Finally, It's Done

Hi, GunDiva here.

Monday, March 16, was the Bionic Cowgirl's birthday, and also the day of the sentencing for Daniel Graska, who caused so much turmoil and pain in our lives. I'm not going to re-has the mess that was the sentencing, you can click over to my blog to read that if you want, but I did want to share Mom's Victim's Impact Statement. I feel that it'll be good closure for all of us.

"I am at a loss for words. How do you put down on paper the tremendous sorrow and loss you feel at losing your soulmate and your business partner at the same time that you’ve yourself sustained major injuries that will take months, if not years, to heal? How do I grieve when I need to help my children, grandchildren and great-grandchild grieve from this horrendous loss to their future lives and what this special person meant to them? The hardest call I’ve ever had to make was letting my kids know that we’d lost such a critical part of our family. 

It was November 21, 2022 and we were returning home from our very first semi-retired vacation. Bill and I ran the Allenspark Lodge Bed-and-Breakfast in Allenspark, Colorado; a very quaint 92-year-old log lodge at 8500 feet elevation that has become the center of our community. We were just outside of Moab, Utah; the skies were clear, the sun was bright, the road was dry and appeared empty, and we were listening to a fun audio book. Suddenly, I heard Bill say, “Oh shit!”, and I looked towards him to see him looking in the side view mirror. I glanced in the mirror and saw a dark object, but then suddenly we were airborne. The last words I remember saying are, “we’re going over.” I regained consciousness as I was being pulled from our vehicle. I remember glancing up at the car, looking for Bill to see him still sitting stoically behind the steering wheel like he was still driving, but I knew right then that he was gone. It’s like sensing a piece of your heart and soul has just disappeared. 

My attention was grabbed by the kind persons who stopped along their way to help us. I call them my guardian angels.  How could two paramedics coming from two different directions, who didn’t know each other, suddenly be at my side to help me begin breathing again? (I had a collapsed lung which they were able to reinflate.) The ambulance that had been called was still 20 minutes out. These were just strangers who had stopped to help.. I am forever thankful to them.

I remember the patrolman coming over to check on me and telling me how so very sorry he was that Bill's neck had been broken instantly upon impact, and that the occupants in the other car “walked away uninjured”.  He called it "shear effect".  It was obvious to him who had caused the accident. He said they had also called for a chopper.  As I was being loaded on the Flight for Life helicopter, I asked about our dog, who had been in the car with us.  I was then flown to the trauma hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, where the true grief and devastation of what had just happened hit me. The hardest call I've ever had to make was letting my kids know that we'd lost such a critical part of our family!

As soon as I arrived at the ER, the nurses told me the police dept. in Moab had our dog.  She had been thrown from the vehicle, then found by one of the witnesses.  She was taken to the police vet with a shattered leg. Thanks to that department and several of my neighbors - plus a lot of vet bills - we were able to save her leg.  

I am so thankful to my family who all showed up as soon as they could after being notified. Both daughters came from the northern CO area around Ft. Collins; and our son and my daughter-in-law came from Phoenix. Our youngest was an over-the-road truck driver at the time and joined us when he finished his run. Nebalee took over all the mundane chores that go with instantly shutting down a business, and Deejo took over dealing with the insurance companies.  The girls also clothes shopped for me as everything with me had been lost in the accident, and my clothes at home were not right for my healing body.  The guys in the family got me set up with a replacement car, and replacement phone.  

I spent three days in the ICU, then was moved to a general floor for two more days.  We had a wonderful Zoom Thanksgiving dinner with all the family who had gathered back home.  

While in Grand Junction, GunDiva arranged for a final showing at a funeral home in Utah for me, so we could all say our good-byes.  Bill had wanted to be cremated so his body was not allowed to cross state lines, which meant we had to make the trip to him.  The director there was so very kind and even arranged for shipping his ashes home in exactly the kind of box he would have wanted.  

The kids got me released to their care and moved me back to Ft. Collins, where Nebalee's family graciously made room for me to stay - even giving me the master bedroom because it was the only bed I could get in and out of, and had a private bath. Nebalee took on the bulk of assisting with my day-to-day care, while GunDiva took over all the medical chores; getting me appointments, getting me to and from those appointments, and getting the meds. 

