Unseen but ever present the wind works its magic, sculpting rock into magnificent works of art.
Tag: mountains
Lichen,Rock and Spruce.
We were up high in the mountains a week or two ago and much to our surprise there were numerous butterflies going about their business even as the nights have been cold and the flowers have long died out for this season. Must be slim pickings this time of year for this wonderful comma butterfly foraging on Lichen, Rocks and Spruce.
Dusting
It was cloudy and cold all day but as evening approached the clouds were on their way out, blue sky moving in and just a dusting of snow on the peaks in the distance. Morning will be crisp and the sky clear as a bell.
At the feet of giants
Floating down the Snake River at the feet of giants with their heads up in the clouds. The Teton range is a majestic sight even on an overcast September day.
Western Moss-heather: Cassiope mertensiana
Western Moss-heather is a beautiful plant that grows high up in the alpine environment in northwestern United States, Alaska and Canada. We happened across a nice patch flowering a few weeks ago.
Beautiful little bells hanging from redish stems with the plants growing about 4-5 inches tall at most.
Some patches almost seems to be growing directly out of the rocks along this wind whipped slope.
A flower we don’t encounter every summer on our hikes but one we will always remember.
On a cloudy day
On a cloudy day a hike into the misty mountains yields much needed nature therapy. At first there is resistance but once the feet hit the trail and the rain jacket put on it all seems to feel just right.
One last alpine garden
A few weeks ago we we lucky enough to take a hike along a ridge above tree-line once again filled with alpine wildflower. Most growing only inches tall yet the display of color was stunning.
Carefully stepping from rock to rock to avoid smashing these fragile flowers that somehow thrive in a cold and windy environment.
Where sunflowers and lupine grown only inches tall.
While other flower grew as if they were the earth itself.
Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Dog days of summer
Sometimes a landscape can provide relief for the hot and quiet dog days of summer. Especially if cool mountain air is included.
West Elks
Looking out into the West Elk WIlderness in central Colorado.
Uncut
A nice bouquet of wildflower left uncut yet not unnoticed. Above: Richardsons Geranium.
These Alpine Forget-me-nots were only a few inches tall yet still swaying tightly as the wind was blowing that afternoon.
Some blooms were just starting others were wide open.
Blue flower melding with a bright blue sky were also on tap.
The Forget-me-nots not only came in blue but in white and grew no more than 2-3 inches tall.
Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful weekend.
nature has no boss 
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