Two years ago I moved from Chicago which is well known for beautiful cityscapes to the Rocky Mountains which is equally well known for its breathtaking landscapes.
Today, as I reflect upon my daughter’s wedding yesterday, the second daughter to be married this year, and my own birthday, I’m definitely thinking about what path I have chosen.
Do we choose our path, or does it choose us?
A stormy afternoon. For now, the rain falls gently, but darkness will be here soon.
“Boys, follow me —
I found a place for the night where we can keep our velvety antlers dry.”
Charlie and I enjoy exploring trails and hiking along a creek is fun for both of us. Charlie loves being able to get a drink along the way. Sometimes he cools his paws in the shallow edges but when his friends go for a swim, he won’t jump in.
Today there was a log that he walked along while Bhakti swam nearby. If you use your imagination, it looked a bit like the iconic Patrick Swayze – Jennifer Gray scene from Dirty Dancing.
I wonder what movie Charlie and his friends will reenact next?
Hiking silent trails
I came across a structure –
Currently empty.
Where is your mother?
You’re too young to be alone!
Stay safe Sweet Baby.
We live in a forest of pine trees. Unlike flowering plants, pine trees don’t attract bees or butterflies for pollination. The wind does the job of transferring pollen from male cones to female cones or on other trees.
The first two photos are male pine cones and the third one, what we think of as a traditional pine cone is a female. The video captures the wind blowing the pollen from the trees.
Much of the rest of the country is reveling in warmer weather after a rough winter. We are in drought conditions and happy for a day of snow. Yep, it’s May 2!
We are in high danger drought conditions. In addition to the need for moisture, I love the peacefulness of snow and the way it feels as if I’m in a snow globe. Also, knowing it will melt in a day or two makes this spring snow even more welcome.
The beauty of living in the mountains is the ability to walk out the door and hike to a peak just behind the house. From the top and its 360 degree view, you can see the snow covered continental divide, the nearby reservoir, nearby peaks, and the forest below.
How can you beat that?
Have a new hiking partner along for his first hike. I wasn’t sure if my ten week old puppy would be able to reach the top, but he was enthusiastically following the trail, and with a little help, he made it over fallen trees all the way to turtle rock! He also did an excellent job of navigating back home!
Having a new puppy means I’m making frequent trips outside. A few days ago, that meant snow which quickly melted the following day. And today, we saw two moose, eating vegetation. Charlie and I kept our distance but I was able to capture a few shots.
