Friday, June 26, 2015

Colorado Western Slope Skyway Scenery

High country view from Colorado 145 west of Telluride.
A glorious late spring drive across a portion of the San Juan Skyway in southwest Colorado. The aspen forests have leafed out and so the lower forests are greener than green. Which makes them a nice counterpoint to the higher, bluer peaks in the distance, and the clear blue sky.

Looking south to the Mount Sneffels Wilderness from Hwy. 62, above Ridgway, Colorado.
The verdant green of an aspen and oak forested ridge provides a color and perspective complement.
Later I drove across the western portion of Grand Mesa. While camping there, I saw a cinnamon colored black bear in the forest, which didn't know I was there. Though I would have loved to have gotten a photo.

Looking off Grand Mesa, down toward Cedaredge, Colorado.
Then it was down off the southwest side of Grand Mesa, into the beautiful little town of Cedaredge, then into the larger but still lovely town of Delta.

As always, click on any image for a much larger version.

© 2015 Stephen J. Krieg

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Sunset Rainbow At Natural Bridges

Rainbow and Bears Ears Buttes, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah.

The weather forecast had been only 20 percent chance of showers. All day long we had sunshine and some dark clouds. Visitors arrived telling us they had come through intense rain, even hail, several miles back. We joked that they had been in the 20 percent spot. 

Then, in the evening, we got it. Rain, thunder. So peaceful to listen to the rain when you're inside and don't have to be anywhere right away. Stay dry and watch the land soak it up. 

Afterward, as sunset time was almost upon it, the rainbow appeared. Arcing across the eastern sky, with the blue-black rain clouds for a backdrop. And the Bears Ears Buttes up above us. The rainbow superimposed in front of them. 

© 2015 Stephen J. Krieg