Colorado is open.

It’s all there – waiting for you. Aspens quaking and turning.

Hail or high water we were going.

Family. Wedding.

There are Jeeps, and 4WD.

Everyone has feet.

It’s just mud.

Headed back and ‘way up to the ranch on the summit.

Wouldn’t stay as long as previously planned.

Reality that the road there, gone.

Prepared for the worst.

But surprise: Colorado is open. 

It’s a big state – lots of it just fine…even greener than usual.

Elk, deer moving in unusual places, but abundant and ready for their close-ups.

Sun is out. So are those wanting to play outdoors.

Tourists come back!

Fish are waiting.

The Aspen are turning gold.

Creeks and rivers running as much as spring. (kayak/raft with caution)

Local loving the less crowded bike and hike trails.

(Why let them have all the fun?)

People said “Please tell them to come back. It’s OK.”

Amazing resiliency.

So much cleaned up.

Now roads into Estes (some trails open in RMNP)

Trucks chugging constantly moving to bring in supplies and fuel (We did have to search in one spot for that).

Mountain tops waiting!

Still much to do.

Some roads are a temporary fix during a 2-5 year estimated complete roadbed build where needed.

It’s OK now to use washers and do laundry in Lyons. But there’s a lot of damage there.

Boulder looks pretty good. Inspectors going house to house inspecting for habitability for homes in the flood path, but many just fine. CU kids and students, Mudslingers (NBC/video), are using Facebook as a dating service to match homeowners needs to student volunteers. (Put out a call for help and the number of kids you requested arrive before you can blink.) Salute to them!

Loveland, and areas along Big Thompson and Fall Creek are also shoveling out. (CO flood statistics)

Residents aren’t waiting around wringing hands.

As one Boulder woman said, “We can’t just sit around and wait for other people to show up and solve our problems.”

Neighbors helping neighbors.

FEMA had to hustle to get in there – so much was already being done.

It’s just the way things are done in the West.

Want to help? Click here to find out how. Both man and beasts appreciate it.

Salvation Army. Red Cross (Make sure to specify for “CO Flood victims” or it goes into the general fund…they bought themselves office furniture after Katrina). Donate Boulder is a Community Organized Flood Relief group.

Pets and livestock are also displaced. Mud is bad enough to trap horses. Ask Rosie. She’s one saved from sinking – by a neighbor. (Animal Rescue groups listed in above link)

Thinking about early Christmas shopping? How about some nice T-shirts, mugs, or bags? Colorado has them.

And to really help the state help their own, tourists saddle up: Colorado is open.

Visitors just need to be alert for any weather/ flood warnings as fronts move across.

You drink bottled water anyway. (Some drinking water concerns in areas that were flooded)

Everyone is willing share information about what roads and areas are open.

Sunrise in the mountains the day of the wedding:

Morning breaks with a promising symphony of color.

Life in the mountains is always complex and full of surprises.

This is the view looking the other way.

Among the early morning dark clouds is a rainbow.

Dark clouds? But a rainbow: that’s gotta be good.

There was a long winding road uphill in low gear.

The last bit of an uphill hike in the mud.

But the view.

The clouds did roll in.

And there was hail.

Probably Mother Nature just deciding it would be cozier with all indoors with the fireplace and a lovely soft white cloud in the window as a backdrop for the ceremony.

She kinda runs things out there.

More on some of her special magic shortly.

Yes it does get even better.

Appreciate all her special touches

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

Open roads. I70 West

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