Impression Evergreen

Beaver Brook Canyon Beaver Brook is a lovely, little stream flowing through a deep gorge gouged out of the forested foothills. A trail to the water follows a series of dark and steamy switchbacks descending the north wall. On the way down, pockets of lush wildflowers grow discretely in the dark shadows. At the bottom, where the sun doesn’t shine, a broken trail criss-crosses the cold brook by way of several wooden bridges. Flickering through the dense foliage, the fleeting light is fractured by summer leaves and brush. Like a beast’s lair, the confusion caused by several caves, caverns and rockfalls forms an imposing impediment. Somehow, the stubborn creek continues to carve its way through the ancient chasm of chaos. Nothing stops its relentless course as a number of nice waterfalls slices through the entanglement of natural debris. Ascending out of the deep rock well is a chore but slow and steady is the best way to climb the steep stairway back to the rim. It’s not long...

Meadow View Trail Meadow View Trail in the middle of summer is the perfect place for peaceful meditation. A small pond situated at the start is the undisputed domain of the double-crested cormorant. The beaten track traces the forest edge, traversing the broad flank of Bergen Peak. A number of natural overlooks offers the visitor spectacular views of the expansive valley. The pretty pathway continues to follow the woodland contour while shafts of yellow sunlight penetrate through the scattering of ponderosa pine. The luminous atmosphere is defined by a cascade of dark shadows that create pockets of sharp contrast throughout the brilliant countryside. Fragile wildflowers and small stands of aspen flourish in the deep ravines that flow down from the summit. Elk Ridge is the excursion’s highest point where the unobstructed vista unveils the full splendor of the Front Range Foothills. A careful descent empties the explorer into a vast grassland enclosed by a ring of volcanic...

The National Mall A few weeks ago I taught a colored pencil drawing class in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. My family tagged along so after the weekend-long workshop, we decided to extend our stay and visit the National Mall in Washington, DC. Early Monday morning, during a severe thunderstorm that produced heavy rain and terrible flooding, we headed to Alexandria, Virginia. Upon arriving at our hotel, we hopped on the shuttle bound for Ronald Reagan Airport. From there we boarded a subway train that carried us into the metropolis. We emerged from the darkness of the Smithsonian Stop and stumbled on a concrete jungle that was choked with chaos and confusion. Still soaking wet from the persistent downpour, we went into the Natural History Museum first and were impressed by the lavish displays that filled the enormous halls. We examined hundreds of animal species, ancient fossils and impressive meteorites but the highlight of the collection was the astonishing Hope Diamond. O...