Vallecito Reservoir is about a 20 minute drive
north of Durango at an elevation oof 7800'. And it
filled the bill, Mountains, Pine Trees and Water, so
we headed North and couldn't believe what we discovered.
The Bonus of the Day "Tour of Carvings"
The story begins in the aftermath of the devastation caused by
the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire. The fire’s scope, intensity,
and devastation was fought by 4000 firefighters from several
states. It burnt 71,739 acres near Vallecito Reservoir.
To help express the communities appreciation, local David McGinnis
organized a moving tribute to their efforts. He collaborated with
Chad Haspels, a Pagosa Springs-based artist, to create a series of
14 unique carvings out of the trunks of some of the 200-year-old
Ponderosa pine trees killed by the fire.
#2 Black Bear & Cubs
These sculptures stand about 18 feet tall and
weigh about 2,600 pounds apiece.
Each features (at the top) a poignant, flame-crowned carving that
honors the fire crews.
#5 Alan Wyatt Memorial (the only fire fighter that lost
his life). (After 39 days the perimeter of the fire was contained!!!)
#6 EMT & Eagle
(Click on any photo for a larger version)
#3 Mountain Lion
#8 Oregon Fire Fighter
#14 Fire Fighter & Horse
#11 Mule Deer and Fawn
#9 Slurry Plane & Fire Fighter
#10 Raccoon & Fire Fighter
(close up of Raccoon)
#1 New Mexico Fire Fighter
The following were discovered as we drove around,
but are not part of of the "Tour of Carvings", but I enjoyed
them and thought you might too.
I thought this moose was priceless. What a face...
Don discovered this... it was at least 10 feet wide.
When we were looking at it,
I noticed this on the fence so Don decided he should back
out of the drive way entrance. As he backed up
the homeowner had to stop to allow us to back up
before he could turn into his driveway. Yikes!!!
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