Today's the first of September. That means two-thirds of 2018 is history; we're three weeks from the official start of autumn, aka the equinox, roughly 2 months from the midterm election, and less than 4 months to Christmas.
Whoooeee, it's been a wild ride. Am I the only one who has experienced this year as passing rapidly? For those of you who keep track, the onset of fall colors and cooler temperatures has happened early in the Rockies.
The other DrC predicted this in June when the wild asters bloomed earlier than normal, and she was correct. The deer seem to know hunting season is near and are avoiding human habitations, after hanging around most of the summer.
A few of the aspens are yellowing, but the mountain maples haven't turned scarlet yet. Most of all, we notice the daylight takes on a different hue, probably the result of sunlight striking as a less vertical angle.
The Lotoja bicycle race happens a week from today; Lotoja stands for Logan (UT) to Jackson (WY). The distance on U.S. 89 is approximately 203-210 miles across 3 mountain passes and 3 states.
Record times for men are under 9 hours, and for women under 10 hours. It is reputed to be the longest one day race in North America, and it takes place at altitudes of 4500-6000 ft. - not so much oxygen at this altitude.
Next Saturday is a great day not to drive on US 89, between bicycles and chase cars slowing traffic. The DrsC will stay home.
