Mountain Excitement

On It · ‎03-15-2021

This morning I woke at 5:30 and opened the blinds. The elk herd was migrating through my front yard. Some walked up to my bedroom window. They had many babies that still had their spots. My husband counted 45 or more. They are magnificent animals.

Two days ago two guys cut down three pine trees across the street that were 50-60 feet tall. One climbed each tree not quite to the top. He cut off branches and lowered them to the ground. The second one took the branches off the rope and sent it back up. When all three trees had the lower branches removed, they dropped each tree in the only spot available between several obstacles. It was perfect precision.

Yesterday a fire broke out about 6-8 miles west of our house. We had 35 mph winds. I was distraught, but 50 units from the local governments responded quickly. Fire trucks were racing to the scene and sirens were echoing through the canyons. A large plane flew over our house and dumped red fire retardant. I know there were two drops, but I think there were three. The lake was closed to anglers and tourists. Helicopters were dropping water collected from the lake onto the fire. Last night the wind lessened. The firefighters were able to stop the forward progress. A state unit and forest service unit are on scene to monitor the fire. Local units were sent home last night after a long day's fight. They saved the forest once again.

I hope today is without incident. The village is full of visitors.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@On It That was scary but glad all ok.

Can't remember which mountain range you are near?

Your lake water bucket retrieval for the fire reminded me of the training helicopter drills across the street at Chatfield State Park which they do in the summer, haven't seen them yet.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

Goog grief! You may have to go on tranquilizers due to the excitement. I've been wondering if you're close to the latest fire.

Seeing that elk herd was a real treat. Did you think to take any pictures? Do you now have to clean up a bunch of elk poop? They are indeed magnificent animals. We had a herd mingle with stopped cars while in Yellowstone. Several were close enough to touch had I been unwise enough to roll down a window.

Try to have a calm day.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@rockygems123 We are in the Sacramento Mountains in the Lincoln National Forest.

The lake here is in tight quarters between two steep hillsides. They could not pick up water until the state police cleared the site.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@On It Must be a beautiful area. Sounds like great teamwork with great results.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I'm looking at a fire/smoke map right now and I don't see a current fire burning in that area.

In fact, I don't see a water reservoir in Lincoln Natl Forest either.

ETA-

Oh wait, Curtis Canyon has a small reservoir.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@Kachina624 It has been action-packed compared to the sleepy village we normally experience. My husband took some photos which I have not seen. I do not know how to post them, but my son will be visiting this summer and will teach me how.

I have not looked for poop. One female had her backside to the window and peed a big one. I could have reached out and taken a urine sample. We do not go outdoors when the elk are that close. I do not want to disturb them so they will stay as long as possible. I also do not want to agitate them. They are wild animals, so we do not approach.

We do not venture out on Saturday because it is when the village is at peak capacity. I am grateful to the firefighters for our not having any mandatory evacuations.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@SilleeMee wrote:
I'm looking at a fire/smoke map right now and I don't see a current fire burning in that area.
In fact, I don't see a water reservoir in Lincoln Natl Forest either.

Here in the village we have two manmade small lakes. The one closet to the fire is the one they used. Both lakes are part of the village water supply.

Jk9 · ‎07-18-2013

Wow @On It two big adventures occurring! Thank goodness for the fire control. Seeing the elk walk through your yard is an amazing treat to have anytime during a lifetime. We get so excited to see flocks of wild turkeys! I live in rural upstate SC in the foothills.

Thank you for updating us and wishes for continued safety to you.

If my dog doesn't like you, neither do I.