Another Name for Paradise: A Journey through the History and Nature of Northern Colorado, Fourth Edition

By James Hess

For more than 10,000 years the foothills and mountains of Northern Colorado have been home to many people. Despite floods and fire, drought and disease, people continue to call this place home. Through a first-person narrative, writer James C. Hess comes to understand his place in this place.

“I cannot say with certainty when I came to love the place that I call ‘home’,” notes writer James C. Hess, in the introduction to an effort that spans time and space, history and nature. “I can, however, cite reasons for why: It is a wonderful and wondrous place of light and sound at once mysterious and magnificent, savage and pastoral, defined by and recognized for the landscapes and the land, the geological and the geographical, the people, the legends, the myths, and the mysteries manifested as History and Nature.”

So begins a journey that starts in the cold of winter on New Year’s Day and ends the last day of fall among the forgotten dead, with one pursuit in hand: To know the place called Home, and why it is so.

Along the way he comes to an understanding about his place in this place, which involves snowshoeing with bison, starring contests with mountain lions, moments of joy with curious bobcats, and the acceptance of the truth of mortality we must all face as we are watched over by the sentinels of time made of sandstone and granite, that rise to meet the sky and the heavens beyond.

ANOTHER NAME FOR PARADISE: A Journey Through The History and Nature of Northern Colorado has inspired many, and the third edition contains information and tips on how to make the most of the adventures and experiences through personal safety and well-being.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Hess
• Release date: Dec 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005333614

James Hess

James C. Hess graduated from the University of Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with additional studies in Editorial Journalism and Cinema Studies. He divides his time between his home in Colorado and all points west.https://www.instagram.com/j.c.hess/

Book preview

Another Name for Paradise:

A Journey Through The History and Nature

of Northern Colorado,

Fourth Edition

By

James C. Hess

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

James C. Hess on SMASHWORDS

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Another Name for Paradise:

A Journey Through The History and Nature

of Northern Colorado,

Fourth Edition

Copyright 2021 James C. Hess

All Rights Reserved

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only, and may not be re-sold or given away. If you would like to share this book, please purchase an additional copy for each intended recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of the writer.

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Table of Contents

Introduction to the Fourth Edition

Introduction to the Third Edition

Introduction to the Second Edition

Introduction

Foreword

Essays

Mitakuye Oyasin

Niinowoohut: Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, City of Fort Collins, Larimer County

Paa: Horsetooth Mountain Park, Larimer County

Ho’e (ni): Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Larimer County

Tiienoyiyikwinut: Lory State Park, Larimer County

Peta: Bingham Hill Cemetery

Afterword

References

Historical Notes

The Colorado Territory

The State of Colorado

The Homestead Act of 1862

Animal and Bird Notes

Butterfly Notes

Flower Notes

Grass Notes

Indigenous People Notes

Reptile Notes

Shrub and Tree Notes

Personal Notes

Biography

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For my father and mother,

Daniel and Jane

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Another Name for Paradise:

A Journey Through The History and Nature

of Northern Colorado, Fourth Edition

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Introduction to the Fourth Edition

On August 13, 2020 a wildfire ignited near Chambers Lake, CO., approximately 25 miles (40.2 km) east of the town of Walden and about fifteen miles southwest of Red Feather Lakes, near Cameron Pass - and was subsequently named The Cameron Peak Fire. Containment was officially declared December 2, 2020. In the wake of the fire more than 208,663 acres or 326 square miles of lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Larimer and Jackson Counties and Rocky Mountain National Park were blackened, charred, and forever changed. At the height of the fire more than 20,000 residents in the Estes Park, Chambers Lake, Rustic, Glacier View Meadows, Red Feather Lakes, Masonville, Glen Haven, Spring Canyon, Stove Prairie Landings, and small, unincorporated communities along State Highway 14, as well as the Colorado State University Mountain Campus, were evacuated and more than 1,000 personnel fought the inferno. After containment was achieved and survey efforts were undertaken it was determined 469 structures were destroyed, including 220 outbuildings and forty-two primary residences. The Cameron Peak Fire became the largest wildfire in the history of the State of Colorado, surpassing the Pine Gulch Fire, which had set the same record less than two months prior.

