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Don’t let anyone tell you the wildflower season is over …
The north end of the Gore Range, Summit County, Colorado.
SUMMIT COUNTY — We managed to break away from our computers for a short, two-night backpacking trip into the Gore Range this week, and we’re glad we did. Summer is all to short to begin with, and even without knowing what we would’ve missed, we would have experienced some regret during the long. cold days of winter. As it turned out, the massive winter snows and late snowmelt fueled a prodigious crop of wildflowers in this part of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, and a lingering late-summer weather pattern made for some exceedingly pleasant camping weather.
Hikiing into the Gore Range.
A huge snow bank left over from last winter was hollowed out by running water and wind, leaving a snow cave big enough to park a car. PHOTO BY TOM CASTRIGNO.
A few hours of hiking brought us to our campsite. We're thankful to Tom and Kathy for sharing this spot with us.
Sunrise was gorgeous.
Backpacking trick #19: Put a some powdered milk into a container with a tight lid, add water, cover and shake hard. It makes milk froth as thick as the best barista at your favorite coffee joint can conjure up.
Late August wildflowers in the Gore Range.
Sunset wasn't so bad either ...
Yeah, the dog had fun, too!
Then we found ANOTHER snow cave on the hike out. Oh, yeah, I shot this with the Fuji Finepix on an underwater setting.
Looking out of the cave (a tunnel, actually) back toward the campsite.
A Parry's Primrose growing inside the snow tunnel. Life will find a way.
Goodbye, Gore Range!
Filed under: Colorado, hiking, Morning photo, photography, recreation, seasons, Summit County Colorado Tagged: | Colorado wildflowers, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Gore Range Colorado, Summit County Colorado, wildflowers
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Powder's falling at Monarch!! Have you reserved your spot yet?
Innovative energy underwrites coverage of energy stories.
I’m glad you still have lush wildflowers up there. Can you tell us what the pink and yellow flowers are?
Here in Austin the drought continues and the land is looking parched. To make things worse, the mowers can’t seem to resist destroying the few wildflowers that have managed to thrive.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
Gorgeous. Who would guess that snow tunnels and wild flowers were next to each other up there in August? Will any of these be on your redbubble site? I’d like to order cards if they’re available later.
What a pleasant sight to start a Saturday off with. I guess one has to have ones morning vice, where ever one may be! Thanks for the tip, the froth I mean.
Amazing pics Bob!!
The pinks are Parry’s Primrose.
Bob,
Your photographs continue to be A+ stunning.
Jerry