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Sangre de Cristo sunrise
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Winter nights in the high country are obscure, eternal and inclement and the inkwell of black firmament is glittered with a profusion of silver pinpoints that contradict the startling silence. It’s a beautifully eerie combination of contentment and discomfort.
Down in southern Colorado, there’s a mountain range that’s as rugged as it is remote. Rising out of a desert situation, the chain of needle-sharp peaks extends all the way into New Mexico, transporting its picturesque allure across state lines.
The mountains are called Blood of Christ and if you ever witness a Sangre de Cristo sunrise, you’ll understand why. Just before dawn, the first solar rays are reflected off of snowy summits, creating a rosy alpenglow that astonishes the retina.
The steady transformation unfolds even more dramatically when a setting, full moon shines brightly in a purple sky. The crimson sierras come into full relief as the forceful contrast between light and shadow defines the surreal shapes.
After the pinkish atmosphere gradually dissolves, a basin full of life begins to emerge. Cattle graze peacefully in a swale of vast grassland while a herd of mule deer gather around a pleasant reflection pond.
Making the trek to explore a region untainted by progress is a much need respite from complicated circumstances. Morning in the Wet Mountain Valley demonstrates an observable truth - even during times of turmoil, light conquers darkness.
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Winter nights are eternal
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Full moon shines brightly
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Beautifully eerie
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Extending to New Mexico
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Rosey alpenglow
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Picturesque allure
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Needle-sharp peaks
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Surreal shapes
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Forceful contrast
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Blood of Christ
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The transformation unfolds
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A peaceful swale
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The atmosphere dissolves
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A basin full of life
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A pleasant reflection pond
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Morning in the valley
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Light conquers darkness |
Never gets old such beauty! Pop right on the other side...where I spent my high school years! I'm trapped in a city yearning to go somewhere near there or near Southpark...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
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