7,000’ or so was as high as I rode today. Park temps were in the 70s and the sky was blue. Beautiful country except for the burned areas. Those are very sad to look at. Dozens of wood piles, hundreds of tree stumps and downed trees even in the non burn areas. Watched a ranger on foot herding a young buck away from a picnic area and saw four other deer walking along the Park’s golf course. Surprised to see them in mid afternoon but they must feel they’re protected and get very used to seeing people inside the Park. Several miles of brand new pavement was a pleasure. Not even striped yet and smooth as glass. If the winter freeze doesn’t ruin it by next summer it should perfect to ride on. Tour buses and Cruise America RV rentals were plentifulbut as much as I can’t stand them (in a Park setting at slooow speeds) they do reduce the number of cars traveling thru the Park. Some of these pics are right across the road from eachother. One side is green and untouched and across the road, devastation with white ash as ground cover.
You can still see the red fire retardant on some of them.
You can still see the red fire retardant on some of them.