23 July 2015

Stardate 2015.559

Can you say, wildflowers?

Wildflower Season is Here!

Snowcatcher and I took a jaunt to one of our favorite haunts recently. We spent two days in the Crested Butte, Colorado area. Early monsoonal rain has helped to yield a spectacular crop of wildflowers. During our foray, we encountered a bit of everything, from rain and sun to washing bicycle wheels off in the creek before riding because the 4Runner's tire spray had entombed them in mud. The mountain gods are keeping things fresh and exciting.


Vicinity of Gothic, Colorado

In the distance, Avery Peak (12,366 ft) rises above the headwaters of the East River.


Vicinity of Gothic, Colorado

Flowers were dancing in the breeze all over the place.


12,625-foot Gothic Mountain

12,625-foot Gothic Mountain


Mount Bellview reaches 12,519 feet.

Mount Bellview reaches 12,519 feet. The left and right sub-peaks are 12,473 and 12,445 feet in elevation, respectively.


Avery Peak (12,366 ft)

The west face of Avery Peak watches over the beautiful lush subalpine forest beneath.


Upper right background is Rustler Gulch

The alpine basin in the upper right background is Rustler Gulch. This probably is a fitting title, considering the past 100-plus years of ranching in this region.


Mount Bellview reaches 12,519 feet

Mount Bellview (12,519 ft)


The East Brush Creek jeep trail looks a bit ordinary.  However, not far beyond this spot, after a major stream crossing, the road turns into a real 4x4 jeep track that meanders all the way up to 12,705-foot Pearl Pass.  From Pearl Pass, the jeep route continues down Castle Creek to posh Aspen.

The East Brush Creek jeep trail looks a bit ordinary. However, not far beyond this spot, after a major stream crossing, the road turns into a real 4x4 jeep track that meanders all the way up to 12,705-foot Pearl Pass. From Pearl Pass, the jeep route continues down Castle Creek to posh Aspen.


It's day's end along East Brush Creek.  The peak to the left is Teocalli Mountain (13,208 ft, state rank #478).  The high peak in the far background is Castle Peak (14,265 ft, state rank #12).

It's day's end along East Brush Creek. The peak to the left is Teocalli Mountain (13,208 ft, state rank #478). The high peak in the far background is Castle Peak (14,265 ft, state rank #12).

Thanks for reading. There's more Crested Butte coming.

Adios

2 comments:

  1. You captured the season so well! I hope we can go back before they're all gone! And then again when the leaves turn... And then again when the snow flies...

    Oh, maybe we should just move there!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mt. Bellview - what a beautiful shot.

    I'd like to go 4x4-ing with Mr. M on that jeep trail....

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...