Life on the High Plains

Sometimes in life you need some outdoor therapy.  There's something about being out in nature that clears the mind, refreshes the soul and removes life's burdens for a short while. To celebrate National Park week, all pubic federal lands waived entrance fees on Saturday.  Irv and I decided to go check out our closest National Monument--Florissant Fossil Beds. Back in the day, and I mean 34 million years ago, this area was filled with lakes and giant redwood trees that grew to heights of 250 feet. The ash from nearby volcanoes covered the landscape which preserved these giant stumps. Inside the visitor center they have numerous fossils of plants, insects, and fish that were found in the shale that covers the area. Back in the 1800's numerous collectors and tourists came to the area and hauled away pieces of the trees and fossils.  Above you can see saw blades that were abandoned in the giant stump by those who were attempting to dismantle it. ...

A spring storm was brewing in the Pikes Peak Region last weekend. We woke up to a few inches of heavy, wet snow. The Eastern plains of Colorado are still in a drought situation so this snow was very much appreciated.   I love trees draped in snow. This snow was even wet enough to make a snowman. The best part was that it was all melted and gone within 24 hours.  That's another reason I love Colorado so much. Happy Skywatch Friday !