Impression Evergreen

Founders Trail Stretching through the middle of Elk Meadow, a rugged pathway ascends gradually to the base of Bergen Peak. I don’t know for certain who founded the Founders Trail but I do know it’s a place where authentic beauty can be found. A dispersion of isolated pine trees acts as a gateway to a golden grassland tussled by autumn’s persistent breeze. The stoic guardians are important compositional elements adorning the foreground of fleeting snapshots. The easygoing excursion leads you through a mountain landscape steeped with ever-changing scenery. The tranquil passage exists as an understated niche, branching away quietly from the mainstream. Isolated pine trees A golden grassland A gateway A rugged pathway An understated niche Ever-changing scenery Bergen Peak Authentic beauty Branching away quietly

Grizzly Creek Smack dab in the middle of spectacular Glenwood Canyon, Grizzly Creek tumbles down out of the wilderness and collided with the Colorado River. The beautiful confluence occurs within the sheer walls of steep cliffs adorned by a variety of high country botanicals. The rocky creek bed is a complicated conglomeration of boulders, snags and whitewater, revealing an array of sights, sounds and textures. A far away mesa dominates the view but its full profile is partially obscured by the imposing evergreens that tower above the pathway. The scene of last summer’s devastating fire, the scars are still visible but the burn zone is beginning to blend into the vigorous greenery, concealing the catastrophe. Even after such an awful disaster, the watershed remains resilient as Mother Nature has begun to heal her wounds. A spectacular canyon Out of the wilderness Evergreens tower above High country botanicals Beginning to heal A complicated conglomeration An array of sights, sounds a

Three Sisters Park Settled below the eastern slopes of Elephant Butte, there is a quiet quadrant in Three Sisters Park that features a rocky pathway which loops through a stark woodland. Earlier this summer, during a morning jaunt, the peace and tranquility of this lesser-known locale was readily apparent. On the move by daybreak, the sun’s deliberate diffusion of clear light gradually transformed the look of the lush landscape. Shadows and luminance flickered through the forest creating an effect that fostered delight. From the trail’s highest point, an open overlook offered unobstructed views of the landmark trio of rocky spires. Jutting into a powder-blue sky, the changing works of art are continually sculpted by wind, rain and ice. One of the most interesting aspects of the area was the existence of old structures symbolizing the spirit of the pioneer west. I’m certain the evidence confirms that this wilderness, chock-full of wildlife, history and solitude, has always been and

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

A blue deluge Flowing down from the wilds of Minnesota, the Cedar River winds its way through central Iowa and joins the Iowa River just before emptying into the mighty Mississip. The voluminous waterway streams through the heartland at a fairly fast clip as the swift current is not something you want to underestimate. The adjacent, fertile valley is distinguished by dark-forested hills and vast fields of corn. Back in the old days they called it the Red Cedar River because of the abundance of those junipers that thrive on the limestone cliffs overlooking the blue deluge. One evening while we were up in Waverly, we walked along the Cedar and were astonished by the diverse variety of colorful wildflowers that decorated the pathway. At Mount Vernon, a steep stairwell escorted the explorers down to the water’s edge where the Cedar’s true power was revealed. The American Midwest is a fascinating region to visit, characterized by high humidity, verdant hues and afternoons embroil