We started to install our beetle kill pine floor.  Despite the persistent snow and rain, the moisture content dropped to 6% (as low as it will go) without any kilning.  We got it at the local Drake, CO sawmill.  The boards don’t go together entirely flush, but we’re going to stain it dark and distress it so I think it will be okay anyway.   These pictures are all unstained, unfinished in any way. We’ll post more when it’s complete.

After we install it, it needs to be sanded, stained, and coated with polyurethane. We were hoping to do something more environmentally conscious than stain and poly, but with this place being a rental property and wanting the floor to last as long as possible (also an environmental factor), we think poly is probably going to be a good choice. 

I love my new job.  I measure vegetation as part of the ongoing process with the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan (EVMP).  Throughout the Park, there are randomly placed vegetation cages.  The cages are cylindrical, made of chicken wire, and have a top to them so that it prevents browsing by critters.  I measure vegetation outside the cage, where the elk and other animals have a chance to eat the grass, etc, then I measure inside the cage and compare. 

I am also involved with monitoring raptors, checking on unique wildlife observations from visitors, and other things that crop up that are involved with wildlife. 

Thanks to everyone (especially Phil!) for your patience as I’ve been trying to wrap up projects with my web design business, work my new job, finish my EMT class (ends May 8!), clean and package about a dozen eggs per day, and help prepare our house for installing a new beetle-kill pine floor.

Happy birthday, Phil!

Date: 4/27/2011
Event Location: Westminster REI
Event Fee: Free
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (MST)
Presenter: Phil Magistro and Apryle Craig

Description: Join husband and wife team Phil Magistro and Apryle Craig as they present photos and stories from their 29 day thru-hike of The Colorado Trail. The 486-mile trail starts in Denver and ends in Durango, passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado. In addition to photos and stories, Phil and Apryle will discuss different ways you can get involved with The Colorado Trail and provide tips on packing light and planning food rations. The Colorado Trail is right out our backdoor – whether you’re considering a weekend mountain biking trip, a month long hiking expedition, or volunteer trail work come see how you can take advantage of this amazing trail!

Click here to pre-register:   http://www.rei.com/stores/121

UPDATE: Due to my schedule change, these locations/dates are being presented by a different couple – sorry for any inconvenience.  We will be attending the Westiminster program. 

Join us as we present photos and stories from our 29 day thru-hike of the Colorado Trail.   The 486-mile trail starts in Denver and ends in Durango, passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado.  In addition to photos and stories, we’ll discuss different ways you can get involved with the Colorado Trail and provide tips on packing light and planning food rations.  The Colorado Trail is right out our backdoor – whether you’re considering a weekend mountain biking trip, a month long hiking expedition, or volunteer trail work come see how you can take advantage of this amazing trail!  Book signing and sales to follow program. 

May 2 -REI, Lakewood… FREE!

Can’t make it on Monday? Check out the following dates and locations:

May 4 -REI, Englewood

Email us at: philandapryle@elevatedattitude.com to schedule a program at your venue.

Mark your calendar for these fee-free days in 2011… click here for more info!

• January 15-17
  (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
• April 16-24
  (National Park Week)
• June 21
  (First day of summer)
• September 24
  (Public Lands Day)
• November 11-13
  (Veterans Day weekend)

As many of you know, I accepted a position with Rocky Mountain National Park for this summer.  It has caused us to shift a few of our CO Trail programs to another couple who recently completed the trail.  The changes are noted below. 

You may want to register in advance in case the program fills up!  See below for registration links.

NOW BEING PRESENTED BY ANOTHER COUPLE — Wed, April 20 – REI, Denver… Register here: http://www.rei.com/event/18684/session/23001

Can’t make it on Wednesday? Bummer.  Check out the following dates and locations:

April 22 – REI, Boulder (Happy Earth Day!) Register: http://www.rei.com/event/19644/session/24235
April 27 – REI, Westminster, Register: http://www.rei.com/event/18038/session/22118
NOW BEING PRESENTED BY ANOTHER COUPLE –May 2 -REI, Lakewood, Register: http://www.rei.com/event/19650/session/24322
NOW BEING PRESENTED BY ANOTHER COUPLE –May 4 -REI, Englewood, Register: http://www.rei.com/event/19589/session/24196