It was a lovely and remote feeling location - remote enough and high enough that it took a few days to even begin to acclimate to the altitude (I live at nearly sea level! What a difference!). Luckily, the temperatures are cooler that high up, since it has been MUCH warmer in Utah than our typical Seattle summer climate to which I am happily accustomed. There was also a thunder storm every afternoon which helped to drop the temperature about 20 degrees(F) for a few hours following. Hurray for summer rain!
We were surrounded by coniferous forests and mountain streams. Interspersed with lodges, playing fields and sport courts...
We each had a little 'rustic cabin' per family. It was very quiet. And dark at night - despite the full moon that week.
It made a very atmospheric environment in which to read the last volume of Harry Potter. I generally wanted to read a bit longer than the other members of my family wanted to be awake, so much of that book was read in the dark, by flashlight. It felt like my childhood all over again. At least I didn't have to pull the covers over my head to hide the fact that I was still up.
The complex was cross-sectioned by mossy streams and trails....
And if one continued further up the mountain, you were quickly surrounded by endless groves of the graphically black-and-white-barked trunks of quaking aspens.
When I was younger, I found these aspen groves absolutely magical. Especially in the fall when their leaves all turned golden at the same time. I thought it must be how Lothlorien (of Tolkien fame) looked and would make a point of visiting "middle earth" every autumn that I lived in the area.
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13 comments:
breathtaking place...such peacefulness i feel...blessings, rebecca
Those aspens have caught my imagination ever since I first saw Ansel Adam's black and white prints of the beautiful aspen tree.
Oh, I love autumn aspens. So beautiful.
Welcome home!
Lovely images, Tara, with words that take them even further.
The baby moose is my favourite!
Thank you for sharing the photos of your lovely trip with us. I just love those black and white trees and the words of their magic!
I still think it looks magical...
This looks like a perfect setting for a long family gathering, with loads of play and rest opportunities for all.
What a fantastic family holiday, all together & yet each family with its own cabin, that's ideal.
The photo of the lady (you?) in the 'zebra tree forest' is magical, & I'd like to paint it, but the reference photograph is too small. It would make a great painting.
Wow!
There's certainly some very beautiful places to visit around your parts.
I love forests and rivers, something we're sadly lacking around here!
Erica
xxx
Lovely lovely woods! We don't have quaking aspens over here, although of couse we have birches of all kinds. One day I will drag you off to my birch groves. :)
What lovely photos and breathtaking views of flora and fauna all throughout these posts. It's so easy to forget what beauty resides in our USA..I think it's easy to take it for granted. Thank you for the reminder of that beauty. Sounds like an amazing location for a family gathering.....yes, minus the millipedes.(I had to shudder a bit at that one).lol!
XO
Hey, is that a new header/banner? I love it, especially the font & the excellent border.
Tara this must have been a piece of heaven on earth!! I am sure you may have heard the whispers of the fairies somewhere along your walks in this enchanted piece of heaven!
What a memorable spot to have this family reunion!! Memories I am sure everyone will cherish!! hugs NG
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