Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Winter 2021-22 | Issue #18

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A D V E N T U R E

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W E S T E R N

C O L O R A D O

HOW TO HYGGE YOUR HOME 18 CAMP BIRD CUSTOM HATS 34 RIVER PERMIT PARTIES 56 THE COST OF REMOTE WORKING 82

WINTER 2021-22 / ISSUE 18

Discover a new backyard.

CO N T what’s up in the west

lifestyle

12 28

BOOK + BEVERAGE Read Island by Nicole Magistro D.I.Y. Hot Chocolate Jars

29

S+B’S INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS

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STYLE Western Colorado Through the Lens of Edward Kunzelman

Experience Winter On-High in Colorado National Monument

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MAKER Camp Bird: Custom Hats Made in Telluride

14

Montanya Gets a New Rum Tasting Room

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16

BLOSSOM How to Make a Winter Wreath

ART GatherHouse Glassblowing Studio + Gallery

40

HOME + GARDEN How to Hygge Your Home

MUSIC “Rock” Music

42

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Special Advertising Section

FOOD The “Hole” Truth About Homemade Bagels

46

DRINK The Roast with the Most

FOOD The Assembly | Eagle

48

WELLNESS + FITNESS Canine Connections: Bridging the Gap Between Communication

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VOICES OF WESTERN COLORADO Locals Weigh in on Forge

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WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Skip’s Farm To Market Expands to New Location in Fruita

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Alt Space CoWorking Grows to Five Locations Across Western Colorado

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18 20 22 24

2

34

EAT Holiday Recipes

E N TS adventure

features + events

68

72

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ADVENTURE Wild Monkey Snacks: Fuel Your Adventures

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COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE CSA Does Winter in Western Colorado

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SPOKE Gear for the Season

78

PAST, PRESENT + FUTURE Powderhorn Mountain Resort

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SPOKE Athlete Profile: Leota Sweetman-McPeek

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56

GRAND OUTDOORS ‘Tis the Season for River Permit Parties

GRAND JUNCTION IS A REMOTE WORKER’S PARADISE But at What Cost?

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58

FAMILY Don’t Stop When the Temps Drop: A Guide to Venturing Outside with Your Little Ones

EVENTS Winter 2021-22

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WHO WE ARE Terry Hancock

61

TAKE A HIKE Main Canyon: Coal Canyon Trailhead

64

STAY + PLAY Gravity Haus Winter Park

68

GETAWAY America’s Riviera: Santa Barbara, California

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

FORGE As another year comes to completion, we are taking extra time to reflect on where we have been and where we are going. The path behind us has carved just as much significance as what lies ahead, but where do we align our focus?

While never forgetting all its history, Western Colorado is forging forward. Here at Spoke+Blossom, we are constantly inspired by the stories of our community that give life to every page, season after season.

It seems that if we don’t move forward we are just standing still, because turning around gets us nowhere in the same amount of time. Create some space to watch your community this winter; notice the current momentum and how you may or may not contribute to it.

In this winter issue we’ve captured stories that remind us of this. We have included a notable amount of coverage on local businesses that are evolving and expanding at every turn; we have spotlighted local artists, musicians, makers and farmers who are bringing more into the world than they are taking.

In acknowledging that steady forward movement isn’t always easy, we also have captured how resilience amidst unexpected challenge yields remarkable results.

We hope this issue reminds you to forge forward. Even on a trail that is less traveled, let’s try to leave footsteps for others to follow.

Publisher + Co-Owner

Join the Spoke+Blossom Community Instagram @spokeandblossom

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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 Relationships Coordinator Laura Mills Contributors Lisa Blake Matt Brooks MacKennea Broyles Zoe Cramer Lindsay DeFrates Nathan Dumlao Lauren Farrauto Alejandra Cifre Gonzalez Curtney Holden Sherri Innis Hyosun Rosy Ko Jenna Kretschman Edward Kunzelman Kristen Lummis Olivia Lyda Maureen McGuire Laura Mills Kimberly Nicoletti Christine Rice Lexi Riech Natale Retzlaff Susan Swimm Jennifer Weintraub Melanie Wiseman Allison Vagnini Vitaliy Zalishchyker Cover Photograph Alison Vagnini

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.

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contributors

EDWARD KUNZELMAN Ed found a home in Grand Junction in the 1970s after being transferred from a front range printing business, although the real reason for settling on the Western Slope was skiing. Any place so close to Aspen and Telluride ski areas had to be perfect.

Print sales evolved into graphic design which led to photography, which is where he’s focused these days.

JENNA KRETSCHMAN

MAUREEN McGUIRE

Jenna has lived in Grand Junction since she was a child. She works full time in animal welfare and enjoys spending her free time exploring Western Colorado and hanging out with her two adorable cats, Peach and Plum.

Maureen 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.

COURTNEY HOLDEN Courtney moved to Boulder, Colorado to pursue her dream of hiking, biking, skiing and writing about it. So far, things are working out. In the past four years, she’s transitioned from 100-mile days on her road bike to backpacking with a stuffed rabbit, Tonka truck and toddler in tow. Her husband comes too.

LAUREN FARRAUTO Lauren has always loved the power of the written word. As assistant editor for Spoke+Blossom and CO YOGA + Life and Covered Bridge magazines, her dream of creating her own story is finally a reality. When not curled up with a good book, she can be found adventuring in the Colorado wilderness.

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ZOE CRAMER 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.

voices of western colorado

FORGE We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic Compiled by Lauren Farrauto

PATRIC MATYSIEWSKI

STEPHANIE GRIGGS

EMILY WEST

At the start of the pandemic, Patric transitioned fully to Sauvage Spectrum in Palisade. He and his supportive wife are working every day to secure the American dream in Western Colorado.

Stephanie Griggs is the co-owner of Bookcliff Gardens Nursery and Landscape in Grand Junction.

Emily West is an environmental engineer working for AECOM in Glenwood Springs.

“For Sauvage Spectrum, we had no choice but to forge ahead when the pandemic hit. We were just gaining momentum with wholesale accounts for our new brand when it all came to a halt.

Mesa County granted us a fivestar variance program, which allowed us to operate safely within the guidelines. Instead of holding back and cutting labor hours, we decided to move on the best we could — stay on schedule releasing new wines, continue to research and develop new projects and maintain safety protocols to keep our doors open. We ended up partnering with Western Distributing Co. to manage our wholesale accounts in the state, growing our wine club to over 300 members and hitting all of our goals with our new transition plan.”

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“Forge, to me, means to take

“Investor pressure is increasingly

something that already exists

forcing oil and gas companies to

and form and shape it to make

lower greenhouse gas emissions,

a reflection of our own vision.

which for an air quality

It was very exciting to acquire

consultant makes for exciting

an iconic, over 50-year-old

and interesting new projects.

business. We knew we wanted to

However, this fall our two young

create and shape our company

children have contracted five

to reflect our personalities

viruses each in 12 weeks. My

while maintaining the culture

husband and I spend many long

of Bookcliff Gardens. We had

nights rocking sick, feverish

to show respect not only to the

kiddos back to bed only to wake

employees, but also the loyal

up early and work as much as

customers. We formulated a plan

possible before another sick day

to forge our own way, slowly, in

at home begins. The balancing

order to first learn the existing

act of parenting and careers is

business. The next step is to

rewarding and challenging with

continue to be steady in forming

never enough time. The best we

a new Bookcliff Gardens that

can do is be grateful for all that

incorporates both old and new.

we have and forge ahead day

Our greatest joy is watching our

by day.” :

employees forge and grow with us!”

what's up in the west

SKIP’S FARM TO MARKET EXPANDS TO NEW LOCATION IN FRUITA Words by Kim Fuller | Photo courtesy of Skip’s Farm To Market

S

kip Doty has always had a passion for local

at the Grand Junction Farmers Market, The Hog

farms and the food they produce. Doty

and The Hen and other specialty markets — but it

purchased land in Palisade in 2012 and started

may be news that Skip’s store manager Ramona

Early Morning Orchard Farm. He has since grown

Haberkorn is the owner of Bake Sale Bread Co.

a network of market stores and stands to connect

people with local food. The first Skip’s Farm to

space as one side bakery/deli, the other side as

Market opened in 2017 in Old Town Basalt.

our fresh little year-round farmers’ market,”

Coming in summer of 2022, a new Fruita

says Barton. “Ramona has been a huge asset

location of Skip’s Farm to Market will be located

to the Skip’s family, and we all want to see her

at 211 E. Aspen Avenue. Doty purchased the

passion for baking thrive.”

building to expand the small 600-square-foot

space into 3,000 square feet. Coincidentally, the

Barton adds. “There will be a shared commercial

building once housed Brumbaugh’s Groceries

kitchen space, so together we can provide fresh

and Meats in the 1930s.

bread, baked goods, prepared foods, canned

“She and Skip partnered to open the new

“It just makes sense to work together,”

“We are so excited to be expanding to a

food, ice cream, dried fruits, dried mushrooms

larger space, so we can offer the local community

and veggies to all of our stores and stands in

more local and natural foods,” shares general

order to provide more food security to the

manager Dalene Barton.

Western Slope.” :

You may already know about Bake Sale

Bread Co. — the amazing sourdough you find

skipsfarmtomarket.com

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

9

what's up in the west

ALT SPACE COWORKING GROWS TO FIVE LOCATIONS ACROSS WESTERN COLORADO Words by Jenna Kretschman | Photo courtesy of Alt Space

B

our kitchen with horrible WiFi, being shoulder-

to spark connection throughout rural

to-shoulder, dealing with the animals and just

Colorado with their rapidly expanding

being in the house constantly,” Bonnie says.

coworking company, Alt Space.

Brian is a co-founder of Proximity Space,

The company has grown from one location

a software company that powers coworking

to five over the past year. Their first space

spaces globally, and Bonnie is the director of the

opened in October 2020 in Telluride, where the

Telluride Venture Network, where she works

couple lives.

with rural entrepreneurs. When Alt Space’s

“It purely came out of a necessity from the

Telluride location filled up immediately with

pandemic; we just got tired of working out of

remote workers who felt the same way as Bonnie

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rian and Bonnie Watson are on a mission

and Brian, the Watsons saw an opportunity that

shortage and cater to what they believe is a

they were perfectly positioned for — expansion

change in consumer behavior to self-service.

across the Western Slope.

The goal of Alt Space isn’t just to provide

In May 2021, Alt Space purchased three

high-speed internet and a place to work; it’s

more coworking locations in Ridgway, Montrose

about building community and turning Western

and Grand Junction from Proximity Space, which

Colorado into a regional network.

was looking to sell its brick-and-mortar locations

in order to focus on its software services. Three

builders. We are trying to connect rural resources

months later, Alt Space took over 750 Main

to rural people,” Bonnie explains. “Our spaces

Street, formerly Factory, in Grand Junction as its

serve as nodes in that network as a physical

fifth coworking location on the Western Slope.

meeting space for people from Grand Junction

“By nature, Brian and I are ecosystem

“Having a high-quality place that you can

to Telluride to come together. The bigger idea is

go to work and compartmentalize your life and

to connect remote workers and entrepreneurs

your work has been really important,” Brian

with the tools, resources, people and places that

says. “People need flexibility, and they want to

they really need to thrive.”

be able to travel and work regionally, not just

in one location, so that’s what we’re trying to do

entire region and connect and work together, the

with Alt.”

whole tide of the region is going to rise,” Brian

Alt Space is the first ever fully-automated

adds. “If you’re working remotely or looking to

coworking space. Simply purchase a pass on

get plugged in and involved in Western Colorado,

their website, download the Proximity app and

there’s really no better place than Alt Space.” :

“What we believe is that if we can raise the

enjoy access to all five locations across Western Colorado. The self-service model allows Alt

To learn more about Alt Space,

Space to create stability during the current labor

visit altspacecowork.com.

A PLACE TO GROW Focused business mentoring meets productive workspace

Learn more at www.gjincubator.org

what's up in the west

EXPERIENCE WINTER ON-HIGH IN COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT Words by Courtney Holden | Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Adventures

O

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n belay? In ... January?

Colorado National Monument all year round.

Thanks to a new winter climbing

GJ Adventure’s new line-up of half-day and

program available from Grand Junction

day-long guided climbing outings cater to both

Adventures,

beginners and experts alike.

the

essential

back-and-forth

between a rock climber and their faithful

rope-holder will now ring out through

says James Stover, Grand Junction Adventures

“To be clear though, this is not ice climbing,”

business development manager and head climbing guide.

After all, the Western Slope boasts relatively

mild temperatures throughout the winter; ice isn’t in the forecast.

“In the middle of December, it can be

60 degrees on a sunny wall,” Stover says, noting that, with inversion, it’s common for temperatures in the Monument to be 10 or 20 degrees warmer than lower in the Grand Valley. Though if the weather does look iffy, GJ Adventures allows guests to cancel the day before for a full refund or rebook for another day. “Nobody wants to be out there when it’s snowing,” Stover laughs.

GJ Adventures’ beginner-focused trips

typically begin with a 25-minute hike into the climbing site at Monument Slabs, followed by

and easiest form of outdoor rock climbing), and

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the adventure starts. “We also have the ability

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thorough instruction on how to wear a harness, how to safely belay and proper rope usage.

Then, the guides set up top ropes (the safest

to lead some more difficult climbs if people are feeling randy and need more of a challenge,” Stover adds.

For more experienced climbers, GJ

Adventures’

advanced

trips

tackle

more

challenging routes up the Monument Slabs, as well as climbs up Liberty Cap and Terra Rado.

Independence Monument, however, is off the table given the route is completely shaded.

(Read: too cold and slick.)

No matter the ability level, all of GJ

Adventures’ trips follow famed climber Alex Lowe’s adage that “the best climber is the one

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having the most fun.” A big contributor to that fun factor is the ability to see Colorado National Monument at a time of year when it’s less busy, but no less beautiful. In fact, with the dusty reds and oranges of the rock complementing the mellow green of the junipers, all offset by the bright white of snow patches, Stover calls the area a “really magical place to be in the wintertime.”

Belay on. :

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what's up in the west

MONTANYA GETS A NEW RUM TASTING ROOM Words by Lauren Farrauto | Photo courtesy of Montanya Distillers

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ttention all Crested Butte locals. Your

rum” — Old Monk. “It started a love affair with

favorite local rum distillery, Montanya

me and that spirit,” she says.

Rum, is moving locations. But don’t worry, it’s

just two doors up the road.

change, and the rum industry has been better

In 2008, Hoskin decided to make a career

“I’m most excited about driving rum

for it ever since. In fact, Montanya rums have

appreciation,” shares Karen Hoskin, the founder,

won almost every major award in the spirits

owner and CEO of Montanya Distillers.

world, including Craft Distillery of the Year.

