocky led

sanctuary, Sioux does an intense background

check and home inspection. A lifetime agreement

hearted, she has a hard time saying no to any

“I have no idea,” said Rocky. “She is so kind

is also made that the sanctuary can make

living creature.” :

quarterly, unannounced visits and follow up on vet records. The sanctuary offers free classes to anyone adopting to encourage a successful placement.

Sioux warns people with toddlers against

adoption because of their little hands carrying

Pig-A-Sus Homestead A senior citizen haven for the older, abused, neglected and dumped potbelly pig.

506 S Road / Mack, CO 81525 970.985.5661 / pighome96@aol.com

food at pig eye level. She also discourages potbellied pigs being given as gifts, a novelty

The Grand Valley just keeps getting better with age.

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DeeDee Hanson-Simpson Hansen & Associates Realty / Metro Brokers O: 970.243.3376 / C: 970.260.9907 dh@mbgj.com 605 25 Road / Suite 100 Grand Junction, CO 81505

feature

WINE HARVEST IN COLORADO Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy Nathan Billow

C

74

olorado wine is tasting better than ever, and

wineries, says the Colorado wine industry boats

it’s not because the mountains are getting

$300 million and counting. Every year during

more hospitable to grapes. In fact, growing

the third week of September, CAVE produces the

seasons have been cut shorter due to the state’s

Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade. In 2017,

vastly unpredictable weather (cue heat spikes,

USA Today named it the “Best Wine Festival” in

hail, frost, heavy rainfall or drought). Especially

the country.

as a newer player in the nation’s wine industry,

many Colorado wineries can’t afford the advanced

advantage — Colorado radiates sunshine over

technology you often see in Napa Valley. But this

300 days a year, prime for Bordeaux- and Rhone-

has not proven to be a limiting factor in Colorado

style grapes, and the soil is watered by nutritious

— it’s this difficulty that has inspired innovation

mountain runoff. Scott High of Colterris Winery,

and creativity amongst the existing 160 wineries

located in the Grand Valley AVA, says the

in the state, making their wine intentional,

intense sunlight contributes to the concentrated

meaningful and uniquely delicious.

sugars and rich, complex flavors that allow

Some argue Colorado is actually at an

“Colorado is finding its voice and people are

optimal fruit harvests and wine production.

listening to it,” says Jayme Henderson, co-owner

Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Colorado’s

of The Storm Cellar, located in the West Elks AVA

Grand Valley AVA one of the Top 10 Wine

(American Viticultural Area).

Getaways of 2018.

The Colorado Association for Viticulture

Cold alpine air infiltrates through Colorado

& Enology (CAVE), the only nonprofit in the

canyons while snowmelt drains down the

state that exists to support the education and

Colorado River; that same air heats up

advancement of Colorado grape growers and

throughout the summer days with the high UV

radiation; at night, it cycles eastward back up to

wine profiles often end up quite acidic, which

the crisp mountains. This cycle is the key to create

typically translates better to whites than reds

conditions that produce distinctly Colorado wine.

(but, more acidic reds like Pinot Noir have

This

potential to thrive, too).

shift

in

temperature,

says

Steve

Steese, husband to Jayme and co-owner of The

Storm Cellar, is known as the diurnal shift, the

vineyard, and not comparing it to others. The

difference between the coldest and the hottest

Storm Cellar specializes in cold, hearty white

part of the day. In Colorado, the difference is

varieties and rosé. On their vineyard, Pinot Gris

high. The cold temperatures help preserve the

is not produced as a white wine, but a rosé. The

acidity and prevent grapes from ripening too

high UV radiation gives the grapes a darker red

fast, if worked with the right grapes for the land.

skin, and according to Steese, it’s gorgeous.

Colorado wine can be described in many ways,

but jammy, or too sweet, is not one of them.

uniqueness, celebrate that each harvest will be

different, like it is almost everywhere else, too.

Colorado vineyards vary from the West

It’s about being in touch with each producer’s

Colorado wineries must celebrate their own

Elks to the Grand Valley to the Front Range,

Nathan Littlejohn, owner of Monkshood

and each land is capable of producing different

Cellars in Minturn, says the risks that Colorado

wine varieties. Finding the right grapes that

poses with its growing season are no more of an

can ripen in the correct growing season and

unsurmountable obstacle than what other wine

can deal with the cold is essential, according to

regions face. It’s Colorado’s shorter wine history,

Henderson. Due to Colorado’s high elevation,

he says, that is more of a hurdle.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

75

While Colorado is starting to raise its voice,

and to also stay updated with what others are

there is still room to discover more of its identity,

producing.

