Thursday, June 14, 2012

Go West I - The Road Trip

Mt. Sneffels, near Ouray, Colorado  © Doug Hickok All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)




Becky and I just returned from a 24 day road trip to Western parts of the U.S.  Our main goal was to visit friends and family (34 to be precise, in 9 cities). Needless to say along the way we encountered spectacular settings, either driving, hiking or picnicking. We drove 5,824 miles through 13 states and 3 time zones. The highest elevation reached was 12,183 feet along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The highest temperature was 104˚F on our first day of tent camping in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas. And the oddest sight was a stand of 6 shaggy black yaks on a ranch outside of Ouray, Colorado.

But enough with the numbers. I am excited to bring you the photography. Over the next few weeks I will post an assortment of road trip pictures taken during our Western adventure. I hope you enjoy the views.

Today's image shows a mountain valley leading to Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, near Ouray (self-labeled "Switzerland of America"). Our destination here was the hiking trail that led to a turquoise alpine lake, in a basin below the snowy peaks seen above. I chose this image to start the Go West series because of the simple beauty of this mountain landscape, so representative of Colorado. The fresh green hues of the quaking aspens especially caught my eye.



And finally, thanks to everyone for your visits to our blog during our absence. They are very much appreciated!


22 comments:

  1. The scenery is spectacular as are the green hues. Seems too perfect to be real.

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  2. Beautiful landscape, inviting for hiking and you're right it looks like in Swiss Alps.
    I look forward to more pictures and interesting stories from your trip to the West.
    Go West!

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  3. A beautiful place where you want to take a camping holiday

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  4. Doug it sounds like an amazing adventure. Terrific landscape image. Nso looking forward to your photographic safari. J.

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  5. count me in on this ride. can't wait to see what your lens captured. your opener is a stunner.

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  6. To visit Colorado is a dream for me!
    Glad that you enjoy your trip, a wonderful trip indeed!
    This picture is magnificent! ;)
    Léia

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  7. Hi Doug
    What a beautiful landscape!!!
    Greetings :)

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  8. Lovely greens and nice composition leading the eye toward the dramatic peak. I look forward to the photos of your adventure.

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  9. Welcome home! Looking forward to seeing the road trip through your eyes.

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  10. man, that sounds like so much fun! Welcome back.

    Love the shot, very green, very cool.

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  11. glad you had a great time, and judging from your first image from that road trip, we're in for a photographic treat indeed! i'd feel right at home in this lovely valley ... ;-))

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  12. USA is truly a great country!
    Mt Sneffels is simply gorgeous.
    It does look like "Switzerland of America".
    Just need a yodelling goatherd to complete the scene.
    Any volunteers?

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  13. What a trip that must have been, Doug. A beautiful view in this lovely image. Looking forward to seeing more soon.

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  14. what a marvelous valley... spectacular vision

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  15. Wonderful landscape, very much alike Switzerland, indeed.

    Your relatives and friends appreciated your initiative, I'm sure. And so I do! I'm excited to see more photos of your trip.

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  16. For some reason, this makes me feel like I'm back in the old days. Wagon trail days.

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  17. Ouray is one of my favorite spots on the planet. Great cycling country.

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  18. 24 days, that sounds like a great trip and it looks like you got some really nice photos during the trip.

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  19. Great dof and wonderful lansdcape, so impressive with the mountain in the back.
    Have a nice day.

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  20. sounds like a fun road trip, this opening image sure is beautiful.. :)

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