John: Every time I read a post I say to myself, "You don't have to comment on every post, Tim." But each time I am drawn to the comments. Damn you. LOL. There is so much richness in these posts, John. In this post, so much pathos. So much KRIST. Your perspectives and empathy for your dad are generous and honest. Thanks for this one. (And might I shout out for Leslie - your steadfast ally on these trips. She's a prize.
Thanks, Tim. This was a particularly tough journey, but worthwhile in so many ways. And yes, Leslie definitely is bringing joy to my life. I can't imagine undertaking these adventures without her.
Hi John - I came across this post in my own search for connections to my family story. I think we might be distantly related. I am a descendent of Krists who lived in Walsenburg. My grandparents spent much of their childhood in Tioga, CO which incorporated the Pictou mine. The land is now owned by my family, and my grandpa can point out what each foundation was at the time when the mine was still open and before it became a ghost town. I shared your story with my grandmother and she believes your grandfather may have been her uncle, though her memory is starting to fail. I'm not sure if I would be able to fill in any gaps for you, but would be happy to connect.
Hi Madison. Thanks for reaching out. According to our family records, John Albert Krist, my grandfather, was one of 12 children -- six boys and six girls. Among his sisters was Teresa Krist, who married Frank Fink. Jr. So, this aligns with what you are hearing from your mom and grandmother. That makes you and me second cousins once removed, if I am calculating correctly. My dad (also John) and his brother Ed each had four kids, seven of whom are still alive. I'm hazy on my cousins' families, since we are not close, but among me and my three siblings, we have five children and three grandchildren.
While Leslie and I were visiting Walsenburg last year, we probably drove right past your family's property when we were exploring the area around the old Pictou site. I had the sense that some of my relatives might still be in the area, but no real way to figure that out. It's nice to meet you!
Ahhh John, what a beautiful heartfelt post of your rich family history. It must have felt so rewarding to be able to find those family facts, and be amongst some of the ruins and richness of the land. I find it so nice that you and Leslie enjoy traipsing all over, well at least here in the West, to accomplish your dreams. I'm ready for another post from Next Chapter, get moving out of town again...lol
Thanks, Jill. We are about to embark on another journey, so in coming weeks you should be reading about our adventures in Wyoming, eastern Nevada and northern Utah.
Wow, what a great post. Turns out we have family from the same part of the world. My grandmother grew up on a very humble farm in Trinidad and I remember vividly how much she loved the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristos. Every time we would visit her little house at the edge of town she would have us drive Route 12 and make the loop that passes through Walsenberg. Thank you giving us all some more context/personal history about what I consider a very beautiful place.
Thanks, Joseph. What an interesting coincidence. I don't know whether I will ever make it back to that area, but it certainly made a great impression on me during our August journey. Even without the personal connection, it is a very captivating landscape.
Well, you have inspired me to return to the area--even to reconsider how to think about where a set of wheels and the right amount time might take one. Very appreciative.
John: Every time I read a post I say to myself, "You don't have to comment on every post, Tim." But each time I am drawn to the comments. Damn you. LOL. There is so much richness in these posts, John. In this post, so much pathos. So much KRIST. Your perspectives and empathy for your dad are generous and honest. Thanks for this one. (And might I shout out for Leslie - your steadfast ally on these trips. She's a prize.
Thanks, Tim. This was a particularly tough journey, but worthwhile in so many ways. And yes, Leslie definitely is bringing joy to my life. I can't imagine undertaking these adventures without her.
Hi John - I came across this post in my own search for connections to my family story. I think we might be distantly related. I am a descendent of Krists who lived in Walsenburg. My grandparents spent much of their childhood in Tioga, CO which incorporated the Pictou mine. The land is now owned by my family, and my grandpa can point out what each foundation was at the time when the mine was still open and before it became a ghost town. I shared your story with my grandmother and she believes your grandfather may have been her uncle, though her memory is starting to fail. I'm not sure if I would be able to fill in any gaps for you, but would be happy to connect.
After talking with my mom, I got some clarification and she believes your grandpa John was actually my grandmother, Arlenes, brother.
Gosh, sorry, that's not right actually. So tough to connect the dots. John (your grandpa) was my great-grandma Theresa Finks (Krist) brother.
Hi Madison. Thanks for reaching out. According to our family records, John Albert Krist, my grandfather, was one of 12 children -- six boys and six girls. Among his sisters was Teresa Krist, who married Frank Fink. Jr. So, this aligns with what you are hearing from your mom and grandmother. That makes you and me second cousins once removed, if I am calculating correctly. My dad (also John) and his brother Ed each had four kids, seven of whom are still alive. I'm hazy on my cousins' families, since we are not close, but among me and my three siblings, we have five children and three grandchildren.
While Leslie and I were visiting Walsenburg last year, we probably drove right past your family's property when we were exploring the area around the old Pictou site. I had the sense that some of my relatives might still be in the area, but no real way to figure that out. It's nice to meet you!
Ahhh John, what a beautiful heartfelt post of your rich family history. It must have felt so rewarding to be able to find those family facts, and be amongst some of the ruins and richness of the land. I find it so nice that you and Leslie enjoy traipsing all over, well at least here in the West, to accomplish your dreams. I'm ready for another post from Next Chapter, get moving out of town again...lol
Thanks, Jill. We are about to embark on another journey, so in coming weeks you should be reading about our adventures in Wyoming, eastern Nevada and northern Utah.
Hi,
I'll be waiting to hear all about your next adventures!
Thanks, John. Wonderful story telling and photography.
Thanks, Chuck!
Wow, what a great post. Turns out we have family from the same part of the world. My grandmother grew up on a very humble farm in Trinidad and I remember vividly how much she loved the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristos. Every time we would visit her little house at the edge of town she would have us drive Route 12 and make the loop that passes through Walsenberg. Thank you giving us all some more context/personal history about what I consider a very beautiful place.
Thanks, Joseph. What an interesting coincidence. I don't know whether I will ever make it back to that area, but it certainly made a great impression on me during our August journey. Even without the personal connection, it is a very captivating landscape.
Well, you have inspired me to return to the area--even to reconsider how to think about where a set of wheels and the right amount time might take one. Very appreciative.