Misc hikes, rambles and other outings in the last part of Autumn.
Towards the end of Fall is a transition.
The days grow shorter and cooler. There is a bit of snow up high. Some day hikes in local areas seem more enticing.
So through October and November, some local outings were had.
The first outing was in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado, along with other states, reopened the park during government shutdown. Over 10,000 visitors came that weekend. A sure sign that Americans love their national parks.
And with the beautiful fall scenery that someone and I saw on our hike to Calypso Cascades, we could see for ourselves why.
As much as I love, the Rockies in the Fall, there is something about my native New England in the autumn that is even more scenic.
We attended a family wedding and took advantage of the time to go to some old favorite places such the fishing village of Galilee:
We later took a quiet hike in the (for Rhode Island) rural area of Arcadia Management area where the peak of the foliage season was starting to take place.
I had forgotten how nice the smell of damp leaves mixed in with the hemlock, oaks and maple can be. The quiet pond and the lichen covered rocks were a reminder how wonderful New England in the fall can be.
But the highlight was returning to a place I have not seen since 1997: Block Island.
Easily one of the most beautiful places in New England. A still rural feeling island that is mainly undeveloped. Quiet and rocky beaches, salt marshes dotting the island and cliffs jutting from the sea. A dramatic place. We had to cut our visit a little short due to family obligations, but it was still a memorable visit.
On the ferry in the morning
On the shore not far from the ferry landing
Quiet shore
Back in Colorado, we had our delayed one year anniversary present: a balloon ride.
A crisp, fall day was perfect for seeing the landscape in a different way
The balloon in flight
Happy someone!
Good view to Longs Peak, the foothills and Boulder Valley
Looking at flood damage along the St. Vrain’s
Morning mimosa toast at the end. Mmmm….
Of course, this time of the year is also good for climbing in the surrounding foothills. Did a few after work climbs when I could leave work early. My buddy Mark and I also did the classic climb of Boulder’s famous First Flatiron.
Another wonderful day weather wise. At the top of the climb, we were in no hurry to rapel down. 🙂
I always seem to be smiling when I am outdoors for some reason! 😉
It was a season of misc hikes, climbs and outings. Perhaps not the grandest adventures. But something to be said for jaunts that are so close to my homes both old and new.
Not bad at all!