sunrise

Today we carried out the crazy plan. Perry (collaborative pianist, Bible Study) and I awoke at 4:30AM and drove up to Independence Pass to watch the sunrise. Independence Pass is (if I’m not mistaken) the highest point in the U. S. that you can drive to. All the mountains around you are Fourteeners, because you’re standing at 12,000 feet in the parking lot. It was so beautiful. We got there just as the eastern sky was beginning to turn a slightly brighter blue. The moon was still shining for all it was worth. We were being watched in a rather nonchalant manner by a doe. She was just out and about getting her breakfast. By the time we left, we hadn’t seen the sun, but there were some pretty fantastic colors in the clouds. Oh, and did I mention it was COLD? Freezing. I brought a jacket, but it helped only a little. This place is definitely above tree-line. Go much higher, and you’re above plant-line. The air is very thin, and walking is a little more difficult than it is down at 8,000 feet. The landscape? Officially labeled as Tundra. I’m very glad I was able to see all the beauty there. It was truly amazing. But next time, (if there ever is one) it probably won’t be at 4:30 AM.