When Nature Goes Up in Flames: A Rocky Mountain High Tragedy Ah, the majestic Rocky Mountains, home to breathtaking vistas, serene hiking trails, and, of course, the Sylvan Fire—a true testament to Mother Nature's penchant for drama. In what can only be described as an arsonist's wet dream, this wildfire ignited in the idyllic Sylvan Lake State Park, where families typically frolic beneath the gleaming sun, fervently ignoring the blackened underbrush surrounding them. Who knew that all those quaint picnic spots were just tinder waiting for a spark? The fire took off, burning 3,792 acres, or as I like to call it, a generous “nature spa day turned inferno.” It began on June 20, 2021, a day that will live in infamy, much like the time your uncle attempted to deep-fry a turkey—except, unlike Uncle Larry, nature could actually achieve full containment by October 14, 2021. When I say "containment," I mean that fire-fighting professionals fought valiantly against it, armed with shovels, hoses, and a can-do attitude, bravely trying to corral the flaming beast while we sat back and watched with our popcorn, waiting for some CGI-worthy visuals. Because nothing says “Rocky Mountain high” quite like watching hundreds of firefighters desperately trying to extinguish your vacation this summer! And while we might want to simplify the narrative to “Fire burns, firefighters win,” let us not forget the heartbreak—the visceral agony of the loss of that sweet, sweet natural beauty. Gone are the towering trees that stood as dignified guardians of the park, now reduced to charred stumps that stand like solemn sentinels, forever mourning their lost green brethren. It’s almost as if Nature herself decided that this summer needed a dramatic twist: “Oh, you thought you’d enjoy a quiet picnic by the lake? Surprise! You get roasting marshmallows on the ashes of ecological despair instead!” While we lament the loss of wildlife and local flora, perhaps we should also ponder the inconvenient truths surrounding the fire. Was it arson? A campfire mishap? Mother Nature merely having a bad hair day? Opinions vary, but renowned speculation suggests it was likely started by something more sinister than a careless camper—the ultimate betrayal by the one who has long claimed to protect us. Did the trees conspire against us in a heated debate about climate change and sustainable logging? Did they look around and say, “If we go out, let’s go out with a bang!” It raises questions we might not be prepared to answer: Where does natural resilience end, and where does nature’s wrath begin? Yet, despite the devastation, let's not forget the silver lining—an opportunity to transform tragedy into tourism! Who wouldn't want to visit the blackened remnants of a once-flourishing forest? It’s the latest hipster retreat: “Burnt beauty—spend your summer surrounded by charred landscapes, where the air still holds the faint whispers of smoke and BBQ.” Markets will emerge for sustainably-sourced ash souvenirs, and eco-tour operators will host extravagant hikes through the scorched earth, emphasizing the stark beauty of destruction, all for the gram. Why, it’s the hottest trend since everyone thought they could use that faux campfire app during lockdown! In the end, let us shed a tear for Sylvan Lake State Park, an extraordinary locale now marked by sorrow but also ply our way toward hope. After all, nature has a funny way of bouncing back. Just as your local coffee shop survives countless Yelp reviews, trees will regrow, flowers will bloom, and perhaps someday, the park will reclaim its glory. But until then, we navigate through this Rocky Mountain high tragedy with our hearts heavy yet somehow buoyed by the ironic comedy that is our relationship with the great outdoors. Now, if only we could convince the forest to switch to yoga and meditation instead of pyrotechnics—we’d all be better off!