They are using the open field north of the CSU Research Center as a helicopter staging area, which is next to the Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. The above image was taken last night as one of the helicopters was ending their day. I think there were six or seven helicopters on the ground, fuel trucks and mechanics waiting for them. As you can see the smoke sits atop of us, no blue sky. Very little wind. Even after receiving 14 inches of snow the fire smolders. As the fuel drys the fire burns a bit more each day and is unfortunately making its way towards Red Feathers Lake and Crystal Lakes where there are several homes and cabins. They are unincorporated communities and census-designated places and of course a post office. They have been under a voluntary evacuation for a couple weeks now. The smoke is visible this morning and makes the throat tender.
I had my first encounter with a rattlesnake at the nature area between taking these two images. It was nice having several people warn me about the snake and where it was located. Once I approached the snake it made sure to shake it’s rattlers and let me know it’s physical distancing boundaries. I admit it was difficult to see it but easy to hear it. It was coiled about six inches off the trail and ready to strike if anyone dared to cross it’s boundaries. I wasn’t in a daring mood so I respected those boundaries. I even began a dialogue with it hoping to help it relax a bit, it seemed rather tense. Told it I was only passing by and to have a good night.
6 Comments
Faye
Yikes! Peril lurks at every turn. Be safe, Monte. The sunset photo is lovely, despite the dangerous conditions.
Monte Stevens
Yes, we face many perils in our lives and snakes are one of them. They do give me the creeps. And yet, I am a threat to the snake as well and thus the reason for their rattling to give me warning of its presence.
Cedric
Quite a story Monte. I always wanted to see a rattle snake in the wild when traveling through the States, though I was equally conscious of the old adage, be careful what you wish for 😉
Cool photos by the way. The sunset is breathtaking, albeit for the wrong reasons.
Monte Stevens
I am aware of how many sunset images I have posted the past 4 weeks mainly due to the smoke in the air. Hope I do not overload my millions of viewers. 😊
I was looking for the snake and do believe I would have missed it had it not let me know it was there. They blend into their environment very well. I want to respect the snakes right to be there and to live.
Tom Dills
Just a few days ago we were watching the train demonstration at Promontory, UT and a rattler snuck into the seating area. The rangers quickly and humanely “relocated” it, but I think it’s the first time I’ve seen one in the wild. It’s good to be on the lookout!
Monte Stevens
It’s their world as much as ours. We seem to forget that even with other humans.