The Wreck of the Pine Beetles

David and I went to Walden, Colorado this weekend, to play at a gig--a community barn dance. Walden is out in the middle of nowhere--en route to Steamboat Springs. By the time we arrived there, we were pretty much shell-shocked after seeing the dead pine trees. It was a devastating sight. After we crossed the continental divide, half to three fourths of the pine trees were dead. They were turned a rust color and their branches drooped; they swooned as they died. It was so sad. What is even sadder is that the beetles have made their way across the divide and will wreak havoc on our side as well. The pine forests are going to be gone. We will not see them again in our lifetime, which is just stunning. David and I talked about how we need to spend time in the forest and trees next year, before they are gone. It is just unbelievable.