Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Fall 2021 | Issue #17

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ELEVATE YOUR GATHERING 16 GREEN CHILE STEW FOR FALL 38 GRAVEL TOWN, USA 43 BIRDING HOTSPOTS 52 FALL 2021 / ISSUE 17

exceptional education

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ounded in 1925, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves nearly 11,000 students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose and its community college division, Western Colorado Community College.

CMU serves as the intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national and international importance.

At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that brings students together coloradomesa.edu with expert scholars and community professionals. Our focus is on providing quality academic and technical programs that support regional employment needs, as well as preparing students for 21st century careers.

Empowering young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities.

thecycleeffect.org FOUNDED TO CLOSE THE “ADVENTURE GAP” AND EMPOWER HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED & LOW-INCOME YOUNG WOMEN, THE CYCLE EFFECT IS MAKING WAVES IN OUR COLOR ADO COMMUNITIES.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH BIKING “Our program strives to show that any young woman can

thrive on and off the bike given the right opportunities. The skills our athletes develop in our program empower them far beyond the bike.”

— Brett Donelson, Executive Director of The Cycle Effect.

THE CYCLE EFFECT: GOALS • Provide an outlet and support system for high school and middle school aged young women to keep them engaged and interested in school.

• Teach life skills including goal setting, overcoming obstacles, healthy decision-making, the importance of physical fitness and nutrition, and community involvement.

• Instill a higher level of self-confidence and sense of belonging.

• Provide avenues for success that may not have been available.

• Play a role in ensuring that our girls successfully complete high school and pursue goals after graduation.

Join Our Mission

THE LESSONS you learn on a bike are often the same lessons you can put to use in life. The Cycle Effect’s mission, to empower young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities, exemplifies this.

For eight years, this non-profit has been giving 5th12th grade girls in rural Colorado communities the opportunity to ride and race mountain bikes.

In 2021, The Cycle Effect has a goal to serve 285 young women across Eagle, Summit, and Mesa Counties with the majority of participants identifying as Latina and low-income.

The Cycle Effect focuses on three primary goal areas: physical wellness, community impact & mentorship, and building brighter futures. By providing an opportunity for underserved young women to be engaged in regular, healthy programs that help build their self-esteem and promote overall wellness, girls are more likely to be healthier, stay engaged in school, and set goals that will support their future.

We believe in building a community of people who share our vision. There are many ways you can

“I use the bike as my way to think about life in

support The Cycle Effect.

general. The mountain and the uphills were my issues

Learn more at cycleeffect.org.

and I was confronting them.”

— Ana Maria, The Cycle Effect Athlete

CO N T what’s up in the west

lifestyle

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VOICES OF WESTERN COLORADO Locals Weigh in on Gather

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WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Trail Sisters + Life Time

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WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Colorado Mountain Winefest’s 30th Anniversary

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BLOSSOM Western Colorado Botanical Gardens Delight, Teach + Inspire

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HOME + GARDEN Elevate Your Gathering with a Proper Table Setting

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DRINK 3 High-Altitude Ciders for Fall

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GATHERINGS + GETAWAYS Special Advertising Section

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EAT 3 Spots to Stop + Fuel Up in Montrose

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BOOK + BEVERAGE The Aspen Cookbook The Orange Butterfly by Elizabeth Neckes, Woody Creek Distillers

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STYLE Western Colorado Through the Lens of Mike Davenport

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ART Strokes of the Season with Painter Mark Marino

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MAKER Gran Jun Beverage Co. Drink this Booch for a Much Better Gut

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S+B’S INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS

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FOOD Saving the Harvest Through Pickling + Fermentation

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FOOD True Grit Connection: Green Chile Stew

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WELLNESS + FITNESS Get to Know 3 Colorado CBD Companies

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WELLNESS + FITNESS Man vs. Machine: The Quest for Peak Human Performance in the Age of Technology and Biometrics

E N TS adventure

features + events

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SPOKE Gear Profile: Dave & Matt Vans

TRIBAL RADIO Forging Cross-Cultural Connection Through Storytelling

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SPOKE Athlete Profile: Amity Rockwell

ON THE PROWL Gray Wolf Reintroduction on the West Slope

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SPOKE Gear for the Season

HEALING IN HARMONY Harmony Acres Equestrian Center

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GRAND OUTDOORS Birding Hotspots + Tips for Fall Migration

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS Grand Junction Regional Airport

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TAKE A HIKE Professor Creek + Mary Jane Canyon Trail

EVENTS Fall 2021

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COMMUNITY Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: Stewards of the Land at Rock Bottom Ranch

WHO WE ARE Q&A with John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University

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WHO WE ARE Nic Korte

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ADVENTURE Steamboat Springs is “Gravel Town, USA”

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STAY + PLAY Sustainable Stays on the Colorado Creative Corridor

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GETAWAY Mesmerized by Montana: Glacier National Park

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

GATHER Let’s get together.

It’s amazing how the simple act of being around other people was something I took for granted. While I’m pretty content spending copious work and play time with my husband Bobby and our 17-year-old dog, Jack Muffin, the pandemic times of the past year and a half have really given new meaning to gathering with others. I think time shared with family and friends feels more significant than ever. What a great reminder — to not take quality time together for granted.

To gather is to assemble, much like we do every season with the stories and images in the printed and digital pages of Spoke+Blossom. Every issue I am reminded to appreciate the opportunity to create this magazine alongside the contributions and talents of so many. Even amidst COVID-19’s hardest knocks, we’ve been committed to sharing great journalism with longtime S+B supporters and new ones from all around.

Western Colorado loves food and art in every season, but we’ve seemed to lean into a more cultural tone in these pages that follow. It does seem like a great time to celebrate the good things in life, after all.

Editorial intern Zoe Cramer gave Aspen a nod in this issue, highlighting tips on table arrangements from a Roaring Fork Valley event planner, along with a feature on The Aspen Cookbook in our Book + Beverage section. Montrose was audited for its best eats by writer Kaitlin Emig, and Kelly McGuire shares a green chili stew recipe from her cookbook that offers the flavor of Colorado fall in a bowl.

MacKennea Broyles explores how our local seasons inspire a Plein Air painter, and photographer Mike Davenport highlights Western Colorado through his unique lens. We hope to share photo essays like this more consistently. Like gathering with others, sometimes it’s not about all the words exchanged but the experiences captured in that time, that place.

While the days and months pass and years tick by, gather ‘round and don’t miss the moments.

We’ll be here, collecting inspiration and assembling it for you.

Publisher + Co-Owner

Join the Spoke+Blossom Community Instagram @spokeandblossom

twitter.com/ spokeandblossom

Keep in touch with us between issues! Check out our website, spokeandblossom.com, for updates and events, and follow us on social media.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to be taken directly to our website.

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This magazine is shareable and recyclable. Please don’t throw it in the trash.

Publisher Jaunt Media Collective Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Managing Editor Lexi Reich Assistant Editor Lauren Farrauto Art Director Kitty Nicholason Advertising Bobby L’Heureux Interns Emme Fredericks Olivia Lyda Contributors MacKennea Broyles Bob Clarke Julia Clarke Chris Cohen Zoe Cramer Mike Davenport Christy Douglass Kaitlin Emig David Epperson Emme Fredericks Courtney Holden Jenna Kretschman Olivia Lyda Christopher Marona Kelly McGuire Laura Mills Scott Peterson Todd Winslow Pierce Lexi Reich Jay Rook LaBree Shide Sharon Sullivan Melanie Wiseman Cover Photograph Chris Cohen

Kim Fuller

facebook.com/ spokeandblossom

Founder Robin Brown

Spoke+Blossom Magazine Jaunt Media Collective 2077 North Frontage Road / 103A Vail, CO 81657 For advertising, contact ads@spokeandblossom.com 815.414.9642 Get in touch! We would love to hear from you. Please send your comments to letters@spokeandblossom.com Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission. Printed in Colorado.

L O C A L LY S O U R C E D G O O D N E S S LOCAL meat, produce, bread, pasta, milk, cheese, salsas, sauces, jams, kombucha, CBD products, jewelry, art ... and much more.

Come enjoy an espresso or a scoop of ice cream and see what we have to offer!

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HARVEST. FAMILY. FRIENDS. As you gather together this season, we extend our gratitude for the trust and confidence you place in us when you choose a banking relationship with Alpine Bank.

INDEPENDENCE • COMMUNITY • COMPASSION • INTEGRITY • LOYALTY ALPINEBANK.COM • MEMBER FDIC

contributors

MIKE DAVENPORT An award-winning photographer for nearly 40 years, Mike has worked for clients such as Lockheed, Home Depot and Nike. His work has been seen in Time, Newsweek and National Geographic magazines. He has photographed CEOs, muscians and a Tennessee bootlegger.

He now shoots mostly music: live concerts, artist portraits and album art.

EMME FREDERICKS

ZOE CRAMER

Emme, born and raised in Detroit, moved to Boulder to study advertising and business. She loves all things outdoors, anything creative and has a passion for health and wellness. She is interning at Jaunt Media Collective, the publishers of Spoke+Blossom and YOGA + Life magazines.

Zoe grew up in Aspen, Colorado after moving there at a young age where she came to love and be inspired by the outdoors. It’s not uncommon to find her outside, soaking up nature with a journal and pen in hand. If not writing, she’s often hiking with her dogs. She plans to earn a degree from Wesleyan University, majoring in The College of Letters.

JAY ROOK Jay is the owner of Ascent Athlete Wellness, an integrative and regenerative sports medicine practice.

When he’s not helping his patients get back to lives and hobbies they enjoy, he’s either on a mountain bike going as fast as he can down something that could make him a patient or sprinting the length of a soccer pitch.

LAURA MILLS Laura, a member of the Spoke+Blossom relationships team, loves everything outdoors, especially with her border collie puppy, Fern. A change in career paths lead her to take a stab at creating content. If not in the woods, she can be found on the beaches of Maine.

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KELLY McGUIRE Kelly is a lifelong resident of Western Colorado. She has taught for 10 years and strives to make our part of the world a better place for all. Summers are for long hikes early in the morning, tending to the raised vegetable and herb gardens she and husband Ira created and planning fun trips.

voices of western colorado

GATHER We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic Compiled by Emme Fredericks ZACH MAHONE

LISA GANORA

JOEY EARLY

CONNIE MAZZA

Lisa is the author of “Herbal Constituents: Foundations of Phytochemistry.” She teaches in schools, conferences and online, and also founded the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CHCS). Now that she has retired from CHCS, her heart resides at Eldeberry’s Herbal Education and Retreat Center in Paonia, which she founded.

Joey Early is the marketing manager at RockyMounts in Grand Junction. Early is fairly new to the Western Slope and loves that he found a place where there is opportunity to make a difference.

Connie Leaf Mazza and her husband Anthony started Village Bagel out of their home in 2016. Two years later, Village Bagel turned into a brick and mortar eatery in Edwards.

“I believe the word ‘gather’ is

“The word ‘gather’ actually

synonymous both in cultural

embodies the reason I decided to

“Here is where we gather: not

concept and semantically

open the bagel shop and devote

only the wild and cultivated

with community; that is truly

my life’s work to the art of old-

bounty, but also we gather spirit

the core of what makes us all

fashioned bagel baking. I wanted

and connection with each other

human. Without community we

to create a cozy place where

and all our relations. We honor

cannot grow or create progress

people meet their friends and

and respect the life that flows

as a people. We struggle even

family and share a nourishing

through all beings, the living

for survival without banding

meal together — a place that is

waters, the vital air, the warming

together to create something

warm and welcoming to all. To

sun and the life-sustaining and

greater than the sum of its parts.

gather, in my mind, is to connect

healing gifts of the earth. We

Gather (or gathering) is the act or

with others on a fundamental

gather in community, sharing

habit of creating and maintaining

level (after all, what is more

our stories and skills, learning

that community. Without that

fundamental than eating a

together and reconnecting with

ability, we can find ourselves lost

meal together?). To gather is to

the flow of energy through this

in this world. To gather is one of

discover just how similar we

beautiful land and the plants that

the roots of what it means to be

all really are. Sharing a warm,

make it home. Every day we are

one people.”

handmade meal helps facilitate

reminded here that we humans

connection on a simple, primitive

are nature — the ‘environment’

scale, and just as importantly,

is us! — and we work not only

helps the individual slow down

to gather, but to heal, cultivate,

and connect with the present

regenerate and support this

moment.”

beautiful little farm.”

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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what's up in the west

TRAIL SISTERS + LIFE TIME AIM TO INCREASE FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN TRAIL RUNNING Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of Life Time and Trail Sisters

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t ’s t i m e t o g e t c o m f o r t a b l e i n t h e

in outdoor sports — but the narrative is finally

uncomfortable — we’re talking female

turning a page.

According to the Outdoor Foundation,

representation in the outdoor industry.

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TO THE START LINE

women make up almost half of all outdoor

Trail Sisters believes female voice and

recreation participants, but they’re widely

representation are essential in the future of the

underrepresented in leadership roles across the

outdoors. In alignment with their goal to foster

industry. Sustainable change starts at the base,

an inspirational community that supports just

and a new partnership between Trail Sisters and

that, Trail Sisters is hosting its first-ever run

Life Time is turning their efforts to trail running,

event — the Women’s Trail Half Marathon — in

where women make up only a third of trail

Buena Vista on September 11, 2021. Life Time

race competitors. The gender disparity can be

will serve as the presenting sponsor of the

traced back to historical biases towards women

already sold-out event.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Trail Sisters

describes the race as “13.1 miles that twist and turn through sage brush and ponderosa pines, all while providing stunning views of the prestige Collegiate Peaks.” The event starts Saturday at 8 a.m. and a post-race social is scheduled at the Trail Sisters headquarters — the founder’s home!

“What I’ve learned over my five years

running Trail Sisters is that if someone is educated on a topic and really understands it, then they feel empowered and have the ability to help other people out,” says Gina Lucrezi, founder of Trail Sisters. “There’s a lot you can do if you’re an empowered person — it makes you feel confident and like you can take on anything.

Giving people free access to help them grow their skill set and feel strong mentally, physically

prior experience. Recipients of the grant receive

and emotionally can really set someone on their

training throughout the year from Life Time run

path to do anything in life.”

coaches and a race entry into one of Life Time’s

fall running events.

Helping curve the gender imbalance in trail

While more progress is still to be made, it

running, the Women’s Trail Half Marathon aims

to open the door for women to feel confident and

begins with that first leap. :

empowered in the sport. In turn, it paves the way for equal leadership to rise in the industry.

“I know and see the impact that Trail Sisters

has made in building confidence and education for women in this space,” says Michelle Duffy, associate marketing director for Life Time’s OffRoad Events.

CROSSING THE FINISH Duffy explains the partnership is intended to enable Trail Sisters to continue their growth. The two organizations are working together to create educational content and resources on topics such as awareness, gear and conservation through digital experiences and at in-person events with local Trail Sisters run groups. Together, the organizations will tap into Trail Sisters’ 35,000plus network of women runners across the country to foster community, connection and empower women to feel comfortable hitting the trails.

The Trail Sisters Coaching Grant exemplifies

equitable progress that collaborations like these can create for women in outdoor sports. In partnership with Life Time, the grant encourages women to get into trail running, no matter their

Learn more at trailsisters.net.

what's up in the west

30TH ANNIVERSARY

COLORADO MOUNTAIN WINEFEST Words by Emme Fredericks | Photos courtesy of CAVE

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fter canceling the event last year due to

made that pivot and are breaking the event in

COVID-19, Winefest is ready to reopen its

half and pulling down our capacity, we will have

gates and raise a glass to 30 years.

2,300 attendees each day.”

Colorado Association for Viticulture and

Shull disclosed how excited she is for

Enology, or CAVE, is officially set to host the 30th

everyone to be back together celebrating and

anniversary of Colorado Mountain Winefest

how diligently the team has been working with

from September 18-19, 2021 in Palisade. CAVE is

the health department and board to ensure the

a member-based, trade non-profit organization

event will be as safe as possible — their number

that exists to support wine growers throughout

one priority. Shull shared that after a very trying

Colorado.

year, it will be almost emotional to see how far

the organization and festival has come.

“This year, we will have 35 wineries over

a two-day event, 15 or so vendors and eight

sponsors,” says Cassidee Shull, executive director

hugely loyal to Colorado wine and the brand of

of CAVE. “In a normal year, we had 63 wineries,

Colorado Winefest. I just know there is so much

about 35 vendors, and at our height, about 6,600

excitement to come together in the park this

attendees in the park. This year, since we have

coming September,” she says.

“We have an amazing group of folks who are

In addition to the wineries and vendors from

across the state, there will also be live music and many other activities throughout the park.

CAVE produces two Colorado wine events:

Colorado Mountain Winefest and VinCO, a fourday conference and trade show in January that partners with Western Colorado Horticultural Society. When things are slower for the wine industry in the winter, VinCO brings people together to discuss the previous growing season and get a jump start on what lies ahead. The funds raised from Winefest go directly back into the industry by paying for everything conference-related, which impacts the quality of wine in Colorado.