Hoskin’s love of rum has stood the test of

And yet, with all this love and focus on rum,

time. She was first exposed to the spirit on a trip

Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte has become

to Goa, India where she tried their “pride and joy

almost more famous for the incredible food they

serve. The wait time to get in for food, which

a simple sit down at the bar, the experience is

was sometimes hours long, drew the focus away

yours to plan. The Montanya team will take care

from tasting the product Hoskin worked so hard

of the rest. Hoskin plans to train her staff to

perfecting.

know more about the company, rum and the rum

“We don’t do anything half-assed. We did

industry to ensure they can inform customers as

too good a job and became really well-known

thoroughly as possible.

for our delicious food,” Hoskin laughs. “But I’m

a rum distiller, not a restaurateur. When people

reveals. “It’s inspired by my travels around the

walk in the door, I want their experience to be

world — my ode to them.”

about Montanya rum.”

With the new location, Hoskin plans to

by Judith Graham, with whom Hoskin has

remove the dining option and focus solely on

collaborated since 2001. Graham’s work was

her passion — the rum. “We’re almost forging

also featured at Montanya’s previous Silverton

a path backwards,” Hoskin admits. But in doing

location.

so, she hopes to create a better, more intimate

experience for customers.

hopes to foster a calm, intimate environment

The distillery will continue to offer one

with exceptional service to develop a higher

to two new cocktails a week, in addition to old

level of rum tasting. “I’m really working hard to

staples like the Maharaja — a local favorite.

develop a rum experience,” she emphasizes.

The distillery will triple in size to

accommodate different tour group sizes. There

The space itself is “gorgeous,” Hoskin

There will also be a 16-piece art instillation

With a maximum capacity of 32, Hoskin

Hoskin aims to open the doors to the new

space on December 15, 2021. :

will be a reservation model for those tours that are customizable for each party. A group of 12 or a group of two, a two-part extensive tour or

montanyarum.com 204 Elk Avenue Crested Butte, CO 81224

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blossom

HOW TO MAKE A WINTER WREATH Words by Lauren Farrauto | Photo courtesy of Susan Swimm

H

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oliday wreaths are one of my favorite

Swimm,

decorations to put up in the winter. They

merchandising and display, first began her

are so simple, but somehow manage to make

design career at Frasers department store in

a doorway or mantle look extra elegant and

Scotland doing Christmas decorating. Since then,

festive. While most people buy wreaths from

she’s moved to Vail and started her company

the store, being able to hang something that you

Skye Designs in 1993. You’ve likely seen her work

made with your own two hands can unlock even

in various hotels and store fronts in the Vail

more joy.

Village. She also does full flower arrangements

and Christmas decorating.

“You can do whatever you want with a

who

has

a

degree

in

retail

wreath, which I love,” says Susan Swimm, owner

of Skye Designs in Vail Valley.

firm believer that “there are no rules in wreath

As a primarily self-taught decorator, she is a

making.” That said, there are a few guiding

principles that she tends to adhere to.

through the wreath base and cut them to the

proper length to secure properly.

“I would definitely pick a theme or color

If using hydrangeas, thread their stems

scheme,” she says. Swimm tends to gravitate

toward red, green and brown during the holiday

have fun with it! Add in red berries, mistletoe,

season. However, feel free to get creative and

sparkly snowflakes, Christmas ornaments, bells

After the more basic elements are in place,

chose what you want to see in your own wreath.

— anything you want.

Once that’s decided, go ahead and start gathering

materials.

decorated, but you can decorate it however you

You can find most things at a craft store, like

like,” Swimm says. That’s the beauty of making

Joann’s or Michaels. Your local florist shop also

your own wreath; it’s an entirely customizable

will have a lot of useful materials, such as dried

project.

bits for the wreath and silk. If you’re going for

an all-natural wreath, go forage for some goods!

back of the wreath, so it hangs flush with the door

This time of year, places that sell Christmas trees

or wall you’re putting it on. You can buy a wreath

usually have extra branches for you to take.

hanger or simply hammer in a nail to display

Then, you’re ready to get started!

your creation for the whole neighborhood to see.

“I really think the secret to making a good

“I love wreaths when they are heavily

When you’re finished, tie a ribbon on the

No matter what you decide to incorporate

wreath is having a solid foundation,” Swimm

into your wreath, have fun with it! Invite some

shares. Her favorite option is a grapevine wreath

friends over to make their own with you or

due to its simple beauty and stability. You can

bring your kids in for some craft time. This is the

also make your own out of wire or even buy an

perfect time to forge new bonds with loved ones

inexpensive store-made wreath and fix your

as you create something together. :

decorations of choice on top of the sturdy base that has already been created for you.

Once you have your base, gather all the

other greenery you plan on using for the wreath.

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“Keep it natural,” advises Swimm, who gravitates towards evergreen branches for the majority of her wreaths.

Using a glue gun or florist wire, start

assembling the body of your wreath. Grapevine wreath bases are especially good for this part, because you can thread the branches through the wreath itself for an extra strong hold.

If using a glue gun, make sure to leave the

wreath to dry before adding more on top of the evergreen branches and prior to hanging the wreath itself. After it’s dry, build on top of this initial layer — adding in pinecones, red hydrangeas and other accoutrements of your choice.

When adding in extra elements, Swimm says

to remember that your wreath has a top and a bottom, a left and a right. Adding in asymmetry based of this can help create a wreath that’s uniquely yours. “I’d maybe put two hydrangeas off-center at the bottom and one off-center at the top,” she says, spit-balling ideas.

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Solandra sustainable bath and body care products are available at fine Vail Valley Shops and online at...

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home + garden

HOW TO HYGGE YOUR HOME Words by Lauren Farrauto | Photo by Allison Vagnini

hyg·ge

(h(y)o͞oɡə,ˈ ho͝oɡə) noun

A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being; the Danish art of creating joy and coziness in life’s

is set up to ensure that she is able to enjoy this moment as long as possible. The design of her coffee station creates a space that is intuitive and simplistic.

The key is to reflect on how you and your

everyday moments.

family love to share time and moments. Even

A

lexandra Gove, owner and founder of Hygge

create something special. Taking the time out of

Life in Edwards, Colorado, defines hygge

your busy day to do something you love can help

as a feeling of contentment, happiness, comfort

you slow down, even for just five minutes. Gove

and warmth. One of the best ways to integrate

advises, “Look at your space and add things that

hygge into your life is through the home.

provide comfort, things you value.”

“There’s an art to creating a space that

something as simple as lighting a candle can

While it is certainly easiest, and most

cultivates hygge, but it’s different for everyone’s

obvious, to hygge your home in the winter

needs,” Gove explains. “For me, lighting is really

months when it’s colder and darker, you can

important. Having a fire or dim lighting helps

still add comforting touches year-round. Once

me set the perfect mood.”

it begins to warm up, open the windows to let

Implementing hygge through design is

in fresh air, spend time outside gardening or

simple, just try to pinpoint what gives you that

having dinner, take a picnic to the park. Or,

hygge feeling or inspires joy. Then, add elements

bring nature indoors by adding plants and fresh

that make it easy and accessible to have those

flowers to your décor.

comforting moments. For Gove, that time is in

the morning with a cup of coffee or tea. Her

a place in your home. “It’s less about creating a

morning ritual consists of lighting a candle

style,” Gove concludes. “Hygge is a feeling that

and preparing the perfect cup, and her kitchen

comes from moments.” :

Whatever your decorating style, hygge has

Find more inspiration at hyggelife.com.

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REALTOR

SPOTLIGHT

Mark Gordon, CRS Serving the Eagle River Valley for over a decade

T

he Eagle River Valley of Colorado, home to Vail and the surrounding communities, is not only a picturesque location complete with glorious mountain backdrops and adventure activities galore. The mountain valley is also home to a devoted community invested in its success, whether economically, culturally or socially.

Mark Gordon, Vail local and certified residential specialist (CRS) — the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers — understands this firsthand. As a devoted community member, Gordon not only works to help buyers and sellers invest in the community, but in promoting the mountain culture that helps define Colorado as an oasis for locals, tourists and part-time homeowners alike.

“My involvement in the community translates to me having more knowledge for the clients I work with, both buyers and sellers, which helps them in the process,” Gordon says. “I understand what’s going on in the town — its trends and which direction it’s heading. My knowledge of what’s happening nationally and internationally in real estate and economics also helps me ensure my clients are making the right decisions — something I will always advocate for.”

P A

Like a personal trainer, Gordon is there with his clients every step of the way. He not only helps guide his clients through the world of real estate, but also the community in which they’re looking to call home. Because of this, his interactions go beyond mere transactions. Instead, he gets to know his clients on a personal level as he shares all that the Vail Valley has to offer.

When looking for a mountain home, he asks questions like, What base area do you ski out of? What are your favorite dining options here? From there, he says, the search becomes not only efficient, but pleasurable.

“I let Vail do the selling,” he says.

“I expose people to all that Vail and its community offers.”

His contributions to the community are intertwined amongst various local

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organizations spanning many years. Gordon is the 2021/22 president of Colorado RRC, the state chapter of a professional network with over 29,000 real estate professionals, as well as one of the founders of the Vail Economic Advisory Council, a long-time member of the Vail Commission for Special Events, president of his local synagogue and a board member for the Bravo Vail Music Festival. He even served as a Vail Town Council member from 2005 to 2009 where he advocated for housing equity and economic sustainability.

Gordon prides himself on being professional and charitable. If you’re looking to plant your own roots in this mountain town mecca, home to not only world-class slopes but a plethora of cultural and social offerings, give him a call at 970.331.5821 or visit vailcoluxuryhomes.com to browse.

holiday gift guide

Special Advertising Section

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Baklava by Linda Share this deliciously unique, homemade baklava! Perfect for friends, family or as a corporate gift.

Described by customers as the “best baklava they’ve ever had.” Made in Colorado, Baklava by Linda is the local treat you have been looking for. $15 – 8-piece box $25 – 16-piece box baklavabylinda.com

WILLOW CREEK HERBS AND TEAS Willow Creek is located on Main Street in downtown Grand Junction. The aromas will envelop your senses when you come in to select from over 195 black, green and herbal teas, 225 organic culinary spices including many custom blends and lots of healthful herbs. Also, enjoy the talented local artists’ work including John Anglim, Kani, Wendy Videlock, Red Hawk Pottery and Ashtonn Means, all available at Willow Creek, plus beautiful Native jewelry and art.

Pictured here are mugs from Red Hawk Pottery, a local potter, along with Tommy Singer jewelry and amethyst crystals. Also pictured is the Mulling Spices house blend available only at Willow Creek. facebook.com/ WillowCreekHerbsandTeas 970.241.2324 411 Main Street, Grand Junction

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holiday gift guide

Special Advertising Section

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Available now and pre-order for your holiday meals! @grand.jun grandjun.com

Buckel Family Wine A Colorado winter calls for local, refined and fun! This wine is locally produced using grapes from hand-piked vineyards in Colorado.

With minimal intervention comes good clean wine. Celebrate with a sparkling wine or pair Buckel to all your holiday meals.

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WE SPEAK TO

WESTERN COLORADO

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING AT SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM

drink

THE ROAST WITH THE MOST Words + Photo by MacKennea Broyles

F

22

rom blue-can Folgers to full-bodied fruit

be the first progressive, urban coffee in the Vail

flavors, the way we drink coffee has

Valley.” It was worth the leap, with 2021 bringing

advanced dramatically with the early 2000s

Color’s fifth year of business.

bringing rise to what is now known as “third

wave coffee.” The idea is to consider coffee beans

brewing a few bad cups of coffee on the resident

an artisanal ingredient and process them in

espresso machine, Chris Chacos, owner and

ways that highlight flavors of each unique batch

founder of Bonfire Coffee in Glenwood Springs

of beans. Although this was initially popularized

found his way into roasting. “I started with an

by roasters in larger cities, craft coffee is now

eye for mistakes,” Chacos laughs. Now, people

percolating into towns on the Western Slope.

can enjoy Bonfire Coffee by the cup at local

After taking over the family restaurant and

Initially, Charlie Gundlach, founder and

cafes and at home thanks to its presence on the

owner Color Coffee in Eagle, feared he had taken

shelves of many Colorado stores, including select

a little bit of a risk by choosing a small town to

Whole Foods stores.

open up his roastery and coffee shop. However,

he says, “I realized we had the opportunity to

and founder of Cimarron Roasters based in

The initial venture of Eric Palumbo, owner

Montrose, was the purchase of Cimarron Books

home roaster and found that what I was roasting

and Coffee in Ridgway. “I thought, ‘Well, I love

was pretty good because I was buying really

coffee and I can read,’” he jokes. Palumbo’s

good, green coffee,” he says.

transition from the Ridgway shop to Cimarron’s

current location in Sampler Square was a result

with wine tasting, is often an art of practice.

of one of the most critical factors in craft coffee:

With all of these components to consider, can

roasting.

just anyone enjoy a cup of craft coffee?

In fact, roasting is so important that,

Coffee tasting, which shares many aspects

Gundlach points out that, although the

initially, Palumbo endured the brutal highs and

complexities and variants of each cup of well-

lows of Colorado weather for a well-crafted

roasted coffee are “there and important,” one

cuppa, roasting in a small commercial roaster in

shouldn’t be scared away by this. “Talking about

a toolshed. “It was great for two, maybe three,

it is way less important than just enjoying the

months of the year,” Palumbo laughs. “The rest

coffee,” he says. “It should be fun!”

of the time, I was either trying to get as far away

from the roaster as possible because it was so

“When I first started in coffee, there was an

hot, or hug it without burning myself, because it

air of exclusivity, and I adopted that,” he says.

was so cold.”

“Rather than be frustrated, I came to realize that

Palumbo shares a similar perspective.

Third wave coffee, as Gundlach puts it, is

there’s room for everybody. It’s all about style

all about “appreciating the coffee for the beauty

and what you prefer. We want to make people

that it is.” Color elevates this by roasting the

feel comfortable with craft coffee, not drive

beans “light, but not too light. We really believe

them away from it.”

in light and bright coffees that show off the

origin flavors,” Gundlach says.

and even $55 a cup, Hernandez is still a fiend for

caffeine. “The first three cups of the day don’t

“Roasting can mask the true flavors of a

coffee,” adds Chacos. “It should show off those flavors, not overpower them.” Bonfire’s Rigo Hernandez (AKA “Mr. Coffee”) agrees. “The way you roast a coffee should highlight its flavor,” Hernandzez says. “The cooking method should expand those flavors.”

Gundlach also sees a conscious roasting

process as a means of respect and consideration.

“It highlights the hard work of these coffeeproducing countries and the labor that happens on the agricultural side of a cup of coffee,” he explains.

As a result, Gundlach often visits farms in

Latin America, cultivating relationships with farmers and maximizing the amount of money that makes it back to the farmer.

