News
Ban pit bulls
On July 25, I witnessed an attack by a minimally leashed and muzzled pit bull on another dog in the middle of the Vail Market. The other dog appeared to sustain serious injuries. There were small children and dozens of other tourists — such as myself — in the very near vicinity of the attack.
I am amazed that the town of Vail and state of Colorado still allows people to own pit bulls, much less allowing people to walk them in the presence of other animals and people.
Having pit bulls on a leash or muzzled is not the issue. Having them at all is the issue. This behavior by a pit bull was not an anomaly, given other attacks that have been reported in Colorado in recent weeks.
The town of Vail and the state of Colorado should prohibit ownership and any presence on public property of pit bulls.
Glenn Newkirk
Raleigh, N.C.
Wolf for sheriff
As a former employee and jail sergeant for the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, I have had the opportunity to work with Charles Wolf.
Charles has the values that I look for in a sheriff and a law enforcement officer. Charles is honest and honorable, and a man of integrity.
As your Sheriff, Charles will lead his staff on a daily basis and will not stop working for the residents. Charles is a leader that will do the right thing for the residents of Eagle County and his staff.
It shows great courage for Charles to stand up as a deputy and not just say changes need to be made in the Sheriff's office, but to do something about it. Charles cares deeply for Eagle County and will do what is right for its citizens and visitors. As a 21-year law enforcement officer and U.S. Army vet, I support Charles Wolf for Eagle County sheriff and encourage you to do the same.
Keith Lutz
Gypsum
River stuff
I read professional guide Matt Sargent's response to my somewhat tongue-in-cheek article that was meant to be informative and not “fear mongering,” especially since I make my living from selling raft trips.
I guess he disagrees and states that Class 4 by Wikipedia is essentially “canoe-able” and that a canoe is essentially a bathtub-like contraption, and the pictures show this craft maneuvering Class 4. And that Class 4 rafting is only the occasional forward two paddle strokes as commanded by the all-knowing guide.
I guess the very knowledgeable river runner designers at Wikipedia certainly know a lot more than I do and all the other so-called experts. It appears Matt has chosen them as his experts in river classifications and goes with their recommendations.
My Aunt Ethel also recommended to me that she could operate on my bad tooth when I was a kid. I declined.
I guess those Europeans that wrote Class 4 should only be attempted by groups of experts after scouting were pulling the colonists' legs. Yet the American Canoe Association has adopted their language. Google “river classifications.”
Well, I have to ask how many true Class 4 rapids has anyone in Colorado seen run by a canoe? I have spent maybe 2,500 days on the river, in all kinds of rapids all over the place, and I have only seen canoes in Westwater a handful of times, kind of Class 4 at some spots. (I have been down there more than 250 times.)
I have not seen canoes in the Numbers on the Arkansas at higher true Class 4 water ever!
I did see a one-man canoe last week on the Numbers at very low flows, and it is technical low water Class 4-ish. I have never seen a canoe on the Upper Eagle at high water ever!
I used to canoe, and we actually paddled Shoshone a bunch in a two-man covered contraption. It was only Class 3, and we managed to have a lot of fun swimming the bathtub thingy to shore frequently.
Matt suggests that the key safety talk given by river guides certainly covers the self-rescue aspect of running Class 5 and Class 4. His caveat of assessing their mental preparations is difficult, and not everyone should jump into Class 5, which is my point exactly.
How do you know if your guest is mentally prepared to swim a Class 4 or 5 rapid? As guides, we do not know until we see them in the water and watch what they do. No matter what we teach our guests, the real thing is only experienced.
Now, this is why I suggest you start easy and swim rapids as you are learning rivers. Get a feel for what swimming in rapids is really all about.
We take many water-loving, very athletic people and I feel pretty good having them in my boat on Class 4 even if it is their first raft trip. Why? Because they have water experience and spend a lot of time in it and will not freak out and are truly physically fit.
My point is simple. Learn before by you leap. Take personal responsibility for yourselves. Learn your limits in increments! Why would you expect someone else to know your limits in extraordinary circumstances?
As a guide, we are more psychologists than river runners when it comes to harder trips.
We get what we get and make the best of it. We learn to encourage and teach, and on some days we are thinking, “Oh my God, I sure hope I do not have swimmers in this crew.”
Do I stop some trips and not allow people on harder trips? Yes. I have been lied to and burned on too many occasions to not take the safe route. After all, I know, I get paid to know. Why would I take advice from someone who does not know.
Typical phone call is as follows and occurs almost daily: My kids want more excitement and were bored in Class 3. What age are your children? Seven and 9, so we want Class 4 now.
Why would I listen to a 7-year-old on what is appropriate? I do not. Perhaps his 3-year-old nephew has convinced Matt that he is ready for Class 4?
One of the ends to Jimmy Carter's administration is when he stated that his daughter told him the greatest threat to the world was nuclear war, and he agreed and came up with some policy changes. The critics went wild with glee; this was too good to make up.
I want people to go in little rubber boats down rapids. I want them to love it as I do.
