After two wonderful days of sun and blue skies, the smoke and ash is back until the next wind shift.
The ten day forecast is for cooler temperatures but little to no precipitation.
The smoke makes my sinuses kick my ass but I remind myself my home and possessions are not threatened. Imagine the stress of those who are, and have been for weeks.
The dry conditions in Northwest Colorado are causing ranchers to severely cull their herds. Shipping the culls is a huge problem as the fires have caused many roads to be closed. About the only reliable way to markets in via Loma, aka Douglass Pass between Rangley, CO and Loma, CO (near Grand Junction) to Interstate 70. Longer distances mean higher costs.
There are just a few Colorado mountain passes that cause my reproductive tackle to shrivel. Among them is the South side of Loma Pass.
Some advice. If you like beef, and have a freezer, fill it now! After the culls get processed, the beef supply will drop. This situation isn’t unique to Northwest Colorado. The dry summer has hit the entire region.
