Last weekend, I went backpacking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and enjoyed many amazing vistas, lakes, a waterfall, and tons of wildflowers, but it was the trees that inspired me. Yesterday I started a new book with their gnarly fingers in mind.
I’ve never seen a branch grow like this one. What does it look like to you?
Many of the evergreens had hiding places beneath them like this. Do you see a face?
This strange tree with its hands splayed wide like fingers intrigued me, especially at night.
I discovered a natural meeting place for forest creatures to enjoy.
Like us! Those natural tree seats came in handy since we hiked over ten miles the day before and racked up another ten later that morning. I had no idea until I checked my fitness tracker.
When I arrived home on Sunday, the images of the trees still haunted me.
My daughter, Courtney, had suggested taking my Bichon, Roxy for a walk in the mornings to get my blood flowing and jumpstart my creativity. By the end of the day, I finished the chapter of a new creepy tale. Yes, I included the tree.
You never know where you’ll find inspiration. All you have to do is keep your eyes open and let your imagination run wild.
Did you find those trees inspiring? What inspires you? Are you noticing the shorter days?
Stay tuned for my backpacking adventure post. The scenery was breathtaking!
Looking good
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Thank you! There’s nothing like camping to clear my head for new ideas.
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Wow! I look forward to it-I used to camp while younger.
With all the responsibilities of adulthood that seems like a dream now!
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That’s what Saturday nights are for! I hope you get out there sooner than later.
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Sometimes trees look like a they stopped in mid-action. They almost take on human characteristics, and we should remember – they are living things. The first one has an itchy inside calf of his right leg. The second has a face and more. The third is wearing a crinoline but lost her skirt. The fourth looks like some not-so-bright bozos having a meeting. The last shows a couple of hikers laughing with relief at not having run into a bear.
Great pics!!
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That is such a great observation. 🙂 I love your personifications! We saw giant bear poop along the lake. The rangers put down an aggressive one the week before when it attacked their tent! Luckily, we didn’t come upon any, although I’d love to glimpse one from afar!
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VERY afar, with a camera zoom that has huge magnification, I hope. They are really cool to see, but not up too close. And where you are inland, your bears would be more predatory than our coastal black bears (who just stand in the river and wait for the fish to swim into their mouth), so you need to be careful.
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I’ve only seen one bear in Colorado. It scampered through a Breckenridge neighborhood. I keep my eyes open, but know all about the dangers of wildlife, wild being the key word!!
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I’m sure you’re aware of a lot of what goes on from spending so much time out there. And you say you’ve only seen one bear in Colorado, but the point is – – how many bears have seen YOU? 😉
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🤩 probably LOTS of them!!!
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Ever thought of walking through those woods at night? Now that would be a wild ride!
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I did! We camped overnight AND lived to write a tale. 😂
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Whoa. Kudos to you both!
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Backpacking can be grueling when carrying food, water, and everything you need to camp overnight, but it’s worth the effort!
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I am fascinated with nature and its fauna and flora. Makes me think of “Spooky Tree”. We recently checked out a new nature walk area and the squirrels were looking for hand outs – leave wild wild I say. I seriously thought one would just came at me and shake me down for treats – ha! There were deer too and one mama (pretty skinny) had twin fawns – pretty cool sight to see! Happy Exploring – Be Safe and Take Care 🙂
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That sounds like a very cool place except for the aggressive squirrels. They’ll do anything for a treat!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Renee!
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No matter how much we are all struggling to adapt to #quarantinelife, nature remains ready to inspire us! Terrific photos
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So true, John. Getting outside where nature is oblivious to our plight is just what I need to reset. I’m always on the lookout. A bluebird just visited the feeder. I’ve only seen them a few times in my life. They are so beautiful!
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I sit with my coffee and computer in the morning and watch the Hummingbirds drop in for a drink – so peaceful! Glad you are staying safe and sane!
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Thanks. 😎 You too!!!
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Trees always inspire me.
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They are amazing survivors, Jan!
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The twists and turns of trees is so stunning. Thanks for sharing!!
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They really were amazing. Each one had a personality!
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Great photos Susie. Love those creepy trees, they look even more alive in a dont-turn-your-back sort of way. Great inspiration too.
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YES! I discovered the one with the hands at night!! Super creepy and the inspiration for my new book or short story – haven’t decided on the length!
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Wow! Now I’m jealous 😁😁😂
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There’s nothing like the great outdoors!
Thanks for stopping by, SMB!
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Whew, some unusual branches there, no question! Looks interesting by day (great pics, btw), but by night, or in a thick fog? I’m guessing they’d look a bit foreboding. 😯
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Beautiful
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Thank you, Kamal!
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Beautiful
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Trees are amazing!
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