cliff hanger's guide

80
THE CLIFFS’ CULTURAL CONNECTION WESTCLIFFE/SILVER CLIFF, COLORADO Welcome to The Cliffs Entertainment Calendar of Events The Arts Special Events/Activities The Great Outdoors The Cliffs Community Restaurant/Lodging Guide

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A Visitor's Guide to Art, Entertainment, Special Events, Lodging and Dining in Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, Custer County, Colorado

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Cliff Hanger's Guide

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Welcome to the second summer issue of The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide an award-winning completely green interactive passport to the abundant entertainment and cultural scenes in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff CO Located in Custer County an easy drive from both Colorado Springs and Pueblo ldquothe lsquoCliffsrdquo were established during the nine-teenth century mining boom and have evolved into a bucolic haven for culture both traditional and contemporary This summerrsquos Guide is expanded bringing you even more information and useful links to make the most of your visit to the lsquoCliffs And there are other changes as well ndash for example Wet Mountain Western Days is now the Wet Mountain West-ern Jubilee bringing you fantastic entertainment including Grammy nominated Don Edwards And a brand new tradition to look forward to is the High Peaks Music Festival sponsored by the Valleyrsquos own KWMV radio Check out our pages about The Wet Mountain Tribune the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business And read

Welcome

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

about ndash then be sure to visit ndash our new Community Garden Yoursquod be surprised what you can grow at 8000 feet Of course your trip might include taking in a Shakespearean play under the stars Or visiting the galleries showcasing the works of nationally renowned artists who just happen to call the lsquoCliffs home You can soak in the cowboy culture during the 64th Annual Stampede Rodeo or Custer County Fair with local children vying for the title of Grand Champion with all manner of livestock and homemade projects And weather you choose to stay in a country inn or camp among the pines the lsquoCliffs are the perfect place to relax enjoy the local fare and reconnect with whatrsquos most impor-tant in life So again welcome to The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide Feel free to click through to web-sites throughout its pages or subscribe to emails for more detailed information And wersquoll be updating our pages in the coming year so be sure to check back whenever you feel the pull to get away from the city without leaving the culture behind

TheCliffDwellers TheRoadLessTraveledBeginsHere

Links for more information

CusterCountyMechantsandChamberofCommerce

CusterCountyTourismBoard

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglisttoreceivefreecopiesandupdatesofthe

CliffHangersrsquoGuide

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Table of ContentsWelcome to The Cliffs

Table of Contents

Entertainment Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park Wet Mountain Western Jubilee High Peaks Music Festival In Concert

Calendar of EventsMapsLinks The Ats Art for the Sangres Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-outArt Hullabaloo 3rd Street Gallery Sarah Woods Studio Bill Gillette Photography Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities The Cliffs Love a Parade 4th of July - Car Show Parade Fireworks Stampede Rodeo Custer County Fair Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days - Museum Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure Paca Peace Ranch for Youth Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community Wet Mountain Tribune KWMV Mountain AirWaves San Isabel Land Protection Trust Club America WMV West Custer County LibraryWest Custer County Library Friends Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market Sustainable Ways Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden RestaurantLodging Guide

All photographs unless otherwise noted by Jan Lee copy2010 All rights reservedThe Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide was created and published by ReThink Creative copy2010 PO Box 1595 Westcliffe CO 81252 bull 7197834334

Courtesy photo

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 2: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Welcome to the second summer issue of The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide an award-winning completely green interactive passport to the abundant entertainment and cultural scenes in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff CO Located in Custer County an easy drive from both Colorado Springs and Pueblo ldquothe lsquoCliffsrdquo were established during the nine-teenth century mining boom and have evolved into a bucolic haven for culture both traditional and contemporary This summerrsquos Guide is expanded bringing you even more information and useful links to make the most of your visit to the lsquoCliffs And there are other changes as well ndash for example Wet Mountain Western Days is now the Wet Mountain West-ern Jubilee bringing you fantastic entertainment including Grammy nominated Don Edwards And a brand new tradition to look forward to is the High Peaks Music Festival sponsored by the Valleyrsquos own KWMV radio Check out our pages about The Wet Mountain Tribune the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business And read

Welcome

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

about ndash then be sure to visit ndash our new Community Garden Yoursquod be surprised what you can grow at 8000 feet Of course your trip might include taking in a Shakespearean play under the stars Or visiting the galleries showcasing the works of nationally renowned artists who just happen to call the lsquoCliffs home You can soak in the cowboy culture during the 64th Annual Stampede Rodeo or Custer County Fair with local children vying for the title of Grand Champion with all manner of livestock and homemade projects And weather you choose to stay in a country inn or camp among the pines the lsquoCliffs are the perfect place to relax enjoy the local fare and reconnect with whatrsquos most impor-tant in life So again welcome to The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide Feel free to click through to web-sites throughout its pages or subscribe to emails for more detailed information And wersquoll be updating our pages in the coming year so be sure to check back whenever you feel the pull to get away from the city without leaving the culture behind

TheCliffDwellers TheRoadLessTraveledBeginsHere

Links for more information

CusterCountyMechantsandChamberofCommerce

CusterCountyTourismBoard

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglisttoreceivefreecopiesandupdatesofthe

CliffHangersrsquoGuide

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Table of ContentsWelcome to The Cliffs

Table of Contents

Entertainment Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park Wet Mountain Western Jubilee High Peaks Music Festival In Concert

Calendar of EventsMapsLinks The Ats Art for the Sangres Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-outArt Hullabaloo 3rd Street Gallery Sarah Woods Studio Bill Gillette Photography Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities The Cliffs Love a Parade 4th of July - Car Show Parade Fireworks Stampede Rodeo Custer County Fair Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days - Museum Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure Paca Peace Ranch for Youth Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community Wet Mountain Tribune KWMV Mountain AirWaves San Isabel Land Protection Trust Club America WMV West Custer County LibraryWest Custer County Library Friends Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market Sustainable Ways Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden RestaurantLodging Guide

All photographs unless otherwise noted by Jan Lee copy2010 All rights reservedThe Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide was created and published by ReThink Creative copy2010 PO Box 1595 Westcliffe CO 81252 bull 7197834334

Courtesy photo

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 3: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Welcome to the second summer issue of The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide an award-winning completely green interactive passport to the abundant entertainment and cultural scenes in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff CO Located in Custer County an easy drive from both Colorado Springs and Pueblo ldquothe lsquoCliffsrdquo were established during the nine-teenth century mining boom and have evolved into a bucolic haven for culture both traditional and contemporary This summerrsquos Guide is expanded bringing you even more information and useful links to make the most of your visit to the lsquoCliffs And there are other changes as well ndash for example Wet Mountain Western Days is now the Wet Mountain West-ern Jubilee bringing you fantastic entertainment including Grammy nominated Don Edwards And a brand new tradition to look forward to is the High Peaks Music Festival sponsored by the Valleyrsquos own KWMV radio Check out our pages about The Wet Mountain Tribune the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business And read

Welcome

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

about ndash then be sure to visit ndash our new Community Garden Yoursquod be surprised what you can grow at 8000 feet Of course your trip might include taking in a Shakespearean play under the stars Or visiting the galleries showcasing the works of nationally renowned artists who just happen to call the lsquoCliffs home You can soak in the cowboy culture during the 64th Annual Stampede Rodeo or Custer County Fair with local children vying for the title of Grand Champion with all manner of livestock and homemade projects And weather you choose to stay in a country inn or camp among the pines the lsquoCliffs are the perfect place to relax enjoy the local fare and reconnect with whatrsquos most impor-tant in life So again welcome to The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide Feel free to click through to web-sites throughout its pages or subscribe to emails for more detailed information And wersquoll be updating our pages in the coming year so be sure to check back whenever you feel the pull to get away from the city without leaving the culture behind

TheCliffDwellers TheRoadLessTraveledBeginsHere

Links for more information

CusterCountyMechantsandChamberofCommerce

CusterCountyTourismBoard

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglisttoreceivefreecopiesandupdatesofthe

CliffHangersrsquoGuide

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Table of ContentsWelcome to The Cliffs

Table of Contents

Entertainment Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park Wet Mountain Western Jubilee High Peaks Music Festival In Concert

Calendar of EventsMapsLinks The Ats Art for the Sangres Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-outArt Hullabaloo 3rd Street Gallery Sarah Woods Studio Bill Gillette Photography Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities The Cliffs Love a Parade 4th of July - Car Show Parade Fireworks Stampede Rodeo Custer County Fair Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days - Museum Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure Paca Peace Ranch for Youth Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community Wet Mountain Tribune KWMV Mountain AirWaves San Isabel Land Protection Trust Club America WMV West Custer County LibraryWest Custer County Library Friends Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market Sustainable Ways Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden RestaurantLodging Guide

All photographs unless otherwise noted by Jan Lee copy2010 All rights reservedThe Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide was created and published by ReThink Creative copy2010 PO Box 1595 Westcliffe CO 81252 bull 7197834334

Courtesy photo

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 4: Cliff Hanger's Guide

about ndash then be sure to visit ndash our new Community Garden Yoursquod be surprised what you can grow at 8000 feet Of course your trip might include taking in a Shakespearean play under the stars Or visiting the galleries showcasing the works of nationally renowned artists who just happen to call the lsquoCliffs home You can soak in the cowboy culture during the 64th Annual Stampede Rodeo or Custer County Fair with local children vying for the title of Grand Champion with all manner of livestock and homemade projects And weather you choose to stay in a country inn or camp among the pines the lsquoCliffs are the perfect place to relax enjoy the local fare and reconnect with whatrsquos most impor-tant in life So again welcome to The Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide Feel free to click through to web-sites throughout its pages or subscribe to emails for more detailed information And wersquoll be updating our pages in the coming year so be sure to check back whenever you feel the pull to get away from the city without leaving the culture behind

TheCliffDwellers TheRoadLessTraveledBeginsHere

Links for more information

CusterCountyMechantsandChamberofCommerce

CusterCountyTourismBoard

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglisttoreceivefreecopiesandupdatesofthe

CliffHangersrsquoGuide

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Table of ContentsWelcome to The Cliffs

Table of Contents

Entertainment Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park Wet Mountain Western Jubilee High Peaks Music Festival In Concert

Calendar of EventsMapsLinks The Ats Art for the Sangres Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-outArt Hullabaloo 3rd Street Gallery Sarah Woods Studio Bill Gillette Photography Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities The Cliffs Love a Parade 4th of July - Car Show Parade Fireworks Stampede Rodeo Custer County Fair Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days - Museum Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure Paca Peace Ranch for Youth Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community Wet Mountain Tribune KWMV Mountain AirWaves San Isabel Land Protection Trust Club America WMV West Custer County LibraryWest Custer County Library Friends Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market Sustainable Ways Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden RestaurantLodging Guide

All photographs unless otherwise noted by Jan Lee copy2010 All rights reservedThe Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide was created and published by ReThink Creative copy2010 PO Box 1595 Westcliffe CO 81252 bull 7197834334

Courtesy photo

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 5: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Table of ContentsWelcome to The Cliffs

Table of Contents

Entertainment Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park Wet Mountain Western Jubilee High Peaks Music Festival In Concert

Calendar of EventsMapsLinks The Ats Art for the Sangres Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-outArt Hullabaloo 3rd Street Gallery Sarah Woods Studio Bill Gillette Photography Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities The Cliffs Love a Parade 4th of July - Car Show Parade Fireworks Stampede Rodeo Custer County Fair Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days - Museum Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure Paca Peace Ranch for Youth Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community Wet Mountain Tribune KWMV Mountain AirWaves San Isabel Land Protection Trust Club America WMV West Custer County LibraryWest Custer County Library Friends Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market Sustainable Ways Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden RestaurantLodging Guide

All photographs unless otherwise noted by Jan Lee copy2010 All rights reservedThe Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide was created and published by ReThink Creative copy2010 PO Box 1595 Westcliffe CO 81252 bull 7197834334

Courtesy photo

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 6: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Special EventsActivities The Cliffs Love a Parade 4th of July - Car Show Parade Fireworks Stampede Rodeo Custer County Fair Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days - Museum Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure Paca Peace Ranch for Youth Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community Wet Mountain Tribune KWMV Mountain AirWaves San Isabel Land Protection Trust Club America WMV West Custer County LibraryWest Custer County Library Friends Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market Sustainable Ways Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden RestaurantLodging Guide

All photographs unless otherwise noted by Jan Lee copy2010 All rights reservedThe Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide was created and published by ReThink Creative copy2010 PO Box 1595 Westcliffe CO 81252 bull 7197834334

Courtesy photo

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 7: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Entertainment