adds Littlejohn, by honing in on exactly why

wineries are using specific grapes for certain

together wine and grape growers to mingle and

wine styles.

connect in a “speed dating/networking” session,

In this year’s conference, VinCO brought

There’s a lot to celebrate in Colorado, like the

where they were given the space to discuss what

lush fruit and unique soil complex. Many Colorado

type of grapes they want to see grown and how to

wineries celebrate their own uniqueness by

control the quality and content. Discussions like

insightfully and efficiently producing wine and

these cultivate the intention behind Colorado

grapes. Yet, others are still copying other regions’

grapes and wines that advance the industry year

style of winemaking, stripping the industry of its

after year. The session is scheduled to make a

consistency and continuity.

reappearance in 2020.

All this is why CAVE uses funds from the

Because the ticket price is a fraction of the

Colorado Mountain Winefest to help produce

cost of similar conferences in the country, wine

VinCO. Founded in 2011, VinCO is a grape-

and grape makers from over 10 states emerged

growing and winemaking conference that hosts

to Grand Junction for this yearly conference last

educational seminars on topics pertinent to

January, adding more insight and knowledge to

the wine region. Accredited speakers lecture

the experience.

to advanced and beginner growers alike.

Wine tastings are also a major component —

throughout the state, making it easy to buy

samples from other wine regions in the nation

local product and support local growers,” says

are compared to Colorado’s, giving them a

Cassidee Shull, executive director of CAVE. “It’s

benchmark on where they stand in relation

easy to feel good about Colorado wine.” :

“In Co lo rado , w e h ave w iner ies all

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events

GET OUT THERE!

IT’S COLORADO ... THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON SEPTEMBER Telluride Film Festival Telluride, CO September 1

Roice-Hurst Humane Society Wuffstock Grand Junction, CO September 8

Surround yourself with beautiful mountains and passionate film enthusiasts at the 46th annual Telluride Film Festival. Watch brand new films debut, meet filmmakers and enjoy the alpine scenery all in one cinematic weekend. telluridefilmfestival.org

Celebrate all things canine with your four-legged friends at Lincoln Park. Jam out with your pup to local live music, visit booths and food trucks, and enjoy kid activities at this dog-friendly, day-long music festival. Don’t have a dog to bring?

Adopt one there! rhhumanesociety.org/wuffstock

Rhythm & Brews Summer Concert Series & Tour De Rock

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

Grand Junction, CO September 5 Enjoy local bands, bikes, beer and costumes at Tour De Rock, an event co-hosted by Downtown Grand Junction and Colorado Mesa University. Ride your bike downtown sporting your most creative costume. The night will feature music as part of the Rhythm & Brews Summer Concert Series, as well as a beer garden and food trucks. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ rhythm-brews-summer-seriespresented-by-rockslide

Pork N’ Hops BBQ Challenge Grand Junction, CO September 6-7 Spend a weekend at this BBQ competition at Las Colonias Park.

Both professionals and amateurs will grill up their best BBQ for you to enjoy. Don’t miss local beer, live music and cornhole! porkandhops.com

Telluride, CO September 13-15

Colorfest Pagosa Springs, CO September 20-22 The Colorfest weekend encompasses several Pagosa events, such as Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival, Bands & Brews Festival and Mass Balloon Ascension. Enjoy wine, beer and more than 40 hot air balloons all in one weekend! pagosachamber.com/colorfest

Downtown Grand Junction Car Show Grand Junction, CO September 21

With more than 30 musical artists, a scenic alpine venue and more than 170 styles of craft beer and cider to sample, the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival has all the ingredients for an incredible weekend getaway. tellurideblues.com

Cruise back in time as Main Street fills with hundreds of antique cars, classic cars, muscle cars, motorcycles and car-lovers from across the country during the 18th annual Fuoco Motor Co. Downtown Car Show. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ downtown-car-show

Colorado Mountain Winefest

Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors

Palisade, CO September 19-22 One of the Grand Valley’s most anticipated annual events, Winefest is returning to Riverbend Park in Palisade with wine tours, tastings and a variety of winerelated activities and classes.

