Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  quotes,  seasons,  trees,  winter scenes

Cottonwoods

Cottonwood trees at Arapaho Bend Natural Area

Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.

Imogen Cunningham

If you look closely on the right side of the trees you will see the remnants of the Old Straus Cabin. The cabin is located within the Arapaho Bend Natural Area. This cabin is an example of the early log structures. George Strauss built the cabin in 1864 and farmed the land around it, growing vegetables and raising cattle. These trees and the cabin sit right along the banks of the Poudre River.

Cunningham’s attitude seems like a pretty good approach to improving our photography. Think I’ll give it a try. It was 2 degrees this morning when I left the condo. Now a blue sky and sunshine brightens the day but will see clouds move in later and snow beginning tonight and into tomorrow.

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

9 Comments

  • Tom Dills

    Beautiful winter scene. Those cottonwoods almost look like they have some spring growth. Hopefully not. We’re seeing some of the trees starting to bud here, which seems awfully early.

  • Faye

    Lovely scene, the bit of blue sky is very nice. The photo-a-day projects on Pbase really forced me to look everywhere for photo possibilities. It was stressful at times (omg it’s almost midnight and I haven’t taken today’s photo!) but overall, good habits were formed.

    Stay warm. Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s photograph. 🙂

    • Monte Stevens

      LOL. I remember those nights. But, I do agree that project helped me to look and hone my photographic eye. It is snowing as we speak with maybe an inch of snow already.

  • Mark

    I am always amazed at the angles some Cottonwoods can grow (and stay) at. Some behind our yard make me nervous though. I am guilty of the cold keeping me inside a lot lately.

    • Monte Stevens

      I’m right there with you, Mark. We seem to think and see in linear fashion while nature is all over the place. Makes me think about those times when I see the chaos of nature in stark contrast to man’s garden layout. I can go nuts when something is out of order. I find that true when there is a broken branch hanging from a tree. My mind thinks I need to fix that. 😂 Insane thinking.

  • Joe

    Cottonwoods were my version of Aspens in San Diego. Now the birch is my aspen. I never lived anywhere where aspens were plentiful. I’m very happy with a birch or two though.

    • Monte Stevens

      Love my Colorado aspens! I also am in love with the cottonwoods. They are plentiful out here. Find them all along river banks or any source of water. They make great condos for birds. They make wonderful music when teamed up with the wind. And, those older cottonwoods demonstrate the courage, strength and stamina to endure the seasons of life.