SOME NEAR AND INTERESTING CO. PLACES

Last month we spent a wonderful 2 days with a group of friends at Waunita Hot Springs, a delightful ranch with a large pool fed by the numerous hot springs in the area. We did some x-country skiing, ate delicious food and had a great time.

On the way back we pass this perfect "Indian Head" Mountain.

We took a detour to the old town of Pitkin, a bustling place in the summer, but pretty much deserted in the winter.

There still remain a few of the original cabins.

Back in Gunnison, we stopped to eat our sandwiches by the Gunnison River and watch the accumulation of Mallard ducks.

The active summer "Water Park" was coated with ice and didn't look like nearly as much fun.

On another day on a drive to Montrose. I snapped this shot as we passed the Dillan Pinacles.

A bit further on the emerging color of spring took my eye.
As "spring" progresses here in the Rockies, we have had an additional 2 feet of snow at our house during the past 4 to 5 days, interspersed with wind, then sunshine. But we are leaving today for a week in San Miguel, where I understand the temperatures are 90 degrees. Maybe when we get back srping will really have arrived in Crested Butte.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE MOUNTAIN, & AT HOME

Skiing on the mountain on the beautiful day of fresh snow you could see clearly all of the surrounding ranges.

To the North was Snodgrass with Gothic Mountain peaking from behind.

Further to the East Teocalli Mountain appeared behind the White Mountains of the Elk Range,

And a better view of Gothic, my favorite mountain to photograph.

The trees, loaded with new snow were magical,

And the runs couldn't be more enticing.

Riding back up a chairlift the top of the peak was visible

Arriving home to our yet un-shoveled deck we saw the signs of many visitors.

One brave fellow was waiting patiently in our yard, hoping for a hand-out.

Following are a few images of the red foxes who we help through the worst winter months when the snow is very deep.

We hope that they keep the mole and vole population under control during the easier hunting months.

REMEMBERANCES WHILE WAITING FOR SPRING

When the snow is heavy and fresh and clings to the trees, the mountains take on a different appearance from a distance.

On a trip back from Gunnison last month shopping for our weekly groceries the mountains appeared white and gray.

Mt Crested Butte appeared eerily from the highway.

Back at home the job again became clearing the driveway.

And the county plows worked on the roads.

Once again our trees became burried in snow.

And our freshly shoveled deck disappeared under fresh snow.

But the mountain views, above the fog, were beautiful.

On the way to the gym early the next morning the frozen rivers reflected the mountains behind.

The icicles hanging from the gym roof reflected the rising sun.

While in town the bicycles were abandon by the coffee shop.

But as we passed Crested Butte Mountain, it bode well for a wonderful day of skiing.

THE BEGINNING OF SPRING ??

The beginning of spring in the Rockies is different that anyplace else I have lived. One day the temperatures rise to the 40's. the snow seems to be melting fast, the mud starts to appear around the edges of the streets, and the next we are "blessed" once again with 6 or more inches of new snow. A blue bird appears on our railing and I run for my camera, but alas I am too late, he doesn't stay long on this first visit. As I yearn for spring, and spend more time in the gym than I do skiing, I decide to go through some of my recent photos and relive some of the reasons I love it here in, as my friend Sandy calls it "this magical place".

The beginnings of a day in the mountains are as varied as can be. Sometimes the sky and mountains light up with vivid shades of salmon and purple.

Sometimes the colors stay muted in the soft pink tones.

And sometimes the colors stay bright and mix with the blues of the beginning of the day.

If one is awake early enough on a morning of full moon you can capture its vision combined with the reflection of the rising sun on the nearby mountains.

As the day begins the light hits first the peaks of the surrounding mountains, here Whetstone Mountain, and the snow piles on the side of our road.

Red Lady Bowl on top of Mt Emmons turns white,

As does Mt Gothic which I can see clearly from my kitchen.

Across the street Snodgrass does the same while displaying the shadowss created by our house.

The evening sky can be even more dramatic with bright oranges, reds and purples.

Finally the sky can become streaked with blues and deep pinks from the last rays of the setting sun. What a beautiful show of nature we have from our windows.

THE END OF WINTER??