Before and After Fire Guests...

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Permalink Reply by Jason Brent on July 10, 2009 at 1:29pm

Our family had visited from 1979 to 1990, and then again in 2007 and 2008. Here is my input:

- how bad is it? Nothing about Lost Valley is bad. At least not in my mind.
- I don't think the shelf road has really been affected. At least not that I noticed.
- all of the riding I did in '07 and '08 was in the burn area.
- there are a few areas they used to ride (Camera Rock, Southern Comfort) where they can't anymore. Hiking is fine, just not horseback rides.

I miss the smell of the pines on rides more than anything. One plus is that, on rides, you usually have a wide-open, panoramic view wherever you are.

Is the beauty affected? I didn't really seem to mind, nor did any of the other six adults in our group (all who had been "pre-fire" guests). I suppose it might affect other people more.

The people at the ranch, which are what make the place so special to my family, were as good as ever.

My precious memories of the ranch from visits as a kid/teen from the 80's are still absolutely intact after having visited recently as an adult.

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Permalink Reply by Betsy Koonce Sottek on July 10, 2009 at 6:52pm

I visited Lost Valley for many years pre-fire (leaving for home the day before Lost Valley was evacuated in June of 2002), and I have visited every year - often twice - since the fire. 99% of the pictures on this website are AFTER the fire so that may provide a convincing portrait of the beauty that is everywhere. Yes - the fire was devastating to so many, but Lost Valley was miraculously saved as were quite a few areas of the forest. The carpet of wildflowers is stunning and the new ability to see far across the mountainous vistas is a unique option. You will not be disappointed in any way upon your return to LVR. There are many trees down and the landscape is definitely different, but if anything, you will be able to marvel at the miracle of all the things you loved that are still there - as well as seeing the birth of a new forest.

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Permalink Reply by LadyK on July 11, 2009 at 1:36pm

Thanks very much to the both of you for your thoughtful and detailed answers. (Jason, it seems that you and I visited Lost Valley in the same time period-- perhaps our paths crossed!) I've scoured all the recent pictures and videos I can find, but it's nothing like the impressions of those who have actually experienced "before and after." I would very much like to return when it's economically possible, and am glad to hear that neither of you have found overall negative effects.

If anyone else would like to add reflections, please feel free; I like to hear lots of different viewpoints. If you're not registered or would like to remain private, feel free to email me at ladyk (at) usa (dot) com. Many thanks to all!

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Permalink Reply by Judith Turner on August 6, 2009 at 5:07pm

Like others we so love Lost Valley it hardly seems to matter. I visited for the 3 years before the fire and now 7 years after. I still think the 11+-hours flight from the UK twice a year is worth it. Perhaps I have less bruises on my arms and knees as the trees are gone and it has been mentioned before that you can actually see more of the landscape. The dead trees are actually quite beautiful in the snow – the contrast is very photogenic. I miss the long lopes from the South Platte trail and the bra breaker log which I wasn't always brave enough to jump and there is a lot of trail maintenance to do all the time but that is the main down side of the fallen trees.

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