Impression Evergreen

Midwinter Blues It’s midwinter and it won’t stop snowing as Evergreen is experiencing one or two storms every week. During small interludes, warmer weather generates some melting but, overall, the big drifts continue to grow. On clear days, the subzero temps are brutal but the sun’s clean rays infiltrate the forest causing the trees to sparkle. The giant pine cast deep blue shadows that undulate across the wavy surface of the sea of snow. Last summer the lively marshland was brimming with activity as the place is popular with both people and wildlife but now it’s as still as a cemetery. If you can withstand the elements, there is a certain peace that can only be found in such winter haunts. Monolithic Bergen Peak quietly overlooks the grandeur of a frozen landscape paralyzed by the bitter cold. The mountain’s stoic expression reveals a permanence that’s reassuring during these ever-changing times. While buried under feet of white powder, life struggles to survive as the wild anim...

The green creek It’s winter on the Green Creek but there’s not even a dusting of snow to distinguish the dark season. An icy breath circulates through the solemn labyrinth of barren trees that arch across the deep ravine. The stream’s designation is derived from the mossy undergrowth that ordains the water’s vibrant coloring. The little oasis winds through a desolate prairie whose harsh environment leaves unfortunate victims in its wake. The rugged pastureland is littered with historical remnants of more difficult times. The multitude of unearthed artifacts symbolize the strength of the pioneers who still endure this region’s volatile climate. It's winter No snow A green creek The dark season Icy breath An oasis A harsh environment A deep ravine Rugged pastureland Difficult times Mossy undergrowth A labyrinth A volatile climate Arching trees An unfortunate victim Vibrant coloring Desolate prairie Unearthed artifacts Pioneer strength

"Bergen Peak from Evergreen Lake" Colored Pencil A swift breeze sweeps across the surface of Evergreen Lake sending ripples through the reservoir’s vivid reflections. It’s springtime in the foothills so fresh greenery is on display but the willow brush and aspen trees are not yet in full bloom. The whole Bear Creek Valley has come back to life and Bergen Peak looms over the scene, its north face cradled by a web of branches and pine needles. The reinvigorated forest reaches to the water’s edge where a slender tree leans into the vibrant landscape. After enduring a perpetual winter of deep freeze, the vernal atmosphere raises the spirit to a higher level of longing. Like the small cloud drifting across the drawing’s page, nothing stays the same as nature seems to thrive in constant change.

Evergreen Lake Trail Tracing the irregular contour of a scenic watershed, Evergreen Lake Trail is a looping artery centered in the heart of the foothills. On a hazy, autumn morning the water’s smooth surface faithfully reflects an unusually emerald-colored sky. Other anomalies also occur as the pall of silence evokes an eerie sensation that is unexpected after such a boisterous summer. During this seasonal transformation, the marshland glows with a sheen of vibrant color more vivid than years past. Surprisingly this watery world has remained fluid well into the onset of another mild winter. The predictable cycle of annual weather seems to have shifted so traditional patterns arrive later than normal, leaving the local inhabitants in a state of bewilderment. A scenic watershed A watery world Cycles have shifted Heart of the foothills A glowing marshland A sheen of color A state of bewilderment

Bergen Park Trail The Bergen Park Trail is a distinct walkway that circumnavigated a very old swath of ponderosa pine forest. The giant trees blot out the sun but some especially resilient rays of light pierce the canopy of sharp needles. The subtle luminescence is responsible for the soft shadows that creep across the summer’s last tufts of tall grass. At the southern section of the green belt, the scenery opens up where a pair of little ponds reflects the scenic backdrop. This mild season seems eternal as there has been hardly a hint of the snow that normally adorns the landscape this time of year. We will wait anxiously for the first big storm that generates the winter weather to which we’ve become so accustomed. Bergen Park Circumnavigates old pine Ponds reflect the backdrop Mild season seems eternal Waiting for a storm

Founders Trail Stretching through the middle of Elk Meadow, a rugged pathway ascends gradually to the base of Bergen Peak. I don’t know for certain who founded the Founders Trail but I do know it’s a place where authentic beauty can be found. A dispersion of isolated pine trees acts as a gateway to a golden grassland tussled by autumn’s persistent breeze. The stoic guardians are important compositional elements adorning the foreground of fleeting snapshots. The easygoing excursion leads you through a mountain landscape steeped with ever-changing scenery. The tranquil passage exists as an understated niche, branching away quietly from the mainstream. Isolated pine trees A golden grassland A gateway A rugged pathway An understated niche Ever-changing scenery Bergen Peak Authentic beauty Branching away quietly