July 2, 2026

When we got up this morning the smoke was so thick you couldn't see but a few blocks away.  It was burning our throats and noses.  I went with Allen up Dave Wood and just a ways up there it was blue sky and much clearer.  We then went over the divide road to Hwy 90 and then went over to the Hauser Cow Camp road and stopped for lunch.  While we were eating lunch the wind came up and we were quickly engulfed in smoke.  Due to the wind direction, we assumed this smoke was from the Babylon fire in the Abajo Mountains that has exploded up to 80,000 acres.  We drove down the very dusty Hauser road a ways and then came back and headed back home.  When the wind didn't blow up there the flies were nasty.  They weren't biting but were very annoying.  There were lots of campers already up there I assume for the upcoming July 4th weekend.  As we came down the mountain we could see several smaller fires out in front of the Gold Mountain Firs - likely caused by the wind blowing embers out in front.  We got notice while on the road that the P77 road we know and love is under pre-evacuation notice.  They are also closing Ridgway lake to boaters as they will be using scoop planes to get water.  When will this fire mess end?  Please Lord send rain.  Nikon P950

 July 1, 2026

We are being shrouded in smoke and heat, so we decided to try to escape somewhere for the day.  Joann's sciatica is doing better so we took off toward Gunnison.  We branched off onto the Sapinero Cutoff and then went on into Lake City.  We walked around town a bit - it was only 73 and the sky was clear and blue.  We then drove up on Slumgullion Pass and stopped at the viewpoint.  Uncompahgre Peak was clear out to the west and the Gold Mountain Fire was raging behind it.  It was quite the scene - one we wished we didn't have to view.  We then proceeded on up the pass and turned down the road to Deer Lakes and Cebolla.  All the roads were very dusty and we were surprised at the amount of traffic on a weekday.  We only saw a few deer - no moose.  As we went further north we got back into the smoke.  We decided to go to Mickey D's in Gunnison for supper and then came home.  It was a great day to get out on a longer journey again.  We still are pleading with the the Lord for rain.  It's supposed to be over 100 next week and dry.  Panasonic G97

 June 28, 2026

The Gold Mountain fire near Ouray is exploding.  We decided to ride up on Sims this evening to get some photos and video.  It's sure burning over several of my favorite hiking trails up there.  The Glade Park fire is rapidly expanding too.  Unfortunately, three firefighters lost their lives in that fire.  Church was wonderful this morning - another great day! Nikon Z50II