May 10, 2026

Today is Mother's Day.  We went to church this morning.  This is the first year Joann will not have her mom on mother's day.  We miss both our moms but know they are blissfully happy in heaven.  Thanks to Jesus, we don't grieve as those who have no hope.  Anyway, this afternoon we took off up Hwy 90.  Then we went over to Dave Wood and on into Sanborn.  Very little snow left on top of the Divide Road.  Usually it's still closed this time of year.  We had to stop in Sanborn to let a herd of 30 or so elk cross the road.  We saw a few deer too.  It was a very blessed day! Iphone 15Pro

 May 6, 2026

This morning it rained a bunch…1/4”. That’s not much for most places but it is for here, especially with the decades long drought. The mountains got a fresh coat of white, including the Uncompahgre. The wind blew all day. I walked anyway, winter coat and all. It’s supposed to freeze tonight. Unfortunately most of the fruit in the area is already lost. The record warm temps in March got it all budded out and then it froze. And next week we’re back to record highs at least twenty degrees above normal. Nikon P950

 May 5, 2026 Afternoon

A storm is coming so I decided to head up Dave Wood this afternoon.  It was cool up there - only 48 degrees and quite windy.  I had on a heavy coat and stocking hat over my cap.  But I was wearing shorts so that made it a bit cooler for sure.  I first walked the road across from Elk Mountain.  Then I came down and walked at the forest boundary.  I went down into the draw and found some elk hair and the smell of elk was very strong.  I didn't see any but could sure smell them.  The flowers are coming out everywhere.  I walked a couple miles between the two stops and had enough of the wind.  The Lord is really blessing us with rain and snow now after the record dry winter.  But, the weather says we are supposed to get close to 90 next week - so may be back in drought.  It's all good - He knows what He's doing!  Panasonic G97

Elk hair - I'll give it to Dylan for fly tying.