The Cameron Peak fire torched 208,663 acres in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Rocky Mountain National Park in both Larimer and Jackson Counties.

On October 14, 2020 another wildfire, which became known as The East Troublesome Fire, was reported, the point of origin northeast of Kremmling, in Grand County, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest. The cause for the fire and the Cameron Peak Fire remains under investigation.

Three days after The East Troublesome Fire ignited high winds and low humidity provided the fire the opportunity to spread, covering more than 10,000 acres. The fire, growing, moved rapidly, threatening State Highway 125, forcing the closure of the road and mandatory evacuation of almost 100 homes by October 17, 2020.

Between October 20 and 23, 2020 the fire exploded in size, growing from 18,000 acres to 87,000 acres in twenty-four periods. From late afternoon October 21 through early evening October 22, 2020 the fire grew to 187,964 acres. The inferno crossed State Highway 125 and spread east, into Rocky Mountain National Park, crossing the Continental Divide and reaching the town of Estes Park, CO. on October 23, 2020.

A combination of drought, beetle-killed trees, red flag weather conditions provoked by high winds and dry conditions, and low humidity provided the fire the means to move quickly, consuming everything in its path, leaving blackened destruction and ruin in its wake.

As The East Troublesome Fire moved the area north of United States Highway 40 near Granby, CO and eastward to Grand Lake and Estes Park seemed doomed, with more than 7,000 structures threatened and a human population of approximately 35,000 ordered to evacuate.

On October 24, 2020 a winter storm brought what some would consider a miracle: cold temperatures, precipitation in the form of snow and light winds dampened the fire, and allowed firefighting personnel to gain the upper hand.

November 30, 2020 The East Troublesome Fire was officially declared contained.

The total acreage damaged: 193,812 acres.

The combined total acreage blackened: 402,475 acres or 628.8671875 square miles. As a matter of comparison, the state of Rhode Island is only 1,045 square miles.

Long-time residents of the State of Colorado suggest that there are not four seasons in the Centennial State, but five: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and The Season of Fire and Ice - a time of year when a forest fire rages at a lower elevation while snow accumulates at higher elevations. The same Coloradoans may also suggest that because of this there comes a complacency toward natural disasters, and that can be a concern which rivals a wildfire's potential for destruction.

When word came that The Cameron Peak Fire had started many considered it a part of life, believing containment would be quick. But when it began to spread, consuming everything in its path with a frightening speed and efficiency, the complacency was replaced with a sense of urgency. To act, react, and even flee.

From my home I could see the ever-growing cloud of smoke representing The Cameron Peak Fire. In a relatively short period of time it went from being an abstract to being a fact: The color changed from light gray to black, and, as it moved toward the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies, it changed color again and again, including an ominous shade of crimson otherwise reserved for a Cecil B. DeMille Biblical epic of cinematic proportions.

Assurances regarding partial containment of the fire were quickly discounted when I stepped outside one day to investigate an unsettling smell, and discovered a light rain of gray ash was quietly settling across my home. My concerned was heightened when I attempted to sweep it up and found the straw broom I used had started smoldering because the gray ash was also on fire, resulting in spot fires elsewhere, overworked firefighters had difficulty locating and suppressing.

Not long after that the reality of the situation took on a more personal dimension when it was reported the East Troublesome Fire had damaged a property not far from my home, and was on the move, fueled by strong winds coming off the mountains and drought conditions. Here The Cameron Peak Fire. There The East Troublesome Fire. And convergence to become the biggest wildfire in the history of the state was almost certain.

As noted, toward the end of October 2020 Nature decided to be kind and compassionate, bringing forth cold temperatures as snow and rain, suppressing both fires and allowing for containment.

When it was certain the wildfires were no longer a concern to populated areas curiosity-seekers wanted to see first-hand the aftermath, and were denied access. I waited patiently, wondering what remained, watching stories and footage captured using airplanes and drones.

