The summer solstice kept us outside for hours. Driving along old dirt roads scoping the best spots to pause and capture a part of summers essence in Colorado’s high country. Way, way up in the mountains as they say on our 1 of 2 local radio stations (lol). It does often feel like a were living inside an ongoing movie scene perhaps from the ‘wild west’ days or a page from a John Muir book. Though we have our daily tasks, responsibilities, and typical frustrations, one look out a window or walk outside reminds us of the epic blessing it is to live here. Many local people will tell you winter brought them here but summer kept them. So it was for me. While my nonexistent appreciation for winter grew, had these extraordinary summers not arrived after 8 months of 250+ inches of snow, I probably would not still be living here.  The enchantment of the Gunnison Valley landscape has kept me wrapped in its wondrous, ethereal spell for nearly 10 years now. Maybe you too, will see why ♥

“How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains.” John Muir

“Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days, days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God.” – John Muir

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” – John Muir

Our paths crossed with only two other explorers. Riding in the dust and chasing the magic hour. We truly got far more than we expected or even hoped for. The setting sun quite literally provided us with the grandeur of the golden hour. Fields of wild Iris, Rocky Mountain Columbine, Paintbrush, Mules Ear, Fragrant sage brush, Scarlet Gillias, and those with names I’ve yet to learn blanketed the fertile earth.

The sky changed colors above the Anthracite Range showing off the lingering winter snow. But it wasn’t long before the mosquitos came out with a wicked vengeance which we could only endure for 10 minutes or so without proper gear.

As the saying goes ‘If you’re lucky enough to live in the mountains, you’re lucky enough’. I’d say because the mountains, well, they never stop calling.

Wishing you all a wondrous, light-filled week ahead! 

Thank you all so much for joining me here x

I hope you all enjoyed this series of photos, I was so excited to share them with you all! To see more of my photography go to Behind The Lens or join me on Pinterest | Instagram