Data!

While the winds died down somewhat last night and early this morning, the Beaufort 7 strength winds (with gusting to 8) have returned.  We did manage to take another hike this morning, Boulder Run to Blackmer to Cougar Shadow trails and back.  Cheyenne Mountain State Park has a system of interconnecting trails ranging from the lower shrublands to the montane forestlands strewn with large boulders of granite and even the occasional prickly pear with its cold-shriveled pads tucked into warmer creases of the landscape.  

The trails are exceptionally well marked and maintained, complete with color coding, written name and GPS coordinates.  At each trail junction there is a signpost with map.  Someone with "constructive" OCD was responsible for the labeling of the trail system.  

Spring is just beginning ... the most prevalent wildflower out now is the lowly dandelion, but other flowers are beginning to make a showing, however modestly.  Perhaps a new principle of camping should be to not come out to camp until the wildflowers make a showing ... And,we saw some local wildlife who were quite unconcerned about us ...

And, I have to love a man who brings the data ...