Chacos also places a high importance on

sourcing beans. “90% of our coffees are organic, and all of them come from small farms,” he explains. “It makes better coffee and is healthier for the communities that grow the beans.”

The importance of procuring beans was

something that Palumbo discovered early on in his roasting endeavors. “I started roasting in my

Although he’s savored cups of coffee at $32

count,” he assures. :

eat

HOLIDAY RECIPES Words + Photos by Maureen McGuire

24

I

n the early morning winter hours, it is nearly

hot chocolate, so whatever mood you wake up in,

silent. Even in the middle of Grand Junction,

you have a good pairing. Most importantly, if you

there is rarely a sound. It is at this time of day I

have leftovers, they’re easily transformed into

really find the ability to focus on the important

a post-nap snack. Many times, I make a hearty

things and celebrate them. Winter can be bleak

cake. I hope you can find a time this holiday

for many; however, it can also be serene and

season to celebrate in a serene morning moment

joyous.

with someone you love.

In the last few years, my husband and I have

gravitated toward early morning celebrations,

PUMPKIN BREAKFAST CAKE

especially from late fall to early spring. It began

2 cups pumpkin purée 2 eggs ¾ cup sugar 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups whole wheat or oat flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp each ground clove, allspice, ginger, nutmeg Pinch of ground cardamom Stir-ins: up to 2 cups seeds, nut pieces, dried

fruit pieces or chocolate chips

as a wish to share a few moments alone together before getting to work, family gatherings or going to the big activity for the day. It allowed us to focus, even for a few minutes, on the most important thing in our lives with each other. We are lucky enough to usually have the same days off for the holidays, so this ability to celebrate together has become something I treasure.

In forging this new tradition, I have made

some discoveries. First, the food should be made the day before, so there’s no rush to do much work in the morning. Additionally, it should be

1. P reheat oven to 350 degrees.

good with a warm holiday cocktail, tea, coffee or

2. Cream together sugar, pumpkin and eggs.

26

Gradually add dry ingredients (except stirins) until smooth. Batter should easily spread in a baking dish. If not, add up to two Tbsp milk. Using a wooden spoon, add additional fruit or nut pieces. I used chocolate chips, pecans, raisins and dried cherries.

3. Pour into a greased 9x13 or similar size baking dish.

4. Bake for 45 minutes or until cake is slightly firm and only has a few crumbs clinging to a toothpick when tested.

5. Glaze with cream cheese glaze, if desired.

CREAM CHEESE GLAZE (OPTIONAL) 4 ounces softened cream cheese 1 Tbsp softened butter 1 tsp vanilla 1 tbsp milk 2-3 cups powder sugar

1. C ream together cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla.

2. Slowly add powder sugar to desired consistency.

3. Serve drizzled over cake.

HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE SERVES TWO

2 Tbsp heavy cream 4 Tbsp milk, plus 1 ½ cups milk, preferably

at room temperature 4 ounces chocolate of choice, in chips or pieces Extra thick whipped cream

1. I n a sauce pan heat cream, chocolate and 4 Tbsp milk on very low heat until smooth.

2. A few ounces at a time, whisk in the rest of the milk carefully to keep chocolate as smooth as possible. Heat to simmering.

3. Pour into cups, and serve with a generous pillow of extra thick whipped cream.

MULLED APPLE CIDER HOT TODDY SERVES TWO

2 cups apple cider Mulling spices (in a bag) 1 Tbsp honey 3 ounces single malt whiskey Cinnamon sticks for garnish

1. I n a small saucepan, heat cider, mulling spices and honey to simmering. Simmer 10 minutes. Right before serving, add whiskey.

2. Pour into mugs, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. :

book + beverage

Words + Photo by Lauren Farrauto

I

THE BOOK

THE BEVERAGE

READ ISLAND

D.I.Y. HOT CHOCOLATE JARS

f you eagerly revisit this section every issue in search of a new book recommendation to get

your hands on, you probably have a deep-rooted

L

ike the animals in Read Island, gathering to share quality time with friends and family

creates a safe, cozy space for everyone to partake

love of stories. Nicole Magistro’s new book Read

in. Why not add a nice hot chocolate that can be

Island celebrates the power stories have on us

made and enjoyed by the whole family to the

all, even the youngest minds.

mix? In the spirit of the holidays, the beverage

for this issue makes for the perfect family craft

A young girl, a fox and a mouse embark on

an adventure across the sea to Read Island, where their other animal friends await them, storybooks in hand. Children who pick up this book will be in awe of the whimsical nature of Read Island, reflected in Alice Feagan’s illustrations which are reminiscent of classic storybook tales. The adults who read along will be flooded with nostalgia for the time they used to explore new stories and hear about new places.

Never fear, this magic is not lost. For

Magistro proclaims, “the world of stories, safe and true, is always here to welcome you.” So, draw your loved ones close and get lost in a new book.

or a gift for loved ones.

To make these sweet + festive hot chocolate jars you will need:

n

A clear jar

n

About a cup of sugar

n

About a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

n

1 ½ cups of chocolate chips

n

1 cup of marshmallows

n

1 cup of crushed peppermints or candy canes

n

And any other hot chocolate toppings you desire

n

Ribbon or a gift tag, if you’re planning to gift the jar Starting with the first ingredient and working

down

the

list,

add

each

ingredient into the jar in even layers.

If you’re a perfectionist like me, you can use a piece of tape to remove any excess powder that sticks to the sides of the jar, providing a more polished look.

If you’re giving the jar as a gift, put the lid back on and add the ribbon and gift tag. When you’re ready to make the drink, combine

all

the

ingredients except the toppings in a pot of warm milk and mix until everything is well combined.

Add

your

desired toppings and enjoy! :

28

S+B’S INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS Compiled by Lauren Farrauto

@formulary55

An aesthetically-pleasing Instagram feed highlighting the best in modern home and body care? Yes please. Formulary 55’s Instagram, curated by founder Cordelia Smith, showcases the best of what this Pueblo-based botanical company has to offer.

Outdoor Dream Jobs

Looking for an incredible job in the outdoors industry?

Ali Carr and Jenna Celmer, the two women who run the Basecamp Outdoors Community, have you covered. Check in each week for the newest opportunities.

@ascentathletewellness

If you’re on the hunt for a wellness physician to help you improve your performance, look no further than Ascent Athlete Wellness. Based in Grand Junction, this company’s main goal is to make sure you can fully enjoy life’s adventures.

What’sHerName

Calling all history buffs.

Join academics Olivia Meikle and Katie Nelson every other Monday to brush up on your knowledge on the “lost” women of our history. This wasn’t taught in your history class, so grab a pen and be ready to take notes.

@hollyandflora

You have to check out this page for the most gorgeous cocktail photos you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Jayme Henderson, co-founder of The Storm Cellar in Hotchkiss, showcases her incredible cocktails and even provides recipes for you to make your own beautiful drinks.

Ologies with Alie Ward

Ever wonder what cucurbitology is? What about nephology?

Alie Ward has you covered.

Each week, hear from Ward and a specialist about different kinds of -ologies. Be prepared to have your mind blown on a whole range of scientific topics people study — from pumpkins to clouds and beyond.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

29

style

WESTERN COLORADO THROUGH THE LENS OF

EDWARD KUNZELMAN Words + Photos by Edward Kunzelman

I

t was not long after photography was invented

in the 1830s that fine art painters worried

1935, the demise of black and white photography

photographers would put them out of business.

was widely anticipated. Once again, color

After all, why would someone employ a person

photography was more real, more natural and

to spend long hours making a reproduction of a

more like how a person sees the world than

person or landscape when a camera could do so

black and white. But color film took a while to

in just a few minutes, and largely with greater

gain popularity.

realism and accuracy? Oddly though, by the later

1800s, photographers were using all sorts of

through a well-planned and executed black-

tricks, like using soft focus lenses and scratching

and-white image than I have ever achieved

film negatives in the darkroom, to create prints

with color photography,” Ansel Adams wrote

which emulated the work and style of painters.

in 1967.

Mesa Lakes area of Grand Mesa National Forest

30

When Kodak color film was introduced in

“I can get a far greater sense of ‘color’

When Photoshop and digital photography

through pictures into an explosion of color. But

replaced film and traditional darkrooms, the

much like the painters who will always have a

ability to enhance pictures with simple software

place in the art world, so too will black and white

adjustments turned our view of the world

photographers.

Colorado National Monument as seen from the Tiara Rado area in the Redlands

Connected Lakes State Park in Grand Junction

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

31

Mesa Lakes

The title “Red Rock Country” did not get

But beyond spectacular colors, “The

that label for no good reason. The canyons,

Monument,” as known by locals, is painted with

especially when lit by sunrise or sunset, reflect

an abundance of light and shadows and textures,

brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange, as

which is where black and white photographs

if the rocks were on fire. That is what catches

have timeless appeal. :

most everyone’s eye when visiting our parks and monuments.

Canyon Rim Trail • Colorado National Monument

32

edwardkunzelman.com

Monument View, Colorado National Monument

Mt. Garfield

View of San Juan Mountains from Lizard Head Pass

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

33

maker

CUSTOM HATS MADE IN TELLURIDE

CAMP BIRD Words by Kim Fuller | Photos courtesy of Kim Lake

Y

ou won’t find a fabric store in Telluride,

silk and grosgrain ribbon to strips of bleached

Colorado. Local resident Kim Lake started

bandana, all from her personally curated range

hand-making hats there in early 2021, right in the

34

of materials.

heart of the pandemic. She adorns each unique

headpiece with something distinct, from dyed

“I buy just raw silk, yardage of different kinds of

“Mostly I dye my own fabrics,” she shares.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

35

silks, and I hand-dye all of it. I use tea, coffee; I

special or something silly, but something that

use Rit dye. I bleach some ribbon and bandanas

has great meaning to the wearer.

just to get different colors.”

will be happy to share with other people,”

Lake says it’s the intricate details of Camp

Bird hats that make them stand out. Each one

explains Lake. “It’s like a conversation piece.”

has a personal gold foil sweat band, branded

with the hat owner’s name and mantra.

and launching the business in January 2021, Lake

“I really try to make each hat different,” says

personally produces about five hats per month

Lake, “and something someone is going to wear

and has a waitlist of over 200 people. Right now,

a lot — who doesn’t wear them and is just part of

it’s all her, her hands, her hats and the inspirations

their personality.”

that come. Fittings usually take about an hour, and

once Lake has taken measurements and chatted

Each hat tells its own story, adds Lake.

Details on the inner band can signify something

36

“I’m trying to make something that someone

After purchasing equipment in October 2020

with each client about their hat, she gets to work.

Most days, she walks into her hat-making

Lake uses all traditional methods to make

space in Telluride, turns up some country music

the hats, with machinery created and used in the

and starts working on hats in three different

early 1900s. In naming Camp Bird, she says she

segments. She usually has about five hats in each

wanted to honor the impressive history of the

segment — banding then blocking then finishing.

San Juan Mountains and its early residents.

When blocking the hat, she takes the felt

“When you read about what the miners did,

body to the machinery, which uses steam and

it’s just so incredible how hardy everybody was

pressure to form the basic, open crown hat shape.

and everything they figured out how to do — it’s

She then cuts the brim to its width before sewing

crazy,” she remarks.

in the sweat band. Lastly, she hand-shapes each

hat without using any pre-made forming tools.

and sewing and textile work. But, she never

knew she wanted to be a milliner.

“I thought I wanted to do a storefront, but

Lake has a background in art — in painting

I’ve realized I really just want to make custom

hats one at a time for people,” Lake shares. “A

directions, and I got curious about how hats

storefront wouldn’t work well for that because

were made, so I started looking into it,” she

there would be a lot of interruption throughout

explains. “I didn’t have a mentor; I didn’t work

the day with people curious, and I wouldn’t get

for anyone. I just figured it out. “

my work done.”

Lake lives at the bottom of Imogene Pass on

to $1,400 on average. Lake is currently not

Tomboy Road in Telluride. Follow the road up

accepting new fittings, so she can catch up

and you’ll head toward Ouray and the Camp Bird

leading into the new year. To get on the waitlist,

mine, the namesake for her budding business.

visit campbirdtelluride.com. :

“It’s just that life takes you in different

Camp Bird custom hats range from $900

WE’RE HIRING!

Architectural Designer / Project Manager w/ 5-10 yrs experience Please email info@studiomwarch.com to schedule a meeting.

studiomwarch.com | @studio_mw | 303-910-4557

Modern design for the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountain Region. Based in beautiful Paonia, CO.

art

TRANSFORM MOLTEN GLASS INTO FUNCTIONAL ARTWORK IN A HANDS-ON CLASS

GATHERHOUSE GLASSBLOWING Words by Lisa Blake | Photos courtesy of GatherHouse Glassblowing Studio + Gallery

J

ohn Hudnut quips gentle, but precise,

Hudnut says. “It’s a crazy weird medium that no

intuitive instruction to a family of six in

one knows about except for this little community

his toasty, one-room Frisco studio on a cool fall

of glassblowers spread out around the world.”

afternoon. Clamp, blow, roll, paddle, tweeze, fire

and shape. Each child and parent takes a turn

taking glassblowing as an elective in college.

holding the rod and blowpipe while the others

“It was hot, loud and scary,” he recalls. “The

look on through safety goggles, mesmerized

professor said ‘here’s your shop, present

by the magical, hypnotic process of shaping

something at midterm’ and walked out.”

2,000-degree molten glass.

The artist went on to earn a degree in

The master glassblower welcomes groups

Industrial Design from The University of

into GatherHouse Glassblowing Studio + Gallery

The Arts in Philadelphia and spent the next

for private classes Mondays, Wednesdays and

four years honing his skills as a glass artist

Fridays, customizing the three-hour sessions to

in Greece, Italy and France. He worked as

students’ interests and abilities.

an apprentice for Xavier DeMirbeck in Paris

for two years before returning stateside and

“I struggled for many years to gain this

knowledge, and now I just want to share it,”

38

Hudnut began creating glass in 1990 after

moving to Colorado.

GatherHouse opened in 2004; today Hudnut

hosts numerous apprentices and shares his love of the craft with his community through mentorships and classes. He begins every class by pointing out fire extinguishers and the first aid kit, then explaining hand tools and appliances (furnace, glory hole, marver) and

TAKE A CLASS Glassblowing 101

finally checking students’ safety goggles and

3 hours, $145 per person

closed-toed shoes.

Classes by appointment only.

Call master glassblower John Hudnut

He takes a metal rod and gathers a blob of

molten glass, twisting it into an octopus and melting it back into a blob. Then, he has the

two weeks in advance to book your

students play with the malleable, blazing hot

group’s class and learn glassblowing

ball to see if they’re ready to create. Some classes

basics while you create your very

set up a production line, working together to create holiday ornaments. Other classes focus on

own take-home work of art.

specific techniques and create a larger collective piece, such as a vase or tumbler. Students take home what they create and materials are included in the class fee. Courses are suitable for groups, beginners and children nine years or

GatherHouse Glassblowing Studio + Gallery

older with a parent.

