All Soul's Day/Samhuinn/Día de los Muertos Celebration Bonfire

I should have known better than to hope that the weather would be more cooperative for a Halloween-time recreational bonfire. Oh well.

This is an informal gathering to honor ourselves and our ancestors as we cross the threshold into Wintertime and the long dark days ahead. We will cast some offerings into the fire such as food and beverage, quietly reflect and meditate on those gifts our dear departed ones still offer to us, plus generally enjoy the genuine warmth and fellowship a campfire can bring.

Although this recent snow storm has broke, it was decided earlier in the month, with some much appreciated help, that it is much easier to reserve a camp site around the Springs instead of obtaining a special permit from the fire marshal to hold an outdoor recreational bonfire, even a small one. We are only allowed six people per site. Three are spoken for at the time of this posting. Even though we probably will not be camping overnight we still have a rough outline of arrangements for shuttling visitors from the parking lot to the campsite. Only one vehicle is permitted per site as well. Please bring any ancestral offerings you'd like to make into the fire including but not limited dairy products (milk, cheese), salt, wheat, honey, sweets, or whatever snack that you have fond memories in sharing with your loved ones. The weather should be clear but still quite cold. Be sure to dress warm and in layers. The following are details regarding the campgrounds. As you may have noted on the "featured photo" above there are fees for parking, sadly.

IMPORTANT NOTES ACCORDING TO THE STATE OF COLORADO:

• "A valid Colorado State Park pass is always required on every vehicle that enters the park."

• "Due to wildfire risks, smoking is not allowed on the trails. Leashed pets are always welcomed in the developed areas of the park, which include the campgrounds and picnic areas. Dogs are allowed on DESIGNATED trails around the campgrounds only. No backcountry camping is allowed."

• "A maximum of six people and only one camping unit is allowed per site. This may include one motor home or one camper and one additional tent. One additional passenger vehicle is allowed per site only if it fits on the driveway. All vehicles must remain on the pavement at all times. Pay close attention to the recommendations about maximum camping unit length when you make your reservation. Make sure there will be room for your unit and an additional vehicle if needed. Parking for additional vehicles is limited."

• "Every campsite has a fire grill/pit and associated emergency water hydrant. The hose boxes throughout the campground are for emergency use only. Each full-service campsite has an additional water hydrant for visitor use."

• "Tree cutting or wood gathering is strictly prohibited. Firewood is for sale at the camper services building or you can plan to bring your own."

If you are feeling bold you can reserve your own campsite and join us in a network of bonfires with one of your own. Here's some additional information on the campgrounds:

• "In order to provide better customer service and access to quality camping, starting July 1, 2018, all sites at this park will be available by reservation ONLY. Occupation of a site without a reservation will not be permitted. If you wish to occupy a site at this park, you may reserve it 24/7 at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613. The 3-day reservation window does not apply at this park; sites are available for reservation 24/7. Self-service camping permits will no longer be valid. For questions, please contact the CPW call center at 303-297-1192."

Please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website linked to below for additional details.

https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CheyenneMountain/Pages/Camping.aspx