Crystal Mill, McClure Pass updates

Just got off the phone with Dave Rodenbaugh. He just left the Crystal Mill area and was on his way up to the Bells. The trees behind the mill are totally stripped. He talked to the owner of the property this morning and I guess they had a cold spell in early Sept. and shortly after that had 50-60 mph winds. Although, he did say the valley from the highway to the mill is about 70% right now and the scrub oak is the best he's seen - flaming red.

As for McClure - the Paonia side is still mostly green. The ferns in the trees are mushed down due to the snow they had yesterday and it doesn't look like they'll recover. The trees weren't peak yet on the north side but are getting there. He didn't mention what % though.

I'm heading to the Bells tomorrow night so if anyone sees someone with an 8x10 shivering and trying to stay warm, come over and say hello. May be up at Crater Lake at sunrise if it's clear. If it's cloudy, I'll be at Maroon Lake.

Tony,

Thanks for the update, it's a shame about Crystal. I'm guessing by what I see here In Steamboat that we'll see bare patches like that in other places. I'll be at the Bells Sat. morning and possibly Sun. morning depending on how it goes...I'll look for the 8X10.

Tony,

Rene & I will be there on Sunday (at least that is the game plan). We'll look or you.

RichieV

Thank you very much for update... was going to go to Crystal and shoot the mill middle of next week, but your post saves a lot of wasted time, gas, and effort... Updates on the fall colors really help!

hey Tony,

Thanks for the update! I will be in Carbondale the 29th and CB on the 30th, in a friends Subaru, I assume you wil be in your new truck? What color?