Things happen so quickly sometimes, it makes you wonder how the rest of the world handles it. As I made my way across Arizona, and up through New Mexico into the southwestern corner of Colorado I was amazed at how drastically it changed and how quickly the landscape left cactus and dry rocks behind and entered these tall, foliage encrusted mountains.
Take a deep breath because it's either going to take your breath away or take a long time to scroll down due to the surplus amount of pictures. :p
Going up through Flagstaff I think
Its hard to remember what was Arizona and New Mexico.
This might be New Mexico, but then again, it might also be Colorado :p
Coming upon some mountains in the distance
And going around a gorgeous turn
I thought it was nice of them to frame my mountain for me... lol not really.
I looked into my mirror and saw this... I needed to catch a picture!
And then I had to take one without the mirror. :p
I couldn't decide which one I liked better. You decide. :)
Bikers!
I really like the reflection in the mirror :p Teepee!
It was like this for quite some time, somewhere in New Mexico, I think.
A cool looking bridge.
Then it turned into something like this for a while.
I stopped at Chee's and got a cute indian hair tie. You'll see!
gettin close!
It took a lot longer to get to these than you would think!
But they look so much more beautiful when you get there!
These little-in-the-distance-large-up-close-landmarks are what made the drive bearable.
This is the smaller one on the right from the picture earlier
wanted one more for the road. :p
Something about this picture reminds me of Rango. :p
It looked better the first time, but I wanted to catch just how vast this plateau really is.
Some bridge in new mexico, I believe.
rolling sands?! I also saw sandstorms!
Right side.
Finally I can see those purple mountains!
I missed the "Welcome to colorful Colorado!" sign, but you can tell I'm here.
And then it was like this for a few hours til I made it to an area I recognized
Finally!! The river I spent so much time by a few years ago. Only a few more hours to go!
See, Foliage-encrusted!
It was interesting seeing the same thing in front of me and behind me as I made so many twists and turns through the mountains. In the midst of all of these mountains that looks so similar that one could get lost forever if they didn't know their way around, for hours everything in front of me looked just like everything I'd passed already.
See what I mean?
Getting dark, but also getting close. :)
Finally on the last stretch. lol and then my camera died.
Eventually I'll get more pictures up of the Town of Telluride itself.
The trip wasn't so bad alone. It was about 9 hrs and I got to listen to my ipod the whole time. It really felt like my theme songs. It was kind of interesting to see the same trucks and trailers that I'd seen leaving gas stations as I caught up with them hours later. As soon as I got here I was so excited to see all the people I haven't seen in so long! It was a very warm welcome and I was delighted to find that there would soon be another 3 mos. old puppy arriving! Rusty finally has a puppy her own size that is as playful as she is! Daisy is one month younger than Rusty and Rusty apparently has no problem trying to point it out! They also have an older dog that's about 4 years old named Cyrus who happens to be the only boy here. Monica brings her 4 year old dog named Nevaeh over pretty often and at that point we have two doggies and two puppies and each puppy looks similar to one of the big dogs. It is so much fun just watching them play; Cyrus really enjoys the sprinkler, Nevaeh loves the river and the lake, Daisy is just beginning to enjoy larger waters but for now really enjoys puddles, and Rusty isn't really a fan of cold water but will get in, but ultimately she likes to take the high ground or go around. :p
I woke up to a very warm welcome from Rayj, Monica's brother and steven and tessa and travis.
The night before was just as amazing but I guess I was too tired to think to grab some pics but as I was refreshed the next morning it was the first thing I did!
And then this is what the porch was lookin like this day! <3
Fahima, Tessa, Steven (and Rusty), Travis, Rayj, and Max
Cameron and Nick just kickin it on the couch that morning. :p
I think Cameron needs a weedwhacker for christmas. lol
This is part of the view from the front porch of the house I'm staying at. Those bushes attract HUGE amounts of HUGE butterflies. :)
This is just one of many different kinds of butterflies that fly around it ALL DAY!
Trying to get Rusty from the yard for a group photo, everyone is watching her intently. :p
This is how the group photo turned out. :) I set the timer and had to jump on in there! (that's why I look goofy!)
The New pic of me and monica. :p
Fahima and Monica, some cool chicks :)
Fahima is actually from Amarillo, Texas.
Monica is from New York City, New York; The Bronx.
Got my cowboy boots on too. :p Just trying out a newer, freer style that says "I'm Texan and I know it." (cue shuffle song) :p
This is the musical corner of this house. I love it. You'll never guess who plays the electric cello!! Fahima does!
This is what a conservative meal looks like. White rice, hamburger meat, ketchup, and tobasco sauce :p It wasn't bad either!
Monica, lovin on Rusty. :p
Cheese!
This is our usual set up, Mon on the right, I'm on the left. Every time we see eachother this is how our pics look :p
We needed another group picture for the new arrival of Daisy. :)
So like I said, I've just been meeting a few friends of friends and catching up with old friends. Everyone at the house I'm staying at is so laid back, and definitely cool, definitely easy going and warm. We're all friends and friends of friends. I can't help but recall all of the feelings from my past as I enter this town. Remembering the beauty of it, the dog friendly nature, all of the outdoor activities the locals regularly participate in. I remember the feelings of being at ease with the silence out in these quiet mountains. The cottonwood floating in the wind this time of year, beautiful but can wreak havoc on your allergies. Rusty seems to think it's a good idea to eat cottonwood and likes to lounge in the grass and watch the butterflies and bees weave through the falling cottonwood. I like that about her... she's a lot like me in that way.
My dear friend christian and his silly shirt. :p
"you're not an ugly person, you're a pretty monkey"
watching people connect with their surroundings from the animals, to the plants and the people. The whole connection to the earth that surrounds this place is amazing, but the thing about it is... it lets you forget there is a world outside of this place, which can be both good or bad. Luckily I could never forget that I'm on the road!
When I first started this blog, I thought I'd found some time to just sit and enjoy some time outside. Sitting in the shade, cool breeze up against my skin, Rusty just a few yards away laying in the grass, with some easy music playing. Now is the time to get the blog done if I want to ever get it done before there's too much to describe! But now that I'm closer to the end, I'm inside, enjoying medley of guitars from some very talented friends of mine. :) Gotta love them. The first friends I'd made and worked with the first time I arrived in Telluride. I'm DEFINITELY gonna have to upload a video of them playing. I also have to upload the videos at another time because I only found the time to go through the pictures, but not the videos yet, and believe me there are plenty!
One thing I have decided is that I will keep growing and changing because to reach my full potential I have to keep going. To stop, settle, and stay the same would mean nothing but digression in my eyes. I enjoy blossoming into the largest flower I can manage.
That's all folks!
Madgkul
The Mad G
<3
