Western Slope
I apologize for the lack of posts recently. Life has been busy and blessed!
Here’s a view of the mountains near Ouray, Colorado, with spring snow still clinging to their faces. There are so many stunning views along the western slope of the Rocky Mountains…
connections
Life is all about our connections to those around us.
rough day
It’s been a rough day, but they’re still hanging in there
nature is perfect
Nature can be soft
Nature can be brutal
We don’t always understand it,
but it is always perfect.
rain is a blessing
Who said rainy days were dreary? You just have to look in the right places.
(My prayers go out to those affected by flooding. Too much of a good thing can be just too much.)
Mt. Sneffels
A spring snowstorm is about to lay another fresh layer of snow on Mt. Sneffels, near Ouray, CO.
three fatties
Two golden-mantled ground squirrels and a chipmunk are gorging themselves thanks to messy birds at the bird feeder overhead. While they all look similar, only the chipmunk has stripes on its face. I wish I didn’t know, so I could think of the chipmunks as the babies and the ground squirrels as the adults – much more fun!
Pasque flowers in the Rockies
A small group of alpine Pasque flowers is evidence that spring has come to the Rockies.
The photo was taken near the small mountain town of Ouray, Colorado.
many blossoms
Tree blossoms are always such a welcome sign of spring,
along with the soft fragrance they leave on the breeze.
suspended dew
Spring is a magical time of growth and rebirth, of amazing beauty.
Here you see two flower buds delicately suspending a lone drop of dew in the evening sun.
Snowy paradise
The last picture from my spring trip to Grays and Torreys Peaks. Or is it the last?
On the left is Grays, and towards the center is Torreys. This peaceful photo belies just how windy and harsh the day really was, but stays true to the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Windy Edwards!!
Here’s the photo I promised of blowing snow on Mt Edwards… wow!
This photo was taken from most of the way up neighboring Grays Peak.
Early spring visit to Grays Peak
April 2, 2011
I had never given much consideration to climbing a 14er outside of the summer season, until a friend called up (okay, actually he texted) and said “Hey, wanna go up Grays and Torreys this weekend?”. Of course I did!
The winter trailhead is just off of I-70 at the Bakerville exit, only about 50 miles west of Denver. We hit the trail shortly after sunrise at 7am and enjoyed a rare chance at climbing a 14er ‘standard’ route without sharing it with 100+ other people. Priceless! We didn’t make it up Torreys Peak because it took us so long to summit Grays Peak (14,278 feet), but it was still a near-perfect day. Curse you, high altitude!
Here you see a view back towards Grays and Mt Edwards in the mid-afternoon. Edwards is just to the left of the center in the picture, while Grays is towards the right side – where my tracks are coming from. Later on I’ll share a picture showing the incredible winds blowing snow from the south face of Mt. Edwards. Enjoy!
Fly to the moon
A robin in late winter, perched and waiting for spring.
squirrel !!
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