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Duane had more energy than I today and decided to drive to Gunnison to play pickleball.  (This picture was taken a couple of days ago.)

In all of our riding around exploring the mountains, we’ve managed to see one mule deer and a couple of hawks.  Because of this, for my exercise I opted for a walk across the street to Old Stevens (picnic area—part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area along Blue Mesa Reservoir) looking for wildlife.  This view is from the rv park.  The roof of the restroom is just visible.

The area consists of a short paved drive ending in a circular turnaround with the restroom in the middle.  Along the lakeside edge are a dozen parking spaces

and six nice picnic areas with grills and nice views of the reservoir.

All of these plants were giving off a very nice aromatic fragrance.

Before the road turned into the picnic area, it continued straight to a boat launch.  Warm winters kept the mountain snow pack to a minimum.  That and the drought have lowered the reservoir to its present level. 

To the right of the sign a dirt road circles the shoreline for shore fishing.

Normal water line.

Here I finally found some wildlife—a gull,

and a great blue heron.

At the end of the road is an inlet where Stevens Creek runs into the lake.  Because of the drought, the creek ends in a pool.  Here I saw a fish break the surface, and swifts skimming for bugs.

Across the hill is Stevens Creek (picnic, tenting and boat pier).

Of course, I found the most wildlife just outside my front door. 

The wildest thing I saw was that the Aspen trees have eyes.  Apparently when limbs are cut the trees develop eyes to make sure people know they’re watching and won’t cut off any more limbs.

Spooky!

Only three days left here.

Louise and Duane