If you are unable to score tickets to this

year’s Winefest, or you want to kick off the event early, Colorado Wine Week, also hosted by CAVE,

to enjoy a weekend of events surrounded by others, be sure to check out this year’s Colorado Mountain Winefest. :

will be September 9-12 with activities ranging from food and wine pairings, to live music and

For more information about the event and

food trucks; no tickets are needed.

organization go to coloradowinefest.com

or winecolorado.org.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself

in the Colorado wine industry, or you just want

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blossom

TODD WINSLOW PIERCE/BFAG

WESTERN COLORADO

BOTANICAL GARDENS DELIGHT, TEACH + INSPIRE Words by Sharon Sullivan

S

trolling through Western Colorado’s

Durango Public Library into a demonstration

various botanical gardens is a lovely way

garden. Rose, crevice, wind and grass gardens

to experience nature and view both native and

now grow along the east and north sides of the

exotic plant species. Many botanical gardens

library, as well. A new “literary” garden will be

offer free admission, although donations are

added in coming months.

welcome to these largely volunteer-run labors

of love.

of nature and gardens and how they influenced

“The premise is to demonstrate the impact

writers,” explains Bill LeMaire, DBG president.

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DURANGO BOTANIC GARDENS

There will be signage with links to book lists and

The Durango Botanic Gardens (DBG) began in

authors.

2010 when a local master gardener transformed

a weed-infested patch of ground behind the

Botanic Gardens is open to visitors any time.

Located at 1900 E. Third Ave., the Durango

mornings when there are usually docents available to give tours. Group tours are also welcome and can be arranged by calling 970.880.4841 or email durangobotanic@gmail.com. durangobotanicgardens.org

MONTROSE BOTANIC GARDENS The Montrose Botanic Gardens is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. These wellestablished gardens include cacti, xeriscape, ornamental and native grasses, lilac, rose and a sensory garden designed to stimulate the five senses.

In the “Happy Hollow” area there’s a

children’s garden where families celebrate September’s Pizza Harvest. During this event children pick, wash and cut vegies to make pizzas cooked on a barbecue grill in cast-iron skillets. The Scarecrow Festival in October is another popular event.

Small concerts, workshops and weddings

also take place at the gardens, located at 1800

LaBREE SHIDE/MONTROSE BOTANIC GARDENS

Volunteers maintain the gardens on Saturday

LABREE SHIDE, MONTROSE BOTANIC GARDENS

Pavilion Drive on the south side of the Pavilion

batches of chrysalises arrive every other week,

Events Center in Montrose.

which visitors can watch hatch if they’re lucky.

“We have a 10-million-dollar view of the

San Juan Mountains,” says Lorraine Shide,

a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment. Cost of admission

president of the Montrose Botanical Society, the

is $5 for adults; seniors / students / military /

group in charge of the gardens. “It’s absolutely

children 12 and older $4; children 3-11 $3, and

breathtaking.”

children under 3 are free. The WCBG participates

in a reciprocal admission program which allows

Montrose Botanic Gardens is free and open

daily from dawn to dusk. montrosegardens.org

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Current hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8

admission to more than 300 botanical gardens across the United States. wcbotanic.org

WESTERN COLORADO BOTANICAL GARDENS

YAMPA RIVER BOTANIC PARK

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens (WCBG)

One of Steamboat Springs’ top summer

is located at 655 Struthers Ave. in Grand Junction

attractions is the Yampa River Botanic Park

just north of the Colorado Riverfront Trail.

(YRBP), highlighting native plants that grow at

Here you’ll find a spectacular cactus and

6,800-feet elevation. Most are labeled with both

succulent garden, a Japanese garden, a rose

their scientific and common names. You’ll also

garden and the Heritage Garden — a collection

find sculptures located throughout the park.

of antique artifacts from the Grand Valley’s

pioneer era.

board members and volunteers, where you can

The WCBG also includes a tropical

learn about the park’s history and the plants that

greenhouse and Butterfly House, where new

thrive there. Participants are limited to 10 per tour

Free guided walking tours are led by YRBP

and you must preregister. Walk-ups are welcome if space is available. Tours begin at 10 a.m.

Located at 1000 Pamela Lane in Steamboat,

the park is free and open to the public from early May through the end of October.

Check the website’s calendar for summer

music festivals, yoga classes and other events.

The venue can also be rented for weddings. yampariverbotanicpark.org

BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS Colorado alpine plants, a large rock garden, Rocky Mountain native plants and a collection of garden alpine plants from around the world grow at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (BFAG) in Vail. Open from dawn to dusk, the gardens are located within the 20-acre Ford Park, 522 S. Frontage Road. Admission is a suggested donation of $5.

Guided snowshoe tours are available in the

park — as well as self-guided tours — during the winter.

The Education Center is open daily, year-

round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with information about the alpine environment, as well as art exhibits.

A current climate change themed exhibit will

be up through October outdoors, and through November indoors. “We chose plants related to solutions for reversing climate change,” explains BFAG executive director Nicola Ritley. The upcoming Rocky Mountain Society of Botanical Artists exhibit “From Platte to Peak” runs November 2021 through April 2022.

Ritley said the BFAG recently published a

“stunning” coffee table book about the various seasons, why the alpine environment is so important and the conservation work that is being done at the site to preserve the alpine environment. : bettyfordalpinegardens.org/visit

Because every day is a reason to celebrate! carlsonvineyards.com

home + garden

ELEVATE YOUR GATHERING WITH A PROPER TABLE SETTING Words by Zoe Cramer DEBBY HUDSON

T

here’s nothing that elevates a meal like

a well-arranged table. Sitting with loved

vibe. It creates meaning,” says Slossberg.

ones in the glow of candles and the warmth of

a freshly cooked, homemade dinner are some of

Slossberg gets organized and works backward

the most special moments. Having a beautifully

from there. She first considers the menu –– what

dressed table in the center of it all makes these

food will be served and how much room the food

moments all the more memorable.

and drinks will take up on the table. Only once

she has a good idea of the space she has to work

Setting a table is a craft; it involves

consideration and creativity. Elizabeth Slossberg,

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“It just creates the ambiance. It creates the Before even approaching a table to set it,

with for decor does she move forward.

owner and founder of EKS Events in Aspen,

offers a professional perspective on bringing

decor and for the layering,” Slossberg explains.

your gatherings to the next level with a well-

“And then, I go about the process. Do we have a

arranged table. Slossberg thinks outside of the

theme? Do we have a feel? Does the house have

box to make a table arrangement beautiful and

a theme or a feel? And that’s how I kind of back

personal to the event.

it in.”

“So, I first evaluate what room we have for

Slossberg recommends making the table

“I really use the same things I have over and

setting about the event and scene. For the fall, she

over again,” Cramer says. “You can use things

often uses food elements for centerpieces such as

that you have, like a martini glass. You can use

fruits, vegetables, charcuterie boards and local

a martini glass and put a candle in it, and then

Colorado honeycombs and jams. The table might

you can take ribbon and tie it around the stem of

be scattered with photos including the guests for

the martini glass and you have a martini glass,

personal events, such as wedding anniversaries

but it operates as a candle holder. So be creative

or birthdays. If you want to take a more simplified

with the items that you have and think about

decor route, Slossberg recommends using your

using them in a different way than what they’re

dinner as the centerpiece. For a recent family

intended in your place setting.”

event she planned, the table was lined with Lazy

Susans so guests could admire the dishes and dig

for parties of 10 or more guests. They take away

in family-style. If you want to get really into it,

the awkward moment when people are trying

Slossberg suggests hanging floral elements and

to figure out where to sit, and you can mix

lighting overhead and having candles on the

up unlikely pairs to stimulate conversation.

table to add dimension.

Placeholders also allow for another little touch

With each element incorporated, from

to enhance your table. Cramer suggests using

lighting to centerpieces, Slossberg carefully

pinecones or little turkeys for Thanksgiving

considers the scene and setup. For example,

dinner. You might also include photographs

she always reminds herself to avoid blocking

which can double as take-aways.

conversation –– don’t let flowers get in the way

of seeing each other’s faces.

table. Put your love and creativity to work, and

show your guests you care with a beautifully set

If you’re having a larger event and don’t

have everything you need, you might look to

Cramer is also a big advocate of placeholders

Every gathering deserves a well-arranged

table. :

a rental company. EKS Events uses companies such as Premier Party Rental in Carbondale for glassware, tables and bars and Eclectic Hive in Denver for furniture and specialty items.

Buckel Family Wine

buckelfamilywine.com

If you’re daunted by the idea of using a

rental company but still want to have a chic table for your guests, you might look to my mother Heather Cramer for inspiration. Growing up, I had the pleasure of witnessing my mom work her magic on a table just days away from any larger dinner party. She can’t paint or draw to save her life, but my mother sets one exquisite table.

She suggests investing in one thing each

dinner party that you know you can use again.

If the items are neutral, they can be used for any occasion. For example, if you buy neutral candle holders, you can use them with different colored candles to suit any desired ambiance (like burnt orange in the fall). If you have neutral napkins, you can change their message with the way you fold them or the string you tie them with. Cramer uses her resources to make her same few items look entirely different with each table setting.

VISIT US: 1018 Highway 135 in Gunnison 201 W Colorado Ave in Telluride

drink

3 HIGH-ALTITUDE CIDERS FOR FALL Words by Olivia Lyda | Photos courtesy of the cideries

W

estern Colorado fall creates the most

This fall, support local businesses and indulge in

beautiful atmosphere: the changing color

these three novel high-altitude ciders.

of Aspen tree leaves, the crisp and cool mountain

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air, the full bloom of apple season. Curling up

SNOW CAPPED CIDER

in front of the fire with a refreshing hard apple

A family business with over 109 years and

cider is the perfect way to celebrate the changing

five generations of apple growing and cider

of seasons.

experience, Snow Capped Cider’s apple orchards

Colorado is known all over the state for

reside at 6,130 feet elevation. With multiple

its incredible hard ciders and unique flavor

prestigious awards from the Great Lakes

profiles that come with them. Moving beyond

International Cider & Perry Competition, the

the taste of mass produced, ultra sweet ciders as

highest-level contest for ciders, Snow Capped

you may know them, apples grown in the high-

knows the importance and success that comes

altitude environment of Colorado yield ciders

from selecting the perfect apple, paired with

with globally recognized, unmatched flavors.

high altitude growing conditions.

“We grow heirloom apples or heritage

apples, which are older varietals that aren’t sold to grocery stores any longer,” explains Kari Williams, brand manager and owner of Snow Capped Cider.

“Heritage apples have more tannins, more

complexity and some have higher sugar content or acidity. Then, throw that into growing at an elevation of 6,130 feet where the exposure to UV rays causes the trees to be in distress and the trees pump acid throughout themselves, and our fruit comes in with an extremely high sugar content and low pH. That’s how we get the flavors of Snow Capped Cider.”

Fall Recommendation “This fall in our specialty line, we are releasing a Bourbon Barrel Aged Spiced Peach Cider in a 375 milliliter bottle,” Williams shares. “It is made with the English cider apples, our own Colorado peaches and aged in bourbon barrels for nine months whole-spice.”

“Our Ashmead’s Kernel bottled cider is

Red Fox Ciders and Cellars in Palisade

another one of my favorites right now. Made from an English bitter sharp cider apple, it’s very rich and layered with flavors,” adds Williams. snowcappedcider.com

Based in Palisade, Red Fox Ciders and Cellars

Year-Round Farmers’ Market & Specialty Grocery Store

provides a tasting room experience for any

A GROCERY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

RED FOX CIDERS AND CELLARS cider drinker. Red Fox creates a comfortable environment with a rustic back patio, serving in-house cider and wine cocktails and chilled carbonated ciders on-tap.

“Our

philosophy

is

that

we

think

a

little higher alcohol percentage and higher carbonation makes for a better cider. We always age our ciders a minimum of six months, and we like to age them with a little bit of oak as well,” explains co-owner Scott Hamilton.

“Our hard ciders are different from most

in the state. A lot of people don’t realize there are two types of hard cider, being French, which are really sweet, or English, which are dryer or semi-sweet. We chose to go the English-style route, which seems to be the most popular style for the craft cider industry,” he adds.

BASALT 227 Midland Ave. / 11A Basalt, CO 81621 970-927-7650

FRUITA 119 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita, CO 81521 970-858-3597

Fall Recommendation

of 22 Brix or higher. This is a very high sugar

“Our Pear-lo has been super popular. We do a

content for any apple,” he adds.

lot of experimentation — one of our best-selling wines is a bourbon-barrel-aged merlot. Pear-lo is

Fall Recommendation

a perry or pear cider that is aged in one of those

“I like the Windfall. It’s our French-style

merlot bourbon barrels,” says Hamilton.

Bittersweet cider with a wonderful blend of fruit

redfoxcellars.com

from Atomic Orchards,” says Perry. “It is super high in tannin and has a robust mouthfeel that

FENCELINE CIDER & WINE

rivals red wine. It is aged in French oak for over

With cider flavors ranging from Elderberry

a year and is a big cider that can stand up to any

to Sweet Rose, Fenceline Cider & Wine’s

meal. Look for our whole skin Hermosa Cherry

Tasteroom in Mancos has a food truck and live

cider coming out as an exclusive release for our

music overlooking the Mancos River for the

fall cider club allocation.”

perfect cidery experience. Using wild apples

fenceline.co

from Southwest Colorado, Fenceline offers high-altitude flavors with a unique story to its

Colorado’s high-altitude cidery roots are deeply

production.

embedded in the Western Slope, with sweet

“Fenceline was originally created to find

and light or deep and robust flavors that are

a use for the hundreds of thousands of pounds

only achievable through the high-altitude

of Montezuma and La Plata County apples

apple orchards. This fall season, take time to

that used to go unused each fall. Southwestern

appreciate and indulge in the finer things that

Colorado used to produce more apples than the

Western Colorado has immediate access to.

whole of Washington State, and many of those

historic orchards are still alive today,” shares co-

now, but the consumer is becoming more aware

founder Sam Perry.

of what apples make the best cider,” suggests

“The Old Fort Lewis Orchard in Hesperus

Williams. “There are more people than ever

Colorado sits at an elevation of 7,612 feet, and we

discovering how cider really should be made.” :

have harvested apples with sugar concentrations

20

“There’s a lot of different ciders out there

gatherings + getaways

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Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough is beautiful bread for your special occasion that is made with natural fermentation that feeds your body and your soul. Born in Colorado, raised in Hawaii, and a lifetime of sourdough experience. kulinalani.com 970.539.5444

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LIMELIGHT HOTELS IN ASPEN, SNOWMASS AND KETCHUM All Limelight properties are set in the heart of mountain communities, catering to those with a hunger for adventure (and our signature wood-fired pizzas).

The Limelight Aspen, recently renovated and reopening for 2021, is steps from the steeps of Aspen mountain for big hikes and bigger views of the Elk Mountains.

The nearby Limelight Snowmass offers unrivaled fall colors, no matter which direction you look, and skiing out the back door.

Limelight Ketchum provides an escape farther west for all Coloradoans up to idyllic Sawtooth range. Things move slowly in Ketchum, when you’re not screaming down 2,400 feet of vertical drop on skis or one of the acclaimed, out-there mountain bike trails. limelighthotels.com

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

21

eat

3 SPOTS TO STOP + FUEL UP IN MONTROSE Words + Photos by Kaitlin Emig

A

22

weekend tour of tasting and drinking can

Brewery. The outdoor patio hosts concerts over

be found with well-loved favorites and a

the summer and open mic nights year-round.

new addition in Montrose. On my tour I stopped

Specials and happy hours run throughout the

at a brewery, coffee and beer pub, and taco

week with Thursday being the best deal. The

restaurant to get a feel for the town.

bar runs “Drinking with Lincoln” all day — by

purchasing a burger you can get a pint or soda

Montrose is a great stop when visiting the

Black Canyon of the Gunnison or on your way

for a penny.

to southwestern Colorado. The town offers 29

developed parks, 118 acres of open space, over

of people. The man who sat next to me noticed the

30 miles of concrete trails, 15 miles of single-

sign above the outdoor taps saying “Free Beer”

track hiking and biking, and a world class water

and in small letters underneath, “Tomorrow.”

sports park. With plenty of things to see and

do, fueling up for your adventures starts with a

today, right?” he asked. The bartender laughed

town favorite at Horsefly Brewery.

and smiled in return.

Motorcycles are parked outside and

The deals and atmosphere bring in a variety

“Hey, I was in here yesterday, so beer is free

I tried a flight of beer brewed in house. The

children’s chalk drawings are inside the

Blonde is an easy refreshing beer to start off the

courtyard creating a local vibe at Horsefly

flight of craft beers, followed by the Jazzy Red

that has a similar taste but with a hint

of raspberries at the end. The Grapefruit

owners and run the coffee house side of the

Hefeweizen was sweet and hoppy. The Coconut

restaurant; their friends Kevin and Chelsea

Porter was dark and nutty.