The kids also arranged for a memorial for Bill at the church in Allenspark.  He had never wanted anything fancy, but it was needed for the community, so they arranged for the church and a gathering afterwards at the lodge, with room to stay for out of state guests.  The weather was atrocious; cold, icy, and blowing snow, but the turn-out was huge!  I was allowed to go for only three hours because of my healing lungs and I was using a walker.  I literally got chased out of the lodge, but I was astounded at everyone who came.

I’ve endured the trauma of being blindly run over from behind by a person speeding while high on an illegal drug. I spent over a year in grief counseling learning to deal with the resulting PTSD, and the permanent loss of partial eyesight.  We had a thriving family business that was critical to the neighborhood that we lived in, that was instantly shut down due to the loss of half of its business partners and my injuries. 

We were one of the larger official bed-and-breakfasts in the state, running 11 rooms in an almost 5000 sq. ft. building.  Bill and I were the only full-time workers, and as we were entering the off-season, there was no one to take care of the business.  Due to my extensive injuries and the damage done to my lungs, I was not being allowed at high altitude. Winter in the Rockies can be very harsh and is devastating to structures if they're not being maintained.  Bill did all the maintenance.  I fretted over the damage being done to our building; pipes freezing and such; propane running out and no heat.  We had full lodge bookings for many of the weekends that winter.  I don't know how to describe the complexities of thought as to what to do about the business. 

Bill and I were in excellent health and good physical condition at the time of the accident, from our 25 years of operating the property.  We also had horses and worked very closely with the Livery directly across the road from us. Remarkably, I healed from the physical injuries fairly quickly, but it was still four months before I was given medical approval to return to the altitude at which I lived. 

We have a grandson who lived with us periodically during Covid, who was transitioning between jobs.  He kindly offered to move into the lodge as he knew how to operate the stoves and all the heating systems for the property.  He took a job at the local ski area and lived with me for the next year and a half for emotional support, and to help keep the business running.

Bill and I so thoroughly loved running the B&B, and it's such a huge part of the local business, that I wanted to continue running it.  It's full time work for two people so when my grandson wanted to move closer to his job due to winter road conditions, our youngest son asked if he could take over the business.  He and his new wife have moved into the structure with me, and he is in the process of learning the business.  So many changes over the last more than three years, due to one second in time!  I have not moved on; I am trying to live on in remembrance of Bill and the fantastic relationship we had.

I am willing to forgive Mr. Graska for his poor choice to operate a vehicle while under the influence of an illegal drug.  It would be much easier if he were to show some sign of remorse, or at least apologize. "Vengeance is mine," said the Lord, so my faith says that he will have some penance to pay at some time. My family's wishes, and mine right now, are to keep him off the road for as long as possible.  My desire is that he not be able to cause any other family this amount of grief."

The Accident and On-Going Legal Stuff

Hi, GunDiva here. I realized the other day, as I was posting on my own blog, that I'd never posted about Mom and Bill's accident here. That was a conscious decision at the time, since this blog is associated with their business and we were keeping a pretty tight lid on things until they all got sorted out. If you'd like to get caught up on what was posted over on my blog, the posts are here and here. As you'll read in the second post, I had intended to continue posting about the accident, but grief is dumb and I ran out of spoons to keep posting.

The accident was November 21, 2022 and we're just now getting around to seeing some action on the case. It took almost two years of hounding the Utah Highway Patrol and reaching out to the County Attorney to get some traction. Finally, on November 15th, 2024 (I wasn't kidding about it taking almost two years!), the County Attorney notified us that charges were being filed against the driver who hit Mom and Bill.

The initial charges were: automobile homicide, 2nd degree felony for Bill's death, and negligently operating a vehicle resulting in injury, 3rd degree felony for Mom's injuries. At some point, I'm unsure when, the charges were amended to:

• Negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, 2nd degree felony (Bill)
• Negligently operating a vehicle resulting in serious bodily injury, 3rd degree felony (Mom)
• Driving under the influence - 1st offense in 10 years

The warrant was issued, which was a weight off our shoulders. It had been 725 days since the accident, and I'd basically given up. I figured the other driver got away with killing Bill and almost killing Mom and there was nothing to be done about it. I knew that the accident report was complete, which took until July 2, 2024 to finalize. But, knowing that the accident report was complete, I didn't see any reason why charges hadn't been filed. The evidence is pretty clear, in my eyes, that the other driver is at fault.

