Russ & Nancy - Summer '09

We're Home

2009-09-14T16:50:00.001-07:00

Our summer is winding down! After leaving Ponderosa we spent a few days in Pagosa Springs with Russ' cousin Bill and his wife Carolyn. It is always exciting to see what they have done to their house since our last visit. We drove up into the forest and did a little target practice. Carolyn was sure one of the holes in that paper towel must be hers!

Our next stop before heading home was Durango where we always enjoy looking for wildlife. Not exactly "wildlife", we came across these beautiful Belgian work horses - we had never seen them in that area in years past. We think they are used to pull a stagecoach used for tourist excursions. There seems to be two herds of elk in the pasture land below Missionary Ridge - this one was calmly grazing about 7:30 in the evening.

This is a view of the valley north of Durango looking toward Silverton, taken from the trail along Missionary Ridge. The picture just doesn't do it justice! More wildlife!

Once again we stayed in the campground where the Silverton/Durango narrow gauge railroad comes right through the camp - at least 4 times a day and sometimes more if it's a holiday weekend. We're always glad to see the Welcome to Arizona sign at the state line!

Summer's Almost Over!

2009-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

The deer finally discovered our bird feeder located about 15 feet from the motor home. Mom enjoys a mid-morning snack while babies approach with caution!

No, we didn't get a new car. Russ made a run into Denver for the camp director - used his car to make the trip. Russ was also called on to take a picture of the Unrein family reunion. We never knew what we would be asked to do!

BYE, BYE, PONDEROSA!

We left Monday, Aug. 31st, headed for Buena Vista, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Munds Park and...HOME!

Although we were in Buena Vista only one night, we made a side trip to the mining town of Leadville which is the highest (elevation) incorporated town in the U.S. Both Buena Vista and Leadville are popular Jeeping destinations.

The day after we left Ponderosa, a major task of moving the Aspen pavillion up the hill to the challenge course area was handled in fine style by the men of Ponderosa. The move relocated the structure from the north end of Ponderosa to the south end. Thanks to volunteer Anne Payne who sent us the pictures.

Wildlife, Alumni & Challenges

2009-08-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

You never know what you're going to see when you travel the highways and jeep trails of Colorado! While on a jeep outing last week we came over a rise to see a small herd of buffalo. Obviously, "Big Buff" is the big daddy of the herd! Then, when we got back to camp, found this flock of crows devouring the seed that had fallen from our bird feeder! Not exactly the type birds I was trying to attract but I guess all God's creatures gotta eat.

We were privileged to have a group (200+) of home school alumni in camp last week. Most of them are Christian young adults (20s-30s) and came from all over the U.S. for their 4th annual reunion. They were undoubtedly the best behaved, most courteous group of people we had this summer...and they loved Ponderosa! Their activities were well planned and Christ-centered. Why, they even had an evening of country English dance that was a delight to watch - much like the dance in the movie "Pride and Prejudice."

Their program/schedule book also doubled as a "yearbook" in which they had old and new friends sign. When we walked out of the dining hall to get in our jeep and go back to the RV, they were using it to sign books. Many of them thanked us for all we had done for them, and asked us to sign their yearbook. This is a wonderful organization; if you know individuals who have received their education from home schooling, tell them to check out the website: http://homeschoolalumni.org/

Even though school is back in session, August has been a VERY busy month at Ponderosa. We had the following groups/organizations on site this month:
Volunteer Groups - 2 churches - Midland, Texas and Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Churches & Youth Groups - 17
Organizations - 7
Schools - 8
Family Reunions - 9

Last Sunday afternoon, staff and volunteers as well as family members of the team who runs the challenge course, were invited to test their skills. The zip line was one of the favorites. How many people have the opportunity to ride a zip line with a view of Pikes Peak in the background?

In this event, you climb to the top of the pole, stand up, and leap out to grab the trapeze. Not everyone is successful but thankfully, there is someone on the other end of the safety line to keep you from plunging to the ground!

Hopefully, the person experiencing this activity with you is strong enough to help you reach the top!

