Yea, wanted to arrive early before the winds pick up. Guess I'll be the one on the ground with the radio than.

Arne

I am planning on getting there around 10 am. Right now the West Fork fire is crazy big. A good thing 'cause the smoke is going straight up to about FL180 before laying over. Visibility is better now that earlier in the day.

I am headed out to the Ranch. Please feel free to call or text for info. 719 850 1411
As of now, the smoke plume has moved a little north of the ranch.

At least the winds appear to be light. I'm planning on a 10AM arrival tomorrow with my boy.

Ya'll have fun. I'm in the middle of a job change along with getting back in my house late last week from the Black Forest Fire. Stay safe, post pics!

From the folks there on the ground, it sounds like the wind is straight out of the west and currently some smoke and haze is in the area, but not a major issue.

Live webcam of the Sand Dunes (near Mosca Pass)


Later tonight or early in the morning will result in even better conditions. I plan on being there around 6:30pm tonight. Hope to see you there!

Looks like the winds are shifting and blowing the smoke right over the field...

Camera at Alamosa pointed west (LaGarita is nw of KALS), looks like this fire is really picking up:

http://www.airportview.net/wx/usa/co/kals/depotav/camera3/index.php

I spoke to flynbeekeeper briefly, said the wind is blowing 20-25 - but we got cut off before I could get much info about how much smoke is in the air over the ranch.

Isn't this webcam from the Alamosa Airport looking pretty much just to the west of La Garita?

http://www.airportview.net/wx/usa/co/kals/depotav/camera3/images/big/current_image.jpg

...and this just east of La Garita?
http://www.airportview.net/wx/usa/co/kals/depotav/camera1/images/big/current_image.jpg

Perhaps I'm mistaken...

It looks like I have to call this one and head to Telluride instead in an hour or so. My better half really avoids the smoke after living with it all summer in MT/ID year after year.

Just passing by the house to post an update. Heavy smoke right now over the ranch. Winds have actually laid down a bit.
Rumor has it that the fire has reached South Fork and buildings are being lost. Incident websites indicate that there are 36 fire engines from around the state trying to save the town.

Wow, that looks like a lot of smoke...

The time lapse is crazy

TFR is now expanded to Chapman, almost Morning Shadows and covers South Fork. That's only ~20 miles from LaGarita, and directly upwind.

I think I'm out. Even if we made it down ( I still have to cross 2 other fire TFRs to get there) I don't want to hang around with my boy breathing in smoke.

I'm praying for you guys... Be safe out there.

Ouch. Sorry to see this turn of luck in the winds/fires.

This morning is much better than yesterday (as of 5:30am). Very light smoke, no wind and good visability. We are going on with the show as best we can, dinner and all. 8 planes here and we're headed out to tour the valley.

Not ideal, but not miserable. Watch the vis and TFRs throughout the day.

Ya' all have a good time MM. So sorry Gary and I could not make it. I know you folks have put a lot of time and effort to bring this about. Happy flying!
Ernie

Gettin a late start but departing Marfa, TX now, see y'all there

Settin in Monte Vista lookin at a wall of smoke...might be gettin an early start to our Navajo Res fishin trip, bummer

Luke, give me a call. We will come pick you up. Gary just landed, I will ask him what the conditions are.

Apocalypse now...