Visit more than 100 wineries and vendors throughout the festival. coloradowinefest.com

Telluride, CO September 26-29 Celebrate all things autumn and automobile during Telluride’s Festival of Cars and Colors. Over four days, admire high-end restorations, vintage cars and exotic vehicles against the fall colors of the San Juans. visittelluride.com/play/festivalsevents/telluride-festival-of-carscolors-09-2019

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

77

Mountain Harvest Festival

Grand Valley Yoga Fest

Paonia, CO September 26-29

Palisade, CO October 4-6

Enjoy local music, arts and crafts and fresh food in Paonia while participating in events like a chili cookoff, farmers markets, grape stomp, painting competition, farm tours and musical performances. mountainharvestfestival.org

Attend two days of workshops in various types of yoga, dance, meditation and more at Palisade High School and enjoy vendors, live music and food trucks. To raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health, all proceeds of the festival will be donated to local suicide prevention groups and School District 51’s music and arts departments. grandvalleyyogafest.com

Fruita Fall Festival Fruita, CO September 27-29 Fall in love with Fruita during three days of live music, delicious food, autumn scenery, food trucks and over 100 vendors. Participate in exciting autumn events such as a cornhole tournament, baking and canning contest, a carnival and a beauty pageant. fruitachamber.org/fruita-fallfestival

Tour of the Moon Grand Junction, CO September 28 Tour of the Moon is one of the most well-known road cycling races in the western United States. Take in the spectacular scenery of the Colorado National Monument during the morning ride, and enjoy the Harvest Moon Celebration with beer and live music after crossing the finish line. tourofthemoon.com

OCTOBER Downtown Art Festival Grand Junction, CO October 4-6 Celebrate creative minds and all forms of art during the Downtown Art Festival. Browse art exhibits, learn from local artists and jam to live music during the First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy the Grand Junction Art on the Corner exhibit and the following Artist Expo on Saturday, and end the weekend with the Grand Junction Film Fest at the Avalon Theater on Sunday. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ downtown-art-festival

78

Cedaredge Applefest Cedaredge, CO October 5-6 Join local businesses, apple orchards, and over 250 vendors in Cedaredge to celebrate all things apple. There will be a pancake breakfast, 5K, car show, live music, pie eating contest and more. cedaredgechamber.com/events

Ouray Oktoberfest & Annual Jeep Raffle Ouray, CO October 5 Surround yourself with fall colors in the beautiful mountain town of Ouray and enjoy authentic German food, dancing, costume contests, competitions and more. Enter the Jeep raffle and you might drive home in a new Jeep! ouraycolorado.com

Telluride Horror Show Festival Telluride, CO October 11-13 Get spooked at Telluride’s horror film festival with both classic and newly-released horror movies at Sheridan Opera House. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. visittelluride.com/play/festivalsevents/telluride-horror-show-2019

Mesa County Libraries Comic Con Grand Junction, CO October 12

Cosplay as your favorite fictional character and get nerdy at Mesa County Libraries’ Comic Con at Two Rivers Convention Center!

Family-friendly and free with a Mesa County Libraries card, there will be panels, fandom meetups, an expo hall, artists, creators and more, highlighting topics such as comic books and science fiction. mesacountylibraries.org/comiccon

Oktoberfest Amped Grand Junction, CO October 12 Kick off the fall season at Oktoberfest Amped with local music and cold beer at Las Colonias Park Amphitheater. Fill your cup with German-style Pilsners, Marzens and Hefeweizens, or enjoy a variety of other local craft brews and classic ciders. oktoberfestgj.com

Animas Valley Balloon Rally Durango, CO October 18-20 Spend a weekend in Durango under a sky of hot air balloons.

Balloons will go up each day, and there will be opportunities for tethered rides for the kiddos. Don’t miss the meet-and-greets with the pilots and crews to learn the science behind hot air balloons. animasvalleyballoonrally.com

Truck-N-Treat Fruita, CO October 26 Take the kids to Downtown Fruita 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a safe, fun and free trick-ortreating experience. Fire trucks, dump trucks, police cars and other vehicles will be giving out candy. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume and bring a bucket for candy! fruita.org/parksrec/page/truck-ntreat

Spooktacular Grand Junction, CO October 26

Celebrate Halloween early and bring the kids to Downtown Grand Junction for an exciting afternoon of trick-or-treating at local businesses, a costume parade and other activities. Don’t forget to wear your best costume! This event will be from 3 to 5 p.m. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ spooktacular-sponsored-byfairway-independent-mortgage

NOVEMBER Culture Fest Grand Junction, CO November 1-2 Celebrate (and learn about) cultural diversity in western Colorado at Mesa County Libraries’ free Culture Fest (central branch). Enjoy an art show and live music on Friday evening, and come back Saturday to visit tables representing as many as 30 countries from around world. mesacountylibraries.org/culturefest