McHugh run the craft brewery. Within a year of

The most popular item on the menu is

developing their idea based off brew and coffee

the wings, so I got six traditional with mango

pubs seen in Las Vegas, they found a property to

habanero sauce and a side of sweet potato

lease. By January 1, 2021, after an unexpectedly

fries. Horsefly Brewery uses local and fresh

short wait for their federal permits to serve

ingredients in their original recipes. Next time

alcohol, they opened with home brew-style beer.

I will try their signature burger, the 50/50, that

uses beef and bacon.

Sunday, but the demand to stay open increased,”

John and Davina Pope are two of the four

“The plan was to open Friday through

For coffee the next day, I checked out the

says John Pope. They built out more fermentation,

newly opened San Juan Brews, a coffee shop

a five-barrel system and began offering their

and brewery located on Main Street. I tried the

space Tuesday through Sunday for a variety of

Iced Carmel Macchiato with espresso infused

people. Their mission is to create a community

whipped cream, which is as refreshing and

gathering space where people can come together

sweet as it sounds.

to share a beverage. There are telecommuting

There is a variety of seating options from

workers, bible studies, mom and me groups,

couches to tables to bar seats and an outdoor

yoga on Tuesdays, and paint and pints offered

patio in this refurbished 1908 building.

with community partnerships.

Originally a slaughterhouse, the exposed brick

interior gives the space an industrial feel

Davina Pope adds. “There was a need for a

set amowngst beer brewing equipment and

friendly meeting space in town, and we offer

espresso machines.

different ways to sit and enjoy our space.”

“We encourage locals supporting locals,”

Food trucks regularly park outside, and

spinach and corn. There is also a vegan option

guests are encouraged to bring food inside to

called the Lett-uce Shoot.

create a brew pub atmosphere. On my visit, The

Buttered Biscuit GJ truck was parked outside

farmer’s market, offering local and fresh food

and smelled rather tasty. Paonia Paella and

from the Western Slope. The market runs year-

My weekend tour also coincided with the

round every Saturday morning. This tour was just a glimpse at the great food and beverage scene in Montrose. With food trucks, bars, distilleries, pizza, burgers and fine dining, there is something for everyone, so make a stop or try something new in Montrose. :

Double Barrel Taco Company also provide food for the brew pub guests.

For lunch, I walked across the street to

Double Barrel Taco Company. The restaurant was filled with afternoon light coming in from their storefront windows making the space feel bright and welcoming. They offer an exclusive taco menu, or arsenal as they call it, with creative names for some of the classic tacos. I tried a Jail Bird and Notorious P.I.G. along with an extremely sweet lemonade. Other favorites are the Double Barrel, a brisket-filled taco, and Down South Sawed Off which features shrimp,

24

book + beverage

Words by Zoe Cramer | Illustration by Julia Bridgforth/courtesy of The Aspen Cookbook

THE BOOK

THE ASPEN COOKBOOK

B

classy and timeless, but also a little funky and unique, which is I think just what Aspen is.”

Have your home kitchen smelling like fall

ehind the scenes of any meal in the kitchen

with Moroccan Vegetable Tagine from Mawa’s

is a loving and messy process of creativity,

Kitchen or Farro Rissotto from Pyramid Bistro.

and The Aspen Cookbook will hold your hand

If you’re having a gathering, don’t miss Party

through it all.

Pico de Gallo & Guacamole from Silverpeak Grill

The Aspen Cookbook came into this world

(formerly 520 Grill). For quick weeknight meals,

when meals with loved ones at local

Busch recommends the Carrot Coconut Ginger

restaurants were not an option. To

Soup from Castle Creek Café. The Aspen Cookbook

combat the lack of togetherness

truly has a recipe for every occasion and craving.

and the economic strife restaurants encountered

THE BEVERAGE

in the face of the

THE ORANGE BUTTERFLY

pandemic, the cookbook was born.

YPN Aspen, a

committee of young professionals under the Aspen Board of Realtors, came up with the idea for the cookbook when seeking ways to stimulate camaraderie.

The committee established a restaurant-relief grant fund, which all of the proceeds from The Aspen Cookbook go towards. By purchasing The Aspen Cookbook, you’re not just supporting your stomach, you’re supporting the delectable restaurants that sustain Aspen.

With over 100 recipes and their backstories,

The Aspen Cookbook is well-balanced in cuisine and doesn’t fail to highlight beloved Aspen favorites. All of these recipes were gathered, tested and tweaked appropriately for home cooks by the editor, Amanda Rae Busch. Busch has been the food columnist for Aspen Times Weekly since 2013 and earned first place for The Aspen Cookbook in the Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers, General Nonfiction category in the National Federation of Press Women National Contest, among other accolades for the book.

Many of the foods are pictured through Julia

Bridgworth’s charming illustrations.

“I just love the way [Bridgworth] put the

whole thing together,” Busch says. “I think that she has such a great eye for something that was

B

e careful sipping your Orange Butterfly as you flip through the recipes of The Aspen

Cookbook –– Amanda Rae Busch’s drink pairing of choice for the book. The Orange Butterfly was concocted by Elizabeth Neckes, Woody Creek Distillers’ bartender, to accompany the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine. Busch selected this aperitif because of its locality; the Orange Butterfly is made special with Woody Creek Distillers’ vodka.

Woody Creek Distillers was founded in 2013.

Since then, they have earned numerous awards for their spirits. Their ingredients are either personally grown and harvested or sourced from other trusted Colorado farms. Their 100% potato vodka is produced from self-grown Rio Grande potatoes and local spring water, which makes the Orange Butterfly distinctly Colorado.

The citrusy beverage will be optimal in the

fall. Oranges are commonly misconstrued to best be enjoyed in the summer, but most orange seasons actually start in the fall and end before June, according to Hale Groves. Dig into the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine in between sips.

With a cool glass of the Orange Butterfly, you won’t be the only thing sweating in the kitchen. : For more information visit aspencommunitycookbook.com and woodycreekdistillers.com.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

25

style

WESTERN COLORADO THROUGH THE LENS OF

MIKE DAVENPORT Words + Photos by Mike Davenport

PAUL Grand Junction native artist Paul Jensen. A 1979 graduate of Fruita Monument High School, Paul is a national recording artist, singer, songwriter, poet and traveler. He is currently in Vermont working on his fifth album. His music is quiet and introspective. A quiet place and a whisper of inspiration.

26

ROAD BIKER Keith Hawkins of Grand Junction, a local road bike enthusiast, poses with his bike in the studio. Bikers experience the world with speed, wind and sweat, contrast and color.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

27

28

OPPOSITE TOP

LIVE AT THE WAREHOUSE Jason Abbott performs to a sold-out crowd at Warehouse 2565. The past year has been difficult for all of us, but it has been particularly hard on small, local bands and musicians as venues shut down. With the easing of restrictions, local entertainers like Jason Abbott have found a public desperate for live music.

OPPOSITE LEFT

STAGE LIGHT Bass player Levi Brown of Montrose.

Like many local musicians, Levi plays with several bands, including Jason Abbott and Clark Jensen. Music is about sound and emotion, photography is about light and emotion. When they come together, we create something special, together.

OPPOSITE RIGHT

MOUNTAIN MAN Grand Junction artist Steve McDowell poses for a portrait. Steve uses photographs as inspiration and reference for his paintings. The world is full of amazing and wondrous characters.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON Chris Rowland with his son Joey Rowland perform with Clark Jensen at Warehouse 2565. Both Grand Junction natives, the pair play together with several bands and can be seen at various venues around the Grand Valley.

There is just something special about father and son sharing the stage.

art

“Autumn Cottonwood Study” North of Jackson, WY. Oil. 12x16.

“IT’S ALL LIGHT AND SHAPE AND COLOR AND TEXTURE.”

STROKES OF THE SEASON WITH PAINTER MARK MARINO Words by MacKennea Broyles

T

30

ucked away at the foot of the Grand Mesa,

For Marino, who grew up in Boulder and

the same Cedaredge apple orchard that

began drawing at the age of five, the outdoors

grows the main ingredient in Snow Capped

have been a long-time subject of his art. From his

Cider is also home to painter Mark Marino and

education at the University of Northern Colorado

his wife, JoAnne. From the itsy-bitsy buds of

to mentorships and apprenticeships with artists

spring to the bold blossoms of summer to the

in Idaho and Wyoming, the magnificence of the

abundant apples of fall and the barren branches

western landscape is threaded through Marino’s

of winter, the apple trees are always an indicator

body of work.

of change.

Although Marino’s painting has taken him to

“It’s beautiful,” Marino says, of the orchard.

many a breathtaking location, he admits that the

“It’s the perfect place.” More than an idyllic living

colors, shapes and values found in the Colorado

space, the property is also home to Marino’s

National Monument remain some of his favorite

studio, where his iconic plein air paintings that

to paint.

have found homes in everything from galleries

to calendars come to fruition.

much of Marino’s paintings aim to capture life

From wildlife to scenery to portraiture,

outdoors in the glory that it exudes by simply

existing. “I just paint what I see; I paint my life

too. Many galleries closed during COVID-19,

and my life experience,” explains Marino.

and there were no in-person art shows or

The landscape is shifting in the art world,

Plein air painting takes place chiefly in

competitions. “It hurt everybody, artists

situ, or at the locale that is being painted. This

included,” shares Marino. Art sales have also

painting style lends itself to the portrayal of

gradually shifted online, but, as Marino points

panoramic landscapes and is often at the whim

out, digital pictures and screens, despite their

of light patterns and the mercurial weather for

high-resolution features, are still unable to do

which Colorado is notorious. Representing these

something as intricate as an oil painting justice.

shifts in oil paint takes a keen eye and a quick

hand. Thankfully, Marino has both.

Western Slope continues to act as a welcoming

Thankfully, galleries are reopening, and the

“It’s all light and shape and color and

home for artists, with many local galleries and

texture,” Marino explains, describing his method.

one of just a few art foundries (studios for bronze

“It’s about how to capture those finer shapes and

sculpture casting) in Colorado.

values. There’s this process that goes on in the

background — thousands and thousands of little

the seasons, Marino is always looking forward

decisions.”

and plans to keep painting “probably forever.”

Like the onward march of time through

These thousands of decisions make for

Marino is continually growing his body of work

intricate details that ultimately form the richly

and even plans to expand into new media

detailed paintings that appear on Marino’s

forms, beginning with a commission for a

canvases.

bronze sculpture. Although no plans are set in

On a broader scale of change, the seasons

stone (or bronze), Marino is meeting the future

often shape not just a landscape, but Marino’s

with an open mind. “We’ll see where it goes,”

palette. “In the fall, you have a hazy yellow

he says. :

tinge; summer has these bright lights and deep, cool shadows, while spring has bright shades of green and light blues, and winter has yellows and blues and of course white,” Marino explains.

Marino begins to lean towards fall as his

painting season of choice, gravitating towards the warmth of both its weather and its colors, but ultimately recants. “All of the seasons. I love them all,” he laughs.

Despite painting for many years and

witnessing the same cycles and patterns, there

Reawaken your connection to the healing power of nature

are always elements of surprise that find their way into Marino’s paintings. “There are always ways in which elements can be portrayed,” Marino shares, “it can be an unexpected color combination or the way the paint tools allow for texture to be applied. Whatever it is that will

JOIN US FOR OUR 2021 FALL WORKSHOPS

give it a more convincing look.”

Although the painters he has studied

under and the works he is influenced by play a significant role in shaping his style of painting, Marino is ultimately beholden to the purity and integrity of capturing a subject, not the eye of the consumer. “I paint the way I paint,” he

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emphasizes.

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maker

SARAH “WOODY” WOOD OF GRAND JUN BEVERAGE CO.

DRINK THIS BOOCH FOR A MUCH BETTER GUT Words by Courtney Holden | Photos courtesy of Grand Jun Media

“D

32

on’t gut it out.” That’s Sarah “Woody”

Wood’s desire to help people overcome the

Wood’s message when it comes to

daily discomfort of gut issues became tangible

dealing with digestive issues like indigestion and

last May when she opened Grand Jun Beverage

bloating. “I’m continuing to try to help people

Co., a craft kombuchery based in Grand Junction.

understand the importance of their gut health,

The name’s word play goes beyond the clever

what it means and how they can improve it.”

reference to her business’s home base. Wood also

“I don’t want to make

focuses on brewing the “jun” style of kombucha,

Good Talk, a consultancy

which is made with green tea and honey instead

that helps businesses

something just to

of black tea and sugar. She’s the only brewer in

discover, plan, execute

the Grand Valley to do so.

and

make money. I want to

evaluate

their

make something that

Wood’s passion for helping other people

mission. And yet, while

with intestinal issues and poor gut health stems

her high-intensity career

really affects people

from her own frustrating history. She grew up in

was flourishing, her

Indiana eating a diet centered around standard

intestinal flora was not.

and changes them

Midwestern fare like meat, corn and potatoes

— not exactly the recipe for healthy intestinal

discomfort, fatigue and

flora. She also had a series of childhood illnesses

not understanding why

bit more for the fresh,

that required antibiotic treatments, a necessary

I was having these

process, but one that killed the good bacteria

symptoms,” she adds.

local, organic apricot

in her intestines as well as the bad. “All of that

combined in my system to the point where I just

concussions

struggled with my gut,” Wood explains.

winter of 2017-18 forced

Not that she let that get in the way of her

her to pause her many work endeavors, she

professional dreams. By age 27, Wood had been

realized it was time to reevaluate the pace and

a marketing manager in the music industry and

purpose of her life. She also decided it was finally

owned a creative service business. Since then,

time to address the abdominal discomfort she’d

she’s held leadership positions in the outdoor

been living with for so long.

“It

was a lot

of

When a series of in

the

for the better. If that means I spend a little

to do that, then that’s an easy choice.”

industry and been the executive director of an

annual film festival. In 2020, she founded The

and found they’re typically either an imbalance

She began looking into what gut issues are

of digestive enzymes and acids or a reaction to

Missouri. She’s found that the oak enhances the

certain foods. She researched what causes them

smoothness and adds a hint of vanilla.

and learned poor diet, antibiotic treatments

and specific food sensitivities/allergies are

of months, but it’s already been met with a

among the leading culprits. And of course, she

warm reception. They regularly sell out at

pursued strategies to fix them — diversifying gut

farmers’ markets and have earned a place on

bacteria, often by consuming probiotics, is one

tap at multiple Western Slope coffee shops

great option.

and markets. Wood continues to iterate her

Kombucha, she learned, is a great source of

kombucha flavors, incorporating seasonal

probiotics — and it tastes delicious, too. So, Wood

fruits and herbs to bring variety to her line-up.

began brewing the non-alcoholic, fermented tea

Soon, she plans to branch beyond kombucha

at home. Laughing that her “engineering mind”

into vinegars and kefir, both of which will offer

appreciated the chemistry behind the interplay

similar probiotic benefits. She’s also excited to

between bacteria and yeast, Wood began adding

offer a custom-batch kombucha program, where

blueberries, apricots and cucumbers, as well

she’ll work with clients to craft a recipe that

as medicinal herbs and mushrooms, to her

addresses their specific gut issues.

concoctions.

If things continue to go well, Wood is open

Wo o d ’s e x p e r i e n c e w i t h b u s i n e s s

to expanding Grand Jun beyond the Grand

development and her desire to help others with

Valley, but she’ll never sacrifice her kombucha’s

their intestinal health drove her to pursue brewing

quality or her commitment to sourcing from

on a larger scale, upping production from 1-gallon

local producers. And right now, she’s happy

containers to 30-gallon containers to six 30-gallon

to focus on bringing better gut health to the

containers. She also began sourcing ingredients

Western Slope.

from farmers and beekeepers on the Western

Slope, an approach that benefits other small

tied into the environment we live in, rooted here

businesses while also making for a better-tasting,

with the producers, and that’s what I’m focused

nutrient-rich and overall superior kombucha. She

on: perfecting that,” she says. :

knew her margins would be smaller, but it was worth it.

“I don’t want to make something

just to make money. I want to make something that really affects people and changes them for the better.

If that means I spend a little bit more for the fresh, local, organic apricot to do that, then that’s an easy choice,” she shares.

Another key element

to the great taste of Grand Jun kombucha: oak barrels.

Most brewers ferment their kombucha in stainless steel, glass or plastic containers, but Wood uses American oak barrels manufactured by hand at a small cooperage in Higbee,

34

Grand Jun’s only been around for a handful

“This is a really high-quality, niche product

grandjun.com

S+B’S INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS Compiled by Emme Fredericks

@rockymountainsportswomen

Are you a woman from the Colorado Rockies passionate about the outdoors and conservation? Rocky Mountain Sportswomen is a nonprofit organization aiming to connect women through hunting and fishing. Join this organization, or follow along on their Instagram to empower others through their adventures.

Feel Good Social

It’s no secret social media has its ups and downs. Kimsey from Feel Good Social focuses on helping down-to-earth entrepreneurs navigate the social media world.

Listen to receive tips on how to market your business, hear from successful entrepreneurs and chat about all things social.