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

High Mountain Hay Fever

Feedstore Amphitheater Park

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

High Peaks Music Festival

In Concert

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 8: Cliff Hanger's Guide

WCPAJones Theater 119 Main St P0 Box 790

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197833004

wcparisnet

Visit our websitewwwjonestheatercom

Imagine an evening of Shakespeare in an outdoor amphitheater watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enjoy a family picnic on

the lawn Or tap your toes to the music of George M Cohan in ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo performed by young people trained in music dance and drama during extensive summer workshops All of this and much more is available through the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts a non-profit Colorado Corpo-ration formed in 1992 to enhance the lives of people from Westcliffe Silver Cliff and the surrounding com-munities Held in the historic Jones Theater on Main Street or in a specially built amphitheater to the west a wide

variety of performances delight patrons of all ages In a rural community of less than 4000 county residents we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the chance to enjoy regular cultural and artistic perfor-mances presented by a dedicated group of performers whose sole aim is to enrich our lives through drama music and dance You can attend every performance throughout the season by purchasing a season ticket for $70 or attend individual performances any weekend for a nominal single ticket price of $10 or $15 for Shakespeare per-formances Donrsquot miss this very special opportunity for your entire family

Continuedonnextpage

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 9: Cliff Hanger's Guide

THE 2010 SEASON

Route 66 ndash A New Musical Revue by Roger Bean May 21 22 27 28 amp 29 at 730pm and May 23 at 2pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $15

Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed ldquoMain street of Americardquo to the coast of California A large car radio deliv-ers the viewer to each new destination with actual vintage radio ads accompanied by high energy singing and dancing generated by familiar hits from the 60s

Shakespeare in the Sangres is presented for the fourth season in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater Come as early as 500 pm park behind the Jones Theater and bring your picnic basket to dine on the lawn before the show Or enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants Any way you decide to do it you are certain to have a memorable evening

Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket adults $15 students 13 - 16 $10 children 12 and under $5 All shows begin at 6pm Sunday matinees at 2pm

ldquoA Midsummer Nightrsquos Dreamrdquo June 17 19 25 amp July 2 at 6pm June 27 amp July 4 at 2pm

A Midsummer Nightrsquos Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors their inter-

Continuedonnextpage

Historic Inn located two blocks from the festival area in the heart of downtown

restaurants shopping and theaters Clean inviting and tranquil environment

Breakfast included

Bob and Kathy Seei Proprietors

Over the Brim Inn103 Main StreetWestcliffe Co 81252

7197833585wwwoverthebrimcom

Our thanks to Over the Brim Inn for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 10: Cliff Hanger's Guide

actions with the Duke of Athens the Queen of the Amazons and the fairies who inhabit a moonlit night

ldquoMacbethrdquo

June 18 24 26 and July 1 amp 3 at 6pm June 20 at 2pm

As the three witches set Scotlandrsquos greatest war hero on a journey to fulfill a violent destiny Lady Macbeth drives her husband to murder the King and usurp the throne Guilt slowly descends into madness for the royal couple and reveals the tragic consequences of raw unchecked ambition

Arms and the Man ndash a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

July 23 24 29 30 amp 31 at 6pm July 25 at 2pm

A burlesque of attitudes towards heroism war and the British Empire In the ironic contrast between Bluntschli the mercenary soldier and the brave leader Sergius the true nature of valor is revealed

GOOD FOR THE PLANET SMART FOR THE CLIENT

At ReThink Creative we realize that the green solution to your graphic design and marketing needs is also the smart solution - smart for the planet smart for your image and smart for your bank account As the creator of the Cliff Hangersrsquo Guide we faced the challenge to find an attractive cutting edge and economi-cal way for the community and its non-profit organizations to showcase their activities within their very limited budgets

Let us help you be smart and look smart withbull Award-winning designbull Logo and brand developmentbull Interactive digital and print collateral newsletters

brochures catalogs annual reports and magazinesbull Web site design development and marketing

Contact Us by email or call 7197834334

Westcliffe Center For The Performing Arts

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 11: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Youth Theater Production ldquoGive My Regards to Broadwayrdquo

August 12 13 14 at 7pm and August 15 at 2pm

Included in Season TIcket

Single Ticket adults $10 children 12 and under $5

Featuring some of George M Cohanrsquos most memorable songs this charming musi-cal will delight audiences with Its energy and give our young people a chance to exhibit their singing dancing and acting skills

ldquoNew Rocky Mountain Voicesrdquo

Award-winning one-act and ten-minute plays selected for their excellence and ability to be produced by our Theater performed by the Westcliffe Players

September 3 amp 4 at 730pm Included in Season Ticket Single Ticket $10 (May not be suitable for children)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up ldquowill callrdquo tickets Season Tickets are just $70 for all listed events and are for sale on our website wwwjonestheatercom or by sending a check for $70 along with a return name and ad-dress to

Season Tickets - PO Box 790 Westcliffe CO 81252

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Creativity Camp 1 - June 21 - July 2 10am to 1pm

Creativity Camp 2 - July 5 - 16 10am to 1pm

Children and teens from 7 to 16 learn all aspects of stagecraft from theater games improvisation and makeup techniques to set and costume design Final productions are then presented for parents and friends on the last day of each class in the Jones Theater Sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday in Studio 2 adjacent to the Jones Costs are $100 for each participant for two weeks (30 hours) and $90 for the second child from the same family Some scholarships are available If your young person is interested in attending please call the Jones Theater at 783-3004 to reserve a place

Our thanks to ReThink Creative for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 12: Cliff Hanger's Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Great music majestic mountains and improved health services for Custer County

Bluegrass will echo across the Wet Mountain Valley at the eighth annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival this July in the heart of

the Rocky Mountains The Little Roy and Lizzy Show Lou Reid and Carolina the unique and amazing roots music of The Ebony Hillbillies The Wronglers The Gary Waldrep Band and many other nationally-recognized top-notch bluegrass performers descend on Westcliffe Colorado for four days in July to benefit the Custer County Medical Center Come enjoy a spectacular view of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and another exciting line-up of bluegrass acts Festival dates for the eighth annual event are Thursday through Sunday July 8th ndash11th 2010 The line-up includes festival co-hosts the inimitable Dry Branch Fire Squad and high-energy harmonies of the Sons and Brothers Band along with Eddie and Martha Adcock The Bluegrass Patriots The Swanson Family and a special appearance by Heidi Clare amp Lone-some Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim Stellar regional performers Anne and Pete Sibley The Ackermans and Palmer Divide kick the festival into high gear Thursday

evening Another Thursday night band is Rye Ranch Briar Pod about whom we know absolutely nothing so wersquoll be as surprised as you will Many of the performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend including new childrenrsquos workshops and the beginning of a new tradition at the festival square dancing The 2009 High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festi-val was our most successful ever with more than 4000 folks attending over the four days More importantly the festival generated $70000 for the Custer County Medical Center in Westcliffe Donations from the festi-val have been used to improve first response capabili-

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass FestivalHigh Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Dry Branch Fire Squad

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 13: Cliff Hanger's Guide

ties in emergency medical services in Custer County structural improvements to improve access to the clinic improvements in lab equipment and technology that provide local diagnostics and reduced time to receive vital patient test results We are grateful to all the volunteers sponsors attendees and performers who made these gifts possible Ticket prices for the Thursday evening concert are only $10 the four-day pass is $65 if purchased before June 1 and $80 thereafter Friday all-day passes are $30 each Saturday all-day passes are $40 and a Sunday pass is $25 Student tickets will be avail-able at the gate for $10 per day with a valid student ID and children 12 and under ac-companied by an adult are admitted free Tickets are on sale at the High Mountain Hay Fever website (wwwhighmountainhayfeverorg) and will be on sale at Candyrsquos Coffee in Westcliffe (106 S 2nd St 719-783-9516) In early 2010 tickets can be purchased at Olde Town Pickinrsquo Parlor in Arvada (7515 Grandview Ave 303-421-3204) and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Box Office in Pueblo (210 N Santa Fe Ave 719-542-1211)

Lou Reid and Carolina photo courtesy of the performers

Leroy Troy at 2009 Festival Mike Wolking and Uncle Fred Wolking

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 14: Cliff Hanger's Guide

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival

Thursday thru Sunday July 8 ndash 11 2010

West end of Main Street Westcliffe CO

Links

Ticketandcampinginformation

Performerprofilesandlinkstotheirwebsites

Dry camping and RV parking are available adjacent to the festival grounds with overflow camping nearby Campers will be assigned spots on a first come first served basis so reserve your camp site now A camp-ing fee of $10 per site will be charged covering your entire festival stay (Thursday night through Sunday) to be paid on entering the festival grounds if not paid in advance via the festival website The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association (HMHF) is a non-profit organization run by an incred-ible group of volunteers who work year-round to make

the festival happen The organization intends to keep the scale of the festival small and to avoid the sprawl and congestion that can occur at music festivals when they are allowed to grow too large Lou Reid who has performed at three Hay Fever festivals with Seldom Scene and Lou Reid and Carolina says ldquoHigh Mountain Hay Fever is a great first-class festival I mean this in past and present tenserdquo HMHF is an intimate festival with great performers remaining true to its motto ldquosmall scale big timerdquo

We would like to thank Watson Land Company for sponsoring our spread in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Lonesome Cowboy Hobo Wyoming Slim and ldquothe LawrdquoGeorge Shuffler at 2009 Festival

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 15: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Watson Land Company - Featuring unique land ranch and recreational properties and fine

homes in the Rocky Mountains ofSouthern Colorado

Now Is The Time to Invest in Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Carolyn Lucy 719-783-2803

wwwwatsonlandcom wwwwatsonlandcom

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 16: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Feed Store Amphitheater Park Art in the Park and Concert Series movies and more

Feed Store Amphitheater Park

Art in the Park and Concert Series

May thru AugustSundays 2-5pm

Free

Outdoor classic films

June thru August

Tuesday nights at sundown

Free

Visit us at

westcliffefeedstorecom

With a stade designed to resemble an old mining shaft the Feed Store Amphitheater Park allows up to 500 people to enjoy high

quality live music every Sunday afternoon 2 - 5pm from May through the end of August The summer Art in the Park and Concert Series features exciting solo duo trio and full band acts from Colorado and surrounding states Original hits and popular music from bluegrass blues and country to classic rock and folk light up the stage during this free concert series Bring a chair or a blanket and just kick back or get up and dance as the music shuts out the rest of the world Bring your own beverages or purchase

food and beverages from the Jess Price Cantina inside the park The ldquoThree Dog Nightrdquo menu consists of grilled Hot dogs Brats and Burger-Dogs After the show the regular dinner menu will be served inside the Feed Store starting at 5pm This year for the first time classic films will be presented in the amphitheater weather permitting at sundown on Tuesday evenings starting June 1st and running through August So once again bring your chairs and blankets and sit back under the stars to enjoy free entertainment in this very special spot

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 17: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Feed Store 2010 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday May 23 - Rob Drabkin and Dave Preston Duo - Denver Acoustic Rock wwwmyspacecomrobbrocks

Sunday May 30 - John Common Blinding Flashes of Light - Denver PopIndie wwwjohncommoncom

Sunday June 6 Ayo Awosika - Denver JazzSoul wwwayoawosikacom

Saturday June 12 Todd Adelman Band - Boulder FolkAmericana wwwtoddadelmancom

Saturday July 11 3-6pm Kyle James Hauser Band - Boulder BluegrassFolk wwwkylejameshausercom

Sunday July 25 Nathan Clark George - Illinois Acoustic Christian PopFolk wwwmyspacecomnathanclarkgeorge

Saturday July 31 show times to follow Jazz Camp Performance

Sunday Aug 1 Holden Young Trio - Boulder RockFunkAfro Beat wwwmyspacecomadamtresslermusic

Sunday August 8 Smythe Taylor ndash HoustonColorado Acoustic electric folkgrass wwwmyspacecomsmytheandtaylor

Sunday August 15 Brandy Sepulveda Duo ndash Denver Acoustic FolkPop wwwmyspacecom46027798

Sunday August 22 Wendy Woo Trio - Denver Rock Pop wwwmyspacecomthewendywooband

Sunday August 29 Drew Horton amp Guy Madden - WestcliffeSouth Carolina FolkCountry

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

Saturday September 11 -- KWMV Fundraiser wwwkwmvorghomeasp

Sunday Sept 5 Gabrielle Louise ndash Denver PopFolkCountry wwwmyspacecomgabriellelouisemusic

All scheduled artists dates and times are subject to change Please go to wwwwestcliffefeedstore for current schedule

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 18: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Grammy nominated songster Don Edwards continues to build a legacy that enriches our vision of the American West In tales of the day-to-day lives and emotions of those who have lived it his ballads paint a sweeping landscape of both mind and heart bringing to life the sights sounds and feelings of this most American contribution to cul-ture and art Bobby Weaver of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City summed up Edwardsrsquo importance as ldquo the best purveyor of cow-boy music in America todayrdquo From his earlist days on the remote Nevada ranch where his father worked Waddie Mitchell was immersed in the cowboy way of entertaining the art of spinninrsquo

