October 12, 2013
Moab, Utah
Having waiting 11 days in Moab for Arches National Park to open, I was at the park as the sun rose. The South Window as the sun hits the beautiful red rock was amazing.
Have never seen Turret Arch more beautiful than in the early morning light.
It is always a good day when one can shoot clouds in Skyline Arch.
Moab, Utah
October 4, 2013
After receiving a lot of rain, Moab’s navajo sandstone has taken on a deeply saturated look. Driving through Long Canyon on the way to Gemini Bridges, I was amazed at the change in the rock color.
Further down the trail is the famous Gooney Bird rock.
Here is the jeep as it squeezes through Pucker Pass on the way to Long Canyon.
Ouray, Colorado
September 30, 2013
We are sadly saying farewell to Colorado. Having spent spring, summer and fall in the high country, I thought I would leave you with some aspen gold.
Snow came early, closing our beloved high mountain passes around Ouray and Telluride and the color was a little slow to perform. Captured this one high in Ironton Park.
snow and golden aspens
A view of snow dusting Red Mountain with aspen gold in Ironton Park.
Red Mountain with snow and aspen gold
Ouray, Colorado
September 13, 2013
Leaving early this morning, our intention was to run the Alpine Loop. The morning light was wonderful as it lite up the ridge along Mineral Creek.
One of the old abandoned mines near the junction of Mineral Creek and Engineer Pass Rd. Notice the snow in the distant mountains.
Stopped at the junction to decide if we would venture up Engineer Pass with obvious fresh snow and ice on the mountain. From this point it was at least another 1,000 ft of elevation gain and we decided to pass and drive to Animas Forks.
A view of Engineer Mountain this morning in a blanket of fresh snow and dramatic clouds.
One of the old abandoned houses in the Animas Forks ghost town. We did not take the Alpine Loop today but will leave it for another time when the weather is more favorable.
Ouray, Colorado
September 11, 2013
Two of the most popular destinations in Ouray are the beautiful Yankee Boy Basin and the nearby magnificent Governor Basin. On a very overcast and drizzly morning, we headed up to the basins with Keith and Theresa, our RV neighbors. Who wants to spend a rainy day in the RV?
Heading down from the Yankee Boy Basin in the alpine tundra.
some of the dramatic skies along our road near Yankee Boy Basin
Keith spotted a rough legged hawk perched on one the boulders along the Governor Basin. I hope this identification is correct. We enjoyed watching it on the boulder until a 4×4 came up the road and chased it off.
A view of Governor Basin from Mountain Top Mine with a small mountain stream.
from the boulder field in Governor Basin
Ouray, Colorado
September 6, 2013
The tour of the Red Mountain Mining district passes historic 1880 mines with names like Cora Bell, Genessee, National Bell, Yankee Girl and the Longfellow. The Yankee Girl mine was one of the great silver and gold producers in the area. Unlike most mines in the San Juan Mountains, this was a vertical shaft mine with a hoist house that housed the equipment used to lower the miners and raise the ore.
The jeeps posing near the Genessee mine.
The scenic Longfellow mine from the pond
A close-up of the abandoned equipment at the Longfellow mine.
