One Article; 18,000 Spam Comments; Gone in Two Seconds
By PK | March 28, 2009
I guess the one thing that really bothers me about spam comments, is they want something without having to do the work like us normal bloggers. I worked hard to achieve my rank and it bothers me that these spammers want to attach their links, leaving their garbled, multi-linked comments on your article and robbing you of your hard-earned rank.
I’ve been sick the past week and have been neglecting my website horribly. But I definitely didn’t deserve for one of my articles to be spammed over 18,000 times by the same individual. Oh, I surely wanted to give them the finger in a different way other than deleting their spam comments but the easiest way was to delete the article. I copied it first, and categorized it differently so their ‘one’ link to me is gone and re-posted it.
I’ve also changed my open format that used to allow anyone to leave a comment without having to register. Sorry, folks, but this will enable me to write more and not be sitting at my computer deleting spam comments and getting fingeritis.
I also gleafully added their IP address to my Black List.
Geeze, this is one of those occasions that makes you think, “There ought to be a law against this.”
Topics: "Rants and Raves" | No Comments »
Flat Tops Scenic Byway
By PK | March 28, 2009
The Flat Top Scenic Byway runs from Meeker, Colorado in Rio Blanco County to Yampa, Colorado in Routt County. It consists of 82 miles, of which 40 miles is unpaved dirt or gravel roads. I do want to mention some of these roads have a washboard effect, so hang on tightly and be prepared for a bumpy ride at times.
This trip is accessible by car, except for a short hike up a steep hill to see Trapper’s Lake. There are several trails up to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Flat Tops…I am obsessed with this place. It is not a hike for a beginner. You pack in…you pack out. You leave no trace that you were there.
The Flat Tops Wilderness consists of 235, 000 acres of pristine, untouched land atop 11,000+ feet of plateaus that are occupied by fragile alpine tundra. The view from the top is well worth the hike. It is the one place I have yet to hike and am anticipating it with great enthusiasm. It is simply said…the hikes of all hikes. As I stand at the entrance, knowing it is not yet time for me to accomplish this feat, I patiently await….and while I’m waiting, break in my new Cabela’s hiking boots!
Trapper Lake is known as the “Cradle of Wilderness” due to the efforts of Arthur H. Carhart. In 1919, his recommendations stopped construction of roads and homes around the lake. This was the start of the wilderness movement, which led to the Wilderness Act in 1964.
This mountain is well-known as the Amphitheater or one giant’s big butt, whichever you prefer.
Topics: Colorado | 2 Comments »
Gore Pass, Colorado
By PK | March 3, 2009
With a bright, sunny sky over our heads we left for our first excursion in awhile. I’ve been managing a c-store since mid January, doing one of my ‘flips’ as I call it, spending many of my waking hours cleaning, ordering, adding new products and waiting for the hordes of customers to flock and see my hard-earned pay as I collect their hard-earned pay.
With the sound of melting snow dripping endlessly throughout the day as the sun shined brightly we headed south of Steamboat on Hwy 131 and then along Hwy 134 to Gore Pass. Many of you will remember our camping trip, the dead zone, the colorful autumn photographs of aspens, and our many hunting trips on Gore Mountain. I think I’ve hiked every inch of the area especially during bow hunting season. It is one of our favorite ‘getaway’ spots consisting of woods, nature, wildlife, and serene peacefulness.
In the higher elevation on Gore Mountain, not much dripping was going on. But one thing was for sure, you’d better have your sunglasses on because it was starkly white, enough for your eyes to tear up just looking across the valley of snow.
Gazing across the wide expanse, my eyes locked on the Flat Tops. Many of you may remember my many articles about the Flat Tops Wilderness and my goal to hike to the top this summer. I had a small taste of the Flat Tops last summer, but Dalton assured me that I was not ready for this journey. During the long winter months, I fear that once again I may not be ready with all the inactivity that comes with being snowbound.
While many enjoyed skiing the slopes of Mt. Werner, my courage and tenacity did not carry me through to be brave enough to tackle strapping on skies and sliding down the side of a mountain. Well, okay, to be truthful after watching Dalton with his buddies as they attempted to teach him to ski, and this was just around the house, and then eyeballing his stooped over demeanor during the next week, listening to his moans and groans, just kind of kept me from going through the same consequences.