110 Second Ave., Frisco

970.485.2909 | gatherhouse.com

Due to COVID-19 precautions, lessons and

shopping are by appointment only. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

39

music

“ROCK” MUSIC Words by MacKennea Broyles | Photo by Kristen Lummis

I

40

t’s a cool fall morning in Grand Junction,

Colorado. The sun has just started to warm

design, making them Native American type

the sandstone walls of the Colorado National

flutes. Dillon emphasizes “type” to stress that,

Monument, highlighting the shimmer of the

although this style of flute was pioneered by the

Wingate embedded within and revealing the

Native Americans, the construction and playing

layers of geological time carved by water and

of the flute itself varies based on factors such as

wind. The shadows shrink away, and the soft,

geographic locations, culture, language group

melodic sound of a flute drifts on the breeze. The

and intended purpose.

source of this woodwind accompaniment? None

other than Greg Dillon playing one of his many

selection of wood, from forests or lumber yards,

handmade flutes.

with a grain pattern that appeals to Dillion. “The

sound varies based on the type of wood,” he

Dillon began crafting these flutes when his

The flutes are identified by a two-chamber

The construction process involves a careful

wife, Jean Dillon, brought a Native American

explains.

type flute home from a trip to Arizona. Dillon,

who was a trumpet player and avid woodworker,

construction. The flutes are made by adhering two

decided he wanted to make one. “Curiosity is

halves, each with their carved chambers, then, a

always coming after me,” Dillon laughs.

tuning process of discovering the base note and

Then, it’s off to his garage woodshop for the

drilling the holes at predetermined intervals. To

finish the design, Dillon carves a fetish for the top

passion project to be shared with many. Although

— a small wooden figurine based on “whatever is

Dillon often plays to the open air, his most

in my mind at the moment.”

diligent audience (by choice or design) is his wife

What started as a challenge has become a

For Dillon, crafting and playing these flutes is

Jean. She displays a flute her husband made for

a way to connect both hobby and history. Dillon

her with an inlay of needlepoint turquoise. “This

grew up in Cortez and witnessed the unavoidable

was my mother’s jewelry,” she explains. “It’s one

collision of cultures at the hands of assimilation.

earring from a set.”

Much of it wasn’t positive.

“The Native American people got screwed,”

greatest moments of joy is hearing strangers say

Dillon says, somberly. “They really did.” However,

he made their day, Jean jumps in. “I tell you that

Dillon also witnessed many instances of the

you made my day all the time!” she exclaims. “Oh

persistence of Native American culture and was

well. I’m old hat, I guess.”

both humbled and inspired by it.

And, when Dillon shares that one of his

Dillon shakes his head in mock dismay. “So

Although the history and heritage of these

am I,” he says. Then, acting as if this is a realization

flutes is ambiguous — likely as a result of the

that has just occurred to him, he adds, “What the

forced removal of the Native American peoples

hell?”

and the subsequent destruction of belongings

— Dillon enjoys bringing to life what history is

seem to disagree. Family members and friends

known through the music and information he

welcome the impromptu concerts, and even

shares while playing on the Colorado National

Jasper — the family dog of Dillion’s daughter,

Monument, a place that was originally home to

Kristen — is enchanted by the flute playing and

Ute peoples.

has been known to come sit at Dillon’s feet with

perked ears, listening to the soothing notes. :

“I come up here to play to the rocks,” Dillon

says. “I just play whatever comes to me, and it reverberates perfectly off the canyon walls. It’s very relaxing.”

It’s also a way for Dillon to remain connected

to the community. “It’s become how I practice being outgoing and friendly,” he says. He plays not only for his own enjoyment, but the joy of others.

Dillon has countless stories of the flute music

inspiring passers-by on the Colorado National Monument to do everything from dance to cry. He always ensures that there’s some history involved in the presentation, and maybe a joke or two.

To grandson Asher Lummis, it’s a hobby

Dillon picked up to fill the space in retirement left by Dillon’s former workaholic lifestyle as an architect. “I think he’s a little restless,” Lummis laughs.

There may be something to this. Jean Dillon

recounts times when he would go to work early in the morning, come home for dinner at around 5 p.m., then go back to work until 3 a.m. Now, Dillon is free to devote his time and energy to less stressful endeavors, like sharing the music and the history of the flutes with all who wish to hear it.

Despite Dillon’s assessment, the critics

food

HYOSUN ROSY KO

THE “HOLE” TRUTH ABOUT HOMEMADE BAGELS Words by Kimberly Nicoletti

O

42

ld-time bagel bakers say that if your jaw

doesn’t feel a little sore after eating a

advertise “fresh baked bagels,” Connie Mazza,

While some shops and restaurants may

bagel, it’s not a real bagel.

owner of Village Bagel in Edwards, warns that

Making traditional bagels from scratch is a

they’re often frozen bagels simply baked in an

multi-day process that involves using only a few

oven, without going through the boiling process.

fresh ingredients, aging the dough, boiling the

bagels, hand-seeding them and then baking them

Mazza jokes.

on wet, burlap-wrapped boards, flipping them

until they reach perfection. As a result, not many

comes to bagels and what you can find out there,”

truly homemade bagel shops exist in Colorado.

explains Scott Cassidy, owner of Backstreet Bagel

“It’s an abbreviated freshly baked bagel,” “There’s a wide range of quality when it

Company in Montrose. “Finding traditional, homemade bagels in the Western United States is kind of unique. We’re doing it authentically — the way they do in the Northeast.”

WHY DO BAGELS HAVE HOLES? Holes in bagels date back hundreds of years to central and Eastern Europe, when piling

THE PROCESS STARTS WITH SIMPLICITY

bagels high on a stick made

In addition to water, traditional bagel bakers

display for street vendors. The

use four main ingredients: flour, yeast, salt and sugar, or in Village Bagel’s case, malt and molasses in place of sugar. Bakers choose unbleached flour with live cultures, as opposed

them easier to transport and hole also promotes even baking of the thick dough, as well as confirmation that it’s baked

to bleached flour, which kills any enzymes and

thoroughly. Some sources also

amino acids in favor of extending shelf life.

assert that bagels symbolized

“Using unbleached flour results in a fresher,

tastier and healthier product,” Cassidy says.

Then, some bakers hand-roll bagels, so

no two look exactly alike. “We try to control for it, but because we’re human, there’s some variation,” Mazza says. “Some have a slightly

the never-ending circle of life and death and protected people from the evil eye; bagels were commonly given to women in labor in the 19th and 20th

larger ring, and sometimes the bagel puffs up so

centuries in Europe, particularly

you hardly see the hole.”

among Jewish people.

Others use machines to roll the dough.

Either way, all are weighed, so puffy, little hole or big, open hole, customers get the same amount of bagel.

Unlike donuts, there is no “bagel hole,” like

a donut hole, to bake; the bakers or machines form rolls of dough into a circular shape.

THEN IT TAKES TIME Aging, or cold proofing, the bagel allows the gluten enzymes in the dough to rise to the surface to ultimately create a nice, crunchy crust when it bakes. Because bagel dough is stiff, aging it for 24 to 72 hours is necessary to obtain the proper crunch, texture and flavor. As the bagels sit in a refrigerator, flavors intermingle.

“It’s like magic,” Mazza says. “That cold

proof is where the bagel comes alive. Without it, you wouldn’t get the proper crunchy crust or flavor.”

A specialty coffee roaster providing coffee for your

AND IT BOILS DOWN TO …

home or business needs.

Boiling bagels after they cold proof is another hallmark of homemade, traditional bagels.

Visit the roastery

Boiling draws out even more of the natural

coffee shop in Montrose

flavors by reactivating the yeast and sugars.

or order online at cimarronroasters.com.

ALEJANDRA CIFRE GONZALEZ

44

Village Bagel bakers treat their water with

with machines, which mechanically sprinkle a

baked baking soda (a complex process used in

sparser amount of seeds on the bagels.

pretzel factories), which alkalizes the water and

adds flavor. They might also add sugar, molasses,

around plain, salt, garlic or “everything” bagels,

malt and/or salt to the water for additional

bakers offer a plethora of different flavors, from

flavor. The boiling process also rehydrates the

cinnamon raisin or onion to chocolate chip or

bagel, adds a shine and helps generate a crunchy

cranberry. Local bakers also craft their own

outside and chewy inside.

specialties.

While traditional flavors tend to revolve

Charcoal bagels have become a cult classic

BAKING IT TO PERFECTION

at Village Bagel, due to the unique color and

The last major step involves baking the bagels

charcoal’s reputation of absorbing toxins within

on burlap soaked in water, which covers wood

the body. Adding charcoal powder results in a

or aluminum baking boards. The wet burlap

jet-black bagel without affecting the flavor and

promotes steaming, providing a soft, chewy

also adds moisture, so they stay fresher longer

bagel on the inside and texture on the outside.

than other homemade bagels.

After the bagels bake on one side, they’re flipped

for an even crunch.

nod to Colorado comes in the form of green chile

Meanwhile, Backstreet Bagel Company’s

and jalapeño cheddar bagels.

AND FLAVORING

Bakers hand-seed bagels, dunking them on both

thrive on making customers happy by providing

sides in a large pan filled to the brim with seeds.

a truly fresh and traditional bagel — something

Then, they press the seeds in. This contrasts

that’s hard to come by west of the Mississippi. :

No matter what the flavor, local bakers

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food

WESTERN COLORADO RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

THE ASSEMBLY | EAGLE Words by Kim Fuller SHERRI INNIS

E

46

very evening, two walls of large picture

come together over fresh, seasonal, globally-

windows allow soft light to shine into The

inspired food, thoughtfully produced wine and

Assembly. Guests gather at the long bar and high-

hand-crafted cocktails paired with exceptional

top tables adjacent to the kitchen while Caleb

hospitality.”

Mackey stands to expedite food tickets, shuffle

plated dishes and pass them to hands heading

and securing a notable reputation, The Assembly

toward the dining room.

has some room to play. Cocktails like “Take Your

If you ask Eagle County locals, The Assembly

Medicine” are a nod to the classics (a Penicillin, in

stands out as one of the area’s best restaurants.

this case), and even while testing their innovative

This isn’t because it’s the new kid in town

mixology methods, bartenders here successfully

or because some might say Eagle has slim

display an impressive understanding of what

pickings when it comes to culinary gems. It’s

makes a damn good drink.

because Caleb and his wife Jaimie have created

something truly special. The refreshing space,

her refined taste for wine that has inspired a

dynamic menu and carefully curated wine list,

list to raise the eyebrows of any sommelier.

all paired with the happy and helpful staff, is

A full spectrum of regions and varietals are

successfully delighting diners night after night.

represented, from the Loire Valley of France to

the central coast of California.

“We opened The Assembly because we

Now having established this solid foundation

It’s a good thing Jaimie loves Chablis. It’s

wanted to create a gathering place for our

community,” shares Jaimie, “where people can

is a perfect way to start any meal, paired with

Louis de Grenelle Corail Saumur Brut Rosé

CHRISTINE RICE

White Chocolate Cashew Cheesecake

Harvest Salad

Sweet Potato Curry

Chicken Confit

a Colorado Charcuterie board for the table or a

he adds, have provided the support he needs to

Harvest Salad of mixed greens, arugula, roasted

thrive. Utley started as a line cook and quickly

chickpeas, delicate squash, crispy red cabbage,

proved himself into a main chef role.

vanilla-lime vinaigrette and pomegranate

molasses. The menu is small enough to offer

experiences or is a part of it, it’s all about

approachability while still integrating a dynamic

community. If you go, you’ll likely settle in and

range of ethnic styles.

stay for a while, especially if you finish your meal

with the delectable White Chocolate Cashew

Entrees keep it fresh, like the Blackened

For The Assembly and everyone who

Halibut with dirty rice congee, Cajun holy trinity,

Cheesecake.

okra, caramelized shallot and fried parsley.

“We are passionate about creating memories

“It’s kind of cool that we do some of the

and caring for our community above all,” says

classic stuff, but we put our own twist on it,”

Jaimie, “and have built this welcoming, inclusive

shares chef Brandon Utley.

environment to be an extension of our home and

our family.” :

Utley says he was getting burnt out on

cooking before he started at The Assembly, but he’s back to feeling inspired. Caleb and Jaimie,

theassemblyeagle.com

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

47

wellness + fitness

VITALIY ZALISHCHYKER

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN COMMUNICATION

CANINE CONNECTIONS Words by Laura Mills

M

48

ost people love dogs, but is it really just

trust and bonding. They continue to state that

the “love” of dogs that makes us feel so

interactions with dogs can also decrease cortisol,

connected to them? Or, is it the fact that they

the brain’s primary stress hormone, to improve

fulfill a need that we have difficulty obtaining in

our overall mood and well-being, while reducing

our current environment?

anxiety.

Colorado State University’s ongoing study of

In 2018, News In Health released an article

the human/animal bond has stated numerous

about the power of pets and the health benefits of

times that petting and making eye contact

human/animal interaction. The article discusses

with a dog can lead to increases in oxytocin —

the foundations of mindfulness and how they

a chemical in the brain involved in empathy,

include attention, intention, compassion and

awareness. When analyzing the way animals act,

to be used for means of protection of the

we can see that those are all things they innately

homestead as they once were, and more to

bring to the table.

benefit one’s mental and physical health.

When describing the effects dog therapy

At HopeWest, Western Colorado’s hospice

has on her clients, Sylvia Stribling, director of

and long-term care facility, this rings true. In

Caring Canines Colorado, states, “They become

2019, HopeWest’s then 27 volunteer dog and

more self-confident, less depressed, improve

handler pairs provided 375 hours of volunteer

communication skills, learn to express emotions

service, fulfilling 98 referrals for pet therapy

and become less anxious.” Whether the client

across Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Rio

is a student who needs extra attention to reach

Blanco counties. Lisa Orter, senior director of

their goals or is a resident in an elderly care

volunteer services at HopeWest, explained how

facility experiencing joy from a four-legged

dog volunteers help complete their holistic

friend, research and experiences show that dogs

care model.

provide a tangible form of connection and allow

for deeper communication.

age or their condition, have limited verbal

At HopeWest, some residents, due to their

Records of canine therapy in hospitals and

communication, decreasing their ability to be

for therapeutic intervention date back to the

socially connected with those around them,

early 1900s, showing us that the connection

which can be quite isolating. HopeWest’s goal

between healing and our furry companions has

is to not only meet the healthcare needs of

been used clinically for over 100 years. It’s no

residents, but also to fulfill their emotional and

secret that humans and dogs have formed strong

spiritual needs.

relationships

throughout

history;

although,

today’s four-legged companions are less likely

Orter spoke fondly about a specific dog/

resident pair that would simply enjoy a weekly

Looking for a cozy home for winter?

