Old Men and Meanderings
View of Chapin Peak et al from Horseshoe Meadow
As I left the house, the sky was socked in and it looked like a dreary, rainy day was upon me. Not so.
Started the day in Horseshoe Meadows, onward and upward via Fall River Road. Beautiful views, wildflowers, toes in the creek, and I provided breakfast for more than a few mosquitoes.
Tall Chiming Bells - one of my perennial favorites and I love getting in the stream to get their pictures.
Boots in the torrent to capture the beautiful light.
Abstraction - Old Man 1
Tundra at last. Clear sky, clean air, the ever-present breeze. I fell in love, once again, with the Old Men. (Rydbergia grandiflora, Old Man of the Mountain or Alpine Sunflower). These flowers are extraordinary, the hillsides where I hiked were covered with their smiling faces.
Abstraction - Old Man 2
Wishing my CGCC buddies were with me shooting wildflowers - they'd truly understand the the combo of macro, extension tubes, and 500Ds . . . in the macro groove. (Missing you in July, looking forward to seeing you in September!)
Abstraction - Old Man 3
A visitor on the Old Man - posed long and lovingly for many images.
Included in the peep show were the marmots (which are reportedly getting larger, potentially due to climate change . . .) - there were 2 babies in this particular burrough as well, but mom kept them under wraps when the camera was out. Delightful indeed!
As well, another old man allowed himself to be admired and photographed - the classic bull elk, thoroughly enjoying a breakfast view. He stayed in this position for a couple of hours - allowed me to circle him completely and enjoy the view from all angles.
Hours pass - the breeze is still blowing, what a beautiful day. On to Trail Ridge Road - I was surprised by a group of young bulls and females on their way to some very important social event. Extraordinary views - looking west to the Never Summer range, east to Long's Peak. I provided lunch for the pollinating flies . . .
Long's Peak
At afternoon's end, time to say au revoir to a very beautiful and special place. My head is cleared, my heart is full, and my soul is thankful.