T he host band for Wet Mountain Western Jubilee is Westcliffersquos own Sons and Brothers the Wolking Family composed of brothers

and sons Mike Wolking (vocals dobro banjo and lead guitar) Aaron Wolking (lead vocals and bass) and Joe Wolking (vocals mandolin and fiddle) with everybodyrsquos favorite Uncle Fred Wolking (guitar and vocals) and Old Time Country fiddle treasure of Denver Colorado Johnny Neill The band continues to captivate audiences with their fusion of blue-grass gospel and western music inspired by the bandrsquos founding father Frank Wolking Coloradorsquos premier family string band Sons and Brothers bring a unique energy instrumental prowess and tight

powerful family harmony to the roots music genre Rooted solidly in the Mountain West the band describes its brand of mu-sic as ldquoWest Grassrdquo songs with Western and Gospel themes built around blue-grass lead instruments

Wet Mountain JubileeAugust 21st amp 22nd 2010

This event (formerly Wet Mountain Western Days) is presented by Sons and

Brothers Events LLC

for more information

Visitourwebsite

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee

All photos courtesy of the performers

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 19: Cliff Hanger's Guide

tales in rhyme and meter that came to be called cowboy po-etry a Western tradition that is as rich as the lifestyle that gave birth to it Within his stories told in a voice that is timeless and familiar are the common bonds we all share moments both grand and commonplace the humorous and the tragic the life and death struggles and triumphs that we each recognize Adam Leech from the Colorado Springs Independent wrote ldquoNot since the infamously troubled troubadour Gram Par-sons collaboration with Emmylou Harris or the legendary duets of Johnny Cash and June Carter has there been a more evocative magnetic and captivating folk duordquo as founding members Desirae Garcia and Inaiah Lujan of the Haunted Windchimes Shortly after the release of their second album in 2007The Windchimes added a third member talented singer-songwriter Chela Lujan giving the band a more dy-namic vocal arrangement and the three-part harmony they have become known for

Wet Mountain Western Jubilee We would like to thank Marty Vyn Boennighauser

at Remax for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

FINDING YOU A NEW VIEWHomes Ranches get-aways commercial and vacant land

Offering you experience knowledge of the area and the lost art of customer service

Valley Brokers bull 414 Main St bull Westcliffe CO bull 81252 bull 719-783-0900

Marty Vyn BoennighausenBroker Associate719-783-0910martyvynbremaxnetwwwsangre-de-cristocomland

ldquoe Road Less Traveled Begins Hererdquo

Join us for Music Festivals bull ArtTheater bull Shopping bull Fine Dining Horseback Riding bull Pack TripsHiking bull Biking bull Back Packing Skiing bull Snow Shoeing bull Hunting Relaxing and Wildlife Viewing

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 20: Cliff Hanger's Guide

A new Wet Mountain Valley tradition starts this fall with the first annual High Peaks Music Festival presented by KWMV 959 FM Show-

casing the Valleyrsquos amazing talent and incredible friends set against the backdrop of one of Coloradorsquos most spectacular mountain ranges ndash this is a not to be missed acoustic music event High Peaks Music Festival reflects the diverse tastes of KWMV listeners and the Wet Mountain Valley com-munity Mark your calendar and be able to say you were at the first High Peaks Music Festival Saturday September 11 from 3 to 9 pm at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre in Westcliffe

DAKOTA BLONDE - a vibrant Colorado acoustic trio featuring the sweet strong vocals of Mary Huckins the smooth steady guitar playing and cool harmonies of Valley resident Don Pinnella the charming acoustic

bass work and humor of Tony Raddell Their repertoire includes originals and covers that are a unique combination of folk blue-grass country and Americana

with a little Celtic tinge Their tight harmonies and great sound have attracted a following of enthusiastic fans throughout the country wwwdakotablondecom

SMYTHE AND TAYLOR are known for their tight symbiotic harmonies their humorous lyrics and lsquo3-Drsquo brand of guitar playing They TC Smythe and Val-ley denizen Gary Taylor offer an eclectic variety of acoustic music including con-temporary and familiar tunes as well as their award-winning originals Win-ners of the national Woody Guthrie Song Writing Contest and the 2009 Vocal Group of the Year Texas Music Awards their craft of songwriting includes a blend of bluegrass blues folk Celtic pop and Americana music wwwsmytheandtaylorcom

High Peaks Music Festival

High Peaks Music Festival

Sponsored byKWMV

Mountain AirWaves Growing Community-

Powered Radio in the Wet Mountain Valley

Saturday September 11 3pm to 9pm

Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre

Visit Our Website

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 21: Cliff Hanger's Guide

BRUCE HAYES - Brucersquos mu-sic is fresh and original but steeped in tradition borrowing from blues bluegrass celtic world beat folk rock and jazz On stage he taps his feet slaps accents on his guitar and cheeks wails on the harmonica and sings char-ismatically His fingers dance around the strings with incredible fluidity creating rich harmonic textures and rapid-fire riffs An award winner at the Telluride Blues amp Brews Acoustic Blues Contest as well as First Place winner at the Rocky Grass Festival Mandolin Contest Brucersquos lsquomountain musicrsquo reaches from the Andes to the Smokies and back to his home in Howard CO wwwbrucehayescom

DAVID WILLIAMS with KRISTINA MURRAY amp WILDGRASS BAND - Emmy winning songwriter David Williams is a long time friend of the Valley He will be

joined by one of the best singers in the West Kris-tina Murray along with Paul Kitteck on fiddle and Duane Webster on bass As a singer-songwriter

Williams is known for his way with words and melodies that conjure up the Amer-ican musical landscape stories of everyday living love nostalgia wanderlust and grief touching on blues old-timey swing and folk music traditions ldquoWilliams works magicrdquo Newsweek

THE CRESTONES are a group of 14000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range and they are a musical duo who live and perform at the base of these majestic mountains Featuring Drew Horton first place winner of the Walnut Valley Man-dolin Championship in Winfield Kansas and guitarist Guy Madden their special brand of acoustic jazz and swing is as mesmerizing as the big mountains they take their name from

$15 Regular Admission Children un-der twelve are free when accompanied by an adult

Special discount pricing available for KWMV members

For more information go to wwwhigh-peaksmusicfestivalcom or wwwkwmvorg

Enjoy some great music help start a new tradition and support KWMV - Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos all volunteer community powered radio station

All photos courtesy of the performers

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 22: Cliff Hanger's Guide

In Concert PO Box 1484

Westcliffe CO 812527197839709

inconcertwestcliffe earthlinknet

Visit Our Websiteinconcertwestcliffeorg

Performances will be at the Jones Theater

119 Main StWestcliffe

Free band concert Southern Colorado

Concert BandJune 6th 2010

2pm at Hermit Park

In Concert Classical Music in the Valley

IN CONCERT Classical Music in the Valley was founded in 2003 to support and promote live clas-sical music in the Wet Mountain Valley In Concert

provides cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the area by presenting a series of three concerts at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe in the fall winter and spring The group also sponsors school workshops and performances and from time to time offers free con-certs to the community In Concert is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Contributions are tax deductible

2010-2011 SERIES

ILIFF GUITAR QUARTETSunday October 17 2010 2pm at the Jones TheaterMonday October 18 2010 9pm for students at the Custer County School wwwmyspacecomiliffguitarquartet

The Iliff Guitar Quartet was formed in January of 2006 by four guitar students at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music where they studied with the famed guitar virtuoso Ricardo Iznaola The group met

Photo by

with instant success due to their sensitive musician-ship technical virtuosity and exciting concerts The Iliff Guitar Quartet was a prize winner at a recent An-nual Chamber Competition hosted by the University of Denver

Photos courtesy of the performers

We would like to thank Brookwood Gallery for sponsoring us in the Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 23: Cliff Hanger's Guide

VERONIKA STRING QUARTETFebruary 13 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theatewwwveronikastringquartetcom

By popular demand Veronika String Quartet will per-form in Westcliffe for a third time Since its formation 20 years ago in Moscow the award-winning Veronika String Quartet (VSQ) has es-tablished itself as an outstanding ensemble known for its versatility and ldquoextraordinary musicianshiprdquo The unique sound of this all-female quartet has led to success in international competitions as well as in concert halls throughout the US and abroad The VSQ has performed widely in the US Australia Europe Russia and the Middle East and currently resides in Southern Colorado where its members are

Artists-in-Residence at Colorado State University-Pueblo

Photo by

APOLLO CHAMBER BRASSMarch 27 2011 at 2pm at the Jones Theater wwwapollochamberbrassorg

The ACB began as the graduate brass quintet in residence at the University of Colorado - Boulder as part of their graduate assistantships In 2004 the found-ing members named the quintet the Apollo Chamber Brass Following the con-clusion of their graduate assistantships the ACB became its own entity whose members have included performers from across the country In 2007 the Apollo Chamber Brass was tied for first Runner-Up for the Aspen Music Festivalrsquos Brass Quintet Fel-lowship This Fellowship is considered to be the most competitive and extensive chamber music seminar of its kind with a 9-week tuition free mentorship with the American Brass Quintet Since the inception outreach has played a critical role for the Apollo Chamber Brass They have recently adopted public school music programs and have established active chamber music programs at Loveland High School Cherry Creek High School and Legacy High School

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 24: Cliff Hanger's Guide

MAY 21st ndash 23rd ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

27th ndash 29th ldquoRoute66rdquolivetheatertheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND29th

bullAllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfast730amtheCabooseonMainStreetbullWetMountainCommunityParade1030amMainStreet

bull Springtime in the Sangres ndash Town of Westcliffe (719) 783-2282 Town of Silver Cliff (719) 783-2615

31st Annual Memorial Day Observance at Westcliffe Veteranrsquos Memorial Park 10am

JUNE 5th InConcertClassicalMusicintheValleyFreebandconcertfeaturingSouthernColoradoConcertBand2pmatHermitPark

SILVER CLIFF MININGHERITAGE DAYS 11th MiningDaysHistoricGhostWalkinSilverCliff

12th ParadeofPowerTractorParade10amTractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduring Mining Days and Tractor Pull

Chuck Wagon Dinner by American Legion SilverCliffTownPark

13th TractorPullSilverCliffTownPark

BreakfastBurritosbyAmericanLegionduringMiningDaysandTractorPull

ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsforthreeweekendsheldoutdooramphitheaterEvenings600pmSundays2pmmatinees

17th 19th 25th amp 27th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

18th 20th 24th amp 26th ldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

19th ldquoAn Evening with Michael Martin Murphyrdquo includes dinner A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

June 21st mdash July 2nd CreativityCamp1attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

26thSanIsabelLandProtectionTrustAuctionat10amwwwsanisabelorgor(719)783-3018

2010 Calendar

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 25: Cliff Hanger's Guide

BBQduringtheAuctionbyPost170WetMountainValleySaddleClub

26th amp 27thNCHA Legacy Cup (National Cutting Horse Event) 8am A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100 wwwapaintedviewcom

JULY ldquoShakespeareintheSangresrdquofeaturestwoplaysonalternatenightsEvenings6pmSundays2pmmatinees

1st amp 3rdldquoMacbethrdquoattheoutdoorAmphitheatre

2nd amp 4th ldquoAMidsummerNightrsquosDreamrdquoattheout-doorAmphitheatre

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CalltheChamberat(719)783-9613formoreinformation

3rd 4thofJulyParadeat10am

Benefit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

3rd amp 4thCraftampFleaMarketwestendofMainStreet

4th

AnnualCarShowonMainStreet

AllAboardWestcliffePancakeBreakfastattheCabooseonMainStreet7am

IceCreamSocialattheOldlsquoWestcliffrsquoSchool-houseampMuseum

AnnualFireworksoverLakeDeWeese

5th ndash 16th CreativityCamp2attheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

8th ndash 11th AnnualHighMountainHayFeverBluegrassFestivalatMainStreetandAdams

CUSTER COUNTY FAIR amp WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE WEEKEND Call the County Extension Office at (719) 783-2514 for more information or go to wwwwmvsaddlecluborg

12th ndash 18th CusterCountyFairFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

15th Calcutta7pm

16th RubberCheckRaceandBBQintheevening

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 26: Cliff Hanger's Guide

17th RotaryPancakeBreakfastattheCusterCountySchoolparkinglot

WestcliffeStampedeRodeoParadealongMainStreetat10am

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmamp6pm

FairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69WesternDancetheSaddleClub9pm

18th Cowboy Church ndash TBA

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Burrito Breakfast (or Biscuits amp Gravy) at the Fair Grounds 8-10am

American Legion Westcliffe Post 170 Steak Fry at the Fair Grounds 11am-1pm

WestcliffeStampedeCPRARodeo1pmFairgroundsjustsouthoftownonHwy69

CusterCountyFair4-HampFFALivestockAuctionnoon(719)783-2514

13th ndash 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic and Retreat A Painted View Ranch

16th ndash 18th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnexBuilding(719)783-9138