Your perfect home awaits.

Welcome home.

AnnaRickenbach.com • 970.640.5360 • #AnnaSellsGJ

ice cream together. Arnold the Chihuahua

This not only engages the student and the dog,

allowed a non-verbal resident to create a bond

but provides the student the knowledge and

over something they both loved; the resident

ability to convey their needs while focusing on

may not have been able to have that connection

the tones of their voice. This is such a powerful

if it wasn’t for Arnold’s visits.

way to teach children that their voice is a tool to

access the rest of the world.

Michele Bishop, the mental health specialist

of the Poudre School District, explained that dogs

often bridge the gap in communication between

hearts of many students and staff is Annabelle.

young students, their teachers and peers. Bishop

Annabelle is an energetic dog with a lot of spunk.

has worked directly with the Caring Canines

Due to her temperament, she gave students who

volunteer dog/handler duo Oscar and Katie for

were having a hard time regulating their own

the last six to seven years. Over this time, they

energy an understanding of how to manage

have helped students who are experiencing

their emotions. By observing the tools that were

behavioral issues, those who have dealt with

used to calm Annabelle down, they were able

some kind of trauma in their lives and teachers

to formulate their own tools to do the same for

and students navigating the tough emotions

themselves. Bringing canines into schools gives

around grief.

faculty a way to better understand their students

and helps them thrive not only in an education

Each student has different goals, and the

Another therapy dog who touched the

dog/handler duos work through a variety of

setting, but also on their journey through life.

skills with the students to not only reach those

goals but teach them how that transitions into

is nothing short of remarkable. Whether it is the

the way they interact with others. A student who

humanistic connection or the innate mindfulness

is having a hard time opening up may work on

that dogs possess, it’s consistently clear that dog

how to say commands in a kind but firm way.

therapy is something that needs to continue. :

The connection between canine and human

CARING CANINES FOUNDATION

If you would like to volunteer at HopeWest (hopewestco.org) or donate to the Caring Canines (caringcanines colorado.org) non-profit, check out their websites for more information.

50

adventure

FUEL YOUR ADVENTURE

WILD MONKEY SNACKS Words by Zoe Cramer

A

good candy bar requires the perfect

were junk food like your classic candy bars. It was

balance between crunchy, smooth and

at this point we realized, why doesn’t a healthy

chewy; it has a decent coating of chocolate; and

version of these classic candy bars exist? And so

one bite should have you shoving the rest in your

that was the catalyst to start messing around in

mouth. Wild Monkey Snacks’ mouthwatering

the kitchen.”

bars not only meet, but exceed, this criterion.

The couple never identified as cooks –– it

The Boulder-based company, founded by

was willpower, determination, lots of research,

couple Brooke Oliphant and John Campbell,

trial and error and support from the Boulder

first started selling bars at the Boulder County

community that allowed Wild Monkey Snacks to

Farmers Market in June 2020. There, I had the

be created.

honor of meeting Oliphant’s smile as she sold me

my first Wild Monkey Snack. I felt malnourished

people that healthy food can taste great while

and needed a boost. After my first bite, I couldn’t

persuading people that an outdoor, active and

stop. I returned the weeks following to find their

healthy lifestyle filled with good food is the key to

stand again and again.

happiness.

Wild Monkey Snacks isn’t an ordinary candy

The company’s goals are two-fold: convince

“We feel like we’re the best version of

bar –– it’s the candy bar reimagined. Only whole-

ourselves when we do all those things. We just

food ingredients make up the layers of crunchy

really want to motivate and inspire people to be

granola, creamy cashew butter and a hardened

the best version of themselves as well,” Oliphant

layer of chocolate. Their salty-sweet bars are

expresses.

vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut-free and

gluten-free (though not yet GF certified).

Snacks’ Instagram. Daily stories show Oliphant

This is especially evident on Wild Monkey

“We really wanted to make sure that we

and Campbell getting outside and motivating

made a product that everyone can have, and no

their followers, or “wild monkeys,” to get outside

one felt singled out,” Oliphant shares.

and move.

Oliphant and Campbell hadn’t intended

“We realized with Instagram, we were

to sell their bars. They initially wanted to

enjoying promoting that lifestyle to people almost

create something for themselves. After a long,

more so than we were promoting the bar. If I can

unsuccessful outing, they found they didn’t crave

say one thing every day that convinces one person

any of the hiking snacks they brought and wanted

to go and try to better their life, then I have felt

an alternative.

like I’m winning,” Campbell says.

“We felt there was nothing on the market that

Currently, Wild Monkey Snacks has 11

had super high calories, good fat, good protein and

retailers and also ships on occasion. Find more

that we looked forward to,” Campbell explains.

information at wildmonkeysnacks.com and check

“And most of the things that we looked forward to

out their Instagram @wildmonkeysnacks. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

51

spoke

GET OUTSIDE!

GEAR FOR THE SEASON Compiled by S+B Staff

PEARL iZUMi Cyclone Gel Gloves

Ruffwear Dirtbag

When temperatures drop and

Seat Cover

you still want to ride, these

Road trips with

cycling gloves from PEARL

your best furry

iZUMi have a back-of-hand

friend just got

softshell that provides wind

a little more

and water protection. We

comfortable for

tested the Cyclone in a chilly

everyone. This

rainstorm and had warm hands throughout. Four-way stretch makes it easy to maneuver while wearing the gloves, even with their cushy padding. Reflective elements increase visibility in low-light conditions, so you can add safety to your ride early and late in the day. $45 pearlizumi.com

durable and waterproof cover shields your vehicle’s backseat area, and the convertible design allows you to install the cover as a hammock configuration or just as a traditional cover. The non-slip (and machine-washable) fabric keeps dogs stable during the ride, and access to seatbelts stays available to keep human passengers secure, as well. $79.95 ruffwear.com Mountain Hardware Powabunga 32 Pack Whether you’re heading up the ski resort lift or into the backcountry, this durable backpack has ergonomic suspension and a unique pivoting hip belt to handle heavy loads and keep you balanced when you’re skinning uphill or shredding down the mountain. Multiple access points and a swing-around mode make it possible to grab your things without fully taking off the pack.

Picture Expedition Line

$200 mountainhardwear.com

Picture’s entire Expedition Line is now made with BIO-SOURCED polyester. The shell fabric, which is derived from sugarcane waste and blended with recycled PET, reduces carbon emissions by 25% while providing the same level of durability and performance as traditional polyester. Purchase for less environmental impact while staying warm and dry on the slopes. Shown here is the Stone Jacket ($300) and Track Pant ($220). picture-organic-clothing.com 52

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra Clock miles on packed snow this winter by turning your trail running shoes, hiking shoes and insulated boots into snow grips. These trail crampons have 18 stainless steel spikes and a steel-toe bail, with an elastomer harness around the foot and optional Velcro strap to keep the fit secure. We’ve found these more durable than other brands, and the puncture-proof carry bag makes storing and transporting your spikes safe and convenient. $75 hillsound.com

DÆHLIE Challenge Jacket This softshell jacket repels wind and water, paired with a brushed interior for warmth when you’re out in the elements this winter.

Meier Skis

The front of the jacket is padded with Thermore

Crosscut BC

Ecodown fiber, a 100% recycled fiber with highly

Designed for

effective insulation properties, which stays clump-

backcountry

free after washing. Fleece material lines the neck

travel, go

to provide extra warmth and comfort, and elastic

uphill faster

panels under the arms and in the upper back allow

to earn your

for ideal mobility and ventilation when your running in the

turns with

snow or cross-country skiing. $190

these touring

dahlie.com

skis from Coloradobased brand Meier. The flat-to-rocker profile on these is built

Danner Cloud Cap

to tour more

Keep your feet toasty when

efficiently on

you’re out and about this winter.

the ascent

Durable suede and lightweight

and, then,

textile create sturdiness for

carve through

these boots, paired with 100%

whatever you

waterproof Danner Dry barriers

encounter on

that allow moisture to escape

the ski down.

without letting water in. The

$899

insulation is top-notch to keep

meierskis.com

your feet warm when the temperatures drop, and Vibram Arctic Grip AT compound ensures great traction in icy and

Ignik FireCan Create a campfire wherever you are with this portable fire pit. It’s compact and durable, built to bring the warm glow of a campfire to your backyard, tailgate or campsite. Raised, propane-burning design may be allowed during a burn ban, but always be sure to check with every land manager’s current regulations. $199.95 ignik.com

snowy conditions. $197.95 danner.com PEARL iZUMi Thermal Tight A thermal fleece fabric insulates these tights, Sweet Protection Trooper 2Vi Mips Helmet This strong and light helmet features an advanced integration system of helmet shell, shock absorbing liner and Mips brain protection technology. It’s also supplied with a removable Slalom Chin Guard in powder coated steel. $329.95

while the water-shedding outer layer keeps you dry from splashes and light rain. Wear these for cold weather running or cycling, and while they don’t have a built-in chamois, you can pull them over your favorite pair or just wear them on their own. $125 pearlizumi.com

POC Devour Glacial Save your eyes on the snow by shielding them across the brow and at the sides with these fullcoverage shades from POC. The Devour Glacial sunglasses provide a very large field of view and offer adjustable temples and a nosepiece. $250 na.pocsports.com

sweetprotection.com SPOKE+BLOSSOM

53

spoke

ATHLETE PROFILE

LEOTA SWEETMAN-McPEEK A GRAND 50 YEARS ON SKIS Words by Courtney Holden | Photo courtesy of Leota Sweetman-McPeek

L

54

eota Sweetman-McPeek loves feeling the sunshine on her back in the winter. She

parents were skiers. Neither of my parents were athletes. I don’t know how I became an athlete.”

finds peace in the smoothness of her skis sluicing

across the snow, the quietness of a winter day

enrolled in a youth ski program through the

on a solitary slope. Her greatest joy, however, is

now-closed local sporting goods store, Gene

seeing other people learn to love these things —

Taylors (their Gunnison store is still open), that

and the process of teaching them to appreciate it

offered a ski lesson, lift ticket and bus ride up to

all. Given her passions, working as a ski instructor

the small resort of Mesa Creek (now a go-to spot

was clearly the perfect career choice. So, for the

for tubing on Grand Mesa). A few years later,

71-year-old Grand Junction native who plans

during her first semester as a freshman at Mesa

to give lessons on parallel turns and surviving

Junior College, Sweetman-McPeek took skiing

mogul runs at Powderhorn Ski Resort again this

for her physical education credit. “I developed a

winter, it’s been an incredibly gratifying past 50

passion for it,” she shares. “I absolutely loved it.”

years. “I am a born teacher,” she says of the half-

century she’s spent as a ski instructor. “I missed

ski instructor at Powderhorn the following year

it so badly this last year of isolation.”

at age 19. Her application was accepted, and a

lifelong career began.

Born in 1950, Sweetman-McPeek didn’t

Undeterred by her parents’ disinterest, she

That love motivated her to look into jobs as a

learn to ski until age 12. “My dad thought it was

a dangerous sport,” she laughs. “Neither of my

taught at multiple resorts — Powderhorn,

Over the years, Sweetman-McPeek has

Loveland Ski Area, Purgatory Resort, Sleeping

the top of Grand Mesa to see the whole Grand

Giant in Wyoming and Red Lodge Resort in

Valley,” she says.

Montana — and estimates she’s given more than

3,000 lessons to skiers ages three through 84.

even more people take advantage of Colorado’s

Early in her career, she coached a high school ski

winter playgrounds, especially over on the

team in Cody, Wyoming. Since there wasn’t a ski

Western Slope. Though she acknowledges that

area nearby, much of their “practice time” was

inversion causes the colder months, January in

spent playing soccer in an effort to maintain the

particular, to be gray down at Grand Junction’s

student athletes’ fitness and foot coordination.

elevation of 4,500 feet, she points to the bright

Despite the improv coaching regime, her Cody

upside: there are blue skies up above the gray.

High School team competed — and did well — in

ski races throughout the state.

the clouds,” she explains. “If you ski, you get

Roger Whitehouse ranks among Sweetman-

The veteran ski instructor would love to see

“Grand Mesa is at 10,000 feet. You’re above

more sunny days.”

McPeek’s favorite students. At the time of his

first lesson with her, he was 83 years old. “He

from ski instructing due to the pandemic, she’s

wanted to learn to ski with his grandchildren,”

eager to get back this winter — even though she’s

she remembers, noting his dedication not just

recovering from two total knee replacements. “I

to learning the motions but to perfecting them.

should be back by December 21,” she reported.

“What I admired about him was his commitment

Not that she’s counting the days or anything.

to do it right, not just do it sloppy. He wanted to

The surgery and therapy have been painful, she

be a really good skier.”

admits, but she knows it will be worth it. “I plan

Though Sweetman-McPeek took last year off

When it came to helping her own child

on skiing another 10 or 15 years,” she says. “I

learn how to ski, Sweetman-McPeek broke her

may slow down on the bumps, but I’m still going

personal rule. Typically, she says, she strongly

to be out there playing in the sunshine.” :

advises parents against teaching their own kids, because it causes too much stress for everyone involved. The natural educator, however, couldn’t resist and had her daughter out on planks by age five skiing along behind her.

“I taught her the basics. She just followed

in my footsteps,” Sweetman-McPeek says. Now, when the pair ski together, their similar form and turning techniques are noticeable even to outsiders. “People who watch us comment that we ski the same. We ski in exactly the same rhythm.”

Ultimately though, Sweetman-McPeek hopes

to teach her students lessons beyond how to ski effortlessly through tight trees and to navigate the steeps with a grin not a gasp. She wants them to share her love for the sport and her appreciation for the natural environment that makes it possible. That’s why, every time she coaches a beginner down their first run, she tells them to take three deep breaths and take a look both at what they just accomplished and what they can see from their current vantage point.

“I always have them [take a minute to

appreciate] the beauty of looking out from

grand outdoors

’TIS THE SEASON FOR RIVER PERMIT PARTIES Words + Photo by Lindsay DeFrates

T

56

he days are short, and the mornings cold

and crisp. Sometimes mist rises from the

and Lodore on the Green River, Westwater on

surface of the river as it winds its way west,

the Colorado and the Four Rivers up in Idaho, are

and snow deposits are accumulating in its high-

so adored by boaters that permit systems have

country bank.

been in place for decades. Permit caps limiting

In sheds and garages across Colorado,

the number of launches allowed each day are set

rafting gear has been patched, rolled and packed

by land-managers such as the Forest Service and

away for weeks in favor of winter toys. For many

the Bureau of Land Management based on how

avid boaters, January holds a special place in the

human traffic would impact the fragile, riparian

calendar: permit season.

ecosystem in these pristine, remote canyons.

