As the Seasons Turn

How can it be fall already?

I had no idea I'd take such a long break from the blog.

Wildflowers flourished right through summer into fall.

We've already had several snows, one in August and two in September. 

Luckily, the snow melted quickly in fall's still-warm sunshine.

Frost set my gardens to seed, but deck boxes and containers are (so far) still surviving.

Now our trees are putting on a glorious show.

I take the camera to capture the splendor of early-morning light.

I'm breathless at the beauty.

We are well and give thanks for all the good we see both in Nature and in our dealings with others. We are still cautious because of the virus and don't care to travel far from home. I hope you're well, too, enjoying your part of the world and staying safe.

Change is my One Good Thing today and the ability to adapt to it.

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A Tenuous Spring at High Altitude

For about a week, spring took center stage in Breckenridge.

the Blue River is ice-free flowing into Maggie Pond

Some days it went 20 degrees above freezing.

Maggie Pond reflects a quiet day at the base of Peak 9

Coats were unzipped as snow and ice began to melt.

Mount Baldy from Peak 9

Now the forecast says snow is on the way.

hiking on my snowshoes toward Peak 10

During April and May we usually have changeable weather.

the Continental Divide and Keystone Mountain in distance

Spring can never really get a foothold until June.

on my morning walk, this 4' (1.2M) frozen puddle looks like a giant's footprint

Bob and I continue to isolate here at the edge of wilderness.

We try to keep trips to resupply to a minimum of every 2-3 weeks.

We speak to family and friends electronically.

we speak to the fox just outside our windows...

We exercise daily and are thankful for the beauty around us.

This month through May, the foxes give birth.

If we're lucky, we'll catch a glimpse of the kits when mama brings them out of their den.

Please stay well and find something that inspires you daily.

May moments of hope uplift you.

Thank you for visiting.

Barb

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A Blanket of White

At high altitude, the change from fall to winter is abrupt.

Several October storms blanket us with snow.

Temperatures drop consistently below freezing.

The trails through the forest are snow-covered.

Evergreens branches bend under the weight of white.

I walk carefully using poles for balance.

Soon there will be enough coverage for touring skis.

My physical therapy appointments are finished, but I have "homework."

Exercises for core strength, flexibility, and balance are a daily routine.

I continue to focus on correct posture.

New habits take the place of old, but mindfulness is necessary.

this bull wears two red ear tags - he's being studied by the forest service

Moose are in rut and roam near the house. 

a cow with twin yearling calves grazes across the street from my house - she's wearing a gps collar
notice how her ruff is raised and her ears are back - she sees me on an upper deck and is in protective mode

When I'm outside, I'm alert.

Bulls skirmish in a quest to win a cow's favor.

I won't stand in the way of love!

I say hello to foxes I see daily.

They stop and wait to see if I'll feed them.

When they don't get a handout, they continue on their way.

A new storm is churning gray clouds over the mountains.

We sit by the fire and wonder:

How can it be winter already?

A warm house is my one good thing today.

I also give thanks for the wildlife that roams so close to my home.

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Leaf Change, Life Change

In October at high altitude, days are crisp and nights go below freezing.

Aspens put on their autumn finery.

Today, Bob and I started at first light to hike the Blue River Trail.

The path meanders along an alpine meadow dressed in fall colors.

Soon, we climb into the cold shade of a spruce and pine forest.

In clearings, the blazing colors of aspens provide visual warmth.

We walk trails strewn with gold.

As the sun continues to rise, the leaves glow with light.

Because we're so early, we're alone in the forest.

We listen to Nature's music:

squirrels chattering, birds chirping, and wind rustling through the trees.

We crunch through fallen leaves.

I hike with a grateful and open heart.

Fall colors are my One Good Thing today.

I'm taking Physical Therapy now 2X a week.

My therapist is working on my flexibility, balance, and core strength.

As you can see from this hike, I'm mobile again - we went 4 miles today.

I carried the Olympus with the zoom lens.

I edit in Snapseed.

Thank you for your healing wishes.

They're helping!

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Change

Thank you to friends who sent me healing wishes.

It's over 2 weeks since I fell, and my gashes are healed.

My wrist is weak and a little achy but so much better.

My body is still mending from hitting so hard so I'm still a little creaky.

I've begun walking again for exercise - just less distance and more slowly.

I'm also continuing to practice lifting my body without arms/hands from the lower step.

I saw how important core strength is when I fell.

Fall brings change to the high altitude landscape.

Temperatures at night go below freezing.

A skin of ice forms on beaver ponds.

Grasses in forest and meadows turn russet and ochre.

Animals forage and breed.

We saw a cow moose on a recent hike.

She had wandered inside a corral but easily jumped the rails to be on her way. 

The purple gentians are putting on a show.

I saw the first blooms in mid-August.

The saying is that when they bloom it's 6 weeks until snow.

In less than a month from my first gentian sighting, we had our first snow.

Rooftops and high peaks glistened white in sunlight.

It all melted (thank goodness) by afternoon.

When I walk into town, I pause and watch fly fishermen cast in the Blue River.

Aspens leaves are slow to turn, but some gold is appearing.

Autumn is a brief but spectacular season.

We've started our preparations for winter.

It will soon visit us, I'm sure.

Photo of Barb by Helen

I celebrate change today - my One Good Thing.

Thank  you for visiting!
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Let There Be Color and Blue Sky!

Summer is slipping away quietly.

Nights inch toward freezing.

Many wildflowers go to seed.

A few late-bloomers still dazzle in meadows and beside trails.

I hike winding paths through alpine meadows into deep old-growth forests.

Always, the mountains stand sentry.

High peaks still glisten white in sunlight. 

Old snow becomes the base for new as winter approaches.

My eyes roam near and far, receiving end of season gifts.

Sometimes, I'm alone in the vast landscape of wilderness.

Other times, family or friends are my companions.

I relax and enjoy my surroundings but remain alert.

Animals are busy preparing dens and gorging for winter.

Moose begin their mating season.

Sometimes, two bulls have an interest in the same cow so tempers flare.

We might see an injured bull limping in search of a mate.

Bears roam even in daylight hours.

They must accumulate fat for the long winter.

Neighbors report bears encounters.

I hug summer tightly, wanting it to remain awhile.

White will come soon enough.

For today, let there be color and blue sky.

Photos are of summer hikes I've taken.

Wildflowers were plentiful.

Days were clear and cool at high altitude.

It is one of the finest summers I've experienced in 30 years.

The beauty of summer is my One Good Thing.

Wherever you are in the world, whatever the season,

look for the beauty that is sure to surround you.

Thank you for visiting.

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