@backbonemedia

@k.robinsonphoto

There’s nothing like a good social media post to get you outside or involved in an active lifestyle. Check out some of the Backbone Media brands with their favorite products and motivational stories from adventure seekers and small businesses.

Meet Kaylan Robinson, a photographer based in Western Colorado sharing the beauty of travel, interiors and lifestyle.

Check out Kaylan’s page to inspire your new home decor or to discover some of the glorious wonders life has to offer.

Best Served Podcast

Colorado Outdoors — The Podcast for Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Jensen Cummings celebrates the unsung hospitality heroes by highlighting the worth and work of those who feed their communities. Tune in to help acknowledge these individuals that make the world go ‘round.

This podcast is dedicated to telling the stories and happenings of Colorado’s great outdoors.

Whether it’s conservation or outdoor recreation and wildlife, this podcast will surely inform you about everything the state has to offer.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

35

food

SAVING THE HARVEST THROUGH PICKLING + FERMENTATION Words by Kaitlin Emig SHELLEY PAULS

M

y first efforts with preserving food started

and aromatic spices to capture the freshness

with fermentation and a pile of Napa

of vegetables or meats. This method allows

cabbage. I experimented with making kimchi by

communities from around the world to travel

utilizing locally grown cabbage, radishes, carrots,

with their native food, survive a frosty winter

onions and spicy peppers. With a bit of mentoring

and persevere through a dry season. Pickling can

from a friend and patient roommates who

be done in a quick refrigerator style for those

allowed my salty concoction to ferment in the

wanting an easier method or by canning brined

kitchen sink, I made my first batch of a traditional

vegetables or meats.

Korean side dish.

Then, it was on to hot pepper jelly to use up

Kitchen + Pantry in Eagle, makes his own pickles

a successful crop of spicy red and green peppers

for his gourmet deli sandwiches. He uses the

that I canned in small jars for Christmas gifts,

quick pickling process for his spicy dill pickle

followed by a sunny summer when I picked

and pickled onions. He describes the process of

raspberries and strawberries for jam. With each

making a brine (salt, vinegar, pickling spice),

gardening season, I learned a new recipe for

adding garnish, flavor enhancers (bread and

saving the harvest.

butter or dill) and color (jalapeno) to make a spicy

dill pickle.

My successes and — sometimes moldy — fails

come from lessons learned in a book called Wild

Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz. Fermented

make using red wine vinegar and aromatic herbs

foods have healthy probiotics and bacteria to

like cassia bark, cloves or star anise,” he says.

aid digestion and are made through a process

Then he adds sugar and salt and simmers the

converting carbohydrates into alcohol or acid.

brine. Lastly, he adds the shaved onions. “They

Household staples like cheese, milk, sauerkraut

are sweet and tart tasting,” he comments.

and sourdough bread are all fermented foods.

Cultures around the world have a rich history of

believes. For him, pickling is more about what’s

fermented foods, such as miso and pickles coming

fresh in season, to keep it as crisp and flavorful as

from Japan, or wine and cheese from France.

possible, from taste to texture.

Katz’s book is a great place to start if you are

interested in learning more about fermentation

high-end take on what a deli can be on this side of

and trying recipes from around the world.

the valley. “We source high quality products from

all over the world and the best in show that’s

Another way of preserving foods is through

pickling, which uses salt, vinegar, sugars, oils

36

Micheal Joersz, chef and owner of Pickled

“The pickled onions are easy and quick to

“Whatever is seasonal you can pickle,” Joersz

He describes his sandwiches as more of a

local,” he shares.

To get pickled, he suggests ordering

sandwiches and beverages from the liquor store next door and heading out to your next adventure.

PICKLED SWEET CORN SUGGESTS PAIRING: BLACKENED SHRIMP AND A FRESH SALAD

4 ears sweet summer corn (preferably Olathe corn) 1 small shallot julienne-cut 1 medium fresno chili julienne-cut 1-2 Tbsp sherry vinegar 1-2 Tbsp champagne vinegar 1-2 Tbsp Colorado honey Cracked black pepper Squeeze of lime Pinch of kosher salt Optional: cilantro cut chiffonade

FRESH Cut the kernels from the corn cob by sliding a knife down the corn about 2/3 the depth of the kernel. Mix all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and let stand for 20 minutes. Strain off any extra liquid. Serve fresh or refrigerate. If quick processing, use within a week.

CANNED Put prepared food in cleaned and sanitized mason jars to the bottom of the rim, packed tightly. Then, put the lids on the jars and seal them with rings, but not snugly, just tight. Rest jars on spare jar rings or a metal jar rest in a large pot. Fill pot with enough water to cover the jars completely. Bring water to a boil and begin timing once water is boiling.

Boiling of the jars depends on each recipe and altitude. For pickled sweet corn, boiling time can be between 15-25 minutes.

Remove carefully with a jar grabber and place on a towel on the kitchen counter out of the way. Release some pressure from the rings or remove them completely to avoid moisture being trapped in ring. Listen for a “pop” sound to indicate lid is sealed. Wait 24 hours until jar has cooled.

To test if the lid is sealed, press finger on center of lid. If it goes up and down, then it isn’t sealed and can be placed in refrigerator to be used within a week. All sealed jars are tightened with lid ring then labeled with the date. : Recipe by Michael Joersz Chef + Owner of Pickled Kitchen + Pantry Eagle, Colorado

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food

GREEN CHILE STEW

TRUE GRIT CONNECTION Recipe by Kelly McGuire | Photos by Kitty Nicholason

W

38

hen I was told that the theme for

As I looked through the recipe book that

the magazine this fall was “gather,”

Barbara sent me, I noticed that there was a

I immediately thought of the many family

recipe for Green Chile Stew from the True Grit

gatherings that I had as a child. My uncle Stretch

cafe. I asked my mom, “Hey, didn’t Stretch work

(Dan McGirr) frequently cooked at family

at the True Grit for a long time?” The answer

gatherings. On more than one occasion, he

was yes, for many years he was the cook. I was

cooked up a big pot of green chile stew.

so excited to try this recipe and see if it was the

green chile stew from my childhood. It was!

It’s a funny story really, how I ended up

with this recipe. You see, my Aunt Barbara (my

stepfather’s sister) sent me this cookbook with

pared down so that we don’t make enough for a

recipes from Ridgway about five years ago.

restaurant, was what I remembered — and it’s

Around the same time, I inherited — from my

perfect for a quick, but delicious, family gathering.

uncle Stretch — a bunch of cookbooks, a big

metal bowl and a well-used chef’s knife missing

another hour to cook. Have a margarita while

the very tip.

everyone is waiting. :

This recipe, taken from that cookbook and

It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and

GREEN CHILE STEW SERVES 6-8

3 cups diced potatoes 2 large onions, diced 2 medium carrots, diced 2.5 pounds roasted green chilies, diced

(about 5 cups) 2.5 pounds canned tomatoes (about 5 cups) 1 ¼ pounds diced pork 4 cups water plus 1 tsp chicken base,

or 4 cups chicken stock 2 minced garlic cloves 1 bay leaf 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp red chili flakes ½ tsp black ground pepper ½ tsp salt (or more to taste)

Place onion, garlic, carrots and pork in a Dutch oven or soup pot with a little oil and sear the meat over medium-high heat. When meat is seared and onions are sweating, add the rest of the ingredients. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and simmer one hour. Make sure the potatoes and carrots are tender.

MARGARITAS SERVES 4, OR DOUBLE FOR 8

8 oz tequila blanco 8 oz lime juice 4 oz Cointreau 4 oz agave nectar

Stir together in a pitcher, and serve in saltrimmed glasses with lots of ice.

wellness + fitness

GET TO KNOW 3 COLORADO CBD COMPANIES Words by Zoe Cramer

Colorado is a friend of cannabidiol (CBD). There are so many CBD companies to discover that might just bring you your next go-to remedy, and here are a few of them.

THE HAPPY CAMPER

40

If you lead an outdoor, active lifestyle and are

to last longer. Both might be used to try and aid relaxation, sleep or internal inflammation. The

seeking CBD accompaniment or want to try

transdermal cream is to apply and re-apply

CBD but you’re not sure where to start, look to

externally on areas of soreness.

The Happy Camper. The Happy Camper exudes

Colorado in the ways it promotes an outdoor

all of a sudden you go out and you hike five

lifestyle (like its name and logo of a hiker) and

miles or three miles and you’re achy,” explains

the very form of its products’ production. The

Colleen Scanlon-Maynard, The Happy Camper

boutique company takes its time producing

senior VP of marketing. “You’re probably going

small-batch concentrates of CBD, all in-house,

to want to do the transdermal cream for the

to ensure consistency. The Happy Camper has

external to hit it from the outside, but you’re

two locations in Colorado. Their original facility

also going to want to drop a tincture or a soft

opened March of 2015, with a dispensary and a

gel to hit it from the inside.”

manufacturing plant in Bailey, and their newest

location opened June 15, 2019 in Palisade as a

CBD, is to educate. With their website and

dispensary only.

accessibility for questions, The Happy Camper

“Let’s say you hadn’t hiked in a year, and

The Happy Camper mission, in terms of

Their three current CBD products include

provides a plethora of options to educate oneself

a tincture, soft gels and transdermal cream.

about CBD. Scanlon-Maynard advises people to

The tincture is a non-flavored, full-spectrum

take thorough research steps before picking and

oil that you drop under your tongue, and it

using any company’s CBD products to figure out

quickly dissolves into your bloodstream. The

if it’s right for you. She emphasizes the need to

full-spectrum soft gel caps are similar to the

confirm backup material such as third-party

tincture but are more potent and therefore tend

testing for any CBD product you purchase.

ANTEDOTUM

have demonstrated the positive effects CBG,

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to help

in particular, has had on their kids, finding

your skin glow, turn to Antedotum. Antedotum

that they are much more interactive in classes.

is a luxury CBD skincare brand based in Aspen

Similarly, customers praise the positive effects of

Snowmass. Their products are for any ages and

CBG on their family members with Alzheimer’s

skin types that want an all-natural product that

and dementia –– that they seem to have more

promotes skin health. Antedotum is backed by a

cognitive ability after taking CBG. As for CBD,

dermatologist, Dr. Shawn Demehri.

customers have found it tends to be beneficial

Founder Karina Perez-Marconi saw the

for people with ADHD. Much of these discussions

potential in CBD for skincare because of its anti-

take place on FlowerChild’s private Facebook

inflammatory and balancing capabilities.

group, which offers a safe space to connect or

ask questions.

“CBD triggers your body to do whatever it

needs to do to bring everything back to balance

and provide optimal health,” Perez-Marconi

blend that McLoughlin recommends for a good

explains.

night’s rest without the risk of feeling groggy

FlowerChild has a 50/50 CBD/CBG tincture

Antedotum’s primary multi-functional and

the next day, as you might find with taking too

multi-correctional products include an Elixer

much CBD. In addition to various tinctures,

Firming Serum and Vital Face Oil. They can be

FlowerChild offers salves and sexual lube.

used as a pair with the Elixer Firming Serum for

step one, but they can also be used individually.

help themselves by educating them not only on

The Elixer Firming Serum is intended to tighten

CBD and cannabis but also on the importance

your skin, increase collagen and help with

of a healthy, nutritious lifestyle and healthy,

uneven skin tone. It’s packed with Vitamin C,

positive mindset,” McLoughlin adds. :

some shea butter and liquid crystals extracted from olive fruit. The Vital Face Oil helps hydrate your skin and makes it look healthy and glowing.

It is made up of vegan squalene, essential fatty acids and oils, such as coconut oil and argon oil.

The brand will also be launching a body bomb in August to help relieve discomfort.

The products are potent in CBD with 500

milligrams per ounce. Antedotum sources its organic, pure CBD from local farmers.

FLOWERCHILD FlowerChild is a small, family-owned and operated company based in Grand Junction.

They offer both CBD and Cannabigerol (CBG) products to help customers and their pets. Their CBD tinctures and salves are full-spectrum.

Owner Kelly McLoughlin says that CBG, like CBD, is non-intoxicating, but it’s more invigorating and less sedating than CBD. CBD might be used for sleep, while CBG might be used for concentration and energy during the day.

FlowerChild’s customer base is made up

of many parents seeking remedies for their children with autism. Customer testimonials

“Our mission at FlowerChild is to help people

wellness + fitness

THE QUEST FOR PEAK HUMAN PERFORMANCE IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND BIOMETRICS

MAN VS. MACHINE Words by Jay Rook

E

42

ver wonder why some athletes are more

of the autonomic nervous system: your run from

prone to getting hurt or hit a wall more

danger system (Sympathetic); and, your rest and

frequently than others? Or, why some competitors

digest system (Parasympathetic). Being a little

never seem to tire out or miss a match because

more tilted toward the parasympathetic system is

of illness, fatigue or injury? What about the rise

a sign your body is more physiologically primed

in age-defying professional athletes maintaining

for training and competition.

their high level of competitiveness against a

growing number of elite young challengers? Did

reported in numerical form and also in a red/

you know there is a Japanese professional soccer

yellow/green color format. Depending on what

player who is over 50 and still plays in the top

device you are using, you may also receive trend

division in that country? Awesome, right!?

data on sleep and stress. The value of using this

Science and technology have never been

information is that it can help an athlete gauge

so woven into the pursuit of optimal human

how various behaviors and habits influence their

performance as they are today (excluding, say,

physiology (stress/recovery balance) and also

Ivan Drago from 1985’s Rocky IV). Biometrics —

provide objective data to help them decide if today

data compiled in various forms for immediate

is a good day to train/compete or to rest/recover.

consumption, analysis and application to help you

Trend data can also indicate whether or not an

the athlete become the best version of whatever it

individual is becoming ill, increasing their risk

is you are attempting to become/train for/compete

for injury and possibly developing over training

at — is a hot topic now in sports performance and

syndrome. Small studies comparing athletes

medicine. Within the myriad of apps, wearables

using HRV to those who did not have found the

and devices, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a

former have better performance outcomes and

newer kid on the block and, possibly, the most

fewer injuries.

interesting biometric technology available for

pros and weekend warriors alike to gain the

the cost of a chest strap or finger probe) to

ultimate advantage in peak performance.

several hundred dollars for daily wearable

HRV devices provide the user daily scores

Prices range from free apps (not including

HRV has been around for decades in medical

products. Some individuals find it helpful to have

science, but more recently companies like Whoop,

a knowledgeable person in their corner helping

Oura, iThlete, Elite HRV and HRV4Training have

them interpret and apply their HRV data.

packaged it into a consumer usable format to

guide training, recovery and competition. Some

more interlaced into human experience, HRV

are 24-hour wearable devices (Whoop and Oura),

may be a tool that is more sensitive than our own

while others utilize an app on your mobile device

perception about performance level, wellbeing

paired with a chest strap (e.g., Polar), finger probe

and readiness to compete. If you are looking for

or your phone camera to allow you to take a spot

that thing to unlock your untapped potential

measurement (ideally first thing in the morning).

for a meaningful, sustained improvement in

The short and sweet is that HRV is a physiologic

performance and wellbeing, HRV could be your

indicator of the balance between the two arms

huckleberry. :

In a world where technology is becoming

adventure

DAVID EPPERSON / COURTESY OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS CHAMBER

ROUTT COUNTY’S DIRT ROADS ARE GETTING WORLD-CLASS ATTENTION

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS IS “GRAVEL TOWN, USA” Words by Kim Fuller

T

here may not be an official trademark

based bike manufacturer Moots Cycles has

attached to the moniker, but hundreds of

put effort into creating equipment and events

miles of dirt roads and gravel bike events are

for gravel riding, which has certainly helped

giving Steamboat Springs its new name to cyclists:

spread the word, and Soard says gravel riding

Gravel Town, USA.

is a welcomed alternative for road cyclists and

Steamboat is home to more than 600 miles

mountain bikers looking for something new.

of dirt and hard-packed gravel roads. Seemingly

endless route options paired with the love of

riders frequent more rural roads with far less

wide-open spaces draw more and more dirt-

high-speed traffic than road cyclists often endure.

pedalers to Steamboat and the surrounding area

Around Routt County, riders may encounter cattle

of Routt County.

drives and slow-moving tractors more often than

“Our ranching heritage is the reason we have

Not to mention the safety element. Gravel

the hazards of riding on the side of a paved road.

so many of these roads in the first place,” shares

Laura Soard, marketing director for Steamboat

so you have more opportunities to look around

Spring Chamber.

you,” Soard shares. “You have to pick your lines

“The pace is a little slower than road riding,

Soard says the sport has been gaining

but it’s not as intense as single-track mountain

popularity in the area for a while now. Steamboat-

biking. It’s a good thing to do with kids because

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

43

it’s just a different pace. And, you don’t see many

pro road cycling race was the Colorado Classic

cars — but what you lack in vehicles you make up

in 2019, yet at that time she says she was already

for in animal sightings.”

enjoying gravel racing more than road racing.

