Wandering with Wapiti

It was a perfect winter day to drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. The sun was shining and the temperature was in the 50s. Even the wind was not blowing hard which is unusual in the winter months at high altitude. My personal mission was to find wapiti. I asked the friendly ranger at the entrance station where the elk herd was but she did not know. So I drove to one of two places that I knew the herd usually wintered. As I drove down the bumpy dirt road into Moraine Park there was not an elk to be seen. Disappointed I almost turned around to head to the other wintering meadow, Upper Beaver Meadows. Instead I decided to get out of the truck and walk to Cub Lake.

The trail was snow packed and slippery. I had not really intended on bushwhacking, so without gators and crampons, my attention was on my feet. I stopped to take in the view and noticed in the far distance across the meadow was the whole herd of over two hundred animals stretched out in a long line. My excitement rising and ill equipped feet forgotten, I left the trail plunging into knee deep snow and started toward the herd. It took some time to reach them. I approached slowly as I did not want to alarm any dominant males hanging around. Eventually two large bulls spotted me and started in my direction. Being polite, I crouched down behind some brush and waited for them to disregard me. This process went on for awhile and by then the weak winter sun was disappearing behind the ridge casting a lovely light on the river birch behind the herd. I stopped and watched as they all started to bed down for the night. It was a day to remember.

Wapiti Sepia
A dominant bull elk in Rocky Mountain National Park guards his harem protectively, keeping watch as I in turn watch him. This fine art photograph has been altered to give it the look of a vintage photo that could have been taken when Rocky Mountain National Park was first established in 1915.
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Wapiti Dusk
As the sun begins to set behind the nearby moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park the North American wapiti, or elk, begin to settle down for the night as the sunset lights the river birch behind them.
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The Girls
A group of elk cows, one pair looking to be a mother and daughter, watch closely for predators in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
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Branching Out

Today I want to share one of my very favorite pieces of art on Etsy. This framed photograph is stunning and the frame is a lovingly restored vintage window frame with original hardware. The pairing is exquisite! This is a one of a kind piece that would look beautiful in your living room. Please click on Made by Swirly Girl today and check out her wonderful assortment of cards, coasters, and matted photo art.

Branching Out Matted and Framed Photo Art
This signed and dated print of "Branching Out", a fine art photo of a tree silhouetted against a brooding sky is professionally framed with double matting and set in a vintage window frame (with new glass)with original hardware. The wood on the frame has been stripped of it's original paint and lovingly coated with beeswax for a rich natural luster that brings out the wood's aged patina and grain.
Ready to hang on your wall!
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Natural Objects of Art

Nature is my inspiration. Do you remember when you were a child and every little flower and bug in your backyard fascinated you? It is still that way with me when I allow it. That is when I pull out my camera and recapture the natural world of my childhood. My recent photos have sparked a debate in my family as to which one is the "best" or a personal favorite. Tell me which one you prefer.

Mahogany Winter
A mountain mahogany bush with its russet winter leaves contrasts with the soft tones of a fresh snow in Colorado.
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Winter Blues
Bare winter branches thrust up through the snow in a spot of sunlight filtered by green pines.
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Frozen Granite
A large snow covered granite boulder shelters a lone golden stem of mullein, a remnant of summer past.

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Tracks in the Snow

It has been a busy weekend on our mountain top. I love to go out after a fresh snowfall and see who has been out and about. Today the traffic has been heavy. I saw the tracks of deer, a solitary bobcat, numerous bunnies, and the tiny tracks of a forest deer mouse. Do you find their scampering tracks to the tiny hill as humorous as I do?

Mountain or Molehill
Tiny tracks of a forest mouse venture out to explore on a sunny winter day. Is that a mountain or a molehill?





Bunny Tracks
A trail of rabbit tracks leads up a snowbank and into a forest.

Bobcat Tracks
The tracks of a solitary bobcat on a hunt wander into the deep forest undetected by man or mouse.

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Send Flowers

It is January in Colorado and that means cold and snow. We had a storm front plunge the mercury to below zero as the snow fell. So because of the cold shivery temperatures I felt inclined to stay inside and work on a new set of flower cards that so many of you have asked me to do. I think they came out really well and am proud to offer them for your approval. They have the look of fine stationery with the insides as lovely as the outside. Tell me what you think.

All Occasion Flower Greeting Card Set of 4
This greeting card set of four lovely flowers in shades of blushing pink, brilliant blue, and soft lavender is professionally printed on the inside as well as the outside in full color. The inside of each card is a lovely soft and pale version of each individual card's flower and is ready for your personal message. Each card measures a bountiful 5.5" x 8.5" and includes a white envelope.
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Abstractions in Winter

A winter's walk turns into a meditation. As I amble down the narrow snow banked lane the quietness of the forest seeps into me. The mind's chatter of the many things to do fall away and are replaced with an eternal moment. The common thorny brush turns into a work of art against the fresh snow. A single pine needle catches my attention and becomes center stage, highlighted by the soft glow of a winter sun. I pause and gaze at the beauty, my attention so totally focused on the pine needle that time freezes along with my breath.

Thorns in Snow
A jagged bare bush pokes through the fresh snow providing a contrast between the soft snow and sharp thorns.
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Solitaire
A single pine needle rests lightly on a bed of icy crystals producing a moment of zen.
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