October 26, 2012

From a friend— concerning the weather this morning:

“… first its numbing, then clears your thoughts…”—

Today is the second pulse of this Western Storm to push in w/ snow. It is dramatically cooler and the skiff left in the metro area has the leaves on the remaining trees embraced in a blanket. The trees appear from here to be 80%+ gone. Remember photosynthesis here at this elev. and latitude stops during the week of August 8^th through the 14^th. It has been a rather nice interlude in between the end of the growing season then; and the on- coming middle- autumn weather conditions we are benefiting from today. Indian Summer is gone now and the animals that are left in the urbanized corridor as the media moguls call it now— are left to manage without assistance: for them selves as they always are left to fend.

Today in my opinion is exactly weather to wake up from in the backpacker tent and move about in efforts to keep warm and go/ or continue hiking –backpacking. Those of you who know the Abajo’s and have been in this area when a Colorado Plateau storm has pushed/ pulsed through can empathize with my sentiment this morning.  I am reminded again and again about the calling of the weather and at times lament my suburbanized schedule these days that prohibit me from doing what we all know to be the soul- food of the hiker— to be out in it… to immerse the self in the wrappings of the temperatures, humidity conditions and the general ambiance of its play upon the skin.  Right?

I smile as I suppose you are—

 

October 18, 2012, Lakewood, CO

11:12:49, hours MDT

...continued hiker’s meditation…

Well, the frosts and pooled water upon the ground in varying places has been lightly freezing, forming the ever familiar crusts of the on- going seasonal change here.

The big NW front came through and blew hard for what seemed to be over 10 hours total. The windiness was truly an event to be experienced. Steady winds I suppose in the 35 mph category with elongated higher “gusts.” Those of us who relish these wind events were rewarded.

The trees look, appear and give the impression to be more than 50-60% gone. Some trees are continuing to hold onto some leaves of color and some are continuing on w/ the pale watery green of the season. Others, mainly the ornamentals are completely barren at this date. The ground cover has moved from the yellow to now the deeper shades of red, brown and some gray is noticeable. The rabbit brush is nearly gone to, having gone to seed virtually- completely.

The frosts are becoming a regular feature of the season here, as well the trees are likely 50% done turning. Leaf fall is on- going. I sense the desire to awaken on the trail...

October 1, 2012

There comes the time seemingly on a routine basis whereby most hikers sense the need to clean house from the inside out. Most practitioners seem to understand this step the same.

The alternative is all to clear for those that shine on this opportunity to clean up… — the choice is to  slowly abide for the superficial, slowly become too hungry… slowly become too angry… slowly become too lonely… and slowly become way too tired.

Remember that the autumn is upon us and the trees are 30- 40% turned at this elevation. Go out there and intentionally take some images, walk until your metabolism kicks in and don’t forget to listen in on yourself.

Your thoughts?