A lone Sandhill Crane standing in a waterlogged field at the Bosque Del Apache in Central New Mexico.
Front Range Mountains from High Line Canal
What a beautiful view of the Colorado Rockies from the High Line Canal Trail in Englewood. As a Coloradoan, I sometimes take these gorgeous views for granted. This location is in the heart of our metropolis on an urban trail that gets well used by the city folk. Even though this trail is quite crowded in the summer it has fairly light use in the winter months and is great to capture a bit of nature in the big city.
Carrying His Frisbee
Teig and I were playing frisbee at Cook Park in Denver on a beautiful fall afternoon. Nothing better than spending quality time with my senior pup.
Traildog at Lost Park
Autumn colors abound in late September in the high country of Colorado. Teig loves hikes under the canopy of gold colored aspens. He even looks stately in grass field between those aspens.
Meadow of Colorado Blue Flax
Teig and I love to hike the Colorado Rockies when the alpine meadows are in full bloom. I found a field full of beautiful blue Lewis Flax while hiking the Continental Divide above Cottonwood Pass. Teig and I layed in this meadow of blue and watched the clouds pass overhead... just priceless!
Zebra at Balloon Fiesta Take-off
Zebras - Launch Director is the first person of contact for the pilots and crews on the field. In their black and white attire LDs, aka Zebras, are rather prominent ambassadors of Fiesta. The LDs work with the pilots to conduct a Safe Coordinated Launch. Even well before daylight, the LDs walk their rows to greet pilots and crews. They remind the pilots about the 3 Row Rule. During inflations, the LDs look for proper tie offs and anything out of the ordinary. The flight operations kick off when the Balloon of the Day launches as the National Anthem is played from the stage. At the conclusion of the anthem, the LDs are able to start launching the first wave. Each LD has a conversation with the pilot about the launch. The discussion may include overhead traffic, layers of wind, false lift warnings, and other topics necessary for a successful launch. The Launch Card (chit) is collected and then the LD clears the spectators down wind and reestablishes eye contact with the pilot. When the airspace above the balloon is clear the LD blows the whistle and gives thumbs up for launch. The LD stays in position until the balloon is above head level and in controlled flight. The LD waves or salutes while wishing a safe flight for the pilot and crew. LDs take this time to observe the balloon’s flight to be prepared for the next launch. Then it is on to the next balloon to repeat the launch process. After all the balloons are launched we shift our hats to become Landing Assistants. When the permission is granted to allow landings on the launch field, the LDs help the incoming balloons land safely until balloon crews arrive.
Traildog at Kinston Peak Snow Field
A day of hiking to Kingston Peak, Teig and I stopped over at the snow field below the summit to play a bit. He loves the snow and there was abundant amounts on this summer day in the Front Range mountains of Colorado.
Traildog at Kinston Peak Snow Field
Alpine Avens, Aspen Daisies and Traildog
Adventuring the Rockies of central Colorado, Teig and I came across a beautiful alpine meadow and we had to stop and ponder the far off Mount Guyot and the valley below. This is our favorite place to be in the summer. Up above the trees you can see the peaks stretching off in the distance and the air is crisp and clean. The beauty fills the soul and the freedom to explore is fantastic.
Alpine Avens, Aspen Daisies and Traildog