Serving you, homeowners in the Telluride valley, with inspiring, relevant local information highlighting the abundant happenings and hidden surprises of this wonderfully remote mountain community that we call our year-round home.
HAPPY AUGUST!The high pastures and mountain valleys are once again a vibrant Colorado green in the aftermath of early summer monsoon rainstorms. The precipitation levels for this past month were normal although the violent storms that rolled thru the valley every afternoon left us in awe. A severely swollen Cornet Creek (top of Aspen Street in Telluride) overflowed its banks and ripped thru several homes in the Townsend/Columbia block. Thankfully none of the homes we care for were affected.
Climatologists ironically call this season of rain the Arizona Monsoon affect. This part of Colorado is located in what geologists call the southern Colorado Plateau, a designated semi-arid zone (see next). It covers over 130,000 square miles of wildly diverse terrain spread over four (4) states. Climatic patterns fluctuate with the terrain- with the lower elevations receiving less than 10 inches per year of rain and the higher elevations above 11,000 feet net over 35 inches. More on this subject at cpluhna.nau.edu or the Colorado Plateau land Use History…..”
Part of what makes this part of the country so intriguing is the diversity and ruggedness of the young peaks, the expansive nearby desert and multitude of national and state parks close by. The SW region of the U.S. is currently regarded by the NOAA as a drought status area. Although portions of the San Juan Mountains, including the Telluride region, have seen an improving trend over the past few years, NOAA has currently designated it only as a slightly improved status. These are atmospheric trends spanning over decades rather than radically occurring changes.
According to the National Environmental Satellite Data Service (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov//) the average temperature for the SW region of the United States was 76.1 degrees this past July. This was 2.9 degrees warmer then the 20th century average, and it was the 6th warmest July in 113 years. The temperature trend for the period record, 1985 till present, is an increase of 0.2 degrees per decade. 1.64 inches of precipitation fell in July. This was .25 inches less than the average/ the 37th driest month is the regions recorded history. The 100-year average temperatures for August in the Telluride region range from 74 degrees Fahrenheit daytime to 40 degrees at night with an average precipitation of 2.91 inches.
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Monthly Activity:
Summer is definitely in full swing here in Telluride. This is the time where there are endless activities/opportunities to get out and enjoy our region. Keep in mind the weather can vary greatly this time of year so be prepared and attentive. There have been rockslides/ mudslides on the passes (and town and down valley for that matter) so use extra caution when traveling. Due to the recent rains the wildflowers are still looking wonderful and the whole region is nice and green! Make sure you take time to get out, whether it is a simple hike up Bear Creek or the Jud Wiebe trail in town or an off-road tour up Imogene Pass or for the more adventurous, a half day tour up Ophir Pass and returning via the legendary Black Bear pass which is not for the timid! For the more adrenaline minded, you can rent ATV’s, dirt bikes, or even a Harley Fat Boy from To Hell U Riders in Placerville and then you can tour the trails or highways at your own leisure. Since the rain has let up, the rivers are clearing back up and the fly fishing is going strong. This is a great sport for people of all ages and abilities, something you can progress with every year as you return to our valley. Another fun family activity is kayaking. The San Juan Paddling School can teach you the basics in a local pond and even arrange overnight trips on the San Juan River where you can practice your skills on a nice, gentle desert river. Let us know if have questions about any activity you want to do for your upcoming trip and we will be glad to help set it up for you!
Trevor
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These early monsoons have ushered in a mushroom harvesting bonanza in the San Juan Mountain Range. It is such a thrill to hunt for and to gather these tasty treats from the deep of the woods. Coming upon a batch of chanterelles is like finding treasure in the hills. Remember before you pick and taste any mushrooms; make sure you know 100% they are edible or serious problems including death may arise from ingesting them. Telluride has many guides that are EXPERTS in this field. Call Sheilagh today at 970-729-0707 to get the names of these guides.The meaty boletus and the tender chanterelles and other edible fungi are readily abundant these days. Sometimes morels can also be found afoot or one can pay out over $100 a pound at the grocers. Understanding the ecosystem helps hunters appreciate things to consider while picking mushrooms. The trees and the mushrooms are intertwined in a symbiotic relationship. Mushrooms provide vital nutrients and water for the trees and the tree roots give the fungi food to thrive upon. The aspens, Douglas firs and spruce trees each harbor their own variety of the popular boletus species.
Two deadly species of mushrooms grow in the local forests; the amanita and the white capped-white-gilled death angel. Eating one bite of either of these can be fatal.
Yet the presence of the deadly amanita is a big OVER HERE flag for the highly edible boletus and chanterelles. While mushroom hunting, remember the 3 D’s Deep, Dark and Dank. The mushroom itself is just a portion of the whole plant; the fruit of the fungi so to say. Beneath the soil is the remainder of the plant, the mycelium which is the system that feeds the trees and cultures new fungi growth. A simple knife slice at the base of the mushroom along the soil level is all that is required to be a conscientious harvester. Oh and also leave some mushroom intact so that they can release their millions of spores ensuring more fruits for next weeks visit!
