Gold King Mine Waste Disaster - August 5, 2015

A National Forest signboard on the Animas River near Silverton.  The orange color is from an "accident" caused by Environmental Protection Agency personnel. The "accident" decimated the Animas River and it remains to be seen what the long-term consequences will result.

A closeup of the poster at the far left. "Respected" is, in this case, a jargon term letting you know you're on or crossing private property. 

Are they being disingenuous? The tradition of trashing public lands continues, but we should always remember to be especially careful with private lands. 

The aspen were starting to drop their leaves.

Now don't forget: Leave No Trace. 

(Peerz tuh me hits alreddy bin traced tuh duh max!)

Angel Peak Scenic Area

It's a beautiful drive up highway 550 from ABQ to Farmington, but 181 miles is too far for me in one day. Fortunately, Angel Peak Scenic Area appeared. 

I scouted the campground and sure enough it was there. No water, just a couple of pit toilets, some picnic tables and fire rings. ALL the amenities!!

So I took one of the many dirt tracks leading into the surrounding oil and gas fields. It's a bit like being in the queue at the airport runway. The wells have small engines whose cumulative effect is a constant thrum. 

Roads leading down in are steep; I walked.

And when you look at all the "pads" and their impact, it's pretty hard to take seriously the bureaucratic admonition to "Leave No Trace." Der sho' ain't much out dar dat ain't already bin trayst!!


There's still snow up north.