The Down Side of Summer

Record heat and high winds put us smack into fire season.  There are three main fires burning in Colorado, and we can see smoke from two of them.

About 2:00 today, neighbor Kate called and said "Look South".  There was a plume of smoke.  By 5, it looked like this -

As I stood there, camera in hand, I could see the fire find more fuel.

 

 

 

The fire is called the Black Forest Fire.

It's about 40 miles from us.
Correction:  it's about 40 miles driving, but 20 miles straight line

We aren't in danger, but we are hitched just in case.

 

It's unnerving to see our ranch like this -

 

 

 

My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes.



June!

June is our most beautiful month.  It's not too hot, it's not too cold*, it's just right.  We don't have flies yet, and the ranch is aglow with wildflowers.

Penstemon

 

Indian Paintbrush

 

Field Mouse-Ear

You have to look closely to spot this little gem.

 

Sprawling Daisy

 

Golden Aster

 

One-Sided Penstemon (Sidebells Penstemon)

 

These tiny little cacti turn to mush underfoot,

and pose no threat to horse or human.

 

There were a few wildflowers I was less than happy to see.

 

Locoweed

 

Death Camas

 

Dr. Gary assures us that well-fed horses won't eat toxic plants,

but these guys are outta here!

 

And finally, so you won't think you're reading the wrong blog...

Paj

 

* In the interest of truth in journalism, I must tell you that it was 34F(1C) when we did the 7 am chores on June 1.