Best of Summer’s End 2018, Part 1: Around and About

...in the central San Luis Valley of Colorado.

I was out of action for most of the summer, making this the third summer in a row in Monte Vista in which I had to say “maybe next year” to throwing myself into things like the Ski Hi Stampede Rodeo, the San Luis Valley Fair, and the concert and motocross bike show sponsored by the Potato Festival. At least I did make it out to get some new photos.

We’ll start in a light-purple mood. Purple alpine asters representing for the purple alpine aster-colored house on the corner:

Now, for a study in gilded yellows, greens and browns, with dashes of pale blue through the gray strata overhead.

I saw this and immediately thought of Paul McCartney’s first solo album cover. The cherries were out in force this season. This is from the walkway in front of Monte Vista’s City Hall and Police Department.

I used to fancy myself the urbane sort who would be happier living in the city with all the Cool Smart People. Fortunately, I turned out smarter than that. Looking across U.S. 160 from the part to the pasture, I saw a cowboy at work roping a stray calf. It certainly beats hanging out in a mall parking lot watching thugs break into cars.

I'd like to take the hardtop off of the Jeep and ride out to one  of these places one fine autumn day just to say I did. I'm not as high on the idea of riding around for the sake of it like I used to be, though.

There are no sunsets like those of late summer. None. Submitted as evidence:

All photographs Copyright © 2018 by Lawrence Roy Aiken. All rights reserved. Like what you see? Buy me a tasty and wholesome beverage via PayPal!