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.