Honestly, it was rage at the injustice that forced me to "get mean" when I reached out the the County Attorneys in October, 2024. I wasn't sure which county would be handling the case, so I reached out to two adjoining counties and hounded them until I heard back. My relieve was short-lived at hearing that the other driver had been charged, and a warrant issued, because the other driver lives in Washington State. I knew they weren't going to go extradite him, that we'd have to wait until he was stopped for another traffic infringement. Then, his warrant would show in the system and he'd be arrested and sent back to Utah.

I (we, but I don't want to put words in anyone else's mouth) settled in for another long wait. I really thought it would be a traffic violation that would bring him in. Imagine my surprise when I got an email from the County Attorney on a Sunday night (March 2, 2025) that the other driver was in custody. But not for a traffic violation, because he'd been caught breaking and entering. For some reason, it never crossed my mind that he was a career criminal. It didn't matter how he was brought into custody, just that he was.

Since his first court appearance in March of this year, it has been nothing but hurry up and wait. We've had several virtual court dates. Most have resulted in an extension while he was searching for an attorney to represent him - he makes too much money for a public defender. He finally found an attorney, and we played hurry up and wait again while his attorney got caught up on the case. We were supposed to finally have an arraignment a week or so ago, but he got yet another extension while his attorney gathered the "factual evidence" of the case. I don't know, I think the objective toxicology report, the information pulled from each of the cars computers, and the reconstruction of the accident are pretty factual, but I know it's his attorney's job to question everything.

The one thing the other driver's attorney and I agree on is that this should not have taken over two years to get to this point. This case should be over and done by now.

We had a meeting with the County Attorney, and we were told that while he'll take our feelings into consideration, we really have no say in whether or not he offers a plea deal (drop to 3rd degree felony for Bill's death, 0-5 years prison) or goes to trial. He wants to offer the plea, we want to go to trial (2nd degree felony for Bill's death is 15 years to life).  He agreed to consult with a toxicologist regarding the levels of meth in the other driver's system and how fast it metabolizes, then make the determination if he can prove the other driver was impaired. If he can solidly prove the other driver was impaired, then he's more willing to pursue a trial.

He'll let us know his decision before the next arraignment date in August. I'm not hopeful for a trial, I suspect we're going to have to make peace with a plea. But ... I might be able to swallow the injustice of the plea as long as the other two charges aren't altered.

Logically, I get it. He has a huge case load, and needs to close them. But my sense of right and wrong is outraged.

A friend of mine is fond of saying, "We don't have a justice system, we have a legal system." He's absolutely correct. There will be no justice, no matter how this turns out. So, we'll play within the legal system and pray that he faces some consequences.

A Day in the Sun, i.e., Playtime

We have now had Alloy integrated into the herd for a couple of weeks; a necessity made by the weather gods.  We kept getting 6 - 12" dumps of snow, which made his little pen nearly impassible.  He was only being kept in it at night, anyway, so he wouldn't go wandering off over the now very short fences looking for human contact.  He is such a people horse!

Love this picture of Alloy and Bill.

Our outside water faucet froze so instead of stringing 125 ft. of hose to fill the heated water tank, we had to do some bucket patrol.  That's always fun!

After this picture was taken, we had another 8 in. of snow, so it came right up to the top rim of the tank.  We had to keep shoveling the path to it so the horses could get a drink without getting on their knees to reach the water when it would get lower.  To them, it was simpler to just eat snow according to Ranger.

We noticed the herd getting a little on the bored side, so we added some rocks to an empty milk jug and took it out for entertainment.  They loved to play with this at the 'cousins' house'.  Just like little children, the same toy was not interesting at home.

Alloy, who follows you around like a puppy dog.   "What's that?"

Jesse, who will wear anything, anywhere.

... and who will toss it back to you if you put it on her head.

Ranger - not impressed.

Don't be putting that on my butt!

Washoe, always glad to be helpful and point it out to you.

But what do you want me to do with it?

So maybe a little lesson time instead?  Such as how to properly stand still when someone is leaning on your back.

Alloy:  what are you doing?

Ranger:  he does this all the time.

Bill quickly learned it was best to spend time with Ranger whenever he spent time with Alloy, or there would be a price to pay.  I just laugh a lot because I've had that issue with my grays for 14 years now.

Bionic Cowgirl

What can I say? That's Beel for you!

A week ago or so, Nebalee, Asset and I went up to the Lodge to have a HellHat making party. As we were assembling our HellHats, Beel was playing with the discards. I knew he had to have something up his sleeve.

Can't you just see the wheels turning?