17th ndash 18th Charmayne James 1st Annual Race in the Rockies (Barrel Race) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

22nd ndash 25th Sangre de Cristo Summer Cutting Classic (Na-tional Cutting Horse Event) A Painted View Ranch (719) 783-9100

23rd ndash 25th 29th ndash 31stldquoArmsandtheManrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

AUGUST6th Westcliffe Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

7th amp 8thSquare Dance Weekend Custer County School

12th ndash 15th YouthTheaterProductionldquoGiveMyRegardstoBroadwayrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheater

21st ndash 22nd WetMountainWesternJubileeWesternMusicndashwestendoftowninWestcliffewwwwetmountainwesterndayscomSEPTEMBER2nd ndash 5th Olde Schoolhouse Quilters Annual Quilt Show at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse amp Museum 10am-5pm (719) 783-3575

3rd amp 4th ldquoNewRockyMountainVoicesrdquoattheHistoricJonesTheaterWCPA

2009 Calendar2010 Calendar

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 27: Cliff Hanger's Guide

4th 2ndAnnual BikewithPikeWestcliffeAdventure

11th HighPeaksMusicFestivalpresentedbyKWMV959FMTheFeedStoreAmphithe-ater3pmndash9pmwwwkwmvcom

17th amp 18th ThirdAnnualPleinAirPaint-OutandExhibitSaleSangresArtGuild

18th SangresArtGuildHullabalooStudioTourandGalleryWalk

25th ArtfortheSangresatTheHistoricPinesRanch3pm-10pm

25th amp 26th NationalAlpacaFarmDaysBobHill(719)783-2877

OCTOBER 17th llifGuitarQuartetInConcert2pmattheJonesTheater

29th Halloween Historic Ghost Walk (719) 371-7076

31st Downtown Merchants of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Trick or Treat 4-7pm

DECEMBER 3rd ndash 5th LibraryCraftShowHopeLutheranChurchAnnex719-783-91384th Silver Cliff Holiday Open House 1-3pm

Christmas in the Park Silver Cliff Town Park 3-5pm (719) 783-2615

bullParadeofLightsdownMainStreet530pm

bull Westcliffe Holiday Merchants Open House until 7pm

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 28: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Approximately

75

mi

radius

COLORADO SPRINGS

TO DENVER

TO NEW MEXICO

Florence

Wetmore

Fort Garland

To Taos

Alamosa

Cantildeon City

Salida

To Leadville

PUEBLO

Westcliffe Silver

Cliff

Texas

Creek

Royal Gorge

Cotopaxi

WALSENBURG

Great Sand DunesNational Park

Garden of

the Gods

Monarch Ski ampSnowboard Area

Buena Vista

115291

67

165

160

69

96

17

5050

50

Pueblo

Reservoir

Pikes

Peak

25

25

Silver West Airport

MapLinks

CusterCountyTourismBoard

TownofWestcliffetownofwestcliffecom

TownofSilverCliffsilvercliffcocom

CusterCountyMerchantsandChamberofCommerce

For more information

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BEGINS HERE

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 29: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Painting by Sarah Woods copy 2009

Photo by Bil Gillette copy 2009

Art Events Artists amp GalleriesWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Art for the Sangres

Sangres Art Guild Plein Air Paint-out

Art Hullabaloo

3rd Street Gallery

Sarah Woods Studio

Bill Gillette Photography

Brookwood Gallery

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 30: Cliff Hanger's Guide

ART FOR THE

SANGRESSaturday September 25 2010

Reception begins 430pmDrawing for fixed price lottery sale

630pmTickets $50

One third of all proceeds benefit theSan Isabel Land Protection Trust

For more information

call 7197833018visit our website

wwwsanisabelorg

Fourteen years ago the San Isabel Land Protec-tion Trust (at that time the

San Isabel Foundation) a very small land trust in the town of Westcliffe conceived the idea of a fall art sale to help fund its operating budget At that time Custer County was the fourth fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threatened agricultural lands in Colorado The mis-sion of the San Isabel Foundation was to protect agricultural lands wildlife habitat and open space for scenic beauty and that very first year twenty nationally known artists were attracted by the idea of helping to support those efforts The first show netted $20000 for the work of the land trust and attracted buyers from seven states many of whom loyally attend to this day From the beginning the organizers realized that the most important thing other than the admirable cause was always to keep the show professional Working with a few highly regarded local artists they learned how to prepare and present a quality art sale - how to keep it totally professional down to the last detail and how to treat the artists so they would want to return over and over Fourteen years later Art for the Sangres is regarded as one of the best shows in Colorado Held each year at the Historic Pines Ranch the show is limited to 27

Rocky Mountain High copy Nathon Salano 24x30 $980000

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 31: Cliff Hanger's Guide

THE 2010 ARTISTSGregg Albracht Edward AldrichBill AltherDix BainesAngie ColemanCarl DalioTim DeiblerShane DimmickShane DuerksenAdele EarnshawJoe GarciaJim GilmorePaul Kethley Tom LockhartElizabeth Sandia Nathan SolanoJill SoukupJoshua TobeyRebecca TobeyMike UntiedtJerry WeersDon WellerGrace WeverGinger WhellockSarah WoodsDinah Worman

The 2010 show will have three new artists and takes place Saturday September 25 If you are inter-ested in receiving an invitation in August please email anniesanisabelorg and your name will be added to their mailing list Itrsquos also possible to pay at the door

artists from throughout the West Several of those artists have been a part of the show for over 10 years although each year the art selection committee tries to introduce two or three new artists to keep it fresh The artists set the price on their work and one-third of the amount sold by each artist comes back to the land trust for our operating budget The artists really appreciate being able to participate in the protection of lands in this unique area Most attend the show and welcome the opportunity to paint in such a special environment

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2009

Please add me to your mailing list Irsquom interested in attending

Art for the Sangres

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 32: Cliff Hanger's Guide

The Sangres Art Guild is a non-profit organization located in Westcliffe Colorado It was created to support local and regional artists by encour-

aging the development and promotion of the Wet Mountain Valley as a vibrant art-centered destination The Guild is a catalyst in focusing on art in the Valley by offering classes workshops demonstrations seminars providing an annual student scholarship for continuing art education and sponsoring Art in Public Places In September the Sangres Art Guild proudly spon-sors the Plein Air Paint-Out and the Annual Art Hullabaloo SAG is a partner with Springtime in the Sangres and a participant in numerous other local events An ongoing focus of SAG is supporting the 3rd Street Gallery by providing display space for show-cased featured artists and juried shows

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT

In September 17th and 18th area artists congregate in Westcliffe for the two-day Plein Air Paint-Out event Friday they disperse to various assigned areas across Custer County to find their inspiration in the natural beauty of the surrounding Wet Mountain Valley in every day ranching activities from the vestiges of area history the plentiful wildlife and the often colorful local residents On Saturday the artists will paint in the

Sangres Art GuildP O Box 205

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Plein Air Paint-Out September 17th-18th

Art Hullabaloo September 18th

downtown area amidst the festive atmosphere of Art Hullabaloo At the end of the day all art from the Plein Air Paint-Out will be on display at the 3rd Street Gallery The art will be juried and awards given out The Peoplersquos Choice Award is greatly anticipated as it is determined by visitors to the gallery

ART HULLABALOO

Interaction between visitors and artists is the hallmark of Art Hullabaloo Galleries offer art demonstrations and encourage active participation ldquoChildrenrdquo of all ages get hands-on experience with potters painters weavers street performers musicians sidewalk chalk art compe-tition and trashion fashion show Attendees are invited to pick up a paintbrush throw a clay pot or try their hands at spinning and weaving There is face painting and bead working The popular Scarlet Sisters Circus entertains the crowds with stilt-walking acts After con-ducting a childrenrsquos circus workshop the children give street performances tumbling and juggling in full circus costumes A variety of music groups will perform hourly The memory of these artistic endeavors is a lasting sou-venir from the Westcliffe community to its visitors

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

All photos courtesy of Sangres Art Guild

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 33: Cliff Hanger's Guide

3rd Street Gallery59000 N Hwy 69

Westcliffe CO

Gallery Hours Mon Thurs Fri

and Sat 10-5pmSun 12-4pm

Gallery DirectorLinnea Laurila 7197830886

Visit our website sangresartguildorg

Scheduleofshows

Once seen it comes as no surprise that

the soaring Sangre de Cristo mountains

also give rise to artistic expression Resi-

dents and visitors alike are inspired by the natural

beauty surrounding the small town of Westcliffe

lying snug between the Sangres and the Wet

Mountains The 3rd Street Gallery sponsored by

the Sangres Art Guild proudly showcases local

and regional artists Just a few steps north of Main

Street on Highway 69 the many dimensions of artistic

endeavor are on display A featured artist is shown monthly

on the main level the upper level displays a rotating juried

show Original oil paintings photography pottery pastels

collages wood carvings fiber art assemblages note cards

and the Sangres Art Guildrsquos 2011 fine art calendar are avail-

able for viewing pleasure and purchase 3rd Street Gallery is

a must-see

Sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild

Sangres Art Guild 3rd Street Gallery

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 34: Cliff Hanger's Guide

A CALL FOR ARTISTS Paint with us in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley

Sept 17 amp 18 2010 Registration 3rd St Gallery 59000 N Hwy 69 Westcliffe or register early online and save pleinairpaintoutinfo

The paint-out and the resulting juried plein air show at 3rd Street

Gallery are held in conjunction with the Sangres Art Guildrsquos Art Hullabaloo Sept 18th

For more info contact Lorie at 371-4475 batsonnetzerocom or visit our website pleinairpaintoutinfo

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 35: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Brookwood Gallery211 Main Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197832166

wwwbrookwoodgallerycom

wwwloriemerfeld-batsoncom

elizabethmerfeldcom

FALL WORKSHOP

INFORMATION

The Brookwood Gallery was founded in 1966 by Ger-ald Merfeld in New Lenox Illinois a small farm town outside of Chicago Considered somewhat foolish

at the time it nonetheless became quite successful The original building had been the neighborhood grocery store while he was growing up Having lived in NYC and a small town in Connecticut while cutting his teeth in the art world on the east coast Merfeld de-cided he preferred the small town for full-time living hence his return to his roots Unfortunately after 20 years New Lenox was los-ing its small town and rural flavor With family in tow the move was made to Westcliffe Colorado and a rural setting more to everyonersquos liking For flat-landers it was quite an adventure The present gallery is a one hun-dred year old building which had served mostly as theWestcliffe hardware store The sign over the door though is from the original gallery in Illinois

Brookwood Gallery

Amongst the Pines Lorie MerfeldndashBatson Oil 12x20Marble Creek in Winter Gerald Merfeld Oil 12x16Fall in Lefthand Canyon Elizabeth Merfeld 10x14All works copyright

Photo Courtesy of Bill Gillette

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

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bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 36: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Twenty one years ago Sarah and her husband Randy drove into the Wet Mountain Valley and knew immediately it was the perfect home for a

wildlife and landscape artist Already being called ldquoone of Americarsquos best young wildlife artistsrdquo by American Artist magazine Sarah knew Westcliffe would be a constant source of inspiration Within a year theyrsquod moved with their infant daugh-ter to their cabin in the Wet Mountains Sarah had built her business around art markets like Jackson Hole and Scottsdale but soon found a growing number of collec-tors here wanting her landscapes and wildlife paintings In 1998 Sarah and Randy opened Ravenwoods Home Gallery in Westcliffe Although they closed Raven-woods (the gallery portion) in 2006 Sarah and Randy

still operate a growing window covering business Ravenwoods Blinds Shades and Shutters from their home where they have constructed a new studio Sarah now has more time to devote to her paint-ing and today you might find her out painting on loca-tion photographing wildlife or working in her studio She is busy completing works for her schedule of inter-nationally acclaimed shows and for her gallery of 24 years Trailside one of the nationrsquos most respected Last year Sarah introduced her BUILD A BETTER PAINTING Workshops In 2010 she is teaching two more of the successful workshops in Westcliffe a three

Sarah Woods Art

If you would like to visit Sarah in her studio

see her paintings or commission one of your

own please contact her at sarahsarahwoodsartcom

or call 7197832148

See more of Sarahrsquos workon her website

sarahwoodsartcom

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 37: Cliff Hanger's Guide

day workshop June 23-25 and a week long workshop September 20-25 They are open to all experience levels and most mediums This spring Sarah began showing with the newly expanded Hayden Hays at the Broadmoor Galleries an amazing gallery that boasts some of the most renowned art-ists working today This September in addition to the showing at Art for the Sangres and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art Sarah has also been asked to be a part of the Jackson Hole Art Auction ldquorepresenting past and present masters of the American Westrdquo For over 20 years Sarah has been inspired by the Wet Mountain Valley Recently she was honored with a retrospective show of 78 paintings at the ARMitchell Museum of Western Art This year Sarah has been commissioned to cre-ate 12 paintings depicting the wildlife of the Wet Mountain Valley Sarah feels privileged to help document the beauty of this special place she calls home

