Saturday, August 11, 2012

RV Trip Day 5

This morning was our last day in the Rockies. It was ended with a horseback trail ride through some of the park.
We didn't see any wildlife but we have seen a lot of dead pine trees. 80% of the west side of the Rockies has been wiped out by a pine beetle! The damage is so severe that most of the birds have left (which explains why it's so quiet), it is moving it's way east and will eventually wipe out the rest of the park. The Log/Pencil Pine is the only one affected, the Blue Spruce is fine as other trees. It's quite devastating to see and the park has lost most of it's beauty. The Ranger told us at the Visitor Centre that it will be at least 100 years for the park to recover and re-grow.
After our horse ride we packed up and headed south 5 hours to Gunnison Canyon National Park. We will be here 2 nights.. Some rain in the distance but all good here.

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