Marble, moose, and Crystal Mill

 

Great trip had with friends Steve and Kim to inaugurate their newly purchased jeep. We picked a good day with lovely weather and almost no people. Crystal Mill is quite the tourist attraction and it can be somewhat of a zoo.

Great barbecue as usual

Always a fun trip to see the tiny town of Marble (famous for their marble that is the Lincoln Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and the very photographed Crystal Mill. It's a medium in difficulty jeep ride up to the mill and we wandered around the general store and surrounds. Mark instructed our friend Steve in fly fishing and he had great beginner success. A pile of brookies were caught and taken home for dinner. I believe there is much fly fishing and jeeping in their future.

Beautiful drive and breathtaking peaks. It's worth the two hr drive over.

Last but not least, a moose sighting on the way home - first this summer. A good size female on Ohio Pass. She pretty much ignored those of us who jumped out of cars to take photos. 

The continuing magic of the mountains

Summer is flying by too fast. Aaugh.... Waves of wildflowers are blooming and dying away making room for the next group. Lots of people visiting enjoying the summer activities: everything from mountain biking, fishing, river rafting, photography, painting, camping to hiking, and I know I've left out many. We've had the start of our company visits which is such a joy. We love sharing our special area with those we love.

My lovely friends Cheryl and Mary visiting from Naples and Cleveland. We all do watercolor painting together in Florida over the fall and winter months. We are normally a group of 4 but one could not make it this time. Patty we missed you!

Painting sessions and sightseeing, very relaxing - what more could you ask for?

Had to go to the farmer's market in CB of course. A lot of other people had the same idea. It's always been a great place to find wonderful produce, organic breads, flowers, jewelry, and art. Great people and dog watching too.

There's always a bit of craziness in Crested Butte. We watched the owner of this beaten up bus get out and write an invitation to draw on his door. Mary jumped right in. I believe that's a first.... 

The lovely rain we've had is producing mushrooms. These are pretty spectacular but unfortunately not edible.  We have visions of lovely chanterelles to come. Thanks to mushroom hunting neighbors we know what to look for so hopefully in a few weeks we'll have some luck.

This was the early morning sun two days ago. Smoke haze from the wildfires in California. It's since blown out of here. So sorry for all who are in the middle of the danger.

Wildlife continues to amaze. We knew there was a great horned owl around via evidence on the deck (poop) but got a rare sighting when it landed on the railing two nights ago. 

July is here and everything glorious in summer

 

Everything is in magnificent bloom but it passes by quickly. Below are some of the many wildflowers around us.

Mule Ears Sunflower

Osha

Gentian

Western Valerian

Rose

Columbine

Wyoming Paintbrush

Yellow Stonecrop

Lots of animals around, domestic and wild. No bear or moose sighting yet. And no Flap the elderly doe either. I'm still holding out hope. Our daylilies are about to bloom - if she's still around she will surely show to eat one of her favorites. No other deer like them at all...

We have been graced with spectacular summer sunsets of late. Lots of much needed rain has swirled the skies.

The start of our summer company is coming soon. Love showing everyone around our gorgeous area.