I left my “I can get anybody down anything” machismo behind many, many years ago.
Darryl Bangert
Questions commissions
My husband and I are builders in the valley and have been for the past 16 years. As we all know, with the state of the economy, we are not selling properties for much of a profit, and in some cases, no profit at all to just reduce our debt. Construction workers are working for less because builders are not able to pay top dollar when they will not get top dollar on the sale end.
The interesting thing is the real estate companies have not reduced their commissions and are spending less on marketing than ever before.
We recently sold a property through our real estate company, and we are having to come to closing with cash, and they are still receiving $57,000 in commission.
I think it is time to stand up to the real estate community and make them reduce their commission accordingly with the market. We have all had to make less, so why not them? I wonder if I am the only one who feels this way?
Glorie Schneider
Edwards
Bad place for puppies
I read the story about the puppy that was taken from the back of a pick-up truck in the Walmart parking lot.
I am so happy that the puppy was returned safely, as it could have been a heart-breaking experience for the owner.
However, my question is this: Why leave a pet in an open pick-up truck?
I see this all of the time. If your dog, puppy, etc., is of value to you, why not secure him or her? Whether this is in a parking lot or while you are driving down the road.
Dogs do not belong in the back of pick-up trucks unless they are secured. They could so easily fall out if a driver stops suddenly or is involved in a crash. Leaving them in a parking lot in the back of a pick up is also irresponsible. Please take the time to think about your pets.
Pat Bosshard
Vail
Looking for miracle
I read your story in the Vail Daily about the people who turned Vail Village upside down in search of a lost wedding ring. That made me smile and gave me hope.
In November 2008, my husband, Mike, and his buddy Chad were throwing snowballs at each other in front of Blu's after dinner. With one toss, off shot my husband's wedding band into the drifts of packed and tons of newly fallen snow. After an hour of scraping through the white stuff and making sure all the creek-front merchants knew how to reach us should anyone turn in a ring, we gave up.
The band was most unique. It's a brushed white gold with a skinny indentation running around the middle. Inside it is inscribed with the words “All My Heart, Alix July 21, 2001.” Mike and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary last week. We were married in Vail Interfaith Chapel, followed by the most beautiful feast on the patio at Pepi's. My most favorite memories.
This Saturday, we return to Vail, as we do every summer with our two little girls, where we make even sweeter memories.
But an even more sentimental Vail moment will be the day Mike's wedding band turns up and I can slip it back on his finger.
Mrs. Michael Duchouquette
El Paso, Texas
On July 25, I witnessed an attack by a minimally leashed and muzzled pit bull on another dog in the middle of the Vail Market. The other dog appeared to sustain serious injuries. There were small children and dozens of other tourists — such as myself — in the very near vicinity of the attack.
I am amazed that the town of Vail and state of Colorado still allows people to own pit bulls, much less allowing people to walk them in the presence of other animals and people.
Having pit bulls on a leash or muzzled is not the issue. Having them at all is the issue. This behavior by a pit bull was not an anomaly, given other attacks that have been reported in Colorado in recent weeks.
The town of Vail and the state of Colorado should prohibit ownership and any presence on public property of pit bulls.
Glenn Newkirk
Raleigh, N.C.
Wolf for sheriff
As a former employee and jail sergeant for the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, I have had the opportunity to work with Charles Wolf.
Charles has the values that I look for in a sheriff and a law enforcement officer. Charles is honest and honorable, and a man of integrity.
As your Sheriff, Charles will lead his staff on a daily basis and will not stop working for the residents. Charles is a leader that will do the right thing for the residents of Eagle County and his staff.
It shows great courage for Charles to stand up as a deputy and not just say changes need to be made in the Sheriff's office, but to do something about it. Charles cares deeply for Eagle County and will do what is right for its citizens and visitors. As a 21-year law enforcement officer and U.S. Army vet, I support Charles Wolf for Eagle County sheriff and encourage you to do the same.
Keith Lutz
Gypsum
River stuff
I read professional guide Matt Sargent's response to my somewhat tongue-in-cheek article that was meant to be informative and not “fear mongering,” especially since I make my living from selling raft trips.
I guess he disagrees and states that Class 4 by Wikipedia is essentially “canoe-able” and that a canoe is essentially a bathtub-like contraption, and the pictures show this craft maneuvering Class 4. And that Class 4 rafting is only the occasional forward two paddle strokes as commanded by the all-knowing guide.
I guess the very knowledgeable river runner designers at Wikipedia certainly know a lot more than I do and all the other so-called experts. It appears Matt has chosen them as his experts in river classifications and goes with their recommendations.
My Aunt Ethel also recommended to me that she could operate on my bad tooth when I was a kid. I declined.
I guess those Europeans that wrote Class 4 should only be attempted by groups of experts after scouting were pulling the colonists' legs. Yet the American Canoe Association has adopted their language. Google “river classifications.”
