I Am the Tree...

I see the tree

and the Tree sees me

I am the tree

and the tree is me

we live with each other

in Harmony

because I am the Tree

and the Tree is Me...

Every year in the Autumn, the leaves change all kinds of brilliant colors. Colorado is one of the best places to see the Fall Colors.

Last Fall season, we decided to take an aimless afternoon drive from our home outside of Denver, into the scenic mountains, in hopes to catch some gleaming colors of the fall transition.

Our journey this warm October day, led us up historic Highway 285, through the foothills, South through the center of the state.

The first thing we encountered was a flowing river, lined with brilliant yellow and orange leaves; the sunlight reflecting on the water - Click!

Driving through the hills of Colorado will always grab your attention. Maybe it's the cascading mountains and valleys leading to wonderous places, or the wildlife you'll glimpse along the way, Could be the pleasant roadside stop finding a rare gem or memorable conversation with a stranger you'll never see again.

Whatever your own reason, today's drive was jus an easy going, relaxing moment with my loved one at my side and no particular schedule ahead of us.

Photography by: Chance Buell

Every year in the Autumn, the leaves change all kinds of brilliant colors. Colorado is one of the best places to see the Fall Colors. The crisp yellows, reds, and oranges radiate within the sunbeams. The cool mountain air is remedy to inhale.

The mountain stream runs through this valley. Reflecting each wave as it carries the fluid of life through the landscape. The trees along the riverbed surely enjoy where they grew up. Always a fresh drink watching the water fowl float by.

The luck to live in these parts. A beautiful wooden barn with a red roof lies among the meadow. A small ranch nestled in a sweet Colorado location living a true mountain life.

Perfect Settings:

The mix of pine trees, weathered aspen trees, and the patches of changing colors, gave for great sight on top of Kenosha Pass, outside of Fairplay, CO. The yellows of these leaves along with the deep orange of another provided for another exciting opportunity - Click!

What a sight!

Dynamic views, overlooks, and the help of a pretty magnificent sky, helped me show off this road trip with pride.

Up & Over

Driving through Southpark, CO, Fairplay, CO, Alma, CO, (which if you have time, stop for a snack or a coffee here), this also is a trailhead to get on top of a couple challenging 14,000 peaks. Mines, lakes, and 4x4 trails can be found for those in the know. Next thing we knew, after heading up over the pass, we were in Breckenridge, CO - Click!

The town of Breckenridge is so cute. It's like a real Charles Dickins' Village, but with a killer ski resort that'll take you days to run. A walk around the main plaza showed us how quaint the center of town really is.

After a great Pizza, and mean really awesome pie, we rolled out through Frisco, CO and the home of Lake Dillon. A short trip down to the shores of Lake Dillon offered the fantastic scenes. The last shots of the day before the sun edged of the neighboring peaks.

Just go Shoot Pictures!

Thanks for looking. I hope you can visit some of these places too.

Remember, being a good photographer isn't just about what you know - It's about being there!

TREE FACTS:

There are over Three Trillion trees on the planet

About 300 Billion of them are in the United states, with at least an inch or more diameter

That makes over 400 trees Per Person - Ahh, Fresh Air

The Sequoiadendron giganteum is the world's Largest tree, also know as the General Sherman Tree. It's a Giant Sequoia found in the Redwood Forest of Northern California.

The smallest wooded growth is the Dwarf Willow or Salix Herbacea. It grows about 1-6 cm in height with shiny green leaves.

The oldest trees are the Bristlecone Pines. Believed to be older than 5000 years old, can also be found in California, and a rare cluster atop the heights of Mt. Evans in Colorado.

TREES ARE DANGEROUS:

Did you know more people are killed by trees per year than by Shark Attacks and Dog Bites combined..? Yup, Sharks only average 6-8 a year, dogs 30-50 a year, and more than 100 people die each year from Tree Related falls and injuries.