Six years ago today I saw the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge for the first time.
Me six years ago… 
Now… Hmmmm
Strangely, it wasn’t until this year that it became “my” place. That probably wouldn’t even have happened if it hadn’t been for two things. 1) Off leash dogs at the spots where I usually took my dogs, 2) the virus and the need to walk freely without worrying about human contact.
Once I started taking Bear and then Teddy to the Refuge, no other place had any appeal. The big spaces, the changing mountain views, the weather, the birds, the whole THING. Yeah, it’s just a couple miles on a dirt road but WHAT a couple of miles!!!
This afternoon it suddenly clouded up, the wind started blowing, and I thought, “A-HA no mosquitoes!” I saddled up Teddy and we took off.
Dark dark sky over the San Juans as you can see in the featured photo. Big peals of rolling thunder. Amazing changing light over Mt. Blanca. Holy fucking shit. And then, to put the final wonder on this wonder I saw dozens of…
As it happens, Facebook told me yesterday and today that in past years I have seen cranes the first time in “fall” around the first of August.
The thunder and lightning got a little close and I swear I actually ran.
I’m happy the cranes are back. I’m happy we got to go out in a storm. Walking Teddy is so much easier out there than in town, so that was also great. When I got home, this song came on Mohammed’s Radio. Seriously.
“Summer is the season of inferior sledding” - Inuit proverb (Women's Wilderness Legend) 
Yay, Martha! Teddy’s eyes reflect his excitement! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Big Empty so much — and the dogs, too! Those are remarkable weather shots — the dark clouds, the light on Mt. Bianca with the darkness in front of it! And I’m glad you had a nice rain storm! I didn’t realize that the cranes came back quite so early — how nice that they’re also showing up now!
I am so happy to see them! I feel somehow that they and I share a world. ❤
Just googling Mt. Blanca, it seems you may be in Colorado. Both of my cousins live there and love it. I have never been. Someday I hope.
I am in Colorado. In the San Luis Valley, a part of Colorado most people don’t ever see. It’s not Aspen etc. 🙂
Well, it looks beautiful.
It is very beautiful and very wild. I love it. ❤
I suspect that your spirit has always been connected to this place and it is only an anniversary for your physical presence in the Big Empty!! Teddy has that “spark” of intelligence in his eyes – giving him a “look of eagles” Happy Anniversary!
Thank you. I agree with you about my spirit. Coming here was coming home in a very profound way. ❤
What a peaceful place it seems to be. Your dog looks utterly delighted.
It’s a very wonderful place. Wild and completely itself.
Memorable day, in many ways!
🐾❤️
Such a perfect day!
It was great — brief but wonderful.
Sounds like a meant-to-be kind of day. Such beauty without the bugs plus the energy of the storm. The cranes! And then…the song! Happy Refuge Anniversary 🙂
Than you. ❤ It was magical
You’re most welcome. It does indeed sound magical. 🙂
Wonderful story in your photos and your words, Martha.
Wonderful landscape and amazing sky!
It is pretty amazing out there. I love it so much. ❤
I love it as well!