The rock wall is harder than it looks! Nancy's biggest challenge on the course was keeping warm (photo compliment of Anne Payne)

The Babes of Ponderosa! Terri, Tammy and Jenna, donn helmets and camouflage to defend their team, including Marcus and Mike, on the paintball field. What happens when you spill a cannister of paintballs? Everyone pitches in to pick 'em up!

Mother Nature Is At It Again

2009-08-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

YIKES!! It happened again! About 4:00 yesterday afternoon we had a hailstorm worse than the last one. Hail stones the size of nickels pummeled the campground breaking out skylights on RVs and damaging roofs on buildings - thankfully, the buildings had not yet been repaired since the last storm. Once again, our RV sustained no damage, thank the Lord! The movie below shows some of the action; Nancy tried to narrate but the noise of the hail hitting the top of the motor home drowned her out! We will leave Ponderosa on Aug. 31st; hopefully, this will NOT happen again!

And The Fun Continues...

2009-08-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is the main part of the lobby at The Ponderosa. Attempts have been made to make it a comfortable place in which to sit and visit with friends or even have small meetings. Everything looked so nice...except the fireplace screen they were using! We were able to find a fireplace screen website, so ordered this beautiful screen featuring pine trees and deer.

Alas, a poor little squirrel came to an untimely death on the road behind the dining hall. It's not one of Nancy's "assigned duties," but she picked him up and we gave him a not-so-dignified burial in the trash dumpster.

You just can't be in Colorado and not go out on a mountain trail or two! We took Mike and Tammy Tadlock (staff members), accompanied by Tom and Anne Payne (in their Jeep Liberty) on the Mt. Herman road, and an 8-mile 4x4 trail.

We're not sure what they're saying, but Russ and Tom look on as Mike and Tammy are having a serious disucussion about something!

We stopped for Mexican food when we got back into town. From the looks of their body language, Mike and Tom are saying, "This is the way it's gonna be." I think Anne and Tammy are saying, "Yeh, right!" It was a fun day enjoyed by all.

Russ and Tom spent a couple days aloft in a "cherry picker" putting plexiglass over the stained glass windows of the chapel.

Darlene and Derrel Thomas are friends from our Bible study class at Palmcroft. I first met Darlene when I was working at Moon Valley High School and she was a teacher. They have a lovely summer home in Denver and graciously met us at Landry's Seafood Restaurant for a fine dining experience and great conversation.

More From Ponderosa!

2009-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

"The Blind Men" -- Tom Payne and Russ work diligently to repair the day/night shades in Tom and Anne's motor home. Not sure what the Bic lighter had to do with blind repair, but Russ seems to be having a good time getting it to work!

Boys and their toys! A new tractor came to live at The Ponderosa this week. It's a larger model than the one currently in use and has an enclosed cab with A/C, and heat which will be nicer to use during the winter months when the ground is covered with snow. Tom, Mike and Paul were on hand for the delivery.

We took a day off and made a trip with other volunteers, Tom and Anne Payne, to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. What beautiful scenery, but it was sad to see that the pine bark beetles have ruined thousands of acres of trees. Ten of Colorado's 25 byways are designated as America's Byways, meaning they are nationally recognized for their outstanding scenic and historic attributes. Only one other state has as many designated byways as Colorado.

"Matters of Life & Death" - Two Firsts for The Ponderosa

There were two family reunions in camp last weekend. We were privileged to join in the festivities as this lady and her family celebrated her 100th birthday.

On a sad note, one of our senior guests was walking from the office lobby to the dining hall for dinner, and collapsed along the path. We received word later in the evening that she had passed away.

The Ponderosa dining hall staff does a great job of preparing and serving our meals. Here, Chef Don Unrein visits with the birthday honoree and some of her family members while "assistant chef" Andrew takes plates to the garbage area for disposal.

Animals of Ponderosa

2009-07-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Abby has a new friend! Our neighbors, Paul and Carol Rawls from Brighton, CO acquired a new pet since we've been here. They went home one evening (about an hour's drive) to mow their lawn, and came back with a schnauzer named Bandit. He is almost exactly the same color and markings as Abby, but not quite as heavy.

