Saturday, May 27, 2017

Going Back Home

It's been a week since I posted any pictures.
Gee, I wonder why!  There aren't
any more mountains, etc.
Anyway, here is the required
corn photo taken in Missouri.

One of the many farms in Missouri.

Spotted this bottle tree in
Eastern Indiana.

With my daughter, Donna, being
a math teacher, I just had to
take this sign advertising
pizza pie (pi)!

Winter wheat growing on a farm
in Ohio.  It will be harvested
sometime in June.

Back visiting an old friend,
the Tin Cowboy, at the Best
Western in Bentleyville, PA.
See you all in a couple of days.
Thanks for coming along
for the ride!!!
God Bless!!!







Saturday, May 20, 2017

Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak, CO

Pike's Peak as seen from the
Serenity Deck at our hotel.
So glad the sun finally made
an appearance!

The foothills of the Rockies.

Closeup of Pike's Peak.

More foothills.

I never realized how huge
Colorado Springs was!
There is still building going on.

Pike's Peak as seen from the
Garden of the Gods entrance.

Not all formations in the Garden
of the Gods are red rock.

Taken in the Central Garden.

We were here last year in the snow.
Glad this time the sun was out!
 
Another angle of Pike's Peak,
known as America's Mountain.
We could not go up today because
the top half was snowed in.

Just to the left of the top center you
can see "Kissing Camels".

With a tear in my eye, it is time
to say good bye to the Rockies
and go east.

What a contrast in the land
as we head to Limon, CO!



 










Thursday, May 18, 2017

Going to Colorado Springs, CO


This is what we saw last evening
from our balcony in Gunnison, CO.

And this is what we saw this morning
from our balcony!  The "W"on the top
of the hill is for Western State Colorado
University.

Taken just after Monarch Pass at 11,000
feet.  Never thought we would see snow
on May 19th!

An eerie scene on Route 24.

The high alpine meadow.

We are amazed at how small and 
delicate these little pine trees
are on the lower left corner.

This herd of horses agreed to let
me take their photo.

A weather worn house along the way.
Still waiting for the sun to make
an appearance.

By the time we reached the entrance
to Pike's Peak, we were surrounded
by a serious snowstorm!









Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Palisades Restaurant and Saloon, Gunnison, CO

This is our favorite place to have dinner
in Gunnison, CO.  We have come here
for the last three years.

Love the unique booths here.

I asked our server, Anthony, to take
this photo of us with Preston, the
bartender.  We met him last year
and was so tickled when we walked
in this evening he said, "Welcome
back!  Your favorite booth is 
ready for you."  He gave me a 
big smile and hug.  Yes, Colorado
is my second home!

I just had to take a picture of the
Hashish Hut across from the Palisades
for fun.  No, we did not partake.





Scenic CO 149 to Gunnison, CO

Now this is a grand entrance gate!

The upper tributary of the Rio Grande
River along Route 160.

The lighter green is the blooming
aspen.  Do you see my cabin
in the lower left corner?
Only kidding.

An old mining shaft along
Route 149.

A foot bridge over the
Rio Grande River.

First glimpse of the
Continental Divide.

Dry valley at the foot of the
Continental Divide.

Close to the head waters
of the Rio Grande River.

Spring Creek Pass.
Elevation is 10,898 feet
with grapple falling!

Slumgullion Summit
at 11,530 feet.

The San Juan Mountains.
I took 53 pictures on this
eight hour drive, and
choosing the best photos
has been very difficult.

Toward evening we saw
a couple of elk in the
lower pasture.

Another lovely scene along
the way.  As my friend in the
church office says, Colorado
is truly God's country!

We close our journey with
three deer.  Truly an incredible
drive.  Thanks, Bill!











Monday, May 15, 2017

This is what greeted us on our
way to Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde translates
to green table.

An imposing monolith
welcomes us to the Park.

Prime example of why
it is called Mesa Verde.

There was a fire in the
Pinyon-Juniper Forest
nearly 30 years ago.
An artsy photo, none the less!

"Cliff Palace"
Ancestral Pueblos moved to
Mesa Verde about AD 550.

Kivas are circular structures
that were used for religious,
social and utilitarian ceremonies.
 
Closeup shot of a section
of Cliff Palace.  Restoration work
has been going on for decades.
 
Another closeup of
Cliff Palace.  Some dwellings
are 2, 3 and 4 stories.

Hemenway House, which is
found in a different section
of the Park.

Standing in front of
Cedar Tree Tower.