We always look forward to our first sight of the mountains as we arrive in Colorado. This year, the skies weren't as crisp and clear as usual and so the moutains were just faintly there in the distance. There was still smoke in the air from the terrible fires near Colorado Springs.
But happily it was clearer when we reached our destination (our kids' home). The picture below is Golden Pond near where they live:
I always love this walk. Both because the pond area is so lovely and because the flat, relatively easy walk helps me get acclimated to the altitude. (There are excellent paved walking paths.)
Below is another picture from our latest visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.
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This is the way we like to think of the Colorado sky.
I hope it will look like this from now on -- with no more smoke!
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Sharing the skies from last month's roadtrip with the participants at SKYWATCH FRIDAY. Thank you to Yogi and the SWF team.
You really are my window on this great big country. I doubt I'll ever get to many of these places, so it is great fun to visit and see them through your eyes (and lens). Thank you!!
Posted by: Nan | July 30, 2013 at 09:44 AM
Dearest Sallie,
Breathtakingly Beautiful scene and blue sky♡♡♡ Yes, I DO agree with you and hope "it will look like this from now on". Oh I wonder if I could have a chance to see someday p;)
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid miyako | July 15, 2013 at 09:57 PM
I always like your photos and they are very good. However, the last photo in this post is AMAZING! Seriously!
Posted by: Pat | July 15, 2013 at 12:14 PM
With such magnificent views it must be hard to keep your eyes on the road.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic shots Sallie.
Posted by: Pam | July 14, 2013 at 05:26 AM
Beautiful skys! What an amazing and beautiful scenery!
Posted by: Mary | July 13, 2013 at 04:35 PM
They're just so beautiful, no wonder you always look forward to it. Glad to be back on here Sallie. Sorry for not being a good blog follower. :(
Posted by: Prem | July 12, 2013 at 09:19 PM
Beautiful skies
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | July 12, 2013 at 07:00 PM
Hard to beat such views! I'll be posting a few Colorado photos on L & L Photography. Your pictures make me want to hop in the car and head west to our daughter's place!
Posted by: Lowell | July 12, 2013 at 03:29 PM
Very beautiful landscape !!
Posted by: Gattina | July 12, 2013 at 07:21 AM
Such contrasting views Sallie, the first and the last picture. I wish it becomes like the last one too. I would love to walk by the pond, looks so inviting. :-)
Posted by: Arti | July 12, 2013 at 06:58 AM
I like a lot the beautiful pond, so peaceful ! I hope too, you 'll never see again smoke in the Colorado sky. Fire is so a terrible thing !
Posted by: Annie | July 12, 2013 at 05:54 AM
Beautiful scenery!
Posted by: Andy | July 12, 2013 at 01:51 AM
Amazing skies and the mountains are beautiful.
Posted by: Mick | July 11, 2013 at 10:40 PM
Great first shot, with the "illusion" of mountains. Beautiful little pond and reflections. And the last shot, wow,perfect mountain peaks!
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | July 11, 2013 at 07:40 PM
How beautiful...
Posted by: Meghana | July 11, 2013 at 07:17 PM
These are fabulous. The first one is an illustration of the power of fire, for sure. What a beautiful world.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | July 11, 2013 at 06:56 PM
I like that clear sky, too, Sallie - we hope to keep it that way! It looks so inviting by that pond.
Posted by: Barb | July 11, 2013 at 05:43 PM
Oh Colorado - so beautiful and spacious! Wish it was a little closer - I would visit it more. Have a great time with your "kids":)
Posted by: Emille (Jesh StG) | July 11, 2013 at 05:24 PM
Very beautiful photos. We were far too close to that terrible fire this year!
Posted by: Al | July 11, 2013 at 04:18 PM
If you hadn't mentioned the smoke I would have just thought it was foggy. All the shots are beautiful but I'm sorry about the terrible fires CO has had to deal with.
Posted by: Carver | July 11, 2013 at 03:21 PM
smoke in the air isn´t good. But nothing to do about it. You do live in a very beautiful country. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photo | July 11, 2013 at 03:09 PM
What a breathtaking view of the mountains in the last photo, so beautiful!! I love montain scenery.
The Golden Pond looks wonderful too.
Posted by: Hilde | July 11, 2013 at 02:59 PM
Sallie, your Colorado skies look beautiful. I love the view of the mountains. And the lake is a pretty scene, lovely spot for a walk. Happy Skywatching!
Posted by: Eileen | July 11, 2013 at 02:08 PM
gosh! love the clear skies and clear reflections, too. the last shot would qualify for friday's fences, too. :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | July 11, 2013 at 02:01 PM
i love the shadows of the mountain range in the first photo. gorgeous wispy clouds.
Posted by: Luna Miranda | July 11, 2013 at 01:32 PM
the last image is the way i imagine the colorado sky too.
Posted by: Photo Cache | July 11, 2013 at 01:13 PM
Ah, they are SO beautiful and your captures are marvelous as always!! I do hope there are no more fires!! Enjoy your weekend!!
Posted by: sylviakirk | July 11, 2013 at 12:53 PM
You have stunning views of the mountains' grandeur, and your photos have captured those views beautifully. Golden Pond looks like a lovely little lake to hike around.
Posted by: Pat, CA, USA | July 11, 2013 at 12:51 PM
As you may know, my husband was born in Colorado Springs, many many many moons ago, and there is always a special place in our hearts for this area. I grew up just north of Denver.
GREAT down home images you've shared for me.
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | July 11, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Fantastic photos for SWF!Great views!
Posted by: Steffi | July 11, 2013 at 12:44 PM
A lovely set of contrasting views!
Posted by: Hazel | July 11, 2013 at 11:08 AM