2012--Day 8

Day 8

Colby, Kansas was remarkable in how unremarkable it was (despite it being advertised as the Oasis of the Plains), but the few people we encountered were pleasant.  After briefing, during which the Ridge of Death was confirmed, we set out west on I70 to make our way toward Rocky Mountain National Park, about five hours away.  We stopped in Limon, CO (a town named for whatever fruit was used to flavor 7 Up or Sprite) for lunch and to take mobile observations.

Gus and I switched positions in Loveland so that I could take pictures of Big Thompson Canyon and its environs.  On our way toward the canyon we saw a nice CG lightning strike (probably caused by the easterly upslope flow).  Every time I go through there I’m always reminded of the Big Thompson flood in 1976.  It scares the hell out of me to think how much water roared down the canyon.  It also scares me to think that there are so many places along the canyon that would be impossible to escape by climbing.

After a brief stop in Estes Park, we entered the park.  The views never get old, and we were incredibly lucky to catch elk and deer (?) along the way up and down.  The first one (with the best rack) was right along the side of the road.  It didn’t even seem to notice everyone standing around taking its picture.  In reality, what did he have to fear?  He was bigger than all of us, and no one was bothering him.  

Gustavo had the kids take measurements at different elevations, and the temperature dropped 30+ degrees over about 4,000 feet—first time I wore my jacket on the trip.  Our highest elevation was 12K+ feet, and the coat was a necessity.  In fact, the weather was quite cooperative on the way down—after a photo op, we piled back into the van and as we pulled out, graupel began to fall.  It quickly changed to rain, but it was still something to see.  Further down the road we saw more deer and elk, followed by a fantastic rainbow that you could practically reach out and touch, which would have been a really bad idea. While we were stopped, taking pictures of it, there was a lightning strike right next to it.  What a spectacular picture that would have made!

Driving back through the canyon we were on the lookout for bighorn sheep along the craggy canyon walls, but didn’t see any, sadly.  

            Question: how do bighorn sheep navigate such steep, rocky terrain?

            Answer: they have four-heel drive.

(That one’s for you, Doc.)

We’re on our way to Gustavo’s old stomping grounds (Fort Collins, CO).  One of our current students is doing a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program here, and we might meet up with him.  I’m so glad that our students get to do cool extracurricular experiences like these.  If it were mine to do over again, I think I would have applied for that summer program in Boulder when I was at Lyndon.

We arrived in Fort Collins at a semi-decent hour (before 9 pm local), which allowed us to take a quick vote on dinner.  The overwhelming majority decided to go to the Italian restaurant that treats you like family while you’re dining at their establishment.  Gustavo was able to get ahold of his grad school roommates, so they met us at the restaurant.  Matt (our REU student) also made the trip, so it was a raucous event.  And the staff did treat us pretty well, in spite of the relatively late hour.

As I write this particular passage, I’m in the hotel laundry room waiting for a machine (it’s going to be a late night, I’m afraid).  I hope my female travelmates arrive shortly so that I can avoid a potentially awkward (perhaps even career-ending) situation involving delicates.  

For the number lovers: 397 miles today.

While in the park earlier I was reflecting on just how fortunate (hell, plain lucky) I am right now.  I’m in one of the most beautiful areas in the world with a good colleague and friend, all part of a dedicated trip where we get to follow around dangerous weather while teaching students about it.  Yes, the days are long, the driving seemingly endless, the food not always so hot (in terms of temperature and/or quality), the living quarters sometimes a bit wanting, but in spite of these factors it’s still such an unreal and worthwhile experience, even if it ended right this very second.  And they pay me to do it—what a country!