February 28, 2025

Norwood

We were going to go hike the Escarpment Trail, but when we got there it was obvious it was too muddy and still had some snow. It was quite warm so there was melting everywhere. So we dropped off the hill and turned toward Norwood when we hit the “nut” road. Doggone Telluride negatively affects so much in this area…from the airport to the road congestion. And, the majority of them seem to be in a huge hurry. Speed limits are not even suggestions to them. No wonder there are so many fatalities on that road. So, it’s gotten rare for us to travel that road. Also, after working so much in that community, I have no desire to even visit the place. It was my least favorite place to work insurance claims. Even Aspen and Crested Butte were much more pleasant. 

Anyway, we ended up going up around Miramonte and over into Dry Creek Basin. It was dry all the way and lots of open water on the lake. We saw some elk and deer and several bald eagles.  It was a nice bluebird day…other than the road from Placerville to Montrose. Sony RX10 IV

 February 27, 2025

Sunshine Ridge Walk

Solo walk today of about 4 miles. I went up Dave Wood first. Surprisingly in this warm dry winter, there was at least 8” of snow in the trees. Lots of mud too, so I headed for drier ground. I didn’t even take a camera walking. I left it in the truck as I didn’t want to mess with it.  When I have it I’m always looking for a photo or video. It was quite warm…in the low 50’s. 

 February 26, 2025

Escalante

I went with Allen today up Escalante Canyon. There were a lot of people there. We had a good time watching lots of desert bighorns. There weren’t any large rams. The road up on Karo Hill has gotten very rutted. It was getting muddy at the Sawtell, so we turned around. It was quite cool and the wind was blowing pretty hard. It was a good day. Nikon P950

 February 13, 2025

Transfer Hike

It was a cloudy day in the mid 40’s. I did a solo 7 miles. I was surprised that it was dry for the most part. Very unusual for this time of year. There were lots of deer and elk tracks, but I didn’t see any. It’s always great to stretch the legs. Canon SX70

 February 4, 2025

Roubideau Hike

Joann and I hiked 6 miles up Potter Creek. It was very hot going up…60s. But the wind came up and helped on the way back. No critters except we spooked a flock of quail or chukkars. Not sure which they were as they flushed too far ahead. It was a great day in God’s creation. I could almost hear the Utes of past ages. 

 February 3, 2025

Sandy Wash Hike

What an unusually warm day. Low to mid 60’s. It was actually almost too hot to hike in the very soft dirt. But, a wind came up and blew for an hour or so which helped a lot. Then it suddenly stopped and it was back to heat. It was good for me as I need to get my body more heat tolerant. I wore my quite worn Merrell Moab shoes. They were great, almost like moccasins. I could really feel the earth. After months of hiking in waterproof boots, my feet were soft and weak. They need to get strong again. Walked about 5.5 miles is all. That area has been infested with elk this winter and I don’t know why they’re so low as mild as it has been. Anyway, elk tracks everywhere but I didn’t see any and I was very stealthy and quiet. It was a great day in God’s creation. Panasonic VX981

 February 1, 2025

Escalante

Today the lady and I first stopped and hiked the wildlife refuge. They recently cut out a lot of brush. It really opened things up. It’s been crazy dry for quite some time. So the trail was powder. We then went out to the canyon and up to the forks. They weren’t many people. We had a great day seeing lots of turkeys and a group of desert bighorns that entertained us right next to the road. We stopped at Taco Time for supper. Sharon met us. It was a dandy day in God’s creation. Sony RX10 IV