Maroon Bells Fall

Maroon Bells, Colorado, Fall

This particular picture is calmer, perhaps reflecting the time of year, the weather, the temperature, and what I was seeing. Calmer than the more typical sunny pictures of the Maroon Bells. This is a picture of the fall-colored bushes which dominate the scene, with the Bells in the background, playing second-fiddle for perhaps the first and last time.

Maroon Bells is believed to be the most photographed spot in Colorado. That’s a bold statement, and likely true, IMO in my opinion it certainly would not be a bad choice. Happily, with the road improvements, the drive from Boulder to Maroon Bells is, when Independence Pass is open. Otherwise, the trip goes through Glenwood Springs and is not the 3 1/2 to 4 hours it takes to get to “The Bells” over the pass. If it’s open. I know that on June 1, it can go either way, and in fact go from ‘open” to “closed” to “open” in the space of 30 seconds, approximately.

The most famous pictures of Maroon Bells highlight the Bells.  This is me, picture taken by a friendly fellow traveler with a great eye!

Those rather imposing mountains in the background, are outlined in snow as if etched in the sky. The bottom of the Bells are wrapped by a Golden Aspen grove, glowing in its maximum Fall Gold. Eye protection is highly recommended.All of this unimaginable glory is reflected in the glass-calm lake between you and the easiest picture you’ll ever take. Only good pictures are possible in the Aspen area, famous for photos and for its miles and miles of hiking trails which go WAY back. It’s trails and great proximity bring Boulderites who want to add to the The Ten Best Hikes in Boulder.

If I discussed the ties between Boulder and Cannabis I’d have to tear up my law license! Confidentiality and Privilege matter. Trust me. The connections are strong. So when I see Dr. Hunter S. Thompson’s

One of my personal favorite photos is a blurry black and white that I took at a NORML Legal Committee seminar.  Anita Thompson, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson’s widow and a great human being. was being handed an award by NORML inventor and fearless leader Keith Stroup.  He brought NORML into existence in 1970. I’m proud to call myself a Life member.  Catching two people I love in such joyous abandon at least for me, makes this one of my favorites of my pics. It fills my Capra fantasy! But is far safer.

Keith Stroup and Anita Thompson

Anita Thompson and Keith Stroup in Aspen with the NORML Legal Committee. Anita is receiving an award

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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