SBT GRVL is a gravel race attracting top

“It’s pretty exciting to see that this alternative

to racing is becoming so popular,” shares Charity.

just completed year three, the excitement around

“I think gravel appeals to the adventure side of

this event continues to keep its cadence. In 2020,

people. It’s something different and interesting

SBT GRVL was held virtually during the pandemic,

and lets you check out an area in a new way.”

but the race didn’t lose momentum as the 2021

race sold out 3,000 spots in just 10 minutes.

riding events and racing throughout the year.

Steamboat has started to host many gravel

SBT GRVL co-founder and race director

While cycling events in Colorado will take a

Amy Charity says the solid infrastructure of

seasonal pause as winter rolls in, riders will be

accommodations, restaurants and transportation

rearing to go come spring. Check out Steamboat

that already exists in Steamboat as a resort

Gravel Fest in 2022, held May 16-22. This week-long

destination, paired with all the connected gravel

festival showcases the vast network of remote dirt

roads of Routt County, has made it the ideal

and gravel roads crisscrossing Routt and Moffat

location for a world-class gravel race.

Counties, featuring a free, daily group ride, social

opportunities and route recommendations for

The lightning-fast registration proves athletes

have their eyes on this race, and Charity says big

“on your own” gravel experiences.

prize money has attracted the best of the best. A

$22,000 purse is spread evenly between the top

in and around Steamboat include Gravel Camp

five overall racers.

with Veloscapes, a small tour operator founded

Charity is a former professional road cyclist

by pro bike racer J.R. Thompson and specializing

and has lived in Steamboat since 2008. Her last

in custom road and gravel cycling experiences. :

COURTESY OF SBT GRVL

44

cycling talent to Steamboat every August. Having

More options to experience the gravel grind

3 Gravel Riding Routes Around Steamboat Springs Here are some options for hitting the dirt — one moderate, one intermediate and one advanced. Find a comprehensive list of rides in and around Steamboat Springs on The Dirty Roads website thedirtyroads.com, created and curated by Steamboat Springs locals.

n Emerald Circuit (partially paved) Length: 27.6 miles. Difficulty: easy/moderate. Ride-able: April to October. Minimum tire size: 28mm. This “classic Steamboat ride” is perfect for those who haven’t done much gravel/road riding.

n The Darkside of Fly Gulch Length: 31.3 miles. Difficulty: moderate/intermediate.

Ride-able: May to September. Minimum tire size: 34mm.

Climb into North Routt’s Elk River valley, ride along Deep Creek and enjoy the rollers on the ride back.

n Strada Sporche Length: 106.2 miles. Difficulty: hard. Ride-able: May to September (CR 45 — Cow Creek — may be impassable when wet; stay on CR 33 to bypass). Minimum tire size: 35mm. The Strada Sporche (Italian for “dirty road”) is one of The Dirty Roads first published rides.

spoke

GEAR PROFILE

DAVE & MATT VANS GYPSUM, COLORADO Words by Kim Fuller | Photos courtesy of Dave & Matt Vans

I

ncreasing interest in “van life” has only

because your life defines how they’re used, rather

accelerated in the time of COVID-19. The

than the other way around.”

pandemic resulted in a surge of career shifts and

remote workers, offering the freedom to move

Ramsay, began the company together out of the

from a stationary home to a mobile one and hit

personal passion they shared for van life. Now

the road.

while helping others access this passion, Ramsay

Dave & Matt Vans is a lifestyle vehicle

and Felser are bringing awareness to a lifestyle

company that builds and rents vans out of

that can be for either a weekend traveler or for a

Gypsum, Colorado. The company exclusively

full-time van lifer.

Felser’s friend and now co-founder, Dave

builds out RAM ProMaster vans, with a focus on

keeping each project as cost-efficient as possible

renters and buyers right now, so the company has

for every client.

messaged how a lifestyle van can be an alternative

“No matter the activity, environment or

housing option for full-time living. For those who

condition, Dave & Matt Vans are purposefully

are saving money for a down payment on their

designed and built to offer folks the freedom to

first home, financing for the vans is available

pursue their personal passions,” shares Matt

as low as $629 per month — substantially more

Felser, co-founder and CEO. “We actually call our

affordable than renting a home or even just a

vans ‘lifestyle vehicles’ for this exact reason —

bedroom.

The tight housing market can be hard for

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

45

Matt Felser and Dave Ramsay

46

The base build-outs of Dave & Matt Vans

feature “everything you need, and nothing you don’t,” as stated in the company mission. Their vans are built with the key necessities most people are accustomed to at home and feature creative

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The intentionally open layout displays

a minimalist approach that still checks all the boxes.

“Most vans we encounter are over-built

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and make an already small space feel even smaller,” says Felser. “By leaving the space open underneath our platform bed system, we provide ample storage for whatever accessories your lifestyle would want to bring on the road.”

Extra features are always an option. Beyond

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into every van, custom upgrades include more storage, a compostable toilet, shower system, power boosts, a cabin heater and more.

The team at Dave & Matt Vans works in

close collaboration with each prospective owner through every step of the process. From their

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initial “van builder” application to assess their intended usage and unique needs to their personal “New van day!” pickup date, the team walks each customer carefully through all customization options to ensure they’re getting the vehicle best suited to their lifestyle.

“Our foremost goal is to create a positive

experience for each and every customer,” explains Fesler, “to help provide them with the life-changing opportunities our own team has had through van life.”

Their Eagle River Valley location provides

some challenges with supply chain and manufacturing, says Fesler, but it’s all worth it to have home and work in such an amazing place.

“We love being based in the Rockies,

particularly in Western Colorado,” Felser shares.

“Inspiration is everywhere here, and the access to the outdoors is second-to-none, which fits handin-hand with our mission of making van life accessible to everyone.”

Dave & Matt Vans start at $64,982 with

various sizes and upgrades available. Learn more at dmvans.com. :

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ATHLETE PROFILE

AMITY ROCKWELL GRINDING GRAVEL + SUPPORTING COMMUNITY Words by Kim Fuller | Photo courtesy of Backbone Media

G

ravel, says Amity Rockwell, is the “great

equalizer.”

certainly

As

a

professional

cyclist

Her increasing success as a cyclist can be

attributed to

her

impressive

currently dominating the national gravel biking

endurance engine and a family history of

scene, Rockwell appreciates how, as a woman,

very strong athleticism, yet it’s apparent that

she can roll up to the start line alongside all pro

Rockwell’s determination and focus is what

riders — not just other females — and all go out

keeps her climbing toward greatness.

to race the same course and the same distance.

only a road bike. The hashtag and ideology of

“We are basically just treated as another

When Rockwell started riding, she owned

human being,” Rockwell explains. “It’s not a

#roadbikesoffroad

short course, toned down, women’s-only race

where she was in Northern California.

at an inconvenient time. You’re in the race and

you’re another cyclist. Unfortunately, nothing

rode a lot of dirt,” she recalls. “We would just do

else in cycling can really offer that right now, but

it. You flatted a bunch, you messed up your bike

hopefully someday.”

and you would come home kind of wrecked, but

we loved it.”

Rockwell’s momentum in gravel racing

was

gaining

momentum

“We all had road bikes, but looking back we

has seemed to propel at the same rapid rate as

48

the sport itself. Now 27, Rockwell was a cross-

COLORADO GRAVEL

country runner growing up and into her early

Rockwell is currently based out of the San

college years. She also pursued an interest and

Francisco Bay Area, yet she comes to Colorado

talent in the ultra-running scene, but nagging

often for riding and racing.

injuries and burnout led Rockwell to riding, then

racing, at age 20.

if you want to ride just a little bit farther,” shares

“Colorado is a place that never stops asking

Rockwell. “It’s seems like I barely scratch the

woman be like ‘Here’s something I want to work

surface every time I go ride there. It’s impossible

towards’ when it doesn’t exist?”

not to ask what’s around the next corner, and the

next, and the next, and every time, what you find

only support she gets as a U.S. ambassador for

is worth the effort.”

Pinarello. The Italian bicycle manufacturer

Rockwell’s soft green gravel steed isn’t the

When Rockwell leaves the Colorado border

and global brand has set out to support each

and heads west into Utah, she mentions one area

of their ambassador’s personal goals, projects

that creates a “ride experience like no other.”

and organizations to benefit their local cycling

“White Rim is relentless,” she explains,

communities.

“both in how difficult it is and in how content

the draw-dropping views are.”

started Fast Friends, an online discussion forum

To give back to the sport she loves, Rockwell

Rockwell’s Pinarello GREVIL gravel bike gets

about all things biking that engages and includes

her around, that’s for certain. I had the joy of

women and non-binary individuals. Rockwell

riding with her up and down the steep Boulder

says to message her Instagram @amityvil to

foothills. She mentioned how she could just ride

receive a link to join Fast Friends.

the winding canyon roads all day — up and

down, then up and up and up.

knowledge, advice and gear, and just generally

“We talk to each other and share resources,

This past summer, Rockwell finished an

communicate about cycling,” says Rockwell.

impressive 2nd place at Unbound 200 in Kansas

“It’s not gravel specific and it’s not competition

(formally Dirty Kanza), quite arguably the

specific — it’s literally like ‘Do you ride in any

largest North American gravel race and the race

capacity and how can we help stay unified as a

of which she was defending champion.

community?’” :

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Rockwell says support for women in the sport has increased in the years she has been riding, yet she always feels like it could, and should, be happening faster. Whether it’s getting women into cycling or keeping them in it, Rockwell says it’s important to focus on continuing to break down financial and social barriers that exist.

“It is encouraging and it’s nice to feel like I

am a small part of advocating for it, as one of the rare and lucky women who has been able to take it professional in such a short amount of time,” says Rockwell.

Making used gear accessible for new riders

can help get them into the sport, and for women, more visibility on a global level could serve to balance the male-dominated culture.

“When cycling first piqued my interest, I

got really into watching world tour races, and I found them really interesting,” shares Rockwell, “but there was not a way to watch a women’s world tour race. And, there just weren’t that many happening to begin with.

“So, tuning in to watch a men’s Tour de

France and knowing there is no equivalent for women,” she adds, “how then do you as a young

Jay Rook, DO MPH Integrative, Osteopathic & Regenerative Sports Medicine

970.248.9833

ASCENTMEDGJ.COM

spoke

GET OUTSIDE!

GEAR FOR THE SEASON Compiled by S+B Staff

ibex Essential Racerback Everyone needs a go-to tank to

LaCrosse

grab, and this relaxed fit piece

Alpha Agility

is it this season. Anti-bacterial

Select Wader

merino wood makes for odor-

Head into the

resistant wear, and the silky

river with a

soft material also provides ideal

lightweight option

thermoregulating properties

that has athletic

when you’re hiking or

shoe ability with

hanging out. $65

performance

ibex.com

wader utility.

The drop top feature allows for easy conversion from chest to pant wader, and a convenient, waterproof tech pouch keeps accessories away from the water. $550

Fuel2O from Gnarly

lacrosse

Sports Nutrition

footwear.com

A full summer of training has your body ready for Deuter FLYT 12 Mountain Bike Backpack This pack has everything you need for your ride and nothing you don’t. You’ll use the clips to attach

CAMP by Shwood Eyewear

your half-shell helmet or the side

Choose from four styles of these outdoor-

compression straps to attach a

inspired sunglasses from Shwood to bring

full-face helmet, along with two

on your next excursion. The plant-based

stowable straps for attaching

bioplastic frames feature genuine wood

protective gear to the outside of

inlays, with polarized lenses that boast

the pack. It’s hydration bladder

100% UVA/UVB protection. The retro

compatible and complete with a

sleeping bag travel pouch is an added

removable back protector. $190

bonus that’s included. $79

deuter.com

shwoodshop.com 50

long endurance days in the fall. This fuel drink mix can be used midactivity as a source of calories, electrolytes and to kickstart muscle recovery.

Unlike heavy sitting gels and blocks, Fuel2O adds to water for easy consumption with a great, mild taste (we’ve been enjoying Limeade). Sold as individual servings or in a bag. $28.95 – $34.95 gognarly.com

Big Weekend North Cove Wool Sun Hat Keep shade on your face this fall with this packable and machine washable hat, designed to be worn during the cooler months in sunny Colorado. It’s made from a wool blend that keeps heat in when you need it and moisture at bay when the temps rise. A vegan leather band brings a stylish accent to the hat’s classic felt appearance. $64.95 shopbigweekend.com

Solo Stove Fire Pit

HOKA Clifton 8

Cooking System

Pick the right shoes and road

Sit outside and around the

running won’t have as much

fire with friends and family

impact your joints. HOKA is

to grill food together with

known for their pillow-like

this modular cast iron grill

cushioning, and the eighth

system for Solo Stove fire

generation of the Clifton is here to impress with one of the lightest and most energetic foams they

pits. Now your Solo Stove isn’t just for warmth and smoke-free ambiance,

have ever used in the midsole.

Runners who already love HOKA or are looking for some more support can lace up the Clifton 8 for training miles or race day. $130 hokaoneone.com

and if you don’t have one yet you can get it with the cooking system as a bundle. $215-$400 solostove.com

Jack Wolfskin 365 Thunderclap Overhead

Klean Kanteen Insulated TK Canisters

When the wind picks up, this

Food storage solutions are here with

lightweight piece is ideal during

the TK Canisters, offered in three sizes

your fall hiking, running and biking

to keep snacks and meals hot or cold

adventures. The anorak-style pullover

for hours. The internal thread design

features a stylish color blocking design

on the canisters’ closures ensures

and is made with a 100% recycled

increased thermal performance and

windproof and stretchy fabric that

a quarter-turn locking system, all

is proprietary to Jack Wolfskin and

connected to a convenient easy-carry

known as StormLock Ecosphere.

swivel loop. $24.95-$34.95

$129.95

kleankanteen.com

us.jackwolfskin.com

Darn Tough Merino Wool Run Socks These soft and temperatureregulating socks have truly

UCO Beta

been redesigned from the

Headlamp

bottom up to create a better

Real wood makes this LED headlamp light

fitting, more comfortable

and stylish for your sunset adventures this

and durable sock. We’ve

season. A unique feature of UCO headlamps

tested them for running, hiking

is the infinity dial system which lets you

and sporting around town, and can

dim your headlamp by turning the bezel.

confirm these will stay a top-drawer

It’s 1.8 ounces and runs on three AAA

choice with Spoke+Blossom staff. $16-$33

batteries. $24.99

darntough.com

ucogear.com SPOKE+BLOSSOM

51

grand outdoors

BIRDING HOTSPOTS + TIPS FOR FALL MIGRATION Words by Jenna Kretschman | Photos by Bob Clarke

Trumpeter Swan

A

52

s summer turns to fall, a biological trigger

SEPTEMBER

is felt by billions of birds across the globe;

Make a trip to Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife

fall migration is upon us. Birds on the North

Area in Fruita, where a variety of migratory

American Central Flyway migration route cross

songbirds flit through the trees and shrubs,

mountains, rivers and plains southward from

including the Townsend’s, MacGillivray’s,

their breeding grounds to their winter homes,

orange-crowned, Wilson’s and yellow-rumped

many passing through Western Colorado during

warblers. Keep an eye out for small glimpses of

their journey.

yellow in the trees, as all of these species boast

As we bid farewell to our local summer birds

various amounts of yellow. The warblers can be

for the season, Colorado becomes a revolving

differentiated by small variations in song. Some

door to a plethora of migrant avifauna. Grab

of them migrate from as far north as Alaska to as

your binoculars and head outdoors for a peek at

far south as Panama. The wildlife area is a hub

the seasonal spectacle.

for many other species as well, including vireos,

wrens and shorebirds.

“Birds migrate along the rivers, so riparian

areas along rivers are the best place to bird,” says

Also be sure to stop by the north pond at

Mike Henwood, an active Grand Junction birder.

Blue Heron Lake Park in Grand Junction to

“There’s migration through all of fall, but you’ll

spot the first shorebirds to arrive. Avocets and

see different types of birds depending on the

various species of sandpiper, including the least

month.”

sandpiper, the smallest sandpiper in the world,

Birding Tips for Beginners n

Join a birding group and learn from local experts. Groups such as the Grand Valley Audubon Society, Black Canyon Audubon Society, Roaring Fork Audubon and New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute host regular bird walks where you can learn from experienced birders.

n

Visit your local public library to borrow a free Colorado State Parks pass through the Check Out State Parks program, complete with a backpack of wildlife field guides and a pair of binoculars.

n

Download the Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to your smartphone and carry the most powerful bird book in your pocket. Spot a bird but aren’t quite sure what species it is? Answer three simple questions or snap and upload a photo, and Merlin will offer a list of possible matches. Found a bird that you can hear but can’t see? The app also has a sound identification feature that shows real-time suggestions for who the singer could be.

n

J oin eBird.org, a website by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology designed to track each bird you spot, along with the date and location. Your observations become part of an international database used by ornithologists and conservationists to protect bird populations. You can also browse recent bird sightings reported by other users.

Red-breasted Merganser

can be found along the shoreline of the Colorado River and in the park’s shallow pond. Avocets are peculiar-looking birds with blueish legs, an orange head and a long, up-curved bill.

