An introduction of sorts...

High up in the Rocky Mountains on the north slopes of 'America's Mountain', Pikes Peak.

A log cabin on a north facing slope overlooks an alpine meadow with a creek running through it. A covered porch faces west, the perfect spot to watch the sun set from and listen to the creek babble. A deck faces east, eye level with the treetops and overlooks both the sunrise and a small lake. We have from time to time both elk and deer wander through, the occasional bear, frequent foxes, and a wide assortment of other furry and feathered critters. We have mountain bluebirds, magpies, Stellar's jays, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and in the summer a profusion of hummingbirds. On the ground, Abert's squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and field mice. I have even seen a bald eagle, once. It flew west up the valley over the creek below, passing by at eye level from my perch on the deck. I ran in to get my camera and made it back outside as it headed back down the valley headed east. The problem with digital cameras is how long it takes them to power up...and unfortunately I was unable to get a picture.

There are disadvantages to living at 9200 ft., as currently it is 4 below zero and the snow that is on the ground is likely to remain there until April or May, of course the wood stove keeps the house warm and toasty. I am driving my Jeep this time of year, as without four-wheel drive you are unlikely to be able to get up the hill to the house. Winds are frequent and commonly in the 40-50 mph range. The last frost of the season is generally in mid-June and the first in September. Gardening isn't out of the question, but we have learned it is far easier to encourage the natives to grow than to bring in anything from lower altitudes.


The most noticeable difference from living in a town or city is the quiet, and the dark. Early morning and after dark the only sounds are those of nature. The babbling creek we listen to from the front porch is over 100 yards away, yet on a warm calm summer evening is the most noticeable sound, well that and the frogs... or are they toads? Given a light breeze, the sound of it rustling through the aspen leaves and pine branches takes over. Summer mornings are generally calm with a light fog drifting down along the creek while the house remains in the golden light of sunrise. In winter things tend to be crisp and clear, the snow lying blue-white under the trees. At night, without a moon, the sky is pitch black and sprinkled with a thousand stars...and one can easily see why our galaxy is called 'the milky way'. Shooting stars are common and easy to spot.


I work in the city, going in fairly early I miss all the traffic, but the drive home is a commute... at least until I enter the first pass into the mountains, whereupon it ceases to be a 'commute' and becomes a drive. Once through the pass, the traffic of the city behind me, it is a leisurely and relaxing drive the rest of the way home... climbing (vertically) half a mile up into what is mostly Pike National Forest, through the towns of Cascade, Chipita Park, Green Mountain Falls, Crystola, and Woodland Park. The final leg of my journey often brings me past fields with herds of Elk and small groups of Mule deer.

Thus sets the stage for my thoughts, pondering, and commentary.