New addition to the dining hall is this black bear much like the ones who visit the campground on occasion. Marty Unrein, whose husband is the camp chef, bought it for him shortly after his return from a youth mission trip to South Dakota where he visited Bear Country. The little fellow on the right greets guests as they visit the camp office.

In the Good Old Summertime....YIKES!!!!

2009-07-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

While our family and friends in Phoenix are suffering with 115-degree heat, we had an unexpected "cool" experience last night. About midnight, it started raining...and then hailing...and hailed 1 1/2 inch hail until it was 2 inches deep! Thankfully, the only damage we sustained to the motor home was a broken porch light cover. Others had skylights broken out and had to make a quick trip to Camping World (a 30-mile trip one way) to purchase new ones because rain was expected again today.

The hail was still this large after laying on the ground 7 hours!

Not only did we have a white yard, but ground fog this morning. It was not very cold though...again, Russ in his summer attire!

Finally!...Pikes Peak Summit

2009-07-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

We were finally successful in our attempt to reach the summit of Pikes Peak. The beauty of the summit inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write the words to America the Beautiful.

When you reach the summit, on a clear day, visitors are greeted by 360-degree vistas of the surrounding countryside, with views of up to four different states. The cog train is an intereting mode of transportation to and from the summit, but we much prefer making the trip in our trusty Jeep.

As usual, Iron Man Russ is dressed in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt while I'm in crop pants with a fleece jacket! On our descent, we got behind a "tourist" biking group called "Bike the Peak". Yeh, we could do that too, especially going down hill!

Fun in the High Country

2009-07-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

We've tried twice to get to the summit of Pikes Peak but were turned back each time because of weather conditions. The weather has warmed up considerably and most of the snow is now melted, but we've been too busy to take another stab at it!

The snack bar/gift shop has done a booming business. A couple of weeks ago we made over $1,000 three nights in a row! Hayrides are on the top of the list as far as fun things to do.

It's never too cold to eat ice cream! Serena and Alyssa flew out to spend a few days with us and got to enjoy eating ice cream at the Rock House in nearby Palmer Lake.

Once again we tried to reach the summit of Pikes Peak but the weather turned bad. We came back to the Stagecoach Inn in Manitou Springs and had dinner.

Other activities included climbing in and out of the Jeep...washing tables after meals in the dining hall...

"bobbing for frogs" (as they called it)...and watching movies in the comfy confines of the motor home.

We drove up on Mt. Herman (west of Monument) to the balanced rock area. Serena did a good job holding the rocks in place while we took a picture.

The alpaca farm near The Ponderosa is one of our favorite places to drive by. They are in abundance in this area, and...they don't spit at you like llamas do!

Up until last night, we have not had any bear visits. This morning, all the trash cans in our end of the campground were turned over, so we're going to have to be more cautious when walking around late in the day.

Please continue to pray for us - things have been busy but are going to get busier, especially next week when Colorado Southern Baptist youth converge on us - so far over 360 are registered! That means a lot of candy, drinks, funnel cakes, pretzels, nachos, etc. will pass through the windows of the snack bar!

Nature's Good & Bad

2009-06-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

This has been a fairly easy week for us because the group of kids (seen at right waiting to get into the dining hall) are children of military parents who have been deployed to Iraq. We've had 3 weeks of these kids - the first 2 groups were younger, extremely noisy, and really made a mess in the dining hall which made clean-up a tedious task. This particular group are high school age, more mature and responsible, and have been careful to not leave messes for the volunteers to clean up. Sadly, a very large percentage of the younger children are on serious medications and have emotional issues -- kept our camp nurse hopping!

