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Coleman Petrol Stove
The first time I saw Taylor Park that left me breathless. It was the summer of 1956 or 57 I was twelve or thirteen at the time. Everyone piled into my dark blue 44 Dodge Power Wagon uncle early in the morning, about 2:00 a. m. as I recall, left Denver, where we all live, and headed west in the foothills of Colorado on Highway 285. We passed through small towns such as conifers and Bailey, over Kenosha Pass and in an area known as South Park high in the Rocky Mountains. About 20 miles from Fairplay, Colorado in South Park, Highway 285 connects with Highway 24 going north to the town of Buena Vista, Colorado This is where we stopped for breakfast again and get all the fuel supplies Additional necessary. Once back on the road, we headed to downtown, made a left turn off the main road in a small side street in a westerly direction. This path took us out of Buena Vista and started us on the long climb to pass Cottonwood. I remember this trip happened sometime in late June or early July. You could not do before because Cottonwood pass is open from early June to late August, at any time is tight, due to heavy snowfall. We made our way up the paved and dirt road begins. This part of the trip was an adventure. The ground was hard, manageable only by 4 wheel drive and power the car due to bad road conditions. He was also close with many zigzags. We climbed up and up for what seemed an eternity, bounding over the rocks and stones, in and out of cracks and potholes. The higher that we have more accumulated snow on the side of the road until it was greater than the energy of the coach roof on both sides of the road. It was like going through a tunnel of snow. We kept going until it is way over the mountains, snow was everywhere. As we climb up the summit of Cottonwood pass, elevation 12,126 feet, which were impressed by the spectacular view that opened before us. A valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a lake at one end with winding rivers and streams in the valley. A paradise for campers!. Taylor Park in those days was very isolated and untouched, with only a few resilient people camping in tents here and there. We could go a whole day and not see or hear anyone but ourselves. We camped in the park for a week with our tents, air mattresses explosion, sleeping bags, Coleman gas lanterns and camp stoves. We enjoyed a great time fishing, exploring, climbing mountains and happily laughing and telling stories around the campfire at night. It was an unforgettable adventure that will last forever in my memory of wonderful experiences. In 2005 I returned to Taylor Park with my wife Cyndy. Of course had changed from what it was then. The Buena Vista Road to the summit of Cottonwood step is paved. The park is not pristine, there were more people in the camp and plenty of noise ATV and dirt bikes buzzing up and down dirt tracks, but the fishing was good and the beautiful valley surrounded by 14,000 foot snow-capped mountains still breathtaking. . . .
