Colorado

Fall Texture

I hope everyone is doing alright this year despite the pandemic and turmoil going on in the world. If you ever need a constant in your life to level set look towards nature. Despite the events going on around you, nature remains. The trees will still change color and shed their leaves in the fall. The earth will continue on its journey around the sun and spin is around its axis to reveal night and day. I think it can be easy sometimes to get caught up in the unnecessary distractions of life and that we all should make it a habit to reset and get back to basics from time to time. This goes a long way in normalizing or lives and refining our perspectives. As the year winds down I hope you all enjoy the holidays and be safe. Take care of yourself and take care of each other.

Golden Fall

Here is another shot in the Golden Gate Canyon in Colorado. Always busy here this time of year, but worth it. I think this is a lot people's favorite time of year and I think I might have to agree.

Golden Forest

Fall is nearing an end already. Time seems to move so fast. Every year these leaves turn their golden color and bring a smile to my face. I am humbled by this planet we reside on and hope we can do enough to maintain its beauty by living with nature. Enjoy your fall colors!

Through the Trees

Some times in life we find ourselves lost in this world. Unsure of where to go, which path to take, or not take for that matter. Often times we don't get a second chance either so the choices we make are important. I think this is why I like hiking. Look at this trail. I'm really not sure where it goes.... will it head up hill or down into a valley? I can only see so far with the trees, but I can see enough. Enough to be curious to find out. Enough to know a general direction, to know that I'm not coming up on anything dangerous. Enough to allow me to be present in this moment. It is nice sometimes not having a destination. It allows for us to be present in the moment. In life we need that from time to time, just be present.

Elk Under Fire Loom

I cannot begin to express my concern and sympathy for those here in Colorado that are now being evacuated from Estes Park and surrounding areas. The herd of elk have been moving as well as the fires draw near. This photo was taken this summer inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Though beautiful, the skies were a precursor to today where the Cameron Peak fire has been absolutely devastating to Colorado. Over yesterday and last night we received measurable amount of snow across Colorado and it should bring some needed relief for our fire fighters. The fight is not over however, with warmer and dryer weather the next week we could see snow melt off quickly allowing the fires to restart. This year has been trying for many across the globe and the nation. I hope we can come together and help each other as human beings. We are on this together though it may not seem like it. if you are in a position to help, please do. There are several paces to donate based on region: Grand County Wildfire Emergency Fund 2020 Fires Relief Fund Cameron Peak Fire Response Fund

Trail Ridge

This section inside of Rocky Mountain National Park always makes me feel like I am on top of the world. On a clear day you can see for miles and mile all around. On this day the smoke from nearby fires occluded much of the sky. Life went on though, as marmots ran around and the elk fed down in the valley. That is an interesting part of this world, that no matter what is going on beyond the horizon, life goes on. It continues, sometimes oblivious to impeding dangers.

Rocky Mountain Fire

The fire season has been harsh this year in Colorado as it has been for many western states such as California. Climate change is a real thing that we all need to think about along with actions we might take to minimize fires from starting and if they do, how we get the appropriate resource to the location to mitigate it. The fires do create an ominous doomsday spectacle in nature which is quite beautiful in its own way. Even so, I would much rather not see this view knowing the cause. I want to see our normal beauty without the loss these fires have caused. Unfortunately, we will continue to see the fire season get longer unless we take necessary action to mitigate climate change.

Mighty Marmont

Here is another Marmont, this time without the armor. These guys are always fun to see rubbing around the rocks of the high Rocky Mountains. That thick fur protects them from the drastic change in weather above tree line. Enjoy!

Inside Rocky Mountain National Park are views to die for. Lucky for us, the park makes sights like this accessible to everyone. Parks like this are parks we need to conserve for future generations. I believe there are lessons to be learned in nature. Wandering alone in the mountains has brought me understanding of my own thoughts. In nature there is nothing to distract our minds. We must confront not only what is around the bend, but what is going through our minds at the time. The mountain stands stoic despite the weather. As such, so must we, regardless of the world we live in our the chaos that may be going on inside. Learn to calm your mind by walking in nature and listening to the trees and the air dancing around the hills.

Trail Ridge

I always wonder how these giant boulders get to their final positions. Whether they fell there from a cliff or were once a cliff eroded away over a thousand years. Either way, they are beautiful and unique just as every individual on this planet.

Proud Marmont

This guy squared up on us as we encroached into his territory. We quickly apologized and asked if we might stay long enough to take some photos. He allowed us to stay thankfully, but warned that he would have his eye on us. So proud the Marmont race is, total respect.

Lightning Building

Another shot from the lightning show a couple of months back. So cool to see the entire cloud light up from inside! This went on for a solid hour as it dumped rain on the eastern plains.