Just a Few Miles South

We're not complaining

In fact, we're lovin' it.

Life is so Good

Autumn just keeps on goin' and goin'

with little (if any) sign of Winter at our Elevation.

(The mountains are Another Story

Yet another ski area opened today

and lots of the mountain passes are closed 'cause of snow

but we keep getting mild pleasant Weather
Here in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains.)

It was a Perfect Day for another Friday Hike.

And that's just what we did
Jefferson County's South Valley Park Open Space

This one is only about ... ummmm ... one VeryShortNap from our House.

And well rested and ready

We headed off

Down the Trail

Happy Hikers

This area's known for the red rock (sandstone) Outcroppings

of the Fountain and Lyons Formations

(Just like the outcroppings near our home

Just a few miles due north of here)

It's a PrettyPrettyPlace to move slowly and enjoy the Views

and to sneak in just a itty bit of Rock Climbing

(Though we're not s'posed to ... the rock is fragile and erodes easily)

And, thinking of George the Lad, take advantage of a place to climb some Steps

This area used to provide shelter for early Native Americans

There is evidence that Hunter-Gatherers used to migrate through here

for over 10.000 years

Wintering in the shelters of the Hogback Valley

(Where we live)

Now Eagles and Swallows and Canyon Wrens nest in the Rocks

Look carefully and you can see the (icky) Swallow Nests

(You can biggify, if you like)

 

Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) is closeby

A huge Space Systems company with programs 

in Space Exploration

Military Satellite Communications Systems

and

Missile Defense Systems

The area is surrounded by Meadows

with Colors that reminded Moma of the Paint Pots in Yellowstone National Park

All different shades of yellow and orange and tan and brown and green

Splotches of subtle Colors and varied Textures

This area is just a few minutes from the highways that lead to the City

but it feels like Miles from Anywhere

We love it

(Here's a quick 270° panorama ... 

... if you could see through the "mountain near the beginning,

you'd see the tall buildings of Denver in the distance)

It was a great Morning

With Promises of lots More.