How Green Is My Valley

The Colorado front range valley area where I live has suddenly turned many shades of green, due to the lovely spring weather we had all week.

My husband and I took a few long walks through our neighborhood to check out the community pools, tennis courts, and community garden area. We explored some new trails ....some of which were paved.......

....and some on the wild open land that surrounds our valley and leads up into the foothills. I am determined to hike up to the top of those hills one day, but I know I will have to work up my strength and stamina first.

We also have to buy some good walking sticks and hiking boots, and arm ourselves with pepper spray, as there are truly wild animals up there! You can enlarge this photo to read the interesting information about these animals that were posted along the beginning of a trail.  This and all other photos in this post will enlarge by clicking on them once, and then again when they open on a new page.

These are part of the high plains and the prairie grass is so thick and spongy beneath our feet.  I could imagine how the herds of Bison, that once roamed this area, would thrive eating this grass. Can you see the red sandstone soil peeking out of the grass in this ravine?  Colorado was named by the first Spanish explorers who traveled through this land, as Colorado translates "colored red." The name was chosen for Colorado as a Territory by Congress in 1861. Colorado is also called "Colorful Colorado" because of the magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers, and plains.

I love walking on these natural trails! I was used to noisy and crowded city sidewalks and the quiet peacefulness of these walks, where all I hear are birds chirping, feel magnificent to me!

Here is a common Western bird that I saw on one walk.

It is a Black-billed Magpie. He's pretty large and has beautiful iridescent blue wings.

Another Spring awakening, besides the grass and trees, is the wild cactus on the open land. They looked grey and dead in appearance a few weeks ago, but now are beginning to turn green and get plump.

 All this hiking has been wonderful. Like trees growing from rocks, living in Colorado is sure to make us hardy.  I am beginning to feel stronger every day!

Of course, spring is an unusual season here in Colorado and this green grass will most likely be covered with snow again on Tuesday. This state needs the moisture so it will be welcomed -- as long as Spring returns again quickly!