Crystal Fire in Northern Colorado

Although I am not sure if I have the words to write about our close proximity to this fire, I did want to share my past week with you through my camera lens.

Quick Facts on the Crystal Fire as of April 8, 2011
(from Larimer County Emergency Information)

Fire Start Date: 04/01/2011
Cause: Under Investigation
Fire Size: 3,200 acres
Contained: 55%
Total Personnel: Approximately 398
Additional resources: 5 crews, 4 helicopters, 27 engines
Burned Residences: 15

Crystal Fire in Redstone Canyon
The Crystal Fire though looking tame in this photo taken on Monday
comes to life again on Tuesday with high winds.
(The house at the bottom of the photo belongs to one of our volunteer firefighters and is safe as of this post.)

Crystal Fire Horse
A horse grazes near the smoldering mountain pine forest of the Crystal Fire.
(The horse is safe. Valley residents did not have time with this fast moving fire to trailer their horses to a safe location and instead set them free in the open range. The horses run from the fire and are later caught and returned home.)

Crystal Fire in Black and White
The pilots of these helicopters made numerous trips through the smoke to drop their load of water on the fire's hot spots.

Helicopter Bucket Drop
A helicopter bucket drop on the Crystal Fire in Redstone Canyon, Colorado.

Helicopter Tanker
A helicopter tanker flies over my home on its trip from the reservoir to drop its load of water on the Crystal Fire.

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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Viva Las Vegas!

We are back from Las Vegas and we had a great time! It has taken us both some time to switch gears and get our feet back under us. For anyone that has been to Vegas you know exactly what I mean. There is no place quite like it. Think about it. An entire city built just for entertainment. And they have it down.

View from our room at the Four Seasons.

We stayed at the Four Seasons, the top floors of Mandalay Bay, and loved their resort. The pool was quiet and relaxed with constant pampering, even cucumber slices for your eyes. We spent almost every afternoon there and it was heaven.

Pool at the Four Seasons

In the evening we would prowl the strip looking for the perfect martini and dining experience. By the third day we were ready for hamburgers in our room, which we did for our anniversary, and could not have been happier!

Ric in front of New York New York Casino in Las Vegas.

Fountain at Bellagio.

Ric at the Venetian.

We also got to see Cirque du Soleil's "O", Cher, the lions at MGM Grand, the dolphins and tigers at the Mirage, and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, which was our favorite thing.

Waiting for Cirque du Soleil's "O."

Papillon Helicopters is a really great outfit and our pilot, Mike, is a great guy. He took time to give us a great tour, pointing out landmarks and features on the way to the Grand Canyon. I loved every minute!

Yes! I am the copilot! That's Mike behind me. World's best pilot.

Ric and I in the Grand Canyon with a helicopter taking off behind us.

I hope you enjoyed the snapshot vacation! I will be back with your "regular programing" in my next post. Cheers!

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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen