Hiking Off We’ve Gone, You See…
I must excuse our lack of be
‘Coz hiking off we’ve gone, you see
Flowers bloom and mountains call
To which our inhibitions fall
We tread the path where others fly
To reach beyond the skies a-high
Though we return in body true
Our hearts stay high within the blue
(Nina Fussing, July 2011)
It’s not often that poetry flows out of me like that, but I just can’t help getting inspired out here in the wilds. A late spring has the ground simply bursting with wildflowers, while the gorgeous Colorado mountains provide a stunning backdrop with no end of “oooh” and “aaahh” moments.
Yup, we’ve gone a-hiking. In fact it’s been the kind of week where “let’s go for a quick walk” has turned into 4 hour hikes up and over mountains passes. This is some of the most spectacular hiking I’ve done all year and it’s just darn near impossible to stop. There’s always something to see “right over the ridge there”.
Pooch of course has been everywhere with us, bouncing and playing in the mountain meadows while my camera has been clicking almost off the hook.
Interestingly enough almost all our hikes have been solo. There are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Lizard Head Wilderness and the surrounding San Juan and Uncompahgre Forests, but only a few seem to be frequented. Imagine our surprise therefore to make a connection at ~11,000 feet on the mountain.
It was a Wednesday morning and having seen no-one since we started out at 8AM, we stopped to chat with the couple coming up the trail. We exchanged stories, as things go, and eventually got around to the topic of RVing
“Oh yes, I have a son who RVs around in a Casita with his wife and dog” said Dick
“Really?!” I answered “that sounds exactly like this blog I follow…”
And indeed it was. In a perfect example of unexpected fate we had just met the father of Imperfect Destiny half-way up a remote mountain in the Lizard Head Wilderness. They were even staying at our campground. We ended up having drinks and dinner over the next 2 days, getting to know yet another great couple on the road.
So yes, we’ve been out hiking..and driving…and exploring…and soaking our senses with all the colorful richness of the mountains. And it turns out we’ve met some people too. Don’t you just love those moments?
Coming next: 7 Links and another great campground review…
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Been to the area many times, and words to describe have always escaped me. Beautiful. Thanks for the memories.
It is indeed a gorgeous spot! Nina
Girl…you have so many talents I have lost track! Let me try to name a few…photographer, poet, painter with words, model, dog trainer, hiker…ETC.! This was a wonderful blog. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pictures. What a beautiful place. I am sure it is even more breathtaking than you can describe BUT thanks so much for doing a great job!
So happy you’re enjoying the posts! Nina
It truly is a small world. As I looked at your beautiful photos, I could hear Julie Andrews singing “The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music”.
Syl
Oh yeah…I TOTALLY burst into that song in the mountains. Love that movie!
Nina
Your pictures are amazing! And it looks amazingly “cool” during our recent heatwave! We’re in Loveland, Colorado right now at 97 degrees…I’ll trade places!
Yikes…97 degrees!! Yeah, it’s been nice and cool up here…70-80’s during the day (just perfect!!),
but we’ll be forced to head on down to Grand Junction next week for our repair. I know
it’s gonna be hotter there!
Nina
Great adventure,and yes I too kneel to poetry when nature surrounds me…but it is fun .
Thanks for your kind comments.
We’re enjoying your trip thro MI immensely. Nina
We love Colorado – thanks for the beautiful ride down memory lane. If we weren’t in glittering sunshine on Whidbey Island, I’d be envious! 🙂
Yeah, we do love CO too…although your route is on our list for next year.
We’re getting lots of inspiration from your posts.
Nina
We are camping in Colorado next week. I was already excited, but seeing your photos has me even more psyched!
Oh, good on ya!! It’s absolutely gorgeous up here in the mountains. You’ll have a blast!
Nina
Since we can no longer do any “real” hiking, we’re hanging on to your backpacks as you go. Hope we aren’t too heavy a load!
You guys are most definitely with us on all the hikes…and you’re light as a feather 🙂
Nina
Aren’t wildflowers wonderful? We have been enjoying them here in Montanta as well!! — great poem Nina!!
Oh yeah, I’m LOVING the wildflowers. Always take my breath away!
Nina
hey girl where now where do you get all that energy…must be youth…i think we are staying west and north west next year…soooo maybe we will catch up again..
Jil
Yes, yes!! Lets plan to meet up next year.
We’re gonna be in West & NW so should
lign right up with you. Maybe Orgeon?
Nina
Haven’t been getting your posts for some reason…the pictures are beautiful!
Wierd…someone else mentioned the same thing to me.
Hoping WordPress isn’t doing anything wierd these days…
Glad you “found” me again 🙂
Nina