If there is a cloud in the sky

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Saturday Morning, May 16, 2020

If there is a cloud in the sky this morning, I cannot see it. Yesterday afternoon we left camp around 4 pm and drove down into a deep canyon. A small trout stream runs through the canyon. Max and I had spent a couple of nights in this place when we explored the area last fall. Taken all together, the sparkling water of the Rio de las Pinos, the way that the verticle rock walls of the canyon channel the sunlight through the cottonwood and aspen trees, make this an amazing spot.

After leaving the canyon, we drove 17 miles or so to Antonita, Colorado where we restocked some supplies. By this time it was dark. Driving in the darkness on the rough forest roads that lead back to our camp was not pleasant but we made it back to camp safely, slept well, and woke rested and hungry!

Andy Blake is a superb camp cook! This morning as Andy was doing his iron skillet wonders on sliced potatoes, onions, sausage, and eggs, we had a visitor. A colorful mountain hummingbird came to explore Andy’s “chuck wagon”. He carefully checked out the interior, testing to see if the colorful spray bottles that Andy uses contained anything suitable for a hummingbird.

Later, as we ate, a bluebird came to explore our camp. As he fluttered and swam through the morning sunlight, the blue of his wings seemed iridescent. So much beauty in one place plus the cool mountain air were the magic ingredients that made this a most memorable meal.

In a few moments, we will head back to the canyon. Andy has lined out several areas that he wants to photograph, so we will spend several hours. While Andy does his photography, Max and I will walk and enjoy the scenery.