Thursday, August 9, 2012

Taking the Road Less Travelled

There really is something to be said for going where you’ve not gone before.  We decided to go on a road we’d thought about before but never seemed to get to.  Going higher provided for yet another fantastic view of the mountains and valleys that surrounded us.  There’s something powerful in seeing the strong contrasts between mountain and valley all in one magnificent scene.  I always feel my grandfather smiling down when I take in the beauty of wildflowers that he also loved to photograph.  The variety at the upper elevations surprises me.  These are tough little plants yet you never see them in the easier climates at lower elevations.  Up here the days are warm…even hot and then the nights are quite cool.  Perhaps the beauty these flowers have is a reward for their endurance.  It was very much worth going the extra mile to see this road.  Many of these flowers aren’t very big but for what they lack in size they make up for in vibrancy.  Location is certainly important.  For whatever the reason some hillsides where devoid of flowerswhile others were covered.  Some areas were covered with some flowers more one color or anotherbut I had no particular preference…except for one of my all time favorites:  Indian Paintbrush!  Going down the road further we found little thickets filled with Indian Paintbrush.  This to me is a find worth it’s weight in gold!  Little spots like this are about as close to heaven as you can get!  The problem with heaven here on earth is that it doesn’t last and eventually you have to come down.  Travel the road less traveled and you may be astounded at the discoveries you will make.  For now I must depart this place again but Gabby picked a token for you to remember this journey.

20 comments:

  1. The pictures in this blog and the one before are just beautiful. I could sit and look at the mountains for ever. Stunning photo's Joe, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you stopped by Sherry, thank you very much for taking a look!

      Delete
  2. This is a beautiful post Joe. The pictures are lovely and the last picture with Gabby is precious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a pleasure to share it with you my friend. Gabby worked hard to gather that bouquet so I'm especially glad you like that!

      Delete
  3. Your photos brought a smile to my face. Gabby is so cute. Thankyou for your insight my friend. You always bring me up like wind beneath my wings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad to bring a smile Toodie...especially to friends like you! May you know smooth sailing with a strengthening wind every day!

      Delete
  4. Hi Joe, Your photos are breathing taking. I love the one that shows both the mountain top and the valley. Love the wildflowers and the one of Gabby with her bouquet is "Precious".

    Steve and I are always looking for that road less traveled when out with our cameras, anxious to do some shooting. There are many wonderful things to discover.

    Hope to find you well and continue to enjoy your summer. Summer is just flying by way too fast, but then again, it always does.

    Take care Joe.
    Dianne :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dianne, I like the contrasts with the mountain and valley too...it really was a sight to behold! Gabby loves to gather flowers like that...it was a wonderful day really. It's a great thing to find a place like that. Summer does have long days yet somehow that doesn't stop it from passing quickly for sure.

      Delete
  5. What a lovely wonderful the country life and the mountains.
    Your Grandfather loved the wild flowers loved photo graph, I love all Favourites India Paint brush.
    A Gabby has love to having a beautiful flowers.
    I like to looking mountain silver cobbled.
    You having a just beautiful place Joe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you my friend, so good to hear from you!

      Delete
  6. Hi Joe,

    Your pictures are great as always. I especially like the last two, awesome!!

    Have a great weekend. God Bless you and your family - Nita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly Nita, you have a blessed weekend as well!

      Delete
  7. What a wonderful adventure taking a new road and seeing new things I love that. Looks wonderful..I loved the mountain shot too..looks like a postcard it is so serene. Hope things will be good for you all over the weekend. It is cooler here and very welcomed! Take care

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Postcard settings do reach out and grab a person...especially when it's right there in front of you. Honestly that area is so amazing that I can hardly believe it's real sometimes. It's still pretty hot and dry here...I have no idea when that will end. Bless you my friend, have a great weekend as well.

      Delete
  8. Joe, your travels are breathtaking. Aside from the majestic mountains and beautiful flowers, the little tree between the bigger ones caught my eye as well. Gabby sure looked sweet with her fresh picked flowers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Getting out was something all too rare this summer, so many plans just didn't pan out but at least when we did get out it was so nice...just not nearly long enough. Gabby's such a treasure to us...don't get me wrong she loves to fight...especially with her older brother still, we love her so much.

      Delete
  9. tx Gabby a tight huggy for u lil lady.
    Well Joe I always say when i come to a foreign place
    i take a moment for myself and talk to my dad inside me.
    he wanted to see the world but did not get the chance He was also a nature man.He was interested in every one and every place. He had respect . Italk inside and tell him...watch this trough my eyes. I never forget this ritual.am i wierd?? well now reading this from u.. Ur Grandpa is also watching. Well lets shake hands Joe.
    and tx for taking us with u

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Easy to give her a hug I must say! I think it's all too easy to remember our loved ones that have passed before us and think of what they'd think looking at things now through our eyes...I don't think that's weird at all.

      Delete
  10. So glad you took the time to check out somewhere new. Wow that's alot of variety of wildflowers and the views were such beautiful. You do feel like you are in heaven when you are on mountain tops filled with flowers. Gabby looks like just another wildflower up there with here handful of flowers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly I think that I enjoy seeing what Gabby thinks of it all more than seeing it all myself...she really loves to get out and do these little trips. We've taken her all over the world and she and her siblings are an absolute joy to be around.

      Delete