May 21, 2009

Spring Meets Melting Snow


Last weekend, we were able to ride up to 10,400 feet on the Tworoose Pass Trail.
Snow and mud from melted snow stopped us up high.
Look at the size of this remaining drift!
We saw elk (not quick enough with camera)
and some Rocky Mountain goats. Steve's sharp eyes spotted them long before I could tell they were anything but white rocks. We tried to sneak up on them but found they were in a rather inaccessible area, typical of goats, so we gave up.
The aspen leaves are coming out below 9000 feet, but above that they are still bare.

A few wildflowers are out. New varieties will emerge weekly through August.
On the ride down, we could see our trailer way off in the distance. You'll see it, too, if you enlarge the photo and look for the marker.
The views were great in all directions on this picture perfect day.
In all, we rode 16 miles and covered 3800 feet up and down. Quite a workout for the horses, but they don't seem to mind. They do appreciate some extra flakes of hay for their trouble, though.
For fabulous skies from all over the world, click here.

32 comments:

  1. I really like that last shot.

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  2. I enjoy the way you take us on these glorious rides with you. Amazing how deep the drift is this time of year.

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  3. You do get the most beautiful views...That first shot is gorgeous...all of them are...I could see your trailer

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  4. I always enjoy having a look into your adventures, these are all outstanding shots.

    Have a great weekend.
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  5. Such a lovely blue sky. Love the mountains against it.

    You are so lucky to be there!

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  6. More great vistas from your area. Thank You.

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  7. Great ride. Thanks for taking some pictures for us.

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  8. Hey, we're gettin' some of the same flowers. Still snowed in above 7,000 feet here though. Thanks for sharing your ride--you make me want to get a horse, or at least bum a ride from some horsey friends.

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  9. As usual, a beautiful ride. Very few blooms here at 8200'

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  10. The horses deserve some extra hay! What a climb. Your sky was a dazzling blue that day.

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  11. That remaining drift makes for one big hunk of ice cream! Wow. Amazing landscape.

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  12. Beautiful, Janie... It amazes me how you all can go THAT far and up THAT high... Wow!!!!! That area is so gorgeous--and I love seeing the snow still on top of the big mountains.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  13. You always take us on your rides and I always enjoy them. The second to the last photo is my fave.

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  14. Beautiful day, beautiful ride, beautiful country. Thank you for sharing them with us.
    Smiles

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  15. Impressive ride up to the tops with you. Great views.

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  16. That's quite a chunk of snow! Beautiful wildflowers, great shots as always. Love the clouds in the one pointing out your trailer.

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  17. Fantastic collection of photos for Sky Watch Friday, those mountains are so high they provide incredible views.

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  18. I've never met the trail horse who loved his job and complained about the trail being too long. I just never met him. The main thing we quarrel about with our mares at Ishtar's Ark is the trail being too short or not going fast enough. If it's up to them, they can be out, WORKING, for ages.

    Love the view! Thanks for bringing us along!!

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  19. I really enjoy your posts.
    Beautiful shots as always.

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  20. That remaining drift is more snow than I've ever seen in my life!

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  21. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy being able to go along with you on your rides. The scenery (and photos) is absolutely beautiful.

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  22. Janie: Beautiful captures of the sky and nature from the pass.

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  23. Another great ride with lots of good photos!

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  24. Janie,

    I always look forward to your posts..you photos are always so breath taking...

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  25. That is quite a snow drift! Melting fast though. Beautiful photos!

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  26. enjoying spring emerging in the mountains...beautiful shots. and yes, that remaining drift was quite sizeable.
    have a lovely weekend.

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  27. What beautiful country to ride in...

    Great shots !!!

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  28. So beautiful with the snows retreating up hill and the ground springing into new life.

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  29. lordy lordy what simple beauty...whew.

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