My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I have been pretty good about taking my camera for daily walks during this stay-at-home order. Even got in the walks the past two days when it was snowing and cold, admittedly shorter. And the weather forecasters are telling us more snow, 3-8 inches, by Thursday. Enough already. Bring on spring, rain, thunderstorms, flowers, weeds and sunny walks. I’m ready now!
This is the starting point to the trail at Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I find this view to be an inviting place to start. I spent some time out there late Saturday afternoon for some renewal and to touch base with nature.
The second image is along the trail on the west side of the natural area. I’ve been coming out here for over 15 years and watched things change. A year ago they changed the dirt/gravel path to concrete. It is nice in funky weather but it does take away from the feel of the natural area. The engineering mind of man wants to improve or enhance this area. In doing so we alter the natural area to a man controlled environment. Almost wish the old path was still there.
“Snow was falling,
so much like stars
filling the dark trees
that one could easily imagine
its reason for being was nothing more
than prettiness.”
― Mary Oliver
Awoke to this pretty scene. A reminder that it’s still spring and I live in Colorado. It is a wet and heavy snow with plenty of moisture, making farmers happy campers. Most of the trees have their leaves on so many of the branches on the smaller trees are under the stress of its weight. It is not cold so I’m good with it. This is at the trailhead to Fisher Natural Area along West Stuart.
Paul had a recent post about the constant noise he experienced in New York City. I relate. In my area its riding lawn mowers, leaf blowers, grass trimmers, trash truck, train whistle ( a mile away), sirens, loud stereos, Harley’s, etc. Some people seem to enjoy making the noise and for others it’s a way to make a living. For me I have enough noise in my head without all the external noise. Yesterday was an extremely noisy day as they are tearing up the parking lot across the ponds so machinery have been in operation all day. Tearing up asphalt makes a lot of noise! Maybe I need to move to the country.
My escape are trips to local nature areas, the mountains or some dirt road on the eastern plains. Basically out of town. This past weekend I took a drive to the Riverbend Nature area. This area is on the edge of the city limits so I can still hear some of noise, but it is the reprieve I needed. The clouds were putting on a beautiful show and helped cool things down while the setting sun make for some nice light and shadows. As I worked my way back to the truck a few rain drops added to my enjoyment. And, I was not the only one who needed to get out to the nature areas.
Rain started beating against my window around 1:00 am in the morning and continued raining until mid morning. Just after noon the blue skies started to appear and the heat/humidity started to rise. As your clothes begin to stick to your damp body you realized that you’re living in the Ohio Valley and not back in Colorado.
In spite of the weather I decided to give myself an assignment. I walked through Blendon Woods park with only my 85mm f1.8 portrait lens. Every so often along the trails are these benches where people can rest or you can sit while enjoying the free concert orchestrated by the birds. And what a concert it is. Hope you had a good day!
Green is a predominate color in our nature. Ever notice that? Well, I have and love it. When nature puts on a display of green leaves then throws in a few blossoms and flowers it can take your breath away. When nature includes cloudy skies to diffuse the light and then add a few drops of rain we have a miracle before us. Just to entice us more, nature will also add a few sweet smelling fragrances from those flowers and blossoms and the smell of rain. I like green and I’m not talking about money!