The parking lot wasn't full, but there were lots of smiling faces scene on the trails. When the snow falls quietly on Boggy, it is somewhat magical.
A much-needed backcountry skill
Beacon Basin is a new station at Telluride to help backcountry skiers practice their search skills. Wear your avalanche beacon, turn on the device, and locate the "buried" skier on the slope. This station gives those with avalanche beacons the opportunity to test them out before it is a life-or-death situation. Follow the instructions on the sign at the station and se your beacon to find others buried in the snow.
Telluride the place to be
The local ski hill was looking mighty fine at 9:05 am Sunday on top of Lift 9. Soft snow and sunny weather greeted Telluride skiers over the weekend. A few locals were spotted on the hills. Full-day tickets for adults this year cost $118.
Last week proved to be cold on the hill. A family visiting from New York couldn't believe how cold it was. Apparently neither could my feet, which required quite a bit of time in the warming huts and also left me envious of my sister-in-law's heated boots.
New restaurant
Word is that the old Dolores Restaurant on the corner of Central and 11th Street has been seeing some activity. Restaurant equipment has been moving inside as well as other stuff.
Fire department
The Dolores Volunteer Fire Department has reported a fairly slow couple of weeks. Jim Jones reported they have gone on a few calls, but nothing major. Firefighters typically don yellow safety suits and jump into the icy water and practice rescuing each other. Jones said there has been no date set on this training, but is will likely be down the road a bit.
New construction
A new house has popped up on the east end of Dolores, across the street from Teddy Bear Preschool. The owner of the home reportedly bought the lot from the Colorado Housing Authority, which offered up the duplexes as low-income housing and later abandoned the project. The new owner is reportedly going to use the same plans.
Eagles
A few bald eagles were spotted along the Dolores River last week. It is a fun game to play and see who can spot the most eagles along the river.
Shannon Livick