The next day of our big trip out west in September led us first to Boulder, Colorado --where we visited BOULDER FALLS (pictured above)... This waterfall looks small in this picture --but it is really 66 feet high. Isn't it pretty surrounded by all of those 'boulders'?????
Be sure to click on the photos for enlargements.
In that same area, we noticed more ROCK CLIMBERS... See them???? Gee---those Colorado people really do enjoy climbing the rocks!!!!!! ha
After leaving Boulder, we took a back, scenic road (Nederland-Richmond) heading north toward Rocky Mountain National Park. WOW--what a beautiful drive. And the ASPENS were glorious along this road... AND---besides seeing all of the blooming Aspens, you can also see snow on the Rockies in the background.... Pretty, huh?
Here's a close-up of some of the Aspens --surrounded by evergreens!
This was our view as we traveled that scenic road... Aren't they fabulous?
I loved seeing all of the beautiful green evergreen trees surrounding the Aspens.
Here is just one more photo (out of the gazillion which I took)--also showing the beautiful dark blue sky that day!
Now we are in the Rocky Mountain National Park. We had hoped to go to Bear Lake on this day--but the road was closed for construction. SO---like we do frequently, we had to go to Plan B... Our drive took us up the mountain ---which looked so different this year when compared to June of 2011 when there was lots of snow around... I do like the picture above --mainly because of the clouds.
We stopped at most of the overlooks along the way UP that mountain... Here is a good picture of George at one of the overlooks--in front of some Aspens.
Love this gorgeous STELLER'S JAY--which we saw several of while in Colorado. Aren't they beautiful??? They are much prettier than the Blue Jays we have here in TN.
George took this picture of me standing in the exact location where I stood in June of 2011 when we were here --when there was LOTS and LOTS of show on the ground... It looked very different this year. Think I liked it better when there was SNOW... ha
On our way back down the mountain, we stopped for a long time to watch a huge gang (what they call a herd) of elk... There was ONE male guarding his 'family' --and another male elk across the street --hoping to intrude!!!!!! We didn't see a 'fight' that day--but we did get some great pictures... The picture above shows just a few of that 'gang'.
Here is PAPA ELK ---showing his beauty --and keeping an eye on the male across the street....
Hope you enjoyed today's set of pictures... It's going to take me a year to get through the photos --going day by day. BUT--it's the best way to keep up with where I am!!!!! ha... The next set from this trip will be from the Old Falls River Road in the Rocky Mtn. National Park.
Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Betsy
51 comments:
These are all wonderful, the waterfall, boulders, elk, jay and THOSE ASPENS ARE FANTASTIC!
Wonderful shots from your trip Betsy. I just love the Aspen trees. And the waterfall is gorgeous. Lovely shots of you and George. The elk are cool critters. Great captures. Wonderful trip post. Have a great day!
The colour of the Aspens is so striking. It must have been wonderful driving through it.
what a great trip. those colors are so vibrant & bright. wow!! love them. the steller jay is so cool. i need to see these sights. wow, weeee!! fun post.(:
I love the elk! Just looking at those rock climbers makes my hands tingle!
I'm loving all that color you are showing us in nature. I'm tired of my white already. Oh it's going to be a long winter my friend. :(
Happy Wednesday Betsy!
xo Catherine
What a lovely trip you had! Colorado is a beautiful state - I was born and raised in the Denver area and now that I live in Arizona, I do miss the beautiful Colorado season changes. Enjoy your day.
I love the Rockies. I've sometimes wished that I'd never left Denver. Especially on a 120 degree day in August. Love those Aspens.
What a nice posts. Those aspen trees are absolutely gorgeous. I remember the waterfall in you first picture (don't remember the name....private joke :) ).
well now I know why it is named Boulder.. that first shot is the best waterfall pic you have taken, it is so sharp and clear it looks wet. and love papa elk.. but then you knew i would. the colors are beyond amazing.
Love the pictures, Betsy! You and
George could/should sell some of them to Nat Geo! I especially loved pic #9 (OF THE Jay) and the one of the bull elk.
Colorado is certainly gorgeous! I LOVED all the beautiful trees!!! The thickness and color with a splash of green and vibrant blue!!! YOU CAPTURED IT, GIRL!! All that GLORIOUS, STUNNING BEAUTY! The photos of you and George add to the adventure, but that blue bird and all the Elk tell the story. Such an awesome place.
Love ya, girl and hope all is well in your world.
Brenda
All wonderful photos!
But, oh that waterfall!!!!!!!!!!
Love all the pics, of colours and the stags, also the Falls, the trees gives the perspective.
don't know what's prettier - the aspens or the elk. :) that steller's jay is gorgeous, too.
The Rocky Mountains were named appropriately. We have a lot of rocks in Colorado. That means we also have a lot of rock climbers.
I think my favorite photo is of the blue jay. Love it!
Your photos are so beautiful. I love the papa elk. I would have loved to see the Rockies in the fall. We went through them in the Summer when I was about 9yrs old.
Marvelous, colorful captures of your trip, Betsy! They are always the next best thing to being there myself!! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!!
Totally amazing shots,very impressive beauty to be part of.You picked a perfect time to visit.
Wow, Betsy! These are great. You got a marvelous shot of that Stellar's Jay. By the way, I think our Blue Jays are beautiful, too...it's just that we're so used to them that we take them for granted. I'll agree, though, that the Stellar's Jay is gorgeous. Wonderful shots of the aspen, too. And the elk...that capture of the bull is awesome.