It took us about an hour to complete our project and when we were done, Asset and I both had HellHats that perfectly fit our personalities.

I happily posted about our project on Facebook as we went along, not thinking a thing about it. When I got home, I looked at the comments and found this:

Beel's "Hel-mutt" made from the crown of the hat and my discarded helmet visor.

(If you want the story behind the HellHats and the process, click over to Tales from the Trail.)

'Grandparent' Training

We spent some time with the kid's horses this week; it's an ongoing process - but they are learning so much so fast.  We introduce some new ideas to the horses once a week and the kids reinforce that and add to it.

This week's goals were:  hard tie Copper for the 1st time; saddle Skeeter while tied (always had her at liberty or on a loose lead before), more Copper leading practice, put a bit in Skeeter's mouth; more ride time on Skeeter; ... and anything else we could come up with, depending on their mental  attitudes.

We arrived shortly after GunDiva and needed to get some hay off the truck.  After unloading her 30 bales, she thought the truck would be a really good practice 'patience post', as it has good steel side rails and would be pretty hard for the horses to get loose from. 

Since Copper had not had any tying practice, we opted to 'soft tie' him to the horse trailer inside the pen first.  However, on the way to the trailer, Bill decided a little trailer loading would also be good, so .....

Is this a chin scratcher?

Skeeter thought she knew how to do this.  She has been half in and out several times, but ...

 

... to everyone's surprise, she stepped all the way in!  Just like that!  Even AliBird was amazed.  Well, let's see if Copper was paying attention.

 Copper:  "So what is so interesting in here?"  Maybe not yet.

Well, if you won't go IN the trailer, we will just have to tie you TO it.

 He was pretty cute.  When he realized he couldn't just walk away when he wanted, he tried all kinds of evasive techniques to go away - everything short of panicking and yanking on the rope.  He never once got scared or snorty.  However, he did get in trouble for pawing at the wheelwells and the hitch.  Soon, he was standing still enough, we thought he could go to the truck.


Parking the truck in a central location close to the tack room, both horses were brought out.  They sure do like getting outside the pen.  After this day, they might not be quite so anxious - as it does involve work!

 

Copper doesn't think this is too bad; sometimes there is hay leftover to nibble on.  Skeeter isn't too sure about this not being able to move around.  Both of their ears tell the story.

Well, since you are just standing here, let's try this bareback pad on you.  Hey, this one has a belly strap!  What do you think, Copper?

 

Look, there's a breast collar that goes on here.  Well, the front strap is way too long; that will get taken care of this week.   Something else is missing.  Braids!

After they got all pretty, they each got to go for a walk - Skeeter discovering the breast collar was not going to eat her - and Copper learning that he could stand next to a tree, also.  Amazing the things you can get tied to.  Next came the bit.  Just for a minute to get the feel in Skeeter's mouth.  She wasn't quite sure what to think of it, pushing on her tongue.  This week she will be getting to wear it around for awhile.

In fact, the horses were having so much fun, they didn't want to go back in the pen.  I had laid my camera down on a concrete block near the corral alleyway, and Copper stepped on it when he objected to going back.  I know better than to put it down, but even we 'forget' the kinds of things that can happen around horses.  End of pictures for the day.

However, it was not the end of work.  The gear came off of Skeeter and GunDiva got on;  a little more bareback practice.  It just keeps getting better, with a short walk around the area and successful dismount.

After Skeeter's ride, Copper got introduced to clicker training.  He 'charged up' pretty quickly and had fun looking for a silly little wood block we were playing with.  I bet he spent plenty of time that night wondering why he wasn't getting a treat for touching it.

 

It was a great day with both horses.

Bionic Cowgirl

Skeeter's First Ride

I've been lax in keeping up with the blog.  We've been pretty busy here at the lodge, and when we do get away, we have way too much fun playing with the 'grandhorses'.

Last week we spent about 1 1/2 hours at GunDiva's place, continuing with 'training'.  She was delayed at a funeral, so Bill and I just entertained ourselves -at her horses' expense, of course.  After spending time grooming, I started re-braiding Copper's mane.

Copper likes to sleep while I braid.

Bill was leading Skeeter around and somehow ended up on the tub/mounting block.  I turned around in time to see him sitting on Skeeter.  When I asked him why he decided to get on her, he said she made the decision.  As he swung his leg up to rest on her back, she took a step sideways and he could either fall between her and the tub, or just slide on - obvious choice there.

