Golden Eagle's Flight

Aquila chrysaetos roaming the skies, looking for prey

Kayaking the Big River

There has been a lot of people getting out to enjoy the high water levels of the Animas this Spring. It's something I've always wanted to try since I saw my first Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado several years ago. It is totally amazing what people are capable of!

Reservoirs are looking healthy

As the springtime snowmelt proceeds, the local reservoirs begin to fill. Most in the area are looking better than they have in few years.Compare these photos of Lemon Reservoir to a picture I took a couple of years ago from near the same spot

Not a Weed

Lupinus ammophilus grows in places where one may not expect to find such a beautiful wildflower. Whereas the alpine variety grows large, showy flower bunches, this type are a little more reserved. No matter, I love to see these flowers on my travels. Definitely not a weed!

Taking It In

Taking a short break from my bike ride to catch my breath and to capture this beautiful view of town

Bird's Eye View

The Animas Valley as seen from the perspective of a robin.

Carnival Time

The Memorial Day Carnival has been running all weekend. I happened to see it from the Rim Trail around Fort Lewis College and got this shot.

Pigeon, Turret and Eolus

Three mighty peaks of the Needles Range as seen from Highway 550 north of Durango.

Dark Skies

Rain falls on and around Engineer Mountain and the Hermosa Cliffs, hastening the melt of the remaining snowpack.

Geranium in the window

A geranium mimics the painted window display at Olde Tymer's Restaurant

State of the Animas

The river is really starting to swell. USGS measured 3,120 cu. ft/s this morning. Compare these pictures with ones I took a little while back. It has also taken on its silty chocolate color that I  love so dearly. "Too thick to drink, too thin to plow"--Mark Twain.

Get it while you can!

Rafting season is upon us, but don't wait too long or you will miss it. The river has been looking pretty good lately, but the snowpack is melting fast. Current flow levels in town, as measured by the USGS are around 2,540 cu. ft/s. The peak flow is near and after that, the river will go back down.

Taste of Durango

Once a year, the weekend before Memorial Day Durango hosts a large party in the streets. It is the Taste of Durango and here you can sample the food from most of the restaurants in town. It is a great opportunity to try food from any place you have not been to and it is a great atmosphere of celebration as well. This year, there was a band from Costa Rica called the Ojo de Buey who where just phenomenal. Their music got everyone dancing and I have never seen so many people smiling and happy! MAke plans for next year and join in on the fun!

Hello, Dollface

Front-Woman Ashley Edwards is the beautiful, soulful voice of the popular local band, Hello Dollface. I caught their act yesterday at the similarly popular Balcony Bar and Patio on Main Ave in Durango, Colorado

Poppies are popping up

All around town Papaver orientale, the Oriental Poppy are starting to bloom.

Chateau Colorado

A very large private residence in La Plata County

Gutters of Color

The blossoms have blown of the trees and now wait in the gutter for the next big rain to wash them away.

'This should keep it up"

I don't think that stick will hold for long!

State of the Animas

This is what it looks like now if you are standing on the bridge near Rotary Park. The water is at approx. 1060 cu. feet per second.

Claret-Cup Cactus

Echinocereus triglochidiatus has some of the most gorgeous blooms around.

View from Animas City Mountain

I went on an awesome bike ride yesterday and got this picture as a result. This is the view North from Animas City Mountain and it shows the Hidden Valley of Falls Creek the Animas River Valley..

Thin line between cultivated and wild

In my backyard, the cultivated grass and planted Aspen trees give way to the native species of Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and Gambel's Oak ( Quercus gambelii).

Will it rain, or will it stay dry?

We had quite the mix of weather yesterday. It started out nice, then got ugly! Some rain, wind and snow all peppered by occasional sunshine. Today is looking better with partly cloudy skies in the forecast.

Acid Green Leaves

Bright morning sunshine electrifies the Aspen trees in my yard.

Western Serviceberry

The spring blossoms of  Amelanchier alnifolia have recently burst forth, exuding a sweet smell to entice the local pollinators.

Sunrise Silhouette

Raiders Ridge back lit by today's rising sun.

A place to relax

Beautiful Spring Blossoms

Best view of Durango

Over the years I have seen nearly every view of Durango. So far, this one is my favorite and I saw it for the first time yesterday up in Rafter J.

Frosty Mornings

A thin coating of ice transforms these trees into crystal.