My Colorado: Photo Contest


© Kim Slemint

Congratulations to Kim Slemint of Broomfield, this issue’s Photo Contest winner. Kim took this photo while walking along Main Street in Silver Plume, Colorado.

The Pikes Peak Bonus Feature
By Neal G. Rink

On July 3rd, 1966, four USAF buddies stationed in Colorado Springs decided it would be a novel experience to attend the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. So we threw our camping regalia into the trunk of a Ford Falcon, pooled our meager resources, and drove through Manitou Springs up to a desolate camping area on a secluded ridge which included a partial view of the upper race course.

After setting up our campsite, we settled into the evening with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, plus some Walter’s Beer from Pueblo. Soon, a campfire, the city lights of Denver and a sky fired with stars filled our senses.

Suddenly and completely unexpectedly, a swarming, choking, smothering cloud of millions—no, billions—of Miller moths swept across the face of our mountainside. We scrambled into our sleeping bags and screamed like little schoolgirls as countless waves of moths slammed onto our bags.

After what seemed like hours (only 10-20 minutes), the invasion finally ended and we pulled ourselves to our feet and examined the carnage. The fire was out, but soon recovered. We could see wings, legs and thick dust falling from the heavens. Dying moths were fluttering and flopping by the thousands on the ground.

I can’t remember much of the race the next day, but it was probably won by one of the Unser boys. I will never forget, however, the evening “bonus feature.”

My Colorado features original work by our readers that captures the uniqueness of our state.

SUBMIT A STORY: Essays for My Colorado must be 200-400 words. Sorry, no fiction or poetry. Email to Carrie Patrick, cpatrick@colorado.aaa.com, or mail to EnCompass, Attn: My Colorado, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. If we use your story, we’ll send you $60. Please include a daytime phone number and mailing address.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Entries for the photo contest must be horizontal and taken in Colorado by an amateur photographer. One entry per person, per issue. If we use it, we’ll send you $60. Please send the photo as a high-resolution jpg to Carrie Patrick, cpatrick@colorado.aaa.com. Don’t forget to include details of where and when you took it!

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