Sunday, August 20, 2017 - GEORGIA & PROSPECT GULCHES

Looked like it was going to be a sunny day and we have not been on a trail in a few days, so we grabbed the snack bag, water, dog & cameras and headed out.  Haven't been to Georgia or Prospect Gulch yet this summer so that was our destination. 

Okay, let me get this disappointment out of the way first. 

We had passed this spot going up the trail to Prospect Gulch and Jingles went nuts, pacing back and forth between the two side windows.  We thought it was just because she could see snow higher up.  Well, coming back down, a HUGE bear cross the road right in front of us in the same area.  I had a camera in my lap, lens cover off, ready to shoot, but was just not fast enough as he/she ran into the trees.  Jim could see the bear in the trees from his side of the Jeep, but by the time he got stopped & took the camera from me, it was too late.  I did shoot a pix as soon as I saw the bear; was hoping I would at least have the hind legs running into the trees.  Nada - All I have is a shot of a nice road:

Okay, first trail was Georgia Gulch.

And so fall is starting here.  We usually have frost on the Jeep every morning now.

One morning, the temp was 34 degrees.   We saw random Aspen trees with branches turning:

 On the way to the top of Georgia Gulch:

 

 Sometimes this waterfall washes out the road; no problem getting across today:

 This is DEFINITELY where the trail stops; bumper hanging over:

 We foolishly decided to let Jingles off leash & she took off back down the trail:

 Took a turn up the mountain:

That white dot in the center of this picture is her running up about a 45 degree slope.

The last eye contact I had, she was above the slide of mine tailings & going into those willows. 

Completely ignoring us (and our echoes) calling her.  I could hear marmots cheeping everywhere.  Jim started the Jeep & started to drive & she came flying down; made it in about six seconds.  Not too dumb to know she doesn't want to spend any time here alone!!

She wasn't even hardly panting.  Definitely a mountain dog.

 Back in "time out"

 Fireweed in the front; snow in the background:

 Next trail: We turned into Dry Gulch to head to 

Prospect Gulch - lots of old mines up here:

 Tenacious wildflowers hanging on a little longer.

These were so vibrant:

Some of the ground cover getting its fall color:

 Cliff edges don't bother Jingles at all:

 Yep, still on a leash:

Looking at another trail, Corkscrew across the way:

 Headed back down:

This is what's left of the Galena Queen operation:

 Some of the mines up here include

Henrietta, Lark, Crown Prince, Mammoth, and the Joe & Jack Mines.

Here's just a couple of pictures:

Back in town and Green Chili Soup at Handlebars.  

Darn you, you fast bear - I'll catch your picture next time!