BY TINEY RICCIARDI, @TINEYTRAILSNACKS, CRICCIARDI@DENVERPOST.COM

Howdy fellow adventurers,

Last week I mentioned the corn lily is currently experiencing a rare flowering event, but I have since learned more about the plant and its very weird history. Apparently corn lilies are so toxic to animals that they’ve been linked to birth defects in lambs, including cyclopia. (Yes, really!) How serendipitous that the bloom – the first in five years – is perfectly timed to the release of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” Read more about the corn lily below.

Heads up

Denver is expected to get some moisture today before another near triple-digit weekend on deck. Head to the mountains to catch a piece of monsoon season, but know it will still be pretty warm. Vail and Estes Park are calling for highs in the 80s.

A bull elk runs across Bear Lake Road to get to the others side as visitors watch and photograph it in Rocky Mountain National Park. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Your Weekly 5:

1. How not to be a ‘touron’ when encountering Colorado wildlife
2. Keep one eye peeled for this rare wildflower bloom in Colorado high country
3. Post-hike reward: Golden brewery makes gluten-free beers that are as tasty as traditional ales, IPAs
4. Map shows recent Colorado wolf activity as CPW announces new wolf pack — with pups — in central mountains
5. Last winter’s extreme snow drought was a sign of the West’s future, Colorado study finds

Worth Your Time

Parker Hawks Orange’s Jonah Dusing (23) cheers on a teammate during a 10U AA youth baseball tournament game in Elizabeth, Colo. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/The Denver Post)

Denver youth sports grapple with extreme heat, poor air quality

Get Yourself Outdoors

Laura Billington takes footage of the different hanging meats at the S and G Salumeria. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

It’s picnic time! Find your summertime snacks at these markets and restaurants

Eateries and shops within area parks are perfect for loading up your picnic basket or hiking pack

MORE HEADLINES

• Aer Lingus to discontinue Denver flights to Ireland
• Cheesman Park: The Game lets players fight zombies with Frisbees — all while learning Denver history
• How to keep the air inside your home clean during wildfires
• Bear dies after being hit by car in Lone Tree, wildlife officials say

DOG OF THE WEEK

Leia

"Rescue girl Leia’s got her herd of Lambikins under control," writes owner Barb S.

If you want your pup (or cat) featured, email a photo and short description to cricciardi@denverpost.com.