The High Plains of Colorado - Pawnee National Grassland

This photograph was taken at the Pawnee National Grassland of Colorado.  It is an especially depopulated area of the Colorado plains since farming was abandoned there during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  However on the day I visited it rained off and on, but I was still able to capture some dramatic sky shots in between the rolling storms. It is a vast expanse of grass that is so empty and open it simply renews your spirit to be there. Nothing gets in the way of the constant wind, whether it is fierce or gentle. I love the stark minimalist landscape. It is refreshing to city eyes.

Grassland

A vast landscape with a dramatic stormy sky over Colorado's high plains and two lone birds flying along the horizon. Can you hear the grass rustling and feel the wind in your hair? 

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

prairie grassland art

And if you like a little music with your viewing this song was suggested by a reader to go with this photograph.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Less Traveled Road

The sky was grumbling and growling as I made my way on the less traveled road. The wind was buffeting the truck and a gust brought the sweet scent of rain in through the window and moistened my face with its coolness. The pickup crested one hill and plunged down another before laboring up the next one. I was heading right for the churning clouds. It was time to stop and watch as the line of pines marched off into the maw of the storm.

Less Traveled Road
A black and white landscape photo of a back country dirt road in Colorado stretching toward a stormy sky with silhouettes of pines marching in the horizon.
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By the way, I have a free drawing for two photographs going on over at Facebook. If you are not yet following me on Facebook now is the time. All of my Facebook followers who RSVP the 500 Fans Celebration Event will be eligible! Good luck! Deadline is midnight August 27, 2010.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Dreaming of Spring

Like a hibernating bear, I am dreaming of spring. Twitching for it. Yearning for it. Waiting for it. But Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter. And for the high country of Colorado I know that my wait for green meadows and bursting flowers will not be until June. So wish me luck and happy springtime dreams.

Spring Breeze
The old and twisted cottonwoods were wearing the lacy light green of spring and standing over a field of purple wildflowers.
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Dreaming of Spring
The silhouette of a single small bird perched in the bare branches of a tree is a harbinger of spring to come.
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Horizon
The lush spring grass stretches as far as the eye can see into the horizon with a rain promising spring sky overhead.
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Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Road to Town

It is an unsettled spring day in Colorado. The dark cloudy sky looks as if it is about to dump rain or snow but there is no moisture in the forecast. The dusty road winds across the top of the ridge to the saddle, a low point, where the road turns down into a steep ravine. It is always this ravine that becomes impassable when the spring snows come. This year they did not come so we hope for rain instead. It makes going to town easier when the steep road is clear of ice and snow. And there are no complaints when the plow sits idle. For now we will wait and see if the rains come. These are my thoughts as I bump down the dusty road.