Snow in May - feels a bit out of place for a Southwestern "flat-lander." But there it was, even if a bit mushy and smudged by time. We were driving through the high country on our way from "here" to "there." Not many fellow travelers were on the road, and off-season prices still prevailed. After high gas prices, my wallet said thanks.
The Rocky Mountains - are newly formed as U.S. mountain ranges go. Jagged, unexpectedly tall and beautiful, these mountains have not been worn down yet by the forces of erosion and time. They exist in the official territorial areas called "roadless places." Hikers or horses can get to the peaks, but they will be "winded" by the high altitudes, and chilled by the abundant snow remaining. Some of it will not melt this summer, and will become part of the glaciers.
Unspoiled nature - begs for our protection. It is increasingly hard to find, and almost impossible to keep protected in the current political climate. It is as if there is no tomorrow, no deserving children or grandchildren, and not enough "hankering for snow in May" amongst us flatlanders.
I was reminded of the differences, as I watched a young man in bike tights, stop at many of the same Points of Interest as we did. We stood a moment to breathe, look, stand, listen before I took pictures. He got quickly out of his car, left the motor running, snap-snapped away, and beat us to the next POI. What a way to win that race, and lose the whole point of these rugged quiet places. He'll be the hare. I'll be the tortoise with snow on her feet and the unmistakeable sound of wind through tall pines. Hope you have time to just contemplate today. . .
No comments:
Post a Comment