Betsy, you guys live such an exciting life! I never would have guessed that waterfall was so large, its very deceiving to the eye!
That is a gorgeous waterfall! Colorado is such a beautiful state. The stellar jay is very pretty bird, I've never seen one before. Great capture!
Hi Ms. Betsy and Mr. George....love the contrasting colors of the tree to the left and the roof of the Church in your header photo....aren't those Aspens just glorious to see!!? Brushed by the hand of God.....Glory!
Those are some great pictures Betsy! Such a beautiful place to go exploring. I've never seen the deer stand that close as the elk in your picture.
Hugs,
Angela
Dear Betsy, the photographs of the aspens and pines are breathtaking. Thank you for sharing. And that Papa Elk is truly regal.
I've never before seen a photograph of a Steller Jay. Quite beautiful. Peace.
What a beautiful country. Awesome photos.
Just visited George's blog and saw the pictures of you. Just had to tell you how nice you look. Great shots - love your dress and that color blue is so pretty!!
Hi Betsy,
As usual stunning views, thank you so much for sharing all these beautiful places you visit. I really enjoy looking through your photos.
Hugs,
Eva
LOVE the first shot - looks so beautiful and unspoiled!
LOVE Papa Elk! He has an amazing rack of horns.
As always Betsy it was nice seeing the beauty of this part of your trip.
Love your photos. Aspens are favs of mine. The higher altitude seems to suit you both well. Looking forward to more of your big trip!
wow Betsy. Breathtaking scenery. Love those aspens. I think I would pass on the rock climbing but I sure would enjoy watching those elk
Hey the 2 and 3 picture of the foilage was such an awesome color! Loved it.
When I went to George's photo -the way the trees are behind him I almost thought he had an Indian Headdress on! Very nice group of photos.
Hey what is the g+ thing on the left with the two pictures on it and did you take off your GFC?
Sandie
ASpens and elks. What can I say. They are just beautiful. As I said before, one day I have just got to visit your part of the world.
After 33 fabulous comments, what is there left to say, lol! That Boulder Falls does not look that tall - you're right! I'd never seen a Stellar Jay before - incredible color - wow! I love the Aspen dotted with evergreen - so lovely!
I love all those pretty yellow aspens, Betsy, and that blue sky--wow!
How simply stunning! I can imagine the sweet fresh air. Love the pretty leaves, but hate that they all fall off and leave the trees looking mournful. You are really sweet Betsy, to share all this with us, xx
How simply stunning! I can imagine the sweet fresh air. Love the pretty leaves, but hate that they all fall off and leave the trees looking mournful. You are really sweet Betsy, to share all this with us, xx
You post the most beautiful pics, Betsy!!! Your header is stunning too!
Oh,I love that Papa Elk. Such majesty. He really looks concerned for the herd.
Thanks for sharing.
Wow those colors are amazing and I"m so jealous of your elk picture - it should be in a magazine for sure!
Beautiful fall colors in the photos. I love that waterfall. It is beautiful.
Those aspens are amazing. The colour is so rich.keep on sharing these beautiful images,its like tang a vacation without leaving my easy chair.
Oh there you are again Betsy, making me envious with your rainfall shot! And those aspen beauties, how so amazing, they are almost of the same color and real lovely. Thanks for the things you see in this tour, at least we almost got there too.
How utterly lovely to see all those vibrant leaves - and the elk!
am sweating again looking at the climbers up the mountain .
Cant help thinking of gold nuggets under the water fall photos :p
The color of some of the leaves in this shot are just amazing! Really, really beauty.
I hope I can follow in your shoes one day Betsy, these are absolutely glorious!!! If Gregg and I can do half the things that you and George do, I think I would be very happy.
I am trying to get round to as many of my blogging friends as I can to let them know I have gone to word moderation (NOT word verification because I know how much you love that - lol). I've been getting an horrendous amount of spam lately, absolutely overflowing to the point it was getting so painful. Thankfully this has curbed it somewhat and I am hoping things will settle down soon and I can get back to normal. Wishing you and George a great weekend!
You got great shots of the elk!!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
What wonderful photos from a fantastic trip! I'm ALWAYS reading your blog, Betsy, but just don't comment a lot...I wanted to today because of the Stellar's Jay picture! When I lived in Arizona, years ago, we took trips up into the north country, near Flagstaff, renting a cabin in the woods. These Jays were always around, and they were very bold, and don't they hop on the ground like jumpy bunnies??! And sqwawk, and chase each other through the pines...they are such fun to watch. I know you enjoyed seeing them, because I know how much you love birds!
Thanks for triggering a lovely memory.
Elizabeth in Mississippi
Boulder Falls looks amazing and the Aspens along the scenic road in full color are breathtaking! I love the Stellar's Jay but I think your blue jays in TN are beautiful too.
Oh my~such a wonderful trip! Loving the shots of the gang.
What an amazing post, Betsy. I love the aspens and evergreens: they look like a multicolored carpet. The Steller Jay is beautiful - what a lovely close-up you got of it. I love the way the male elk stands guard over his females and children. Hope you're having a great day. Hugs Jo
Wow! These are awesome photos... completely stealing our eyesight. Amazing! How small the falls looks being flowing from a 60ft heigh. I liked the elk and the blue bird. This is a great post and I enjoyed checking :)
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