Bring'n on Spring
I took the Black Pearl out for a roll in the forest several days ago. I rode up to where the Colorado Trail splits from Trail 800, after a mile or so of sharing real estate.
I had the place to myself. The trail intersection is a popular place for Colorado Trail hikers to camp as well. Moreover, there are enough messy campers that bears maintain an interest in the area. Most backpackers are good about keeping a tidy camp.
Remnant patches of snow are about gone, except for the deeper drifts.
The bighorn sheep were out and about enjoying the sun. Denver Water's Strontia Springs Dam caretaker's house had some nice green grass scattered throughout the grounds. The sheep took advantage of it. This time of year, the rams are fairly docile as they slowly work their way to higher elevations for the summer. Many of the ewes and smaller rams will summer in the canyon. I was about 15 feet from him when I snapped this shot. He was so groggy he could hardly hold his head up.
They're a bit more excitable in the fall months during the rut; I give them much wider berth during that time. In fact, during the rut, I would have kept on riding. This guy, when standing, is probably 3.5- to 4-feet at the shoulder, and built like a rock.
Rant alert: The above mud puddle is about 3-feet in diameter. These tend to grow when riders ride around their edges. If you need some mud, head through the center. As for myself, I would portage this.
This snow drift has receded a bit since last week. The 3 to 4 inches of snow we received several days ago lasted about a day.
Dieter and Wolfgang enjoy a bit of spring training on whatever they can find. Climbing and training on ram horns is not for the faint of heart.
Adios