All paintings by Sarah Woods copy 2010

BUILD A BETTER PAINTING

Workshops

June 23-25September 20-25 2010

Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

sarahsarahwoodsartcom

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 38: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Sharp Images From Rough Places

Billrsquos work can be seenat his Gallery

103 S 2nd Streetin Westcliffe CO

812527197839746

billgilletteearthlinkcom

See more of Billrsquos work

on his website bgillettephotographycom

Billrsquos photography assignments have taken him from Asia to Central America and from Russia to India and most parts of the United States

making images for magazines and corporations His multimedia work ranges from audiovisual programs on politics to series on energy and natural resources His images are part of the Smithsonianrsquos collection and others are housed in the National Archives Now working out of Colorado Bill is focusing his photography on conservation and land preservation as well as alternate energy sources His book Passion for Ranching looks at the Wet Mountain Valley of the Sangre de Cristos and the ranchers who keep its heri-tage alive Billrsquos gallery in Westcliffe exhibits many of his photographs and a more extensive collection can be seen on his website at bgillettephotographycom When not out photographing he welcomes visitors and is glad to share his experience and knowledge of

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Bill Gillette Photography

PORTFOLIOS bullCowboys bullEnergy bullFirefightersbullPortraits bullNature

All photographs by Bill Gillette copy 2009

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 39: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2009

photography He is glad to schedule photography workshops for groups of five to 15 participants running from one-day to three-day sessionsIf you have an interested group give Bill a call at 719-783-9746 or email him at billgilletteearthlinknet

A PASSION FOR RANCHINGColoradorsquos Wet Mountain Valley Heritage

See this unique community through the eyes of photographer Bill Gillette

A second printing of this book will be available later this year through the

San Isabel Land Protection Trust Check back later for more information

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedinfutureworkshops

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 40: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Framing for over 30 years and serving the WestcliffeSiver Cliff area for the past 11 years Mindrsquos Eye Gallery offers experience expert design quality craftsmanship - the finest in custom framing With the largest selection of quality Larson Juhl and Roma mouldings in the county (over 500 to choose from) we are sure we will be able to help you find just the right frame to enhance your art We also have an extensive selection of acid free mats that will not only show off your art but protect it too And with our computerized mat cutter window openings are available in all shapes and sizes

If conservation framing is what yoursquore looking for we have a selection of quality 100 acid-free rag board in a variety of rich colors and are up-to-date on the latest conservation framing practices

Open Tuesday thru Friday by appointment

Contact 7197834334 or 3712488

8 Bassick Place Unit G - Westcliffeamp Framing

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 41: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Special EventsActivities

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Welcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The ldquoCliffsrdquo Love a Parade

4th of July

Stampede Rodeo

Custer County Fair

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Paca Peace Ranch for Youth

Mission Wolf

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

RestaurantLodging Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 42: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Saturday amp Sunday June 11th ndash 13th 2010

Silver Cliff Town Park

Parade of Power Saturday 10am

Tractor Pull

Silver Cliff Museum open Memorial Day thru

Labor DayFriday ndash Sunday

1pm ndash 5pm

Off season amp special tours available upon request

For more informationsilvercliffcocom

Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days

Photo by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Photos by Carol Martinez copy 2010

Silver Cliff was once known as ldquothe most exciting place to live west of the Mississippirdquo On June 11th 12th and 13th you have an opportu-nity to experience a taste of the time when life revolved around the

silver industry Silver Cliff Town Park will be your headquarters for the fun and entertainment of the 6th annual Silver Cliff MiningHeritage Days and admission is free all three days On Friday from noon to 5pm join in the excitement of an Amish horse pull and follow up from 6 to 8 pm with a walking tour of some of the highlights of this once prosperous and bustling town Saturday morning American Legion post 170 will host a burrito break-fast from 700am - 1000am Then the sheriffrsquos posse color guard and the Parade of Power kick off the festivities at 1000 A dedication ceremony for the new trail system a craft festival tours of the old Turner amp Geyser stamp mills childrenrsquos games including panning for gold wagon rides and more provide a busy day for the whole family Take time to root for your favorite tractor at the Tractor Pull on both Saturday and Sunday Be sure to visit the Silver Cliff Museum which houses an exceptional and varied collection of items from the period when silver was king and every life revolved around it Complete your day with a chuck wagon dinner hosted by the American Legion at 530pm and then dance into the night with ldquoSugarfootrdquo Sunday morning enjoy another American Legion burrito breakfast at Silver Cliff Town Park from 7am ndash10 am and join friends for Cowboy Church and Bluegrass music at 9am All of this and much much more promise a memorable opportunity to experience the flavor of Coloradorsquos colorful past

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 43: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Silver Cliff Museum

In June of 1878 silver was discovered in the area soon to be known as Silver Cliff Mines with names like the ldquoKing of the Valleyrdquo the ldquoVanderbiltrdquo ldquoBull Do-mingordquo and ldquoSong Birdrdquo went to work extracting ore Mills to process the ore a school hotel churches newspapers theaters and a hospital were erected to

service the miners and their families Life was so vibrant here that at one time Sil-ver Cliff was seriously considered for the State Capital By 1882 the mining boom was over and most of the mines closed down The silver crash of 1893 finished Silver Cliff Housed in the original Silver Cliff town hall and firehouse the Silver Cliff Mu-seum at 610 Main Street takes the visitor back to the time when every life revolved around the silver industry The Museum houses an exceptional collection of period furnishings household items clothing fire fighting equipment and items used in the silver mining trade Photographs of mines and miners fire fighting companies and the every day people who kept life going help to bring that exit-ing history to life once more The Museum is free and is open Memo-rial Day through Labor Day on Friday Satur-day and Sunday from 1pm-5pm

Photo by Barbara Campbell copy 2010 Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

Photo by Dorothy Urban copy 2010

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 44: Cliff Hanger's Guide

The lsquoCliffs Love a ParadeMemorial Day Weekend Wet

Mountain Community Parade

Sat May 29 1030am

Parade of Power Tractor Parade

Sat June 12 10am

4th of July ParadeSat (July 3) 10am

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade

Sat July 17 10am

Parade of LightsSat Dec 4 530pm

GOT PANCAKES

May 29th July 4th All Aboard Westcliffe Pancake Breakfasts

7am - Caboose on Main St

Sat amp Sun June 12 13American Legion Breakfast

Silver Cliff Town Park

Saturday July 17thRotary Pancake Breakfast

Custer County School parking lot

T he lsquoCliffs love a parade Almost every event or holiday comes complete with its own parade ndash some longer than others ndash but all

filled with energy and excitement The kick-off for our summer season is the annual ldquoWet Mountain Community Paraderdquo which takes place at 1030 am on Saturday May 29th (Memorial Day weekend) Led off by smart stepping soldiers from Ft Car-son in Colorado Springs this parade is one of the longest and liveliest Floats bands horses alpacas and fire engines join local veterans in welcoming happy throngs of spectators along Main Street all ready to come out of winter hibernation and rel-

ish the warmth of summer Silver Cliff Mining Days the 4th of July and Rodeo all follow with their own parades each with its own special flavor ndash and usu-ally each with its own pancake breakfast Finally the season winds down with the Parade of Lights which welcomes the holiday season and begins a glorious time of tiny white lights outlining everything on Main Street This parade is smaller and quieter than the others but it has heart Come see them all or at least come for a few and see what a big show a couple of small towns can put on

All photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 45: Cliff Hanger's Guide

4thof JULY

Pancake BreakfastSponsored by All Aboard Westcliffe

700am

6th Annual Car amp Motorcycle Show4th of July Parade

Sponsored byCuster County Chamber of Commerce

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse

and Museum 200 ndash 400pm

FireworksSponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley

Volunteer Fire DepartmentDusk

In 2010 the 4th of July falls on a Sunday That certainly wonrsquot stop the festivities but it will make some

changes to the usual lineup of events At 10am Saturday July 3rd the 4th of July parade heads down Main Street bustling with horses marching soldiers bands and floats That evening there will be a Ben-efit Dance for the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District at the fire station At 7am on Sunday the 4th volunteers from All Aboard Westcliffe can be found preparing breakfast by the old caboose on Main Street As you fill up on pancakes yoursquoll see and hear color-ful vintage automobiles and motorcycles taking their places on both sides of the street for the Merchants and Chamber of Commercersquos 6th an-nual Car amp Motorcycle Show Stroll the lineup and enjoy Westcliffersquos shops and restaurants as you go In the afternoon between 2 and 4pm itrsquos time for the annual Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Sing at the historic Old ldquoWestcliffrdquo Schoolhouse and Museum Then at dusk round out your day with a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake DeWeese Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer Fire Depart-ment this show is a wonderful way to complete a memorable 4th of July

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 46: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Westcliffe Stampede RodeoFriday Saturday amp Sunday

July 16th ndash 18th 2010

Rodeo Parade Sat July 18th 10am

Saturday events are at1pm and 6pm

Sunday Events are at 1pm

County Road 241(just off of Hwy 69 North)

in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

wmvsaddlecluborg

Rodeo Schedule

Broncs bulls and barrel racing are just a few of the events that keep the old West alive during

the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club the 64th annual CPRA ndash sanctioned rodeo will be held July 17th and 18th with a Rubber Check Race held the evening of Friday July 16th From 700 am on Saturday morning the Rotary Club holds their traditional Rodeo week-end breakfast in the Custer County School parking lot A parade down Main Street at 1000 am kicks off the official events

Accompanying the horses cowboys and the rodeo queen and her court will be a special historical high-light George Draper who provided stock and wagons for many of the movies made in the Wet Mountain Valley over the years has donated for use by the Saddle Club the base of an antique chuckwagon used in his days with the film industry On this base Tom Flower is working to complete a replica of the chuckwagons that followed the cattle drives throughout the West At the completion of the parade the action shifts to the rodeo grounds just north of Main At 100 pm events begin with the Rubber Check race in which teams made up of horses ATVs and a wheelbarrow compete with each other Youth events such as mutton busting a stick horse race and calf scramble give the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls a chance to join in the fun

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 47: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Saturdayrsquos action finishes off with the Stampede Dance at the Saddle Club and then the fun resumes on Sunday at 1pm Come be part of the excitement and catch a piece of Coloradorsquos Western lifestyle The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club is a non-profit organiza-tion begun 64 years ago by a group of local ranchers who got to-gether to show off their riding and roping skills Today they work to preserve and promote the Western lifestyle Besides the rodeo which is completely run by Club volunteers activities include potlucks gym-kanas clinics and trail rides on some of Colo-radorsquos most scenic trails

To get more informa-tion or to join the Saddle Club see our website at wwwwmvsaddlecluborg where you can down-load an application or rental agreement Contact information is available through the site also as well as a schedule of events The Saddle Club meets in the Saddle Club building on the first Monday of each month at 630 pm All are welcome whether you own a horse or not

Photo by Bill Gillette copy 2010

view our portfolio atwwwcreativecrusaderscom

Bridge of HopeCenter for Women and Children

Commanding Copy Dynamic Design

We make our clients look and

sound great

bull Branding specialists

bull Award-winning copy and

design

bull A high-performance creative

team since 1992

bull Print broadcast electronic

and interactive

bull Copy design proofreading

and production

We are creative crusaders

po box 1144 bull 8 bassic pl ste iwestcliffe colorado 81252 phonefax 7197830855

wwwcreativecrusaderscom

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 48: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Custer County Fair Monday through Sunday

July 12th ndash 18th 2010 County Road 241 (just off of

Hwy 69 North) in Westcliffe

For more Information visit our website

custercountygovcomext

FairSchedule

Come see some of the best of small town life at the Custer County Fair during the week of July 12th ndash 18th During this anxiously anticipated

week the work of area young people is highlighted and they have an opportunity to shine in a variety of ways Following months of dedicated work 4-H and FFA members compete toward the final awarding of Grand Champion ribbons with horses cattle sheep swine goats dogs cats rabbits and poultry These projects teach participants how to maintain a care and train-ing program showcased by a long list of competitions throughout the week Tuesday July 13 kicks off with a horse show at 9am followed by the dog show at 10am on Wednesday This is a time to observe the special rela-

tionship which has developed between the students and their animals through months of hard work Rabbit and poultry classes take place on Thursday and sheep goats and beef on Friday Livestock participants finally realize a financial outcome at the always exciting livestock auction on Sunday Throughout the week the exhibit build-ings are open from 9am to 6pm Exhibits

by 4-H and Custer County residents are on display demonstrating expertise in a variety of interests includ-ing sewing cooking photography woodworking and painting These indoor projects also demonstrate the development of life-skills by our young people such as decision making leadership and record keeping Live-stock exhibit areas are also open so you can enjoy an up close view of the wide vari-ety of animals raised by our young people The fair is a special time with something for everyone and a chance to see small town

