Wednesday in Wyoming -- October 26, 2016

Even though it was only the beginning of fall according to the calendar, Wyoming's autumnal beauty was at its peak the day my husband and I drove to the Snowy Range.

For those of you who've never been to Wyoming, here's one of the reasons I enjoy my adopted home -- beauty and solitude less than two hours from Cheyenne.  For me, this was the perfect place to relax and reflect on all that's good in the world.

What's your special place?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- October 19, 2016

Golden aspens forming a frame around an evergreen -- what more can I say other than that the beauty made my heart sing?

This is another picture from the Snowy Range and the Medicine Bow National Forest.  As you've probably guessed from the fact that this is the third photo from that area, I'm spotlighting the Snowies this month.  They're not the most famous mountains in Wyoming, but the area is among the most beautiful.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- October 12, 2016

When you hear the name "Snowy Range" do you picture mountains that are snow-capped year round?  That's not the reason Wyoming's Snowy Range got its name.  Instead, it's because of the white granite mountains.  And, as you can see, some of the boulders from those peaks are indeed the color of snow.

If you were wondering, the Snowy Range is part of the Medicine Bow National Forest, southwest of Laramie.  It's become one of my favorite day trip destinations, especially during autumn, when the fall colors provide a dramatic contrast to the evergreens and those white mountains.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- October 5, 2016

From the brilliant orange colors, you might think this picture was taken in New England, but it wasn't.  A Wednesday in Wyoming post can't have a picture taken in Vermont or New Hampshire, can it?  This is a scene from the Medicine Bow National Forest just west of Centennial, Wyoming.

Have you heard of aspen gold?  That's the color most aspens turn each fall.  These are aspens, but -- as you can see -- they're not gold.

Why are they orange this year?  It could be the result of the drought we've had this summer, which can increase the concentration of the pigments that make leaves turn colors each fall.

Whatever the reason, the sight was beautiful.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 27, 2016

You don't want to touch the thistle's spikes, but isn't the flower beautiful?

Like the other pictures I've shared this month, this one was taken at Pole Mountain.

Can you tell that I like that place?  It's less than an hour's drive from Cheyenne, but the terrain is very different from the grassland prairies that surround Wyoming's capital.  A great place for a picnic lunch and some time away from the computer.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 20, 2016

If you're looking for a wonderful place to hike in southeastern Wyoming, I recommend Pole Mountain.  The combination of wildflowers (in season, of course) and panoramic views can't be beaten.  Be careful, though, to come prepared with sunblock and lots of water.  The sun is intense, and the altitude (around 8,000 feet) presents its own challenges.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 13, 2016

Although many parts of the country are filled with wildflowers during the spring, they come later at high elevations in Wyoming.  I found these in bloom in early July.

Like last week's picture, this is from Pole Mountain, close to the summit of Interstate 80.  The elevation there is over 8,000 feet -- definitely high altitude.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 6, 2016

Doesn't this picture say "Western" to you?  It does to me.  The combination of the blue sky, cumulus clouds, red earth, and twisted tree all remind me that I live in the West.

In case you were wondering, this picture was taken less than fifty miles from Cheyenne at Pole Mountain, which is part of the Medicine Bow National Forest.  It's a wonderful place to hike or simply enjoy the scenery.