14 replies to this topic

[Scrapinator]

We decided to head up the Ute Trail from Upper Beaver Meadows on Thursday. I love the view of Longs from the trail.

I got one of my favorite ever pics of Longs on the way to Upper Beaver Meadows. The light was doing very interesting things that morning.



We started down the trail and were greeted by this little Dark Eyed Junco. He was in a bush right next to the trail allowing to me to take his picture.



You know me, by now, and wildflowers. This was a beautiful Dusky Beardtongue along the trail.



The Yellow Stonecrop seemed to be particularly healthy this year.



I think this is an Alpine Fireweed.



We stopped periodically, because I don't have enough pictures of Longs Peak



We came to a spot on the trail that was a muddy mire and my mom didn't want to continue, so we headed back and decided to take the longer route back to Upper Beaver Meadows. And I'm glad we did. We heard a rustling beside the trail and saw this wonderful Dusky Grouse.



I kept seeing movement in a bush I was standing by so I tried to gingerly step around it -- but I flushed a couple of its chicks. Didn't get their picture, darn it. The mother, however, was more than happy to have her picture taken.





I got a short video of her -- you can see and hear her vocalize to the chicks

Dusky Grouse Video

Moving on, I caught someone approaching a Penstemon.

Edited by Scrapinator, 18 August 2011 - 03:06 PM.

[Scrapinator]

There was some evidence that life is difficult in the mountains.



But there was also evidence of new life. This is a Pasqueflower. It is blooming rather late -- they usually bloom really early.



I like this picture of my mom -- even though it includes lots of dead trees.



Anyone know what these berries are? I've tried to identify them without luck.



As you move down the trail, you move through some very heavily wooded areas. There were lots of Pinedrops under the trees.



Then you emerge into the open for the last mile or so and I noticed that the clouds were moving onto the top of Longs.



The meadows were so beautiful with the wildflowers blooming enthusiastically.



,,,Including this nice Bellflower



Another thing I like about Upper Beaver Meadows is the number of Bluebirds. Though, they don't often stay still for their picture.





It was another great day to be in the park.

[Grannyheart]

I love all the pics, Becky, but especially the first one of Long's. I love how the diamond face is lit up.....very cool!! The flowers are always great to see, too, cuz you tell the names of most of them. :) And seeing grouse....well, that's always a cool thing.

[John]

You post the best reports!

[Lynette]

Great set of pictures... wish we could have spent more time there this year.

[Allie]

Love Upper Beaver Meadows, and the views you have there. Your first Long's photo is great, love the shadows and light.

[Rhonda]

You DO post the best reports, love all the details and little things, and that first picture of Longs, WOW, one of my favorites ever. Also love the little dark eyed junco.

[Aaron]

I agree with Rhonda Another great report!

--Aaron

[Igloo Ed]

Great pictures you take. The Longs picture is not what we usually see and it has a great mood about it.
Your parents are great in that they love the outdoors too. I'm glad they got you into the mountains.

[Rhonda]

That picture of Longs is now my desktop background.

[Twinebender]

Rhonda, on 18 August 2011 - 09:20 AM, said:

That picture of Longs is now my desktop background.

Good idea Rhonda, It's on mine too now.
Just have to be careful I don't spend too much time staring into it at work.
Great Pics Becky. Keep em coming. I love to virtual hike.

[mistylady]

More beautiful pictures! I feel like I am with you when you post a report. I like the way you find the "little things" to add to your reports. I am so busy hiking I sometimes forget to look for them. Great job, Becky!

[mwilson]

Great report, Becky, and I really like the picture of the Junco and all the rest, of course. We're we there at just the best time for flowers this year? I know I've said this before, but I enjoy the flowers in the park almost more than anything else.

[ScottO]

Nice shots Becky. I enjoyed spending a little time UBM myself, this morning.

ScottO

[Scrapinator]

Thanks guys, I truly got lucky with the Longs Peak pic. Sometimes you just happen to be at the right place at the right time