June 16, 2026

The relentless heat goes on.  I was going to hike up in the Cimarron country today, but didn't sleep worth a hoot with this heat last night, so decided on something closer.  I started out on the Payne Mesa Road and tried to hike on an old logging road down in there.  After only 1/4 mile it was impossible with overgrowth and blowdown.  So I headed over to Moore Mesa and hiked an old road over there I've hiked before.  It was only around 3.5 miles of which about half was bushwhacking.  I was surprised to find two different springs still running.  One was just bubbling up out of the flat ground.  There were shooting stars blooming by the other one.  It always amazes me the beauty the Lord tucks away even in remote spots where it's very unlikely anyone will ever see them.  The columbines are blooming early.  It's always good to see them again.  It was 62 degrees up there when I started and 70 when I ended.  The last part of the hike was up the Moore Mesa Road, which was completely in the sun.  It was way too hot for really pleasant hiking - but I think that's the way this summer may go - just like the last two scorching summers.  We are praying for cooler weather and rain as fires are popping up all over the west.  Iphone 15 Pro

The bushwhacking part was quite a workout going over a lot of dead fall.  Sad to say, but the Uncompahgre Plateau really needs some fire in many places.

My favorite wildflower and Colorado's state flower.  I always take too many photos of them.

 June 11, 2026

Aspen Trail Hike

It's been too long since I last hiked.  So today was the day to get out.  It's still hot and dry, but I couldn't wait anymore.  I do this hike at least once a year.  It's around 6 miles - easy miles.  It's also a motorcycle trail, which is good and bad.  They've really stirred up the rocks, so it is easy to twist your ankle.  But, they get the deadfall taken care of on a regular basis.  I rarely run into anyone on this trail.  Today was different.  I first was passed by 7 motorcycles.  I heard them coming and moved of the side of the trail.  They flew by so fast they didn't even know I was there.  Later I was passed by 8 motorcycles.  They were going slower.  I'm not positive, but I think it was two separate groups.  I also never see wildlife on this trail - for obvious reasons.  I didn't today either, but I did spook an elk.  I only heard it crash through the brush so couldn't tell if it was a bull or cow.  It was a bluebird day and when I wasn't in the trees it was quite warm - mid 60's.  I only saw one mosquito which is also unusual.  I did see lots of flies, but they weren't biting yet.  So it was a very blessed day.  This evening Joann and I did a couple mile walk.  So I got in around 8 miles today.  Thanks Lord for another day of walking in the woods fellowshipping with you!  Nikon P950

You shouldn't eat that! (coyote scat)

One of the motorcyclists

New pine growth

Some ole' hiker dude.

Nature's alarm system.

Bunches of arrowleaf balsamroot

Not sure what happened to this tree to cause a hunk to pop off like that.  There was another spot like this higher up.  It wasn't lightning as nothing blackened????

Lots of larkspur

My lunch spot on that rock.

 June 7, 2026

It's been very warm lately.  In the 90's and dry.  It's too hot to hike for me.  Due to Joann's sciatica flareup, we've been staying home a lot.  My hiking feet are itching!  It's no use complaining about the weather - my complaints aren't going to change it or make it more enjoyable.  God knows what He's doing.  Church was good this morning.  Karl preached on Jacob and how we need to let go of our fears and insecurities and go after God wholeheartedly.  We escaped the heat later and headed up P77.  It was nearly 20 degrees cooler up there.  Ahhhh yes!  We saw quite a few elk - no new calves yet.  We also saw several deer.  We saw one cow that we're almost sure had a calf.  She was by some oak brush and walked a few steps into the brush when we stopped, but wouldn't go any further.  That's unusual.  Due to the heat, I'm sure the critters aren't getting out as early.  We didn't stay until dark.  It was a nice and peaceful, enjoyable ride.  Panasonic G97

Relaxed elk

Mountain bluebird female

With the heat, the meager mountain snowpack is leaving fast.  It looks like late July.

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