secluded mountain valley 8,000 above sea level. Lake Vallecito is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in all of Colorado (according to the brochure)
. It is located 22 miles northeast of Durango in a steep and pristine valley by the millions of acres of unspoiled San Juan Forest.In 2002 this area was devastated by the Missionary Ridge Fire. Between June 9th and July 28th, over 70,000 acres were burned costing $48.8 million and using 4000+ fire related personnel from all over the country. Vallecito Lake is home to thousands of Ponderosa Pine trees with many over 200 years old and standing up to 175 feet tall.
After the fire a resident was concerned about what was to become of all the damaged trees. When he was told that it would probably be milled into lumber, he suggested carving them into firefighters and animals impacted by the fire. This would pay tribute to all concerned. After a winter of carving by local artist Chad Haspels, the tour of carvings is on display. The carvings can be found all over the lake area. Each one stands 18 feet tall and weighs around 3000 - 4000 pounds. (I am afraid that my photo of the one that we came across is not very good but you get an idea of the carvings.)
The lake was excellent for fresh water salmon prior to the fire. With the land so damaged, when the rains came they washed so much silt into the lake that the salmon were dying due to the lack of oxygen in the water. They moved up to shallower water and did not survive as the water was too warm .
We went back to Lake Vallecito on Saturday July 5th as they were having an arts and craft fair. They had lots of things, but not anything that we couldn't live without!!On Tuesday, July 8th we are off to Moab, Utah. It will be much hotter there than the mountains of Colorado. Until then, take care.
Love, Candy and Johnny
