June 3, 2013

…the joy of the prairie lies in its subtlety.  It is so easy—too easy—to be swept away by mountain and ocean vistas.  A prairie, on the other hand, requests the favor of your closer attention.  It does not divulge itself to mere passersby.

– Suzanne Winckler

 

FOCUS:  Nature/Landscape

When one thinks of Colorado it is typically the mountains that come to mind.  Their dramatic vistas and snow-capped peaks are certainly the crown jewel of our state and they are the biggest draw for tourists.  As a result, many people overlook the subtle beauty of our state’s grasslands.  Author Ann Zwinger summarizes this phenomenon well:

“These eastern grasslands lack Aspen’s panache and dazzle; they don’t dress the part of High Society in Denver…  They are not loaded with flamboyant landforms, breathtaking rock sculptures, dancing waterfalls.  Instead they have a sparse, sinewy beauty, full of character, that does not depend on a pretty face…”

These photographs are a little tribute the grasslands of Colorado.  I did not have to go far to find their beauty.  In fact, Denver sits right smack dab in the center of this glorious landscape, and it only takes a short trip out to one of the many state parks to enjoy the beauty.  All of these photos were taken around Cherry Creek State Park, which is a wonderful nature oasis in the center of the eastern suburbs.  Enjoy!