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puzzle pieces

Sunday, January 22, 2012

One More Time~ Trail re-visited

Remember the couple I met in this post  ~~Just One More Time.... ?

Well I was lucky enough to make another trip to the mountains last weekend, and re-hike the trail where I had met them last Fall.
I wanted to see what they had seen over the years- the differences between the seasons.
And....in a sense....hike the trail in honor of the both of them,  who said they had hiked their last up to this amazing place.

(the bench where they sat and we visited last fall)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snow had fallen during the night, and when I got to the trail head
I was thrilled to find no one yet had arrived...
{which meant I got to make the first tracks in the new snow.}

I felt like a kid. 
First one to make new tracks is something to smile over.
(for me at least:)



My favorite "difficult trail" was closed for the winter, so Easy it was.
But just as beautiful.


The view as I climbed were just as breathtaking as in the summer...maybe more so after a snowfall.



And then The Lakes came into view.
It was unearthly quiet and still.
And beautiful.
I truly felt as though I had stumbled into some sort of winter dream.



No wonder they loved this place in the winter.
I can't even describe it, nor can these pictures.



It seems as though the couple I met months ago had a secret in this winter trail~ 
and I'm incredibly thrilled they shared it with me.

40 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

just beautiful. and yes, i remember that couple. God bless them.

that last photo - the pines look almost like they're reaching over to touch one another. rather appropriate, i think.

Ransick said...

Beautiful pics Dawn! When I saw the original post I almost suggested you talk your hubby in to hiking the trail with you so you two could take the old couples place. Since you re-posted about it, I definitely think should do it. How cool would that be?

Unknown said...

A wonderful post, Dawn! That warning sign made sense and yet, the snowfall left everything looking so inviting! :)

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Such beautiful location !

Ruby said...

A very beautiful place!

MarmePurl said...

STUNNING

Allison said...

Wouldn't mind hiking with you there, Darling Dawn. :)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a hike! Just gorgeous :-)

penny said...

Incredible beauty and your description takes me back to memories of trekking through new fallen snow, alone in the quiet of woods, leaving but one set of footprints behind.

Thanks for sharing the beauty of this peaceful place the couple shared with u, Dawn.
Hugs, Pam :)

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Dawn I could hardly pull myself away from the beauty of this post. Your photos are awesome and I just wanted to jump right into the computer and follow you. I can see why the couple were together and happy so long.
You live in heaven. B

Changes in the wind said...

Truly awesome. I may not hike but how I love that you share your efforts with us.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Absolutely love the photo with the bench

Cat said...

magic
pure magic

love and light

Jo said...

Dawn, I am so glad you shared this with us. You made me smile this morning. I would have loved to see those sights in person.

Meg said...

That is absolutely gorgeous!

Lasse said...

Wonderful winter photos, and a great place to be in. I can imagine your feelings when you got there first..

Out on the prairie said...

What a charmer, I really enjoyed these even more knowing your story.

Katie (Nature ID) said...

I well remember your post about the couple, Dawn. Your story of your experience with them touched my heart. It reminded me of how Andy and I hike to our wedding tree every anniversary; and it made me wonder how long we'll be able to continue our journey up there. While we rarely get snow here on the coast, I'm thinking we should visit more often throughout the seasons. Thank you for sharing such touching sentiments and beautiful pictures.

HANS-PETER ZÜRCHER said...

Eine fantastische Winter-Foto-Serie...

Liebe Grüsse aus der Schweiz

Hans-Peter

sage said...

In the summer, when you are the first to hit the trail, you get to clean the spider webs out. In the winter, you're treated to a beautiful unspoiled blanket of snow...

Were you hiking or on skis? I got to ski again on Saturday (after having spent part of the week in Orlando) but it started raining last night and the snow is about going (and the temperatures are to drop tonight so we'll have an icy mess)

Farm Girl said...

I can see why you went back, it is just breath taking beautiful in the snow.

Leenie said...

The early bird gets the solitude. Well worth the effort to brave the early part of the day and the lower temps. Very, very wonderful scenery.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Wow!!!

It's not quite fare.

Seems you've done all the work and we get to enjoy the fantastic views!!!

Wonderful pics sweetie!

Have a blessed week sweetie!!! :o)

Horst in Edmonton said...

Hi Dawn, awesome winter photos. this place is very beautiful in the winter. Thank you for sharing this beautiful area with us.

Carole Barkett said...

Absolutely stunning, it looks like someplace out of Narnia

spindrift,maine said...

Thank you, Dawn, for taking us on your beautiful journey! ;o)

Deb said...

beautiful post Dawn...brrr cold...

Randy said...

These are amazing. Wish I was with you. I agree about the first footsteps in fresh snow. Isn't it wonderful!

Jack said...

A wonderful post today, and a nice occasion for you and for us to recall your earlier poignant post about the older couple and their walking tradition as it fades to black.

Hope said...

there is nothing like the winter scene in the Rocky Mountains! Breathtaking photo's Dawn! well done!

Debbie said...

ooohhhh dawn, i remember that entry it was so beautifully writen and meant so much to me as i read it that day!!

the last one is my favorite but they are all awesome captures. the early bird gets the beautiful pictures!!

p.s....next time, photograph your footprints in the snow, i have always loved that!!

Rambling said...

How beautiful. I'm amazed the water isn't frozen.

Nancy said...

I remember that post well, Dawn. How nice that you have an opportunity to recall your chance meeting when you run this trail. It's gorgeous. :)

Peter said...

Simply amazing.

Joe said...

WOW! Awesome shots. That's definitely a special place.

Val said...

What beauty!!! Snow is incredible.

EG CameraGirl said...

I love how fresh everything looks! Beautiful!

Alan said...

I want to be there... now! Your photos do it justice, Dawn. Great job.

Full-On-Forward said...

Yes I remember them, and I almost wished they had followed your Trail breaking tracks and visited Again!

J

no spring chicken said...

Absolutely beautiful!! A brisk hike over a snowy trail is one of my favorite things. :)

Blessings,Debbie