Well, I have to ask how many true Class 4 rapids has anyone in Colorado seen run by a canoe? I have spent maybe 2,500 days on the river, in all kinds of rapids all over the place, and I have only seen canoes in Westwater a handful of times, kind of Class 4 at some spots. (I have been down there more than 250 times.)
I have not seen canoes in the Numbers on the Arkansas at higher true Class 4 water ever!
I did see a one-man canoe last week on the Numbers at very low flows, and it is technical low water Class 4-ish. I have never seen a canoe on the Upper Eagle at high water ever!
I used to canoe, and we actually paddled Shoshone a bunch in a two-man covered contraption. It was only Class 3, and we managed to have a lot of fun swimming the bathtub thingy to shore frequently.
Matt suggests that the key safety talk given by river guides certainly covers the self-rescue aspect of running Class 5 and Class 4. His caveat of assessing their mental preparations is difficult, and not everyone should jump into Class 5, which is my point exactly.
How do you know if your guest is mentally prepared to swim a Class 4 or 5 rapid? As guides, we do not know until we see them in the water and watch what they do. No matter what we teach our guests, the real thing is only experienced.
Now, this is why I suggest you start easy and swim rapids as you are learning rivers. Get a feel for what swimming in rapids is really all about.
We take many water-loving, very athletic people and I feel pretty good having them in my boat on Class 4 even if it is their first raft trip. Why? Because they have water experience and spend a lot of time in it and will not freak out and are truly physically fit.
My point is simple. Learn before by you leap. Take personal responsibility for yourselves. Learn your limits in increments! Why would you expect someone else to know your limits in extraordinary circumstances?
As a guide, we are more psychologists than river runners when it comes to harder trips.
We get what we get and make the best of it. We learn to encourage and teach, and on some days we are thinking, “Oh my God, I sure hope I do not have swimmers in this crew.”
Do I stop some trips and not allow people on harder trips? Yes. I have been lied to and burned on too many occasions to not take the safe route. After all, I know, I get paid to know. Why would I take advice from someone who does not know.
Typical phone call is as follows and occurs almost daily: My kids want more excitement and were bored in Class 3. What age are your children? Seven and 9, so we want Class 4 now.
Why would I listen to a 7-year-old on what is appropriate? I do not. Perhaps his 3-year-old nephew has convinced Matt that he is ready for Class 4?
One of the ends to Jimmy Carter's administration is when he stated that his daughter told him the greatest threat to the world was nuclear war, and he agreed and came up with some policy changes. The critics went wild with glee; this was too good to make up.
I want people to go in little rubber boats down rapids. I want them to love it as I do.
I left my “I can get anybody down anything” machismo behind many, many years ago.
Darryl Bangert
Questions commissions
My husband and I are builders in the valley and have been for the past 16 years. As we all know, with the state of the economy, we are not selling properties for much of a profit, and in some cases, no profit at all to just reduce our debt. Construction workers are working for less because builders are not able to pay top dollar when they will not get top dollar on the sale end.
The interesting thing is the real estate companies have not reduced their commissions and are spending less on marketing than ever before.
We recently sold a property through our real estate company, and we are having to come to closing with cash, and they are still receiving $57,000 in commission.
I think it is time to stand up to the real estate community and make them reduce their commission accordingly with the market. We have all had to make less, so why not them? I wonder if I am the only one who feels this way?
Glorie Schneider
Edwards
Bad place for puppies
I read the story about the puppy that was taken from the back of a pick-up truck in the Walmart parking lot.
I am so happy that the puppy was returned safely, as it could have been a heart-breaking experience for the owner.
However, my question is this: Why leave a pet in an open pick-up truck?
I see this all of the time. If your dog, puppy, etc., is of value to you, why not secure him or her? Whether this is in a parking lot or while you are driving down the road.
Dogs do not belong in the back of pick-up trucks unless they are secured. They could so easily fall out if a driver stops suddenly or is involved in a crash. Leaving them in a parking lot in the back of a pick up is also irresponsible. Please take the time to think about your pets.
Pat Bosshard
Vail
Looking for miracle
I read your story in the Vail Daily about the people who turned Vail Village upside down in search of a lost wedding ring. That made me smile and gave me hope.
In November 2008, my husband, Mike, and his buddy Chad were throwing snowballs at each other in front of Blu's after dinner. With one toss, off shot my husband's wedding band into the drifts of packed and tons of newly fallen snow. After an hour of scraping through the white stuff and making sure all the creek-front merchants knew how to reach us should anyone turn in a ring, we gave up.
The band was most unique. It's a brushed white gold with a skinny indentation running around the middle. Inside it is inscribed with the words “All My Heart, Alix July 21, 2001.” Mike and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary last week. We were married in Vail Interfaith Chapel, followed by the most beautiful feast on the patio at Pepi's. My most favorite memories.
This Saturday, we return to Vail, as we do every summer with our two little girls, where we make even sweeter memories.
But an even more sentimental Vail moment will be the day Mike's wedding band turns up and I can slip it back on his finger.
Mrs. Michael Duchouquette
El Paso, Texas