The season lasts as long as the conditions are prime and there are no freezing temperatures.
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KASTLE RETREATS – our luxury home rental operations- has several rentals in place this month in the Mountain Village alone. The difference: the combination of our caretaking services, extensive concierge services, and intensive knowledge of the homes has created a ripe arena from which to host individuals and families seeking superior quality accommodations. In July we began the photo shoots of the properties with the local photography company
www.TellurideStock.com
Doug and his crew brought along a new camera (called a Contex) which can take 108 mega bite file digital photos for our website and printable brochures. This is 10 times greater then the average camera can take. See for yourself:
From our client base at Kastle Keepers, LLC we have been receiving calls from friends of the family, business acquaintances and other referrals for a fine rental property or just general information about Telluride. Give us a call today if you would like more information at 970-729-0526.
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NEWS
ACCESS TO WILSON PEAK
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is negotiating with Silver Pick Basin landowner Rusty Nichols to purchase a 220-acre parcel of land by Wilson Peak which includes land near the summit. This purchase will also put an end to any potential mining on the land. A Special Initiative Grant of $150,000 was contributed from the Telluride Foundation speeding up the process. There are expectations of a close on the property in late October. Before the close can occur, TPL is pursuing due diligence in the form of environmental testing, surveys and appraisals.
This parcel of land provides the safest access to summit three 14,000 foot peaks. The access has been closed for three years creating significant public complaint. The other routes for Wilson Peak are longer and more difficult ascents from Bilk Creek and Navaho Basin.
TPL is described in the Telluride Daily Planet as an agency which "buys environmentally sensitive land and typically hands it over to local governments or agencies for safe-keeping. It bought the Kentucky Placer next to Town Park, just closed on a piece of the Galloping Goose Trail near Ophir and is working on the federal appropriation of Ophir Valley". If the purchase is successful, the plans are to hand it over to the U.S. Forest Service for permanent conservation and allowing access to Mt.Wilson, Wilson Peak and El Diente once again.
Summer passes quickly through these high elevation mountain towns. The intense thunderstorms keep Kastle Keepers, LLC on the look out for leaks and drainage situations at the homes. Although we want to urge you to get the windows washed so you can enjoy the great views, we know the monsoons have not shifted out of the region just yet. September would be a good month to have them washed after a summer of heavy rains. September marks the last weeks of summer weather when contractors can finish up projects and consider interior projects for the upcoming winter months. Fallen aspen trees, debris in the surrounding acreage and other obvious yearly maintenance items pop onto our radar screens as we begin shifting our mindset to preparation for the winter season. Appointments need to be scheduled out for September lawn aeration and fertilization and cut backs. Lee and Trevor want to have the boilers serviced before the heavy winter usage.When shipping directly to us when you are not in residence please ask the shipper to address the package to Lee (Your name) Roufa at 109 West Serapio, Telluride, CO 81435. Otherwise we have to open up the packaging and find an invoice and track who made the order.
Do you have flexibility in your life to be where you want to be?The similarities between Telluride and Aspen go beyond excellent golf and skiing. The raw physical beauty of the Telluride region and a funky mountain town lifestyle are two items that separate us both from the other ski towns. Real estate in Aspen has been pricey for over four decades with prices increasing dramatically over the past two years. When one group is priced out of Aspen where do they next shop for this premium lifestyle?
This specific lot is one which meets the above discriminating criteria. The current owner chose this acreage because of the rolling grass meadows that lay with the Wilson Mountain Range as a backdrop, the abundance of water running through the property and the close proximity to the ski resort. With the supply of private enclaves with the same proximity to the Telluride Mountain Village (a similar TMV lot would be priceless) being limited, this lot is special.This month's real estate buy is West Meadows Lot 7. This spectacular 35 acre lot is located at the southernmost end of the subdivision, possesses a small pond, commanding 360 degree views, ample sun, great Southwestern exposure, located just minutes from Telluride, Mountain Village and the Ski Area. Compared to what has been selling trailside in the Mountain Village, this is a fantastic lot at a bargain price.
This lot is priced to sell at $3,350,000. Amenities included with the lifestyle in this area are: horses are permitted, water features, a gated community, best-of-the-best views, sunny exposure, and seclusion within 6 minutes of skiing! Call Lee today at 970-729-0526 for more information.
Water feature - PRIVACY - Horses - Plenty of sunshine - Gated pastures overlooking the Wilson Range - and WITHIN MINUTES of the bustling Mountain Village, golf, skiing, dining and gondola access to town.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Thursday, August 09, 2007 - Saturday, August 18, 2007
Chamber Music Festival A free concert in Telluride Town Park (August 9), evening concerts at the Sheridan Opera House (August 10, 11, 17), a dessert concert (August 12) and a free children’s concert (August 17) are among this festival’s highlights. 970.728.8686Friday, August 10, 2007 - Friday, August 10, 2007KOTO Duck Race Quack.