Moab Celtic Festival Moab, UT November 1-3 Embrace the heritage of Scottish and Celtic cultures at the Moab Celtic Festival, featuring Celtic food, dancing, art, contests, a bagpipe competition, silent auction, door prizes and information about clans. discovermoab.com/event/moabceltic-festival-scots-on-the-rocks

Moab Folk Festival Moab, UT November 1-3 Spend a weekend in the beautiful town of Moab listening to a dozen

different folk artists at various locations throughout town. Don’t miss jam sessions, workshops, vendors and performances from artists such as Judy Collins and Martin Sexton. moabfolkfestival.com

Rim Rock Run Grand Junction, CO November 2 Run one of the most scenic races in the world across the Colorado National Monument from Grand Junction to Fruita. Choose from a marathon, marathon relay, half marathon or 12K. After crossing the finish line, celebrate in Downtown Fruita with live music, local food and a beer garden. rimrockrun.grandjunctionsports.org

Off-Season Historic Pub Crawl Crested Butte, CO November 7 Start your evening at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum with appetizers and receive a commemorative pint glass. Take your glass to three participating locations for a free drink and meet a local historian at each location. crestedbuttemuseum.com

Hitched in GJ Bridal Experience Grand Junction, CO November 9 Getting married? Connect with more than 45 local wedding vendors at the Hitched in GJ Bridal Experience at the Double Tree Hotel, and plan your whole wedding in one day! Visit booths

for dresses, beauty, cakes, catering, entertainment, floral, photography and more. hitchedingj.com

Downtown Tree Lighting Grand Junction, CO November 23 Get in the Christmas spirit as Downtown Grand Junction lights up for the holidays. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance and turn on all of Main Street’s tree lights simultaneously! Bring the kids to spend a magical evening with Santa. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ tree-lighting

Crested Butte Turkey Trot Crested Butte, CO November 27 Race in the gO Initiative’s Turkey Trot in Crested Butte to raise awareness for mental health. Run a 5K course or a 1K Gobble Wobble, and celebrate crossing the finish line with a post-race party! thegoinitiative.org

Art & Chocolate Walk Palisade, CO November 30 Hosted by Blue Pig Art Gallery, a variety of Palisade businesses will offer free chocolate to visitors all day long. Stop at each participating business and be entered to win a drawing for a basket filled with all kinds of goodies. Get a start on your holiday shopping while enjoying free chocolate and fine art! visitpalisade.com/holiday-shoppingcolorado-winery

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c at c h a f r e e r i d e E V E R Y T H U R S D AY + F R I D AY + S AT U R D AY f r o m 4 : 1 5 P M - 1 2 : 1 5 a M

who we are

JUSTIN NORDINE Words by Lexi Reich | Photo by Will Campbell

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rand Junction native Justin Nordine, 39,

time opened it as a real studio in Grand Junction.

owner of The Raw Canvas, says his life as

Nordine’s style is an infusion of watercolor,

a tattoo artist began with a leap of faith, and

nature, animals, geometric shapes and humanity.

there’s much more to his career choice than

He opens his bookings twice a year, and within

he thought.

a 24- to 48-hour period, he’ll receive anywhere

from 200 to 260 inquiries.

While earning his masters in art education

in Denver, Nordine built a curriculum around

the art and history of tattooing and taught it to

on Paramount Network, which aired this past

high school seniors in the city. While teaching,

summer, on June 11, 2019. He was sent home on

he discovered his major passion for the art form

the fourth episode, and while he hopes to return

and ultimately left the education field to pursue

another season for redemption, he also says it’s

it as a career.

time to respect the climb he’s been on and just

enjoy life.

“I wanted to do this,” says Nordine. “I was

Nordine competed for the title of Ink Master

missing being an artist. I loved teaching art but I

wasn’t creating anymore. So, I took the leap.”

about his art, but it’s not — it’s the clients that he

Nordine originally thought it would always be

Many thought he was crazy. And Nordine says

describes as the beautiful humans who sit in his

to their defense, he kind of was. He left his stable

chair every day that make him love what he does.

income to become a self-taught tattoo artist. He

stresses that he doesn’t recommend teaching the

and tragedies, all in the name of a tattoo they

art form to yourself, but under his circumstances,

can take with them and have as theirs,” shares

it was how he had to pave his own way.

Nordine. “The stories they have shared and the

“They share their lives with me, triumphs

When he was teaching, Nordine’s students

return of so many has really given me a beautiful

developed a fake tattoo studio in the classroom

look at life and all the stuff we all go through

and named it “The Raw Canvas.” In October of

… We are all so much alike, just with different

2008, he came back to The Raw Canvas, but this

stories. But we all bleed the same.” :

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