Skyline Drive

My return trip to Colorado Springs from the Sandhill Cranes in the San Luis Valley follows US 50. After the happy encounter with a pair of nest-building American Dippers along the Arkansas, the highway ascends away from the river to a plateau that abuts the world-famous Royal Gorge, before descending back into Cañon City. Known … Continue reading Skyline Drive

Journey to the Cranes

Last week’s post was a love song to the spectacular Sandhill Cranes who migrate through Colorado's San Luis Valley twice a year. This week’s is a tribute to the no less spectacular setting where the cranes congregate each spring and autumn. Multiple routes lead to the San Luis Valley from Colorado Springs, but the most … Continue reading Journey to the Cranes

Among the Cranes . . .

Among the cranes of southwestern Colorado's Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, there is escape to be had. From all the human-caused cacophony and heartbreak; from the terrible news that assault us whenever we turn on the radio, television, or electronic gadgets. In the spectacular setting of this high mountain valley, the western population of one … Continue reading Among the Cranes . . .