Sunday, October 5, 2008

Drive to See the Pretty Aspen Trees

We took this little trip Monday when I noticed the sun was shining and it was such a beautiful day so unexpectedly I came down with a fake I have to go home early disease. I don't usually get those and this was a perfect day for one.




I decided to split this up into more than one post. We took so many pictures you'd be sightseeing all day and I know you have things to do!!! Plus other places to visit too!





I love all the gold and orange amongst the green. Before we continue I thought you would like to learn some fun facts about the Aspen Trees. This article was actually in the paper the other day so I'm not really that smart.




So what makes an aspen leaf "quake"?


Aspens, like other poplars, have flat as opposed to round petioles, the part of the leaf that connects the main body of the leaf to its branch. These flattened petioles allow for more movements.


Why does an aspen leaf shimmer?


The leaf of an aspen is actually two colors; the top is a dark green, while the down-facing side is a lighter shade. When the leaves quake, they turn over and over at a quick rate, making it appear as if the leaves are shimmering light and dark.


Why do I never see an aspen growing alone?


Aspens grow in colonies. Each aspen in a grove is connected to the others by a complex root system, making one large organism that shoots up various stocks. Some colonies are so large that they are among the largest single living organisms in the world.




I thought the facts were really interesting. I didn't realize they were connected to each other. And now for some more beauty!






This poor old shed looked so forlorn out there all by itself. We couldn't resist taking the picture.
We left Denver and headed for Idaho Springs and took the Mt Evans turn off. We went to Echo lake which you will see later and over the pass to Bergen Park. It was a beautiful afternoon and a beautiful drive.



12 comments:

The Vintage Kitten said...

It looks beautiful, what a gorgeous place to visit. Its huge! Cant wait to see more pictures X

Unknown said...

It's a beautiful part of the country! Thanks for sharing your pix!
Hugs,
Sher

Cherdecor said...

These pictures take my breath away! I want to drive down that same road that you were on and see those beautiful hills of aspen and pine.

I remember with great fondness being in Colorado Springs back in 2004. My daughter had just had surgery so we didn't drive out of town but I could see the mountains and they felt like they were up close.

I want to go back there some day. I would rather go there than to Hawaii.

I will come back again and again enlarging these pictures and enjoying them again. Thanks for posting.
Hugs,
Cheryl

Cherdecor said...

Judy, On the second picture from the top where we see pine trees then it looks like desolation. Has that land been burned with forest fire?

Cherdecor said...

I would love to know the history behind this poor old shed! I wonder if someone had actually lived there or was it just a shed for storage, but why out in the middle of no where? I have read stories about people living in the house (shack) with a "lean to" attached for their cow. Hmmmm!

Thimbleanna said...

Beautiful pictures Judy! Thanks for taking us along on your drive. And Congratulations to Amy from your last post!!!

sewtakeahike said...

Thank-you so much Judy for posting these! We have not yet made it up, so this is a real treat! I know exactly where you were, we drove up a couple years ago and climbed the 14'er Mt. Bierstadt but we took the Georgetown exit. It is so beautiful!!

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

Thanks for sharing Judy!
Alan (DH) says that he wouldn`t mind living in that shed!LOL
Although the trees are beautiful... are there any snakes? And bears!
If so... He will be living in that shed on his own... as I wouldn`t dare to join him! LOL
Kisses
Debbie & Alan

(From England)

The Vintage Kitten said...

You are toooo naughty, but very funny! Hee Hee!

FancyHorse said...

Oh, what a beautiful sight! Thanks for sharing. I've seen aspens in the spring, but not in the fall yet. I didn't know they were connected! The more I learn about God's creation, the more amazed I am!

pinkgreen said...

Wow! What amazing scenery. We don't get anything on that scale in England. I love the colours of the trees, and your facts brought your pictures to life even more.
Cathy X

Anonymous said...

We took a similar drive in the Salida area a couple of weekends ago. One of my favorite things about living in Colorado is the aspens--they are really too lovely!