From the Estes Park Trail-Gazette.

There is a new forest fire near Estes Park in rugged terrain. This morning it was at 300 acres. It has been dry and the winds are at 35 mph with 25% humidity. This seems an odd time for fires because it gets down to below freezing every night: a wake up call for us.



Right now, the flames are headed for timberline, so maybe that will control the fire in that direction due to the lack of fuel. Since there are no structures threatened, I wonder how much they will let it burn itself out. The forest service is always pining (hah) for the opportunity to burn off some of the excess fuel for the sake of forest health.



It's elk rutting season.



The elk in Estes Park are right there in town if you ever want to do some viewing. They get to be pests for those who want to have flowers or vegetables. In the summer, the police call in to dispatch when they spot a herd of elk so the tourists can be directed by the visitors center as to where to see them.



This was taken mid-September. I'm surprised the young turkeys are so small - must have been a late hatch.