Ubiquitous Hollyhocks

Alcea rosea seems to do well just about everywhere it seems.

With the Rains Come Mushrooms

A type of Inky Cap (Coprinoid) has been taking advantage of all the recent moisture available and several of them have been popping up in my yard lately.

Stop and smell the roses

And if you're like me, take a picture too!

Pine River Valley

With all the water flowing down from the mountains, the growth has been exuberant.  This is in the Pine Valley north of Bayfield and south of Vallecito.

Colorado Columbine

The State Flower reenforces the beauty of my special spot.

Details make life livable

I don't know about you, but for me the small things are what I notice the most. It's a good thing I have a camera, but even without I always stop to soak in the details of life. Perhaps one day I may find better ways to describe my world and convey my mystical wonder to others. The hardest part is just to take notice and that is done with my eyes and thankfully a camera.

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!

Poppies are popping up

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

Claret-Cup Cactus

Echinocereus triglochidiatus has some of the most gorgeous blooms around.

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).

Western Serviceberry

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

Prickly Texture

Sunlight Path

Spring Blooms

I noticed these flowers taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather we have been enjoying here. I don't think these flowers would be blossoming during this time in a normal year.

Another storm rolling in

A spring storm approaches.

12 Hours

Frosty Mornings

After the snow storms have come and gone, we are left with bitter cold temps in the mornings. The thermometers have been reading in the single digits on most mornings, with a couple of days where it read below zero.

This picture was taken on the Animas River Trail, on my way to work.

Cattails in snow

These cattails live in a small wetland area near the bottom of my street.

Happy New Year

Here's to 2013. May it be happy and prosperous for all