At the fire's edge

Driving toward Manitou Springs Sunday

We drove into Colorado Springs last Saturday just hours after the Waldo canyon fire began to burn. The vista was unexpected: a mountain range clouded with haze and smoke. Flames were distinctly visible on the side of the mountain that night. We were completely astounded. We heard the news that this fire started at noon that day.  The trip looked to be over before it even began.
We had a great view from the hotel room window.  It burned all night and we didn't get much sleep watching the flames grow and move.
The next morning, we made some calls. The campground at Mueller was open and not having any adverse effect from the fire. According to the Park Ranger, the air was clear. Her home was in Woodland Park and she was not too concerned.  We decided to make the trip across the range. Soon after breakfast, highway 24 was closed. This was our direct route - but, it's not the only way across.  We made the 3 hour drive toward Denver and down through Decker on 67. It was a beautiful drive. There was some scary dirt roads on the mountainside to add to the adventure.
We made it safely to the campground. The smoke was always visible over the ridge.
Driving that drive we saw the devastation from the previous forest fire, the Hammond fire. That fire was 10 years ago. The scorched trees still stand. The green of undergrowth is beginning to take hold. So sad. It will be a lifetime before that forest returns.


Evidence of Hammond Fire North of Woodland Park on 67