Notices by Tim Stanton (timkstanton@mstdn.social)

Packing now before heading out to the great state of Colorado. This is my annual pilgrimage to a place I like so much. Will be doing a combination of things--- beginning with visiting family and taking day hikes, then ending with a bang with a horse packtrip. Five days, four nights, traversing a mountain range-- camping on each side of a pass, hiking out/backs from the campsites, plus going up and over the pass on horseback. Will be off the grid a lot, but will send pics when possible. 😀 ⛰️

1/2 Landed safely in Denver last night. Went on a nice walk along this creek in Golden this morning. As I climbed down the rocks along the bank to take this pic, I was greeted by one of the “locals”….. (CONT) #Colorado #hiking #nature

#photography #landscape #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography #mountains

This bull snake was lying on a boulder exactly where I wanted to be. Shortly after I got to that spot, it began to slowly slither in my direction. It didn’t seem to be at all affected by my presence— it just wanted to go in my direction. I don’t know whether to be relieved or insulted! 🤣 After I backed up about 20 feet, there was space for me to get back to the original spot to take to pic of the creek. An interesting way to begin my visit here! #snake #wildlife #WildlifePhotography

#SilentSunday

Well, this was a first. Today, I went fly fishing for the first time ever! I had a lesson from a family member (left) who has lived here and fly fished his entire life. I also spent a lot of time watching the “master” at work. No outdoor adventure is complete without a dog (owned by the family member) who has accompanied him on fishing adventures since being a pup. A fun day! #Colorado #fishing

#DogsOfMastodon #nature #landscape #photography #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography

Another day, another adventure here in Colorado. Today, we took a very scenic walk along a river that flowed through a canyon. We began at the northern terminus of the Colorado Trail and walked several miles in. This section of trail is a dirt road— lots of cyclists riding their gravel bikes! Saw a number of bighorn sheep along the way. #MountainMonday #Colorado #hiking

#nature #photography #landscape #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography #cycling

I went for another hike yesterday on my Colorado adventure. This time I drove the car up to a ridge in the foothills of the mountains, then hiked a loop along the ridge. The trail took me through a mix of forested areas, lookout points to see expansive views of the valley, and meadows. There were many beautiful wildflowers such as this in the meadows. #Colorado #wildflowers #hiking

#bloomscrolling #mountains #flowers #nature #photography #landscape #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography

Today I toured a bit of Garden of the Gods park (Colorado Springs) on foot. So many gorgeous rock formations! I hadn’t been there since my parents took me when I was 9 years old. It left a distinct impression on me then, even at that young age, and I was happy to return today as an adult. I also thought a lot about my parents’ excitement during the experience. I am “carrying the torch” and continuing the excitement. #nature

#mountains #landscape #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography

A lazy hazy day at the beach yesterday. #CapeCod

#ocean #beach #photography #nature #NaturePhotography

#SilentSunday

#photography #nature #ocean #beach #NaturePhotography #CapeCod

One of the water hyacinths in my backyard pond bloomed today. Couldn't help but get close to admire the beautiful flower and take some pics. The resident solitary frog was not happy with my presence. #bloomscrolling

#flowers #photography #reflection

#SilentSunday

Went for a nice bike ride in a local forest at sunset last evening after the heat broke for the day. Thought I had the trail to myself until I encountered this fine creature. I lost in a stare-down contest! 😂 #cycling #wildlife #nature

#photography #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography

Another day. Another bike ride at sunset in a local forest. Another stare-down contest with the local wildlife. Another loss. Score so far: fawn 2; me 0. 😂 #cycling #wildlife #nature

#photography #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #deer

#SilentSunday

Went canoeing today on a river north of Boston. Very pleasant, ideal conditions. Saw a nice mix of turtles, swans and their cygnets, a heron, and expansive areas of flowering lily pads. So much nature to enjoy in spite of the river winding through neighborhoods! #nature #canoe #river

#photography #NaturePhotography #landscape #LandscapePhotography #boat

Although it is Caturday, I don’t have a cat. But I did encounter this turtle laying eggs next to the launch site when I went canoeing earlier this week. The turtle continued to do her business while I prepared the canoe for the water. When I returned from canoeing, the turtle was gone and the hole was covered back up with dirt. Saw a few other similar holes nearby, so this must be a regular site for laying eggs.#wildlife #nature

#WildlifePhotography #photography #NaturePhotography

Just now arrived in the White Mountains, NH. Will be hiking tomorrow. This is a different mountain range (Presidential) from what I’ve spent most of the last 6+ years in. As much as I enjoyed the other ranges (most in Pemigewasset Wilderness), I’m looking to try out new trails. Keeping it simple on the first several trips— plan to day-hike as many different trails as possible, enjoying the new area plus scouting for good (future) primitive camping and snowshoeing. See you on the other side! 😀⛰️

Had a great day of hiking in the White Mountains, NH yesterday. Hiked up a trail that had lots of beautiful waterfalls, summited one of the peaks, traversed along a contour, then looped back down a different trail. Perfect weather and great scenery made for a perfect day. More pics to come! #hiking #nature #mountains

#nature #photography #landscape #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography

#SilentSunday

#nature #photography #landscape #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography