As mentioned in this week’s scuttlebutt item, “Mountain Rescues,” on page 3, West Elk Mountain Rescue (WEMR) successfully rescued two separate hiking parties on July 5 and 7 in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Continuous snow still covers the trail on the northside of Silver Creek Pass, according to a press release. “WEMR would like to use this opportunity to remind backcountry travelers of the unusually high snowpack this year and to encourage everyone to always carry and use appropriate safety equipment for the terrain and conditions that may be encountered,” the release concluded. Photos taken by WEMR volunteer Colton Cook

ORANGE
By Melissa Sidelinger

It’s funny how a color
A streak of the rainbow
Means so much more
To me, because of you.

Orange was never my favorite
But I find myself wearing it
In the hopes that you might
Smile, and find me in a crowd.