A Sojourn - SW Colorado Style
Aug 24th, 2007, 03:19 PM
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A Sojourn - SW Colorado Style
It promised to be a perfect day with sunny blue skies and temperatures more akin to fall than the summer heat we have been having here in the SW. We took our steadfast 4WD vehicle over Ophir Pass which is just south of Telluride and rises to just under 12,000 ft. before starting a descent down towards Silverton and Durango.
These are the feasts that were bestowed upon on our eyes, ears, and noses.
There were towering pines, Blue Spruce and Douglas Fir, tens of thousands of them, reaching towards the sky. They stood well over 50 feet tall and looked like they would make perfect Christmas trees for the residents of Brobdingnag.
There was a bowl where an avalanche had rumbled and roared down from above, crossed the road to continue its path. In it desire to push forward, it tried to climb the mountain on the other side. It met these mighty trees and had knocked them down like pins at a bowling alley.
The air smelled fresh and clean and wrapped the scent of pine and brush sage whirling around us.
Above tree line, the tops of the mountains looked like bald pates of one’s favorite uncle.
We passed a field with verdant, lush grass no more than 18 inches tall, that undulated in the wind so as to look like waves upon a sea of green.
The wind rushed through the pass and called our names as we passed.
There were quaking aspens that for the moment are green but will be putting on their autumn show of gold and then turning into a buttery yellow before gently falling to the ground.
The last remnants of snow tucked into crevices that have but a few short weeks to disappear before they are covered with a new blanket of white.
We climber craggy roads, and forded streams before the trip was done.
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area and to see the show that nature creates for us.
Debi
These are the feasts that were bestowed upon on our eyes, ears, and noses.
There were towering pines, Blue Spruce and Douglas Fir, tens of thousands of them, reaching towards the sky. They stood well over 50 feet tall and looked like they would make perfect Christmas trees for the residents of Brobdingnag.
There was a bowl where an avalanche had rumbled and roared down from above, crossed the road to continue its path. In it desire to push forward, it tried to climb the mountain on the other side. It met these mighty trees and had knocked them down like pins at a bowling alley.
The air smelled fresh and clean and wrapped the scent of pine and brush sage whirling around us.
Above tree line, the tops of the mountains looked like bald pates of one’s favorite uncle.
We passed a field with verdant, lush grass no more than 18 inches tall, that undulated in the wind so as to look like waves upon a sea of green.
The wind rushed through the pass and called our names as we passed.
There were quaking aspens that for the moment are green but will be putting on their autumn show of gold and then turning into a buttery yellow before gently falling to the ground.
The last remnants of snow tucked into crevices that have but a few short weeks to disappear before they are covered with a new blanket of white.
We climber craggy roads, and forded streams before the trip was done.
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area and to see the show that nature creates for us.
Debi
Aug 24th, 2007, 06:43 PM
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What a marvelous description of arguably one of the most stunning parts of the world! I feel truly priviledged to live in Colorado and to have seen vistas such as you have so vividly described... the Colorado Tourist Bureau owes you some type of compensation for publicizing the marvels of the state as you always do!
Aug 25th, 2007, 07:21 AM
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Oh, so wonderful, Debi. Thank you for posting this. My hiker group is leaning towards a Telluride/Durango trip for 2008 and this account may tip the scales!
By the way, any wonderful lodging options in Telluride? I have looked at tripadvisor but no clear choice seems to appear. We prefer small inns/lodges rather than condos with breakfast included. All of us want king beds and a little luxury if possible. Beautiful views and quiet would be nice, too. What would you do, Debi?
By the way, any wonderful lodging options in Telluride? I have looked at tripadvisor but no clear choice seems to appear. We prefer small inns/lodges rather than condos with breakfast included. All of us want king beds and a little luxury if possible. Beautiful views and quiet would be nice, too. What would you do, Debi?
Aug 25th, 2007, 08:27 AM
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What a lovely post, Debi. If I close my eyes I can see it now and remember the golden aspens quaking and smelling the freshest air-- such a beautiful place in the world you live. And even better that you appreciate it. 
BeachGirl
BeachGirl