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Photo by Nancy West copy 2010

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 49: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Photo by Karen Crumbaker copy 2010

Proud to Sponsor this spread for the Custer County Fair

At Colorado Mountain Bank we take pride in developing a clear understanding of our communityrsquos needs We are able to help our customers fulfill their financial goals be it person-al or business We work hard to build a lasting relationship with our customers by providing superior customer service Visit with us at 1000 Main Street in Westcliffe We have staff ready to help you with a loan checking savings or an IRA or whatever else your needs might be Stop by or call us today We can be reached at (719) 783-9211or go online and visit our website at wwwcoloradomountainbankcom

We would like to thank Colorado Mountain Bank for sponsoring our spread in the

Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2010

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 50: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Ride Across the SangresAugust 14th 2010

Bike with PikeSeptember 4th 2010

Contact usInfoBikewithPikeorg

Visit our websitewwwbikewithpikeorg

Saturday September 4th the mountains and valleys that Zebulon Pike admired and explored form the backdrop for the 2nd annual Bike with Pike

Westcliffe Adventure a series of recreational events for the whole family Our premier event The Bike with Pike Century is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Val-ley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back This is one of the toughest century rides in Colorado with a total elevation gain of over10000 feet Other rides offered include a metric cen-tury to Lake Isabel (69 miles and a gain of 6000rsquo) and 24 mile out-and-back ride to Bear Basin Ranch Both of these shorter rides follow along the same route as the Century There will also be a fun filled guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff which includes stops for bever-

ages and mining interpretation All rides begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe CO overlooking the Wet Mountain Valley The event will culminate with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed near the start finish at All Aboard Westcliffe Funds raised support the Frontier Pathways Scenic amp Historic Byway and All Aboard Westcliffe both local non-profit organizations which support our regionrsquos scenic and historic character See our website for more information

Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 51: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Rowing is great full body cross training for cycling and cross c o u n t r y s k i i n g Enjoy your summers in the Rockies on the water in a Maas open water racing shell Easy to row light and responsive M a a s s h e l l s a r e raced competitively o n P u g e t S o u n d

San Francisco Bay in the Catalina-Marina del Rey crossing and throughout New England Maas shells are also rowed in Buena Vista Denver Granby Fort Collins Arvada and Frisco Call or email us for more information

6502184290Email daveprairierowingcomVisit our website prairierowingcom

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 52: Cliff Hanger's Guide

1815 Black Cloud Circle PO Box 463

Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877

Contact Bob Hill bobpacapeaceorg

Visit our websitewwwpacapeaceorg

Any trip to the Cliffs wouldnrsquot be complete without a visit to Paca Peace Ranch for Youth where a kidrsquos best friend is a fleecie

friendly alpaca Alpacas are gentle and intuitive members of the camel family originating in the high mountains of South America Alpacas are flight animals since they have no way to protect themselves except to run away At Paca Peace Ranch for Youth kids learn a healthy and peaceful lifestyle and build trust as they bond with a personal alpaca A youth learns to be relaxed and focused to gain the alpacarsquos trust and then a bond of friendship forms At the end of the year - long pro-gram evaluations tell us that the children tend to be more responsible more confident and peaceful

Paca Peace ProgramsPaca Trainer - Have one-on-one mentors and focus on the care and training of a personal alpaca They do their own cooking at the ranch and plan their activities Paca Peace Trainers have six monthly sessions and then par-ticipate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the yearPaca Managers - Learn to run the ranch doing alpaca care and training chores and their own cooking Paca Managers come to the ranch one week-end a month for six sessions and then participate in activities such as parades and shows for the rest of the year

Kids Helping Animals Animals Helping Kids

Paca Peace Ranch For Youth

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 53: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Selection of Paca Peace YouthTeachers and others in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado rec-ommend youth they feel would thrive in the program Paca Peace practices non-discrimination in the selection of youth (race creed socio-economic status gender handicap)

No feesNo fees are charged and transportation is provided to and from training sessions All staff are volunteers Paca Peace Ranch is funded by donations and grants

Paca Peace FleeceExtra soft Paca Peace hand-cleaned prime fleece is for sale on our website wwwpacapeaceorgBe a Paca Peace Sponsor

Paca Peace Calendar- You are invitedVisitors are always welcome to meet and feed the alpacasTo arrange a visit call 7197832877 or email bobpacapeaceorg May 8 2010 - Alpaca Show at Paca Peace Ranch - 9 am July 31 2010 - Paca Peace Open House 1- 4 pm Alpaca Show at 2 pm Sept 25 2010 - Alpaca Show and Cider Making Party 11 am (During Westcliffe Alpaca Days is an especially good time to visit There will be alpacas to meet and feed plus fiber craft demonstra-tions all weekend Come enjoy some fresh apple cider and cookies and try your hand at carding weaving or spinning)

Thanks to Teddy Bear Alpacas and Chameleon Web Design for sponsoring our page spread

Photos courtesy of Paca Peace Ranch and Teddy Bear Alpaca copy 2009

ALPACAS a Viable and Valuable livestock option bull Investment bull Diversification

Here is your unique opportunityTeddy Bear Alpacasrsquo CLOSED HERDbull Great Bloodlinesbull Exclusive GeneticsVisit us to learn the outstanding rewards of alpacas

Services with a purchase

Free Consulting with a Accredited Agricultural Consultant (retired)

Free Breed back if left at ranch for breeding

Free Boarding for 6 months

Fertility Guarantee

Live Birth Guarantee for 48 hours

Mentoring on all aspects of alpaca livestock production

Bob and Sue HillPO Box 463 Westcliffe CO 81252 7197832877bobTeddyBearaApacascomwwwTeddyBearAlpacascomContact us to schedule a farm visit

TEDDY BEAR ALPACAS

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 54: Cliff Hanger's Guide

MissionWolfBox 1211

Westcliffe CO 81252

Contact MissionWolf

or call 7198592157

Visit our websitewwwmissionwolfcom

Mission Wolf is a solar-powered educational founda-tion that provides a nature center that demonstrates sustainable living The center hosts a sanctuary for 40

wolves and an unwanted horse shelter and is operated by dedi-cated volunteers and interns from institutions of higher education worldwide We also provide a nationwide outreach program which reaches over 50000 people across 30 states annually Our prime objective is to connect people with nature and foster concern and support for wild habitat protection We provide a stim-ulating educational program that illustrates the tragedy that occurs when wild animals are confined to life in captivity The obvious conclusion produces a loud and clear message why wolves do not make pets In turn this demonstrates the need to support wild wolf recovery ndash and most importantly the enhancement of our remain-ing wild ecosystems

MissionWolf

Photo by Annie White copy 2006

Photo by Kent Weber copy 2009

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 55: Cliff Hanger's Guide

In conjunction with our work at the sanctuary our educational mes-sage is spread nationwide through our traveling wolf program Co-founders Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks with the help of our ambassador wolves have given over one million people the opportunity to look into the eyes of a wolf at close range ndash sometimes nose to nose Itrsquos an experi-ence that most people never forget We welcome you to visit MissionWolf from noon until 6pm any day of the year We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who would be happy to show you how we have built an entire sanctuary which practices sus-tainable living We use only solar and wind power grow much of our own food and create our own bio-diesel fuel Recycled materials construct our beautifully sculpted buildings which provide an ideal setting for our wolf education center By introducing you to a wolf we hope you will understand their importance to the wild and in so doing you will have a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of our world

est

bull From Westcliffe drive south on Hwy 69 about 28 miles turn left on Gardner Rd (634)

bull Go 135 miles to Blue Spring and turn right on the MissionWolf driveway

The refuge can also be accessed from Bishops Castle by following the Ophir Creek Road 16 miles to Blue Spring and turn left on the MW driveway

GetdirectionsfromI-25

360

or

69

Airport Rd

Centennial Ranch Rd

To Westcliffe

MISSION WOLF

Photo by Tracy Ane Brooks copy 2009

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 56: Cliff Hanger's Guide

EditorsnoteOkayweknowthisissupposedtobeanartentertainmentandcultureguidebuthowcanweliveinsuchabeautifulareaabundantinwildlifeandyeararoundoutdooropportunitieswithoutmention-ingthegreatoutdoors

We are truly blessed to be partakers of the majesty that abounds here in the Wet Mountain Valley nestled at the base of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east With views that will make your neck sore trying to take them all in soaring peaks

ndash snow capped most of the year brilliant blue skies 300 plus days of sunshine each year and crystal clear waters itrsquos about as close to paradise as one could wish for Wouldnrsquot it be a shame to let all of this great outdoors pass you by Whether your passion is fishing hiking horseback riding biking or 4-wheeling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country Custer County is the place for you In summer colorful displays of wild-flowers abound along roads and trails ndash with some of the most amazing examples above treeline The ranching heritage which makes the Wet Moun-tain Valley so special provides open space for viewing

the scenic beauty all around Hay-fields and riparian areas attract herds of deer elk and antelope for your easy viewing Itrsquos not uncommon to spot a wide variety of bird life as well On any given day you may get the chance to see Bald and Golden Eagles Red Tailed Hawks Great Blue Herons or any one of the 277 species identified in Custer County

The Great Outdoors

Photos by Dana Meek copy 2009

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Download list of birds in Custer County

Where to find the best birding

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 57: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Stop by one of our local merchants that sell maps of the hiking trails that abound throughout the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains The Rainbow Trail runs some 90 miles along the Sangre de Cristos and is accessible from numerous spots in the Valley From there you can head off to any of the 52 mountain lakes for a day of fishing or a week of camping You can also challenge yourself with a climb of any or all of the 9 Fourteeners that are found along our part of the Sangres Much of the Sangres above the Rainbow Trail is designated wilderness areas ndash the lack of motorized vehicles in these areas add to the serene beauty Of course yoursquoll need to remember that this really is wilderness so be bear aware and use caution when hiking and camping If your interests and skills donrsquot take you to the top you can have a slower paced hike through forests and wildflowers with a memorable picnic gazing out at the Wet Mountain Valley below One in particular popular with those who want to take in a spectacular view from above with a more manageable hike is the ComancheVenable Loop It starts near the Alvarado Campground southwest of Westcliffe Therersquos a parking lot and the two trails start either to the left or right of the lot For the lower loop itrsquos one half a mile up to the Rainbow Trail which will take you roughly three

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 58: Cliff Hanger's Guide

quarters of a mile through a beautiful alpine forest over Venable Creek and open up to wonderful views of the valley below Yoursquoll then connect with the trail heading back to the parking lot The more adventur-ous can do the upper loop over the Phantom Terrace that connects the two trails at around 13000 ft Fly fishing opportunities can be outstanding with Cutthroats and Rainbows in many of the alpine lakes Brookies in mountain streams and Browns and Rain-bows in Valley creeks There is limited access to most of

the creeks so be careful not to trespass on private land Lake DeWeese can surprise you with Tiger Muskies Smallmouth Bass and plenty of Trout Public access to Grape Creek is limited to a half mile above and below the lake ndash and though heavily pressured in the warmer months it can still surprise with outstanding fishing ndash and at Bear Gulch some 14 miles north on Oak Creek Grade Lake Isabel and the Arkansas River ndash both just short drives away ndash offer completely different fishing experi-ences with the former being nestled in the pines and aspens with good shore fishing some wading and small craft (no gas powered engines) access and camp-ing sites from primitive to full hookups The Arkansas is a Colorado treasure with wonderful fishing public lands state access points and outstanding white water

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Websites of Interest

Fishing Info

DOW Season DatesFees

Mountain Lakes

Hiking and Backpacking

San Carlos Ranger District Trail Guide

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

COSAR Cards

Birding

Best Birding Locations

List of 277 Birds found in Custer County

Photo by Dana Meek copy 2009

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 59: Cliff Hanger's Guide

rafting ndash all flowing through high desert canyons with spectacu-lar views The winter here opens up a new world of possibilities from snowshoeing the mountain trails to cross country skiing to ice fishing on Lake DeWeese and Lake Isabel The truly adventurous might enjoy snowshoeing up to one of the alpine lakes (near 12000 ft) for some high-country ice fishing There are also snow mobile trails within the county ndash the most notable off Hwy 165 ( Ophir Creek exit) and up some mountain roads Whatever your interest or your skill level yoursquoll find there is plenty of ways to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoors through-out the Wet Mountain Valley all year round So drive your RV rent a cabin stay in one of our motels enjoy a bed and breakfast or pack up your tent for a relaxing getaway along the ldquoroad less traveledrdquo or an extreme mountain adventure itrsquoll all be waiting here just for you

