We went back to Mount Pisgah for a quick afternoon walk. We made our way to the waters edges and a few good rocks to throw in. Ridley quickly realized that he could draw in the sand with a stick, but also found it equally fun to step on what he just made.
Photography Date: 5-8-17
Writing Date: 3-20-18
With the good weather holding out, we made our way down to America's first and oldest filbert orchard, Dorris Ranch. This is such a fun area, trails, nature, old farm equipment, and lots of exploring. We took our time as we spent the afternoon hiking around the ranch. What a fun afternoon.
Photography Date: 5-7-17
Writing Date: 3-20-18
I was on my way through the forest on old logging roads when I met the limitations of my rental car. Something I didn't plan for was snow on the ground in early May. The patch of snow that lay ahead of me wasn't that intimidating, but after checking it out, I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, I didn't make it very far before getting stuck. This was a major roadblock for me getting to Pinard Falls that morning.
I eventually got myself out of the snow and was going to do my best to figure out what do next. Throughout the National Forest road system, you come across old rock quarries where they harvested the material to make the roads. In later years, the quarries became safe places for people to target practice and better their aim. I pulled over to check one out and was surprised by how many bullets I found alongside spent casings.
As I was randomly driving around, I came across a beautiful little scene. There on the side of the road stood a lonely little flower illuminated by a single sunbeam piercing through the forest canopy. I jumped out to grab a photo, but couldn't help wonder how many people had seen that sunlight flower. Or perhaps it was only in that moment that the conditions were perfect for the sun to make its way through the trees and that it might not happen ever again. It's fun to think about these little moments.
As I continued down this random road, I couldn't believe it; I accidentally found a snow-free alternative route to the falls. I was in utter shock and had to take a double take to the lonely sign guiding me on my way.
The trail to the falls was covered by 2-3 inches of mud, so yeah, that was fun, but I made my way. I was the only person there for most the morning, a few groups came through, but didn't stay for long. It was as if all they needed to do was briefly see the falls and that would be enough to let them turn around and head out. Maybe they were on a tight schedule, and couldn't stay long, but I too eventually ran out of time and had to leave. I would have had more time if it wasn't for that snow, but then I might not have seen that beautiful little flower.
Photography Date: 5-7-17
Writing Date: 3-20-18
The weather was looking good, so Ridley and I made our way to Spencer's Butte for a little adventure. The trail is little over a mile, and I was quite impressed how far Ridley made it on his own when you also consider elevation. But his small legs can only hold out for so long; then it's up onto my shoulders for the rest of the way up.
Once we mad it to the top, we set up a little area to eat our snacks and get some water. That's when the squirrels came out. It's evident they know what they are doing when it comes to getting food from people. I know I probably shouldn't feed the squirrels, but Ridley thought it was so fun to share a few snacks with them regardless. He would have given them his whole lunch if I didn't stop him.
Photography Date: 5-6-17
Writing Date: 3-20-18
My last had finally come, and I wasn't sure what I was going to do. The only thing on the agenda was to be back in Denver sometime that evening. I thought since I was so close, that I would go down and get a better view of Ship Rock. Well, unfortunately, those beautiful clouds I had the day before that let me shoot all day long were gone, and I had nothing but clear blue skies. I did what I could to make the best of it, but the photos weren't that great. So I decided to head east and see what New Mexico had to offer.
Though it was neat to see the area with my own eyes, it was very well traveled area with lots of small towns and farms. I was back into the people with the wild out of reach for the moment. I explored a few dirt tracts and checked out a reservoir before deciding to head north back into Colorado taking the Cumbres Pass. On the other side, I drove into this small little town where a church had burned down in the 70's, but they left the remains standing as a monument.
I slowly meandered home, stopping here and there looking for great pictures. As evening approached, I found myself near Buena Vista, where I grabbed a bite to eat before heading up to the Collegiate Peaks Overlook to wait for sunset. As I waited, I met a lovely couple that was on their own road trip from the South East. We chatted for a while before they turned in to make their camp. As the sun set, I reflected on my recent adventure and all that I had seen. I've gotten a small taste for what's out there and how easy it is to do it.
Photography Date: 4-30-17
Writing Date: 3-19-18
