Wordless Wednesday - 02/02/2011 (Blizzard of 2011)

Wordless Wednesday - 01/19/11

A 'Plug' for Colorado (like it needs one?!)

Happy 2011.... Hard to believe it's here already?

While it's still early in the year and my gardening mojo currently lies dormant - I wanted to say 'Thanks' to the state of Colorado!  Also 'honorable mentions' to Iowa and Nebraska - for keeping treacherous weather to a minimum.  The town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) really rolled out the red carpet (or "green", as it may be).  As I mentioned in an earlier post - we spent a 'Griswold' family Christmas up in RMNP.  It - was - stellar!

View from the front porch!

I'm not going to go into infinitesimal detail, but will let the photos take you there.  There are many opportunities to stay in cabins or vacation homes throughout Colorado (as I'm sure there are everywhere), but Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the best 'uneffected' views in the state.  Estes Park sits in a basin, with RMNP as it's back-drop ... just a little Divine design!

RMNP - viewed from Estes Park, CO

Downtown Estes Park reminds me of the 'gingerbread' look of an Alpine village.  Lots of quaint shops and restaurants (Ed's Cantina serves a wicked margarita - which is notable, among others!) line the main drag, "Elkhorn Avenue".  Hugging the town is the Big Thompson river... it's river walk enhances the ambiance of a mountain town.

Big Thompson river - winding it's way through downtown Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is most popular in the warm-weather months, but I am partial to visiting in the winter.  The park is over 265,000 acres (+1,000 km2), with Long's Peak being the 'big daddy' of the mountains - and recognizable by a notch on the south edge (looks like a short 'opposable thumb' on a mitten to me?!!).

Long's Peak (+14,000 ft) - the "Big Daddy" up in RMNP

RMNP also gives you a glimpse at the force of nature and it's impact.  There is an alluvial fan that carved itself out of a ravine in Horseshoe Park, when a man-made dam further up the mountain crumbled in the summer of 1982.  Almost 30 years later - the impact can still be seen:

Double-click on the photo to see the details -
boulders and grown trees are strewn like Lincoln Logs

And yet, in spite of ourselves - nature renews itself....

Spruce sapling - nestled in the shadow of the Horseshoe Park Alluvial Fan

As you can imagine, when you have that many acres of sanctuary - it is filled with wildlife that wanders around at will.  (Another reason I like winter in the park --- bears hibernate!)  There is the "George Clooney" of RMNP -- the Elk.  Herds wander in the park and even into downtown Estes.  One time I had a very "Northern Exposure" moment, when we saw an elk walking right down the sidewalk!  (...and I swear, I had had only one margarita ... pinky swear!)

It paints an image, doesn't it?!!

The elk literally stop traffic when they wander.... like these two "dudes" herding about 100 elk "babes" when we drove through (some guys get all the girls).  Unlike a bunch of 'amature' rubber-neckers - that try to walk up close to the wildlife - I took full advantage of the 300mm zoom lens on my camera.  (Just taking my 'stalkerazzi' photos!!)

The "Brad Pitt" and "George Clooney" of RMNP

We took the scenic drive through RMNP on a number of days, and as I forewarned - I went camera happy with my new 4GB memory card!  I won't post all 498 photos - I promise.  (I may periodically post a few - during the dormant months of January and February... my head won't quite be in 'garden mode' yet.)  But here are just a couple of additional shots that captured the 'sights'.

An Aspen grove - leaving the Horseshoe Park Alluvial Fan in RMNP

To close, a shot... at the end of the day, up on Trail Ridge Road (at least the part of the trail open during the winter months):

Sunset.....

 Happy Gardening... or at least Happy Garden planning!

Warm Wishes for Happy Holidays.....

I wanted to take a moment out of a hectic time of year to wish all my Blogosphere friends Happy Holidays!  Whatever special occasion you may celebrate ('Merry Christmas' in our case), I wish you peace & prosperity!  As avid gardeners - we have the treasure of 'stopping to smell the roses'!  Perhaps I'm biased - but I think it gives us a leg up!!

Here are a few snapshots I took this evening that seemed to echo a moment of serenity!  I hope you enjoy them!

I'll be away from the Blogosphere for a bit.  We are heading out for a "Griswold Family Christmas" out west. 'Budding Photographer' & I will be neck & neck with "dueling cameras", capturing the flora and fauna of the Rocky Mts.  Hopefully there will be LOTS to post upon our return.....

In the meantime, all the best for the Holidays!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

NINE (9) degrees (Fahrenheit) - that is the temperature outside in NE Illinois right now.  That is cold - not "Deadliest Catch" cold, but it'll take your breath away!

Yard Art encrusted in snow
(by 'Budding Photographer')

Birdbath - frozen solid
(by 'Budding Photographer')

Hope it's a bit 'kinder' where you are?! ......

What Is It About the 1st Snow ????

I have lived in northern regions of the US all my life... but even after many years, there is just something about the first snowfall of the season that makes me feel like a 5 year old?!  Today was that day...

High contrast of black and white

While 4-5 inches of snow is not earth-shattering by far, it transformed the 'everyday' to something special, almost sculptural.  Here are a few quick pics.....

PJM Rhododendron - snugged in, protected from the NW wind

Persian Shield - once prolific, is now ready for composting

Karl Foerster
(note to self:  plant more in 2011)

Berri-Magic Holly with Emerald Green Arborvitae in the back ground
(all 'bunny food' has been fenced in for the Winter - hopefully protected)

In all this crystal white wonder, I do love the contrast of one .. little .. item - my Sonic Sweet Purple New Guinea Impatiens.  Brought in before the first frost, it continues to bloom and reminds me of the summer past.  It's getting a little 'leggy', but I selfishly refuse to cut it back - since it is full of flower buds.  (Maybe I'll trim it back after the Holidays?)

Happy garden thoughts..... whether your garden is currently fallow in Winter or blooming in beauty.