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 60: Cliff Hanger's Guide

The Cliffs CommunityWelcome to The Cliffs

Entertainment

Calendar of Events

The Arts

Special EventsActivities

The Great Outdoors

The Cliffs Community

Wet Mountain Tribune

KWMV - Mountain AirWaves

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Club America

West Custer County Library

WCC Library Friends

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo Market

Sustainable Ways

Cliffsrsquo Park

RestaurantLodging Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 61: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Wet Mountain Tribune

Wet Mountain Tribune404 Main St

PO Box 69 Westcliffe CO 7197832361

editor wetmountaintribunecom

Visit us onlinewetmountaintribunecom

or become a fan on Facebook

Custer Countyrsquos ONLY newspaper the weekly Wet Mountain Tribune has been providing news about the regionrsquos people places and events for

more than 127 years The Trib was established in 1883 when the county supported several daily and weekly newspapers Today it remains the countyrsquos oldest operating commercial business (only a few cattle ranching outfits pre-date us) and we have more than 3000 subscribers here throughout the country and overseas The Tribune has won scores of awards in nearly every competitive category in the annual Colorado Press Association contest including best news and feature stories best photographs best editorials best personal columns best agricultural coverage best special sections best ads editorial excellence general excellence and others The entire Tribune staff is proud of its accomp-lishments and contributions to the community but they take seriously their responsibility to provide fair

accurate and thorough coverage of the county government two municipalities the school district a half-dozen special districts as well as the countyrsquos incredible arts and cultural scene and the many fascinating people who call this place home Since 1981 the Tribune has been owned by Little Publishing Company Inc Jim and Constance Little and their staff of around ten dedicated employees invite you to pick up a copy of the most current Tribune as well as our various free annual publications including the Summer in the Valley visitors guide the Real Estate and Builders guide the Sportsmanrsquos Guide and others

Visit us on-line at wwwwetmountaintrubinecom become a fan of our Facebook page drop by our offices e-mail us editorwetmountaintribunecom or call us at 719783-2361

Photos courtesy of the Wet Mountain Tribune

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 62: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Tune in to KWMV 959 FM and you just may hear someone you know Thatrsquos because KWMV is the Wet Mountain Valleyrsquos community radio

station created programmed and run by your friends and neighbors Volunteers raised funds and built the low power station from the ground up In 2004 KWMV went on the air for the first time from its broadcast studio on Main Street in downtown Westcliffe Since then volunteers have worked to make the station into an entertaining and informative commu-nity resource As the only radio station with a mission to serve the local community KWMV broadcasts music news and more from here in the Wet Mountain Valley across Colorado and around the world At our website you can listen to the broadcast online 24 hours a day seven days a week see a live image of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the KWMV webcam

participate in the commu-nity forum and find links for local weather maps blogs news and more

So tune in to KWMV and check out our broad range of music programming ndash over 155 hours a week ndash featur-ing everything from country to classical rock to jazz bluegrass folk and more As part of KWMVrsquos ongoing efforts to serve the com-munity plans are in the works to implement critical services such as current road and weather conditions and to expand our broadcast range pending FCC ap-proval of a full power license KWMV is 100 percent operated by volunteers and as a non-commercial community radio station KWMV is funded by listeners local businesses and organiza-tions To learn how you can support the station by becoming a volunteer member or underwriter visit wwwkwmvorgsupport or call 7197830987

KWMV Mountain AirWaves Community Powered Radio for the Wet Mountain Valley

KWMV 959 FM

KWMV 959 FM

Visit Our Websitewwwkwmvorg

Listen to our broadcast online

Click these links to

Become a member

Become a volunteer

Become an underwriter

Or call 7197830987

Photos courtesy of KWMV

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 63: Cliff Hanger's Guide

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

P O Box 124Westcliffe CO 81252

Phone 7197833018 Fax 7197830419

AuctionJune 26th 2010

Art for the SangresSeptember 25th 2010

infosanisabelorg

Visit our websitewwwsanisabelorg

See our currentNewsletter

In 1995 a small but dedicated group of citizens in Westcliffe wondered what they could do to help pro-tect the ranching heritage wildlife corridors and sce-

nic open space surrounding them At that time Custer County was the fourth-fastest growing county in the United States and contained some of the most threat-ened agricultural lands in Colorado Their deep concern led to the investigation of the concept of conservation easements and the San Isabel Foundation a land trust for the local area was created Today the name of the land trust has changed to the San Isabel Land Protection Trust and its scope has expanded to include four counties ndash Custer Fremont Huerfano and Pueblo Since taking its very first con-servation easement in 1997 SILPT has protected 109 properties containing over 34000 acres In spite of these successes development pressures inevitably will continue to threaten the way of life we

are all accustomed to San Isabel depends heavily on contributions from our supporters Additionally to help augment our operating budget each fall we host Art for the Sangres considered by many to be one of the best art shows in Colorado and every other June a public auction is held as a second fund raiser Please consider contributing to our efforts today and this year plan to attend the auction in June and Art for the Sangres in September Whether you are a local resident a regular summer visitor or someone who is discovering the Wet Mountain Valley for the first time you will see that the working ranches the wildlife and the scenic beauty are precious resources that make this area unique You can play a part in protecting those things for your own enjoyment and that of your children and grandchildren

San Isabel Land Protection Trust

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 64: Cliff Hanger's Guide

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT The San Isabel Land Protection Trust uses conservation easements as a tool to help private landowners protect ranches farms forests wildlife habitat scenic and histor-ic properties from the pressures of future development The conveyance (by donation or sale) of a conserva-tion easement is a voluntary action on the part of the landowner A conservation easement is a permanent restriction that defines the amount or type of develop-ment that can take place on a specified property The land trust retains no right to use sell or transfer the de-velopment rights and is only given the right to enforce the restrictions on the property The property remains in private ownership and can be worked and managed sold leased mortgaged or bequeathed but the ease-ment restrictions remain with the land Landowners donate conservation easements for numerous reasons many of which are directly related to their desire to see their land protected forever However tax benefits are also a strong incentive Federal state and local laws recognize that conservation easements represent a legitimate public value By relinquishing an easement through donation the landowner may qualify for federal tax deductions and state tax credits Coloradorsquos state tax credit is unique in that it can be sold for cash however due to the statersquos current budget shortfall there are going to be significant changes in

the state tax credit law The economic incentives for land conservation in Colorado may never again be as generous as they are in 2010 Any landowners interested in protecting their property and their legacy with a conservation easement should act quickly If you are interested in learning more about conservation easements please contact the San Isa-bel Land Protection Trust at 719-783-3018 or visit our website at wwwsanisabelorg

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Photo by Annie Layman copy 2010

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 65: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Residents and visitors to the lsquoCliffs are extremely fortunate to have a top-notch athletic center available to them Open seven days a week the

community operated facility houses a 75 foot heated pool with 3 lap lanes a water aerobics area family swim time swim instruction and more A serious workout is available in the fully equipped weight room A full weight rack extreme fitness machines free weights SportsArt bicycles ellipticals and treadmills offer something for every workout enthusiast A personal trainer is available on site to help you plan your workout (The trainerrsquos fee is not included in the membership fee) A multipurpose room offers a complete aerobics workout circuit training and yoga classes The member or visitor can also develop hisher own personal workout program with the assistance of exercise CDs and DVDs small free weights exercise balls and other equipment Fully equipped menrsquos and womenrsquos locker rooms and showers and a Finlandia sauna are also available to complete a visit to Club America

Hours

Monday ndash Friday 6AM ndash 8PMSaturday ndash 9AM ndash 4 PMSunday ndash 12 noon ndash 4PM

Children (Public Swim Hours)Summer 1200 PM - 400 PM Monday thru SaturdayWinter 1200 PM - 400 PM Friday and Saturday

Full facility fees Day Month Quarter 6 month

Adults (over 18) $10 $50 $135 $250

Seniors (60+) $8 $40 $105 $200

Add spouse or Room mate $5 $25 $70 $125

Add child $10 $27 $50

Rates are subject to change

10- session punch cards are also available for non-members

A variety of other classes and activities are offered throughout the year for both children and adults Check wwwclubamericawmvorg for a current schedule

Club America WMV 50 Main Street

PO Box 717Silver Cliff

Colorado 81252719-783-0750

Visit Our Web Site wwwclubamericawmvorg

Club America WMV - The Valleyrsquos Recreation Center

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2010

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 66: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Start to finish for one fixed costNo surprises We talk through your project needs and clearly define what is included in our quote Every web site includes

bull Assistance with setting up your domain name(s) and hosting

bull Web site statistics

bull Setup of email accounts andor forwards using your domain name

bull One-time site optimization to help your site rank better with search engines

Ask us We do it

bull Logo and brand development

bull Award-winning writing

bull Video productionediting

bull Flash movie design

bull E-Commerce capabilities

bull Blogs

bull Password-protected pages

bull Custom content management

bull Advanced web site marketing

Contact us today at infochameleonwebdesigncom or 7192764146 for a free consultation

See our Portfolio

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 67: Cliff Hanger's Guide

West Custer County Library

Looking for a good book to read recorded books to listen to in the car or videos or DVDs to watch after a busy day Visit the West Custer

County Library on Main Street and yoursquoll be amazed at the impressive assortment of materials available in this smallndashtown facility If yoursquore away from home and want to catch up on a favorite periodical make yourself at home in the comfortable reading area Need to do some research or check your email Yoursquoll find the friendly staff ready to help you get started on a computer Children will find a special reading area at the rear where they can make themselves comfortable while you take a break from a busy day and catch up on a book or newspaper We think yoursquoll be very impressed with all the things you can do in this special place

Photos courtesy of West Custer County Friends

West Custer County Library 209 Main Street

Westcliffe

7197839138

Tuesday ndash Friday 10am ndash 530pm

Saturday 10am ndash 2pm

Visit us onlinewestcliffecolibrariesorg

West Custer County Library Friends

P O Box 1524 Westcliffe CO 81252

7197834126E-mail Us

Summer Craft Show July 16ndash18 2010

Winter Craft ShowDecember 3ndash 5 2010

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 68: Cliff Hanger's Guide

The mission of the West Custer County Library Friends is to help the Library make educational informational and cultural services available

to the public The Friendsrsquo funding is derived from the annual membership drive two annual Arts and Crafts Shows and other fundraising events Throughout the year new members are welcomed who want to contribute financially or with their time and energy Information about how to become a Friend is avail-able through the Friendsrsquo contact information in this publication and from the Library The two Arts and Crafts Shows are held on Thursday through Sunday in the Lutheran Church in Westcliffe This yearrsquos summer show will be July 16th ndash 18th 2010 the same weekend as the Custer County Fair and Westcliffe Stampede Artists and

craftspeople who are residents of Custer County or hold a West Custer County Library card are eligible to participate as vendors The winter show will be De-cember 3rd ndash 5th 2010 a great opportunity for the public to purchase holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people The Friends provide funding for books movies encyclopedias and several educational programs each year Beginning Internet Workshops for pa-trons computers and software like the website that allows patrons to access their accounts on line from home to renew books or to see what the Library has and put items on hold training for Staff at State Library workshops the Interlibrary Loan Courier Sys-tem and new steel shelving which will provide room for growth for another 10 years

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

West Custer County Library Friends

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 69: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

Thursday June 17th through September

Every Thursday from 330pm-600pm

Location Vimont Park

315 Main StreetWestcliffe

Contact Buffy Lenth

783-4833buffylenthgmailcom

Established in 2007 the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Mar-ket is committed to bringing you healthy local food and artisanal bounty All produce that is

sold at our market is grown by local farmers and is free of herbicides pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

Fresh local food not only tastes better itrsquos better for your health and the environment Shopping at your local farmerrsquos market connects you to the people who grow your food strengthens your local economy and builds community Please join us in making 2010 our best season yet at the Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market

At the Market yoursquoll find

bull Local organic produce

bull Live plants

bull Herbal products

bull Fresh baked goods

bull Locally-raised meat

bull Artisanal cheesesbull Local honey

bull Hand-forged products for the home and garden

bull Childrenrsquos activities

bull Live music

bull And much more

Westcliffe Farmersrsquo MarketWe Grow What We Sell

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009 Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

Pleaseaddmetoyourmailinglist

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 70: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Some helpful tips for our Farmerrsquos Market

bull Arrive with cloth bags a backpack or a basket and plan to pay in cash

bull Shop early in the day to get the best food and avoid missing out on unusual items

bull Donrsquot be afraid to ask questions When was this squash picked

bull Seasonal eating calls for different meal planning Instead of picking a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients buy whatrsquos in season and then look for recipes to match

The Wet Mountain Valley Food Co-op

The Westcliffe Farmerrsquos Market is a project of the Wet Mountain Valley Food Cooperative The focus of the Food Co-op is to pro-vide honest information and education on nutrition and good food Through the use of various methods of farming com-munity gardens and solar greenhouses the goal is to teach the community how to grow a sufficient amount of nutritious food for sustainability

