May 4, 2009

Signs of Spring



Tabby Mountain had a dusting of fresh snow this morning.
No leaves on the aspens yet,

but bluebells, phlox, and Indian paintbrush are out, along with patches of green grass.

We saw herds of elk and deer. With our 4X zoom they don't show up very well.
At 9000 feet, snow covered the trail and put an upper limit on our ride.

A recent windy snowfall left a residue of ice on the aspens.

This is huge country, and I'm always amazed that Steve can look at the lay of the land and nagivate, even without consulting GPS or compass. Boss always seems to know which way is home, and Daisy follows our trail back to the trailer better than a GPS trackback. Mischief and I, on the other hand, have no sense of direction. We'd wander in circles all day if we didn't have our trail guides to help us out.
We rode 16 miles, 2500 feet up and down, in about 4 hours.
The temperature was in the 50's at the 6800 foot trailhead, and in the 40's at 9000 feet.
Happy Anniversary, Steve. We've chalked up yet another good year to add to our thirty-something.
For adventures from other worlds, click here.

22 comments:

  1. Love these signs, love your photos!

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  2. Looks like you had a beautiful ride. I think we have more snow in the Sierra Nevada at 9000'. I'll find out in a couple more weeks.

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  3. Firstly, congratulations to you, Janie & Steve, on your anniversary!

    Secondly, the pictures with patches of snow on the trail are beautifully moody and refreshing amongst the trees.

    Thirdly, at 9000 feet, my inability to breathe at altitude would put an upper limit on my ride. Which is why I'm very grateful to bloggers and photographers like you who share your high elevation adventures.

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  4. It's nice to see spring slowly coming to the higher altitudes. How fun to be able to get out and enjoy it on horseback. I'll just have to live vicariously with that whole thing.

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  5. I would wander with you for days on end. I have no sense of direction in that situation. (Not that I would admit that to anyone else! :)

    Happy Anniversary!

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  6. I think the early signs of spring are so beautiful. I enjoy seeing your part of the country through your photography.

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  7. It is lovely to be witness when spring awakens in places high up in the alps. What are you calling this area in the mountains, alps, highlands? The picture with the bare Aspens is very beautiful.

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  8. Congratulations on your anniversary. I still can't believe you still have snow! The bluebells are very pretty - I miss the wonderful bluebell woods near my hometown at this time of year.

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  9. Huge open scenes there. Happy riding!

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  10. Your are an adventurous couple! It's very interesting to ride in the mountains and see elks and deer. Thanks for sharing and for your visit! Have a great day!

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  11. Again, a lovely post and great photos of God's country. Thank you for sharing Janie and happy Anniversary!
    Blessings and smiles

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  12. Things look completely different from the back of a horse, don't they? Happy anniversary :)

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  13. What beautiful pics...as always! It looks cold up there in the mountains!

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  14. Happy anniversary!! What great photos. It's definitely spring!

    I'm having trouble with My World Tuesday. The list isn't showing up on the site.

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  15. Happy Anniversary! I wish you many more happy years together.
    The place you live is amazing. Always something new and beautiful to see.

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  16. My kids had a book called the Indianpaint Brush. Thanks for the pictures, they are beautiful.

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  17. beautiful beautiful country...and happy belated anniversary. always enjoy your photographs and commentary.
    have a wonderful wednesday.

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  18. Always an enjoyable visit, these photos are fantastic.

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  19. Aw, happy thirty-somethingth. :) Looks like a pretty ride.

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  20. Lots of lovely signs of spring on this post..

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  21. This is what brought me here( that my world) what a lovely land you live in.... I have been to Utah and prefer it over any other place I have ever been another wonderful post.

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  22. Interesting place. Beautiful. Nice post.

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