Sunday, June 21, 2020

Woke Up & Hit The Ground Running

Scored another sweet house sitting gig in a beautiful remote farmland location. My responsibilities were rather simple and right up my alley.


The main feature on the agenda would be watering/feeding the garden in the mornings, changing out the hummingbird mixture when needed, and collect all the mail and parcel deliveries. Oh Baby


Totally crashed out on the evening of night number 4 and experienced a wickedly twisted bizarre dream. So weird when your sleeping in an unfamiliar bed and your sort of asleep but hearing things but snoring but what was that?? My body came to life with drool all over my pillow and down the left side of my chin. My mind was dazed and confused but not like the famously stolen Led Zeppelin tune.


Eyes wide open and heart racing, I made my way over to the toilet for a whizz. Interpretation of dreams can imaginably turn out odd, I tend to overthink them, and do I really need to methodically examine this self-fulfilling prophecy around 3am for the purposes of explanation?? How/why did my mind manifest that moment and was my perception unfulfilled when I rested my head on my pillow?? Oh Well, so I am awake. Might as well hit the road and thats what I did. Started driving south until the morning glow off San Juan Range redirected my intentions. I was originally thinking the Black Canyon outside Montrose but the early light of the day drew me further south. Hello Mt Snefflels


Arrived safely at the trailhead just after sunrise and nobody was in sight. Pure Silence. Started making my way up the mountain to the soundtrack of early morning bird songs. Pretty cool to be serenaded while completely visually stimulated. The trail meanders until the switchbacks call for attention. Not scrambling or anything but definitely needs attention from the usage. The grasshoppers and various insects buzzed my ears all day but totally worth being pestered.


There were two separate landing sites that I wouldn't exactly call a meadow. More of an open space really and downed lifeless trees criss crossed my line of sight. Every turn of the trail offered up a postcard perfect photo opportunity and not another human in sight. I decided a mini break on a tree stump would be ideal and simply observing the stillness of the forest was a gorgeous byproduct. I laid down in the taller wild grass off the trail at one point and that was so cool immersing myself with all the wildflowers. Yellows, purples, whites, and blues were all dancing to the variable light breeze in my peripheral vision. Took that opportunity to snack on some homemade trail mix that I threw together for my last outing. In My Happy Place 


One of the most relaxing hikes in awhile and a fairly mundane outing in general. I am betting that my heart rate never climbed higher than 140bpm and I refrained from speed hiking the downhill sections. I damn near parked at the trailhead. So a slick out & back was achieved and heading towards The Grand Valley before sundown. Two Thumbs Up


Cheers 
P.S. Beware Of The Man Who Builds Monuments To Himself - WSP 

81 comments:

  1. Hello,
    What a wonderful shots are these. Really amazing.
    And what a wonderful view over this area. Shot 5 with the water is very colourful. Not bad to be there.

    Greetings, Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many Thanx Marco - Western Colorado Offers Up Loads Of Money Shots Around Every Bend - Glad You Saw These - Take Care

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. ...wow, what a place to run around in!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... Running Around With My Head Cut Off, Might As Well Be Here

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. Hello,
    Lucky you, your house-sitting job sounds more like a vacation. The location is beautiful, what a great hike. Beautiful nature scenes, I would be happy there too. The wildflowers sound awesome. Enjoy your day, have a great new week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why Didn't I Take A Photo With My Shadow For Ya - That Was A Real Blow It - Looking Forward To The Week

      Cheers

      Delete
  4. Beautiful scenery of hills, mountains and trees.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Are Very Welcome - True Serenity

      Cheers

      Delete
  5. Wow that was amazing and to think you will be paid to stay in a location like this! You are blessed mate!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Said It - Sending Vibe There Magic - Sending Vibes

      Cheers

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. U Bet - Thank You For The Reminder - To Have Functioning Legs, Healthy Lungs, And Freedom To Explore, Totally Lucky

      Cheers

      Delete
  7. Well that all sounds perfectly wonderful Padre, except for the weird dream.. but if you hadn't had that dream you would have missed this mystical moment in time in this magnificent location. Pretty cool housesitting gig 😉

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I'll Take It - I Actual Plan To Head Down To The Black Canyon Was On My Radar But Just Not That Early - Beyond Stoked I Continued On Down The Road And Played In The Magnificent San Juan Mountains Instead - Life Is Better Walking On Two Legs

      Cheers

      Delete
  8. Good for you, getting out that early! I've heard weird dreams can be a side effect of whatever anxiety we feel (subconsciously or not) during this pandemic. Not sure that's what was going on in your case, but maybe?!

