Northern Colorado Mountain Run 2018 - Event Date: 17 July 2018 - 22 July 2018

I think we just heard the young boy crying "wolf".  The young boy being the unknown FS employee speculating on a Forest-wide closure.

The probability of the Forest closing the entire forest to the public is slim to none.  They will close areas affected by fires or floods while they are being affected.  But in 25 plus years of working for the Forest Service I've never seen an entire National Forest closed because of a possible fire.  Currently they have some closure areas around the Sugarloaf Fire west of Denver.  The Sugarloaf fire does not affect where we'll be camping.  It's a long way away.

The Badger Creek fire in Wyoming may affect us with smoke.  It's only 25 miles away, and upwind of our campsite.  It's 21,000 acres and growing slowly.  But they reduced the staffing on the fire to a type 3 team so the Regional Fire big whigs don't see the fire as a big threat.  Besides, it's 80% contained so it should only annoy us with some smoke at most.  

Bottom line on this is that we'll have to have a fire in the general area near our camp site before the area would get closed to the public.  And if there were to be a fire close by, we would not want to be there anyway.  So pray that no one leaves a campfire burning when they leave the forest, and that there are no thunderstorms between now and then.  If that prayer is met, then we'll have a great week of Jeeping and fun in a very scenic National Forest. 

Our county commissioners put on fire restrictions today effective immediately and running through 8/3. 

Shouldn't really affect us, but good to know going in.

We're still under Stage 1 fire restrictions which I posted before.  No change to that.  

Weather wise it looks like there will be afternoon thunderstorms in the area the weekend before our rides, and clearing skies starting on Tuesday.  Not sure yet what the rest of the week will look like.  Temps look like highs in the 70's and lows in the 40's.  So chilly mornings and T-shirt afternoons.

88.5   Classical

90.1   Jazz

91.9   Public Radio

95.1   Country

98.7   Classic Rock

102.9 Oldies

Cheyenne also has quite a list of radio stations that we may be able to get.  Even Chugwater has a Christian Contemporary station.  So if you're looking for some tunes to enjoy around camp, or out on the trail, this list of stations should reach us pretty well.  These stations may also help us keep an eye on changing weather in the area, or any news of fires that may start nearby.  

Don't know how to get FM radio on your Baofeng?  Quickly press and release the top button on the left side of your radio.  That puts the FRS frequency into the background and turns on the FM receiver.  Then use the up and down arrows to change the frequency and find a FM station you like.  The handy part of the Baofeng is that if you get a radio call on the FRS frequency, it will temporarily stop the FM broadcast and will change to the FRS channel as long as someone is talking.  Once the FRS talk has stopped for a few seconds then it will automatically go back to the FM radio station.  No it will not receive AM radio signals.  Just FM.  

Planning to make the trip, BW if you still have room.  Put me down for mushrooms and some wild rice. 

A bit foggy on the timing again...is everybody getting there on Tues. now, or Wed. or what is the plan?  Just show anytime and put in a claim for some level ground?

   Show up whenever you like. It sounds like some are going to show up in camp as early as Sunday. I don't know if I'll be able to be there that early or not, but I hope to. The event doesn't really start until Wednesday, but those who are there early can make impromptu runs if they desire. As you know, my runs are mostly "impromptu" anyway. I figure the early part of the week to allow folks to come in, set up camp, and then set in the shade with a cold drink and relax while they watch the newcomers set up.

  BW