 |
| Treasure Mountain(left), Chair Mountain (right), and the Raggeds form the backdrop of this scenic view above the Crystal River Valley. |
People familiar with the Colorado mountains will find it odd that this shot was taken in early July. Why? Because there's hardly any snow to be found! A below-average winter (with respect to snowfall), coupled with a very warm spring and summer has left the mountains very dry and relatively snow-free.
The Crystal River, which flows in the valley above, is running about 80% below average for this time of year. Until the rainfall of last week, it was flirting with the record lows of 1977.
All of us out here are hoping that the wildfires making the news are brought under control quickly, and that few new ones take their place. We remember the summer of 2002 well, when everyone was on edge all summer long.
This morning, I hiked up Hunstman's ridge again. I've done this about a dozen times this spring and summer, as it's close to home and makes for a great training hike. I would like to get up into the other high country some more, but have been busy with a variety of things, and just haven't gotten around to it yet. Soon, I hope.
