What a difference a day makes

I was going to do volunteer work at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge this morning. I help maintain the hiking trails and staff the Information Desk. I spend about 8 hours a week out there.


Lake Ladora, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City Colorado.

I did trail maintenance yesterday under clear blue skies and 55F degree temperatures (12C). I spotted a Mink (possibly a river otter) scouting the edge of the frozen lake while I was bussy sweeping off the floating foot bridge on Ladora lake. I saw a wide variety of wildlife in the afternoon including: mule deer, white tail deer, american kestrel, bald eagles, red-tail hawks, magpies, coyotes, bison, prairie dogs, rabbets, and a mink.

It was a very different story today. I woke early to discover 2 inches of fresh snow on the ground. I left the apartment 40 minutes early. After 30 minutes in trafic on icy slick streets I wasn't even half way there. I don't use the cell phone in the car, but this time I answered it when it rang. It was the refuge calling to tell me not to come out today. I carefully maneuvered my way over to 8th Ave and started back. It took me another 45 minutes to get back to the apartment.

What a difference a day makes. That's typical Colorado weather.