My personal best was achieved today...

where the Arreaux model rocket soared to an apogee of 2,402 feet (732 meters) on a “G” engine at a remote launch site on the state line. I’m aiming higher.

Also, these launches push me over the century mark, now having sent more than 100 model rockets skyward this year. Huge fun.

The Book Cliffs serve as a backdrop as the Arreaux zooms off the pad.

The Nike Smoke Pro under chute after achieving an apogee of 695 feet (212 meters).

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) wondering what all the commotion was about out on the range this morning.

Hanging out in the high country...

with a buddy from graduate school at a guest ranch near Creede, Colorado. Here are several of the local residents.

Our remote cabin for the week at about 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) in elevation.

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila).

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor).

Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis).

Why did the snake...

cross the trail? Why to get to the other side, of course. But this one wasn’t moving at all in the cool of the early morning, found fully stretched across the trail, basking in the warmth of the Sun. I brake for reptiles.

Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi).

A peeping muley...

at the kitchen window last evening with its nose nearly pressed up against the glass. There’s still a small herd hanging out in the valley and several still frequent my bird feeders and bird bath around dusk.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).

Frequent guzzlers of water...

from the birdbath at dusk. It seems to be a well known watering hole that is visited nightly, and there are more than 30 muleys grazing out back as this is posted. They’ll be moving up the valley soon as spring approaches.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).

Midnight at the oasis...

around the birdbath, caught by the ever-seeing trail camera. I’ve suspected as much since I have to refill the birdbath every morning with several gallons of water now that the irrigation system is turned off for the season.

Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis).

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).

There’s also a heating element in the bath to keep it from freezing through the winter, so it’s a reliable water source for birds and other wildlife.

UPDATE 16 November 2023: They’ve become regular nocturnal visitors.