OCTOBER In October, many areas with lakes will begin to see early migratory waterfowl. Take a walk at places like Confluence Park in Delta or the Pear Park section of the James M. Robb State Park in Grand Junction to see waterfowl like the ruddy duck, northern pintail, northern shoveler, bufflehead and hooded merganser. Many of these ducks sport unique features, like the prominent bill of the northern shoveler or the impressive, fan-shaped head crest of the hooded merganser.

NOVEMBER With November comes a migratory water bird extravaganza. Highline Lake State Park in Loma hosts the greatest year-round avian diversity on the Western Slope and is a hotspot for a vast variety of bird species. Here, you can spot common loons, snow geese, swans, canvasback ducks, common goldeneyes, redbreasted mergansers, eared grebes and more on the water. Due to the size of the lake, it’s best to bring a telescope with you to see distant birds if you aren’t up for making a trek around the entire park. You can also find a variety of gulls, shorebirds and raptors at the park. :

take a hike

PROFESSOR CREEK + MARY JANE CANYON TRAIL Words + Photo by Melanie Wiseman

I

54

f you’re looking for a new favorite hike, I’m

According to one mathematical hiker, there

happy to share mine — Mary Jane Canyon

are 122 creek crossings on the 8.7-mile round

Trail which follows Professor Creek, 20 miles

trip hike. One thing is guaranteed — your feet

east of Moab. The hike traverses up an active

WILL get wet, so best to select your footwear

stream bed into a canyon that grows deeper

accordingly. I wore older hiking boots I didn’t

(up to 100 feet) and narrower (down to 20

mind getting wet, where others swear by Chacos,

feet), before the hike’s turnaround point, a

Tevas and the like (I recommend wearing socks

picturesque double-tonged waterfall over a

with them, however, to avoid toe injuries or

30-foot high chockstone.

annoying pebbles underfoot).

In the fall, the stream is laced with golden

The trail is gentle on elevation gain, leading

cottonwood and cattails, and in the spring

you to believe it is super easy, but the rock

blooming cactus and desert wildflowers dot the

and creek jumping may be a little challenging

scenic landscape. The green vegetation along the

for some. The stream originates in the LaSal

creek edges make for a beautiful contrast to the

Mountains to the south and joins the Colorado

ghoulish canyon made of unique textures and

River near the turn off to the trailhead.

red toned colors. Between the vast landscape and

narrower canyons, there is always something

are warned to not hike during or right after a

interesting to look at.

rainstorm due to the possibility of a flash flood.

Like with any other slot canyon, hikers

This area is a quiet spot rich in history.

Sy lv e s w te r a n d M a r y J a n e R i c h a r dso n homesteaded at the mouth of the creek in 1886, which was named for Sylvester’s former

RIDE.

profession as a professor. They opened a store, school and post office at the site. When Grand County was formed in 1890, Sylvester became the first county commissioner. Their legacy lives on in not only in the name of the creek, but in the two trailheads which take off from the same

EAT.

parking area: Sylvester Trail and Mary Jane Canyon Trail.

Sylvester Trail is marked on the right side

of the parking area. Many people take this trail in error, finding themselves without shade or water. For no known reason, the Mary Jane Canyon Trailhead is not marked.

DRINK.

417 Monument Road Grand Junction The perfect pit stop on your way to and from the Lunch Loop trails.

handlebargj.com

Mary Jane Canyon Trail takes off on the

left side of the parking area just behind a “No Camping” sign. The trail drops down into a little gully and up and over the other side where a dirt path follows the creek southeast. If at any time you find yourself off the path near the

REPEAT.

beginning of the trail, just head toward the creek and you’ll be back on track. Your adventure will lead you in and out of the creek throughout the entire hike. Enjoy!

GETTING THERE From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to exit 204 (Cisco) and enjoy the spectacular drive along the Colorado River on Highway 128.

After crossing Dewey Bridge, drive 11 miles

(1.8 miles past Onion Creek Road) to a dirt road on the left, which is 0.6 miles after crossing the Professor Creek Bridge. The road’s name is

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Professor Valley Road, but it is not marked, nor is there a sign directing you to either trailhead (thus the diamond-in-the-rough location).

The dirt road signals to you that it is a dead

end, which is in fact where the parking lot and two trailheads are located, about two miles out.

You’ll pass a working ranch, so please travel

slowly and be considerate. All vehicles can make it safely to the trailhead. :

420 Main, downtown Grand Junction cafesolgj.com 970.986.3474

community

ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

STEWARDS OF THE LAND AT ROCK BOTTOM RANCH Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photo by Chris Cohen Photography

C

56

uriosity got the better of me as I road my

schools to provide education programs in the

bike along a pristine section of the Rio

classroom and field. Their programs focus on

Grande Trail between Carbondale and Aspen.

ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture,

What exactly was this serene farm nestled along

forest and ecosystem health, land restoration

the roaring Fork River below the towering peak

and environmental leadership, reaching 140,000

of Mount Sopris, a place where children gathered

individuals each year.

around adult mentors and women with strollers

walked the meandering trails among a variety of

Paepcke, the ACES mission is “education for

Inspired by the words of founder, Elizabeth

plants and animals?

environmental responsibility.”

I quickly found myself immersed in learning

Rock Bottom Ranch director Jason Smith

more about Rock Bottom Ranch, a 113-acre

said ACES has always recognized that food and

hub for environmental education, wildlands

land stewardship needed to be a topic of any

preservation and sustainable agriculture.

environmental conversation — thus the birth of

The “mother ship” is the Aspen Center for

the farm.

Environmental

Studies

(ACES),

which

was

“We at the ranch have always considered

founded in 1968 by Elizabeth Paepcke, who is

ourselves land stewards first and farmers

originally from Chicago. She was motivated by

second,” explains Smith. “That mindset is behind

the Aspen culture of harmony between mind,

the reason and logic of our production methods.”

body and spirit and envisioned a place to serve

as a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as a bridge to

farming models are economically sustainable,

Overall, Smith emphasized that all of their

nature, for an increasingly urbanized society.

first and foremost.

Steady growth led the organization to

“I got into sustainable agriculture because of

develop ACES programming for both youth

the economics of it,” says Smith. “When I started,

and adults at four primary sites: Hallam Lake,

I had no clue how intertwined environment,

The Catto Center at Toklat, Spring Creek and

farming and food production were.”

of course, Rock Bottom Ranch. ACES provides

innovative and immersive programming for

three things that nature has: diversity, rotation

all ages and now partner with more than 60

and rest.

Guided by nature, Rock Bottom Ranch touts

Diversity: The ranch raises cows, sheep,

rabbits, laying hens, meat chickens and goats.

water of the farming experience to their extended apprentice program to a full-time

Rotation: Mobile fences keep the animals

crew for operations, management and public

moving, which in turn keeps the pasture in a

education. The ranch offers a stepping stone

vegetative state, producing more biomass. In

to a diverse number of career options, from

other words, “the animals eat everything on

farming to energy to property management and

their plate,” for a more productive land, verses

landscaping, just to name a few.

a large permanent pasture where they pick and

choose what they want to eat.

visits Rock Bottom Ranch to become a farmer,”

“We don’t expect everyone who works or

Rest: Moving the animals gives the land rest.

adds Smith. “But, the exposure has a ripple effect

Continually grazing a field puts extensive stress

that is felt out in the community. When we reach

on good plants, resulting in a weedy pasture.

children, it will show in their adult lives. We are

“Essentially we’re choreographers dancing

training the next generation of land stewards.”

across the fields,” says Smith. “Our basic formula

is a perennial poly culture, plus grass-eating

how being connected to food and agriculture

animals, plus poultry as the clean-up crew, for

have bridged gaps and helped him find common

lush native pastures.”

ground with anyone he comes in contact with.

The farming model’s goal is to create

Smith has repeatedly witnessed first-hand

“Farming

has

the

ability

to

bring

scaleable, replicable systems of agriculture,

communities together, connecting them like

whether it be your backyard, thousands of acres

nothing I’ve ever seen,” Smith believes. “Nothing

of farmland, desert or rain forest.

else has that power.” :

Rock Bottom Ranch focuses on educational

systems in farmer training, from Summer Stewards (interns) who dip their toe in the

ACES and Rock Bottom Ranch program information, directions and hours of operation can be found at aspennature.org.

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stay + play

SUSTAINABLE STAYS ON THE COLORADO CREATIVE CORRIDOR Words by Kim Fuller | Photo courtesy of Scott Peterson for Salida Creative District

T

Tucked in the North Fork Valley surrounded

been accelerating, and many small towns

by the natural beauty of the West Elks Wilderness,

are feeling an infrastructure strain. Visitors

PAONIA has a thriving arts community and the

can help by shopping local to support small

largest number of natural and organic farms per

businesses and choosing to tread a little more

capita in Colorado.

lightly with low-impact activities.

The five towns that connect the Colorado

orchards — providers are finding a bigger interest

Creative Corridor — a 331-mile itinerary guide

in farming practices as people are asking more

featuring Carbondale, Paonia, Crested Butte,

questions and seeking advice for food security

Agritourism — wineries, farms, dairies,

Ridgway and Salida — all provide interesting

and production.

opportunities for sustainable tourism in

Colorado. Each destination also provides electric

education and are doing that through tours and

charging stations, making it easier to reduce the

events where you can visit the farms,” says Kelli

environmental impact of your road trip.

Hepler, a spokesperson for Paonia and Delta

58

ourism throughout Western Colorado has

CARBONDALE sits on the confluence of

“We are seeing the need to provide more

County tourism.

the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers at the foot

of Mount Sopris. Rich agricultural history and a

and wine tasting at Azura Cellars and Gallery,

little hippy flair combine to form a community

live music at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts

focused on health and wellness, local food

and dining at a true farm-to-table experience —

Creative highlights include the art gallery

production and four-season recreation.

Root & Vine Market or Qutori Winery.

“Carbondale locals are very welcoming

“Spending dollars in the Paonia shops and

and always ready to roll out the western-

eateries that you enjoy is a great way to ensure

style hospitality,” shares Sarah-Jane Johnson,

their sustainability,” says Hepler.

Carbondale resident and marketing consultant for

the Colorado Creative Corridor. “We encourage

towns, CRESTED BUTTE features a National

visitors to take advantage of supporting local and

Historic District with vibrant Victorian

small businesses when they visit.”

storefronts and expressive local characters.

As one of Colorado’s most coveted mountain

Carbondale has a broad range of crafts and

With more than two million acres of public land

arts available at their weekly farmers’ market

surrounding town, visitors can get off the grid to

and throughout many stores and boutiques.

enjoy unparalleled mountain biking, hiking and

One of Johnson’s hot tips for buying gifts to take

fly-fishing in the fall.

home is the Artique at The Launchpad, which

showcases local artists and designers.

historic walking tour of town, an art class at The

Design Collective and food pairings with high-

Low-impact travel highlights in Carbondale

Crested Butte’s creative highlights include a

include a ranch tour and alpaca felting workshop

mountain rum at Montanya Distillers.

at Cedar Ridge Ranch, a walking or bike tour

along Carbondale’s Rio Grande Artway and a

Valley and surrounded by the majestic

visit to Marble Distilling Co. to learn about their

snowcapped peaks of the Cimarrons and San

zero-waste distilling process.

Juans, the RIDGWAY experience satisfies art

Nestled in the picturesque Uncompahgre

Downtown Salida

lovers, foodies, history buffs and outdoor

Arts workshop, or enjoying live performances

enthusiasts.

outdoors at the Courtyard at 610.

“We encourage visitors to explore the

And don’t miss SALIDA, a true haven for

town and surrounding area outside of the busy

culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts that is

summer season,” shares Hilary Lewkowitz,

nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River near

marketing director for the Ridgway Area

the towering Collegiate Peaks. Walk the charming

Chamber of Commerce. “We have a wide variety

downtown

for

of events and adventures from October to May.

highlights,

including

Visiting outside of the summer season affords

live performances at The SteamPlant Theater,

solitude and unique experiences that allow

boutiques like Eye Candy and hands-on jewelry-

travelers to get off the beaten path.”

making at the Riveting Experience. Salida’s

access

to

artist

unique,

creative

workshops

and

Low impact activities include biking the

commitment to its sustainability goals continue

Ridgway Area Trails network, walking the town,

with the installation of electric vehicle charging

then relaxing with a soak at Orvis Hot Springs or

stations placed within walking distance to the

the thermal pools of Chipeta Solar Springs Resort.

city’s center. :

Add some creative flare to your visit by noting

public art and creative surprises in the town alleys, checking out handmade art at downtown galleries, signing up for a Weehawken Creative

Visit coloradocreativecorridor.com to plan your trip.

The website also provides recommendations for responsible travel, using tips from the Care for Colorado-Leave No Trace Principles.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

59

getaway

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

MESMERIZED BY MONTANA Words + Photos by Laura Mills

A

60

few months back I received a text from a

staying for the next few nights. Taking our time

good friend I hadn’t seen much since the

on the drive allowed us to stop and appreciate

start of the pandemic. She had reservations

the sights we would have otherwise overlooked

booked for Glacier National Park, but no one to

— vast fields with yellow flowers and massive

go with because her previous travel partner had

mountains in the background. As you approach

to cancel. She knew I would take any chance to

the junction of Route 93 and 35, you come over

travel, especially if it meant access to some of

a hill to see the enormous Flathead Lake. If you

the country’s best landscapes. Glacier National

would have told me it was the ocean, I would

Park proved to be everything I didn’t know I

have believed you. Cherry orchards lined both

needed. This trip rejuvenated the adventurer

sides of the road; we stopped to indulge.

inside of me and inspired me to spend more time

immersing myself in nature.

portion of a trip like this, but the drive was truly

I wouldn’t usually expand on the road trip

We flew into Missoula, Montana, and after a

one of my favorite parts. As we got onto Route

day of recharging, started the five-hour drive to

2 to make it up to the Many Glacier entrance, it

the Many Glacier entrance where we would be

was as if Mother Nature was saying, “You thought

ABOVE Pullout 3 | OPPOSITE Flathead Lake

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

61

that was the best? Let me show you more.” The

are part of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn) and a

soft blues of Flathead Lake faded behind us and

campground. The cabins and campground are

the mountains seemed to grow as we kept going.

separated by a large parking lot that leads to

This two-and-a-half-hour leg of our drive quickly

the Swiftcurrent Trailhead. There is a clearly

turned into three and a half, due to frequent

marked board with information about every hike

stops for dipping our toes in the freezing river

accessible from the lot — the difficulty, distance,

and marveling at what was around us. Lots of

elevation gain, estimated time of completion and

cherries were consumed.

even complimentary guided hikes.

We finally arrived at The Swiftcurrent

The Swiftcurrent Restaurant serves simple

Motor Inn, our home for the next few nights.

to-go food. I suggest perhaps bringing some

These collections of cabins are simple without

of your own snacks due to the high cost of

being primitive. Think tiny home with less need

importing food into the park commercially.

for storage. The cabins were one large room with

a bed, sink, table and a small bathroom attached,

members of the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai

all painted a fresh white and very clean. There is

and Pend d’Oreille tribes speak to guests about

no WiFi available at the individual cabins, but

their culture and its relationship with Glacier

you can access it at the lobby.

National Park. Glacier National Park’s Native

On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, local

If you are looking to spend your time hiking,

American Speaks program is the longest-running

immersed in nature, I highly recommend the

of all national parks, starting back in 1982. We

Many Glacier area. There are cabins (which

had the pleasure of listening to Blackfoot tribe

Grinnel Hike

62

member Robert Hall share stories of his people

Josephine, formed by glacial run-off but a bit

and their relationship with the land thousands

warmer than Grinnell. After almost 8 miles and

of years ago. This was one of the highlights of

80-degree heat, it was exactly what we needed.

the trip. I really felt like the audience gained a

lot of perspective from his words, delivered with

Park was spent driving Going-To-The-Sun Road

perfectly timed dry humor.

and crossing even more things off the bucket

The next day we set off from our cabin,

list. A fellow Spoke+Blossom colleague had a

conveniently located a half mile from the

connection at Glacier Raft Company (located

Grinnell Trail Head, to embark on our 8.5-mile

at the West Glacier Entrance) and was able to

round-trip hike to Grinnell Lake. Not only does

set me up with Skylar, a hilarious and spunky

this hike offer incredible mountain views with

raft guide. Skylar led our group of nine through

wildflowers lining the trail, but the whole way

one- to four-grade rapids, cracking jokes the

you hike alongside Swiftcurrent and Josephine

whole way. In the end, almost all of us took the

Lake, crossing rivers with orange, red, blue

opportunity to jump off the side of the raft into

and purple pebbles. As you walk along wood

the freezing cold water. You can reach out to

and rope bridges, you’ll finally reach one of the

Glacier Raft Company for individual or group

most breathtaking views in the park — Grinnell

guided tours and whitewater trips. Ask for

Lake. With only 351 feet in elevation gain, this

Skylar if you get the chance to go!

was a perfect hike for us as we were still getting

used to the increase in elevation. We found a

consider adding Glacier National Park to the list.

secluded corner on the shore to enjoy lunch,

There are accessible trails for every skill level

took hilarious self-timer photos and dipped our

with awe-inspiring views and adventure around

feet in the freezing glacial water. On our trek

every bend. :

back, we took the opportunity to swim in Lake

The rest of our time in Glacier National

In your plans for summer 2022, definitely

feature

FORGING CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTION THROUGH STORYTELLING

TRIBAL RADIO Words by Julia Clarke | Photos courtesy of KSUT

O

n the road from Pagosa Springs to Mancos,

tradition of enchanting legends whispered late

you can scan through the usual variety of

at night around the campfire, but for KSUT

easy listening, sports and talk radio to keep you

executive director Tami Graham, the real focus is

entertained, but one station that emerges from

on giving a voice to the contemporary, everyday

the static will draw you in and wrap you in a

stories of the people who are the original

story woven to capture your imagination. Tribal

residents of Southwest Colorado.

