Montezuma Basin
I’m fortunate to live in a place that inspires on a regular basis, but this past weekend was particularly so. My husband Peter, my sister Becky and I took my new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on a road trip to Snowmass, Colorado for the Roof of the Rockies Jeep Jamboree. We spent two days exploring the off-road trails of the region with other Jeep enthusiasts. This is a shot of Montezuma Basin. It’s an area, like many in the Rockies that attracted silver miners.
The gold streaks are mine tailings from the silver mines on the sides of the steep mountain face. And you can see the road we used to ascend the scree field to the top of the basin. Also, if you want to see a larger version of the shot, just click on the photo.
Here’s a shot of Becky standing by my Jeep. I like to name my cars and she had gone un-named for three months. On this trip, I was inspired to name her – Glory! Enough said…
Aspen Mountain
To learn more about the Weekly Photo Challenge, click here.
LargeSelf 
I miss Colorado… Beautiful scenery via your lens, Cathy! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Amy! Colorado is pretty awesome. So glad to bring you back there.
LikeLike
Those colors are amazing. Looks like it could be the setting of a fairy tale land.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Carrie! Yes, it could be a fairy tale land. It is truly an amazing place. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful writing g and images
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always nice to read and view other peoples blogs.. gives me inspiration
LikeLiked by 1 person
That first image shows the mastery of Mother Nature’s sweeping landscapes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sally. Isn’t Mother Nature grand?
LikeLike
Nice photos and very inspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Susie. It was truly an inspirational weekend. Don’t ya just love Colorado?
LikeLike
Have to get back to the Rockies one of these days. In the meantime, thanks for taking me back, albeit briefly.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed a little of my beautiful state, Janet.
LikeLike
Congratulations on the new jeep, and on the beautiful scenic picture from your trip. It does seem that a jeep would open up a lot of country for you, and further the adventures. I’m a little surprised to see the look of the jeep. I remember a more boxy version.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shimon. Yes, we had Jeeps prior to this one and I was missing the off-road adventures that such a vehicle affords. There are Jeeps that still sport that boxy look, but this one takes Jeep in a new direction. It’s fabulously engineered for even the most difficult off-road experiences, but it’s also a very comfortable ride on the highway (unlike the Wrangler that we had several years ago). Chrysler, which owns the Jeep brand, was bought by Fiat a couple of years ago and they re-engineered the Cherokee, so it has a more European driving feel and a sexy Italian influence. I must admit that I’m really loving the feel of the car on the paved road as well as those gnarly dirt roads!
LikeLike
sounds great… I wish you and yours many happy miles, and many exhilarating adventures… and I know many will enjoy the resulting pictures.
LikeLike
Well that was a jeep shot! But I love it! Also, silver tailings is gold? Mind officially blown. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! Gold silver tailings – but I’m told the ore that contains those precious metals can look very different than the end product. Thanks, Jen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glory is a lovely and powerful name for your new Jeep. But I have to say…it…she?…doesn’t look like any Jeep I’ve ever known. Much too elegant! Oh yes, beautiful photo, too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Leon! Yes, Glory is definitely beautiful compared to the boxy look of most Jeeps. She gets her lines from Italy – Fiat bought Chrysler a couple of years ago and got their engineers involved when they redesigned this car. And she also drives more like a European car but can also hang with the big boys in the off-road events like the Jeep Jamboree. We had a blast!
LikeLike
Fabulous picture!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Elyse. The sad part is that no camera can truly capture the majesty of these places. You’ll just have to come out to Colorado sometime and ride along!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d LOVE to!
LikeLike
So “they” built a road on the mountain face? That is quite a magnificent shot of the mountain, Cathy. Becky looks less enthusiastic than Glory about having her picture taken!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, V. The “they” you’re referring to are the silver miners from the late 19th century. Most of these Jeep roads in the mountains of Colorado are old mining roads, so no coincidence that the mine tailings are so prominent along their edges. As we were driving our fancy Jeep on those roads, I couldn’t help but wonder about those pioneer miners who built the roads and dug those mines so long ago. It must have been amazingly difficult.
Yes, Glory is very happy to take her picture, taken – Becky less so, but Becky had a great time. She had never done 4-wheeling before and she loved it! A great Colorado adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly inspirational, Cathy! Beautiful captures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Chuck! And thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
A beautiful shot indeed. As I was wondering about the gold streaks, you came through with an explanation. Thanks. … and congrats on the new Jeep and for settling on a name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Frank. With your science and history interests, I’m sure you would find one of these off-road Colorado adventures fascinating. These particular mines were excavated by pioneers from the nearby town of Ashcroft. It is now one of the many ghost towns in Colorado – all built during the silver and gold booms and later abandoned. We stopped in Ashcroft prior to ascending the 4-wheel road, where all that is left are a few log-cabin ruins. Still, it is a very rich and interesting area in terms of history and natural beauty.
LikeLike