Then, lotteries are held every winter to assign

That’s right, while winter grips the world

River stretches such as Desolation Canyon

outside, river runners are plotting summer

those coveted permits as fairly as possible.

launch dates and choosing favorite camps with a

few of their closest friends. Then, they toss their

exponentially over the last few years, and what

names into the virtual hat, along with tens of

used to be unlikely has now become next to

thousands of others, and wait to find out if they

impossible. In 2021, for example, applicants for

will win a chance to spend a few days on some of

the Middle Fork of the Salmon River lottery had

the most stunning stretches of rivers in the West.

just a .983% chance of success when over 22,000

people applied for just 205 launch permits.

The odds are not in their favor.

Interest in these rivers has grown

Andy Horn, who has been rafting on the

To apply for a river permit lottery, all you

Colorado River since the early 1990s said,

will need is an account on recreation.gov, a

“I’ve come to consider permit applications as

solid understanding of the put-in, take-out and

merely a time to blindly donate to the managing

overnight campsites available for that stretch,

agencies, or at least the government’s contractor

and a registration fee for each applicant. Keep

that manages the permit systems these days,

in mind that the registration fee is not refunded

out of habit because the success rates obtaining

even if you lose and does not go to the river

permits seem to have dropped down into the

or land management organization, but rather

infinitesimal range.”

is a transaction fee collected by the website

To increase their odds, boaters often form

and returned to the corporation, Booz Allen

“permit parties,” in which all members of the

Hamilton, which holds a national contract to

group apply for the same dates on the same rivers.

offer the service.

Then, if one person wins, the whole group gets

to go. Permit season for the most popular river

a little different and not all are lotteries. Many

stretches across the country begins in December

permits must be picked up 60 days in advance of

and often ends in mid or late February, so most

the desired launch date, but the competition for

of these parties are held sometime in January.

those is just as stiff.

It sounds a bit unfair when one looks at the

The permit process for every river stretch is

So, gather some friends, make some plans

number, but it is very important to remember

and play the river lottery this winter. You’ll be

that the places we love are being protected by

in good company with hundreds of thousands of

those restrictions. Try to imagine 2,000 people

others and might just win the chance to float the

a day floating through Westwater Canyon or

trip of a lifetime. :

launching from the Gates of Lodore, and the need for a permit system becomes crystal clear.

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family

A GUIDE TO VENTURING OUTSIDE WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES

DON’T STOP WHEN THE TEMPS DROP Words by Jennifer Weintraub NATALE RETZLAFF

G

etting out on the trail with a young family

GEAR

during Colorado’s colder months can be

Stay cozy: Make sure your little one stays warm

intimidating. All the extra gear, working around

in a full down bunting or snowsuit. Several

their schedules and motivating yourself to get out

companies, such as Patagonia, North Face and

in the cold is tough, but it’s not impossible. With

Columbia, make good quality pieces. Check

the right gear, planning and patience, there are

the weather outside and layer underneath

plenty of activities from hiking to cross country

accordingly. A lightweight or heavy onesie, socks

skiing that your family can take advantage of

and a beanie will keep them toasty.

this winter.

58

Pack: Find a pack that’s comfortable for both you and your baby. Whether you’re still in a front carrier in those early months, have transitioned to a frame backpack or are using a kids trailer on skis, such as the Burley or the Thule Chariot, there are a lot of options on the market. It’s also helpful to attach a pacifier and/or a toy to your pack so it doesn’t get lost on the trail.

Got milk? An insulated thermos is a must have for any cold weather adventure. Whether you are keeping milk warm, need hot water to mix with formula or want a hot chocolate for yourself, a good thermos will keep your beverage to temperature for hours.

Blankets: Blankets are lightweight and versatile.

A lightweight muslin blanket blocks the wind when draped over a backpack, and a packable down blanket adds extra warmth when wrapped JENNIFER WEINTRAUB

around their little bodies.

Bring the heat: Kids stay warmer next to you in a front pack, but if you’ve transitioned to a trailer, a hot water bottle adds extra heat when tucked in the blankets.

Empowering

All the extras: Arm your pack with diapers, wipes, an extra outfit and snacks. Snacks are

YOUNG WOMEN THROUGH MOUNTAIN BIKING

key for you and your kids — bonus points if you bring some to share with your friends.

to create brighter futures & build stronger communities.

PLANNING Set yourself up for success: Before you leave the house, test out your gear to make sure you have all the necessary pieces and everything is accounted for when you load up the car. Start your day off right and change them into a fresh diaper at the trailhead just before you stuff them into a snowsuit and set off on the trail.

Scheduling: You know your baby best, so schedule your activity around their nap or awake times. Planning your adventure around what works for their sleep schedules, whether on the trail or at home, will help your day go

EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN.

smoothly. With a newborn, walking guaranteed us a nap. As they get older, taking a hike while they’re awake seems to work out better since

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CHRIS MILLER

there’s so much stimulation being outside.

PATIENCE

Morning outings are usually best, as most kids

Give yourself some grace. It may not always be

tend to be less cranky and more flexible earlier

perfect. You may not be able to strictly adhere

in the day.

to your schedule. They may break down, have a

blowout or you forget something essential. It’s

Feeding: Bring more than enough food with

okay; we’re all human. You’ll all survive.

you; you can always leave a cooler in the car.

Plan to either feed at the trailhead and/or at

with your day and your family. It may not always

your destination. Or, snack the whole way —

go as planned, but if you can maintain a positive

whatever works for your family.

attitude, being outside is healthy and beneficial

The key to success is to be patient and flexible

to both you and your little ones. Get out there and enjoy! :

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take a hike

COAL CANYON TRAILHEAD

MAIN CANYON Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman

W

hat family-friendly hike could be more

Wild Horse Area, part of the Bookcliffs range

enjoyable than one shared with wild

extending from Western Colorado to Eastern

horses? With snow in the high country, winter

Utah. Wild horse habitat is the primary

is the perfect time to get out and explore Main

concern in this area specifically designated

Canyon, a highly accessible spur off Coal

for wild horses. Main Canyon is a moderately

Canyon Road.

trafficked trail in the free roaming horse range

Located a few miles east of Mount Garfield,

which encompasses 36,113 acres of rugged

Main Canyon is located in the Little Bookcliffs

canyons and plateaus north of Grand Junction.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

61

62

Approximately

the

behind the Bookcliffs and the trail is shaded. If

sagebrush parks and pinyon-juniper covered

not prepared, this can turn a warm outing to a

hills home.

chilly one very quickly.

150

wild

horses

call

The hike itself is an out-and-back hike for

all skill levels, following a meandering stream

GETTING THERE

(great for the kids or dogs to play in). Although

From Grand Junction, drive east on I-70 and

the Main Canyon hike is easy, the sandy trail

take the Cameo exit (#45); then drive across the

will slow your pace. No worries, as you’ll want

Colorado River and train tracks, past the Cameo

to take in the dramatic views of the Grand Mesa

Shooting and Education Complex. After just over

and keep your eyes peeled for horse sightings.

two miles, you will come to the end of the well-

The wild horses can blend in with the

maintained dirt road (no 4WD necessary) and

terrain like a Bev Doolittle painting, so bring

park in the lot labeled Coal Canyon Trailhead,

binoculars and stop occasionally to scan the

the same trailhead for Main Canyon.

canyon foothills. Horses travel in small bands

and are on the move. Observe them from a safe

Main Canyon trailhead to the left of the parking

distance. If their behavior changes, then you

area. The trailhead is well marked, where the

are too close.

trail itself leaves the hiker to follow a well-

There is a restroom, and you will see the

The trailhead elevation is 6,018 feet,

trodden path from previous explorers. Getting

slightly higher than the Grand Valley, which

lost isn’t an option, as you are following a nearly

you can use as a guide for weather conditions.

12-mile canyon and creek bed.

The best time of day to hike Main Canyon is

in the morning when the ground is solid and

make a whole day of it! :

Enjoy Main Canyon for a couple hours, or

the sun is out. Early afternoon the sun ducks

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stay + play

WINTER PARK

GRAVITY HAUS Words by Kim Fuller

COURTESY OF GRAVITY HAUS

Y

our next Colorado ski town getaway

its own, once you’ve settled into one Gravity

has gotten even more inviting. With an

Haus the others you’ll visit feel like a home away

impressive vision and efficient growth strategy,

from home.

Gravity Haus is quickly standing out in a few

64

local mountain areas as “a community for the

STAY

modern adventurer.”

Especially unique from its more luxurious sister

We recently rolled into Winter Park to

hotel properties, Gravity Haus Winter Park is

check out the newest Gravity Haus property,

a little more casual as a boutique motel of 38

located right off of Hwy. 40 in the center of

newly renovated guest rooms. Gravity Haus

town. The modern mountain-inspired aesthetic

encourages membership options so guests can

of reclaimed wood and black accents was all

take advantage of discounts and special member

aglow from the main building’s soft lighting as

amenities like the Haus Quiver (gear borrowing)

we arrived at sunset.

and StarterHaus (shared workspace), but you

don’t have to be a member to stay.

After already experiencing both the

“We have created a place where people can

Breckenridge and Vail properties, Gravity Haus

Winter Park already felt familiar. While each

stay, people can work, people can have fitness

location offers unique amenities and a vibe all

and adventures,” shares Rob Davis, general

KIM FULLER

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

65

KIM FULLER

KIM FULLER

manager of Gravity Haus Winter Park. “We

EAT

really work to check all those boxes, which is in

Gravity Haus Winter Park has a much tighter

line with the other properties as well.”

kitchen than the other properties, but the small

menu plays big.

Dogs are allowed at all Gravity Haus

properties, and the park-yourself outside

entrance motel setup of Winter Park made it

cooked from scratch daily,” Davis explains. “We

even more convenient to have our old pup Jack

don’t have a freezer and we don’t have a fryer.”

with us.

COURTESY OF GRAVITY HAUS

66

“Everything we do in the kitchen is all

Fresh ingredients and flavors truly come

through in all the breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. Start with a burrito for breakfast, try a salad for lunch and then the risotto special for dinner. Be sure to start you day with a cup of brew from Unravel Coffee, featuring Gravity Haus’s very own sustainably sourced beans.

Head over to the bar for afternoon happy hour and you’ll see some locals bellying up après adventure. Try one of their delicious and homemade batched cocktails like the Alpenglow or a local beer on draft.

PLAY Didn’t bring bikes or skis on your getaway?

Gravity Haus members can take advantage of the Haus Quiver at the Winter Park location.

Every season, Gravity Haus partners with local and national gear brands to curate a quiver with all the gear you need to experience the outdoors.

Learn more at hausquiver.com.

Winter

Park

has

premier

access

to

mountain bike trails in the summer and fall, and the nearby Winter Park Resort for skiing and

970.248.9833

ASCENTMEDGJ.COM

snowboarding in the winter and spring. Many backcountry access options are also nearby for those with experience and proper avalanche training.

On our final Winter Park morning this past

fall, we enjoyed a chilly mountain bike ride

EXPLORE W I N TE R with ACES

before check out time and could see the snow starting to build on the nearby resort. Like most mountain towns, Winter Park has something to offer in every season. Gravity Haus is a great home base for all the fun.

Throughout our stay it was ideal to walk

just a few steps from our room to Dryland Fitness. The on-site gym offers group fitness classes, open gym times, outdoor hot tubs and plenty of equipment for Gravity Haus members and hotel guests. Day passes are also available for non-members. Locals lead the classes and you’ll be next to many Winter Park residents in class who have made Dryland Fitness in Winter Park their home gym.

“Community is really important to us,” says

Davis. “We’ve had a lot of great feedback from the community. Locals spend their time here.” : gravityhaus.com

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getaway

KIM FULLER

GET AWAY TO THE AMERICA RIVIERA

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA Words by Kim Fuller

W

68

hile European coastlines may feel far

STAY

away, the central California haven

New to the hotel scene in Santa Barbara is the

known as the “American Riviera” is now a direct

Kimpton Goodland Hotel. Located in Goleta, just

Southwest flight from Denver. Santa Barbara

a short drive from downtown Santa Barbara,

Airport greets guest with a Mediterranean-

Goodland gave an old property a fresh new

style terminal illustrated with colorful tiles,

look that boasts a beachy aesthetic. Every room

rustic lanterns, modern art and beautiful

has a vintage-style record player with vinyl on

Spanish murals. A visit to Santa Barbara during

loan, and a yoga mat comes with every room

Colorado’s winter season eventuates the contrast

to borrow during your stay. The ground-level

of climates — leave a snow-covered Denver and

rooms surround a pool and several shared fire

arrive to rich sea-kissed air breezing through tall

pits, making it easy to grab a refreshment from

palm trees.

Good Bar and relax on-property.

BEN HERNDON, COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

CARTER HIYAMA, COURTESY OF BCYCLE AND VISIT SANTA BARBARA

BLAKE BRONSTAD, COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

69

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

KIM FULLER

PLAY Bike rentals are also available through Wheel Fun Rentals if you’d rather plan a road bike route or spend your afternoon with a partner on a tandem. Bring a lock and you can ride over to the Gaviota Coast for a kayak through Santa Barbara Adventure Company. The Gaviota Coast is one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and is home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life.

Guides provide wetsuits, life jackets and

kayaks before introducing an on-shore kayak lesson before heading to the water. This trip takes paddlers through kelp beds while the guides share information on marine ecology in the area and the Santa Barbara Channel.

For some mindful movement in the

afternoon, Santa Barbara Beach Yoga has openair classes looking out over the ocean. Enjoy the scenery from Cabrillo Pavilion rooftop with the

For those who want to stay within walking

distance of Santa Barbara’s beaches and scenic harbor, Brisas del Mar, Inn At The Beach is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel with welcoming rooms and suites. Complimentary beach cruiser rentals are available so you can pedal your way around town.

sound of the waves lapping along the shore in front of you, and Santa Ynez mountain range as a backdrop.

EAT Santa Barbara County is known for its many farmers’ markets that offer fresh local produce from the area. On Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.,

KIM FULLER

downtown Santa Barbara hosts 50 to 60 certified agricultural producers lined up on both sides of the 600 and 700 blocks of State Street. Opened in 1992, this farmers’ market is a very popular weekly spot for some of Santa Barbara’s finest local chefs and caterers, who can be spotted pulling their wagons up and down the street.

The area’s year-round growing season and

access to sustainable seafood makes for some very memorable culinary experiences. Scarlett Begonia on West Victoria Street serves up a thoughtful and innovative farm-to-table menu. Tuesday is an extra special evening to enjoy dinner at Scarlett Begonia, as they have a “Farmers’ Market Menu” this day only. Chef Jonathan Ramirez shops the farmers’ market, comes back to the restaurant and designs a unique menu of three courses plus a craft cocktail.