    In any case, looks like amazing scenery (of course) and a productive day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Late To Bed, Early To Rise - Its So Much Fun This Aging Process - Not So Much The Pandemic But You Are Totally Right - Sometimes Even A recent Movie Will Play Out In My Unconsciousness - Hope Mr Dave Had A Wonderful B-Day - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  9. What a cool job to have especially since you are in the middle of lovely scenery-and you can get out and bike.
    scary dreams are not Not fun. I don't dream very often-or at least when I wake up I don't remember anything most days.
    I miss feeding our hummingbirds. one year I went through 400 pounds of sugar we had soooo many. enjoy your week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ideal " Job " For Sure - I Wonder If Its Nice To Not Recall Your Dreams - Mine Are Very Vivid - Some Are A Reflection To My Day And Others Are What The Flock Of Seagulls Was That All About - The Hummers Are Too Cute - I Encourage That Behavior, Hint Hint

      Cheers

      Delete
  10. Dearest Padre,
    Whatever dream caused you to wakeup early, the efforts were rewarded for your hike with spectacular views. Wish you could also share those early wakeup sounds by the birds and rest of nature...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Have Been Itching To Create Short Story Videos Again - Not Just Time Lapse Videos But Actual Movies - Would Absolutely Love To Share The Sounds Of The Forest With The World

      Cheers

      Delete
  11. Padre Oh my! That mountain view with snow and pines and that highlighter colored lake! Such a dream! When will I see such views right in front of me? Oh I hope in this lifetime! Sending you hugs this new week Padre!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Know, It Was Rather Dreamy - Just Know This, You Have A Place To Call Home Base - Travel On Brother Man

      Cheers

      Delete
  12. That adventure had your name written beside it. Glad you enjoyed it. Love the water view from way up, stunning! Have a wonderful week, Padre!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right On Mr Bill - Will Do My Best As Its A Tough Time This Week - But All Will Work Itself Out

      Cheers

      Delete
  13. wow, what a beautiful area! The nature there is amazing. The forest is gorgeous! I imagine it must be fantastic hiking there. I love mountains. This is a mountain area, right? How high is it there? That mountain lake shot is breath-taking. We have a lot of mountains here and they are definitely my happy place.
    As for sleeping in a strange bed, I'm pretty used to it. I think it is not unusual to get vivid dreams in a new place. I remember when I worked as a flight attendant one girl mentioned how she knows an airline pilot that cannot sleep in any bed but his own- and I said to her: Well, he sure choose a wrong job. What else was I meaning to say in reference to your dream? I know I wanted to ask you have you read Freud's Dream Theory- such an interesting book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its Fantastic Hiking - I Was Just Under 13,000ft Before Turning Around - Pleased You Spend Time In Your mountains - Its Rejuvenating For Sure - I Have All Kinds Of Flight Attendant Questions For Ya - I Read A Number Of Books Over The Years Regarding The Brain, Dreams, And Body Metaphors But Have Not Specifically Read Freud's Dream Theory - Will Research And Get Back With You

      Cheers

      Delete
    2. I hope you will enjoy it, a very fun book, more reader friendly than I imagined. I wasn't a flight attendant for a long time, just for a little longer than a year but if you have any question perhaps I can answer them.

      Delete
  14. Luscious photos. How blue is the lake! It reminds of one in Canada, just as blue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These Alpine Lakes Around Here Are Gorgeous And ICE COLD - Blows My Mind By How Many Locals Have Never Seen Them For Themselves

      Cheers

      Delete
  15. Your photos are stunning! Especially the last two, they are my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not Too Shabby For An Old iPhone - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  16. Wow,absolutely beautiful views!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I had to smile when I read about your dream...I, too, often do exactly the same thing - spend ages after waking, analyzing and trying to find parallels in my waking life!! Lol
    Unfortunately, I haven't yet managed to make any sense of them!😉
    WOW, such impressive views...really mesmerising!😊😊
    Thank you so much for posting!!

    Cheers 👍👍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Always Pleased To Know That Others Are Smiling - All Is Well - Thanx For The Positive Comment - Looking Forward To This Weekend - Sending Vibes

      Cheers

      Delete
  18. Those views, tho...the more I trail run, the more I want to trail run. And hike!

