November 29, 2024
Gunnison
We hadn’t been to Gunnison for a bit due to the ridge delays. Now it’s only short delays on one bridge. It was nippy up there, only being in the single digits. It was the most snow in Gunnison I’ve seen in years. We drive on up toward Pitkin. We saw elk and some deer. The highlight was a Pygmy Owl or Saw-whet Owl (not sure which) on a fence post right by the road. It was very relaxed for us. All in all a great day. OMD EM1 III and Panasonic G9
November 22,2024
Ridgway & Bostwick
We had hopes of seeing some bucks in the rut. We went up over Log Hill first. I think this is the first time ever that I’ve gone over Log Hill and not seen a single deer. We went all around Ridgway…nothing. So, we came home and went for a walk. We decided to go up on Bostwick later and finally found lots of deer. There were only a few bucks but they were rutty. None of them were very big bucks. Big ones are few and far between these days in western Colorado. They get killed before they have a chance to grow up. Anyway it was a beautiful warm day….mid 50’s. OMD EM1 III
November 21, 2024
Miramonte
I went fishing today with Rex to Miramonte. We left at 5:15...nope, no fish is worth that. It was cold at first but warmed rapidly after the sun rose. There was ice on the lake in spots. We caught our limit and put quite a few back. I hooked a lot more, but couldn't get them in. They were all nice fish. Rex caught the biggest one - a brown. All the rainbows were in the pound/pound and a half range. We saw a few elk on the way in near the lake. One cow crashed as she tried to jump the fence. She was fine after shaking off the dust. It was a good day!
November 20, 2024
River Walk
Joann's sister came up to do some shopping, so I escaped to the river. It was a bit chilly but not bad. I saw a couple waterfowl visitors that are not frequent...a snow goose and several buffleheads. There haven't been any cedar waxwings yet...not cold enough up north. Nikon P950
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| Killdeer |
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| Bufflehead |
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| Ring Neck Ducks |
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| Snow goose and coot |
November 19, 2024
Rim Road
It snowed a skiff last night, but the mountains got hit pretty hard. I waited until things dried out a bit and then went up on the north end of the Rim Road and did a 3.5 mile hiking loop. No people or critters - yay! Another big game season starts tomorrow, so the area will be thick with hunters again for several days. It was a good day outdoors! Panasonic G9
November 18, 2024
Vernal Utah
We took a few days and headed over to Vernal for the weekend. It was great to see old friends and visit the church we attended while there. The deer are making a comeback on Diamond Mtn which we were glad to see. But, it was hunting season, so I'm sure we only saw a few compared to what is really there. We also went down to the Ouray refuge and didn't see much. They must have rid the place of the porcupines as we didn't see any. Usually there are many. We did see a bald eagle. We then wrapped around through the reservation back to Vernal. We saw a few wild horses and some antelope. All in all it was a good trip. I love the slower pace of Vernal! OMD EM1 III
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| The eagle left his lunch when he flew. Hours later when we came back by, it was gone. |
November 8, 2024
River Walk
Joann walked with me today. It was pretty chilly. We got to the underpass and heard a couple guys arguing loudly. We could see a homeless guy with two dogs and another guy on a bike yelling and cussing at each other. We decided to turn around and head back as they were right on the trail. People are a bit wacky these days so no point getting in the middle of who knows what? Panasonic G9
November 7, 2024
Black Mesa
I'd seen photos from elsewhere in Colorado of muleys rutting already. So, we headed up to the North Fork area to see if we could find some. Nada....zilch. Plenty of does and fawns but no bucks chasing them. We decided to wander on over Black Mesa too. It was slick in spots from the recent snow, but mostly dry. OMD EM1 III
