The incredible power of Mother Nature

blows me away still today. The colors, shapes and textures that she creates,

even in the process of decay, are mind blowing, Dali-esque in movement and

meaning--and always stimulating one of the senses, if not all of them.

On your explorations try to find textures that you have not experienced-shapes that are only envisioned in dreams--colors that the great artists are familiar with and meaning to life that we all seek.

This lichen is hundreds of years old. The traumatic weather in this areas has ripped the eco-friendly sweater right of the rocks back. I felt I should give it mine so it was not exposed.

Dying lichen brings fond memories of the

Tuscan rooftops of Italy--one of my favorite

places. Who would have thought that this

simple hike today could have me traveling

to Italy while hiking in the Rockies!

Which hiking trail am I on if this is the city I am looking at---partial city coordinates below---

Latitude:    39° 24' 8" N

Longitude: 107° 12' _______W

I have always been fascinated by trees. The are similar to great families. There roots drive deep into the ground and branches soar toward the heavens. They are inspired from birth to be the biggest and best they can be. No matter what hits them, they heal and continue---They inspire me.

Is the lichen an opportunist--using the minerals and moistness of the rock to grow. Or does the rock need to be protected from the elements?

The writing is certainly on the

wall---I just don’t know this

language:)

Just when I thought the colors

were all blending together---

this bright purple pops into view.

This looks like a giant rope from an old Pirate Ship.

Nature provides just when you need it. I was tiring from the high altitude exertion, needed a place to sit---and viola--a bench, slightly warmed by the sun --providing the perfect place to catch my breath on this chilly morning.

The struggle for survival in this high desert climate is evident in this cactus which protects its bright red flowers by thick sharp needles.

I imagine that the flowers provide for aviary beings and not those that crawl.

This looked like snow from afar--but closer inspection brought tiny life forms of white flowers sprayed all over this certain hillside.

Our State and National Parks are filled with hours of trails, information, great images and even better exercise.

Visit your Local & National parks.

http://www.stateparks.com/usa.html

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm

this red rock color is hard to reproduce in pigments due to the many different mineral oxides it contains

Donate to your local State and National parks by visiting them often. The minimal fees are well worth it and will enable the next generation to experience them as we have.