Here are a few more pictures from the hike up to Palmer Lakes......Snow angels are still fun to make....except try doing it with two dogs trying to pounce all over you covered in snow!!!

I finally got the wheels on my car and all is well once again. The dogs and I finally got out for a MUCH needed hike. We went just a few miles north of here to Palmer Colorado. Maggie and I had hiked up there last year but during the summer.....this time there is about a foot of snow....and now I know why mostly everyone else i saw was wearing snowshoes or cross country skis......But the dogs just had a blast...that is until it started to get quite a bit colder and the snow was icing up on their paws...especially poor maggie....so I ended up carrying her the last mile or so....It wasnt her fault the temp dropped so quickly....I was comfortable all dressed in wool....It was so nice just hearing nothing except a few birds and the crunch of snow under my feet.....The lakes were all frozen over but the view from the top of the mountains was unbelievable. I would like to get up to rocky mountain national park next week...but first i think i may have to invest in some snowshoes.....!

Thought you all would like to see my "new lowrider" !!! Those little f 'n peckerheads.....must have thought i was from west virginia and wanted a yard ornament!

Well a big congratulations to Dennis, he finally got his big elk, a 300+ class bull, taken in southeastern colorado just a few days ago! I know it looks like he may have had this bull tied to a tree, but i know for a fact he traveled about 2 miles on foot to get him....well, so i've heard...LOL. Really Dennis, I am really happy and excited for you...I know how tuff it is to even see elk...as I have found out in MY mountains....LOL.....Cant wait to taste those tenderloins....Dennis also got his mule deer on the same hunt...WAY TO GO!!!!!

The weather here has been beautiful. All the snow fell up in the mountains and the palm trees are looking exceptionally pretty this time of year....I guess my brother will be moving here now....Gary you always did say that when there were palm trees in colorado........lol. The Peak got a little more snow this morning and looked cold today...the snow was just blowing off the top. The girls and i took another hike....i just cant tire them out...maggie has become more active and playful again with zip around....Time sure is flying by...maggie is 4 years old already!

Isn't she a cutie!

Well, tonight the mountains are supposed to get 2 to 5 ft of snow.....we are to get a small amount and the weather then, is supposed to warm and we will just get rain. But the higher elevations will continue to get snow. Here are a few pictures for all of you in sunny florida....and for one special person in san diego.... who are just so warm! Zip and I hiked alone today...its easier with one dog on longer hikes. Plus it gave me some time to work with her off the leash....she has been such a good dog and learning fast. I Hope to get some more snow pictures soon. Oh by the way Gary, I found some Palm trees here in colorado...ill try and get some pictures if the snow is not too deep tomorrow!!!!

While we were hiking in Garden of the Gods we were surprised to see a nice mule deer buck and a few little critters. Zip is not sure what to do about the rabbits, so they still stay on their leashes there. Hopefully tomorrow we are going to hike somewhere else, maybe up around Denver or Golden. The weather is beautiful and crisp. No heavy snows yet, just in the mountains around Breckenridge and Telluride. May be making a trip up that way soon for some pictures. Sorry about the focus on the one picture of the buck but it was the only one i had that showed its spread. It looks like from the shape of his rack that this old boy is on the decline....bet he was impressive a few years ago. The berries are from a rocky mountain juniper i believe....used by the indians as a tonic or mixed with tupertine as a linament....today it is used in flavoring gin....i dont think i will try either....they just looked pretty! lol.....

Well I finally feel good enough to go back out hiking, I have been fighting a cold for the past few days. Maggie and Zip were happy to get out to Garden of the Gods today. Zip just loves giving Maggie kisses! Hope you enjoy some of the rock formations like the sleeping giant and the scotsman.

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I just got back from a drive to PA for my cousins wedding. It was nice seeing everyone! But yes I am glad to get back to MY mountains...LOL. Here are a few pictures of a hike maggie and I took before i left...My pictures of the wedding unfortunately didnt turn out...i was bummed....Hopefully someone will send me some...hint hint. I should be putting quite a few pictures of Me, Maggie, and Zip on the site this week....i dont go back to work till Dec 6th....so a hiking we will go.....for those of you who dont know Zip...well, she is an 8 month old border collie that has joined Maggie and I. Maggie enjoys having someone to play with.....And I enjoy not getting any sleep!!!! LOL....not really....she has been a wonderful addition.....Just worried she's smarter than me. NO COMMENT JARROD!!!

Wyoming is a pretty state, just like any other. Each has its own beauty, You just need to open your eyes and find it. Here are a few pictures of sunsets, sunrises, and a few of the other animals we ran across on our hunt.

Well we just got back from Wyoming, Dennis and I (along with Maggie) started out our trip with 50 to 60 mph winds, which lead to a snow storm, which then lead to 6 degree temp when we left. Nothing can be easy...lol. We went with 4 doe antelope tags to fill and accomplished that despite a few minor challenges....Maggie had a great time chasing prarie chickens and playing in the fresh snow. In a couple weeks she will get her chance to chase Kansas Ringnecks! We saw hundreds of antelope over the course of 3 days. They herded up into herds as big as 200 after the storm hit, making it harder to get close enough for a shot....But I was able to finally prove to myself i could shoot at 300 + yards....my last antelope fell with one shot at 320 yds. And oh yeah did i mention Dennis tried to make a shortcut of his own.....lol.....it all was good and a hunting trip to be remembered.