Lower Animas CFS

-Past -

Piedra River: Sadly, the season for the Piedra River has ended.   The Piedra (located in between Pagosa Springs and Durango) this year had an unusually short season this year, generally runs throughout June.  Catch this fabulous river next year, and enjoy Class II – IV rapids through this extremely scenic canyon!

Dolores River: The Lower Section of the Dolores River, located near Dolores, Colorado, has also stopped running for the season.  Due to the fact that this is a dam-release river, opportunities to raft this river are scarce; if you are planning on rafting the Dolores, be sure to look for release dates; there were only 3 this year!

-Present-

San Miguel River: The San Miguel River, located outside of Telluride, Colorado is open to rafters looking for an intermediate adventure.  This river runs with primarily Class II water, with Class III rapids throughout, through red rock scenery dotted with contrasting green pines.  Catch this river while you can; it only runs through the beginning of July!

La Plata Canyon: After much delay (due to avalanche-caused damages) the rugged jeep trails are finally open in scenic La Plata Canyon!  Head up to elevations upwards of 12,000 feet for the best panoramic views in the area!

Durango Melodrama & Vaudeville: Looking to liven up your evening with a bit of theater?  The Henry Strater Theater is now presenting “The Tavern”, also known as the Melodrama.  Slip back into yesteryear with this amusing performance located in the historic Stater Hotel!

Vallecito Reservoir: Now is a great time to hit the lake!  Open year around, Vallecito Reservoir makes a great mini-getaway from Durango (only 22 miles away).  Enjoy hiking, fishing and boating in a beautiful location! 

-Future-

Durango Mountain Resort: July 10th thru August 1st, Durango Mountain Resort offers its 24th Annual “Music in the Mountains” festival, offering classical and world music in a beautiful outdoor setting!

]]> http://www.mild2wildrafting.com/blog/uncategorized/present-future/feed/ 0 http://www.mild2wildrafting.com/blog/uncategorized/local-eats/ http://www.mild2wildrafting.com/blog/uncategorized/local-eats/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:05:18 +0000 admin http://www.mild2wildrafting.com/blog/?p=80 You’re preparing for an adventure out on a raft, and want to make a hearty meal before you hit the river, preferably one with yummy local ingredients… But how will you ever find food local to Durango?  Never fear, there are plenty of places to gather fresh and healthy food; here are a few of our favorite places to stock up on local goodies:

- For many, meat is the basis of most meals.  Stock up on locally raised, organic, grass-fed meats from Foxfire Farms, a company who strives to be sustainable and to promote bio-diversity; and more importantly, has the best darn lamb we’ve ever tasted!

- Another brilliant choice for meat is James Ranch; these guys set out with the goal to go “beyond organic” by practicing more “natural” styles of raising livestock.  For a real treat, try one of their artisan cheeses…our pick is the Belford!

- Got a sweet tooth?  We recommend heading over to Honeyville for some locally processed honeys, jellies & other treats.  Don’t forget to check out the bees through the window of the live glass beehive!

- Undecided about what local goodies are for you?  Take a visit to the Durango Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings for some downright delicious treats.  Many of the previously mentioned vendors find a home at the farmers market, as well as several other local farmers, bakers and artisans.

Don’t feel like cooking, but still want some local goodness?  Several local restaurants feature meals that are made with local ingredients; check them out!

- Turtle Lake Refuge: On Tuesdays and Fridays, stop by Turtle Lake to enjoy their tasty and unique “Local Wild Life Lunch”; the menu changes from day to day, so there is always some delicious, new creation to try!

- Cyprus Cafe: Serving scrumptious, Mediterranean fare, this cafe serves locally grown veggies and natural meats.  We recommend grabbing a spot on their patio for the ultimate summer experience!

- Bread: Stop by Bread, for some locally made baked goods; tasty muffins, cookies, sandwiches and, of course, bread!

James Ranch Calves

1. Make a list.  We cannot stress this enough! As camping is an escape from the everyday, you won’t always be able to find an extra water bottle or can opener when you’re out in the wilderness.  Sit down and make a list of everything you will need a week out, then you can add on little things throughout the week.
2. Find a campsite.  The days of heading off into the woods till you find somewhere to sleep are over!  With kids in tow its better to know exactly how long it will take you to get to where you’re headed.  Be sure to make reservations on weekends and especially on holidays.
3. Check the weather before you leave! Along with that, make a rain plan.  That could be a deck of cards to play in the tent or tarps to cover the cooking area.
4. Start small and within adventure limits for all family members.  When camping, setting up tents and cooking are part of the fun! Let everyone have a role.

Teach Kids about Campfire building and safety with Candy Campfires!

Ingredients:

Mini Marshmallows

Coconut

Red Hots

Sunflower Seeds

Tootsie Rolls

Pretzel Sticks

Large Gummy Bears
Procedure:

1. What are the first two things you need to start a campfire? An adult, (giant gummy bear) and water near by (juice box) incase you fire escapes!
2. Build the campfire ring using the mini marshmallows.
3. Place sunflower seeds inside to represent the dirt.
4. Build the A frame from the pretzels.
5. Put coconut inside the A frame as the tinder.
6. As the fire warms up put the red hots in to represent the hot coals.
7. Place the tootsie rolls on last representing the large logs.

1. We admit, we are a bit biased, but we think we’ve got some great summer programs for your kids.  Join Mild to Wild for any of our kid-oriented specialty programs, and spend summer like never before!  This summer we are featuring Youth Raft Guide School, Youth Day Camp & our Youth Inflatable Kayak Course.  Join us for these fun and educational courses this summer! (970) 247-4789
2. For the budding botanist or mini-zoologist in your home, we recommend a trip to Durango Nature Studies; this educational organization offers an array of fun summer activities, focused around learning about our local ecosystems.  Arrange a guided hike on their 140-acre nature center and learn more about the environment around you, or sign up for a hands-on workshop!  Better yet, sign up for the summer day camp! (970) 382-9244 www.durangonaturestudies.org
3. Colorado is known for its mountains, and also it’s ski resorts.   We know what you’re thinking; there’s no skiing in the summer!  And you would be right.  But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun at Durango Mountain Resort!  During the summer the resort offers an abundance of fun and outdoorsy activities; take a trip down the alpine slide, play a round of mini-golf or take a trip up the chairlift!   (970) 247-9000 www.durangomountainresort.com
4. Does your little one have an eye for sparkly bling?  Then the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour will be a fun excursion they’ll love!  Travel underground on the mine’s train and learn about where it all comes from!  Pan for gold, maybe you’ll hit the mother load!  (970) 387-5444 www.minetour.com
5. It’s a rainy day, but your kids still want to be active.  And who can blame them?  We recommend a trip to the Durango Community Recreation Center.  Kids can try out the climbing wall, and learn the basics (good prep for outdoor rock climbing later on!)  If swimming sounds like fun, be sure to check out what the Center’s pool has to offer; with a waterslide, toddler pool and hot tub, you won’t let the rain cramp your style!  (970) 375-7300.

Salt River Water Level Expectations

check water levels for the Salt River here

San Miguel River Water Level Expectations

check water levels for the San Miguel River here

Piedra River Water Level Expectations

check water levels for the Piedra River here

Lower Animas River water levels

Upper Animas River water levels

Colorado River in Utah water levels