A good Friday...

Tossed back a couple of quick cups this morning, then loaded the truck and headed up to Leadville to cut down a Christmas tree. Day was a little breezy, but sunny, too, until just outside Buena Vista where low clouds came and spit rain. Thought it might snow, but the weather blew through, and things shaped up. Collegiate Peaks looked like an engraving. Silver gray, white-edged. Bought a permit at the Forest Service station in Leadville, then had lunch (green chili) at the Golden Burro. Drove up into the San Isabel forest afterward on a dirt road that was slick and rutted with mud. Hiked in and found the perfect twelve foot pine. Took it down with an axe, then dragged it through the rocks and snow and loaded it in the back bed of the truck. Quite a day. Didn't see much in the way of wildlife, but Clear Creek  was magnificent, and the Arkansas, as usual, was a sight you never tire of. All in all, a beautiful day.