My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I noticed clouds building up along the mountain ridges late yesterday afternoon. A good sign that the weatherman would be right this time on their forecast. I also noticed their forecast of not getting above freezing. Well, I awoke this morning to cold and snow. I think we have 5-6 inches of the blowing fine powder and sitting around 24 degrees. Roads are slick, schools are closed, and I used the dogs and sled to get to the coffeehouse. The snow is suppose to stop in a couple hours and then get colder. Stay warm!
It has been raining for the past several days. Thankfully it has been a gentle and refreshing rain and much needed moisture. We have seen severe weather conditions over the past few days. There have been tornado warnings, hail warnings, flash flood warnings, and winter weather warnings. Temperatures started to drop down to freezing yesterday afternoon. As it dropped the rain changed to snow, heavy wet snow. My understanding is some areas of Colorado had as much as 6 inches of snow.
Fort Collins is reporting over 2.5 inches of moisture the past 3 days. The 1 to 3 inches of snow they predicted for last night fizzled out. We only received a dusting of snow as you can see in the above image taken this morning of a favorite cottonwood along the Fisher Nature Trail. The image below was taken yesterday afternoon from my bedroom window during some heavier rain.
On June 9, 2013 the High Park Fire began and was not declared under control until June 30, 2013. It was the third largest fire in Colorado history and devestated much of the community. Only one life was lost but a several homes were lost.
Part of the fire moved through the Rist Canyon area. This narrow canyon road goes to Stove Praire and rises in elevation of about 3500 feet. I enjoy the twisty ride up the canyon, stopping whenever I feel like it to enjoy the vistas and the canyon. I used to ride the motorcycle up there. Needing more time away from the noise of the city I took a drive up the canyon.
Snow still on the ground
Your heart shall find peace, when it lets go of the attachment it has to things, that do not serve purpose to the soul.
Just before starting the the steepest climb to the top I encountered snow, lots more than I expected. Even with the temperatures in the mid to high 40’s it takes a while for the snow to melt at this altitude. The plus side is the moisture it brings and is showing in the green grass.
It started falling yesterday morning around 7:00 am and continued to snow all day long. Sometimes heavy but mostly just a light wet snowfall. I think these spring snows are pretty but I do not want the cold that always seems to come with it. Sun is shinning and expected to reach 45 degrees then back into the 60’s and 70’s tomorrow. Have a good week!
Well, I arrived in to Phoenix yesterday evening about 6:30 pm, an hour later than I expected. Even though I left Cortez early I found myself stopping way too often. When I awoke I could hear the wet pavement from passing cars. But I was in for a surprise when I stepped outside my hotel room and found 2-3 inches of snow on my car. Glad I did not pitch the tent. 🙂 Below is an image taken just west of Cortez before sunrise. What a beautiful serene morning.
Snow covered trees west of CortezFresh snow inside Canyon De Chilly
I arrived in Canyon De Chilly about 9:00 in the morning and spent more time there than I expected, which was not enough time. The scenery was breath taking but not as much as the sacredness I felt there. There were very few visitors because of the cold and snow from the night before and it is still early in the season. Loved the quiet of walking to vistas and looking out over the canyon. I had no desire to leave and will go back.
Morning sun to melt the fresh snow
I took the above image along Highway 191 in northeast Arizona. You can see the storm system that moved through yesterday on the eastern horizon. You can also see the dirt on my lens. 🙂
Puffs of clouds to keep my company on my drive
If you enjoy scattered clouds against a blue sky then yesterday was the day for it.
Painted Desert
I also made a quick drive through the Petrified Forest National Park. It was more than I expected, the colors and art work of nature at it’s best can be found in Painted Desert area of the park. It is called the ‘badlands’ for a good reason but what beauty in such a desolate and harsh land. Now to relax and spend time with my parents and eat!
Well, I chose plan B and got a hotel in Cortez, Colorado. About mid morning the clouds rolled in and by the time I got to Pagosa Springs it was a mix of rain and snow. So far I’ve driven through rain, sleet, hail and snow. Plan A was to camp and plan B was a hotel, thus the decision for plan B. Snow plows were out on Wolf Creek Pass while only light snow and rain on Konosha Pass, Red Hill Pass and Trout Creek Pass. Been and up and down day! It has been a beautiful and scenic drive. I’m expecting the same tomorrow as I head to Phoenix.
I found this small one room house in the South Park area. Sure has a big yard!
