I wrote in 2017 (“Pikas losing the battle with climate change“) about climate change reducing the tundra habitat for hamster-sized pikas and how they are rapidly disappearing. As global warming has continued, pikas have been driven ever higher, to cooler elevations. In Colorado, the tundra they inhabit now begins at 11,000 to 11,500 feet. Our highest … Continue reading Pika song
In the face of seemingly unending bad news, one might seek respite in the mountains via the photographs of Estes Park, Colo., photographer Erik Stensland. Seen above is my favorite mountain, Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, rising above Estes Valley and the town of Estes Park. This has long been … Continue reading Seeking serenity
I’d never thought about the gender of mountains, or of any particular mountain, until I encountered Erik Stensland’s photograph entitled “Longs and His Domain” (above). That’s Longs Peak, highest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, and as much as I’ve loved it all my life, I’ve never thought about its gender. (There, see? I just … Continue reading Are mountains male or female?
In this screenshot from Erik Stensland’s website, one can see quite clearly the perennial snowfield on Longs Peak known as The Dove. It rests on the peak’s north flank and is often obscured by additional snow or unfavorable viewing angles. Longs Peak (elev 14,259 ft) is the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo. … Continue reading The dove on Longs Peak
A friend reminded me today that there’s more than one professional photographer based in Estes Park, Colorado. No surprise, considering Rocky Mountain National Park is right outside the door. Richard Hahn is the name, and he shoots both landscapes and wildlife. Check out his website to see what a true professional can do with can’t-miss … Continue reading More fall, ya’ll
I just stumbled across this August 2021 map from the National Park Service showing how much of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed due to last year’s fires. It’s painful to see it so starkly illustrated. Those planning visits to the park should be aware that places visited and trails hiked in the past may … Continue reading Closures affect Rocky Mountain National Park