One of the things I love about this place is the wildlife. I usually hang bird feeders within the first day or two we arrive. It doesn't take them long to find the goodies! The squirrels and birds share the seed feeder, and the hummers are such voracious eaters that I've already gone through 5 lbs. of sugar making the nectar for their feeders. Every evening after supper we drive a loop road to the west, north and east of the campground. So far we've seen elk, antelope, deer, coyotes and a beautiful gray/silver wolf. (Wolves have recently been reintroduced into Colorado.) Unfortunately, we didn't have our camera with us the night we saw him. Abby was standing on the couch looking out the window and barking like crazy. When I looked to see what was causing the excitement, this little squirrel was trying to make friends with our "garden racoons".

If you watched national news earlier this week, you might have seen that Colorado is having bad weather conditions. On Monday, this "bad boy" touched down less than 10 miles north of the camp; local news reported $161,000,000 in damage. Most of the folks who live here say that tornadoes typically travel and destroy on flat land and rolling hills (which surrounds the camp), so since we are in the mountains it's not likely that we would be hit. But...it doesn't hurt to be prepared! Nevertheless, it was scary! The last 2 days have been bright, sunshiny days and temperatures in the high 70s. Pikes Peak is still snow laden but the snow will be melting rapidly as temperatures continue to rise. We are so blessed to serve the Lord in this beautiful place.

The Ponderosa - Our Home Away From Home

2009-06-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

We're back for our second year of running the snack bar at The Ponderosa Baptist Conference Center near Colorado Springs. It's a month earlier than we arrived last year and the weather is C-O-L-D, cloudy and rainy! But...we're not complaining - it's beats the 100+ heat in Phoenix!

On the first sunny, clear day we were able to see Pikes Peak from the campground and were surprised to see how much snow was on the mountain. We're anxious to make a jeep trip to the top!

We have the same nice, wooded campsite we did last year, and Abby has already started chasing the squirrels who come to rob the bird feeder. No deer visitors yet, but we look every morning to see if they have decided to pay us a visit.

Campers last week were elementary-age children of our men/women soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq. Fort Carson is nearby and the base calgary, canine unit, and heavy equipment division came to camp to visit with the kids. These kids are the best, most well-behaved groups who come to Ponderosa; their counselors are right on top of everything and the kids do as they are told (guess that's the military influence at home). It's too bad we can't say that about every group!

The camp nurse keeps very busy - we have many campers who are on meds and she goes to the various dorms, cottages, etc. to administer meds rather than have them go to the infirmary. She's on the move much of the time - even late at night!

She's even nice to take care of guys like Russ who had an boo-boo on his hand. Actually, I think he got it caught in the cash register drawer while getting things ready in the gift shop!

Colorado Bound

2009-06-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we finally left Show Low to head for Colorado. The first night was spent in Albuquerque. On Sunday on the way to Raton, NM we went by this familar site. In case you don't recognize it, it is the auditorium at Glorieta.

In the evening while in Raton we took a short drive and encountered some of these creatures. Our wildlife count certainly increased! Although we saw a few antelope around Raton, we saw numerous ones on the drive to Monument and the Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center, our home for the summer.

When we arrived in Monument the temperature was in the low 70s. Late yesterday evening we experienced about 3 inches of hail. It has been raining most of the day and have had a high of 46. Just a little too cold for us but it sure beats the 100s in Phoenix.

Alyssa Graduates - Off to Nursing School

2009-05-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Proud family of Graduate Alyssa! Baca and Mimi are proud too!

Show Low Awaiting Graduation

2009-05-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

It was so warm in Phoenix we left early and went to Show Low to enjoy cool weather while waiting for Alyssa's high school graduation. We took a day trip to see Burton Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist church in Arizona - established Sunday School in 1924 and organized into a church in 1927.

An extra day of heat!

2009-05-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Monday morning we went down to the RV storage area to get the motor home with the intention of leaving in about an hour. Instead what we found was a broken window on the door. Fortunately, they didn't get in so nothing was taken. Because it was a holiday, we could not get the window fixed until Tuesday. Therefore, we had to suffer one more day of heat.

Goodbye Heat

2009-05-06T08:55:00.001-07:00

Finally! After getting a new window, we left at 4:00 pm and headed for Show Low arriving at 7:30. As you can see, Abby was not quite as anxious to leave.