Snow frosting

A fresh dusting of snow clung to the Flatirons this morning. Tilted toward the rising sun, these slabs of granite shed their frosting quickly, making a morning like this more special. The rays from the rising sun lit up the cloud bank that was perched in the divide, turning it into a large pink pincushion. Tough to leave the comfort of my quilts, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Muneca isn't getting out with me on these outings, although I could tuck her in my pocket. I think she is enjoying all the other similarly sized creatures that have sprouted on my shelves. Papa Noel may have to fight Bob the Rock for her affection.

Winter silhouettes

Hiking on the plains in the winter is as beautiful as the high mountains, but in such a different way. Many of the trails follow creeks and irrigation ditches, allowing me to observe kingfishers, mallards, canada geese, and whatever else might be stopping near the water. If I'm real lucky, a great horned owl will be hidden somewhere in the crown of a magnificent cottonwood.

The seed heads of last summer's abundance hold their heads high, high enough for the birds to find, even when there is a foot or two of snow on the ground.

Hercules

With only a few hours available to christen my new snowshoes, we headed up the Finch Lake trail to visit Hercules. Unfortunately, there really wasn't enough snow to warrant the snowshoes, but I did have them on for about half a mile and loved them. Hercules lives in fairly secluded meadow, just below a ridge, so she is protected from the vicious winds. Over 600 years old, Hercules spreads her arms into a graceful canopy, unusual growth for a douglas fir. I have many special trees that I visit on my favorite trails. I think I have a new friend.