Impression Evergreen

"Elijah" Colored Pencil It's been ten years since we lost Elijah. He became so sick we had to have him put down. It was one of the most difficult, heartbreaking experiences of my life. They said  "He was just a dog,"  but he was more than that. He was my best friend. We climbed some of Colorado's highest peaks together. I opened my heart wider than I ever had before. He would have died for me, I know it. There is no creature on earth more unconditionally loyal than man's best friend. Our faithful Sheltie proved that. It was tough at first but children and time healed the wound. They said  "Get another one,"  but it was too painful. I had a decent excuse, my youngest son has allergic reactions to most animals including dogs and cats. They said  "It's Colorado, dog capital of the world,"  but I just couldn't do it. After a decade of goldfish, hermit crabs, Russian tortoises and gentle prodding, I've finally relented...

Red-tailed Hawk It's a jungle out there. Wild animals are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in an environment so drastically altered by human intervention. Despite the transformations, there is a versatile raptor that's making life in the wilderness look easy. The red-tailed hawk has benefited from forest thinning, fire suppression and construction of the interstate highway system. The red-tailed hawk has adapted to a new landscape dominated by sparse woodlands and open fields. Their numbers have increased because we've created prime hunting areas that provide ideal nest sites and elevated perches. First identified in Jamaica, the diverse red-tail is currently widespread as its range extends from Alaska and Canada south all the way to Panama. Working during the day, the broad-winged buteo soars above meadows surveying its territory for mice and possible intruders. It has a nocturnal neighbor that handles the nightshift. The red-tailed hawk frequently sha...

Massive bull elk express their dominance It's October so the haunting calls of wild beasts permeate the crisp air. The elk are in a frenzy and massive bulls bellow to express their dominance. Up here, the yearly cycle includes windy transitions that usher in four incredibly distinct seasons. Fall is special because of the mild weather and beautiful colors. Autumn always presents some striking juxtapositions. The orange ground is broken by fresh snow, pale aspen are set against dark pine and pure white peaks pierce the shimmering blue sky. The Mount Evans Road is closed and the birds have already flown south. A few red squirrels are busily gathering nuts while a pair of woodpeckers uncharacteristically share a tree. The forest is quiet but look closely, a little woolly bear is ominously distinguished by its narrow, orange band. It's going to be a long, cold winter. The elk rut occurs in October The haunting calls are legendary Mount Evans Road is closed F...

Lake Haiyaha is a jewel Lively Haiyaha is a beautiful, lush lake radiating an elegance that enriches our sense of well being, balance and harmony. It's a dazzling emerald set in the heart of a chaotic canyon. It's a rocky sanctuary far removed from the stress of a busy life. Nature lovers who are persistent enough to endure an uplifting trek will be rejuvenated by the calm setting. Water, rocks and trees form a harmonious landscape that nurtures a perfect equilibrium between the head and the heart. Giant boulders encompass a clear pool of optimism that inspires hope and a generous spirit. Lonely Haiyaha, don't be envious of your popular neighbors - Bear, Nymph and Dream. Stay positive. I know it ain't easy being green. It's an uplifting trek It's a calm setting A dazzling emerald A beautiful, lush lake Radiating elegance It's a rocky sanctuary A clear pool of optimism Chaos Canyon Neighboring lakes are mor...

Garden of the Gods, Colorado "Once upon a time there was a great flood which covered all but the top of Manitou's Mountain. When the water subsided, the Great Spirit turned the floating carcasses of the drowned animals into sandstone, and rolled them down into a garden valley below where they remained as mute evidences of the Great Flood." ~ Indian Legend Down in Colorado Springs, beneath Pikes Peak, the site of that supernatural catastrophe can still be seen. In this special valley you'll discover 300 million-year-old rock formations with names like Balanced Rock, Cathedral Spires and the Kissing Camels. It's known as the Garden of the Gods but to the Southern Ute Indian tribe it's the Garden of Eden. They believe the creation of their people occurred at this sacred place. Great White Mountain (Pikes Peak) was the center of the Ute's world. They believed that on the summit of the thunderous peak stood the Western Gates of Heaven and there dwelt t...