Get your rubber ducky, near the corner of Colorado and Pine or at KOTO’s offices on Pine Street, for a swim down the San Miguel River. Great prizes, great cause—all for your favorite hometown radio. 970.728.8100
Friday, August 10, 2007 - Sunday, August 12, 2007
Telluride Tech Festival This event celebrates the past, present and future of technology and science. The festival features Nobel laureates, Internet pioneers, science leaders and a free Tesla coil demonstration.970.728.7000
Saturday, August 11, 2007 - Saturday, August 11, 2007
TelluTri Mountain High Challenge The highest altitude triathlon in the country begins with swimming in the Ridgway Reservoir and is followed by biking to Telluride and running to the Idarado mine. The finish line is at Telluride Town Park. 860.796.2977
Monday, August 13, 2007
Columbia String Trio Free chamber music concert at the Wilkinson Public Library in the Program Room, 6 to 8 p.m. 970.728.9799, ext. 20
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Legal Water Rights Seminar Join Attorney Andrew Mueller for a discussion and overview of Colorado's complex water rights laws. Wilkinson Public Library Program Room, 6 to 8 p.m.970.728.9799, ext. 20
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pinhead Punk Science A free talk entitled "The Sound of Music: Tap, Bang and Twang" that is geared toward kids ages 8 to 12 and accompanied by hot dogs and lemonade. Telluride Conference Center, 5 to 6 p.m.970.728.8660
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pinhead Town Talk "The Science of Sound: The Acoustics of Musical Instruments," a free science lecture geared toward a lay audience by James Martin from Sandia National Laboratories. Telluride Conference Center, 6 to 7:15 p.m. 970.708.0004
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sunset Concert Series Free outdoor concert in Mountain Village's Heritage Plaza, featuring the Kris Lager Band from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 970.369.7620
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Fireside Chat: Batter Up! Historic Baseball in the San JuansJoin historian and author Dr. Duane Smith as he delves into the rich baseball history of the San Juans—the town teams, company teams, early professional clubs and ethnic teams. Free in Mountain Village's Heritage Plaza, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 970.728.3344
Thursday, August 16, 2007 - Sunday, August 19, 2007
Telluride Festival of the ArtsCelebrity chefs, grand tasting, seminars, chef demonstrations, a progressive dinner and a three-day art festival throughout Mountain Village. 970.182.5424
Friday, August 17, 2007 - Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Bear Awareness Week An all-ages event to learn more about bears in the region that culminates with the Black Bear Ball on main street. 970.728.2176
Friday, August 17, 2007 - Sunday, August 19, 2007
Mudd Butts Mystery Theatre Troupe Not just another song and dance, this zany local children’s theatre troupe tells it like it is. Palm Theatre. 970.728.5311
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - Sunday, August 26, 2007
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune The Telluride Repertory Theatre presents the Terrence McNally play in which two middle-aged people struggle through their fears and the potential of love against all odds. Sheridan Opera House, 7:30 pm. 970.728.4539
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Pinhead Punk Science A free talk entitled "Hot and Cold, Light and Heavy" that is geared toward kids ages 8 to 12 and accompanied by hot dogs and lemonade. Telluride Conference Center, 5 to 6 p.m.970.728.8660
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Pinhead Town Talk "Nuclear Power and Climate Change: Choosing a Course Beyond Emotions," a free science lecture geared toward a lay audience by R. Stephen Berry from University of Chicago. Telluride Conference Center, 6 to 7:15 p.m. 970.708.0004
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Sunset Concert Series Free outdoor concert in Mountain Village's Heritage Plaza, featuring Kan Nal from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 970.369.7620
Thursday, August 23, 2007 - Sunday, August 26, 2007
Telluride Mushroom Festival Scientists, fungophiles, landscapers, those interested in the health of the soil, and others gather to participate in forays, lectures, identification and more. 970.728.8312
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Telluride Cemetery Tour Learn of the disasters, dramas, heroes and horrors of Telluride's Lone Tree Cemetery. Meet at the Telluride Historical Museum (201 W. Gregory), 4 p.m. 970.728.3344
Sunday, August 26, 2007 - Sunday, August 26, 2007
Glory: Many Nations, One Voice A daylong Christian celebration with food and music in Telluride Town Park. 970.728.4864
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunset Concert Series Free outdoor concert in Mountain Village's Heritage Plaza, featuring Sakvadir Santana from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 970.369.7620
Friday, August 31, 2007 - Monday, September 03, 2007
Telluride Film Festival A top-secret program (at least until the festival begins) featuring premieres, classics, seminars and discussions with the world’s leading filmmakers and stars. 510.665.9494
From all of us at Kastle Keepers, LLC and the Roufa Family have a great end of summer and see you this fall for fall color change!
Trevor and Shawna welcomed their new son Dylan Blake into the world on the afternoon of July 28th. A happy, healthy boy at 7lbs 12oz and 20 inches long. He is like a mini Trevor, with his hair, toes, and chin (not that anyone has seen Trevor’s), but he has his mommy’s smile. His big brother Colter is enjoying having his brother and showing him off, but he wants him to play more already.