For anyone looking to spice up their dinner

with some ethnic flare, Bibi Ji offers a modern

70

KIM FULLER

Barbara’s waterfront has spots like Lucky Penny.

This quaint, stand-alone eatery specializes in wood-fire pizza, salads and sandwiches and is in a building that’s covered with 164,456 real copper pennies. Go at lunch to sit in the sun in the restaurant’s inviting courtyard.

DRINK A visit to central California wouldn’t be complete without wine tasting in one of the world’s most diverse wine-growing regions. One of the easiest ways to get to know regional wines is through the tasting rooms of Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail, most of which are located in walkable downtown Santa Barbara. Head down to the Funk Zone to stop by Kunin Wine, a tasting room you visit that is so good (and hospitable) that you end up joining the wine club before you leave.

The tasting room pours some of the winery’s twist on traditional Indian cuisine. James Beard

best, including the prized area varietals of Syrah,

award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr has put

Zinfandel and Viognier.

together quite an impressive wine list, along with

tasty by-the-glass house selections that change

wine, but that’s not the only locally produced

daily. Chef KK Bheemarao has created a menu

libation receiving raves. The region’s rapidly

that highlights local seafood with traditional,

proliferating

authentic Indian curries, all alongside a bounty

beer lovers a tasting trail of their own. Visit

of fresh produce harvested from the region and

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (which has a

cooked in-house with roasted Indian spices.

new partnership with Flying Embers, a hard

kombucha maker, in 2020) in the Funk Zone to

Head east of State Street to Santa Barbara’s

Funk Zone for even more dynamic dining options. Once a manufacturing hub in the 19th century, the 13-block mixed-use area near Santa

Santa Barbara County may be known for its

craft

breweries

have

given

have a taste. : Learn more and plan your trip from helpful resources at santabarbaraca.com.

BLAKE BRONSTAD, COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

71

feature

COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE

CSA DOES WINTER IN WESTERN COLORADO Words by Jenna Kretschman COURTESY OF ROOTED GYPSY FARMS

W

he n we t h i n k a bou t c om m u nity -

and the planet; you’ll provide direct support

supported agriculture (CSA) in Western

to local farmers, become part of a community,

Colorado, what comes to mind are warm days

eat more healthy vegetables, create less waste,

at local farmers’ markets munching on fresh

reduce your carbon footprint and keep your

summer fruits and vegetables. But this time of

money local.

year, despite snow-covered fields and freezing

temperatures, CSA farms in Western Colorado

colder months than during their busy summer

are keeping busy.

season, the work doesn’t stop. Some farms stay

Community-supported

agriculture

is

a

way for consumers to purchase locally grown,

While most CSAs look quite different in the

busy planning for the next season, while others find ways to keep the food coming year-round.

seasonal food from farmers in their community,

72

typically by becoming a member and purchasing

FIELD TO FORK FARMS

a share of the goods, although each farm operates

In the frozen days of winter, Field to Fork Farm

differently.

owners Jessica and Scott Washkowiak spend

Partnering with a CSA farm for fresh, local

their time tending to fresh produce in their 11

food brings numerous benefits to you, the farm

greenhouses in Palisade, which are kept up to

COURTESY OF FIELD TO FORK

73

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

COURTESY OF FIELD TO FORK

74

a toasty 80 degrees. The Palisade farm is fully

people to be involved; we want them to learn

operational throughout all four seasons thanks

and see how the food is raised and connect with

to their more than 20,000 feet of indoor growing

their food. It’s really important. The only way

space. Throughout the winter, Field to Fork

to do that was to get people here, so we opened

grows a variety of seasonal produce, like lettuce

up the farm store and that gave us a lot more

greens, radishes, turnips, carrots, broccoli,

options for us to serve our community.”

cabbage and potatoes.

To learn more about Field to Fork Farm, visit fieldtofork-farm.com.

“We have potatoes right out of the ground

for the holidays. People really love that,” Jessica says. “The best thing is that there are no weeds or bugs in the winter, and it’s nice to go into the

GREEN JUNCTION FARMSTEAD

greenhouses and thaw out in the wintertime. It’s

Green Junction Farmstead just wrapped up their

quite enjoyable to work inside of them on a cold

seventh season in the Grand Valley growing

winter day.”

produce on their small but mighty farm in

Field to Fork operates a farm stand at the

Clifton. Owned by Dawn Trujillo and Brian

front of their property that’s open to the public.

Adams, Green Junction is a 100-member CSA

For those who want to help support the growth

that distributes food through a 20-week season.

of the farm, Field to Fork offers a prepaid card

They grow produce for their members, local

system called the Farm Card. Customers can

restaurants, farmer’s markets and their own farm

purchase a loaded card to use at the farm stand

stand. This time of year, they spend their time

and receive an additional 10% of funds to spend.

planning for their first mid-February plantings

“People pre-pay for their purchases to

and supporting others in the community.

help support the growth of the farm and our

“My husband does the crop planning; he’s

greenhouses and all of the production that we’ve

just a whiz at spreadsheets,” Trujillo says. “In the

done over the years,” Jessica explains. “We want

winter, we do a lot of crop planning, deciding

COURTESY OF ROOTED GYPSY FARMS

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

75

COURTESY OF ROOTED GYPSY FARMS

76

what grew well and what we want to grow again

greenhouse greens, mushrooms — things that

and see what crop rotations we need to take care

are mostly grown indoors.”

of through the season to make sure the food

produces on time.”

mother-daughter duo Hadassa and Akaycia

Through the colder months, Trujillo

Berger, delivers to about 200 weekly members

works with food justice programs like Nourish

and about 300 monthly members. The farm

Colorado, a nonprofit working to transform food

delivers all across Western Colorado, from Loma

systems to build universal access to healthy,

to Telluride, and sources its products from more

nutritious food in Colorado.

than 60 different family farms, small businesses

and artisans across the region.

“I’ve been able to be part of some grant

Rooted Gypsy, owned by Grand Junction

review teams that help small farmers, Indigenous

farmers, farmers of color and also food deserts

is lower, they particularly offer specialty goods

to help families who don’t have access or

from small businesses, like Bella Balsamic and

haven’t been introduced to good, healthy food,”

The Pressed Olive, a downtown Grand Junction

Trujillo says. “That’s what I like to focus on in the

store that sells imported, premium oils and

wintertime.”

vinegars.

During their off season, Green Junction

During the winter months when food variety

“We source a lot from the valley itself,”

promotes other small businesses in the valley

Akaycia says. “We have our hearts set on

to their members, like Preserving Techniques,

supporting local farms and businesses.” :

a local food preservation business that teaches canning, fermentation and foodcrafting techniques and works closely with the farm.

To learn more about Rooted Gypsy Farms, visit rootedgypsyfarms.com.

“Those type of things we promote to keep

our members and customers involved, so they can continue to get that extra value and learn about food,” Trujillo adds.

To learn more about Green Junction Farmstead, visit gjfarmstead.com.

ROOTED GYPSY FARMS Year-round, Rooted Gypsy Farms collects fresh, seasonal food and specialty items from multiple farms and businesses across the Grand Valley and delivers it all straight to the doorsteps of their members.

They also grow their own lettuce, kale,

chard and herbs in an aquaponic greenhouse supported by tilapia fish, which mimics a natural ecosystem. The waste of the fish provides fertilizing nutrients to the plant crop, while the plants purify the water for the fish.

“We have fewer options to choose from in the

Slide into winter with our collection of red wines

Flyer Red Blend - Zinfandel - Cabernet Franc - Pinot Noir - Cinsault

winter, but we just buy from different farmers who farm different things,” Akaycia Berger, Rooted Gypsy Farms general manager, explains.

“We have a lot of winter squash, winter greens,

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feature

POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT

PAST, PRESENT + FUTURE Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photos courtesy of Powderhorn Mountain Resort

W

hether you’re talking about Powderhorn

as the 1982 oil shale bust, Grand Valley residents

Mountain Resort’s past, present or future,

and businesses remained steadfast supporters,

one common thread is woven through all three:

determined to see the ski area succeed and

the core mission to be accessible and affordable

thrive.

for all ages and abilities.

No one understands this better than Ryan

PRESENT

Robinson, Powderhorn’s director of marketing

In the past five years, Powderhorn has seen

and sales. Robinson grew up in the Grand Valley

three record-breaking years in the history of

and learned to ski at Powderhorn — a tradition

the resort, and this fall it had its most successful

he now loves to enjoy with his wife and two sons.

season-pass sale ever.

78

“We’ve had some wonderful owners over the

PAST

years,” says Robinson. “In 2011, Andy Daly and

“Founding families such as the Sisacs and Beverlys

Kent Gart purchased the resort, and it was the

intended from the beginning for Powderhorn

first time ownership focused on the mountain

to be family friendly and provide something for

experience in a full-fledged way.”

everyone,” shares Robinson. “It was not only their

mission back in the 60s, but we continue to see

expansion, lodging and upgrading the quad lift

multiple generations of those families up here as

from a fixed grip quad to a high-speed detachable

an example of what we value.”

quad. The new lift not only enhanced the winter

experience but made a summer season possible,

Skiing on the Grand Mesa began back in the

They immediately invested in snow-making

1930s with a tow rope in the Land’s End area.

because bikes could now be easily transported.

Shortly after WWII, skiing reappeared at Mesa

Creek when the Grand Mesa Ski Club opened

on, Pacific Group Resorts, who had similar

a small slope, now known to locals as “Old

programs out east that Powderhorn adopted. At

Powderhorn” or the “tubing hill.”

the same time, Powderhorn slashed their season

pass prices.

Surveying of the current site on the northern

In 2018, an operating partner was brought

edge of the Grand Mesa began in 1958, and

on December 5, 1966, 1,500 people witnessed

there has been really good synergy for a lot of

Colorado Governor John Love cut the ribbon,

growth in recent years,” explains Robinson. “The

officially opening Powderhorn Ski Area. The ski

original founders had vision and were forward

area had six miles of runs, a double chair lift and

thinking in development and growth on the

a surface lift. In its first ski season, Powderhorn

winter side, but I don’t think they anticipated

hosted 21,000 people.

the summer side and the growth of downhill

mountain biking and so many other things that

Over the next 45 years, lifts were replaced

“With these new owners and partners,

and new ones installed, terrain expanded,

no one could have anticipated.”

lodging and base facilities were built and

upgraded, and ownership changed hands several

2016, Powderhorn truly became a two-season

times. Through the bumps along the way, such

model. Your mountain bike precedes you on the

When the downhill bike park opened in

Flat Top Flyer high-speed detachable quad, and

once you catch up to it, it’s all downhill from

Trail and the new snowmaking pipeline to

there on numerous, multi-level biking trails.

Andersen Reservoir share the same route,

for the most part, to minimize environmental

Popularity of the park has been given a

It’s exciting to note the Rim View Connector

huge world-wide bump in awareness with the

impact.

completion of the 32-mile, expert level Palisade

Plunge bike trail. Destination people coming to

permit from the United States Forest Service, so

ride the Plunge are also using Powderhorn’s bike

it’s not ours,” says Robinson. “We are tasked with

park, lodging and other amenities.

being good stewards of the forest up here, and

it’s important to demonstrate we’re taking good

Brilliantly, Powderhorn has taken advantage

“We operate the resort on a special use

of the opportunity by building the 1.4-mile Rim

care of it.”

View Connector Trail, which allows intermediate

riders a 17-mile, 2,500 vertical option from

complete, it’s the first time in the resort’s history

the Palisade Plunge trailhead. A summer-long

that they have been able to make snow top to

shuttle service helps make this ride a reality.

bottom.

With the new snowmaking infrastructure

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

79

80

“It’s very, very rare and unique that our

Powderhorn touts a large range of events

system is gravity fed, since we are on a mesa

throughout the year and is a picturesque

with water above us,” adds Robinson. “I can’t

location for weddings. From “Gears and Beers”

say I’ve ever heard of another resort that uses

to CMU collegiate ski and bike races to charity

gravity. They do top to bottom snowmaking by

events and live music, winter Olympic games

pumping water up the hill from a base area.”

modified for kids, terrain park events and the

Gravity-fed snowmaking is incredibly energy

most popular event of the year — the New Year’s

efficient when you take out the pumping process.

Eve torchlight parade and fireworks show —

Once snowcat machines move the guns into place,

Powderhorn has something for everyone.

they are automated from a central shop location.

“We like to remind folks the water we use

is going into is third season of the tiny home

for snowmaking doesn’t get used up,” says

project — six units just 50 feet from the base of

Robinson. “We store it for the winter and it

the quad lift. The tiny homes are built in a pod

comes off the hill and feeds the valley just as a

with a central après ski area, fire pit, yard games

rainstorm would.”

and Adirondack chairs.

And, that includes lodging. Powderhorn

“A big fancy hotel is just not us,” states

Robinson. “Tiny homes are a great fit and have done exceptionally well.”

Three years ago, Powderhorn started the

Bob Beverly Free Learn to Ski or Ride Program, including both snowboarding and skiing. If you have never skied before, your first three days of tickets, lessons and rental equipment are totally free. Discounted Rossignal equipment and a $69 pass for the remainder of the season are then available. The second, or sophomore, year a season pass is just $179.

“The idea is that we want to make new

skiers,” explains Robinson. “We know the barriers can be cost and the perception of difficulty, so by eliminating those barriers, we offer a program that is grounded in our mission of affordability and accessibility.”

Colorado

Discoverability

has

recently

expanded their main headquarters in Grand Junction into a working space provided by Powderhorn.

“They have been an outstanding volunteer-

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based partner for many years, offering a method of access for a group of folks who we may not otherwise be able to accommodate,” shares Robinson.

Because so much has changed at Powderhorn

over the past five years, the evolution-induced rebranding included a visual change with a new logo. True to Powderhorn’s respect for its history, the powder-horn icon remains central.

FUTURE Future plans include snowmaking laterals, bike trail expansion, the addition of many more tiny homes and other alternative lodging concepts, such as camping platforms and RV hookups, and the ongoing conversation about shoulder seasons.

“Almost as important as what will change

is what won’t change,” says Robinson. “We still have an important mission the founders set: to create a family friendly environment, that is affordable, accessible and beneficial to the Grand Valley.” :

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feature

GRAND JUNCTION IS A REMOTE WORKER’S PARADISE

BUT AT WHAT COST? Words by Lexi Riech LIGHTBULB MEDIA

T

82

he coronavirus has introduced the world

where the cost of living is nowhere near what

to many once-foreign concepts. Who knew

it is on the Front Range, outdoor recreation is

cloth face masks would become a new outlet

at your fingertips and business is booming? (Did

for starving artists? However, there’s one large

you know Grand Junction is projected to be the

trend that has particularly altered the way we

next tech hub of Colorado?)

live and work for what looks like years and

years to come. We’re talking the “work-from-

Labor and Employment (CDLE), the percent of

home” phenomenon.

remote workers is expected to have doubled in

It’s no secret Colorado is a desirable place to

2021 with more than two thirds of employers

live. The omnipresent access to national parks

planning for remote work to be a permanent

and vivacious western culture earns the state

part of their staffing plans.

