Fall color, elk, and more Penny

Wow, back to Star Mt. accompanied by Tiffany and Penny. Things have already changed a bunch while I was away. Cows are all gone, with  it was done in stages, and we don't know why. They're out 3 weeks early - continuing on the theme for everything this summer.

Mark opened up our gates which is always nice, and we have a nicely cleared out area outside the fence (3 acres,only 25 to go) and stuff cleared out inside the fence as well. I think we have 11 cords of wood out of the whole project - enough for years!

Mark photo

Mark photo

Penny enjoying fall color too

The aspen color is crazy beautiful now. We went up Ohio Pass to CB and ran into a lot of people for that little dirt road pass. Every year, lots of people come from near and far to see the fall color. It's great Tiffany is here to see - first time for her.

Well, it's Crested Butte

tree man?

Mark photo

It's fantastic to have Tiffany and Penny here this week, although we miss having Chris too. Went to the Crested Butte farmers market Sunday. Regular vendors and things, plus yet another festival happening there, this one the fall festival Vinotok. I swear this town has more festivals than anywhere.

Cold front came in today and dropped the temp to 40 with rain and sleet with a dusting of snow on the peaks. Aaah! It seems awfully early to me! Supposed to be freezing tonight, hanging baskets have come in, but nice weather (70's) the rest of the week. Our countdown begins...

Mark photo with his great zoom lens

Saw an amazing sight on the main road leaving CB. It actually was causing a traffic jam, something unheard of here. A giant herd of elk planted right in the middle of cattle. Huge bulls (elk males) in the middle fighting a bit for territory.

Lots of deer around eating everything green in sight. Mark swears that no deer were around while I was gone - must of missed me. And Mark has made friends with the chipmunks before they disappear for the winter. Apparently we have to have pets of some kind or another. The hummingbird pets have all gone back to Mexico. Living it up with margaritas I'm sure. And the baby owls have come back, at least two of them. Only heard their very distinctive baby shrieks, no sightings. All the dead trees and branches have been taken down, so don't know if they'll like it and stay. And by the way, where did their mom take them weeks ago anyway?

And then there is Miss Penny. Oooh baby...