A Solstice Celebration

It seemed appropriate to celebrate the first day of summer by spending most of it outside. The weather was perfect for a long hike and one of Colorado's highest peaks was the goal.

The trail ascends sharply immediately after crossing a large stream, but shelter from the morning sun is provided by dense woodland. In the many small clearings, wildflowers are abundant. The beautiful death camas is in full bloom, and native columbines are irresistible to honey bees.

The clearings become larger until the treeline is reached and the mountains ahead become readily visible, while distant peaks can be seen when looking back toward the trailhead.

Mountain streams and carpets of wildflowers greet visitors and give evidence of last winter's snowpack. Marmots thrive in the nearby boulder fields and scree slopes and, aside from a few dry seasonal tributaries, there is little evidence of drought. Marsh marigolds line the upper streams until one final crossing leads the hiker away from the lush vegetation and into an arid, alpine environment.

Direction changes in the rocky trail lead to rapid elevation gains, allowing ever more impressive views of the valleys and mountains all around. The trail then becomes very steep, and the final ascent is an exhilarating 10 minutes of scrambling before a surprisingly simple walk along a windy ridge to the summit (marked by a USGS benchmark).

With no sign of adverse weather, the solstice afternoon was a perfect time to be at 14,000 ft.

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." Henry Thoreau

All images shown in this post can be found in my summer gallery.

Back In Time

I recently had the opportunity to visit a place that I hadn't been to in 10 years. It holds a special significance because the first visit played a big part in the decision to live in the mountains.

When I first arrived here, I initially thought that I'd never want to leave, and I suppose that is still true, but I haven't lost the urge to explore. In fact, that urge has only intensified since I've been in Colorado.

Forgotten memories flooded back in that town. Little had changed, except ownership of a few businesses (an all-too-often occurrence in mountain towns). Most significantly, I remembered how I felt when I realized that I wanted to call the Rockies home, and I remembered the struggle to make it happen in the years that followed.

Life is not always easy. Everyone has their own unique set of problems. I believe it is how you manage them and maintain or even cultivate your sense of curiosity and playfulness that really matters.

Henry Thoreau once wrote "However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts."

Once In A Lifetime

The phrase "once in a lifetime" has been used a lot recently. Two notable examples are the Diamond Jubilee in the UK, and of course the transit of Venus. I have to admit (and I'm probably in a minority) that I don't have a strong interest in either one. When I think of incredibly rare, special events I think of a chance encounter with deer in the depths of winter, where I sat 6ft from a small herd.

I think of the large herd of bighorn sheep that were enjoying the early spring weather when I happened to have my longest (and heaviest) lens with me. My once in a lifetime events happen much closer to home, or at least much closer to me.

An unexpected discovery can make a life-long memory (for me, at least) far more meaningful than a long-planned event. Once again, it is the little things that matter, and I can think of no better way to spend my days than photographing them.

Images in this post can be found here.

Hidden Depths

Thousands of people visit the high country each year to enjoy the natural beauty of the wilderness and the architecture of former mining towns. Roads such as the Million Dollar Highway and the Silver Thread Scenic Byway offer stunning views, and there are many ATV trails to explore, but I can't think of a better way to experience Colorado than on foot.

Hiking allows the backcountry to be viewed at a slower place, which means that the rich details of a landscape are not missed. Instead of an alpine meadow, the intricate composition of an individual bloom can be seen. Instead of a ghost town, the axe marks of the original builder can be studied.

Such 'little things' are the fabric of our world.

Dawn To Dusk

I can think of no better reason to wake up before dawn than to be on a mountain trail as the sun rises. An early morning frost only enhances the scenery as the sun rises over a nearby ridge. Rabbits dart across the trail, while deer watch warily from a distance before walking briskly away. As the sagebrush fades away, the path is covered in a carpet of orange aspen leaves and pine needles, and the sky is clearly visible through bare trees.

At 9500ft there is evidence of very recent snowfall, while at 10000ft and above last season's snow still lies at depths up to 2ft, which makes travel difficult and obscures the trail ahead. Even so, wild buttercups and strawberries, oregon grape and more are all coming to life once more. Chipmunks and small birds inhabit the coniferous trees, and grouse can be found among the aspen.

At 11000ft the trees become sparse and those that remain are prime targets for lightning and avalanches  from nearby peaks (still laden with snow). Above the trees the whole valley below can be seen, and a boulder makes a great place to sit and appreciate the surroundings. Everything else fades away up here. This is why I came to the mountains.

Creativity

As I was preparing to escape to the mountains, I thought a great deal about living in the wilderness and all the opportunities for great photography. I also thought about the opportunities for change (both habits and circumstances), but I didn't anticipate quite what would happen when I unleashed my stifled creative instincts! The bench that I showed here a couple of weeks ago was just one of nearly a dozen wood projects of varying sizes that I've completed over the last few weeks. I also have a near-constant compulsion to be outside. The changeable spring weather only adds to the excitement of being present and experiencing an April afternoon. As my rhubarb begins to flourish and leaves appear on the wild, native plants nearby, I feel a strong desire to join in by sowing a few seeds alongside those of nature. My only problem is the number of hours in a day!

Spring is a great time to be in the mountains. Just a few days ago, I was lucky enough to see many bighorn sheep. I've already seen my first wildflower of the year, and I'm eager to see some outstanding displays of color on my travels in the wilderness.

For more bighorn shots, see the spring gallery.
Still on the theme of creativity, I'd like you to be the first to see my new project - a new range of gifts and shirts! In addition to FTHC images available on cards and gifts, I've designed a small range of shirts that are in keeping with the values expressed in this blog. I hope you like them!