Dons Blog Picnic by the River 8-11-21

Since we are computer slow we are sometimes locked out of RMNP. The days of picking up and going to the park for a picnic are long gone. Th excuse is Covid but the procedures will continue as the population pressures have increased to a level that something needs to happen The locals are as locked out as we are. Once admitted to the park - the advantage is that parking is minimally improved. 

We wanted to to have a picnic so we went to one of our favorite level hiking areas. It is just off the Peak to Peak Highway (at mile 50)

and is the site of an old (1930's) Civil Conservation Corp camp. It is a great place to either hike, or putz around as we did. It is on the Middle St Vrain River.  

There are great trails

and a bridge over the river made by the CCC.

There are exceptional flora and fauna. This is red baneberry (Actaea) which is striking.

And as usual asters everywhere. Can anyone identify the butterfly?

And I had a rare treat afterward.