July 28,

Sailing on Lake Dillon is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the blue waters with the beautiful mountains in the background. This body of water belongs to Denver and it is their largest reservoir. The idea for this body of water came about in the early 1900’s. The Denver Water Board acquired most of the property for this lake due to unpaid back taxes from residents who were devastated by the Depression. Denver made an offer they could not refuse. It must have been terrible to lose your property especially during the Depression. In the early 1960’s the Blue River was dammed and the water was diverted to Denver.

The water originated just months ago from the abundant snow that draped these mountains and roadsides. This year due to the overwhelming snow fall, the reservoir is projected to be full for the first time since 2011. Careful planning is done to release water into the river below to make room for the snowmelt. Flooding later in the season is a risk that is taken seriously.

This is a beautiful lake and many enjoy the waters by sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, in the summer and in the winter ice fishing, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing. There is a path around the lake that is great for bikers. I am grateful for this beautiful water that provides so much pleasure to people of all ages. I appreciate it even more due to the the pain of loss that many landowners experienced.

It was a lovely day to be invited aboard our friends’ sailboat. Despite good planning and packing it turned out my camera was empty of the cards needed to store images. Without spare cards I relied on my friend’s i-phone. I did have more fun since my camera was not between me and the scenery. It is pretty amazing to enjoy these beautiful waters that were previously white powder, and it was so peaceful and enjoyable to feel the cool breeze and watch the changing shoreline.
Sailing is certainly peaceful and relaxing with the skills of friends. I am grateful for the abundant water, beautiful scenery, and the generosity of friends.

"We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one".~Jacques Yves Cousteau
Peace.