November World in the Rocky Mountains

Today, we went for a nature walk with camera in hand to document our November World. We took a hike up the hill behind our house looking at the colors and also following some deer tracks. At this time the predominant colors are brown, green, straw, blue, and a little white. It will not be long before our entire landscape is covered in white. Usually, by this time it is already blanketed in snow. We are not complaining though. It is nice to be able to hike these trails this late in November wearing tennis shoes.

Big Sagebrush 

Artemisia tridentata

Ice and snow on the trail. 

The Continental Divide, in the distance, covered in snow.

Fairy Slipper

Calypso bulbosa

On a hike, last week, I saw this beautiful flower. I have been looking for this flower for about 3 years. It is the fairy slipper and is an endangered species here in Colorado. It was only about 3 inches tall.

Orion

"During the evenings of January, February, and March the splendid constellation of Orion takes possession of the southern half of the heavens..." Handbook of Nature Study, pg 823

September in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocket Launch