The Grey Morph

 

The Grey Morph

The first time we came across this little fellow was completely by chance. Jannis was riding her bike along the Poudre Trail and she came across several people looking up into a tree. She stopped to ask what they were looking at and they showed her the owl. She texted me very excited to tell me she saw the own and when she got home she showed me a very blurry picture on her iPhone. I asked her where it was and she said there were a bunch of people there and if I went back I wouldn’t miss it. So I grabbed my camera gear and headed the 2 miles to the spot on the trail she mentioned. As I approached, sure enough I saw the small crowd so I knew exactly where to look.  Little did I know that this would be the first of dozens and dozens of time we would see this little owl.

So what kind of owl is this you may ask? This is an Eastern Screech Owl. The Eastern Screech Owl is a small but formidable predator, a master of camouflage and a quiet sentinel of the night. With its compact, stocky frame and large, round head adorned with subtle ear tufts, this owl blends effortlessly into the bark of trees, making it nearly invisible during the day. Found across wooded areas of the eastern and central United States, including parts of Colorado, it thrives in forests, parks, and even suburban neighborhoods.

Eastern Screech Owls come in two main color morphs—reddish-brown and grey—both patterned with intricate streaks and spots that mimic the texture of tree bark. Their bright yellow eyes seem to glow in the dim light, filled with an intensity that belies their small size. Despite being only about 6 to 10 inches tall, they are fearless hunters, preying on insects, small mammals, birds, and even amphibians with remarkable precision.

At dusk, their presence is revealed not by sight but by sound. Rather than a traditional “hoot,” they emit a soft, eerie trill or a descending whinny-like call, a sound both haunting and beautiful as it drifts through the trees. Their calls bring a sense of mystery to the night, a reminder that even in the darkness, life stirs and watches from the shadows.

These owls are fiercely adaptable, thriving in both deep forests and backyard trees, often nesting in hollow cavities or old woodpecker holes. Whether perched silently against a tree trunk or gliding unseen through the night, the Eastern Screech Owl is a symbol of quiet resilience, an elusive yet ever-present guardian of the twilight hours.

We have only seen two Grey Morphs together once

6 minute drive then a 5 minute walk from here

Just a Flooded Meadow

 

Just a flooded meadow near Grand Lake

This spot, tucked away near Grand Lake on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, doesn’t have a name—at least, not one that I know of. It’s just a quiet meadow, temporarily transformed into a shimmering expanse of water during the Spring runoff. Though Grand Lake itself has a fascinating story, one tied deeply to the water supply for the Front Range, this isn’t about Grand Lake. This is about a hidden place, one we might never have found if not for a chance encounter.

During the Summer of 2023, we were staying at an Airbnb when we met a preacher from Louisiana who was there with his family. I saw him working on his daughter’s car in the driveway, struck up a conversation, and before long, we got to talking about our time in the mountains. He pulled out his phone and showed me a picture of this meadow, taken just a few days before. Something about it caught my attention—the stillness, the way the water mirrored the sky, the way it felt like a secret only a few had stumbled upon.

Within the week, we made the drive across the Rockies, over the Continental Divide, and down the Western Slope. The hike itself was nothing—just about a mile past Adam’s Falls—but the moment we stepped into that flooded meadow, it felt like we had uncovered something special. No name, no grand story, just a fleeting, beautiful moment in a place that felt untouched, waiting to be found.

3 hours and 23 minutes from here

Garden Of The Gods

 

Garden Of The Gods

Garden of the Gods is a place where nature’s artistry takes center stage, a breathtaking landscape where time and elements have sculpted sandstone into towering red rock formations. Located in Colorado Springs, this geological wonder feels almost otherworldly, with jagged spires and massive monoliths standing defiantly against the open sky.

As sunlight dances across the rocks, their colors shift from deep crimson to glowing amber, creating an ever-changing masterpiece. The scent of juniper and pine drifts through the air, mingling with the soft rustling of cottonwood leaves. Towering formations like the Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock tell silent stories of millennia, shaped by wind and water into their awe-inspiring forms.

Beyond the rocks, winding trails lead through rolling meadows where mule deer graze and birds soar effortlessly overhead. Every turn offers a new perspective—a fresh view of the vast, untamed beauty that makes this place so unique. Whether at sunrise, when golden light ignites the formations, or at sunset, when shadows stretch long and the rocks glow in fiery hues, Garden of the Gods is more than just a park; it’s a sacred, timeless sanctuary where nature speaks, and the soul listens.

2 hour drive from here

Horsetooth Reservoir

 

Horsetooth Reservoir at Sunset

In 1933, the Poudre Valley was grappling with relentless drought and dust storms, leaving the farmers deeply concerned about the future of their beloved crop-bearing lands around Fort Collins. They yearned for a reliable source of water to nurture their fields and ensure the survival of their farms.

Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the Poudre River, which sometimes overflowed and at other times left them parched, the vision of Horsetooth Reservoir was born. This reservoir, named after the striking rock formation that towers above its serene waters, was created to bring stability and hope to the valley.

The story of Horsetooth Rock is steeped in legend and tradition. It is said that the Valley of Contentment, now known as Horsetooth Reservoir, was once under the watchful eye of a giant. This giant protected the valley, ensuring that no buffalo, deer, or antelope were hunted. Chief Maunamoku, a revered leader of the Native American tribes, rallied his people to confront the giant. In a courageous act, the Chief struck at the giant’s heart with a tomahawk that seemed to descend from the heavens. The next day, the giant was transformed into stone, and the majestic Horsetooth Rock emerged as a testament to the Chief’s bravery and the valley’s enduring spirit.

Today, the 6.5-mile-long Horsetooth Reservoir is a cherished sanctuary for recreation and relaxation. It offers a variety of activities, from the gentle lapping of waves while swimming to the exhilarating thrill of water skiing and sailing. The reservoir’s shores are perfect for picnicking, allowing families and friends to enjoy each other’s company amidst nature’s beauty.

Surrounding the reservoir are miles of trails that invite exploration and adventure. Whether you’re mountain biking, horseback riding, or hiking, the trails provide a scenic escape into the heart of the mountains. On the east side, Rotary Park stands as one of Colorado’s premier bouldering destinations, drawing climbers from all over to challenge themselves on its unique rock formations.

Horsetooth Reservoir is open year-round, offering a welcoming retreat Horsetooth whether you’re looking for a chance to reconnect with nature and the rich history of the valley. Rent a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard at the local marina or What’s SUP, and embark on a journey to discover the beauty and tranquility of this beloved natural wonder.

23 minute drive from here

Welcome to Fort Collins

 We are excited for you all to come share our charming little hamlet of Fort Collins. This site currently has three main pages.

1. Accommodations and amenities
2. Itinerary
3. Birds you may or may not see
4. What to bring/wear

I have also linked two sites that have a lot of information.  If you see something there you want to do, just let me know and we'll figure it out.

The Itinerary is a guide only and can be helpful to maximize your time in Fort Collins.  We don't need to follow the itinerary, we basically do what we want.