According to the Colorado Department of

prime spots on many national news outlets’ top

places to call home.

hold, once “small” towns like Grand Junction

As work-from-anywhere continues to take

However, the treasure of living in towns

are becoming hubs of economic, cultural and

along the Western Slope is quickly gaining

social activity as they move away from oil and

traction — whether locals like it or not. According

gas reliance and into a digital economy. Many

to Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP),

are worried this will exacerbate the already

Grand Junction in particular has received an

dire housing crisis consuming the Mountain

influx of remote workers since the pandemic

West and if local businesses will be able to keep

started. Who wouldn’t want to live in a town

up with a dwindling service workforce.

Cilia

Kohn,

GJEP

marketing

and

such as technology and the outdoor industry, in

communications director, says the key to

addition to other sectors.

supporting these towns, Grand Junction

included, is to be employed by companies

team closer together,” Arnold shares. “Our

based in that area who are already invested in

supportive and collaborative culture has been

the local community’s success. In an effort to

the connective tissue holding us together as we

support remote workers and employers without

continue our growth trajectory.”

sacrificing the vitality of Mesa County, GJEP

launched a website dedicated to matching people

government organizations to develop a remote

interested in moving here with local businesses

work certificate program designed to help

offering flex-work opportunities.

workers and employers alike prepare to succeed

“ We

a

website

The CDLE even worked with other

called

in a virtual workplace environment. The two

workremoteco.com to provide links to jobs based

online courses launched last March and each

in the Grand Valley that are hiring remote or

costs $75 to enroll. It appears remote work is

hybrid positions,” Kohn says. “The state has a

here to stay.

website, as well, that lists remote opportunities

throughout Colorado, but we will also offer

present in Colorado; to keep up with the flood of

other resources if you want to be in the Grand

people moving in, many are turning to essential

Valley whether you’re a remote worker or an

programs like those developed by GJEP to

employer.”

ensure community members’ best interests are

launched

“Remote working has brought the Pax8

Launched in November 2021, workremoteco.

The work-from-anywhere trend is ever-

prioritized.

com serves as an information hub with resources

such as available financing programs, relocating

Colorado Hub,” Kohn says. “There’s more of a

assistance and community support resources.

push to view us as a leader in terms of how to

“Grand Junction is set to be the Western

Among the employers on this initiative

support workers, how to get more business in,

is Pax8, a Colorado-based cloud distribution

how to build the economy. We want to continue

startup working with GJEP as part of its latest

to support that and be on the forefront of

hiring push for remote workers. The company’s

wherever the industry leads us … we’re seeing

Rural Empowerment Program works to target

the digital economy really grow, and we see a lot

more diverse talent that previously wouldn’t

of potential in rural communities to support that

have had access to careers in the tech industry.

economy.” :

“Our relationship with GJEP is essential to

Learn more at gjep.org.

our success in Western Colorado. We rely on our relationships with community partners and the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” explains Ashlie Arnold, Rural Empowerment Program

NATHAN DUMLAO

GJEP for connections in the community and

manager. “Pax8 is investing in job creation in two ways. Firstly, by bringing technical and knowledge-based jobs to smaller communities for geographically dispersed talent. Secondly, by increasing the representation of smaller communities in the tech industry by investing in people to develop their skills, build their careers and help their communities grow.”

Arnold says Pax8 will be using GJEP’s new

website to help further their mission to diversify jobs in mountain communities. She says remote working brings opportunities to various fields,

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

83

events

WINTER 2021-22 Compiled by Olivia Lyda | Photo by Matt Brooks

“Fire On The Mountain” from the Telluride Fire Festival

DECEMBER The Polar Express Train Ride

online to see dates and artist announcements. uncovercolorado.com

Durango, CO December 2021

Telluride Fire Festival

Recreate the magical story of a child’s Christmas Eve at the Polar Express Train Ride! The excursion is full of enchanted holiday surprises, all with a beautiful snowy backdrop. durangotrain.com

Vail Snow Days Vail, CO December TBD This free concert series in Ford Park is sure to have you jamming out to great music. Various performers and artists come together to put on incredible live music for the community. Check

84

Telluride, CO December 3-5, 2021 The Telluride Fire Festival, inspired by Burning Man, truly brings together fire and ice during the winter season. Celebrate community, fire and art in the mountains and watch inspired artists and their dynamic visual fire performances. Visit their website for COVID-19 guidelines. telluridefirefestival.org

Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas Breckenridge, CO December 4, 2021

Watch as the streets of downtown Breckenridge light up like a Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season — all while a parade of Santa Clauses crowds the street. The lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Times will be posted once the event draws near. gobreck.com

Powabunga Music Festival Vail, CO December 9-12, 2021 Experience an epic mountain music festival weekend at Ford Park. Featured artists include Rufus De Sol, Bob Mosses, Vintage Culture and others. Doors open at 4 p.m. on both festival nights, so make sure to get there early. Continue to check their site for future artist line-up

releases and planned activities for the highly anticipated return of Powabunga. powabungafestival.com

Public Works Dept, and enjoy free hot cocoa and smores around the bonfire. minturn.org

Annual Ullr Fest

The MusicFest Steamboat Springs

Breckenridge, CO December 9-17, 2021 Ullr Fest offers 10 full days dedicated to all fun-loving activities involving snow. What better way to get into the holiday spirit? The festival celebrates the Norwegian god of snow, with traditions such as the Ullr Ball, the Ullr Bonfire, the Ullr Parade, Snow Sculpting, Ullr King and Queen, the Ullympics and the Ullr Dating Game. Check out the long list of activities occurring during the festival online! colorado.com

2021-22 Community Race Series Crested Butte, CO December 2021 - February 2022 Experience these community fun Nordic races throughout the winter season this year. cbnordic.org

JANUARY Christmas Tree Bonfire Minturn, CO January TBD Enjoy the cozy and intimate atmosphere of this small-town event. Residents may leave their undecorated trees at the end of their driveway on designated dates for free pick-up by the Minturn

educational experience for all ice climbing enthusiasts. More information regarding the festival to come. ourayicepark.com

Winterfest Pagosa Springs, CO January 21-23, 2022

Steamboat Springs, CO January 5-12, 2022 The perfect getaway filled with music, relaxation and the beautiful champagne powder of Steamboat Springs lies just at your fingertips with a trip to MusicFest. MusicFest Steamboat Springs has a venue for everyone, with over 200 hours of live performances. Grab your ticket before the event sells out! themusicfest.com

Celebrate with your family and friends at this fun-filled festival!

Spectate or participate in events like The Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascensions, Sled Races, Cross Country Ski Clinic, Fat Bike Race, BB Gun Biathlon, the ever-popular Penguin Plunge and much more! pagosachamber.com

Wintersköl

Grand Mesa Summit Challenge Dog Sled Race

Aspen, CO January 13-16, 2022

Cedaredge, CO January 22-23, 2022

Toast to Aspen’s majestic winter with this festival dedicated to the town’s unique lifestyle. The fourday fest features on-mountain activities, film screenings, a winterfest, broomball, fat-biking competitions and other celebratory events. aspenchamber.org

Sign up to race or watch amazing racing dogs compete in this twoday competition. rmsdc.org

Ouray Ice Festival Ouray, CO January 20-23, 2022 Ice climber pros, novices and fans alike can experience the nailbiting competition of the Ouray Ice Festival. The three-day festival includes qualifying rounds, finals and speed rounds along with an

Snowdown Durango Durango, CO January 26-30, 2022 This jam-packed event has everything you could ever ask for.

Snowdown Durango showcases more than 100 events packed into this five-day event — everything from the annual Parade of Lights down Main Avenue and adults-only fashion shows to winter sporting contests and beer dunks are on the agenda. durango.com

Independent and local with the power of a team!

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International Snow Sculpture Competition Breckenridge, CO January 28-30, 2022 This world-renowned snow sculpting competition consists of sixteen teams from around the world that descend on Breckenridge, Colorado to handcarve 20-ton blocks of snow into enormous, intricate works of art.

Make sure to visit to view these masterpieces! gobreck.com

Rio Frio Ice Fest Almosa, CO January 28-30, 2022 Enjoy a jam-packed weekend with the Rio Fest 5K on the frozen Rio Grande River. A polar plunge, ice craving, fire & ice bonfire and many more winter fun activities await. Register for the 2022 event now! riofrioice.com

3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest Granby, CO January 28-30, 2022 Join in on the longest-running ice fishing tournament West of the Mississippi. Sign up for one, two or all three days of fishing on beautiful lakes in the Granby area.

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit Destination Granby. destinationgranby.com

FEBRUARY Montrose Farmers’ Market Montrose, CO February 2022 Pick up the freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables at the year-round Montrose Farmers’ Market! Peruse the local entrepreneurs’ stands and listen to the live performances. Join this event every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. bestfarmersmarkets.org

86

Telluride Comedy Festival Telluride, CO February 2022 Laugh to your heart’s content over this fun and undeniably “funny” festival! Watch live performances from both big name and up and coming comedians. Dates TBA for this February’s event. sheridanoperahouse.com

NBS Black Ski Summit 2022 Snowmass, CO February 5-12, 2022 This is a historical summit, because it marks a return to the slopes after the pandemic; it is also the 50th Anniversary of the NBS (National Brotherhood of Skiers). Join and celebrate this amazing event that brings over 1,500 people of color together on the mountain. eventbrite.com

Rocky Mountain Ski Fest Beaver Creek, CO February 8-9, 2022 The Rocky Mountain Ski Fest includes an exclusive concert with headliner Old Dominion and an on-mountain activity, all raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. Learn more and reserve tickets online! rockymtnskifest.com

Steamboat Winter Carnival Steamboat Springs, CO February 9-13, 2022 Say goodbye to your cabin-fever during late winter months and take part in the Steamboat Winter Carnival. The event highlights outdoor activities for local youth to participate in, as well as traditional experiences around town, such as the soda pop slalom, snow sculptures and the recognition of Winter Carnival Royalty and Grand Marshals. sswsc.org

Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament Silverthorne, CO February 18-20, 2022 Get ready to gather your friends for this old-school ice hockey tournament! The Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament is a great opportunity to play against other motivated teams on a frozen solid pond. coloradopondhockey.com

Banff Mountain Film Festival Breckenridge, CO February 25-26, 2022 Explore the world of mountain sports and make your way to the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Watch the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental and adventure mountain films. The event goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days, with proceeds supporting BOEC’s programs for adaptive recreation and outdoor education. boec.org

WinterWonderGrass Festival Steamboat Springs, CO February 25-27, 2022 Gather together with friends and family to join this community event. This year, listen and dance to headliner Trampled by Turtles while enjoying beer tastings, food trucks and coffee bars. Reserve your tickets and plan your trip before it sells out! winterwondergrass.com

Queer Climbing Night Eagle, CO February 27, 2022 The last Sunday of every month is a great time to be a part of an inclusive environment at the Eagle Climbing and Fitness Gym! Visit this event from 5 - 7 pm. eagleclimbing.com :

who we are

TERRY HANCOCK Words + Photo by Melanie Wiseman

M

any people are morning people; however,

“I consider myself more of an artist than a

Terry Hancock is not one of them. His

scientist,” notes Hancock. “I’m using scientific

favorite time of day is nighttime — the darker

equipment to look deep into the universe, but

and clearer the better.

when I’m processing my images, it’s more of an

artistic approach.”

As the director of the Grand Mesa

Observatory, this Australia native who now

calls the Grand Valley home feels extremely

NASA, in astronomy magazines and books, in

fortunate to share his astrophotography passion

National Geographic and well-known online

with so many other people.

media. Most recently, of 4,500 submissions,

Hancock’s works have been published by

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

87

his photograph of the California Nebula won

combined six personal telescopes and a 50 x

first place in the Stars and Nebulae category

50 observation pad. The Observatory’s location

at the largest astrophotography competition in

has an excellent night sky quality (based on the

the world: the Royal Museums Greenwich in

Bortle scale) making for outstanding viewing

London.

and photography.

The winning photo was actually 185

decided to sell his data, then make his legacy

hours over five nights. Narrow band filters

community, hands-on astronomy and science

coated with either oxygen, hydrogen or sulfur

educational outreach,” shares Hancock.

created the color for dramatic detail that could

not otherwise be seen.

non-profit status and solid partnerships with

The Grand Mesa Observatory now has

As a child, Hancock used to look at the night

District 51, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and

sky with a pair of binoculars. At 12, his parents

the Western Colorado Astronomy Club. It also

bought him the book Astronomy by Sir Patrick

now touts a second dome, CMU’s impressive

Moore. At 13, he was gifted his first telescope.

telescope and is being used remotely by the NYC

“Although it was an inexpensive store

University and a division of NASA.

model, I remember the fun I had with it, seeing

the details of the moon, Jupiter and four of its

whether I’ve seen any UFOs and the answer is

moons, and the rings of Saturn for the first

no,” chuckles Hancock. “I always think of that

time,” he grins.

possibility, but it’s not why I spend so much

time looking at night skies.” :

Following school, Hancock worked at a

professional camera shop where he honed his knowledge of the camera, literally inside and out. He became a freelance photographer, then spent years in the commercial sign business.

“Once I started taking photos through

a telescope, that was it. I was hooked,” says Hancock. “I wanted to come to the United States to photograph the northern skies, like the Andromeda Galaxy, which I was fixated on.

Objects we see in Australia are really cool too but different, being in the Southern Hemisphere.”

A

self-taught

photographer

and

astronomer, Hancock has been teaching others through online tutorials for the past 11 years.

His astrophotography tutorial service operating under downunderobservtory.com reaches students all over the world.

Five years ago, one of his students, 75

year-old Kannah Creek resident John Mansur, had a dream of being able to create his own astrophotography (also known as data) right from his property. Mansur brought Hancock out to have a look and the rest is history.

Hancock

supervised

the

building

of

an observatory dome stocked with their

88

“John’s simple plan mushroomed when he

individual five-minute exposures totaling 11

“The most frequently asked question I get is

SETH ANDERSON

Co-Founder + Manager Loki Clothing Company

YOUR BUSINESS. YOUR ADVENTURE. Colorado’s Grand Valley is at the heart of a new rush. It’s a rush for those who want space, access, and a life free from red-tape and two-hour commutes.

Move and grow your business where our work ethic still mirrors the spirit of the men and women who discovered this valley generations ago.

JOIN US IN THE NEW WEST.

GJEP.ORG • 970.245.4332