The Mines of Dripping Springs

A few rock falls on the way up.

I brought a headlamp to explore the mines. I hadn't been in them in ten plus years but when we got there I realized I'd left it in the truck.

A Full Day

Guests checking out ask for an hour or so hike before they left so Jax and I took them to the Finger Canyons where we filmed most of the horror movie The Canyonlands. Then we hiked Hull's Place after they left and then checked out the trail to the river below the lodge.

Jax and I Hiked the Fire Road

Looking down on the Main House and hogans.

Never had such a mild winter that I can remember.

The Nights are Good

I went outside last night to feed the critters and saw the white eyes of six foxes waiting for me to put the bowls and hot dogs out. They are pretty much in the same places each night. One by the side by side, one comes up the driveway, a couple up on the hill on the driveway just before the mud huts and one or two come up from the river. As I was delivering hot dogs in various places I heard a noise. I looked up and there was our friend the ringtail. I haven't seen her in months. She was at the top of the same pole she was always on. I threw a hot dogs to her and she caught it first time as she always has. She ate the hot dog, looked down at Jax on the side walke as she always has and then she closed her eyes and went to sleep. Wherever she's been for the last four or five months she looks exhausted.

The night sky is starting to show up again. It's not very bright up there in the winter but it's lighting up now.

The Days are Good

It was a bit of a drizzle for the last three or so days but despite Jax hating to get wet it's better than not going hiking. I don't remember previous winters having so much free time. I got my quarterlies gone for the State of Utah. Then I got my income taxes done. Then the sun came out and Jax and I went outside and just sat in the sun. It's good. Then it got drizzly again but we went hiking anyway.

Five guys showed up to play disc and Jax and I went part of the way with them. Turned out they wre a country band called Trey Lewis on their way from a gig in Vegas to one in Grand Junction and swung by to play some disc. I looked em up and enjoyed the music.

Jax and I went to town for a few errands and groceries. Everywhere we go Jax is known. Nobody knows me. By the time we had returned the weather had changed again.

Feeling Better

Jax and I chased a few cows around the property for a day or two but we were both a little weak from the hike from town. Me way more so than Jax.

Feeling better we hiked out towards the Wind Caves and back.

Clouds hung low for a couple days and got a little bit of rain off and on but temps still in the high 40s so all good.