Mountain Summers

Early summer is a great time to explore the mountain trails around Boulder where wildflowers are blooming in abundance. I'm a flora and fauna person - I love to see color and movement in the landscape. I went on this hike to enjoy the blue penstemons blooming on Enchanted Mesa, just below the Flatiron Peaks in Boulder, CO. 

Hiking along the mesa up to the old rock quarry affords amazing views of both the rocky peaks and the town of Boulder. Trails crisscross all over and if you start early enough you often have the trail to yourself. Lush meadows, forest glens and rocky outcroppings look so peaceful in the early morning light its as if you're on vacation from all cares.

1st (top), 2nd and 3rd Flatirons (right to left).

Wildflowers bloom everywhere and the deer seem to like them too. Seeing how beautiful penstemon, cinquefoil and wallflowers look massed on the forest floor makes me want to rearrange my garden but boulders like these are pretty hard to move :)

My favorite views are those of paths leading around a bend or a clearing in the woods. These places intrigue and invite you to travel further to see what's ahead. Its also a chance to experience wonder - that moment when the path ahead clears and sunlight pours down to highlight the beauty of the earth. Nature works her magic and my heart opens to the joy of the moment. 

Even if you're not a climber the wide range of rocky outcroppings and boulders are amazing for their colors and shape. Geometric stacking, multicolored striations and vivid lichen all capture my artist's eye.

However, if you're like my husband, hiking is mostly about the mountaintop views :)

Looking north towards Mt. Sanitas and Boulder

Looking southeast towards NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research)

I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of Boulder's Chautauqua park. Where do you like to spend a summer day?

Comments

[anne]

So lovely to catch up with what you've been up to, Sharon. The iris are wonderful (as is your sketch!). They don't grow well for me. Maybe they're jealous because I like the roses more?

Your mountain hikes look lovely. I've been going on lots of hikes in the woods this spring and the wildflowers have been gorgeous. Your wildflowers are so different there.

[laubao]

Hi Sharon!
I went walking too, last Sunday! I like it so much!
I really enjoyed watching your pictures! The landscape looks fabulous!

I like passing my summers exploring new places! I always liked the sea, but I can't stay more than two hours on the beach: I've got to walk!! I always love mountains!! ...a mix of both of them should be perfect, with some monuments too!!
Greetings!
Laura