Although I did try snowshoeing and really enjoyed the outdoor activity, for me, a southerner by birth, I found just walking on ice and snow a challenge without the snowshoes. Much to Dalton’s disappointment, I did not help chop wood, build fires in the woodstove, nor did I learn how to operate the snowblower. I did learn, however, the best spot in the living room to feel the heat of the woodstove, how to bellow loudly whenever the embers burned too low for my comfort, and the best of all….the first to holler that it was snowing again.
Awww….our first winter in Steamboat!
So, now as I once again feast my eyes on the Flat Tops Wilderness, I again remember my personal challenge. As I sit here writing this article, listening to the dripping of melting snow, seeing patches of bare ground, the taste, sights, and sounds of the wilderness call to me. Soon the grass will return, the awesome wildflowers I love to photograph will spring forward as I once again stuff my bare essentials (and my vanilla iced coffee) into my backpack as I strap on my hiking boots and explore Colorado.
True…the snow may as yet not be over and this may be a good case of Spring Fever, but sure as the sun rises everyday and the moon follows, I will conquer the Flat Tops.
Until then….happy skiing for you!
Topics: "Laugh or Cry", Colorado | 3 Comments »
Do YOU Remember???
By PK | March 2, 2009
Someone asked the other day, ‘What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?’
‘We didn’t have fast food when I was growing up,’ I informed him. ‘All the food was slow.’
‘C’mon, seriously. Where did you eat?’
‘It was a place called ‘at home,” I explained!
‘Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn’t like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it.’
Topics: "Laugh or Cry" | 1 Comment »
Winter Carnival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
By PK | February 14, 2009
I can say one thing about Steamboatians…they sure know how to have fun in the middle of winter. Attending the Winter Carnival in Steamboat is sure to bring a smile to your face as you watch the many outdoor activities involving downhill skiers, children on skis being pulled by horses, obstacle courses for tykes on skis and many other contests.
Topics: Steamboat Springs | 3 Comments »
Herds of Elk, Moffat County, Colorado
By PK | January 31, 2009
Craig, Colorado and surrounding Moffat County is winter range for the herds of elk that summer on the Flat Top Wilderness. I’ve waited a long time since moving to Colorado to see the large herds of elk that hiberate on the local ranches south of Craig.
It was early December when Dalton and I began seeing an occasional elk, and by early January the herds were visible from county roads near Hwy 13, south of Craig.
Topics: Colorado | 3 Comments »
Cedar Mountain, Craig, Colorado
By PK | January 24, 2009
Cedar Mountain is a prominent landmark located five miles northwest of Craig, Colorado. The mountain encompasses an 880-acre block of public land and represents a significant resource due to its suitability for communication facilities and proximity to the community of Craig. Cedar Mountain has an elevation of 6,500 feet, and rises 1,000 feet above the Yampa Valley providing panoramic views. Because of Cedar Mountains isolation from similar terrain, the horseshoe-shaped rim provides a vantage point which offers a superior view of the surrounding countryside. Cedar Mountain offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities year round. Additionally, Cedar Mountain’s natural qualities provide opportunities to experience isolation and solitude just a few miles from Craig.
Looking out from the lower regions of Cedar Mountain
Topics: Colorado, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Butcher Knife Canyon and Trail, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
By PK | January 19, 2009
We recently moved back to Steamboat and now feel in the heart of things. The first place Dalton and I wanted to explore is the Butcher Knife Canyon and Trail located directly behind our house. It was a plus to renting this property as we both like to hike even in the winter. So, we borrowed Vinnie and off we went.
I don’t know who is more anxious to get going….Vinnie or Dalton.
Topics: Steamboat Springs | 1 Comment »
Remember this….
By PK | January 17, 2009
The famous dinosaur in Steamboat wearing a saddle. I took this picture the first week I moved to Steamboat back in June 2008, which is also the time I started this website. Since moving here, I’ve occupied my time as a freelance photographer and writer. I’ve also hiked, hunted, snowshoed, traveled, and enjoyed many activities Colorado has to offer.
Topics: Steamboat Springs | 1 Comment »
Strawberry Park Hot Springs Review, Steamboat, Colorado
By PK | January 7, 2009
One day last fall Dalton and I decided we would hike up to Strawberry Park Hot Springs as there were several trails leading to the hot springs. At the last minute we changed our plans and drove up. That was a decision we were glad we made.
My mind was filled with wonderful images, glamorous pools of steeping hot mineral waters… “What?”, was my first response after arriving. “Where is the beauty and glamour?” To tell you the truth, I would have been very peeved to have hiked several miles and been disappointed as I was.
Topics: Colorado | 6 Comments »
