Colorado Fall Color Tours 2017!! - Event Date: 17 Sep. 2017 - 23 Sep. 2017

Yesterday's rides went very well, and we could not have executed the tours with better timing.  At lunch I led the north group into the lunch area and called to see where Bruce was.  He was a quarter mile away and coming on.  Then at the end of the day Bruce's group arrived at the Thirsty Dirt Ranch only about 5 minutes before my group arrived.  We both had minor delays on the trail, and took time to visit a ghost town, and some scenic viewpoints.  The pace was good and the scenery changed around each corner.  I think everyone had a good time. 

But the party's over, most of the guests have gone home.  The forecast for today was 100% for rain, and thunderstorms in the area we were going to today.  So by collective agreement we decided that we'd close the tours and call this year's FCT a success.  There are still a few folks here to help with the cleanup and rearranging of stuff - post FCT. 

I want to thank everyone who came who helped make this year such a great success.  We had great weather during the week.  We were a little early on the colors but the colors we did have were spectacular.  As the photos show the conditions for touring were just right.  And the jeeps all ran well with only a few exceptions.  We did still have jeeps with problems, but those problems were handled and we only had to tow one jeep back to the shop.  I appreciate everyone doing some maintenance on their jeeps before coming here to limit the amount of work that was needed here.  All the problems we handled here were a result of use, not lack of maintenance.  That was a good thing. 

Everyone also brought a good attitude as well.  Even when we had to wait on the trail for a repair we occupied our time getting to know the folks in front or behind us in line.  Many arrived as strangers, but we all left as friends.  We helped each other with projects, we donated parts to keep each of us running right, we teased each other for funny mistakes, and we shook hands as friends when we parted company.  I look forward to hosting each of you again in the future.  Nancy and I agree that we will continue offering tours for years to come. 

I hope as folks find some time at home to review their photos that they will put up at least a few of their photos with comments about who or what is in the photo.  I would like to thank jpet for his videos and stills.  they have captured the high adventure group very well.  And the drone videos and photos offer a perspective that can't be matched.  I want to thank Dave Luber for his many photos.  He has a good eye for arrangement and a love of photography that has immensely added to this thread. 

Mike and Nancy,

Hey Mike, Coming to a Fall Colors Tour is one of my bucket list items.

I forgot to add to my earlier post just how much I appreciate the work that Bruce and Ron do for us.  They are great guides, and willing to go the extra mile to help me make this event work   If it were not for them, this event would be severely limited.  Each year they step up and take on the mantle of responsibility.  They work hard to make sure everyone in their care can get to our daily destination, but they also make sure that all jeeps and drivers come back to the ranch each night.

I depend on these guys to help me run the show.  You all depend on them to get you there, then to get you back to TDR. 

                                                                                                                                                                                             

What a week!  Thank you Mike and Nancy for a great time.  Took me a little while to get home as I shredded the right rear tire on the trailer in Conifer.  Had a long lunch with my brother and sister in law then took the wrong road down in Denver.  Rain and fog most of the way home.

I really had a memorable time at the Thirsty Dirt Ranch.

Tom      

Thanks Tom.  My brother had caught up with me just before you went by.  Not the best place to change a tire.  Thanks to the lady in the mini van for getting my attention,  I had no idea a tire had gone bad. 
Every one on the road was in a hurry to get to where ever they were going.
Good Jeeping with you again,  take care this winter.

Tom