So That's What Clouds Look Like...

We saw clouds today.  I know we are here to hunt and I am supposed to talk of seeing elk or deer, but we haven't seen many of either, so the big event of the day was the clouds.

As a matter-of-fact, we had'nt seen a cloud since Thursday....and temps have been unseasonably warm, with highs in the low 70's.  The norm this time of year is mid 50's.  These temps trigger unusual behavior with the elk.  They already have their winter coats by now, so can't handle the heat and go up to the 10 -11,000 foot elevations to find cooler temps.  The warm weather also causes them to not herd-up as is typical for them by now.  Thus, finding elk has been extremely difficult.....kind of like finding a needle in haystack, and we haven't found any needles yet.

We tried hard yesterday, leaving the cabin at 6:30 and returning at about 7:00pm.  We spent the day at 10,000 - 11,100 foot elevations on the Grand Mesa, a national forest just south of our lodge.  The Mesa typifies Colorado elk hunting with its sprawling stands of aspen and juniper, mountain peaks white with snow, and open meadows waiting for elk.  But, it was not to be, as all we say was a couple deer the whole day.
On the other hand, we have seen Mule Deer every day.  I passed on a small buck last night.  Tomorrow we might concentrate on deer just so we do not go home empty handed.

Other than the hunting, all is good.  We are sharing our cabin with 4 guys from Virginia.  Mike, Keith, Toby, and Chuck are all really good guys and ethical hunters.  The cabin is good enough, although still under construction.  The scenery is postcard perfect....we are in a valley that is nearly surrounded by mountains.  It was an awesome site to watch the rain storms move across the mountain tops today while we sat on the opposite mountain watching it evolve.  Rainbows touched the foothills, low-hanging clouds rolled over the mountain tops, and eventually we watched a fog start low in the valley and move up the hills until it completely enveloped the area.  Can't see that stuff at home.

I should add that the luck, or lack thereof, that we are having is not unique to us. Our Virigina friends have been skunked thus far as well, and most other hunters we have talked to have experienced the same fate.

I will enter another post as soon as we have some noteworthy news....so hopefully tomorrow....