Photo by Sue Pitman copy 2009

THE CLIFFSrsquo CULTURAL CONNECTION

WESTCLIFFESILVER CLIFF COLORADO

Itrsquos not too late to advertiseYour ad could be here

The Cliff Hangerrsquos Guide is a multimedia interactive e-guide to Art Entertainment Special EventsActivities and Community in and around Custer County It is editable so it can be updated throughout the year

Because there are no printing costs the guide is a very cost ndash effective way to advertise your business or event ndash not to mention it is green and wonrsquot end up in the landfill

Since most of the events in town are sponsored by non-profits 75percent of the the spreads in this guide are for non-profit events and activities And because publication of the guide is charged on a per publication and not per page basis we can be generous on space offering a two page spread at a very low cost a perfect way to showcase your nonndashprofit or business You can also sponsor a nonndashprofit by placing a half ndash page ad and enabling them to have a one ndash and ndashone ndash half page spread at no cost

If you are interested in advertising call Jan at 7197834334 or email Cliff

We would like your feedback on the guide What do you or donrsquot you like Give us your comments or suggestions

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 71: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Sustainable Ways PO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitewwwsustainablewaysorg

Sustainable Ways is a volunteer 501c3 organiza-tion made up of people who are dedicated to the idea of living in harmony with nature and

increasing the communityrsquos awareness of sustainable ways of living The Mission of Sustainable Ways is to educate advocate and demonstrate sustainable ways of liv-ing in our community We welcome memberships and donations to support our work Donations are tax-deductible See wwwsustainablewaysorg for more information 2010 Projects include sponsoring the annual solar home tour sponsoring the local Renewable Energy Forum participating in the collaborative effort to create a Community Garden exploring community resiliency opportunities utilizing the Transition move-

ment model co-sponsoring the 2010 Westcliffe Per-maculture Design Certificate Course supporting High Country Recycling and supporting the Westcliffe Farmers Market

Calendar of Events for 2010

May 8th - Earth Day Celebration at The Cliffs Park ACommunity Garden

July 24th ndash (Saturday) - Solar Home Tour

August 5th ndash (Thursday) - Renewable Energy Forum

June 17th ndash September (every Thursday from 330 PM ndash 600 PM ) - Farmers Market ndash Vimont Park

July 26th ndash August 7th - Westcliffe Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Sustainable Ways

Earth Day 2009

Solar Home Tour

Photos by Jan Lee copy 2009

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 72: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Cliffsrsquo ParkPO Box 672

Westcliffe CO 81252

Visit our websitecliffsparkgardenningcom

A bright new spot taking shape in the Cliffs is a Community garden A large unused patch of ground to the east of Custer County

School is gradually being transformed into Cliffsrsquo Park where local individuals school groups scout troops and other organizations can prepare and tend their own 10rsquo x 10rsquo plots The Veteranrsquos Service Office is organizing Vets to have a ldquoVictory Gardenrdquo to stock their Veteranrsquos

Food Bank The plots are free so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn to grow food and be productive while working in the out of doors

In addition there will be a larger community plot where those interested can work together with their neighbors to grow healthy food and get fresh air and exercise at the same time West Custer County Hospital District and Club American originally conceived of the idea as part of their lsquoCommunity Health Initiativersquo and proposed that Sustainable Ways implement the project Peo-ple are free to do as they wish with the food they produce They can supply their own tables sell it at the Farmerrsquos Market or share their excess with local organizations and non-profits who feed the hungry If you are a visitor to the Cliffs come see what is being accomplished and if you are a resident come join in the fun ndash make some new friends and feel the satisfaction of growing local and helping others

Cliffsrsquo Park - Community Garden

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 73: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Penn and Cord Parmenter started building their gardens in the spring of 1992 after moving onto their raw land in three feet of snow the previ-

ous January and living in a 1960rsquos camper warmed by a woodstove named Leroy There was no running water and they had no money but they did have plenty of soil and rocks with which to build their first raised bed that spring That bed was watered with their grey water poured carefully into a coffee can with holes punched in the bottom and a broom handle fastened to it with bal-ing wire Since that time their garden areas have grown to three containing 75 separate beds within 16000 sq ft of deer-fence The Parmenterrsquos grow organically at 8120 ft in the ancient worn down mineral rich Wet Mountains Their land is blessed with a PinionJuniper forest meadow-land and Ponderosas The Pinion trees on their land are ancients as well ndash somehow the minerrsquos and the railroad missed the awesome towering giants grouped around

the mountain on their land Most people donrsquot realize they are Pinions as these slow growing trees are usually shrub size These huge trees help protect Pennrsquos garden from the hail wind driving rain and frost Coloradorsquos sun is so strong that many vegetables can be grown in dappled light ndash let the trees help you grow Two totally sustainable greenhouses feed the fam-ily year round and they produce their own heating and cooling system with the use of thermal mass Stored water heats up all day and releases the heat at night ndash no tricks no solar panels just letting Coloradorsquos abundant sun do its thing Seeing is believing Penn and Cordrsquos greenhouse design class is their most popular and

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntop theironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

Photos courtesy of

Cord amp Penn Parmenter copy2010

PleaseaddmetoyourmailinglistIrsquominterestedin

futureworkshops

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 74: Cliff Hanger's Guide

rewarding Therersquos no reason to artificially heat green-houses in a sun state The Parmenterrsquos are working on a book called How To Grow Food in the Mountains One of the first things they were told upon moving to the Wet Mountains was that they couldnrsquot grow food here The Parmenterrsquos clearly didnrsquot listen as they like the settlerrsquos before them pro-duce a huge array of food for their family and friends

The Wet Mountain Valley was famous for itrsquos food pro-duction by the early 1900s By the 1930s Westcliffe was listed in Taylorrsquos Encyclopedia of Gardening as one of the three most productive food-growing towns in Colorado Thatrsquos right ndash Westcliffe Colorado ndash not only producing potatoes but lettuce peas cauliflower cabbages celery

rutabagas and many more cool weather loving veg-gies So donrsquot let anyone tell you you canrsquot grow food at high elevation ndash no one told the settlers they couldnrsquot Besides there are many vegetables that prefer the cool nights of the mountains lettuces never bolt all summer peas can be grown all season long root vegetables donrsquot mind at all and the Bok Choys and Chinese Cabbages that grow so fast here have a taste we credit to the mountain air The Holy Grail of the mountain garden is of course - the tomato Americarsquos favorite vegetable doesnrsquot like the cool nights here and that triggers the plants to slow down production or not ripen at all Penn was told she

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 75: Cliff Hanger's Guide

wouldnrsquot be able to grow tomatoes here so she is now growing 75 varieties Selecting short season cold-hardy varieties like Russian and Siberian types and creating a cover to keep them warm at night is essential for ripen-ing Penn sells her tomato plants in the spring ndash call to get the list of available variaties and make arrange-ments Itrsquos uncanny how much Siberiarsquos Altai Mountains look like the Rockies ndash if they can produce the best tast-ing tomatoes in the world ndash we can certainly grow them Penn and Cord credit much of their success to the use of high altitude seeds If the seeds are born and raised at high-altitude they are already acclimated to high elevation This will give your garden a fighting

chance and help to jump-start you to success Seed-strustcom is their favorite seed company ndash for beginners and experts Everything listed is suited for mountain gardens and bred to handle the cold nights The Par-menterrsquos secret to growing sweet corn in the mountains is Candy Mountain ndash from Seedstrust The cool night air seems present in every bite So chin up The news is great ndash not only can you grow food in the mountains ndash many vegetables prefer it here and there are answers to all of the challenges of the mountains Penn and Cord teach high-altitude gardening classes at the Denver Botanic Gardens and for groups and

gardens all over the state and the

Penn amp Cordrsquos Garden

Cord amp Penn Parmenter12746 County Road 255

Westcliffe Colorado 719-783-2917

Contact

mtntoptheironmancordcom

Click to see a full description of classes

Visit Cordrsquos websitetheironmancordcom

or phone719-783-2918

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 76: Cliff Hanger's Guide

region Their gardens and greenhouses have been featured in Acres USA The Denver Post The Colorado Gardener and Zone 4 Magazine Cord Parmenter is a Master Blacksmith celebrating his 25th year He owns and operates The IronMan Forge right here in Custer County Cord designs and creates custom hand-forged iron for many fine homes in the region He also forges garden art and garden friendly items See his amazing portfolio and his product line for the home and garden at wwwtheironmancordcom

See all class descriptions and dates at

Teachstreetcomteacherpenn-and-cord-parmenter

2010 Events at Penn and Cordrsquos Gardens

August 21st ndash The Vegetable Walk of Fame ndash Seeing is believing

Private tours by appointment only

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 77: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 County Road 140 Westcliffe

Candyrsquos Coffee 7197839516 106 SOUTH 2nd Steet Westcliffe

Cel Dor Asado 7197832650 213 Main Street Westcliffe

Chile Bearrsquos Restaurant 7197833336 108 South 2nd Street Westcliffe

Dawg Haus 510 1frasl2 Main Street Silver Cliff

Edwardorsquos 7197839040 216 Main Street Westcliffe

Hunger Busters 7197839228 824 Main Street Westcliffe

Mining Co Restaurant 7197839115 60 Main Street Silver Cliff

Oak Creek Grade General Store7197832245 1009 County Road 277 Westcliffe

Pizza Express 7197833400 95 Main Street Westcliffe

Rrsquos 7197839300 603 Main Street Silver Cliff

Poag Mahonersquos 7197833220 215 Main Street Westcliffe

Rancherrsquos Roost Cafeacute at Cliff Lanes 7197832147 25 Main Street Westcliffe

Silver Stone Books amp Espresso 7197832313 104 Main Street Westcliffe

Stage Stop 7193713118 at 3rd and Main Streets Westcliffe

Subway at JRrsquos Fuel Stop 7197839089 425 South 6th Street Westcliffe

Tea Time Tea Room 7193717076 105 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

The Feed Store 7197832373 116 N 2nd StreetWestcliffe

The Letter Drop Inn 7197839430 6654 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Wetmore General Store amp Steakhouse 7197846149 758 County Road 395 Wetmore

Restaurant GuideSangrita Restaurant 7197834054212 Main Steet Westcliffewwwsangritarestaurantcom

Our advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guideWe thank our advertisers for their generous support

Courtesy Photo

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 78: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Bed amp Breakfasts

BloomsburyWest 719 3711647 PO Box1673 Westcliffe

Courtyard Country Inn B amp B 719 7839616 410 Main Street Westcliffe

Main Street Inn B amp B 719 7834000 18777834006 501 Main Street Westcliffe

Mountain View Inn 719783 4173 59450 Hwy 69 North Westcliffe

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 103 Main Street wwwoverthebrimco

Motels

Antler Liquor amp Motel 7197832426 102 S 6th Street Westcliffe

Golden Corner Suites 7197839363 110 S 2nd Street Westcliffe

Westcliffe Inn LLC 7197839275 18002840850 57975 S Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Property Managment

DP Property Management 7197832415

Kenrsquos Rents LLC 7197839009 18002383542

CabinsCondosHomes

Alpine Lodge 7197832660 6848 CR 140 Westcliffe

Alvarado Cabin 7202065231 3033460320 Westcliffe

Knotty Pine Cabin 7197832487 102 Greenleaf Lane Westcliffe

Our Rosita Retreat 7197830210 18884160320 Westcliffe

Red Rock Ranch Retreats 525 County Road 260 Westcliffe

Rosita Rentals 7197830941 6255 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Shining Mountain Rentals 7197832627 920 County Road 124 Westcliffe

Spa Sola Fideacute 18777834270 38 Ben Eaton Lane Rosita Hills Westcliffe

The W Ranch 7193310292 Westcliffe

Westcliffe Adobe Villa 4089277864 Westcliffe

Camping RV Parks

Cross D Bar Trout Ranch 7197832007 18004534379 2299 County Road 328 Westcliffe

Eberling Mobile Home amp RV Park bull 7197839778957 French Street Silver Cliff Grape Creek RV Park 7197832588 56491 Hwy 69 Westcliffe

Wet Mountain RV Park amp Cabins7197832248 816 Main Street Westcliffe

Dude Ranches

Bear Basin Ranch 7197832519 473 County Road 271 Westcliffe

The Historic Pines Ranch 7197839261 379 Chalice Drive Westcliffe

Christian Retreat Conference Center

Hermit Basin Conference Center7197832900 1699 Camino Westcliffe

Horn Creek Conference Grounds Association Inc 7197832205 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe

Lodging GuideOur advertisers have not just placed an ad for their businesses but have made it possible for a local non-profit to showcase their activities in this guide We thank our advertisers for their generous support

Over the Brim Inn 7197833585 Bob amp Kathy Seei Proprietors 103 Main Street Westcliffe

wwwoverthebrimcom

infooverthebrimcom

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome
Page 79: Cliff Hanger's Guide

Photo by Jan Lee copy 2010

The road less traveled begins here

  • Welcome