Life on the High Plains

 I can't believe it's been three months since I last posted.  I don't really have an excuse other than life gets in the way and we've had a couple months of sorrow in the family.  Today I decided to jump back in and record the beautiful moments we've experienced. Back in September we jumped on a plane and headed to Fresno, California.  Our destination was Yosemite National Park--a bucket list trip for me. After arriving in Fresno we drove the couple hours to our lodging in Mariposa and then immediately headed out to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias located at the south entrance to the park. Did you know Abraham Lincoln saved the Mariposa Grove with the Yosemite Grant Act of 1864? It set the land aside for the enjoyment of public and provided protection to these giant trees.  This set a precedent for future National Parks. Pictures do not do justice for these magnificent giants.  There are about 500 of these giant trees in the grove. There are a variety ...

I don't know what it has been like where y'all live, but here on the eastern plains of Colorado it has been rainy and cloudy for weeks. Part of me doesn't even feel like we had a summer because of the amount of rain and cooler temps.  I don't want you to think I'm complaining though because the high desert has been in drought conditions for many years. The year to date average for my location is 12.51".  As of today we've received 18.79" of precipitation.  I know that's not a lot of rain for many of you, but we're glad to have every single drop.   Here is Colorado we're used to having more sunny days than cloudy days.   The locals like to say we receive 300 sunny days per year, but I just looked it up and where I live we get an average of 247 days of sunshine per year.  We're spoiled and maybe that's why I feel like summer somewhat passed us by this year. All I'm asking for is sunshine on Saturday when I go to the Wynonna and Li...

 Time to head on another camping trip. Ready to go! A peek at Pike's Peak from highway 24. Driving through the Pike National Forest.  Looks like DJT is already decimating our public lands. All set up.  The campsite wasn't level so it took some work to get it leveled.  No hookups here except for electricity--we filled our water tank before leaving and the solar panels on the roof keep the refrigerator going while on the road. Storm is rolling in. Beautiful view of the reservoir. Enjoying the fresh mountain air. Even Aspen is relaxed. Hit the trail the next morning. Is there anything as relaxing as being on a trail in nature? Lots of rock formations. My favorite hiking partner! Nice aspen grove. Tried to take the kayaks out, but the wind was coming up so time to get off the lake.  This lake can be quite dangerous in a windstorm.  A week after we were there a paddleboarder and his dog drowned when they were caught in a storm.  Neither had life jackets....

We took the new camper for a quick weekend trip last week. Beautiful skies here in Southern Colorado. A view of Pikes Peak from one of the trails. This beautiful wildflower is apparently a Blazing Star or Liatris Punctata. We were able to get out and enjoy the trails. Our dog, Aspen, is the world's happiest rock climber.  Any boulder we come across she has to jump on. iNat Classic tells me this is a Great Mullein.  Can't wait to see what it's bloom looks like. Maisy, the little dog, got a little tired at the end of our two mile adventure. Me in the midst of a scrub oak tunnel.  Any shade was appreciated. I told you Maisy was exhausted after our hike. This beauty was the only wildlife we encountered. There's nothing better than a campfire at night to go along with some star gazing. There's no better way to recharge than spending a couple days in nature. Linking with Skywatch Friday.  

Last weekend we went camping at Eleven Mile State Park in Colorado because it's a great place to kayak. The first day we launched the kayaks, but there was a little wind which was generating some white caps so we didn't stay too long.  The next day, however, was calm and smooth.  We got to explore some of our favorite coves. Linking with Skywatch Friday

The nature centers that I volunteer for do an excellent job of training for their volunteers.  This month the volunteer coordinator offered to lead some field trips into the parks to learn some of the wildflowers. First I have to tell you about this guy.  I was sitting at the front desk at Bear Creek with a saw a big ball of black fur coming off the nature trail.  My first thought was that a guest had taken their dog on an off limits trail.  It didn't take me long to realize that it was a bear!  I called the supervisor and she went out and followed to see where the bear was going while I stayed inside and kept the kids and senior citizens from running out after it.  It was a cool experience! The next day Irv and I joined a group of volunteers for the wildflower walk at Bear Creek.  I don't know much about flowers so I was glad to have a learning opportunity. I already can't remember the name of this one.  Maybe a Western Spiderwort? Of course ther...