Radio on public radio’s KSUT tells the ordinary

stories of extraordinary Native American people

understanding across cultures here, especially

in Southwest Colorado.

a deeper understanding from non-native

On any given day, you might be transported

community members of Native American reality

to 1994 and recall the lively sights and sounds of

and culture, and not just in a romanticized way,”

your last high school football game while Adam

she says.

Red of the Southern Ute Tribal Council recounts

his 47-yard field goal kick that helped Ignacio

understanding comes not just from exploring

High School win against local rivals, Bayfield.

long-vacated cliff dwellings or admiring ancient

Another day, you’ll shed tears of heartbreak and

rock art, but learning about how native people

joy alongside

live among us today, knowing the challenges

f o r m e r

they face and acknowledging the valuable

Southern

“There’s an opportunity for deeper understanding across cultures here, especially a deeper understanding from non-native community members of native American reality and culture and not just in a romanticized way.”

Graham

explains

that

this

deeper

Ute

contributions they make to our society in spite

judge

of those challenges. This, she says, is what can

Pearl Casias as

help forge better cross-cultural understanding in

she tells her

the Four Corners region.

granddaughter

about

need for awareness and acknowledgement of

tribal

the

l on e l i n e s s

“More pressing than ever right now is the

of

the history of systemic racism. There’s so much

growing up in

that needs to be unpacked and stories that need

Denver

after

to be told, and having an authentic voice that can

teenage

share those stories is really important,” explains

her

brother

64

“There’s an opportunity for deeper

was

Graham. And arguably, no medium is better

murdered, and then she laughingly laments how

poised than radio to uphold the oral tradition

he always made her be the cowboy in a game of

that largely defines native culture.

Cowboys and Indians.

Sitting on the Southern Ute Indian

Storytelling is not just a way to pass the

Reservation in Ignacio, the station signed on

time — it’s how we pass down lessons that shape

back in 1976 as one of only eight tribal stations

our society and it’s essential for the survival of

in the country at the time. In those days, it was

any culture. When it comes to Native American

housed in an antiquated former Indian Services

culture, which is famously rich with lore, the

medical center building, had a 10-watt signal

word “storytelling” might conjure a timeless

and functioned as a communications service for

Eddie Box, Jr. in the old KSUT studios.

tribal members with programming mostly in the

popular musical acts like Lake Street Dive and

Ute language. With support from the public and

Jason Isbell. Nudge the dial a little to the right

the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, it has flourished

and you’ll find the second signal, Tribal Radio,

over the years to cover five counties and has

which is rich with tales of everyday native life

recently upgraded to a brand-new, custom-

in locally-produced shows like Native Braids

built facility required to keep up with their

and Native Lens, as well as tribal culture, news

exponential growth.

and many delighting hours of rhythmic tribal

The call letters, which stand for Southern

music, which Graham maintains is a top reason

Ute Tribe, actually comprise two signals. On

for anyone to tune in: “There’s something about

Four Corners Radio, where NPR programming

listening to traditional powwow music that just

is blended with diverse musical playlists,

stirs your soul, it’s like listening to the drumming

you’ll hear contemporary native musicians

of the land.”

like Mohican Indian flute player Bill Miller

spotlighted between the latest music from

looking enterprise, the height of the pandemic

Though KSUT has always been a forward-

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

65

CHRISTOPHER MARONA

Presentation of $1 million check from Southern Ute Tribal Council to KSUT staff for capital campaign matching gift.

Groundbreaking and blessing with contractors and members of KSUT board and Southern Ute Tribal Council.

66

found them reprising their original role as an

of the region’s tribes through language

important means of communication for tribal

preservation projects.

members.

Though it’s had 45 years on the air, it

“We’re in an area with limited broadband,

seems like KSUT is just now hitting its stride.

especially out in tribal lands where there’s no

They’ve recently completed a state-of-the-art,

internet access, so people were really relying

5,000-square-foot broadcast facility with the

on KSUT for information about the pandemic. It

help of public funds matched by the Southern

was back to the core of what radio was intended

Ute Tribe, and staff are reveling in their two

for in the very first place. It helped us in a way to

new on-air studios, three production rooms

connect even deeper in realizing how important

and a performance studio where they can host

radio truly is in rural communities. It was a

live performances by touring musicians from

lifeline,” recalls Graham.

all over the globe as life returns to normal. Up

But more than simply being a monument to

next, KSUT is taking over the Pagosa Folk and

the past, KSUT stands out as a beacon signaling

Bluegrass festival and the Four Corners Folk

a bright future for Native American people.

Festival to bring people of all backgrounds and

The station is in the process of partnering with

cultures together to celebrate our diversity

Fort Lewis College — where there are now

through live music and community.

170 different tribes represented in the student

body — to create journalistic training and

worked

opportunities for Native American students.

foundation of having this beautiful new facility

Also in the works is the hiring of a tribal media

and now we just get to serve our community in

center director to further the development of

all the ways that we’ve envisioned for years,”

tribal content programming specific to Native

concludes Graham. :

“I feel like the world is our oyster. We’ve really

American storytelling and cultural preservation

When blazing new trails, TRUST A LOCAL TO LEAD THE WAY.

Nicole Bernal Ruiz 970.250.5387 nicole@robinsonandcorealty.com

hard

to

build

this

literal

feature

GRAY WOLF REINTRODUCTION ON THE WEST SLOPE

ON THE PROWL Words by Lexi Reich

T

he wolves are coming home.

marking it as the first state in the nation to

Canines with thick, grayish brown coats

reintroduce an animal species by the ballot. Now

and long bushy tails have become one of the

almost a year later, locals are wondering how

most heated conservation issues of the West.

the proposition, set to launch by the end of 2023,

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, gray

will unfold when opposing interests are at stake.

wolves have been an extirpated species since

68

the 1940s. Last November, Coloradans narrowly

VOICES FROM THE WEST

approved a measure to reintroduce the largest

“Wolves being reintroduced only on the Western

living wild canine species onto the West Slope,

Slope is very concerning to our agricultural

economy, tourism economy and to our outdoor

recreation economy as well,” says Representative

school view where wildlife and the land are

Matthew Soper, who opposed Proposition 114.

there for human use,” Malone explains. “There

“Humans and wolves definitely are competing

is another cultural shift in Colorado and in a few

for the same game.”

other places where we look at a mutualistic view

“This domination view of wildlife is an old-

While the entire state voted on the initiative,

— where we live together with wildlife. Wildlife

Soper says West Slope residents are the ones

is essential for us and for our success. We need

who will be bearing the cost. The highest

wildlife for more than just eating it and killing

concentration of supporting votes came from

it. We have a mutually beneficial relationship

populous Front Range counties that many believe

… Our fate as a human culture, in this view, is

are distant from realities out in the country.

intimately hooked with the fate of wildlife.”

Ranchers and farmers fear gray wolves will

In fact, she says the long-term effects of

decimate their livestock; hunters fear wolves

reintroduction would actually help big game

will shift elk and deer populations; some simply

hunters. As shared by the Rocky Mountain

fear for their safety against the apex predator.

Wolf Project, there is a documented rise in

While Proposition 114 promises to compensate

elk populations across Montana, Idaho and

farmers for any livestock lost due to wolves,

Wyoming where wolves were reintroduced over

many have declared it’s not enough.

a quarter century ago. Additionally, ecologists

Soper introduced a bill of his own to help

report wolves commonly prey on old and weak

mitigate the divide on the issue. He hoped

animals that might have otherwise died from

to have counties that voted majority yes on

starvation or disease.

reintroduction to welcome the wolves first. While

animals don’t recognize county boundaries, the

the Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence at

thought was to give the wolves a better fighting

Colorado State University (CSU) concluded that

chance early on rather than placing them in

the available data suggests mortality caused by

counties that will work against them. Soper’s

wolves is a small economic cost to the livestock

bill was struck down, but he said the goal was to

industry as a whole.

start a conversation.

Further, while risks should not be ignored,

“In places like Montana and Idaho, livestock

losses are pretty small,” says Joel Berger, wildlife

WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP

ecologist at CSU. “But that’s easy for me to say. If

Colorado has over 24 million acres of public land.

I were the rancher, it’d be a significant loss to me

According to a 2017 study published in Biological

and it would have impacts on me, my family and

Conservation, Western Colorado is prime habitat

more directly on the local community that cares

for wolf restoration.

about me.”

“From an ecological perspective, from

Wolves in the Northern Rockies are already

my perspective working on the ground as an

experiencing resistance with legislation in

ecologist for the past 30 years on Colorado’s

Montana and Idaho legalizing the hunting of

West Slope, Colorado needs wolves. Wolves need

wolves, undermining existing conservation

Colorado,” says Delia Malone, wildlife committee

efforts. Representative Soper says Colorado

chair at the Sierra Club’s Colorado chapter. “All

could also run the risk of individuals trapping

the things we as humans depend on for our very

or shooting wolves and hampering with

life, wolves help restore.”

reintroduction efforts, even if it’s prohibited to

do so.

Malone believes if wolves are given the

chance, they will begin to restore natural

biological diversity and improve ecosystem

or the Great Lakes or any other region that

health in the environments in which they’re

has reintroduced wolves — it has the unique

reintroduced. She says predation is one of the

opportunity to coexist with the hounds in

most powerful and important natural processes.

harmony if it chooses to.

But, Western Colorado is not Yellowstone

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

69

“In the many cases where we’ve lost species,

The

Center

for

Human-Carnivore

I believe we have an obligation to restoration to

Coexistence recommends prioritizing empathy

the extent possible, and that would be concordant

and building trust between groups of various

with my views on wolves,” Berger says.

perspectives. Doing so would develop more

collaborative solutions that can be more widely

With gray wolf reintroduction on the

horizon, utilizing coexistence strategies —

accepted by the public.

like guard dogs or range riders — are key to a

successful transition on both sides, he shares.

They too are social beings that thrive in packs.

Wolves are more similar to us than we think.

They even often mate for life. While a lone wolf

FUNDAMENTAL VALUES

or two has been spotted in northern Colorado

The topic of wolves is controversial and

over the years, it’s not enough to sustain

creates conflict among ranchers, hunters,

an endangered population. The power is in

environmentalists and other groups. But,

numbers. It’s no secret the power humans hold

the debate goes beyond the ballot. It’s a long-

over their environments, but true collaboration

standing discussion over how public lands

and healing is possible only through united

should be managed with different cultural and

teamwork, together as a pack. :

social values at stake.

70

feature

HARMONY ACRES EQUESTRIAN CENTER

HEALING IN HARMONY Words by Jenna Kretschman

W

hen Stacy Mendell’s clients meet her

recreational programs for children and military

for therapy sessions at Harmony Acres

veterans.

Equestrian Center, they’re welcomed by a crowd

of hooved therapeutic assistants. Mendell is an

use one tool — an animal — to encourage social,

animal-assisted therapist who uses horses and

emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and

other animals at Harmony Acres to heal clients

psychological changes in their clients through

through the power of human-animal bonds.

relationships and interactions with the animal.

“Our mission is to create a place where

Animal-assisted therapy allows therapists to

“We work with a lot of people whose needs

people and animals come together for the

maybe aren’t being met through traditional

purpose of healing, so our vision has really

therapy

been to create an animal-assisted therapy center

example, we work with both military veterans

that serves the entire community,” says Christy

and children who have experienced a great

Douglass, licensed therapist and executive

deal of trauma, and talk therapy isn’t always

director of Harmony Acres. In addition to

the best method to work with people who have

animal-assisted therapy, the organization also

experienced trauma. The horses really know

provides services such as therapeutic riding and

right where to start. They aren’t going to go

services,”

Douglass

explains.

“For

CHRISTY DOUGLASS

somewhere that people aren’t ready for. They just deal with what’s on the surface and help people make positive gains from that point. It just creates a much more comfortable entry point for therapy, and it seems to be more impactful.”

“Animals take the edge off in a healthy

way. They might do something funny, or out of character, or they may reach out in a certain way,” Mendell adds. “I had a person setting up cones to do an obstacle course and she would give the cone to the horse and the horse would set it down, and she didn’t know he was going to do that. He was helping her build it, and it felt like they were working through it as a team.”

The

sessions

begin

with

building

a

relationship between the client and the animal.

The therapist’s job is to guide the interaction while allowing the animal to provide a challenge for the client or show them a skill they didn’t know they had.

“Once you bring an animal into the

experience, you’ve got this human-animal bond A Harmony Acres client spends quality time with Doc.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

71

JENNA KRETSCHMAN

This is Fawn.

72

that’s operating as part of the therapy, so people

seven years ago and has personally witnessed

are more trusting,” Mendell explains. “When

the

you go to traditional therapy, part of having

Harmony Acres. Price recommended a friend

a successful experience is what we call the

with multiple sclerosis to begin working with the

therapeutic alliance. It’s building rapport and

horses, and it changed her life.

feeling connected and safe. Animals reduce the

time it takes to build that rapport dramatically.”

feel present, and it made her feel like a person

impact

of

animal-assisted

therapy

at

“It made a huge difference. It made her

Using animals in therapy also encourages

again. It was the highlight of her life,” Price

clients to attend sessions more frequently,

says. “Because of the way it helped my friend,

because they’ve created a trusting connection

I know how much the animals can help people.

and friendship with the animal.

Animals make you feel confident and kind,

Harmony Acres also provides services

because the animals themselves are confident

to individuals with physical and cognitive

and kind. It contributes to a lot of healing. As a

disabilities.

volunteer, I’m being helped just as much as the

actual clients are.”

“Putting them on the back of a horse is

extremely empowering for people who can’t

walk, because then the horse becomes their legs

about 20% of whom are military veterans who

and they’re able to experience things from that

have

position of empowerment,” Douglass says.

programs they’ve attended at the facility and

Long-time volunteer Barbara Price has

decided to get involved. Volunteers assist with

worked with the organization since its inception

everything from therapeutic riding sessions

Harmony Acres has more than 75 volunteers, discovered

the

organization

through

JENNA KRETSCHMAN

Volunteer Calvin Cage, a military veteran, with Boots, a 40-year-old mule.

to fundraising to animal care and facility

an actual therapy session to make a therapeutic

maintenance.

impact and for people to have that instant sense

of comfort when they walk on the grounds.”

“The atmosphere we have out here is really

significant. It just creates a community where

people feel supported and important, and they

Acres is home to a variety of animals, including

can start to learn new things about themselves,”

horses, ponies, goats, donkeys, rabbits, sheep,

Douglass says. “Not only what the volunteers

llamas, alpacas and cats.

give, but what the volunteers receive, is just

extremely impactful for them.”

long, and we’ve evolved together as partners

In addition to Boots the mule, Harmony

“Animals have been with humans for so

One of Harmony Acres’ newest and most

and companions. When we lose touch with that,

adored residents is Boots, a 40-year-old mule

we lose touch with ourselves,” Mendell says. “It

whose family couldn’t keep her amidst a divorce.

feels like magic when you do the work, but it’s

The family faced pressure to euthanize Boots

not magic — it’s that human-animal bond.”

due to her age, despite her good health and

happiness. Instead, the family reached out to

three-year-long capital campaign that involved

Harmony Acres for help.

purchasing their current 24-acre property in

“As soon as we met Boots, we knew she was

Loma, Colorado and building an indoor arena,

meant to be part of our facility,” Douglass says.

interior office space, accessible restrooms, client

“She has the biggest heart and a very loving

waiting space and new animal pens. :

presence. The second people show up, they’re just drawn to her. She creates that sense of peace and calm. Boots doesn’t even need to be part of

In July, Harmony Acres wrapped up a

To learn more or get involved with Harmony Acres Equestrian Center, visit harmonyacresec.org.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

73

feature

GRAND JUNCTION REGIONAL AIRPORT

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of Grand Junction Regional Airport

G

rand Junction is an emerging hub of the West.

this is just a testament to the dedication and the

Home to Colorado National Monument and

hard work that the staff at the airport and the

Mesa County’s bountiful vineyards and outdoor

airport board have put in over the years to really

recreation, it’s the largest city on the West Slope

take the airport into the future.”

and is growing more in tech, real estate and

overall population each year.

is presented annually to recognize Colorado

Grand Junction also serves as a travel point

public-use airports that exhibit outstanding

to destinations further west, from Salt Lake City

contributions to the Colorado Air & Space System.

and Las Vegas to Phoenix and beyond. With

Qualifications

pandemic travel restrictions lifted, more and

and proactive leadership, in addition to robust

more West Slope locals are turning to aviation as

community support and benefit.

the preferred form of travel to hit states finally

opening their doors to visitors again.

