July 25, 2026

Today Sharon came up and we headed up to Ouray.  We also went up the Dexter Creek Road and up the Gold Mountain Ranch road.  The fire had burned most of that area.  It was pretty sad.  The fire had burned completely around a couple houses but at least the structures were saved.  We then went up the backroads out of Ridgway.  Owl Creek and Cow Creek were still closed.  We were surprised how much green there was still in the fire area.  There was still some smoke in spots but not much.  We then went up to Elk Meadows.  Sharon had never been up there.  It was beautiful though dry.  It was a fun day roaming around in areas that had been closed for quite some time.  Nikon Z50 II