I'm an early riser, and if I sleep much past 6 a.m., even on my day off, someone better check on me. On our first full day in Colorado, I was up early, as usual, even given the different time zone. While having coffee with Sherpa Girl K, I remarked that I did not see how we were going to work everything into our limited vacation schedule, especially time to get up into the mountains. With the rest of the house still in bed, K suggested that we head up to Mt. Evans right then, to which I said "let's go".
To someone who has spent the majority of his life just a few feet above sea level, the mountains have a special appeal, especially here on the Atlantic Coastal Plain where they are several hours away at best. Mt. Evans is one of the 50 plus peaks in Colorado exceeding 14,000', but is only one of two you can drive to. In fact, the road to Mt. Evans is the highest paved road in the country, and there's nary a guardrail in sight. I was so glad that someone else was behind the wheel.
Out first stop was Echo Lake, where the water was like a mirror, and the air smelled of Christmas.
Further up the mountain, the trees give way to alpine tundra, and we stopped to visit with one of the locals who was quite relaxed around transient visitors.
Back in the car we climbed to Summit Lake. My last visit here was impaired by altitude sickness, but on this trip I refused to let that be an issue.
Summit Lake is one of those places where you don't know whether to focus your eye on the grandeur in front of you, or the details at your feet. Looking at the entirety of it touched my soul and brought tears to my eyes, and yes, I am sure it was not the thin oxygen making me think that way.
The man in the following picture is not me, bowing my head in prayer, though it could have easily been. Though he was a kindred spirit, and he was also part of
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. The group was working at Summit Lake planting tiny little alpines, the seeds of which were gathered from the same sight the previous year. They looked like a fun group, and I felt like picking up a trowel and getting my hands dirty, but we had run out of time, and had to get back down the mountain.
We did make one more stop on the road to Mt. Evans, and that was so I could hug some thousand year old trees, but I will have to share that in another post.
What a great set, Les! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like heaven on earth, Les! Some of the best Rocky Mountain photography I've seen. We've had many family reunions in Colorado--mostly near Estes Park, and we honeymooned there, too. I recall a similar lake somewhere in Rocky Mountain National Park, but I don't remember the name. Similar look and plant life. Gorgeous place, gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Mt. Evans was the first place we visited upon arriving in Colorado and even after 50 years living here, it's grandeur and beauty take my breath away.
ReplyDeleteGoing on the bucket list!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that gorgeous trip, Les. I loved seeing the reflections in the water, the plant life and your rodent welcoming committee. I also loved seeing those volunteers planting the alpines. I guess it goes to show scenic beauty sometimes needs a helping hand.
ReplyDeleteStunning, I usually read your blog on my inexpensive laptop and the photos are great. Tonight I used my iPad and they are amazing. I think I am going to have to get an Apple laptop, it makes such a difference. Colorado looks so wonderful. I haven't been there in the summer in a while but I love it then.
ReplyDeleteGlorious photos, Les. What a magnificent place.
ReplyDeleteStunning pics Les. Bless those volunteers for helping to restore Mother Earth ... Look forward to seeing you hug that tree.
ReplyDeleteYour photos as always, marvelous.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun, to be planting alpines at 14,000 feet. What hardy people they must be.
Such a different landscape than what we have in the East. Beautiful but also moon-like in a way.
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