What Winter?

-A new season begins—early. In the perfect place.

After a snowless winter, it’s the first week of May—and the backcountry is already dry and accessible. No snowdrifts, no thick mud, no lingering moisture. That’s about ten weeks earlier than normal. Time to get out and wander.

And honestly, that’s a very good thing. Isaac—my visiting, easily bored son—needs an adventure. Nothing too strenuous, though. At more than a mile above sea level, our thin mountain air doesn’t offer much oxygen for his sea-level lungs. And me? I’m carrying a little winter softness. All that cozying around since November has left me delightfully out of shape. I don’t just want an adventure—I need the exercise.

Something close. Something with plenty of sensory magic. Wide-open physical and emotional space. A place that stirs up the promise of a whole new season.

Perfect. I know exactly where to go.

There’s so much to see—old friends to visit, and new, unexplored pockets where interesting rocks might be waiting. So off we go. The first adventure of the season. Yes!

It’s far too early for much grass or any wildflowers, but the sun and temperature feel almost summer-like.

-An old, shady friend offers sweet relief from the sun.

-This dry creek bed makes for relatively easy walking, with spectacular walls and freshly exposed geology. Perfect.

-And fluorescent opal, chalcedony, and calcite abound.

Another season begins. ✨

Cheers,
D 🪨🔥