    Did you eat any mushrooms on that hike? :p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Classic - Missed The Hunting Shrooms Opportunity

      Cheers

      Delete
  19. Breathtaking views, gorgeous pics as usual!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx So Much For Popping In - Glad You Saw These

      Cheers

      Delete
  20. When I look out at my surroundings and see nothing but corn, soy beans and vast flat nothingness, I often wonder why I don't relocate to a place like Colorado. Fantastic views as always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Colorado Is Gorgeous - Stay Strong Brother Man

      Cheers

      Delete
  21. What a wonderful gig. It's too bad that you had to work sooooo hard! And that hike sounds fabulous just about now. I love that alpine blue lake. Summer is coming to the high country!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Summer Is Here - We Experienced Such An Ideal Spring Here In The Valley - Then, The Switch Was Flipped - 97F Yesterday With 6% Humidity - Oh Joy

      Cheers

      Delete
  22. What an incredible spot for a hike. The views are truly spectacular. Don't you just love it when you find a spot where no other humans are and you can just lay there in silence soaking up the peace?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I Cherish Those Occasions - Its Beyond Special To Have An Outlet Such As This When My Mind In Racing Non Stop - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  23. Just stopping back to say thanks for visiting my blog.
    And I wish you a happy day and a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Sure Enjoy Your Postings - Excellent Weekend - Take Care

      Cheers

      Delete
  24. Wow! i love this view! ;)
    Have a nice day ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. The house sitting hit the nail on the head eh...and you went the extra mile on the bike and then some! What a beautiful setting, The black Canyon such a marvelous place I've only drive thru so hope you take me to some spots I will never get to see!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Enjoy Some Secrets Along The Black Canyon And Will Visit After The Summer Heat - Happily Sharing

      Cheers

      Delete
  26. The scenery is just magnificent and to have those views all to yourself without another human around just bliss. My favorite pic is the sky in the last. My late FIL would have called the color Sky Blue Pink. Take care and have a good week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That Was A Highlight For Sure - No Humans - Evidence Of Humans - What A Week - Hell, What A Month

      Cheers

      Delete
  27. Wow...I grew up and lived in the Colorado Rockies for over 50 years. My older sister lives in Montrose with the San Juan Range just off her deck (in the distance). Your photos & narration was like going home again. I call Texas Coast my home now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What A Wonderful Name - Hootin' Anni Of A Good Time - Montrose Is A Way Cool Town - I Soak In Ouray Frequently - Stay Strong Down There In Texas - Stay Strong

      Cheers

      Delete
  28. That must be a great place to walk. Early morning is, as you say, the only time to walk and hear silence with a bird serenade. I would have to take binos, as you know. So much more to be gained by looking closer, putting a name and a picture to a mystery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nothing Like Catching Mr Sun Rising - Your Mouth Would Have Been On The Floor - Jaw Dropping Beauty With Birds In Flight At All Times

      Cheers

      Delete
  29. Beautiful photography! I agree, two thumbs up for sure. I really like the shot of the lake from the overlook way up above it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coming From You, I'll Take It - Your Shots Are Magnificent

      Cheers

      Delete
  30. Stunning scenery! I'm feeling slightly envious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx For Enjoying And Dropping A Comment - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  31. What a great house sitting situation. The walk that you describe sounds right up my alley. I love the symphony of birds. I walk in the forest as often as possible. I have been noticing it more of late.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Full Spectrum Of Entertainment - Thanx For The Positive Vibes

      Cheers

      Delete
  32. This post made me feel nostalgic for the moments when I had a garden to take care of...
    Your photos are breath taking, I love the landscapes and the majesty of these forms is impressive.
    P.S: Your last phras reminded me of a phrase by Primo Levi, the message of which was more or less the same... ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right On - Researching PL Was Insightful - Thank You For That

      Cheers

      Delete
  33. Wow! What a beautiful pictures! It's really amazing! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its Even Better In First Person - Thanx For Stopping By And For Dropping A Comment - Much Appreciated

      Cheers

      Delete
  34. sounds like life is good for you! Beautiful adventure.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sounds like a great time out in nature

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow, the natural scenery and colored lakes are truly amazing. The picture is like a story in a fairy tale book.

    Regards from Indonesia.

    ReplyDelete
  37. The power of Nature!!!
    Amazing scenery my friend!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, what gorgeous photos. What a nice place to escape to and let go of all the hassles from the peopled places of the world. Erika

    ReplyDelete