Discussion: Some pictures from Laramie

Are at the MNOC Facebook page. More to come when I get the chance to come into town for wi-fi.

Drop me a direct message if you'd prefer not to be on Facebook.

Nice pictures but what's up with a lot of the pine trees?

Pine beetle kill. It's a major problem affecting the Rocky Mountain states.

More pictures from day 4, at the finish of the One Cowboy Relay. Same link.

Posted pictures from the Rocky Mountain Goat, including the presentation of a thoughtful gift hand made by Soupbone, representing our appreciation for this week and those previous. Same link.

Hey Pete, thanks for posting these late night photos... I'm stuck in a meeting on the other end of the world, am much happier looking at pics of Laramie Daze.

...Pine beetle kill. It's a major problem affecting the Rocky Mountain states...

It is indeed. But in a larger sense, just like the permafrost melt, this is part of the chemistry that is accelerating Global Warming worldwide. As our western forests die off, more and more carbon remains in the atmosphere, exacerbating the warming trend...which scientists say caused the massive infestation in the first place.

It must be hard to really enjoy the pristine wilderness these days...with those silent, dead sentinels all around, reminding you of the effects of your trip to see them.

Clark, with your rosy outlook on life, how is that you even bother getting out of bed every morning?

More photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.26177041...

So, is pine beetle kill a cause or an effect in global warming / climate change?

it is both an effect of climate change (first) and a positive feedback to climate change (second) .

Are there dates for major races in the Wyoming or Colorado for 2012?

Outlook is rosy in a way, though draped in rather dramatic language. Kind of like a beuatiful sunset enhanced by the huge clouds surrounding it:) you realize that with minimum change you can have a positive effect on things (albeit needs to be multiplied a couple of billion times, but thats not a problem these days). Just saying that change is neccesary is not a downer. all that is needed is some awareness/acceptance and/or willingness, but its not hard in itself. especially since 'hard' does not exist for orienteers.

Hammer, there are no major events planned for Wyoming next year and nothing as far as I am aware of for Colorado--though I'm far from the best person to ask with regards to what is going on south of the border.