It doesn’t take much for my equanimity to be disturbed, sad to say. During my return from a birding trip to New Mexico in late April, where I had been caught unawares when the thermometer climbed above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius), I was taken equally by surprise by a gathering bank of clouds that eventually spanned the entire firmament from Albuquerque to the state line, before it released squalls of rain and billowing clouds of fog. Associated gusts of wind and an unpropitious weather forecast for the coming night made me choose a motel in southern Colorado over a cold, wet night in the tent. Big mistake!
After a week of camping, I underestimated the horror of replacing a billowy tent with an enclosed room, a constant flow of fresh air with sealed windows, the nocturnal hooting of owls with the constant drone of trucks on the nearby interstate, my firm sleeping pad with an overly soft mattress. I tossed and turned during each expensive hour and could not wait to hit the road again by 6 AM.
I was still squabbling with myself for having overpaid for my uninviting accommodations, and berating myself for being a fair-weather camper, not quite sure how to get over myself. Leave it to southern Colorado’s Highway Of Legends to put me to shame, and pull me out of my foul, sleep-deprived mood by gently but insistently reminding me of nature’s beauty and grace, in a way that even my curmudgeonly self could not ignore.
Early into the 82 mile (132 kilometer) route between the towns of Trinidad and Walsenburg, one of the West’s most striking woodpeckers, a Lewis’s, which I had not seen in ages, clang to a utility pole right next to the road, but my brain registered its presence only after I had already passed it. A quick glance in the rearview mirror revealed no cars. I engaged the brakes, shifted into reverse, then pulled over to take a few photos, unable to prevent a smile.
Not long after my woodpecker surprise, complemented by additional animal appearances, I happened upon a herd of at least 100 elk crossing the highway. Seemingly without effort, they leapt across the fences that lined both sides of the road. Most of them threw me wary glances while they kept trotting, but one bull stopped to show himself in his regal stance. I alone witnessed their move from a wintry meadow to one clad in vernal apparel.
My rainy day in New Mexico had translated into a brief burst of winter in this part of Colorado, as I experienced mile after scenic mile on my way to Cuchara Pass at nearly 10,000 feet (3000 meters). By then, my real or imagined grievances were forgotten and I realized that the timing of the day’s encounters only worked out because of where and when I had started out that morning. I was entirely enchanted and utterly happy to be present right there and then, on my Highway of Miracles.
To enlarge a photo, click on it. To read its caption, hover cursor over it.
I will take a break from blogging for at least three weeks as I will be traveling abroad. My apologies if I won’t get around to reading and liking your posts. Thank you for your understanding and Happy May to all of us!
You’re a legend to leave your readers with such a wonderful post.. it’s awesome! All of it is fascinating to me but I’ll specially mention the Mountain Bluebird – so utterly gorgeous. My best wishes for your three weeks away Tanja, take care! And thanks again for sharing the highlights of your amazing day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your nice comment made my day, Liz, thank you so much. Seeing Mountain Bluebirds always makes me happy, and on that particular day I felt particularly humbled to find myself in their presence.
Happy May to you and Nigel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Tanja, Happy May to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Have a relaxing break!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
What amazing views! Wishing you safe travels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you enjoyed the views, Takami. Thank you for the good wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unglaublich, was bei dir alles so rumläuft! Eine schöne Zeit dir!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Das hast Du schön gesagt, manchmal muß ich mich auch kneifen. Vielen Dank für die guten Wünsche.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Have a wonderful trip abroad. We look forward to perhaps reading about it when you return.
Your post reaffirms several of my prejudices: I have been known to back up on a highway [when at least I, if not Alie, think it is safe] to see an animal; I am a morning person too; I love driving the older less traveled roads; and finally, it seems that there is always something good coming even when the day is stormy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the good wishes, and for distilling my experiences into some general ideas. I think nature has all the cures for our woes we only need to give it the chance to show us.
And yes, there might be a post (or two ) upon my return. 😊
LikeLike
It’s amazing to me that you spotted the woodpecker while you were driving. You are highly observant.
Enjoy your upcoming trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is to the point where I am always looking for birds, Neil. There might be a 10-step program for this affliction. 🙂
We arrived in Germany yesterday-I am very excited! Thanks for the good wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post Tanja, loving the images. Enjoy your trip and break from posting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you enjoyed the post, Mary. Thank you for the good wishes.