She took five or six steps backwards and stopped.

Bill only had the lead rope so he just sat there waiting to see what she would do; she just stayed calm and thought things through, so Bill stayed put.  He had just about decided to get down when Skeeter relaxed so he tied up the other end of the lead rope to use as reins, and did some flexion exercises with her head, getting her to turn her head from side to side until she actually turned around in a circle in both directions.

 Finally he sort of encouraged her to take a couple of forward steps.

Soon she was moving around at a nice walk like this was a normal thing.  Check out the video clip on GunDiva's blog.  The next time she stopped, Bill slid off with a 'job well done' pat.  The only sad part was GunDiva not being there to see it; it was totally unplanned!

When GunDiva did arrive, she tossed the saddle on again, just for practice - and Bill had to give her a new hairdo.

When the saddle came off Skeeter, it seemed only natural to toss the pad on Copper, who had stood patiently by while all this was happening.

Copper was a tad apprehensive when Bill approached with the pad, but after a couple of rubdowns and sliding it on his back, it was no big deal.  Soon he was walking all over the pen - being careful to not let it fall off.

They are such good horses!
Bionic Cowgirl

Caught in the Act

A couple of days ago, I got pressed into service by the Livery.  It got busier this holiday weekend than expected, and they have less horses than expected due to our late snow on Mother's day.  I had asked if I could 'join' one of their rides, just to get out on the trails.  Next thing I knew, I was leading the ride.  Seems they were short a horse for the next ride out, and since I had my own horse, I could lead the ride and everyone would get to go - so I led out a family of five and we had a great time - the only ride, in fact, that did not get rained/hailed on that day.  Ha!  I received a nice tip and came home happy.

Today, the guy wranglers were scheduled to do trail maintenance.  I saw them packing up a pack horse this morning and heading out.  The girl wrangler stayed behind to take what few rides they expected.  That was nice, but again, more rides showed up than planned; now this is great news for the Livery.

The weather was so wonderful today and our guests all had plans, so Bill and I decided to grab a couple horses and go help with the trail maintenance.  As we were walking to the corral we passed a couple guys looking disappointed.  When asked if we could help they commented on wanting to take a ride but ....
Just then Compass spotted us and  - well, you can guess the rest.  We got pressed into action.

Now, I like taking out rides; Bill - not so much.  He likes to ride with friends, etc. but is kind of 'done' with the wrangling thing, so I wasn't sure how this was going to go.

Compass getting the first guy up on the biggest horse she has, Blue.

A few directions and we are good to go.  Notice the difference in the size of Blue - a full blood Percheron -  and Ranger!  Ranger led out as he sets the best pace for beginner riders.  One of the riders had a burro to ride as a small child; the other was on his second ride ever.

The first thing we saw along the way were three deer close to the trail, which got their cameras out and clicking - and totally got their minds off the apprehension of being on such huge beasts.  As we start down the first hill, we asked where they were from:  Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  Oops.  Now Bill is telling them that the distance we traveled up from the Livery was a greater elevation gain than going from sea level to the top of the highest 'mountain' in Florida.  Good start, Bill.  They just laughed and said, "Yeah, that would be the trash dump."

As we came around the meadow, I heard Bill telling them about our 'Colorado Crocodiles'; the croaking frogs we have at this time of year.  They sounded great to listen to.

Notice Bill is turned completely around in his seat, explaining the Sleeping Indian.  This is definitely a guy who maybe has missed being a trail guide - at least a little bit.  Jesse and I just rode drag.

As we are returning to the Livery, he tells them, "You have now conquered part of the Rocky Mountains sitting on a animal whose tongue weighs more than his brain."  I'm sure Ranger was rolling his eyeballs by that time.  He did earn us a great tip.  The lodging season is starting out a tad slow, but the riding season is off to a super start - at least for us!
Bionic Cowgirl

Welcome 2014

Well, for all of those who have not heard through the Facebook gravevine, I have to announce that we have added a new addition to the family.  Bill and I are now officially great-grandparents!  At 6:40 this morning, "The Girl" presented Deejo's family with a grandson, weighing in at 7 lbs, and 19 ins. long, with a full head of hair!  Way to go Grandpa Deejo (get used to it, kiddo).  Congratulations to all.  Babies are such a joy!