An acquaintance, familiar with my writing, asked if I would be interested in taking part in a aerial survey using drones. As we watched monitors the drones sent images that were at once almost incomprehensible in terms of destruction and devastation and inspiring because they were wonderous and amazing. For example, to avoid collision with a grove of pine trees that had miraculously survived the fire while acres of other trees died quick deaths in the flames, the drone navigated up and then down, into a narrow ravine, where Nature was renewed and reborn, and wildlife had returned. Again and again, the evidence of Nature's refusal to submit was presented by the drones flying above.

Then came word several properties written about, closed for assessment and restoration, were reopened. The desire to satisfy curiosity was too great, and I set out to see for myself the wonder of Nature itself. In the moment, when a soft breeze moved across the charred landscape, dotted with color, infused with life, a new sense about the adventures, journey, and experiences previously undertaken was realized.

Thought was given to how to approach this aspect of Nature, and the cycles of Nature as it related to this work. In the end it was decided the approach should be individual, aided by suggestions collectively called The Sensory Tour: As you undertake visiting the properties included in this volume also undertake making the most through the senses: Sight, hearing, smell - noting the experiences.

Back to top.

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Introduction to the Third Edition

Shortly after ANOTHER NAME FOR PARADISE, Second Edition, was published the decision was made to take a break from research and writing, and undertake field work: Go for a hike to get physical exercise and fresh air, and ensure that information included was current, accurate, and correct.

Because one of the properties included in ANOTHER NAME FOR PARADISE is located minutes from my home it was chosen for the inaugural hike of the sabbatical. The property selected is owned by a local governmental agency - which has limited financial resources for patrolling and maintaining the property. In other words, the property is categorized as day use - only opened from dawn until dusk - due to budgetary constraints.

Eager to get on the trail, my arrival coincided with the park ranger/caretaker of the property unlocking the access gate as the sun rose. Polite greetings were exchanged and, following a rule of outdoor pursuits, mention was made of my intention and the trail that would be hiked. The ranger nodded his thanks for the information, and then paused, as if to preface something.

An interesting thing, he said after a moment. We don’t get a lot of visitors, but lately, though, there have been a few more than usual, and almost all of them have mentioned a book that motivated them to visit.

The mention of a book provided reason for a pause in my journey. As I paused, I realized that I was pausing, and I paused more. My behavior was not noticed by the ranger, who was securing the access gate into the open position.

I asked for the title of the book, and the ranger thought for a moment before shaking his head. I’d know it if I heard it, he said. But right now, it eludes me.

I decided not to offer the title of a specific book, and instead undertook my hike. He waved me on my way, and began his daily routine.

The hike was a homecoming of sorts. Along the trail I stopped to enjoy the view and the scenery, and to take photographs and make notes. By the time I returned to the trailhead the notebook was filled, the batteries on my camera were depleted, the memory card was at capacity with stills and videos, and the decision to pursue another edition of ANOTHER NAME FOR PARADISE was under serious consideration.

As I put my equipment into my vehicle the park ranger/caretaker came by and inquired about my hike, specifically asking about the trail conditions. I reported that the trail was dry and without issue. I mentioned subtle changes I had noticed since my last visit, but offset them by remarking that Nature is dynamic, always changing.

My remark about Nature resonated with the ranger, who nodded, and then paused again, once more prefacing something.

A couple just went out, he said. They have been here before, and wanted to see something they had read about.

In a book, I asked.

The ranger looked at me, and grinned. In a book. The name of which I can’t remember.

We went our separate ways, and I gave no more thought to the matter. Specifically, the inability to remember the name of a book that provides motivation to get out and experience the outdoors; the title of such a tome should be easy to recall, it seems.

A few weeks later a friend, who had read ANOTHER NAME FOR PARADISE, Second Edition, and offered unsolicited praise for it, suggested that we go for a hike on another property included in the latest edition. Plans were made, but at the last minute my friend had to cancel, owing to a family matter.

Because the outing had been planned, I decided to pursue it by myself. Like the other property this particular property offered several trails, and the one selected was an easy one, and not heavily traveled: On my way to the summit I encountered no one, and on my way back to the trailhead I met a couple, who enthusiastically told me that they were hiking the trail because they had read about it.

On the web, I asked.

In a book.

I asked for the title, provoking an