May 16, 2012

Coal Mine Hollow

The trail begins near Currant Creek Reservoir and heads northeast into the hills. 
We followed a two-track for a mile or two.  After that, the only paths were faint game trails. 
Our destination was White Ledge (10,400 ft), which is covered in snow in the photo above. You can see Steve as a tiny speck exploring the ridge at the right hand side of the panorama. 
Below the steep cliffs, we found bits and pieces of what was once an ATV scattered all the way down the slope.  I hope a rider didn't go down with it.
The photo above was taken at about 9000 ft, where the aspen leaves are just coming out. 
This orange butterfly fed on the yellow flowers of what we think is slender cinquefoil, a plant of the rose family. 
Fungi growing on the rocks is the same color as the butterfly, providing good insect camouflage. 
On the way down, we passed a series of small lakes.
Can you see the ghost bird in the photo?  This elusive creature was hanging out with a robin.  From our short glimpses, we think it's an albino robin (1 in 30,000 robins are albino, according to an internet search).  Proving the bird's identity with this pitiful photo isn't possible.  We may go back to the area and hang out for awhile, hoping to get a better look.
We passed within sight of the steep, rocky terrain called Bear Hole Hollow.  It's an intriguing area, but probably not accessible on horseback.

13 comments:

  1. Spectacular shots of gorgeous areas, Janie. I do love traveling with you. Where would we city slicker ever see these things of God's hand otherwise. TY

    Have a great day ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

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  2. Fabulous! I particularly enjoyed the little spec on the hill that was Steve.

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  3. Impressive mountain views especially the one of tiny Steve.
    Love the ghostly bird, beautiful flowers and butterfly.

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  4. Nice to see the hills greening up. I get so frustrated when my autofocus can't see the bird for the trees. Hard to be TOO sympathetic about the plight of the ATV rider. And whoever owned the machine should have been fined for violating the closure and for the trash.

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  5. I'm impressed with your panoramic shot and especially with the fact that you captured Steve way up there. The fungi on the rocks is beautiful, as are the flowers.

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  6. What a nice area, I love the yellow flowers.

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  7. OMW Janie, imagine spotting something as rare as this albino robin. I hope you can go back, I'd love to know more. Have a wonderful day, blessings, Jo

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  8. OMW Janie, imagine spotting something as rare as this albino robin. I hope you can go back, I'd love to know more. Have a wonderful day, blessings, Jo

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  9. Certainly looks like spring with the aspen leaves unfurling, here too.

    Never heard of an albino robin. Hope you get another look.

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  10. AMAZING PLACE AS ALWAYS...NEVER SEEN BUTTERFLY LIKE THIS!

    HIP&CHIPS

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  11. So much beauty....love that butterfly! And the ghost bird? You both have such good eyes.
    I want to know why Steve was so far away from you in one of those photos??? That makes me nervous.
    xo

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  12. The ATV looks kind of scary! The butterfly on the cinquefoil is beautiful!

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  13. Love the algae and your greening landscape.

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