Off the Beaten Path

Mountain men like Hugh Glass, Jim Bridger, James Beckwourth, and Liver Eating Johnson, used to follow rivers and streams just like this one into the wilderness to find unspoiled trapping grounds.  "I hear tell there are beaver as thick as fleas up yonder" could be heard at any rendezvous down below.  Each time I venture away from the beaten path I become reacquainted with the feelings they must have experienced. Following this stream into the backcountry, deep into the "West Elk Wilderness Area"... to an unspoiled land...was good for our souls.  I long to be in country like this, but I truly believe Mary loves it even more.

A Tribute Just For Them

When Mary and I were traveling home from Crested Butte last month we looked to the side of the road and noticed this flagpole and American flag seemingly in the middle of nowhere.  I slammed on the brakes, made a U turn in the middle of the highway, and went back to make this image of the scene.  I have no idea who placed the flagpole in this location, or who the half mast tribute was for, but as I stood there mesmerized by the flag fluttering in the breeze the faces of all the people I have lost in my life came to mind and I felt in my heart that it was there just for them.

Picking and Grinning

A guitar picking musician and his "way cool" looking guard dog were just one of the many interesting sights that we found while biking through Manitou on a recent morning ride.  As I recall he was singing "You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog".  Well...maybe not.

A Spectacular Farewell

As darkness fell and the cool evening stillness seemed to penetrate through, touching our skin, a marvelous day disappeared in an equally spectacular farewell display.

  

A Sign

When the sky seems to be at its darkest, and it does not seem that things could be worse, a sign appears and brightens our lives.

Cattle on the Rock "n Pine

Cattle on the Rock 'n Pine Ranch.  It's nice to see the herd contentedly munching through the meadow.  For some reason a medium rare Porterhouse and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is heavy on my mind.  I might just have to do something about that.

He ended the Iraq war, he killed Bin Laden, he saved the economy of the entire United States, he fixed health care, and now he came to Colorado to put out the Waldo Canyon fire.  He da man!!

Notice all the brave firefighters who are not able to be out on the fire lines, and one can only imagine how many police officers were called away from their important duties to provide security for this politically motivated dog and pony show.