Daffodils, snow, elk, hiking, and calves

As I write this it is snowing -on May 8. Welcome to spring in the Colorado mountains.

We climbed to the top of that!

We went on our first official hike a few days ago. Across from Blue Mesa up Rainbow Lake Rd. Not super long (not quite 4 miles) and not terribly steep, but enough (1,000 vertical). The wind was unbelievable at the top - felt like 60 mph as a couple of the pictures show. Hold onto your hat! Deer and elk evidence all over but nary a one.

hunting at our house

We have animals out everywhere suddenly. Elk have returned to Star Mt., fox and coyote abound, and hummingbirds have started to return. One feeder up. The first returning from Mexico get zip - it still snows, it still freezes at night and hardly any flowers are blooming.  Our aspen trees are inches away from leafing out and the snow runoff is in full swing with high muddy rivers everywhere.

The cows are still having calves, and we've been witness to a lot, I mean actual births in the field. I saw another one on the way home from the grocery store yesterday. Quite a sight I can tell you involving a giant white misshapen balloon looking thing. No photos for all parties delicate sensibilities...

Popped into CB for lunch at one of the few places open (Mcgills), which was actually our anniversary lunch. With so much closed down we are really celebrating at a hacienda in New Mexico on our way down to Santa Fe for family wedding festivities this weekend. 42 years - wow.
We watched sidewalk demolition going on up and down Elk St. (some businesses have paid to have heated sidewalk sections put in front of their establishments). Going  a bit upscale for little Crested Butte. The interesting question will be, do people avoid those stores with slippery icy mess in front come winter? Or do the stores participating expect additional business? Stay tuned...
Off tomorrow for wedding fun and the weather is predicted to be perfect - 73 and sunny.