We had a good gathering last night for our Candlelight New Year's Eve party; lots of pics taken but none with my camera.  Sorry.  Maybe if I beg real hard, some of those will show up on Facebook pages or we will get an email.  It was low key, laid back, and totally enjoyable, ending with champagne, shrimp, cocktail weiners, fruit plate, cheese and crackers and a myriad of cookies and fudge - plus singing by the great maestro, Bill, at the stroke of midnight.

We woke to a new inch of snow on the ground, bright sunshine and some blue skies.  Welcome 2014 - and happy birthday to all our horses.  Jesse and Washoe really were born at this time of year; Ranger just gets to claim the 'regular horse birthday of Jan. 1st' since he was 8 before being 'captured' and nobody can even guess what time of year he was born.  I'm not sure where the time has gone, but I am having a difficult time accepting that none of our herd are youngsters now.

Happy New Year!
Bionic Cowgirl

Juanita wrote the post, but she let me caption the picture of the baby blanket she made.  Do you suppose the root for the word "crotchet"  comes from the base word for crotchety? Bill

Bill is off to a real good start for the New Year!!!  BC

Quiet Horse Time

We had a few minutes yesterday prior to guests coming in, so we hopped in the car with a few breakfast scraps - aka 'biscuits' to the horses, better known as left-over waffles, pancakes and homemade bread slices lovingly dried on the grill for our furry friends.  They each have their preference, but right now they just seem to be really happy to see us coming for some petting time.
"Hey, is that the treat bag you have there?"

Ranger - You got my favorite in there?  (He's the waffle man.)

Jesse - I wanna see!  (Don't you just love their fear of the plastic bag?)

Ranger - Hey, that's my waffle!

Washoe - I've been waiting; can I have something? (He's not picky - as long as he can get it in his mouth.)

 Not to disappoint Ranger, Beel had to practice his 'dead Indian' trick.  You notice the other two are getting away before he can try them.

It was a fun few minutes.  Horses are so good for the heart!
Bionic Cowgirl

Scene-It

I have to start off with a very belated "Happy Birthday" to my favorite honey.

Don't even bother to count the candles; he's way over six, and still under 60, it was a surprise cake from his mother-in-law and HAD to have candles to blow out.  I've already caught heck because none of the kids were invited.  It was a busy work night for all of them - so we will do something a little more official later on.  Our four-hour travel times then were making get-togethers more than a little difficult.  And ... more to the point ....

Bill and I spent the last couple of days checking out 'new and improved' travel routes.  One we heard about and tried Sunday, didn't pan out so well, but later we got a call from a neighbor saying she had heard that CO SH 119 was officially opened to the public.  That is one that goes between Nederland and Boulder, down the Boulder Creek Canyon.  Today we went that direction and found it to be a beautiful drive - and it will shorten our drive time "to town" by about half.  We actually made it from the Lodge to the intersection of highways 34 and 287 in Loveland, in one hour and 42 minutes (a one hour drive before flood); a three hour drive post flood, using the Golden/SH 6 route; and a two and half hour drive post flood using the Golden Gate Canyon (SH46) route.  So, each route opening has been an improvement for us!

We took some pictures along the way for your enjoyment - because Colorado is such a contrast of seasons - and the drive might be a little longer, but it couldn't be much prettier!!!

Let's start with a little color on the aspens along the roadway.

I love scenes like this; little farms in the high country to remind us we live away from civilization.  Yes, those white spots under the green trees are snow; remnants of our first October snowfall on the 4th.

A little more of that contrast ... fall leaves with a touch of winter snow ....

and the snows to come.  The Indian Peaks and a glimpse of the kind of pasture land our horses will roam on this winter, still above eight thousand feet.

Another shot of the Indian Peaks ...

More color as we zoomed by ...

This was just a small slide area, not big enough to warrant any road work, but look at that blue sky!

Boulder Creek Reservoir - look at how high the water is on the dam at the left.  I bet there isn't three feet of extra space before the top.

Just one of the repairs on SH 119; the road had been undercut by the water.  Those gray rocks just beyond the barrier are part of all the rip-rap that was hauled in, then the roadway was repaved and the barrier added until they could finish the shoulder - but the road opened one week ahead of schedule.  The crews working up here have been phenomenal.  Thank you CDOT.

As you travel up here between Nederland and Ward, try spotting this entry to an old mine on the side of the road.

Some of our favorite mountains a little closer to home.  We hope you enjoyed the ride as much as we did.
Tomorrow, the horses get the exercise!
Bionic Cowgirl