landscape,  Poudre River,  winter scenes

A Morning Walk

Winter colors along the Poudre River at the Environmental Learning Center

I had an invigorating ride in the fog this morning to meet Jeff for coffee. About 10:00 am I drove to the Arapaho Bend Natural Area and then over to the Environmental Learning Center. I needed to take my camera for a walk and did that at the ELC. I had not been to the ELC in a while and was shocked. Everything seemed so bleak to me, dead trees were down everywhere. It’s usually lush, green and vibrant. The last time I was there was there in June of 2023. I settled in for a walk of the Wilcox Trail, about 1.5 mile loop. By the time I headed home for lunch, I had seen seven eagles, two hawks, and a dozen whitetail deer. So I enjoyed my bicycle ride, my mocha, my conversation with Jeff and my walk in nature.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

6 Comments

  • geri oster

    Thank you for the nature walk, Monte. I needed it this morning. Even in the “bleakness” of our dormancy, life and new hope bubble beneath the surface. This baren landscape reminds me that there are seasons for me to just rest. Thank you for that reminder and also for the other images filled with the life and glory of our Creation all around us.

    • Monte Stevens

      Glad you came along, Geri! As I wandered through the ELC I noticed how many old trees have fallen due to high winds. It will look different in spring. Yes, this is the season for rest and dying off to offer life again later. I’ve been coughing and sneezing today. I sure do not want to get a cold. Stay warm up there!!!

  • Earl

    A nice, brisk morning walk (or ride) in nature under blue skies can make one feel alive. The wildlife count was admirable, even if the rest seemed bleak.

    • Monte Stevens

      It’s too cold for a ride now and we are getting light snow now. I was pleased with the wildlife show and I didn’t mention all the geese and ducks everywhere. And, it looks like you are getting cold weather also. Stay warm!!

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