Scenes from Lost Valley

[Hartinez]

Another visit today with a best bud.



Witches broom on Piñon pine

mountain mahogany wonder!

 

[Hartinez]

Overlooking the valley where my property sits. My spot is about 2-300ft to the right of this ridge

 

[penumbra]

I have not had the pleasure of seeing the west. Most easterners don't know why I want to. Sure is different. Its all beautiful.

 

[Hartinez]

I have not had the pleasure of seeing the west. Most easterners don't know why I want to. Sure is different. Its all beautiful.

The wide open spaces and views are tough to beat. It’s almost overwhelming how big everything seems.

 

[Hartinez]

Keep seeing this guy along the side of last valley loop. Finally snapped a photo.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Beautiful. Wonderful. Water situation require a mile deep well?

 

[Hartinez]

Beautiful. Wonderful. Water situation require a mile deep well?

Unfortunately yes.

 

[Hartinez]

I’ve decided in this thread that I will do a little bit of documentation on my future home build and dream bonsai garden buildout. Along with trees and other natural wonders of course.

the last 2 days my dad and I did a ton of work on grading and trenching for culvert pipe. This is my first big step in moving towards home ground breaking. I’m worn out and feel very accomplished. Doesn’t look like much but there were some massive boulders to contend with. Also had to clear some massive juniper stumps as well. Doesn’t look like much but this was a ton of work.

 

[Hartinez]

During a couple breaks in the days I went around and took a few snaps of some juniper that I had cut back hard early last year for future collection prep. Only a handful of what I cutback. There are quite a few piñon as well.

 

[Hartinez]

Check out this monster. Like 3 feet at the base. Maybe 10’ tall.

 

[Hartinez]

Cholla cactus also getting ready to go nuts with flowers. They are an incredible vibrant pink.

 

[Hartinez]

I’ll share some renderings of my home here soon as well. It’s a contemporary barn style house. Going for passive house build, but not true certification. Aiming for as close to net zero as possible.

 

[Hartinez]

The Cholla have opened/are opening. Such a lovely pop of color in the high desert.

 

[Colorado]

Beautiful flowers on the cholla!

 

[Hartinez]

Probably my favorite thing about the high desert is the way it seemingly springs to life once the rains start. We’ve had a ton (for us) of rain in the last week and the temps are unseasonably cool. After not seeing rain for about 80 days, the landscape has completely transformed. Moss in a dry climate?!?! The green of everything is looking extra green, and the grasses and small perennials are really starting to perk up.

 

[Hartinez]

Love how this piñon snakes on the ground before rising up to take its form.


a piñon trunk of this size is OLD.

 

[Hartinez]

the monsoons and cooler weather does not usually come this early in the summer

 

[Hartinez]