Today's hike was to Grand Mesa. Thanks to my brother who alerted me to some facts re: the Mesa. It is the largest flat topped mountain in the world. It is bordered by the Colorado River on the north and the Gunnison River on the south. It receives 20-30 inches of snow in the winter when the temperature rarely goes above zero. It is a popular area for snowmobilers and cross country skiers At 11,000 ft, we wandered among the large pines on a crisp fall day (40 degrees when we started ). Our group of 9 slogged easily along the muddy trail and patches of snow. We had two very rambunctious dogs with us and I suspect they kept our wild life sightings at zero. There weren't even that many birds flying or calling out. Our snack break was overlooking far off ridges with golden aspen.
It was a beautiful fall day and we managed to use up all those burned calories by having really good Mexican food on the way home. We were very apologetic about the muddy clumps our boots left on their clean floors.
On Sunday, Michael was the Microsoft Rep at the Broncos/ Cardinal game…..he's in the brown jacket behind the red cases. Thanks Josh for capturing the pic . We looked and looked but missed finding him on TV. The NFL has a contract with MSF to use the Surface tablets and Mike was their troubleshooter.
The other day we headed in another direction to seek out more color. I'm going to have to find other subjects for my photography soon.
These are views of Courthouse Peak, on the right and it sort of looks like a massive courthouse building. That is the street we live on so of course, we had to be able to identify the namesake mountain. 
Silver Jack Lake ……..
Large wasp nest hanging on an aspen.
Rowdy Lake, accessible by short jeep trail….nice reflection.
Rain tomorrow and probably on the weekend……I suspect that will trigger the end of the color….but then the snow will blanket the peaks and give another perspective to nature's beauty.
Did you know, It is the largest flat-topped mountain in the entire world? Tom
ReplyDeleteI love the show! Especially from my chair in southern California where it is finally cooling down to the high 70s. We do get a spot of fall color here, we have many maple trees and they do turn red. Not bright red, and not a drop of orange anywhere, it's more of a weak nod to what they're supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteYou take the most beautiful pictures! Love the reflecting lake.
ReplyDeleteI would never tire of those beautiful aspens. Very nice hikes...I look forward to enjoying next summer!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture is the wasp nest...way cool Sue!