Friday, June 26, 2009

Exploring Our New Neighborhood

by Jean Henry Mead

Although we haven't yet moved into our new home, we decided to explore the neighborhood. No better way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary than to ride 40 miles on our quads. That's me crossing one of the many streams, creeks and mud holes during our trip.


Along the way we encountered boulders that defy description although the one below looks like a fossilized dinosaur egg. I tried out my new camera by taking a picture of my husband, who has always loomed large in my life, but Mother Nature has a way of putting things in perspective.


Wildflowers abound along the trail, especially sunflowers and lupins. We stopped to take in the sweet scents following two weeks' worth of rain that left everything green and fragrant.


There are plenty of interesting rock formations and huge banks of clouds that seemed to pose for the camera wherever we stopped along the heavily rutted trails.


Lush green meadows backed by the rugged Laramie Mountains made us pause to drink in the unparalleled beauty of nature unspoiled. I'd like to return with easel, canvas and paint box to capture this scene forever.


All too soon it was time to leave the trail. I can't wait to take in all this beauty each day from our deck which faces other mountain peaks. There's no better way for this mystery writer to retire.



© 2009 Jean Henry Mead

11 comments:

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Beautiful pictures! I think you're going to love your new neighborhood.

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

Jean Henry Mead said...

Thank you, Elizabeth. I already love it and the sound of silence. :)

Mark W. Danielson said...

Beautiful shots, Jean. Thanks for sharing. Ironically, my post for next week is about exploring our own neighborhood:) The Denver Highlands is quite a different scene from where you'll be. Good luck with your build.

Jean Henry Mead said...

Thanks, Ben, for the wow!

And thank you, Mark, for the kind words about the photos. I look forward to your post next week about your own neighborhood. Although I grew up in Los Angeles, I don't know how you stand the traffic. :)

Jaden Terrell said...

Oh, my. Jean, what a gorgeous place!

Chester Campbell said...

Bodacious rocks, Jean. How big a spread do you have? And I wanta see the house.

Jean Henry Mead said...

Thanks, Beth.

Chester, the spread is only 60 acres although we're negotiating for 40 more (a mere postage stamp compared to neighboring ranches). The house isn't quite finished but I'll send you a photo when it is.

Anonymous said...

Jean,

What glorious pictures! I hope you'll be very happy there.

Pat Browning

Bill Kirton said...

Terrific photos, Jean, and I can see why you responded so positively to my own wee piece about the mystery and uniqueness of mountain stillness. I also love the idea of clouds posing for your camera.
I hope it proves to be a very happy place for you.

Jean Henry Mead said...

Thanks, Pat. It would be hard not to be happy in such a beautiful environment.

Jean Henry Mead said...

Thank you, Bill. It may not be the Scottish highlands, but this area of the U.S. is pretty awesome.