Tracks in the Snow A few years back I had an encounter with wildlife that seemed like something right out of a book. It was early spring and we decided it was time to get out and begin to condition ourselves for the summer hikes that would follow. We chose the Highline Canal. [...]
Surprise Encounter I have been fascinated by all species of birds ever since I was a young boy. When you live in North Dakota as I did, my favorites were found in rural areas I could ride my bike to. Marshes filled with cattails and croaking frogs are where the red winged blackbirds [...]
Wind, Rain and Rust We had made our yearly trip out to the west slope late one September. The years have told us that fall works out better for this trip than summer. The weather is pleasant in the Yampa Valley. Spending a couple of days out there is always good therapy for [...]
Waking Moment Almost everyone I know who walks in the countryside has heard this familiar sound, a soft “Coo, Coo, Coo” followed by a pause, then a repetition. I hear it best when my surroundings are quiet and calm. I experience it on my morning walks or when I’ve stopped for a time [...]
Worker Bee If you’ve got bees, enjoy the buzz! This is what I was thinking as I prepared our flower beds. I am now seeing (and hearing) what native plants have given us in return. In retirement I have found a new desire that never occurred to me a few years back while [...]
Laying in Wait ...not everyone is on board with this change... The wolf is viewed as dangerous and threatening, even though their presence can be beneficial to the environment. This is because the wolf is unpredictable when approached, a trait they have in common with people, well at least some people. Some wolves [...]
Flying Across the Colors ...a Bluebird Appeared Out of Nowhere... Colorado hikes are never routine because the scenery changes. What I remember from the last time I visited looks different now. In fall, Colorado aspens have an explosive color change. It happens first on the highest peaks and slowly invades lower altitudes. The [...]
The Song Session —A Chorus of Chirping— It’s a regular part of summer for us to hike in the woods and not just for the exercise. The inspiration, spiritual peace, experience of solitude, joyful conversations, and especially the visuals that surround us, call us back again and again. Hiking drives the creative process [...]
First Light on Marmot Trail You’ve got to be kidding! Ever since I embraced Staunton State Park as my favorite place to hike the trails, I’ve made it a point to challenge myself. With its beautiful scenery, it’s easy to get carried away and venture further and further out before heading back. I [...]
Rams Horn Lodge I knew this photo would make a good subject for a painting. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is home to many places rich with beauty, dotted with scenic mountain lakes. One lake in particular has drawn us to visit it whenever we head to Yampa, a tiny mountain town roughly [...]
