LIfe at High Altitude in Colorado

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.

-Edward Abbey, naturalist and author (1927-1989)

Monday, July 4, 2011

Finally Summertime - My World

No matter what the calendar says, summer always arrives late at high altitude.
Lake Dillon, Summit County, CO
Suddenly, after false starts of warmer weather, we begin to believe it's going to stay.
Ten Mile Range
The high peaks hold snow all summer.

Heart-leaf Arnica (yellow) and Fairy Slipper Orchid
Below treeline, wildflowers don't waste any time.

My grandchildren like  to investigate the flowers and learn their names.

            
We never pick the wildflowers. We only admire them.

If we find the delicate Fairy Slipper,

we're really, really happy!

My World                    

33 comments:

  1. a wonderful look at your world. the second photo is particularly stunning.

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  2. Lovely post Barb, - beautiful wildflowers and sweet, happy children. So glad summer has finally deigned to visit, - what a wonderful contrast with the white mountain peaks. Happy times!

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  3. Sweet smiles to share summer delights!
    Lovely photos Barb!

    Sweet hugs,
    Sierra Rose

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  4. Wow, summer suddenly shines with bursts of color to entice the young and old alike. So fun to share with your grandchildren. I think monsoon season has begun here.

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  5. From the big, to the small, your world is universally glorious.

    Precious grandchildren!

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  6. Beautiful--scenery and children. It must be so precious for the long anticipation.

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  7. Barb, they are beautiful. The flowers and the children. I love the lake with the sailboat. Are there many boats on the water that high up? Hope your weather holds out. Carol

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  8. And your world is a great one, you live in Paradise with two adorable grandchildren close by....ah your life is good my friend....:-)Hugs

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  9. cheers to summer. hope you have a lovely one.

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  10. So very beautiful there. Well worth the wait for summer!!

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  11. Lovely series of photos. Just love the look of happiness on your grandchild's face. :)

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  12. I think that I could look at snow all year, especially if it was part of that marvelous view. I will bet the little one's tees came home with Grammy!

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  13. I love that you have taught to look but not pick.
    Love the lake and mountain shot but that last one is a keeper.

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  14. Everything about this post was beautiful. My grandmother taught me the same thing about wildflowers. She was well versed in all the names of wildflowers found in the wild and the constellations of stars in the skies. I wish I could remember all she taught me.

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  15. Your high altitude world is beautiful and the lake image reminds us that one need not be near the ocean to enjoy the beach.
    Michael went to the ocean beach yesterday. His dad had a hard time convincing him it was time to leave. He loved the water.
    Still lots of snow on our trail, it is melting fast but there is still a lot left.
    Your grand children are adorable!

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  16. Your world is so full of beautiful things, Barb! There's nothing soothing and beautiful like spontaneous shining smiles of a innocent child. You are surrounded by lovely nature and have an easy access to breathtaking scenic beauties shown in the first two photos. Not everyone is blessed with these on daily basis. I’m happy for you, Barb, and for me, too, as I always appreciate these blessings through your posts. Have a happy week ahead!

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  17. Hi,Barb!
    Very beautiful scenery and happy grandchildren! Your photos are stunning!
    The blue sky and white reflection on the water, the white sailboat and white mountain・・・they perfectly contrast!Your grandkid’s smile is so adorable!
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful and cool summer, Barb!
    Tomoko.

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  18. Barb,
    Oh, really, really beautiful family!! Your grandchildren are so cute! They are also very lucky because they have been learning naturally how to go well, preserve and live together with nature in harmony.
    Your summer looks very pleasant and comfortable. I wish I had such a summer in Japan. Your photos are breathtaking. Barb, thanks a lot for bringing me such a freshening breeze. I could forget a Japanese sultry summer for a while.
    Have a great day!

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  19. Summer looks lovely at altitude! The pic of your granddaughter examining the wildflower is priceless. I want to be in that lone sail boat!

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  20. Your summer is definitely worth the wait! Such beauty there (and such adorable kids).

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  21. Beautiful -- pure joy on the kids' faces and joy at such a wonderful REAL discovery! I love this post.

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  22. Love the splendor of the mountain views, the sinplicity in the beautiful wildflowers and the sweetness of your grandchildren... they all make for a wonderful day and life, Barb!

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  23. Sounds like you are enjoying the start of summer there Barb. Always lovely to share it with the grandchildren.

    My son was at a conference over there...and went for a walk in the mountains..somewhere outside Denver, I think. But then he spent the weekend with the family in NYC before he came home. Hence the reason I was in Melbourne to help mind the children!

    Glad you enjoyed the flowers on my post.

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  24. Your world is so beautiful. I love how when the wildflowers arrive that seem to last for a much longer time that they do here. It's worth waiting for!

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  25. Our snow here is gone, but I went up to the really high country (9,000 feet) last weekend and there is still about 6 feet!

    This has been an amazing year!

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  26. Where you live...
    It's a piece of heaven.
    Happy Summertime Barb! :)

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  27. Looks like the grandkids are having a great summer! Fun!

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  28. What a joyful expression in that last photo! I love the fairy slipper, too.

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  29. You are teaching those grandkids wonderful lessons about nature! I LOVE the Fairy Slipper too!

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  30. Fantastic to know you are enjoying the summer sun as well. Awesome wildflower photos as usual, Barb. And your wild flower grandchildren too! You make me smile.

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  31. Majestic - to see the mountains tower over the lake. And that look of sheer delight on your grandchild - I think I would feel the same way seeing all those wildflowers.

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