Devil's Backbone

Katherine and I went on a hike this morning. We planned it out a few days ago for my birthday weekend. On Saturday, we had plans with my family for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Since we didn't have all day to do a lengthy hike, we picked out our favorite short hike in Loveland, Devil's Backbone. While we were out hiking, my parents and her's were decorating our house for a surprise party for me. I had absolutely no idea that it was coming! Katherine did an excellent job keeping the secret for four weeks. I was startled when we got back from our hike to see our house filled with all our family and friends. It was perfect.

Many Hills

The grass was a lot greener than when we went here last in March. It was nice

Pokey

Katherine was using her binoculars (see next image), so I stopped to take photos of the cactus.

Pro Hiker

This looks like it should be out of an add for something hiking related.

Looking into the Center

I think this is a interesting phenomenon. This weed is covered perfectly in seeds creating a sphere, but when you take a photo, it looks like a ring of seeds. You can see the seeds in the center sticking straight at the lens. They create almost a halo effect.

Semi-Transparent

I think this is my favorite section of Devil's backbone (more so than the keyhole). It looks so delicate. Maybe someday we will come back and it will have fallen over.

The range

Compaired to this photo back in March, it's a lot more green. Although it was pretty overcast today. But maybe someday I'll get a photo that's a combination of both of these photos.

Rocky Path

There were a lot of rocks on either side of the path.

In the Grass

Look at her, pretending not to be nervous about the surprise party that is unfolding that she planned... I should have see right through it!