With some open time on our itinerary, we decided to add another country to our trip and ventured into Switzerland for a couple of days. Heading north out of Italy into the mountains we were greeted with stunning scenes, reminiscent of our beloved home state of Colorado. The forests were lush and green and the lingering snow on the mountain peaks really made for some beautiful scenes.
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!
Moonset above the snow-covered Rocky Mountains
With fresh snow covering the plains and mountains a couple of weeks ago and a setting full wolf moon, the scene was a pleasant one. Yeah, it was cold, but so worth it.
Video slideshow – Top Shots 2022: Landscapes
From the Great Plains and the Badlands to the height of the Rocky Mountains, my photo excursions have allowed me to view some stunning scenes. I hope you enjoy this peaceful look back at the natural beauty around us.
Merry Christmas from Colorado!
A beautiful scene appropriately captured yesterday on Christmas Eve. The sun was lighting up the plains and farm beautifully. In the background, the snow covered Rocky Mountains with Mount Meeker dominating. Above that, clouds shrouded some of the mountaintops while a wave cloud was above. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May you and yours enjoy all of the blessings that our Lord was given unto us for on this day.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
~ Luke 2:11
As sunrise lights up the plains and Rocky Mountains, bison graze peacefully
Oh yes! This is Colorado! Such a gorgeous scene on Sunday morning.
The sun was coming above the horizon casting its warm glow across the landscape. In the foreground, the bison herd was at ease, grazing on the grasses of the Great Plains. In the distance, the Flatirons near Boulder and beyond that, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
I snapped the requisite pictures and then just sat, soaking in the scene and being grateful to witness it.
The best thing I saw in Colorado yesterday was…
The best thing I saw in Colorado yesterday was… Colorado itself – above and below.
My morning photo excursion was not going well. I had covered a lot of miles and spent a lot of time to find nothing, it was 8:30am and I had not clicked the shutter once and that is bad. As I made a stop to look for critters, I looked to the south and saw some hot air balloons in the sky.
It had been a few years since I had a quality photo session with the famous Colorado balloon so I raced south to catch it. While I took pics of the other balloons too, this one, of course, stole the show, particularly when it descended and was in front of those gorgeous, snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
We’re lucky to live in a place where scenes like this are pretty routine. I do my best not to take it for granted.
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!
Winter above, fall in the valley
A typically beautiful fall scene in the Colorado high country. Taken on Guanella Pass a couple of weeks ago, it was gorgeous – and chilly. Near and above timberline, a light snow covered the landscape in white. Down below, it was much warmer and drier.
Here, you’re near the summit of the 11,670 foot high pass and looking east northeast. The winding road shows you the way down and in the valley, near Georgetown, you see the aspen are ablaze in the yellows of fall. Above, that always beautiful, blue Colorado sky with some cool clouds to add interest.
Cool clouds at first light in Colorado’s high country
This camping trip to 10,000 feet two weekends ago was a disappointment in terms of wildlife sightings. It was however, a winner in terms of the views afforded, particularly at dawn. The winds were howling pretty good which is unusual for early in the morning and a chill was definitely in the air. In the end it was worth it but I was thankful to be close to camp with hot coffee awaiting.