LikeLike
Ein so schöner Bericht, den ich wieder mit Genuss gelesen habe. Über die Elche habe ich mich auch sehr gefreut. Ich wünsche Dir noch schöne Tage und viele schöne Begegnungen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Das freut mich, liebe Ira. Nur eine kleine Klarstellung: elk entpricht Wapitihirsch im Deutschen, und moose entspricht Elch. Das konnte ich mir auch erst merken, nachdem ich beide Tiere gesehen hatte.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So elk and Elch are what teachers of foreign languages call “false friends.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ja, das stimmt!
LikeLike
Ein schöner und interessanter Blogeintrag, wie immer halt!!
Und um das Erlebnis mit der die Strasse überquerenden Wapitiherde beneide ich dich glühend! Das heisst aber nicht, dass ich dir dieses Erlebnis nicht gönne!
Ich wünsche dir eine gute Reise, wo immer sie dich auch hinführen mag und hoffe nur, dass sie aus einem angenehmen Anlass stattfindet!
Viele Grüsse
Christa
LikeLiked by 2 people
Danke für den netten Kommentar, liebe Christa, und für die guten Wünsche. Gibt es in Kanada keine Wapitis? Oder vielleicht gibt es sie nur im Westen des Landes, ähnlich wie in den USA auch?
Anlaß unserer Reise ist angenehm und Ziel ist die alte Heimat, wo wir bereits angekommen sind. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liebe Tanja,
dann wünsche ich dir einen sehr schönen Aufenthalt in der alten Heimat!
Das ist so eine Reise, die wir von Zeit zu brauchen, auch wenn wir uns auf dieser Seite des Atlantiks sehr wohl fühlen! „Back to the roots!“
Was die Wapiti anbelangt, die gibt es nur im Westen. Hier bei uns kenne ich sie nur aus einem Zoo… dem Park Omega, das ist eine Art Safaripark für in Kanada heimische Tiere.
Viele Grüsse und bis zum nächsten Treffen im Blog!
Christa
LikeLiked by 1 person
Du hast recht, liebe Christa, von Zeit zu Zeit müssen wir zurück, um liebe Menschen wiederzusehen, und die Muttersprache nicht zu verlernen!
Genieß Deinen Frühling im hohen Norden! Hier ist alles unglaublich grün, verglichen mit Colorado. Eine reine Augenweide.
Alles Liebe,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ich wünsche Dir einen schönen Urlaub und Danke, dass Du Deine berührend tierischen Ereignisse mit uns geteilt hast! 😊 LG Simone
LikeLike
Der Mountain Bluebird scheint geradewegs einem Märchenbuch entflogen; solche zarten Blautönungen habe ich zuvor noch nie bei einem Vogel gesehen. Ich bin immer wieder entzückt, liebe Tanja, welche kostbaren Naturschätze Du uns hier zeigst.
Ich wünsche Dir eine angenehme Blogpause und eine gute Reise mit vielen schönen Begegnungen.
Herzensgruß von
Ulrike
LikeLiked by 1 person
Es freut mich, daß Du meine Liebe zu den Bluebirds teilst, liebe Ulrike. Es sind nicht nur ihre himmlischen Farben, die mich bezaubern, sondern auch ihre Rolle als Vorboten des Frühlings.
Ich danke Dir für Deine lieben Grüße und erwidere sie von ganzem Herzen.
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
LEWIS’ WOODPECKER!! Oh my gosh, was I shouting? Yes I was. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magical travels to you. I’m not doing much blogging either, but travel’s not my reason. Be safe, return safely. Spring-y cheers to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shannon. I know you are too busy with end-of-school-year activities to spend much time on line. A proof of my enjoyment:
I am currently watching a family of Great Tits on my father’s feeder–2 adults tirelessly feeding 6 adolescents. They are the cutest fluff balls! 🙂
LikeLike
Great and coal tits are on my MUST-have list. One word: photos. Have fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will try to capture some good photos to share with you, Shannon. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So was I, Shannon! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
The name Walsenburg would mean nothing to me but for the fact that two years ago we turned off I-25 there to head west on US 160 toward Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Happy travels, and no travails.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the good wishes, Steve.
I think my first encounter with Walsenburg was also en route to the Sand Dunes. I have since been through it several times, either en route to Lathrop State Park just west of town, or to the San Luis Valley, both great birding destinations.
I hope May will be full of memorable wildflower encounters for you.
Best,
Tanja
LikeLike
Wow! Was für tolle Begegnungen du hattest ❤
Ich wünsche dir eine erholsame Auszeit, liebe Tanja.