Study of Colorado Airports, GJT is responsible for

Conveniently

located

just

three

include

effective,

consistent

According to the 2020 Economic Impact

miles

supporting 3,399 jobs and producing over $189.72

northeast of Grand Junction sits Grand Junction

million in annual payroll, while generating

Regional Airport (GJT), the largest airport on the

$710.96 million in overall business revenue.

West Slope — and they say they’re ready to serve

this season.

of our most important assets,” says Robin Brown,

Under airport director Angela Padalecki,

executive director of Grand Junction Economic

the airport has undertaken major improvement

Partnership. “Time and again, we hear from

projects. In fact, last June it was awarded “2021

people that it was a deciding factor in choosing

Colorado Airport of the Year” by the Colorado

to relocate to the Grand Valley. That is why it is so

Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division

exciting to see how it has grown and continues to

of Aeronautics.

grow and outperform its peers.”

“It’s a huge honor,” Padalecki says. “There

are 76 public airports in Colorado, and I think 74

The Colorado Airport of the Year award

“The Grand Junction Regional Airport is one

Padalecki says the summer 2021 season was

their busiest summer to date with more services

than ever before and fares at an all-time low out of the airport.

Avelo Airlines, which has since suspended

service, offered one-way fares as low as $19 to Hollywood Burbank Airport last summer. Avelo told Spoke+Blossom they will reevaluate returning to Grand Junction for the summer of 2022.

This fall season, five airlines currently offer

airline service to seven destinations to and from GJT.

The goal of the airport is to mirror the warm

western hospitality that prevails across Grand Junction.

“When people step off the plane, we tell them

where they are,” Padalecki shares. “One of the first things we did is put up a huge photograph of Independence Monument. We worked with a local photographer and had him shoot this photo specifically because at an airport, like so many places, people are often looking down at their phones. One of the few places you can expect

Airlines Serving GJT for Fall 2021 Allegiant Air Santa Ana, California Las Vegas, Nevada Mesa, Arizona American Airlines Dallas, Texas Phoenix, Arizona

Delta Airlines Salt Lake City, Utah Frontier Denver, Colorado United Denver, Colorado

them to look up is while they’re going down an

2828 Walker Field Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81506

escalator — at least we hope that! And so, they

gjairport.com | 970.244.9100

look up and see this beautiful photo.”

She explains this vision has come to life in

person a countless number of times. As passengers make their way to baggage claim, the photograph is still in sight, but just outside the exit doors is a view of Independence Monument in all its glory, instantly orienting visitors with where they’re at.

Apart from the improved ambiance, major

construction projects included a new aircraft runup area and the rehabilitation of the airport’s east air carrier aircraft apron. All efforts were fully supported with federal funding.

“Grand Junction is a hub for the region and

that’s true from the aviation perspective as well,” Padalecki adds. “I’m proud of the broader team that works at the airport constantly rallying around our mission to help people travel safely and efficiently without complaining or barely even flinching when guidance was shifting from one thing to the next … I’m so impressed with their resiliency. If you pull back the curtain at the airport, I think the community would be exceptionally proud of the level of dedication that you see.” :

YO U R A D V E N T U R E B E G I N S H E R E Gourmet eats, fresh brews, lodging, shopping, year-round festivals, concerts, and a vibrant Certified Creative District art scene.

events

FALL 2021 Compiled by Emme Fredericks | Photo by Kitty Nicholason

Winefest 2018

SEPTEMBER

Colorfest

Telluride Film Festival

Pagosa Springs, CO September 17-19, 2021

Telluride, CO September 2-6, 2021 Spend a weekend in the beautiful mountains surrounded by film enthusiasts at the 48th annual Telluride Film Festival. Celebrate those who propelled the medium forward, enjoy new film debuts and appreciate all that the cinematic weekend has to offer. telluridefilmfestival.org

Chili and Beer Festival Crested Butte, CO September 11, 2021 Kick off the fall season with the 23rd annual Chili and Beer Festival.

With locally made chili, craft beer and live music, it’s a festival that cannot be missed. tickets.beerfests.com

76

Colorfest weekend showcases many Pagosa events and activities made for the whole family.

Enjoy live music with wine and local cuisine, try out new brews and food vendors or watch the beautiful mass balloon ascension. pagosachamber.com/colorfest

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival Telluride, CO September 17-19, 2021 Enjoy three days and nights at one of the most scenic and intimate music festivals in the country. With a plethora of musical artists, some of the best craft breweries in the country and plenty of activities, this festival is the perfect way to begin the fall season. tellurideblues.com

Downtown Grand Junction Car Show Grand Junction, CO September 18, 2021 Join in as Main Street rumbles with the sound of motors and participants for the 20th annual Downtown Car Show. Hundreds of antique cars, motorcycles and electric cars are on display from across the country as spectators and owners participate in friendly competition for great prizes. downtowngj.org

Mesa County Libraries Comic Con Grand Junction, CO September 18, 2021 Come together with other fans and creators, young and old, in celebrating the importance of fandoms that connect us and enrich our lives. Attend panels and meetups, visit an expo hall with creators and discuss your favorite characters with others. mesacountylibraries.org/comiccon

Colorado Mountain Winefest Palisade, CO September 18-19, 2021 Voted Best Wine Festival in the nation by USA Today, the 30th annual Colorado Mountain Winefest is back. Indulge in wine and food pairings, educational seminars and a variety of wine related activities from over 60 Colorado wineries. coloradowinefest.com

Mountain Harvest Festival Paonia, CO September 23-26, 2021 In the charming town of Paonia, Mountain Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of local music, art, farms, food and spirits.

Participate in cookoffs, tours, arts and crafts and so much more. mountainharvestfestival.org

Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors Telluride, CO September 23-26, 2021 Immerse yourself in autumnal foliage and the celebration of automobiles, motorcycles and aircraft. From high-end restorations and exotic vehicles to live music and a vibrant art scene, this event will be filled with family friendly attractions for everyone. tellurideautumnclassic.com

Fruita Fall Festival Fruita, CO September 24-26, 2021 This three-day event features over 125 vendors selling their arts and

food. The weekend is filled with events such as a talent show, golf tournament, cooking contest and live music. fruitachamber.org

Tour of the Moon

shops and restaurants. Closing the weekend, the Grand Junction Film Festival will highlight a range of filmmakers ranging from students to professionals. downtowngj.org

Grand Valley Yoga Fest

Grand Junction, CO September 25, 2021 Tour of the Moon is one of the most well-known road cycling races in the western United States. With spectacular scenery of Colorado National Monument and the Harvest Moon Celebration — featuring an expo, lunch and live entertainment — this race will be one to remember. tourofthemoon.com

Palisade, CO October 1-3, 2021 Attend three days of yoga, meditation, philosophy, live music and more. Grand Valley Yoga Fest aims to unite as a community to connect, recharge, reset and have fun through yoga, while giving back to suicide awareness programs in the Grand Valley. grandvalleyyogafest.com

OCTOBER

Vail-Beaver Creek Restaurant Week

Cedaredge Applefest

Vail, CO October 1-10, 2021

Cedaredge, CO October 1-3, 2021 Join local business owners, apple orchards, artists, musicians and more than 200 vendors in Cedaredge to celebrate the fall season and agricultural heritage of the area. Festivities include live music, art, food vendors, a 5K race and more. deltacountycolorado.com

Downtown Art Festival Grand Junction, CO October 1-3, 2021 Celebrate the Downtown Grand Junction Creative District with the 6th annual Downtown Art Festival. Kick off the weekend by browsing various galleries,

Experience the culinary offerings available throughout Vail and Beaver Creek while enjoying spectacular views. The event will feature a variety of specials from participating restaurants starting at $20.21. diningataltitude.com

Grand Valley Bank Brews & Cruise Palisade, CO October 9, 2021 Indulge in over 30 of your favorite, or soon to be favorite, craft breweries at the Grand Tasting.

Enjoy unlimited sampling and a complimentary mug with general admission, or dive into catered

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food, exclusive samplings, vendors and live music as a VIP guest. palisadechamber.chambermaster. com

Don’t forget to wear your best costume! This event will be from 3 to 5 p.m. visitgrandjunction.com

Animas Valley Balloon Rally

Truck-N-Treat

Durango, CO October 15-17, 2021

Fruita, CO October 23, 2021

Spend a weekend in Durango under the sky filled with hot air balloons. Events include morning mass ascensions and evening balloon glows. Learn the science behind hot air balloons and meet the crews for an educational and entertaining time with the whole family. animasvalleyballoonrally.com

Truck-N-Treat is a safe alternative for your kids to collect candy and celebrate Halloween. Bring the family to Downtown Fruita in your favorite costumes to explore fun vehicles and load up on candy. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. fruita.org/parksrec/page/truck-ntreat

Telluride Horror Show Festival

NOVEMBER

Telluride, CO October 15-17, 2021

Moab Celtic Festival

Participate in Colorado’s first and largest horror film festival.

For three days, experience a mix of horror, suspense and sci-fi at Telluride’s unique theaters to get into the Halloween spirit. telluridehorrorshow.com

Aspen Valley Marathon Aspen, CO October 16, 2021 Join runners from around the nation as they compete in the Aspen Valley Marathon. The scenic run along the Rio Grande Trail has been voted one of the most challenging and talked about races in Colorado. A virtual option is available for this event, so runners can complete the course anytime in October 2021. aspenvalleymarathon.com

Spooktacular Grand Junction, CO October 23, 2021 Bring your kiddos to Downtown Grand Junction on Main Street for an afternoon of Halloween activities, performances and more.

78

appetizers in the Victorian themed railcars. Experience the magical lights and a visit from Santa with the whole family. georgetownlooprr.com

Moab Folk Festival Moab, UT November 6-7, 2021 Spend the weekend in beautiful Moab listening to a wide range of 12 folk artists at various locations throughout the town. Don’t miss out on free workshops, jam sessions and vendors around the red rock filled venue. moabfolkfestival.com

Kessel Run Ultra Fruita, CO November 13, 2021

Embrace the heritage and history of Scottish and Celtic cultures at the Moab Celtic Festival. Immerse yourself in Celtic food, crafts, dancing and music along with a silent auction and door prizes. scotsontherocksmoab.org

If you’re looking for amazing views of the Western Slope with a mix of smooth and technical singletrack, this event is perfect for you. Choose between a 50-mile, 60K, 20-mile or 10-mile course to challenge yourself. Once you cross that finish line, enjoy snacks and drinks along with some race giveaways. madmooseevents.com/kessel-run-ultra

Rim Rock Run

Downtown Tree Lighting

Moab, UT November 5-7, 2021

Grand Junction, CO November 6, 2021 The Rim Rock Run boasts scenery unlike any other marathon. The course features views of monoliths, plateaus and canyon panoramas.

Choose from a marathon or halfmarathon and receive prizes and swag. After crossing the finish line, enjoy live entertainment, local food and a beer garden. rimrockrun.grandjunctionsports. org

Santa’s North Pole Adventure Georgetown Loop, CO November 6, 2021 Kick off the holiday season with a train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies or alcoholic beverages and holiday

Grand Junction, CO November 20, 2021 Enjoy the spirit of the holidays in Downtown Grand Junction with the annual tree lighting. Visit with Santa Claus himself and take in the magical Main Street lights with the whole family. downtowngj.org

Turkey Day 5K Frisco, CO November 25 Come out to Summit County Recreation Path to run with your family before celebrating Thanksgiving. Racers are invited to make a non-perishable food donation at the event to benefit the Family & Intercultural Resource Center of Summit County for the holiday. townoffrisco.com :

who we are

Q&A WITH JOHN MARSHALL PRESIDENT OF COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

J

ohn Marshall is the 11th president of Colorado

relationship between these organizations, and

Mesa University (CMU) in Grand Junction. He

that relationship’s role in the success of our

also serves as an instructor in CMU’s early start

community. Partnerships are central to this so-

programs and as a lecturer of political science.

called “Grand Junction Way” and are essential

Marshall came to Grand Junction and CMU

for our joint success. Our role in economic

in the late 1990s as a college student. It was here

development is making sure CMU maintains

he met his wife, Linde, and the two of them have

robust

settled here to build their life and raise a family.

workforce needs locally, regionally and beyond.

Spoke+Blossom was happy to connect with

The students who experience and graduate from

him about living in Western Colorado and CMU’s

our programs are so incredibly talented, and I am

presence in the community.

excited to work with the Grand Junction Economic

programs

and

curricula

that

meet

Partnership, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of S+B: What are some things you love about

Commerce and all our economic development

living and working in Western Colorado?

partners in providing students with meaningful

JM: I love that the valley is named after the union of two rivers. The Colorado and the Gunnison are different in nature, but where they mix,

job opportunities once they finish at CMU.

S+B: Can you please share your

something unique and special is created. I see it

vision for CMU moving forward?

as a great metaphor for our community. We have

JM: CMU is a cultural and intellectual hub in

a blend of natives, newcomers and everything

Western Colorado. We committed many years

in between. At our best we’re connected and

ago to fulfill our mission as a teaching institution

in community with one another. As we watch

where faculty members engage in small classes

disunity and strife surround us nationally, I

and come to know their students. In my mind,

believe our community and region can be a place

CMU is a scale model of the type of nation we all

where we take a different approach — and often do!

want to live in. This human-scale university is a

place where we know each other’s names, where

S+B: What would you say is the role of

we listen and learn and challenge one another

Colorado Mesa University in boosting

with big ideas that have potential to make the

economic development in our community

world better. With two-thirds of CMU students

and region?

being students of color — and/or the first in their

JM: Communities on the Front Range might observe that Western Colorado approaches opportunities in a different manner. I hear my Front Range friends sometimes speak of a unique approach called the “Grand Junction Way.” Leaders at the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, St. Mary’s Hospital, Community Hospital, economic development partners and numerous

family to attend college — the work we do on our campus has power to change the trajectory of families for generations to come. My vision for CMU is to build on past successes and continue challenging our students to think critically as Mavericks even after they walk across the stage at graduation and become our next community leaders. :

other organizations recognize the symbiotic SPOKE+BLOSSOM

79

who we are

NIC KORTE Words by Jenna Kretschman | Photo courtesy of Nic Korte

N

ic Korte gives a hoot about owls.

hearing about the project, and the box program

Korte, a retired geochemist, is the

just kept growing,” Korte shares.

conservation chair for the Grand Valley Audubon

Society and leads the Audubon’s Western Screech

Audubon Society’s yearly Christmas Bird Count, a

Owl project. The decades-long initiative aims

nationwide annual bird census where volunteers

to monitor and provide habitats for the valley’s

record the species and number of as many birds

population of Western Screech Owls, a petite

as they can find. While the Western Slope’s

native owl that thrives in Western Colorado’s

screech owl numbers are record-setting, they are

climate. For 10 of the past 11 years, Mesa County

declining due to human activity.

has counted the highest population of Western

Screech Owls in the world, thanks to Korte’s

boxes, he estimated about 500 Western Screech

efforts.

Owls in the valley. Now we’re estimating about

“When Rich did the initial surveys without

The project involves conserving and creating

half that, just because of the loss of habitat,” Korte

habitats for the owls by placing nesting boxes

says. “The biggest thing the community can do is

in areas where new habitat is needed. The ideal

consider that we need to keep as much natural

home to a Western Screech Owl is a cavity in a

area as we can. A lot of the old cottonwoods are

tree, particularly in old cottonwoods.

not just for owls, but they are also a tremendous

“We wouldn’t have as many owls without the

resource for other birds. Do the best you can to

boxes,” Korte says. “We’ve created a lot of habitat.

protect these places with the resources you have.”

If there’s a dead tree with a hole in it that owls

need, people will cut it down, so we put a box on

a birder in his book Ten Jungle Days, available on

a live tree and create a habitat.”

Amazon. :

Western Colorado is an ideal area for the

owls due to its temperature and elevation. The Western Screech Owl doesn’t migrate, so it relies on food being available year-round in the valley.

“We just seem to be a sweet spot. If you get up

a little higher in elevation, the vegetation changes and the owls that are present will change,” Korte explains. “This time of year, the screech owls eat insects and will catch an occasional bird. They eat a lot of rodents. Some of the old alleys in Grand Junction are good for that or places where there are fields.”

The project began in the 1980s when a birder

named Rich Levad took an interest in the owls, and Korte got involved in 1991. When Levad passed away in 2004, Korte took over the project.

“I just started finding out where the owls

were. I’d knock on doors and see if people wanted an owl box, and a lot of them did. People started

80

The populations are recorded during the

Read more about Korte and his adventures as