On my recent visit to Trappers Lake (see previous post), I noticed a lot of streams on the way up, more so than most Colorado high-country roads, and because of the rains, they were running full.
Trappers Lake is in the Colorado Flat Tops, a rugged wilderness area very popular during hunting season (turning our multiple-use lands into single use). I once did a solo mountain-bike trip across Colorado's Uncompahgre Plateau during hunting season, and even though I was draped in as much blaze orange as a person can wear, I still felt like it was a crazy thing to do. The looks on the faces of most of the hunters I met agreed.
I think I was in a "reclaim multiple-use mode," but it was a futile effort, although I enjoyed the autumn ride (when not worrying about being shot). I found my greatest risk was from getting run over by the wild turkeys I spooked (they're large birds).
Patiently waiting in the rain...
It was the start of bow-hunting season during my Trappers Lake visit, and outfitting is big business in the Meeker area. And of course, being a non-hunter and animal lover, it was bound to put a damper on my impression of the little town.
The bucolic little town of Meeker, Colorado—until hunting season, that is.
My aunt and uncle lived in Meeker when I was young, and I would go spend a week or two with them every summer. I liked Meeker back then, and I'm sure it was just as redneck as it is now, if not more.
I recall my aunt telling the story of how my uncle, who worked for the Meeker power company, was out surveying a new electrical line, along with a couple of other guys, one who was driving a Jeep. They were standing on the cliffs in the photo above when the Jeep rolled off, turning into a heap of metal below. One of the guys had forgot to put it in gear.
An old homestead cabin on the edge of Meeker
This one's a bit fancier (also near Meeker).
Anyway, I kind of got into stopping at all the little creeks on the way down the road from the lake, and the dogs enjoyed the roily water, when it was safe to get in, which wasn't often.
Ghost trees in the cold rain
Everything was going smooth until we came upon the above. An outfitter was trying to get his huge stock trailer onto a small steep road and had blocked the main road. He finally was able to pull up enough to let cars go by. As far as I know, he's still sitting there. (The trailer is at least three times as long as shown in the photo.)
Autumn was in the air.
I suspect this creek's name has something to do with a horse picket line.
And my favorite...
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