Viele Grüße, Brigitte
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ganz tolle Begegnungen, liebe Brigitte, Du hast recht. Ich war dafür sehr dankbar. Und meine erste Auszeit seit Blogbeginn vor 3 Jahren wird mir sowohl gut tun als auch etwas schwer fallen. Auch Dir eine gute Zeit.
Sei herzlich gegrüßt,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy traveling! Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
Very beautiful. I feel as I am there with the animals and birds
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Luda, that makes me very happy.
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
A not-so-pleasant night before turned into an awesome day of adventure, how wonderful, Tanja! Timing is pretty cool on sightings, I especially love your ‘put in reverse’ for the Lewis’ Woodpecker, which by the way is an extra treat to me as I’ve never seen one or even possibly never heard of it before. Great shots, and I can see that grin! I hope you have a wonderful, safe trip abroad. I’m looking forward to what you share with us through your lens!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You summarize my experience perfectly, Donna. That grin, once there, never left me again, thanks to the lovely surroundings and appearances.
Thank you for the good wishes, I might have a few impressions to share upon my return. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
have a nice break! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. 🌸
LikeLike
Lovely, Tanja. A reminder of some of the reasons we travel: to be rattled loose from our schedules, habits, opinions. Your images capture the contrasts of springtime in the mountains beautifully. I wish you safe travels during your break, and hope it gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the other advantages of travel: to connect, and re-connect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your comment, Andrea, as well as your good wishes. We are in Germany as I am writing these words and we are definitely enjoying the re-connecting part.
All the best,
Tanja
LikeLike
Your words “not quite sure how to get over myself” made me giggle, as I know that feeling all too well! Safe travels, Tanja.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for commiserating, Jolandi. At times we are our worst enemies. 😊
We are enjoying our travels very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some times it just feels good to seek shelter behind four walls even if one “should have” staid out in the real world. I don’t think we need to be too hard on ourselves. Anyway, you got some really lovely images from this trip. Now, enjoy the next one wherever abroad it takes you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Otto. You are, of course, right, and if the four walls had been in a quiet setting surrounded by nature, I would not have made such a fuss. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely photos. Seeing so many elks must have been an experience. I have never seen so many elks, but reindeers yes. Thank You.
Happy and safe travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the good wishes. It was an amazing experience seeing such a large herd of elk, you are right. No reindeer in Colorado. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liebe Tanja, long time no sign, geht es Dir gut? Lange nichts mehr gehört – oder besser gelesen, Du liegst mir am Herzen. Ich kenne niemanden der so wundervoll Natur beschreiben kann. Melde Dich, wenn es Dir möglich ist und vor allem komm einfach mal bei uns im Hunsrück vorbei, wenn Du in Deutschland bist und wir am Wochenende da sind. Sehr häufig so, aber der Job ist leider in Frankfurt…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liebe Ira,
herzlichen Dank für Deine liebevollen Zeilen. Ich habe eine Auszeit vom Blog genommen, weil wir im Mai in Deutschland waren,. Die Zeit verging, wie immer, viel zu schnell. Deine nette Einladung, Euch im Hunsrück zu besuchen, werde ich mir für meinen nächsten Besuch merken.
Ganz liebe Grüße,
Tanja
LikeLike
Liebe Tanja, habe gerade festgestellt, daß mir deine Beiträge in letzter Zeit nicht im Reader angezeigt wurden (oder ich hab sie schlichtweg verpaßt). Ich war lange nicht mehr auf deiner Seite, weil mein einer Browser Probleme macht. Ich nutze jetzt einen anderen, da wird es wohl wieder klappen. Lange Rede, kurzer Sinn: sehr schöner Beitrag in Wort und Bild! Ja, manchmal sind blöde Erlebnisse für was gut und ich bin froh, daß du all diesen hübschen Wesen begegnet bist 🙂 Tolle Fotos. LG, Almuth
LikeLiked by 1 person
Es ist nett von Dir, mich das wissen zu lassen, liebe Almuth. Die Technik macht halt manchmal Zicken.
Ja, dieser Tag hat mich einiges gelehrt, und ich möchte ihn nicht mehr missen. Es freut mich, daß Dir der Bericht und die Bilder gefallen haben.
Dir noch eine schöne Woche.
Liebe Grüße,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 2 people
You always have the most impressive travels Tanja. The pictures are captivating. Your journeyed shares validate America the Beautiful.🌷❤🌷👣👣👣❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am glad you enjoyed taking this and other journeys with me!
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love adventures within nature. I am always intrigued with your. same love!💕
LikeLiked by 1 person