Trina's Treasures and Treats: July 2011

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Flaming Gorgeous Dam and the Green River!!!

Steve and I spent a week at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. We've been there multiple times before, but this year was a little different. The Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming had 200% or more snow pack this year...that means lots and lots of WATER! The Green River starts in those mountains, flows through southwestern Wyoming, through Utah and into the Colorado River. Flaming Gorge was created by Flaming Gorge Dam and the snow melt has filled the reservoir!

Just a little history: Flaming Gorge Dam was built in the 1960's (started in the late 50's) and completed in 1964. It is over 600 feet tall and houses 3 generators. Typically, water release is 800-1200 cfs (cubic feet per second). Due to the high water, both jet valves are wide open and pouring water. The river flow is now nearly 9000 cfs! During our tour July 7th, 2011; we were informed the reservoir was 2 feet from completely full and needing to open the spillway. Flaming Gorge Dam Spillway tunnels through the cliff 675 feet. The last time the spillway was opened (at only 14% capacity in 1983), the water flow wiped out the service road and the river boat ramp. The high flow this year has already taken out the river walk from the dam to Little Hole.

These pictures were taken from the service road on the way to the boat ramp.

The Dam's marmot keeps a close watch over the jet valves. He also likes to clean up an fish food that has been dropped. At the bottom of the dam, you are able to feed the many trout hanging out. The marmot cleans up all the food dropped by the humans.

Water release from the jet valves. Standing just above them.

The Dam's spillway is to the left of these jet valves and up river a few feet. The flow at this time is about 9000 cfs as I mentioned. The spillway alone is capable of 28,800 cfs!

Little Hole (down the river about 8 miles) has more water than I've ever seen. We attempted fishing one day. I caught the first and biggest fish. Unfortunately, due to regulations, it was not a keeper. Fish have to be below 15 inches or over 22 inches to keep; mine was 17 inches. Funny thing, I casted once, caught the fish and Steve came to help me. His first words were, "Damn, fishing with you is a lot of work." It's all good...I have the bragging rights for now.

Little Hole Overlook

My German Brown Trout

Flaming Gorge Hiking

Sheep Creek is supposed to be a "geological loop." 5 miles in the road is closed, apparently they are "blasting out the mountain" and widening the road. So we parked the truck and went for a walk. The water is still high and the walk was just beautiful.

After searching the mountain sides the entire time, I finally spotted Big Horn Sheep. You're supposed to see them in Sheep Creek right? Those buggers are hard to spot!!! They were quite a ways up the mountain side, but I still got some pictures.

A baby big horn.

Our second hike of the week was the Bear Canyon Trail. The sign says 1 1/2 miles, it's actually 2 miles each way. Oreo had a blast!! We let her off leash. She would run way ahead, then run back to us, then run ahead and back again. Guess she went closer to 4-5 miles each way. The views at the end were great. Again, Steve took me hiking and we got caught in rain. At least this wasn't a "Hawaiian tropical downpour!"

Flaming "Gorgeous"!!!

Thank you Lori for the word-play idea!

There is a reason John Wesley Powell said, "We name it Flaming Gorge."

Here are some views with the reservoir nearly full.

Red Canyon Overlook

Canyon Rim Trail

One day, we went with my parents to explore the area and find camping areas. Dad took us to one of his favorite areas, Deep Creek. The drive was beautiful, and we got lots of firewood.

We then headed up Dowd Mountain. The area has great 4-wheeler trails, scenery, and wildlife. Once at the top, the views were incredible.

On the way back down, Mom says, "Go that way." Talk about 4-wheeling in the GMC!!! Dad even had to put it in 4-wheel drive for the rocky section. It started to rain, the rocks were very slippery. Fun, Fun, Fun day!

We were fortuntate to see lots of wildlife over the week. The deer were quite tame this time of year. One even posed for the camera.

Hard to see, but a bald eagle! I didn't have my "big" camera with me.

Okay, I know she's not "wildlife," but she's really cute! Well, maybe she is wildlife...when she gets the "rips" and runs around like a mad dog while off leash during our hikes.

Camping was so much fun. There were some gorgeous sunsets, and some rain. Who cares about getting a little wet when sitting by the campfire? Oreo didn't mind...she was dry and warm.

The rainbows were beautiful, saw one every day!

Happy 4th of July...small town style.

Dutch John, Utah is not a big town. The biggest claim to fame is housing workers building Flaming Gorge Dam and now a tourist hot spot for the outdoor enthusiast. During the 4th of July, they put on quite the party. A breakfast at the local ward house in the morning, car show at the lodge with petting zoo, food and drink, and fireworks at the local park at night. Years ago the fireworks were shot off the dam, but traffic was a problem. My parents and Steve and I had fun snacking and watching the small town put on a show. Unfortunately, there were some real losers setting off fireworks behind us...one wayward firework nearly hit us. Some people just haven't grown up; or they don't understand safety.

Preparing, never seen so many cars in Dutch John before.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Zuehlsdorff Family Reunion June 2011

As many of us that could headed to the Rock. Since my grandparents are residents at Sage View and unable to travel, the reunion was in Rock Springs, Wyoming this year. Thanks to Traci for organizing everything and getting advice from others. Seeing the family was terrific!! Some I haven't seen for over a decade! (Am I really that old?)

My grandfather, John, was one of 10 children (in no particular order: Deilda, John, Aaron (Swede), Velma, Leith, Jewel, Noel, Arlen, Roger, and Dwight). It has taken me years to remember all their names and who are descendants of who. I'm still working on the generations after my father. Auntie Velma has been working on the family history, ancestry, and geneology. She was a tremendous help in identifing people in pictures I scanned from Grandpa Z's house. I can't thank her enough for spending the time to look through the pictures with me. And OH MY GOODNESS!!! The stories she told us about ancestors and family. I had the most fun listening to her talk. Sure wish we lived closer so I could see her more often! Just wait, Aunt Velma, you may be getting some visitors sooner than you think!

Upon arriving in Rock Springs, there was a little get together at Uncle Swede and Aunt Millie's. Steve and I arrived late as he had to work and we didn't get to town until late. Sure good to see so many people there. Saturday, the family spent the day at Garnet Park. Catered food, games and of course, PICTURES. My cousin Dotti is a photographer and took the group pictures. Grandma and Grandpa Z weren't able to make it to the park, so they are missing from the pictures. I got some pictures, but they are definately not as good at the professional ones done by Dotti. I took one of her daughter, sure wish it had turned out better, cuz it's CUTE!!!

The last morning, there was a continental breakfast at Sage View so Grandpa and Grandma could join the festivities. The family sure filled up the sunroom.

Grandma Z's Birthday was the same weekend.
Actually there were several within the few days before, during, and after the reunion.
Great way to celebrate: with the WHOLE family!