A fun look at the Mile High City, taken yesterday morning. Bison were lazily grazing on a hill at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. In the background, downtown Denver from the golden dome of the Colorado State Capitol building to the south to the RINO district on the north. Of course, beyond that, the Rocky Mountains with some lingering snow in spots. Yeah, we do live in a pretty cool place.
Denver’s City and County Building decked out for the holidays
I think the City and County of Denver Government must be conspiring against me. I rarely venture downtown and it had been a few years since I photographed this gorgeous display so I gave it an attempt, twice in seven days, and twice I swear I was conspired against.
The first time, the lights were broken – just dark – no shots to be had. Thursday, I gave it another try and some rocket scientist decided to park three semi-trailers on Bannock Street in front of the building! The white monstrosities prevented getting a full view of the display, the view everyone goes down there to see.
I suspect the trailers were put there to pick up the Christmas decorations but, come on, move them in the day you are doing the job and don’t block the view before! Sigh.
Anyway, I did my best to get what I could without the dumb trailers in the way. On the plus side, my wife and I made two fantastic date nights out of it and the most important part was spending time with her, my best friend.
Christmas star and the waxing moon
My wife and I headed to downtown Denver on Thursday to view the Christmas lights for the first time in a few years. Unfortunately, it appeared that the City of Denver failed to pay their electric bill (pun!) because the city and county building was dark. The Christmas tree in the park was on, however, so I at least had one thing to photograph.
All kidding aside, I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and hope you have a blessed New Year. Please take time today and tomorrow to remember that HE is the reason for the season.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” ~Luke 2: 8-14
Hazy layers of mountains in front of the Mile High City
One for Throwback Thursday going to July of last year. After taking in a stunning sunrise, my friend and I lingered, soaking in the view to the east from 14,000 feet. While the brilliant oranges that led up to sunrise had faded, the scene still looked pretty cool. Smoke from wildfires out of state had settled in creating a cool haze showcasing the smaller mountains below us. Off in the distance and to the far left just beyond the mountains you can actually make out downtown Denver and its skyscrapers. While those buildings are tall, they are dwarfed by Mother Nature’s work not far to the west. You can guess which location I prefer!
The Mile High City looking small from 35 miles away and two miles higher
Kind of a fun, accidental shot. View this image full screen and look close.
You will see the skyscrapers of downtown Denver, Colorado standing tall above the immediately surrounding terrain. Downtown is, however, dwarfed by the mountains to the west where you are viewing this from.
Taken not long after sunrise on Mount Evans in mid-August, I was trying to capture the amber colors in the sky and the silhouetted mountains with the expansive Great Plains in the distance.
After taking the picture, I previewed it and thought the result was pretty darned cool but had forgotten about it until recently when sorting through pics for my end of year photo projects. Definitely a fun shot and worth sharing!
Bison graze on an overcast autumn day with the Mile High City in the background
With thick, low clouds causing dim light, I didn’t have a lot of hope for my photo outing yesterday. However, overcast skies do have the benefit of evening out the light and eliminating bright spots and dark shadows. As a result, I got some pretty neat captures, despite the conditions.
In this image from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, we bring together a bit of everything: The Old West with the bison, the New West with the Denver skyline in the background, and then we throw in the Rocky Mountains and a touch of fall foliage to add even more interest. It was a cool scene for sure and one that I was glad to be able to capture.
Golden sunflowers and the Mile High City
This sunflower field is absolutely massive and its location affords some fun, different views. While it was, unfortunately, a bit hazy on the morning this was taken, it was way cool to be able to get those blooming sunflowers in the foreground and Denver, Colorado in the background. Oh, yeah, there is also those Rocky Mountains in there too. 😉
I do count myself as privileged to have grown up here and have lived in this city most of my life. Historically, Denver was called the Queen City of the Plains. Both it, and the more common Mile High City nickname, seem quite appropriate.
Golden sunflower field beneath the Rocky Mountains and Denver
This made for a pretty danged nice view yesterday morning! The sunflowers are starting to bloom on the Colorado plains and this particular spot had some added bonuses. Of course you had the flowers but in the distance, also the majestic Mile High City and the Rocky Mountains. Throw in the setting near full moon above in the blue skies and, well, that was darned awesome for sure.
From 5,280 to 14,265
Just a typically gorgeous morning on the Colorado plains and a look to the west at Denver and the Rocky Mountains.
The sun had just popped over the horizon and the trees were casting spots of shadows. In the distance and to the left, the Mile High City (elevation 5,280 feet), known at one time as the Queen City of the Plains. Beyond, the snow-capped foothills and mountains, most notably to the right, the indominable Mount Evans (elevation 14,265 feet).
Oh, and of course some bison grazing the plains making this a fine picture for Tatanka Tuesday!
From the golden dome of the Colorado state capitol building to the Great Plains
A bit of Old West meets the new west as a bison strolls along the plains with the Mile High City and the Rocky Mountains in the background.
I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of the bison in front of Denver like this but every time I just get excited. Such a cool scene and one that helps me to remember why I love living in the Centennial State.