… as I unintentionally wake at 3:54 am. Wide awake I decide to get up. I made a trip to the bathroom and then settled into my prayer and meditation time. Ate a quick bowl of cereal, made a chai latte and headed out the door in anticipation of this day’s offering. The sun was not up yet but soon would be. I wanted to be at Pineridge Natural Area for pre-dawn light and sunrise.
Nature has so much to offer us this time of the day with its creative beauty, the silence, the solitude and witnessing the miracle of a new day. When we allow it, it touches the soul. Clouds presented warm pink and orange colors to entice the eyes. Meadowlarks and robins greeted me with beautiful songs of love. One meadowlark who seemed very excited, sang to me the whole time. I watched a Great Blue Heron wading along the shore who was soon joined by four more. I assume all were in anticipation of breakfast.
From there I headed east towards Arapaho Bend Natural Area in search of possible images of fog and morning light. This is an area that sits along the low lying land of the Poudre River, usually rich with fog. But, as I drove by Rolland Moore Park I could see the sun bursting through trees, casting light across the wet grass and its rays lighting up the fog. Distracted now, I quickly pulled into the parking lot and grabbed my camera and tripod. Again, I was given a lovely gift of golden light, shadows, and the sparkling wet grass. Grateful I was there!
By the time I arrived at Arapaho Bend Natural Area the sun had burned off most of the fog. Since the wind blew yesterday the skies this morning were clear and bright. A group of pelicans and Canada Geese were kind enough to share this sanctuary with me. I stood along the shores of the pond, which are reclaimed gravel pits, and let everything soak in, taking in deep breaths. What I experience in these early mornings may seem strange to some but it is my life. I am filled with gratitude! I then moved on with my day in anticipation of the possible gifts yet to come. And one of those gifts is the coffee shop for a mocha latte.1And when I got there (Starry Night) they had just made their chocolate chip/chai scones. They do not make them very often so I had to have one. Hope you enjoyed a peek at my morning images. Have an Awesome day!
6 Comments
Tom Dills
You are so blessed to have so many choices of destinations there, although it appears you managed to hit most of them in one morning! What a wonderful group of photographs as a result.
I’m really drawn to your imagery of the birds “sharing” the morning with you. In many ways the ultimate expression of your being one with nature. Lovely. And what better way to cap it off than a mocha latte at a favorite shop!
Monte Stevens
Yes, I am blessed with places that are easily accessible. I’m even luckier to have both the wide open prairie and the mountains within a short distance. I am one who enjoys time with the creatures, even preferring to hang with them more than people more often than not.
Earl
Picking a photo from among this lovely group seems akin to picking a favorite child because when the truth is told, they each have their strengths. But the warm sunrays and fog of the third photo at Rolland Moore Park are mighty appealing to me, and the park’s name also seems to have a nice ‘ring’ to it. 😀
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Monte Stevens
I must agree with you the sun’s rays bursting upon the dew covered grass of the park is a favorite. I chose all four because I couldn’t decide on just one. It also lets you kinda experience what my morning was like. I have much to be grateful for in living here. We are socked in with low lying clouds and high humidity this morning, and cool. We had a nice rain yesterday and may see more today. Things are greening up quickly.
Mark
That’s an early rise, but I say you certainly seized this morning for sure!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Mark. This is my favorite time of the day.