Middle Earth Ranger Forum

Day 1 - The Shire (Vacaville, CA)

Nice. That's some good-looking country.

You're just saying that because it isn't white right now... *wink

Gah! Having greenways to wander when we're stuck here in snow- darn you!

Seriously, that does look like a grand time. "Day 1" - does that mean it was an overnight?

And wow.. I'd forgotten how lovely Northern California was. I remember some magical hikes in those parts.
I never wrapped my heart around the different seasons, but it's gorgeous country.
Wouldn't be the worst place to retire to when we get tired of plowing snow.

Greg, we gotta hit the trail together some day! That looks like you had a fine time.

Day 2 - The Misty Mountains (Colorado)

Nice scarves.

(Seriously, looks like an awesome trip! Even a ruin! How cool! )

Great to see two of my favorite Rangers out on patrol in the Misty Mountains!
You guys look like you had a great time. I truly wish I could have been there with you, perhaps one day...

Now that's what Rangers do! Great pics and well done, Rangers!

Ken

Greg, it was absolutely fantastic to FINALLY meet you in person! Hopefully it will not be the last time, by a long shot! I had an absolute blast, and it proved just how badly I need to work at getting back in shape, haha.

So, details! Greg arrived at my humble abode around 9:30 on Monday morning, and the snow was already coming down hard, having started the previous night, covering all the area in a pristine white blanket. After assembling my gear, we departed by car-caravan, heading south to Castlewood Canyon State Park, just outside of Castle Rock, CO. The roads weren't bad at this point, but there was still plenty of snow everywhere else, and lots of it blowing around, so we thought it might be a very *interesting* trek - as it happened, however, it was absolutely gorgeous! Here are some further photos of our exploits:










G, for Ganda... er... I mean, Greg! This rune was 100% covered by our return trip, haha.


On lookout...






I found a single green oak leaf under my bag when we took a break under a large overhanging rock. It seemed symbolic, somehow.






I'm lucky to have Castlewood Canyon park nearby for a number of reasons, including these wonderful ruins. They're actually part of an old, poorly constructed dam that failed waaaay back over a hundred years ago or so, and ended up basically flooding Denver. But they look extremely atmosphereic! They could absolutely be something out of Middle Earth. Ruins of Arnor, perhaps?



Finally, here are a couple of huuuuuuuge panorama shots that I took with my phone camera. You'll have to download them to see them properly, so I'm just going to post the links:

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hp ... 6815_o.jpg

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hp ... 7376_o.jpg

There are also a few more photos in my Facebook album, which is set to "public", and can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/michael.sherid ... 423&type=3


So that was it! We got back to the cars with soaked feet, but merry hearts! The drive back was killer, but we made it, and then I bid our dear Greg a fond adieu. Until next time, ranger! May your further travels be exciting and fruitful!

Turns out those panoramas still don't show up very large in those links, so here are two links to the HUGE versions of those!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/ ... g~original

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/ ... g~original

...

wow.

What a perfect choice for a jaunt.
So very jealous.

Just outstanding I must say

Day 3 - Weathertop (New Mexico)







Day 4 - The Wild Lands about the Shire (Kentucky)

Oh that's lovely! What wonderful hills. What is that tower?

And also - what a tour you've got going! Very cool!